Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Autumn Choral Concert

 Lovely October

AUTUMN CHORAL CONCERT

7th and 8th Grade Choirs, Gahanna Middle School East

October 12, 2026

Happiness is singing in the choir. – Charles Schulz

Short, sweet, entertaining. That was what the performance was – a culmination of a quarter’s worth of rehearsal.

Here are are some fotos of Favorite Grand/D’s Gahanna Middle School East Choir Concert.


Choir Director's list of rules: (1) I lead. (2) You follow.

7th and 8th Grade Boys imitate the sounds of steam in the engine and steel on the track in the workman's song, Train Come Runnin' by Andy Beck. 



A rhythmic shaker and conga ostinato serve as accompaniment.







River, run me to the ocean. River, take me to the sea. River, show me to a distant shore. River, run! Set my spirit free.

7th and 8th Grade Girls sing Riversong by Andy Beck, a nature-inspired contemporary chorale.

7th Grade Choir render a traditional African carol, That’s What the Music Can Do by Jerry Estes, in an exciting, rhythmic tempo.


8th Grade Choir sing a rousing, patriotic finale, America, Of Thee I Sing, arranged by Emily Crocker - a Yankee Doodle good time and flag waving medley that's red, white and blue, through and through.



Where’s Waldo? Err…. Favorite Grand/D??! 

Look at the third row, 6th from left. Yes, that one with the newly-dyed dark brown hair.



Flowy tresses, honest stare, perfect shot. 8th grade school pic, 2026


Congratulations, Favorite Grand/D and the MSE Choir!

It was a grand night, indeed.




Saturday, October 10, 2026

Fire Trees

 Lovely October



Maple leaves dance like flames, igniting the landscape with their brilliance. They turn, whispering secrets of the season’s transformation.

 

Deck View. Columbus: October, 2025



Pale amber sunlight falls across, the reddening October trees, 

That hardly sway before a breeze. As soft as summer: summer's loss

Seems little, dear! on days like these. - Ernest Dawson

 Japanese Red Maple-Lined Street. Photo: V.E.V. Cherry Bottom Road, Ohio, 2025

Listen to the golden trees

 Whispering secrets of the season,

painting the world in warmth.


Saturday, October 3, 2026

Sunrise: My Favorite Color

 Lovely October

Ah, lovely October, as you usher in the season that awakens my soul, your awesome beauty compels my spirit to soar like a leaf caught in an autumn breeze and my heart to sing like a heavenly choir. - Peggy Toney Horton

Indeed.

Nothing more needs to be said. Let the picture-perfect fotos of lovely October do the talking.

Starting here, loving the sight of a beautiful sunrise.

********


Florida Sunrise. Photo: A.V.H. 2026
 
Here comes the sun and I say, as the Beatles do, It’s all right.




Nature unfolds her treasure at the break of day.

A thousand sunny surprises.


Top left: Pesky resident squirrel takes a morning sip from fountain.

Top right: Chipmunk Chip forages for stray bird seed.

Bottom: Morning sun steals upon the still-sleepy lilac bush.







Light dawns through maple leaves.






Sunrise, serenity in its purest form.









Morning Coffee at the Campground. Photo: I.T.V. Wisconsin, July 2025

Let the morning sky shade be your favorite color.

Let the beauty of sunrise keep your heart warm.


Saturday, September 26, 2026

IRIS DAY: September 28

 September Happenings 

Happy IRIS DAY!

First Iris Blooms

 Left: Hybrid Iris. Photo: I.T.V.

Center-Right: Bearded Irises. Photo: V.E.V. Columbus, Ohio: April 27, 2026

Today is a celebration of the iris. Yes, those classic garden blooms.

But more than that, of our own exquisite flower. 



Our Iris.

This one.

Our rainbow and messenger of the gods.

Here she is - elegant, magical, funny, someone who embodies hope, faith, and wisdom - in a spectrum of colors and moods.



