*drops in unexpectedly as he seems to do nowadays*

Greetings all!

It's been far too long since I've been in the company of such admirable hobbits, elves, humans, etc. so I decided to stop back by. Also, the Square seems to be more to my speed now than member chat... Wait, did I just admit to being old?? O.o

*sits down by the fountain and takes out a rather intricate looking pipe (no tobacco, mind you)*

So, how has everyone been? As for myself, Life is trucking along nicely currently. Preparing to enter my last year of school at our local community college in about a week or so, so that is both exciting and a bit nerve wracking.

Mortereve, all!

*snags a slice of that delicious chocolate log before continuing* You know... we should really plant some chocolate log trees in the Square.

Some ketchup... (and fries, I wouldn't mind.)

Bella, congrats on finishing school!!! (I'm throwing roses, see?

Thank-you, thank-you! *collects the roses*

Creativity simply oozes out of your family

Aww, thank-you for your kind words and encouragement, Jo! It means a lot.
Ahaha, it was neat meeting the dog Arwen! I'll never forget that.

Mel, those flags were amazing. The Indian flag one particularly caught my eye.

Congratulations on being almost-halfway-finished with your degree, Ruby! And a hearty congrats to your sister! And that's so neat about the accordian. When played well, it really is a beautiful instrument.

It's good to see you around the square again, Sonny! Goodness, yes, that is a lot of changes. Glad to hear you're doing well!

Oh, oh, do I see two familiar alternating fonts in one post? Here's richness! *snorts with laughter at the Ruby-Winter hour of insanity*

Also, on the final bus, there was some angry dude on the phone yelling and swearing. The bus driver actually told him to chill out or get out. It was quite uncomfortable. I was so glad when I got home and off the bus!

:S I know the feeling. I enjoyed taking the public transport and miss it now that I don't take it quite as frequently, but I don't miss uncourteous fellow passengers.

Anna, it sounds like you're really excited for the Classic! I'm sorry about your sore knee. I hope you feel better.

*waves to Cor* Good to see you around the Square! All the best with your last year of college! "Exciting and nerve-wracking" adequately describes how I feel my first year of college, as well.

Well, life has been pretty calm for me... for now. Mostly trying to get my textbooks at this point and prepare myself for college. I'm looking forward to most of my classes. I've also been doing a good deal of knitting and reading. I'm going to miss these days when homework takes over my life....

First, before I continue, a few thoughts:
1) Sorry it took me longer than planned to get back in here! Yesterday was nuts, so I didn't have the time/motivation.
2) Cor, nice to see you in here again! Don't worry... I like the Square being at this pace too. And you're almost done with community college? Now I feel old again!
3)

Anna, it sounds like you're really excited for the Classic! I'm sorry about your sore knee. I hope you feel better.

Thanks! And yeah, I am. Guess what? It's in eleven days!!!

Hope your first couple weeks of college go well! And yeah, homework can do that... but you'll be able to come in sometimes. Trust me... I was in college my first few years on here, and I somehow managed to become a mod (in DT no less!!) and still get school work done... AND be in musicals at the playhouse! You'll be fine, dearie.

So, prayers about that would be nice. I kind of am tempted to hope it heals AFTER the Classic... it's all Philip's fault. He put the idea in my head, by saying "If you still feel sore on Classic day, don't worry--- you won't have to move. We'll just bring you pizza and ice cream in between innings."

I mean, it was so sweet! Made me suspicious too. (for a reason I will tell you when it ISN'T my bedtime ) So, I'm going back and forth on how I feel about that... which I will delve into tomorrow. haha! (this is FAR from over...)

Ok, it's not the day I thought I'd continue, but whatever. Now, where were we...

OH! Part of me really thought it was sweet, and wants to take him up on that. (It'd be nice to have them wait on me for a change. not to mention, it'd be funny seeing them race over to me if I go "oh, so-and-so... I'm hungry! or, can I have some water?" )

However, I'm suspicious because in the past several of them have tried to "fire me", as I call it. And this would give them an excuse... plus, if it went well, they might think they don't need me! Philip in particular would make me concerned, just because of his behavior the last two times...

2011-
"What, are you guys TRYING to fire me!?"
him= "Don't worry, some of us will remain loyal, and always give you business."
2012-
"Um, Pho-Woe, what happened to 'some of us will always remain loyal'?
"That was last year."
"Wait, WHAT?! But... but... you said always!"

and I forget how he answered that. But I know he got his own at least twice... because I remember going "Don't make me say 'three strikes you're out!'" Which, did end up happening... I think. Or almost did, I might have let it slide. But he was in trouble. Luckily for him, he got out of trouble when he walked the half asleep me to the car when time to go home.

Another reason I'd be hesitant, is that I'd feel helpless, and I'd hate that. That, and I did eight performances (plus a few rehearsals) of "Oliver!" with a bone bruised foot in 2010. If I can do that, I can handle one night of the Classic... right?

And when I posed that question to him, Philip answered with...
"Well, it sounds like you're pretty tough if you can do a play on a bruised foot! Anyway, we'll see-- but don't push yourself too hard, because by the end of Classic day, everyone seems to have very sore feet...

If you like, you may be able to switch duties with someone this year. Or maybe you could have an assistant or something? I guess we can see who's all working where on that day."

The funny thing? Even before my knee had started hurting again, I had thought of having an assistant! Why? Because this one family from church is coming, and seeing as they wouldn't know anyone but me, and I don't get to see the one daughter enough (she has similar interests to me, so we get along awesomely despite her being younger than me). And I was thinking she could hang with me. So, maybe God made her family available on purpose, knowing I'd be injured? (they'd wanted to come other years, but were too busy the weekend of it)

I guess I'll have to see what everything is like that day, and where everyone is. But I'm hoping that'll be alright. And even if it happens that way, there are plenty of people to help. And the boys will look out for me. (I have the feeling they'd be all "And where do you think you are going, Missy? SIT BACK DOWN!" )

.........................
Oh! Before I go, I wanted to tell you guys! Guess what?! I'm going to be in another show!!!

I'm really excited, because although I did Christmas Carol, I don't know if that counts. (at least in terms of musicals and stuff it doesn't. it's just a yearly thing) and before that, the only other thing between that and "Oliver!" was helping backstage for the kids show in 2011. So, for all I know, this is my first time onstage for a show since 2010!! So, yeah... big deal.

Anyway, it's Shrek the musical! And rehearsals start with tonight's music rehearsal. (the auditions were this weekend) I think, per normal for me, I'll be in the chorus... and helping backstage, when not on stage. So, yeah... I don't know how much you'll be seeing of me. But I'll still try and stop in now and again!

.............
Ok, that should do for now. Sorry that it's the length of a novel again! Anyway, I'll catch you up more on the upcoming Classic (and the Arndt family), and Shrek rehearsals later on. Have a great mortereve, everyone!!

*flys in, like Mary Poppins*
What? I wanted to arrive in a cool way. I mean, I can't run... walking is boring. and limping in would be worse! Let me have this, guys! Besides, I've got musicals on the brain.

Speaking of which, I should really bring back that theatre thread from the depths of page 5... or wherever it is.

If you want to know about Shrek rehearsals, etc... go there. Well, not now. I don't have time for that now. But once I get it up, I'll let you know. Does that work?

Umm... yeah, I'm kinda in a weird mood. Why? Because I'm back on stage! And because the Classic is in 10... count 'em... TEN days!!!!!!

Moving on...

So... it occurred to me the other day. I've mentioned Luke, Semaj, Pho-Woe, and Nato... well, ok... and Wizzy. But I haven't named all of them! Figured I should fix that. Yeah. So, without further tangents, here are the names of all fourteen kids. (no, i'm not putting their whole names down... that might overwhelm you. and the ages are a guess... as I'm only sure on some of them)

1. Paul, 32
2. John, 31
3. Mark, 30
4. Luke, 28
5. Jude, 26
6. James, 24
7. Philip, 23
8. Seth, 21
9. Jacob, 19 (til the 27th)
10. Nathan, 18
11. Mary, 16
12. Caleb, 14
13. Peter, 13
14. David, 10

If you want the full names... I'll put them here if you like. And nicknames too.
The only kids whose ages I'm sure of are: Mark... and pretty much everyone from Seth on down. Want personalities/interests? Let me know!

Anyway, bedtime! Night-night!
*flys off, to Hushabye Mountain*

((this post is legal... I posted it after more than 24 hours had gone by. and y'all are being quiet anyway! ))

So cool you get to be in a musical! I've always wanted to do that. I don't have any experience, and will groups accept a 27-year-old guy with only church plays for acting experience? Of course I was Apostle Peter, doing a monologue, narrating the events of the Crucifixion, and apparently I did amazing. I actually cried on stage during the one scene, in front of 500 people. That was just an amazing experience.

But as that's my only experience, will any acting group actually take me? I have a good baritone singing voice, so could I be in a musical? I just don't know the answers to these questions...

Sonny, I did my best to answer your questions... but felt they'd fit better in the Acting and Live Theatre thread. So, I put it there. You can find the post here.

So, knee update:
I've been to get an x-ray (earlier this week. it was negative. which we figured), and today I went to the doctor. All we know from this stuff, is that we need an MRI to find out why it's swollen and sore. When I know more, I'll let you know. Um, some days are better than others, but it's always annoying. So, continued prayers would be nice. Thanks!

Shrek update:
I'll post that in my next post in the above mentioned thread.

Classic update:
It's in 9 more days!! Wish you all could be there, I really do. Like I said before, and like Luke has said, it's hard to describe it fully... you almost have to go to "get" it. Maybe someday, right? Anyway, the forecast is still making me nervous, so prayers for that would be great too. How do we want the weather? Not too hot, not too cold, and NO RAIN! yeah... *shrug*

Umm... it's suppertime, so... I'll be back to talk over more stuff later. Does that work? It does? Awesome! *goes out, humming Snoopy's "Suppertime" song, from "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown"*

Oh hey. This thing's still here. And I'm still alive.

Last week, I got to attend a special showing of The Two Towers. What was special about it? They took out the musical score from the film itself, and instead had the score played live by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (with choir). Definitely a very interesting experience.

Other than that... well, there is quite a bit going on, between helping with my church's youth group and transitions at work. Also, I've been working on some writing projects, including a blog about anime and Christianity.

Anyways, just thought I'd drop by and say hi.

Do mine eyes deceive me? Is that a visit by stardf I see? Not to mention a few other denizens of the Square? It's nice to see you all!

I've been away a bit too, due to real-life obligations and other things. Maybe I'll blame this week's heat wave too.

I enjoyed reading this updates. stardf, hearing The Two Towers score played live to the movie sounds awesome! (pun intended).

Hey ho, all ye SquareOnions!

Yes Aunty Jo my brother lives at 8,500-9,000 feet up in the Rockies so it is quite majestic up there! It is a very beautiful state, you'll have to make it by there some time.

Wow, it sounds amazingly beautiful. That State has been on my Desired-List-to-Visit for many years now. I hope to someday.

How did the Classics go, PA? And very cool about the musical! Sorry to hear about your knee, though. I hope it improves soon. Any diagnosis yet?

*waves cheerily to Sonny*

PrinceCor!!! So grand to see you here again! How is school going thus far? And, because it's tradition, please shower Vern with these! At least, I hope he likes tacos!

And Bella, dear Bella, how goeth college for you? I hope you can still find some relaxation time periodically.

stardf! Hey there!

Last week, I got to attend a special showing of The Two Towers. What was special about it? They took out the musical score from the film itself, and instead had the score played live by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (with choir). Definitely a very interesting experience.

Oooh, you went to that, nice! We attended The FotR and TTT performance in Grand Rapids awhile back, and it was amazing! The huge hall was packed! Unfortunately, they held The RotK at a different time of the year, and we couldn't make it to that one.

Sounds like some interesting things in your life. So, are you in the Chicago area for awhile now?

It's a hot one here this week—'tis unusual for such high temperatures to last so long at this time of year here in southern Ontario—so as I slip out of the Square, I am honoured to leave some cool, refreshing treats ...

Oh wait, stargazer posted too! *waves across the miles*

Hello, this is Moonlight here. (Obviously.)

Fall seems to be coming early around here. I was out sitting underneath our old walnut tree today and all the leaves were falling down. Then I started thinking about how old I am and how quickly the years are passing lately, and how I've moved between 2 different states and two houses and one apartment and am now moving again. I just got a permanent job (well, I'm hoping it will be permanent) and I'm hoping to settle down, finally--but first I have to move...again.

I hope everyone is enjoying this time of change. September is always so bittersweet to me. It's as if good things are coming to a close--but new beginnings are on the horizon. So it's a hopeful kind of sad. And then it seems like it starts to get darker earlier, there's a chill in the air, and the smell of burning leaves outside...but then, who knows what's going to happen next? Apple picking days. The smell of spices in the kitchen, and--my personal favorite....pumpkin flavored everything! I made pumpkin donuts yesterday. They were delicious. I can't wait for pumpkin pancakes tomorrow!

I hope everyone enjoys their labor day and I sincerely hope you can take some time off for a well-deserved rest. As for me, I'll be enjoying sleeping in and lounging around on the porch with some poetry, and a big cup of coffee.

*waves cheerily to Shepherd, Treebeard, and Moonlight*
Treebeard, come by more often, ok?
Moonlight, I love your description of fall!
Shepherd, are there any camping plans?

Thanks for the tasty treats, Jo! They're perfect for the hot weather I've been having down here too!

