Jim’s Jottings for September 29, 2017

OK, it’s not October…but almost…and I missed you all! And, OLLI is about to start its Fall Season, so that’s plenty of reason to share some jottings. It is now autumn, Jim and Bonnie’s favorite season, the time when movies designed for adults make their appearance, the new season of theater gets under way, already outlined in the Bulletin for WVU and opera trips, the weather cools, the leaves fall…oh, you get it, folks!

Bonnie and I drove up to Chautauqua County, NY last week and spent some time with our friends in Cassadega, on the shore of Lake Erie, and ate at Dimitri’s, a Greekish restaurant on the lake that has the best alvgolemono I have every had! On the way back, we drove over the hill to Chautauqua because we) wanted to shop in the Bookstore and b) I HAD to see the rebuilt amphitheater. I walked all around it and through it—wonderful! And as I stepped into the Amp, someone started playing the Massey organ! Workers were back at work doing finishing touches, but apparently the organ had not been closed up for winter yet, so I got glorious music, including part of Boellman’s Gothic Suite---ah! I can’t tell you how many times this lover of great churches and temples has sneaked into one of these places and before I knew it, an organ started playing. It’s fate, no?

Bonnie and I adopted two absolutely wonderful and cute kittens a month or so ago, Zoey and Sweetie Pie. It may end up Frannie and Zoey (I’ll leave it to you to figure out that literary reference). They have taken over our house and hearts and keep us entertained all the time they are awake. Let’s see, don’t I have  cat haiku?

Cat Haiku

Scratch cheek, other cheek

Scratch top of head, under chin

Purr. I let you live.

OLLI Classes: There is still time to register for fall classes. Some old favorites return and some exciting new offerings. It’s very easy to register on-line at our website. Jae sent out clear instructions for navigating the site, so plunge in…go ahead…I know you can do it. If I can do it, so can you!

Books: I can’t seem to get away from reading at least 4 books at once, so now it’s Hillary’s new one, “What Happened, “plus Al Franken’s “Master of the Senate,” Ann Patchett’s “Commonwealth” that so many have said is a masterpiece, and Elizabeth Strout’s recent short story collection. Finished Bernie’s post-election book and I’m well into “Shaw,” the one volume version of Michael Holroyd’s massive four-volume biography…for obvious reasons. What are you reading? Please let me know and I’ll share…

Just Jim