Preparing for a Jump!

This past March 27th, a small group of us were invited to the official kickoff skydiving season down at the Laurel Airport by an instructor/coworker. Laurel is a small town located almost at the southern end Delaware.

One of the Manager in the Air Quality Program is a former Army Ranger. During his spare time he flies Ultralights and is a US AFF Certified Skydive Instructor. He and his wife also have a collection of 10 motorcycles they drive. He was hired last year, and when he put up a poster of a sky diver, I was relentless about quizzing his experience in it. I've always imagined doing it, but as I grew older and became a parent I put it out of my mind. That is, until Tom Postell arrived at DNREC. After helping him with a computer issue, he asked me if I would be interested in skydiving. "What's holding you back?" he asked. Besides obvious "death concerns" and found myself questioning.....why not? I talked with my buddies in my IT group, and found two friends that were immediately willing to jump. Every time I see him, he continues to make it part of our routine conversation. Of course, if or...... I should say WHEN we do it, It'll be tandem .

I interviewed almost every jumper there, including the pilots and the instructors. I met the owner of the business, who is also an instructor. We stayed for 3 jumps (12 jumpers per plane). It was a cool 58F with a 10 mph wind. From 11:30 - 3:30 we waited, listened, and watched as each plane load flew almost 14,000 ft. into the sky. It takes 3 minutes for the plane to reach altitude. The first group missed the landing zone by 2 miles. The second, a perfect landing. It's so funny trying to find those little parachutes in the sky. They just seem to pop out of nowhere. On the third jump, I saw them closer to the plane then the ground.

Have you ever jumped? One jumper, who was ready for his 8th solo jump, told me he blacked out the first time for a few seconds. Apparently, your brain cannot comprehend what you are seeing, because your body is taking the experience in like a filmstrip....and the brain skips a few of the frames. Doesn't that make you feel secure? Oh Joy! My goal is to jump when my mother is here in October.

I'm so excited.

Air Mobility Command Museum

This past Saturday, March 20th, our cub scouts visited the Dover Air Force Base Air Mobility Command Museum. Out on the tarmac that was decorated with over 25 different airplanes, it was a pleasant 74F.

When we arrived only a few planes were open to the public (free to roam). However, when a tour guide spotted us he gave us a personal tour and unlocked many more for us to explore. They were especially thrilled to be in a cargo, a hospital "triage," a passenger, first made, last made, and fuel transfer plane(s).

The boys knew much more than I had expected. They gently educated me when I incorrectly guessed at the purpose and equipment located on the plane. "That's not a bomb; it's a gas tank, Sister Bigelow. But I can definitely see how that could confuse you. My little sister would think the same thing!" It was a perfect day with a perfect venue to make our boys happy to be together!

We spent most of our time in the planes, but managed to go inside the huge hanger which harbored the exhibits of more planes, engines, history, airlift, Korean war, and Dover AFB crew. We met many retired soldiers that brought their spouses, and families visiting for the day.

The boys were lucky to have met active soldiers in uniform that gave them black t-shirts with a Ruck March emblem as souvenirs. The march commemorates the 20,000 troops that underwent a 27-mile, six-day retreat through mountainous terrain in frigid temperatures during the Korean War Battle of the Chosin Reservoir. The Ruck March consists of teams of four people, each carrying 30-pound rucksacks while walking or running 10 kilometers.

Saints Unified Voices directed by Sister Knight

Last night, Thursday, March 19th, I had the opportunity to travel to Cherry Hill, NJ to one of our churches Stake Centers (same as Diocese) with other members of my church to hear Gladys Knight and the Saints United Voices. Yes, Gladys Knight is Mormon.

I was amused as she turned a traditionally conservative mood into a toe-tapping, hand-clapping celebration praising Jesus Christ through music. The fireside had nearly 1200 in attendance and half being visitors of other faiths. She encourages them to take home and read the Book of Mormon. Mostly, though they leave with changed perceptions and attitudes after feeling our love, her music, the testimonies, and the Lord's Spirit.