How did the Classics go, PA? And very cool about the musical! Sorry to hear about your knee, though. I hope it improves soon. Any diagnosis yet?

Knee news:
About a few days before the Classic (?), we found out that it's just a bad sprain. And I'm still allowed to dance and stuff in the show! I just hope it keeps getting better and better, like it has been... one of the songs (especially) would be hard to do on the knee the way it is now. So, prayers that it would be healed soon would be great! (thanks for asking!) Thankfully, the show isn't til the end of this month, and beginning of October.

Wow, can't believe it's September already!

Classic news:
Well, first of all... it was really hot and humid! I kept joking to the guys that it felt like I was playing too, I was so sweaty (Yuck). But that's ok... made them feel better about hugging me... 'cause I was icky too.

Secondly, it was SO cool... all of the Balassi's were back this year, minus Jessica! And it was fun seeing them, and the Holman family. Made lots of new memories... well, with the Holman's. The Balassi's spent most of their time playing in the co-rec tournament (the boys... Maggie, her mom, her mom-in-law, and sis-in-law just watched), and that was on the other field.

Thirdly, I got about... double the amount of pictures I usually get, so I was happy about that. If I have an even better camera next time, and start sooner than an hour or two in (like this time), maybe I'll get even more and better pictures!

Fourthly, I learned a lot this year... like Mary-Elizabeth doesn't want to be called "Wizzy" anymore (though the boys still do), not that I blame her, seeing as she's 16 now! Peter is getting a lot more... mischievious, shall we say? And David is getting more calm and quiet. (almost a role reversal with those two) Nato was a bigger pain than normal, and Caleb has calmed down some.

There was a lot more spoken of with all of them, and some of them *coughmostlynatocough* were in trouble a bit... well, from me.

And, in Paul-Matthew's own words:

I would like to officially thank everyone who came out to join us for the 15th Annual Softball Classic last night! For those who didn't make it out to see the "celebrity" games, here is what went down...

Game #1 - Safe at Home (the Arndts) beat the Weber Chevy Media All-Star team for the first time in 4 years despite a clutch HR by radio host Ian Geisz! Offense abounded on both sides, but the Arndts came out on top and won back the title by a score of 17-13!

Game #2 - The Cardinal Front Office team scored 10 runs in the 1st inning, but the game tightened later as the Arndt squad staged a comeback! The talented St. Louis Cardinal team included SLU basketball captain Kyle Cassity, Ryan Porter (Series MVP Darrell Porter's son), Rusty Bumgardner and Randy Wells. the Cardinal team held on to win the game. Final score: 27-25? Correct me if I'm wrong on the score.

Game #3 - The final game of the evening started off with the Worth/Rawlings team scoring 8 runs in the first inning. Safe at Home answered back, but couldn't pull out the victory in this wild, wild game! Final score: 47-37

Thank you to all of our special guests including Team USA star Rusty Bumgardner, musicians Leann & Carl Albrecht, former Chicago Cub Randy Wells, TV/radio media people, players, security, umpires, game stand volunteers, etc, who made this awesome evening possible. I'm already looking forward to 2014!

Sadly, I had to go when they hadn't been very far into game 3. But Philip told me about it later!

Umm... anything else you guys want to know? I really glossed over it there. And can I say that it's hard to believe that was "a week ago, yesterday"? Weird.

Newer:
They've had playoff games for their spring/summer season lately. Tuesday, they lost the 6:30 game, which meant they needn't play at 8:30 (which upset Luke... him and John had been at work during the game. And they had been hoping to play the second one)

And guess what?! I got to see them play on Thursday night!!!!
You'd be proud of them, guys... they won both games! How things happened:

1) A lady from church ended up taking me... which had me thrilled. Because the night before, I had been worried I wouldn't make it, even though there was no rehearsal. But, we visited her mom in the nursing home (her mom is dying), and then headed to the park. (a different one than where we had the Classic)

2) We got there just in time for game 1, around the same time as the Holman's (who leave IL tomorrow, for home). The guys were wearing their Vine Valley shirts this time (Seth was filming for it... it's a newer show of theirs). Anyway, the game went pretty fast, and the final score was 12-4!

3) Philip, Katie Holman, and me played catch in between games. Sometimes some younger kids or someone would join in, but generally it was just the three of us. And it was really funny... through-out this game of catch, he would occasionally be throwing pop flies and stuff to Katie (who has softball practice when she gets home), while interrogating me. And I say it like that, because the questions never seemed to stop! He asked about movies, and where I grew up, and what states I've visited, and about the playhouse, and... I forget. Quite a change from the guy who, when I met them (nine years ago), only spoke to ask for food or soda or water! At some point, Luke passed by, and I asked him to take pictures for us. He agreed, because "it's hard to take pictures when you're playing"... and got me some pretty good shots! (for the quality of my camera!)