Like they say it – ain’t over ‘til the fat guy swings. Cincinnati Reds game, June 2026

The quirky things that make you different are what make you beautiful.





Short hair because sometimes less is more.




Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first.

Left: Gulab Jamon. Cumin and Curry Indian Restaurant: Columbus, 2025

To me, “drink responsibly” means don’t spill it.

Center-Right: Cinco de Mayo, 2026 and Wine Tasting, Michigan, 2025

She knows that the smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention. We rise by lifting others.

Left: Pancake Breakfast. Stonybrook UMC, February 2026

Right: Orlando, Florida. July 2025

Left: Breakfast Treat for Columbus Blue. December 2023

Right: You don’t have to be a doctor to save lives; just donate blood. February 2021


She believes that the only way to have friends is to be one.

Left: Prom Day with Columbus Police friends, 2025

Right: Dive Team Christmas Party, 2025






Family and oh-so-delicious crispy and golden tilapia and fresh watermelon slush– a match made in heaven.


Hosting family and long-time Florida friend at dinner, September 2026



She's a thinker and a planner.


I think that I think too much, so...

... I think I’ll think about things less.





Top left and bottom: The Barn: May 2026

 Top right: Dimsum Bistro: May 2026



At the beginning of the schoolyear, Fav Grand/D’s teacher mentioned having to present a speech about a hero at the end of the school year. Guess which hero she honored?

Text of her presentation follows:

Some may say that heroes put themselves into harm’s way, do good deeds without asking for anything in return, or give back to the community.

Mother and daughter from the start. Best friends forever from the heart.

For me, I didn’t have a problem choosing my hero. I knew right away that it was going to be my mom. She’s hard working, helpful, confident and so much more, and she deserves this title more than anyone else in my life does.

My mom works in public health for the Columbus Police, and it’s always intriguing to hear about what she did at work that day. From teaching new recruits to working in her warehouse, I love listening to what she shares. Though, while hearing about how an officer got contaminated with someone else’s “yucky stuff” might not sound interesting, that is how my mom goes about fixing the problem at hand and helping the officer. This really expresses her quick-thinking and hard working character. Her hard work ethic has rubbed off on me all throughout my life. In school I get good grades, I practice piano consistently, and I give it my all in track and field. Because of my mom’s influence, I’m able to achieve goals and get better at my hobbies.


But, she’s not just helpful in her line of work. My mom has taught me how to do lots of things, whether that be from something as simple as cooking eggs, or as complicated as learning how to be strong. 


Don't be afraid to take whisks. Gold Cudgel Hot Pot Restaurant, Columbus, 2026





When I’m stuck on something – like when I’m doing homework or practicing piano – she always knows exactly how to help. Similarly, when I want advice or when I need to get something off my chest, she always knows exactly what to say. I strive to be just as good of a help in and out of school, as well as someone that gives good advice and undivided attention to those who need it.


My mom models how to keep my head held high, and how not to doubt myself. She’s helped me get through stressful situations, and she’s always told me that “If you keep you head held high, no one can touch you.” 



Keep your heels, head, and standards high. La Bohème Opera, Ballet Met. May 2026




But controlling my anxiety and putting confidence into practice didn’t come naturally. It came with time; and even now, I still get nervous. But now, I know how to deal with my emotions, accept challenges, and keep my head held high like my mom told me. I owe that confidence to my mom.

Everyone’s hero is different. For me, my mom reflects every aspect of a hero.


 She’s hard working, helpful, confident, smart, and so much more. I truly can’t express the impact you have on my life and how much you matter to me, your family, and your coworkers. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.

Mothers are like superheroes, but with less time to change into a cape. - Unknown

Toronto, July 2024





This year's celebration of IRIS DAY started a week early.

SURPRISE! (Umm... not really. Opening gifts from her Amazon wish list.)



Then, it was time for Happy Hour.


If you’re looking for a sign to drink tonight, this is it.


BrewDog is a 8,600 square foot bar with 24 taps. They have shuffleboard, pinball machine games, and an outdoor terrace to cozy up for an evening by the firepits. 