They sang songs from the energetic gospel classic Pass Me Not to the inspirational duet Did You Know? and the from the sentimental Hawaiian song Iesu Me Kanaka Waiwai to the familiar LDS Hymn Come Come Ye Saints with African drums. Her album One Voice has uplifting musical insight into the ways people of all faiths and cultures praise the Lord through music.

Except for a few, the choir comprised of 100 culturally diverse voices, the LDS members had never sung gospel music. They weren't accustomed to singing without sheet music. Given only the words to the hymns typed in paragraph form, she taught them to sing by how the music feels. that had mostly never sung.

Her journey began when she was a little raised with deep spiritual grounding by her mother, who instilled in her a firm faith and trust in God. Now a wife, mother of three, and a grandmother of 11. She pronounced that "nothing has affected my life as much as the joy I feel as a result of finally finding The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Without a doubt, this is the best thing that has ever happened to me!" Since joining the church, Gladys aspires to have what she views as one of the best church callings: Ward Choir Director. Of course, she hasn't been called to do that yet, but instead is using her gift to help bring others to peace and love through music.

Music Man

This year Smyrna High School presented Music Man, the musical. The Director, Jamie DeLoach, decided the musical to be her swan song. She is leaving Delaware to be married this summer and move to Pennsylvania. I was happy to be involved again this year as music director. The student auditions were very good. Each student really showed confidence in their acting and singing ability. As we started to assign character parts, we realized that we needed to have more than our usual 3 day performance and added an extra day, scheduling it for two consecutive weekends.

The music was not easy and not well known to most of the students. However, almost half of the cast were chorus, band, and drama students. Every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 6-9pm we met and practiced. It is quite a responsibility and commitment for both parent and student. My reward is to inspire the kids to "break free" and shine. They get to understand the talent and great potential in each other as they share the joy of performing with each other. Last weekend was their final show(s). They were wonderful and we had a blast at the cast party. A teacher from school district moonlights as a DJ. He played 80s music. I haven't danced in almost 10 years! It was fun to learn the new dances with the kids.

Usually, just after a first few rehearsals the cast becomes a family (my kids) and are very supportive of each other. New friendships and blossoming personalities and talents keep me inspired and joyous as we share the experience of "being in it together!" For some, there were many firsts: first kiss, first boy-girl dance and holding hands, first solo, first performance, first love of self. Memories that every young adult should have!

This past year has been especially rewarding because I have been invited to several musical events: choir solos, college plays, and instrumental performances by former "SHS Musical/Band" students that are now adults in college or married. I have been honored and thrilled to attend them. Also, my youngest brothers and sisters in church are inviting me to their school plays, chorus, and band events too!

This summer I am going to direct my first musical play "Nunsense" at the Smyrna Opera House. I am so nervous, but mostly excited to increase my theatre experience. Senior HS student Alex Marthaler, has agreed to be the Accompanist. Also, I've asked Marissa Parker, a Theatre Major and a Junior in College to be my Assistant Director.

I am so blessed to have the knowledge that we are all connected to each other by God's love through music! MUSIC ROCKS!!! It bridges differences in everything from cultures and communities through the generations. Share the music inside you and you will find new friends everywhere you go!

Pinewood Derby Jan 2010

I look forward to the Pinewood Derby race every year! It's so fun to talk with the boys. I get just as excited as they talk about how their Dads help them with painting, carving, and naming their cars. Usually scheduled on a Saturday, they all arrive with smiles and anxiousness as they get their cars registered, numbered, weighed and tested. We have chairs arranged facing parallel to each track so that the parents, cousins, grandparents, and siblings can cheer on the cub scouts. This year we added an old fashioned popcorn popper, and a rolling snack tray for the attendees. Of course, each of the boys shook hands and congratulated each other on doing their best. Each received a ribbon for attending and a winning certificate for outstanding fun categories: most colorful, most shaped like a fruit, most dragon-like, best driver, best paint job, etc. The Dads got involved by putting together a detailed racing schedule, stop watches, and a official repair station. Everyone that attended enjoyed the great race!