4) Then it was time to play the second game. I got a hot dog, and Gatorade for me. Later I got myself another Gatorade, when I got Philip a water. (what? he asked me! and it's habit ) The final score for this game was 15-5!

Other from that night:
a) Nato was a brat again, and I said to Philip "I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think Nato's getting to be more trouble than Cawops!" Which he agreed with, and asked "Where would you place me?" So, now I have to come up with a "Trouble Scale". Apparently it's "only official if you say it", in his mind. Of course, that made me ask "So, what you're saying, is that what I say goes?" "NO! I didn't say anything like that!"

b) Around that time... maybe earlier? I said that Nato was being extra obnoxious, and Mark was like "Oh, you mean like always? That's just Nato." "Well, yeah... I know. But..." (or something like that)

c) I got to hold the youngest Holman kid (who's like, one or something), and Mary-Elizabeth got some pictures of me holding him!

I forget if there was anything else.

Yesterday, my family and I got to go hang out at the house of Dad's assistant pastor and his family. We had a "Labor Day barbeque", just the eight of us! It was pretty fun, and at the end, before we left for home, we went to Ted Drewes! (not a common thing for us Illinoisans!) So, that was a nice night. And I slept pretty well last night too!

Anyway, I'd keep going, but my brain is apparently on vacation... and I have rehearsal in a few hours. So, I'll come back later.

Hello, everyone! It's been a few... months... since the last time I visited the Town Square ( ), and this time I don't even have school as an excuse to blame it on. I've just been distracted by a lot of things lately. But I promise, most of those things have been productive. For example, I'm starting a sort of "NaNo" to try to force myself to finish a full draft of one of my stories. (I tend to be the type of writer who realizes half-way in that she wants to change something, and then starts over rather than fix it later. )

Despite it having been a while, not a lot has changed for me. I'm still looking for a job, but at least nowadays I have a better idea of where to look. My nephew, who last time I mentioned was crawling, is now to the point where he's almost walking! And he's started making syllables; not too much longer before he starts saying, "Auntie".... (Okay, he'll probably say "Momma" first, but I can dream!)

But it looks like everyone here's been having an interesting end of summer/beginning of fall! It's really weird to not even be thinking about school, despite my brother going to college now (!!), but it's helped by the fact that I keep forgetting that it's September now. Good luck to everyone starting a new semester!!!

Since a few other "old-timers" have made appearances on this page, I figured I should drop by myself. I think it's been...so long I can't really remember.

Hello to all the fair citizens of the square! How goes it?

A special hello to Jo! I know we haven't spoken in quite a while, but fall and winter always make me think of you, and it's starting to hint somewhat towards fall down here in the deep South.

This is by far the most difficult semester of school I've had. Genetics, Entomology, Invertebrate Zoology, and General Psychology. Oh the joys.. If only Entomology were actually the study of Ents, now that would be something.

Alright then. I'm off. Hope ya'll have a lovely mortereve!

Hey Moonlight! That's a beautiful description of the autumn season, a definite favourite of time of year. Btw, for those in the northern Hemisphere, keep a watch out for the beautiful Full Harvest Moon before sunrise on September 19.

Sure glad your Knee News is positive, PA! How great you can still be in the production.

He-e-e-e-y Ryadian! 'Tis grand to see your pink font in here again. Your nephew sounds adorable. All the best with your continuing job hunt!

Kingskid? KINGSKID!!! Awesome-possum! Wow, your semester sounds heavy, indeed. Good success with it! And you know, if the Entomology prof had any sense of humour, he/she would stick a short lesson in there on Ents. Miss you around here, my friend! How's the hunting going?

Well, the weather is finally autumn-ish here. For example, today is a glorious 60.8°F (that's 16C, in case anyone cares ). However, in a couple of days, we will be experiencing some rare fall humidity, but that will be short-lived, thankfully, with showers breaking it by Saturday, I believe, yay! I've started my early morning walks-under-the-stars for this season (can't do those in the summer due to the heat), and it's a joy, as always, to see Orion again ... just like an old friend. Beautiful!

Wishing each of you a good week. Methinks it's time for some warm apple crisp ...

Glad to see you around again, Wesley; we've missed you around here. Sorry to hear that you're having a tough time with your classes.

*gobbles up half of the apple crisp*

Honeycrisp apple season has begun here They're on sale right now for $1.99/pound. Can't get enough apples this time of year