Trip to the city!

 We took off Friday, after lunch, to go into Ottawa. This was a big trip for me! We haven't slept over anywhere in all of 2024! I'll be happy to move into 2025. I've been in a bit of a slump, and still slowly climbing out of it. 

We drove in through Richmond, where they were ice fishing. It was a surprise, because the river flows so quickly, they don't tend to freeze as quickly as lakes.

We had a lovely visit with Caitlin. She works a 4-day week, which is great. They are so busy, between school activities and work. The grandkids have had rehearsals every school night of the week. The weekends are for homework. We saw their newly renovated bathroom. That's taken some time, energy, and organization. 

JL arrived home from work, and we had fajitas. The grandies don't come home for dinner after school. There are lots of fast food restaurants in the city, and the kids all eat together, with them car pooling with one another. 

It's been a bit of a topsy turvy year. We celebrated Jo's birthday in early October. I knew things would get busier, and we seldom see him on his birthday. That's the way December rolls. That said, we didn't have a real party on Joe/Brian's birthday in November. Caitlin made a crazy cake, which Grampa can eat. 

Finishing dinner and dessert, off we went to the high school. They were putting on a musical: The Addams Family. This was the purpose of our trip. Jo and Aster were excited to have us there.

Aster was in charge of the music, following in the footsteps of her Uncle T. They used a taped score, rather than a band – as they did when my kids attended. There just isn't the support for the arts that there used to be. 

Aster texted Caitlin before dinner, asking her to bring oranges. Oranges duly delivered! We had front row seats. Jo was in the cast, as one of the 'ancestors,' but we can't take photos for copyright issues. 

This is Perry↓, and he has been teaching here at this high school for 26 years. I know, because Caitlin went to this school that year! She graduated in 1997.  Perry made a lovely speech about the legacy the arts has delivered for our kids over the years. Caitlin's brothers went to school here, as well, and he mentioned my name, and how it is awesome teaching former student's children!  It was touching. It is a full circle moment, since both Jo and Aster were involved in the musical. Jo following in her Uncle Jesse's footsteps. Caitlin played in the band back in her day. 

 Perry mentored my son, Jesse, who was a professional actor for a number of years. Jess is now doing Wealth Management, having taken a number of upgrades to do this. I think his personality and his actor training (BFA) made him an excellent professional. 

The kids ran backstage after the show. "Back stage" in a high school is the hallway, suitably curtained off. They had 8 minutes to remove their costumes and make up, and come out to meet family and friends. The make up was amazing, white, with dark shadows for the 'ancestors.' We meeted and greeted, and congratulated the kids in the hall. All costumes put away.  

After everyone arrived home, and the grandies were delivered home by their car pool dad, we debriefed. Jo was wired. He was explaining all the mistakes, and how they recovered. Their best show was the matinee on Saturday, they thought. Apparently, Jo was kissed – by a special friend!

We watched the neighbours walk by after breakfast. This dude was busy!

After we were home, they had a presentation. Jo turns 17 today. He was given an early birthday present. Jo plans on taking astrophysics at university. 

Papa thrifted a telescope!