Beer: now cheaper than gas. Drink… don’t drive.





HAPPY BIRTHDAY!


This is the youngest you'll ever be.












Saturday, September 19, 2026

DOODLE DAY: September 26

 September Happenings 

Make an empty space in any corner of your mind, and creativity will instantly fill it. – Dee Hock



Release that inner artist – and have loads of fun doing it – on NATIONAL DOODLE DAY, a celebration of all those idle sketches that people tend to make while on the phone or when they're just bored.

Drawing to make a difference is the key focus.



On this day, selected famous people from the art, sports, and entertainment world are encouraged to pick up writing instruments and create doodles, which are then auctioned off to the highest bidders online. The proceeds go to support those affected by epilepsy and increase research in this area.

How do you doodle?

Just pick up a standard pen or pencil with a notebook or even some scraps of paper and get started. It’s not about perfect lines and shapes.

Squiggly lines, flowers, circles, diamonds, hearts and even faces will often make their way from pen to paper, many times without your even thinking about it.

In lieu of doodling concrete objects, you can opt to do what is called a Zentangle, a method that reportedly promotes relaxation and creativity.

Zentangle is a meditative drawing that involves creating abstract patterns using structured, repetitive strokes. 


The project is created on a small square of paper (or tile), typically 3.5 inches by 3.5 inches.

Here’s one that I created.


Why not free that creative spirit?

Right now.

Doodle already!



Sunday, September 13, 2026

Bowling Green and a Grand Day!




When the fog rolls in, the world slows down to breathe.

Us? We decided it was a good time for an excursion to Bowling Green.




 

Bowling Green is a city in, and the county seat of, Wood County, Ohio, United States. The population was 30,808 at the 2020 census. Located 20 miles southwest of Toledo, it is part of the Toledo metropolitan area. Bowling Green is the home of Bowling Green State University.


First, to Simpson Garden Park, a welcoming space with themed areas, a Japanese garden, and a walking trail.



Then, for the main attraction, the free Black Swamp Arts Festival featuring blues, psychedelic art, and the usual kettle corn and lemonade-slush street food.






Shopping is my cardio.

Let's go!

Souvenirs and gifts galore were plentiful – baskets, home decor, ceramics, various handicrafts, beads, jewelry, and more.




Come time for snack. It will never break your heart.

Keep calm and eat on.


I’m into fitness. Hotdog in my mouth! Want some?






Back home, a delightful treat! What do you know? It’s our day. GRANDPARENTS’ DAY!

 Phones down, forks up. It’s dinner time.


 
Happiness is… a Cap City dinner waiting on the table courtesy of Second Daughter and Fav Grand/D




It wasn’t a bad day at all.

In fact, it was a good day to have a GRAND DAY.


Hoping that yours was, too, filled with good thoughts, loving family, and happy moments!


Saturday, September 12, 2026

FRIED RICE DAY: September 20

September Happenings 

Rice, meet joy, in this delicious fried rice. - Anonymous

                                   

On FRIED RICE DAY, opt to make this tasty carb dish, or better still, delve into dishing out Bagoong Fried Rice– in my mind and palette, a work of art, the perfect harmony of ingredients.

I first tasted and got obsessed with this culinary concoction in Thailand. At first taste, it hit the spot with me. 

Truly mesme-rice-ing!


Unlike the well-known Chinese version, Bagoong Rice makes use of shrimp paste or bagoong. The recipe is simple enough.

Stir-fry pre-cooked rice with shrimp paste. The secret, according to one chef, is to let the bagoong “dance” with the rice.

Only then are other ingredients added - toasted garlic, spring onions, shallots, and optionally chilis, cucumbers, jicama, carrots, scrambled eggs, chicharon, and tomatoes.

Garnish with  julienned sour green mangoes.



Life is short. Eat BAGOONG RICE.

Good mood. Good food. Always.

Have a rice day!