Merry Christmas Everyone

Wow - I just noticed I had not updated the blog since the day of the Nutcracker. First a few words about the Nutcracker. What a show - it was simply fantastic. The costumes were extraordinary and the music and coreography was outstanding. Okay, how is that for what I really think. Oh, and the sets were great! hee,hee. As you may remember, this year, I was in charge of sets and props. This was NOT an easy job. I want to thank Dorothy and Kim especially. Their hard work and energy and creative skills contributed to the success of the show. Joel also helped quite a bit with moving props around and setup. Oh, and how can I forget Eric and Joey? Oh, my goodness, Larry! He built us a wonderful fireplace. And, everyone chipped it to add that extra "something" - lights in the fireplace, fog out of the train, twinkle lights on the tree... ornaments! Bob who picked up the tree for us at Sams. The ops guys who helped move the heavy things around. Yes, a lot of people chipped in.

The show was really something. We had great crowds and lots of our friends came in. Brian and Ria had nice seats on the ice. Pat and Raymond came by and also sat on the ice. Gabby's teachers were there, as well as people from the day care - i forgot everyone's names. Sorry! The Mayor was there for the final show and we had Marci sing the national anthem.

We were all so tired after the shows but willing to go on even more. The kids were all smiles and didn't want the shows to end. That is a good sign.

Since Gabby was part of the principal cast - she got to sign the "posters" that went on raffle. I got to see my girl sign her first autograph. ha,ha. The posters were just really, really neat. We'll do them again next year.

And, now...planning for a summer/spring show. Heh,heh.

Merry Christmas! Today is Christmas Eve and in a little while we will be going to the Anzaldua's for dinner. Sally and Gabby already left so I have to catch up. Tomorrow, the party moves to our house. The menu: tamales (mom/dad), Pork Mole (Gloria), Enchiladas (Lellie), Beans (Norma), I'm not sure what Stella is bringing. We are also having fajitas. YUMMY!

The next day, we will be driving to Angel Fire for skiing. Long drive but we'll see how we do. Joel is not joining us this year which is a drag. We'll miss him. :)

Okay, well, take care everyone and see you in the New Year!

Joe.

Nutcrackers - a few hours until curtain

Well, here we are... 1:35pm Central. Only a few hours to go until the curtain goes up on the 2004 Nutcracker on Ice production. I'm nervous and excited. There are still a list of items to be done that will either get done, or not done. The MAIN stuff is complete. Tree? check. Train? Check. Mantel? check and check. Costumes? Ready to go. Lights? already installed by Bright Star. Camera? Videographer is ready. Action? Kids are ready to go. Baring colds, runny noses, etc...we're ready. I have extra rolls of duct tape, liquid nails, and screws ready for last minute prop adjustments.

The train is looking EXCELLENT. Dorothy and Kim have taken the train and made it their own. It's awesome! Kim let me know that Mr. Bob was picking up the 12' foot tree this morning and it would be ready for the show before too long. Hmm...just had a thought...how does one get a 12' tree on and off the ice? Uh-oh. Maybe mount it on a sheet of plywood and drag it on and off? Stayed tuned...this too shall be solved.

I'll have an update soon on the show. Gabby will be showing off her new axel jump during the performances for an added flair.

Go Gabby!

Joe.