March 4, 2014

A very fallish November 2013!



I know, Autumn seems so long ago...but I am up to posting about our family's November 2013.    Before November had barely begun, we celebrated yet another birthday- that of our own dear Mother! 
We decided upon a fall-ish approach again...based on an idea I had seen at a wedding at which I served, we put leaves (instead of the usual flowers) in glass containers and covered them with water. Topped with floating candles, it was beautiful! 


the leaves were hot-glued to the base of the glass container. But the glue came off and so we ended up with a slab of glue floating with the leaves attached. It looked like ice, so I look forward to trying this for a winter table some time.





One of the afternoons in November, we headed over to Fort Bellefontaine with our friends the Q. family to ramble and explore...besides take special portraits!


Busy Sam came along to enjoy the location and weather. He studied the whole time.
little lassies



Small Seren
she is so cute. There is just something about chubby-cheeked little blonde lassies...I love them so much and have ''no'' idea why. ;)
*flashback*
As I've said before, the location makes for the best pictures...add Autumn sunshine and sisters...and you have some of the best portraits of the year.



How does she do it?...
it must be the French blood. She has that natural style.




Zoe is Jessica's birthday twin! (although not sisters, they were born on the same day, the same year!) and we have enjoyed knowing her for these many years.














Thank you, Q. family for a special day with your special selves!

For Thanksgiving, we spent the afternoon/evening with some other dear friends at their home...they planned a delightful feast and celebration!






log tossing contest:









What is happening? Well...with Thanksgiving officially over, Nick decided it was fitting to dispose of his prize pumpkin which he had purchased over a month previous to the occasion. 
The best feasible way of ending the jolly vegetable's existence seemed to be a dramatic plunge from the lofty heights of the second-story window. No sooner discussed, but the plan was bravely carried out.




the owner of the pumpkin





February 12, 2014

Tamburitzans Promo video!

This is the folk dance group we discovered several years ago and will never tire of!!! :)

  I am SO excited that they came up with this beautiful promo video-complete with words from current Tamburitzan performers- whom we've met ;) ....NOW you can finally see why we love the Duquesne University Tamburitzans; America's premier folk ensemble!

What do you think of them? (of course these are just selections from last year's and the present season's shows!)
 TAMBURITZANS PROMO VIDEO


February 7, 2014

Tamburitzans...gypsy 2013


The gypsy number which was the finale of the Duquense University Tamburitzans most recent performance was one of the most brilliant dances they've ever presented.
The costumes- Slovak gypsy-  are absolutely beautiful, and the choreography was splendid.


A different dance they have done with the lovely costumes:

Iryna
I forgot my extra (and my best) battery for my camera...talk about tragic! Yet: I got to really watch the fascinating show to the fullest; only taking a few pictures per number. These portraits Sam captured. I love them!
I wish I had this costume...and I wish I looked like that! :)


Milos pulls off a great gypsy look ;)

before the encore....
....and after: 
Laura-Lise and I put together gypsy outfits... :) I know I'm a little old to be dressing up. But there are things one can do when one looks ten years younger than ones age...
 We always appreciate the Tammies taking a couple moments for pictures with us, their faithful fans!
With John Harbist, Emily Khninicky and Vassili Bushonow! 
Laura-Lise and Emily

I love gypsy dancing! This video is poor quality, but it's what the Tamburitzans let you see for free on their YouTube. (they sell great quality DVDs of their shows on their website) For their 75th season anniversary show in Pittsburgh, they had a great amount of alumna come back and dance with them. 
I would have loved to have seen that.
ROMALE!!! :)