Grandson Days

One of the reasons we like the Raleigh area is we get to see our grandsons participate in sports and school activities.  The last three days have been special.

Jack’s soccer team made it to the State finals for the Club Soccer Tournament.  They were scheduled to play in the finals on Sunday against a team that had previously beaten them 4-0.  The winner not only would win the State Championship, but would earn the right to play in the National Tournament in Houston.

We drove to Greensboro for the game.  At the half, the score was 0-0.  Jack had an outstanding shot on goal, but the opponent’s goalie had an equally outstanding save.  After only a minute into the second half, the other team scored.  Both teams had a couple more chances to score, but the game ended 1-0.  We lost.

Jack was okay.  “We did better than the last time we played them.  Plus, I’m too busy to go to Houston,” he said.

Jack got a call at 9:00 Sunday night to inform him that he had been picked for the Select Team, a team made up of the best Club players in the Raleigh area.  We understand the Club will pick up all his soccer expenses next year including travel expenses.  Wow!!

While Ben is an equally good soccer player, last night was his night to excel in music.  His string ensemble performed in a concert and Ben was one of the first violinists.  The music was beautiful.  We were so proud of him.  And he arranged the music for one of the pieces and the music director asked him to stand for an ovation.

It was a good couple of days for our grandchildren and for their grandparents.

Seasoned Man

stevelem117@gmail.com

Music Makers

Soon after we moved to Cary, our neighbor, Betty, asked Aloma if she sang.  Aloma said she did and agreed to go with Betty to a  Carolina Preserve Music Maker practice.  While Aloma had years of singing in church choirs, cantoring for her church, and singing with the Rochester, NY Oratorio Society, she came home from the first practice session impressed.  Individuals were old, but they had extensive music experience; many had been professionals.

Her first event with the Music Makers was a Christmas concert, followed in the Spring by a Cabaret musical with the audience sitting around tables.  Both concerts were sold out (150 people for each of the two-night concerts).  They were wonderful.

Another Cabaret musical was held this past weekend.  At our table were our friends Bill and Pam and cousins, Bob and Luanne and Trey and Barbara.  We had wine and snacks and enjoyed each other.

But the best part of the night was the Music Makers.  They had been practicing twice a week since February and it showed.  The quality of their combined voices was outstanding.  To make the evening fun, the Carolina Preserve dancers did several routines.  Their attraction is they can still tap dance at their age.  Several members of the chorus performed enjoyable solos.  

The main attraction was the Music Makers.  They were outstanding.  Maybe they’re not World Class or United States Class (some might argue the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is better), but they are definitely North Carolina Class.

I’m so proud of Aloma for participating with them.  And of course she is the best looking (and youngest looking) female singer.  Naturally, the director puts her in the first row.

Way to go, Aloima.

Seasoned Man

stevelem117@gmail.com

Bill Gray - R.I.P.

Bill was one of seven original members of a men’s support group based on the concept of Re-Evaluation Counseling.  For over 40 years the group met every three weeks to support each other as we dealt with personal and career issues.

The group was there for me when I was going through a distressing divorce, and we were there when Bill went through his divorce.  We rejoiced as he met Ellen; we were all at their wedding.

Carl, our founder, died early.  I moved away 22 years ago and Dick P. also moved away.  Now that Bill is gone, only three members are left in Rochester but they plan to continue meeting.

Bill Grey was personable, optimistic, loyal and creative.  He went through some hard times late in life, but worked through them and enjoyed his last years.  We talked on the phone a week before he died, and he said he knew he only had a few days left. He said he had learned that true wealth is health and relationships. Money has little to do with it.

He told me years ago that he always packs his bathing suit when going on a business trip.  He said the bathing suit,  whether or not he uses it, reminds him that even a business trip can be pleasant.  Since he told me that, I always pack a bathing suit when I leave town - and always think of Bill.

I packed my bathing suit for the 14 hour car trip to Rochester for his funeral.  I thought of Bill as I packed it.

Seasoned Man

stevelem117@gmail.com