Labor Day Party

On a nearly perfect day, over 40 partygoers came out to celebrate the annual Labor Day fiesta at the O'Brien's home.

Entrees included grilled hot dogs and sausages, tuna salad sandwiches accompanied by all sorts of salads.

The delightful desserts were devoured in good time. They never had a chance against this crowd.

Five of us "pitched in" by singing songs.  See this video for a sample of performances by Willie, John T., Kathi R., Kathy O. and David M.

As is our tradition, we had a group photo taken. This year, Marilyn O.  used hand-written signs in tribute to our dear friend Evelyn R., who resides out of state and couldn't make the party.

Dance Classes Resume

Dance classes resumed at Ridgeview Middle School on September 9. Our talented instructor, Toni, started us with Everyman's Chance, then went right into the body of the Four Hand Reel and all of the Merchant Set. The group was not in the least bit rusty, taking to the steps with aplomb and verve.

Out to the Ball Game

It was National Hot Dog day and the local Big Train ball club had a home game. Before going out, Barb and Jim Ca. graciously hosted about a dozen of us in celebration in their baseball-theme decorated house. Gina, Brian, Kathy, David M., Marilyn O., Obie, Kate, Dan O., Carole, Maddy and Bill were treated to hot dogs and bratwurst grilled by Jim, and entertained by Barb's jokes. Barb had us read portions of the Casey at the Bat poem using our best, dramatic voices. 

As was the case last year, it was hot and muggy at the game but we vigorously cheered on the home team. That is, until sometime in the fourth inning when nearby lightning forced the umpires to call off the game. So in a way like poor Casey, we struck out and had to head home, just not to home plate.         

The Big Brunch

Fifteen — count 'em — fifteen of us turned out for brunch at the Woodside Deli in Germantown on September 6! Ordering a variety of dishes, with plenty of time for gregarious chatting, were Tom, Sonja, Emma, Gina, Bill, Maddy, Kathryn, Christine, Gerry, Sandy, Evan, Jack, Michelle, Roger and Gerry's daughter, Ellen.

A Scottish Ceilidh

A musical about ceilis with audience participation – how could we resist? The show was suggested by Toni and David D. and organized by Marilyn O. and Kathy. The story is about generations of Scottish dance callers who keep the tradition going despite cultural changes and the inevitable challenges of aging. Appropriately enough, it's called Ceilidh, the Scottish spelling, and here it means companionship. To the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center in Baltimore went Toni, David D., Kathy, David M., Obie, Marilyn O., Connie, Michelle, Chuck, Clare, Bill and Maddy to watch and occasionally dance with the performers when invited onto the good wooden floor. The Gay Gordons, Strip the Willow – and soon to be taught by Toni – the Military Two Step, were among the dances we got to join in on. The show lived up to its name!

Afterwards, we drove to the elegant James Joyce Pub in Fells Point to talk it over with food and libation. Here are our expert reviews:

Bluegrass on the Farm

After the brunch, Maddy, Kathryn, Christine, and Bill went to the Agricultural History Farm Bluegrass Festival. Also there were Mary Ann and Pat. Kids climbed a huge chestnut tree under the watchful eyes of their parents, while others just relaxed on lawn chairs and blankets, taking in the tunes. Here's a sample of some of the music: