Happy New Year!

January 1, 2023 - I couldn't stay awake long enough to see the fireworks, but I'm sure they were exciting going around the world, from Sidney's bridge to Paris, London Eye, New York, Los Angeles and many more.  We all had a good sleep afterwards as the family had to drive back to New Jersey, (good weather, fortunately). Late in the morning, we couldn't resist having brunch at our  favorite restaurant in Durham, - Elmo's.  A good start for the trip. Sad to see them off, it had been a lovely visit, despite being it was a short one, as the weather had been so bad up north the week before Christmas, they were not able to drive until Christmas Day :(  

Two days to catch up and tidying up, then back to teaching at Trinity School and the Chapel Hill Music School, followed that night by a very enjoyable concert by a string quartet from musicians from the North Carolina Symphony at  Carol Woods. The performance started with the violist playing the solo Bach Suite no.5.  Bach originally wrote the suites for solo cello, but lovers of Bach's music are played by many other instruments. Of course the pinnacle is for the cello, but good players can make the suites sound beautiful if they have the right instrument for the baroque sound. 

January 11. The highlight for the house was bringing in a 5-month kitten, named Simba (African for Lion), orange striped to match with Tiger! Here he is ten minutes in his new home! The sweetest  personality. 



Why do I need another cat!!!!!!! Well, around November/December, Tiger was showing sadness and crying often. I couldn't see any problems, he ate normally, but he was unhappy. 2 years ago, I chose Tiger (also from the Shelter) to become a companion for Ollie, but she very rarely gets close to him.  I think there was very little friendship with Ollie who lives most of under the bed. So I gave in and went to the same Shelter and fortunately found Simba. He had only been there for a few days and was in excellent condition. He immediately allowed me to hold him, so I knew he would be a sweetie, and  hopefully be a companion for Tiger, and Ollie. We are in the 4th week now. Simba has huge excitement and energy all over the place and there's some rough and tumble, but nothing disastrous between the two males. If Simba goes near Ollie, she'll spit or smack him and walk away. He can't quite understand, since he loves to be petted and lie between Tiger and me. Unfortunately he will not be able to go outside for several months. It's hard on him seeing Tiger and Ollie going outside, he not being allowed. Perhaps in a month or so, I'll get a leash so he can go into the woods.  

I brought this heavy stone statue of a mother cat and her kitten from the front step to hold up my Christmas tree which was falling over. Tiger fell passionately in love with it immediately.  At first he sat there for hours, but now he is not quite so sad.  
Below, there the real ones are discussing life, so this is a good start!   
 After getting Simba home, the weather was helpful, as it made Tiger and Ollie stay indoors and get them acquainted together.  It was certainly cold for us Southerners - my Saturday Trail hike was too chilly. We did eventually go the following Saturday which was invigorating.

Sunday 22,  Dan's singing group, the Maplewood Glee Club Holiday concert which give their regular performance before Christmas, made it impossible with a bout of Covid that some of the singers had. By later in January, all was well and the concert "Joy" was certainly that.  


Dan is on the second line on the right,with a singer behind him and a blue poster in the background. I'm thrilled he has joined the group, he really has a good time.

Back to another week of teaching, practising and rehearsing for the upcoming performance with the Chapel Hill Philharmonia next coming up. Tchaikovsky 1st Symphony and a rending of Mozart's "Alleluia" from "Exsultate jubilate". Yummy concert!

January 24th. My new assignment - having asked to be on the Board of Directors of Coventry, where I live. I've never done this before, but they wanted a unit that was an owner occupier. It will take me some time to figure how this is done! 

The last day of January, perfect roses to enjoy my birthday from Dan, Elisa and Zoe. Thank you, loves. 

                                              



       Jane.   

  

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