July 2019 (not quite as late)

July catch- up

Between June 24 and July 30th we got 4 3/4 inches of rain.  That is a lot of rain, especially for us, especially in July.  That is all I am going to say about how non-summer-like July was.  

Because of the weather, I ended up working quite a bit in July as it wasn't sit outside at the lake kind of a month.  ( I know I promised not to whine, but can you blame me?)

We had one marginal day in there when our band played at the local car show.  Len ALMOST got the Buick ready and down there.  Next year!  Anyway, our gig went well as we were dressed to avoid the mosquitos and rain.

I did one very fun thing in July.  I drove down to Forest Grove, just outside of Portland for a whole week of viol playing at the Viola da Gamba Society of America's annual Conclave.  There were over 200 people there - all early music geeks.  Who knew?  Apparently it is a thing.  Anyway, I was what they call a "custos" which they thought sounded better than gopher.  I organized the packets and ran registration and then just helped out here and there.  It was a great way to meet people, especially people you want to meet (like the management and organizers).  I learned quite a bit too and offered up a few suggestions of how to make it better for beginners like me.  The weather in Oregon was perfect - no bugs of any kind, blue skies, warm temperatures!  I really enjoyed it.

People have asked me why I went by myself, and didn't that make me nervous.  You know, I would have loved to have shared the experience with another person, but I would rather go on my own than not at all.  I want to take advantage of the opportunities to GROW and I don't mean just grow older either.  I am the kind of person who doesn't mind putting myself forward, saying hi, visiting with strangers and taking the first step.  I also appreciated that when I wanted to be on my own, I could be.

Of all the things I planned to do when I retired, this is actually one of three things I consider to be new accomplishments: 1. Hospice work 2. Tai Chi 3. Viol conclave.

It was a great way to wind up a dreary month with some sunshine and music!