Terra Cotta Warriors

This past weekend Matthew and I went to Washington, DC to see the Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China's First Emperor: Qin Shi Huangdi. We drove to Maryland and took the Metro. As we approached the station, a young couple gave us their all day ride tickets. They had finished using them and we were just beginning our evening. We hopped on the train at 5:00 pm and made it to our stop, two streets behind the White House. We met up with my friend, Gerald and his girlfriend, and her sister at VaPiano's. The Italian restaurant was nice and had great atmosphere. We got to know each other better and then headed two streets over to the National Geographic Museum. The museum itself was closed but we had tickets to the 7pm Exhibit, last one of the day. The exhibit was large and amazing. It showed 15 life size figures: soldiers, charioteers, strongmen, archers, musicians, generals, horses, and acrobats.

Dating back to 210 BC, these figures were found by local farmers in 1974. Current estimates that are buried in the warrior pits are: 8000 soldiers, 130 chariots, 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses, but the majority are still buried in pits. They vary in height up to 6' 6", the tallest being their generals.

Go to the Exhibit Website: http://www.terracottawarriorsexhibit.com/ to see a slide show or facts.

Matthew was quite amazed about the exhibit. He has been giving his father and I facts on a daily basis. Last year, he had to give a report on it. He loves history and especially likes to know about wars, warriors, and cultures.

It was a nice Spring like day and we were happy to have spent it together with our good friends.

Delaware State University (DSU) Appointment

An institution founded in 1891 as the State College for Colored Students takes pride in its first heritage as one of the countries first land-grant educational institutions rooted early on in agriculture and education. It is fully accredited and diverse in its student population as it is in the many studies available. It has long been considered one of America's prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The current population is 76 percent African-American enrollment with an increasing number of Caucasian, Hispanic, Asian, and other international students. The University is located in Dover and only 15 minutes from my place of employment.

Today I visited the Director of the Music Department during my lunch hour. I was introduced to several professors. I met with Ms. Yvonne Johnson. She gave me a list of classes for a BA in Music or BA in Music Education. She asked me to follow her and I met the Professor of Music Theory and Ear Training. While I was being shown the classrooms, I could hear the practicing band, jazz pianists, and choir....all at the same time. It made me smile and giggle. She told me, "We're in luck, the visiting choir from Ohio Wilburforce University is visiting and is performing this hour." I sat in the choir room with the choir students and listened to 50 of the most soulful voices I have ever heard. They sang the spirituals "The Eyes of All Wait Upon Thee," "Steal Away," "Beula Land" and more. At the end of this amazing, intimate mini-concert, both choirs joined and sang a spirited "Battle of Jericho." was brought to tears as each song was sung with such passion and joy and because I instantly wanted to be part of such music.

At almost 45 years old (in two months), I have decided to become a fully fledged college student. I am at such a peaceful and happy time in my life. Being part of a community that opened its arms to me through music and theatre at the Opera House, churches, schools, and other organizations has only heightened the passion to love it even more. I am so excited to begin my Freshman year this fall.

My supervisor has been very supportive as he will allow me to adjust my schedule to participate in future day classes. Jim has promised to be willing and flexible as possible with our parental/child visitation schedule. He is excited for me too. As is my good friend Gerald, who has helped me think out this decision with such love and support.

I am very blessed to have been born into a family that shares its love and spirit through music. When I think of my very first memories of music, I think of my Grandmother Addicott, her sisters, and their mother Bertha Welles, singing around the piano. Both my mother and father sang to me, as did my Step Grandmother Margaret Wall.

Meeting the Fab Three?

Matthew and Jim were so excited to finally see their cousins who have been on tour performing in "Yesterday and Today: An interactive Beatles Experience." Billy McGuigan (right of Jim) wrote the show and emcees it with such humor and passion. The audience chooses the play list by submitting their favorite Beatles song and the story behind it.

