We're still on the subject of Christmas. It does go on and on, doesn't it? The holiday itself feels like it lasts for days — maybe even 12 days. At least that's how it feels to me.
This time, I've shared images of our apartment decorated for the season... without a Christmas tree (thanks to the curious cats, Dudo and Moose).
After the photos, I've ended this post with a very special music video. It's the band performance of our friends' Tynan and Elena's 12-year-old daughter, Paula. She's a gifted musician and this year, at the age of 12, she began a professional music program — playing the oboe. Tynan and Elena attended the orchestra's Christmas concert and shared video. I'm sure the music I've included will be recognizable to most of you. I knew it very well.
Behind Glass...
 |
| MADE BY SAN GERALDO IN SUNDAY SCHOOL (IN THE 1950s). |
 |
ATOP THE GRANDFATHER CLOCK.
THIS MAY BECOME THE CHERUB'S PERMANENT RESTING PLACE. |
Many of you will remember — or will have heard of — the British comedy troop Monty Python and their television show, "Monty Python's Flying Circus."
The show ran from 1969 to 1974 and in its final year it was simply known, like the group, as "Monty Python."
(The title of this post is a line used often in the show.)
One of the pieces Paula's orchestra performed was "The Liberty Bell," an American military march composed in 1893 by John Philip Sousa.
I, however, always knew the music as "The Theme from Monty Python's Flying Circus."
I'm so incredibly refined.
The Liberty Bell? Really?
You have such a beautifully decorated home. I can't believe the Sunday School sheep survived - so cute!
ReplyDeleteCheapchick:
DeleteThanks so much. Jerry's mother kept that sheep safe for years. We're so pleased to have it and now take it out every Christmas.
Hell, Mitch, we're into New Year's already. I'm listening to that music... wondering where the heck I was during the Monty Python back then... and then remember that my kids are in their 50's and love it... okay... back to "today"... now... tell me... what is the lamb that Jerry made back then? St Agnes? Help! I'd write more, except I've already had too much and am heading for my secreted bottle of sherry (thanks to your friendship back in Spain.. my liking for sherry).... I've lost my train of thought only twice since starting this, but..... if nothing else..... Happy New Year, Dear Friend.
ReplyDeleteSharon:
DeleteI have no idea what lamb Jerry made; that would be too much like cooking (the remembering part). I'll see if he knows. Hope you have no hangover today or keep drinking and put it off until tomorrow! Feliz año nuevo!
If I don't get the chance
ReplyDeleteHappy new year to you
Jxxxx
John:
DeleteThanks so much. Wishing you the same. Thanks for enriching my year!
Your home shows wonderful style. It's amazing that even with Christmas decorations it doesn't look cluttered.
ReplyDeleteStephen:
DeleteThanks, Stephen. We donated, sold, or gave away probably 80% of our "stuff" before moving to Spain. We had much bigger places in the past, but they could get quite filled up at Christmas!
Wow, that band is excellent! I have a music degree, I should know. I've suffered through many horrific youthful band performances.
ReplyDeleteAnd your decorations are lovely!
Knatolee:
DeleteTynan knew Paula was good, but he was blown away when he attended the performance. So proud. As for the decorations, thanks! I missed having a tree, but the ornaments are a lot more visible when lined up all over the house. So many memories.
Mitchell, your aparment looks nice. Your decorations are simple but look elegant, But I am interested in your clock? It seems it is old. How old is it?
ReplyDeleteThe band awesome
Gosia:
DeleteThe grandfather clock is actually contemporary (sort of). It was the first piece Jerry and I bought together. We got it in Boston and it's now more than 33 years old. It's one of the few large furnishings we brought with us from the States.
Mitch, my computer's been invaded by gremlins! When I play the video the sound that comes out is Johann Strauss (the Elder)'s 'Radetzky March' and emphatically NOT Sousa's 'Liberty Bell'/'Monty Python' theme. Think I'd better do a check for bugs.
ReplyDeleteBtw: Fine orchestra, though. Congrats to Paula - but only IF that's her playing in this particular piece. ;-)
Raybeard:
DeleteIs it really? As I said, "I'm so refined!" The word "yutz" comes to mind (for myself). Anyway, Paula is the blond facing the conductor and just beyond his left shoulder. I reduced the size of the video so much that she's not as easily seen as she was in Tynan's original.
Oh dear. I have the same gremlins in my computer too. I thought I've been practicing Safe Computing - but apparently maybe Raybeard and I have exchanged something even though separated by oceans and continents. I'll seek treatment immediately. Raybeard, my most sincerest apologies for the inconvenience. :-(
DeleteNevertheless, quite an accomplished ensemble to pull it off in such a lively performance.
Happy New Year
Thanks for the photos of your lovely place. And thanks for your blog, which I have enjoyed this past year and anticipate enjoying in 2015. (And thanks, too, for commenting on mine from time to time. It helps to know someone is reading it.)
ReplyDeleteAh, thanks to YOU, Michael. It's been a pleasure to get to know you this year.
DeleteMitch, I've just played video again in order to pinpoint your (fuzzy) Paula - or, rather the position she occupies, and can just about see who you mean. She must have felt proud seeing herself, and deservedly so.
ReplyDeleteWhen you typed the word 'Really?' just above the video I was for a moment or two afraid that it was me who was being the 'yutz' (just had to google that word) and that YOU were the one having a laugh at anyone who'd fall into the trap of taking your apparent ignorance at face value, when you were actually aware of the true title of the piece all along. And even now I'm STILL not sure where we are!
Btw: Whenever that march is played and people invariably clap along I'm a bit bemused by why the audience always seems to clap on the ON-beat when I would have thought that anyone with the remotest sense of rhythm would naturally want to syncopate it and shift the accent to the off-beat. But who am I to take the hoi-polloi to task?
Have a great see-in to 2015, and here's wishing you, S.G. and D and M a pretty wonderful year ahead.
Ray:
DeleteOh, no, trust me when I tell you I'm ignorant! Spaniards are really good "clappers." There appears to be a natural rhythm when it comes to Flamenco music. But, the clapping on this march seems to be the same no matter where you are in the world. Wishing you and the kids the same for the year ahead!
I love seeing your home :) I love the decorations for Noël! Happy 2015 to you both :)
ReplyDeleteJudy:
DeleteThanks for another year of friendship. It's a pleasure getting to know you better and better. Wishing you a very happy new year!
Same from this side, Mitchell :)
DeleteI love your Christmas decorations! I especially like the hippo and the Sunday School lamb. What a treasure! And yes, I vote that the cherub stays just where he sits, fluting away.
ReplyDeleteMichelle:
DeleteAll decorations are down. Half are packed and stored. The other half are spread all over my office, waiting for me to get off the stick and put them away. The cherub has a permanent home.
I am one of those weirdos who can quote nearly every MPFC sketch they did.
ReplyDeleteSpo:
DeleteI can do bits and pieces but not a whole sketch. And it makes me feel ashamed. I am in awe of you.