We travelled to West Chester University in PA. on a snowy, icy evening to experience their talent, energy, brotherly love, and to reconnect after years of waiting.....

Matthew and Ryan McGuigan (left of Jim) both play guitar, keyboard, and vocals. The McGuigan harmonies are perfect and the music (3 other band non family members) sounds as if you are listening to a digital recording. I was dancing in my seat from the start of the show until the very end. Their father (William "Uncle Bill" McGuigan) passed in 1996. The McGuigan boys were raised listening to the Beatles because their father was a diehard fan. Every opportunity to perform as Paul, George, and John were given them as they did shows in the living room in front of their grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles. What a perfect tribute to their father! Jim had not seen his young cousins in 20 years when they moved from Wilmington, Delaware to Nebraska. It was was the first time our Matthew had met his McGuigan cousins. Not only is he a major Beatles fan, but a McGuigan fan! It was an incredible evening for me as I watched Jim beaming and so proud of his cousins. Matt was almost speechless as he saw the show come alive. He first met his cousins as they opened right on stage, guitars in hand, a smoke filled room, all looking like his Dad and Grandfather...... listening to his favorite music!

Check out their website: http://www.billymcguigan.com/yesterdayandtoday

Smyrna High School Talent Show

In January, Jim and I were asked by the High school drama teacher to be judges at the Annual Smyrna High School Talent Show. It was such a blast! We were both familiar with the contestants. Jim had some of the kids in his classroom when they were 5th graders. I worked with them in several musicals. I had seen them march in band as well! Such a talented group of students. The other judge was the Homecoming Queen of 2009. She was very respectful, fun, and fair. We all had our favorites but worked very hard together to come to a fair decision in each category. Jim and I agreed that we felt strange watching them perform on the same stage that we also performed on in band, chorus, theatre, talent shows, etc. As we reminisced, we both felt as though we were proud of not only the kids, but that we were part of the same history of our Beloved Smyrna High. Good times.........good times.

Surviving the February Blizzard

A massive snowstorm along the United States east coast began on Friday, February 5, 2010. The huge and extremely dangerous snowstorm affected several Mid-Atlantic states including North Carolina, Delaware, Washington DC, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland. The heavy snow continued into Saturday, February 6, 2010 and brought with it winds between 35 and 60 mph. By the morning at 10 am, we had 20". The National Weather Service issued a full 24-hour blizzard warning until 10:00 p.m. Saturday night. The epic snowstorm dropped almost 40" of snow on Clayton Delaware. Just a week prior to it, we had a snow storm that only accumulated 10".

Most of us couldn't get out our front doors. We had to push and dig out nose by nose using broom handles and small homemade shovelling devices. I had to break my storm window screen out and shovel out the bottom of the door with my trashcan lid. I left my actual snow shovel on my front step thinking I was going to at least get out and shovel my walk. It was quite a scene. Our circle of eight trailer owners all helped one another for several hours. As the day progressed we had cleared our walkways that we lined with snow mounds up to our hips.

There were electricity outages across the state and reports of a two WalMart's and a firehouse roof (s) that collapsed. Luckily, our homes on wheels looked like old freezers but we had electricity. You remember, the freezers that you'd have to use an ice pick or leave it open to defrost? In town, many people had to climb on their roofs, digging the snow away from their chimneys or heating ventilation. My trailer became a refuge for rabbits and ferrel cats as I heard them crying and digging under my skirting.

As I look out the window this afternoon at work, there are still patches of snow that line the highways, streets, and lawns. We are happy to hear that temperatures are going to rise into the 50s this weekend! According to the Tri-state area we've had a record 70" total snow fall 2010. Usually, Delaware gets about 6" a year. For over a month we've been adjusting to maneouvering, dressing, planning, driving and just living with snow each and every day. I truly have enjoyed the beauty and texture it brings to the flat state. It has been an adventure and another winter memory I shall never forget!