THE SOUND OF MUSIC

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The auditorium was alive with the Sound Of Music as Melanie performed in her last musical for St Charles North High School.  She played the part of Leisl, the oldest Von Trapp sibling.

Friends and family showed up en masse for this performance. There were 43 of us in the audience taking up four rows of seats and we weren't disappointed.  Our brother-in-law, Jim, who is a retired high school administrator and has been to dozens of school plays said this one was the best he has ever seen.

The actors were well cast, their voices were outstanding, and the orchestra was superb.

All dressed up in clothing made from the curtains, the children are learning how to play.

Rolf and Leisl.

I am seventeen, going on eighteen.  I'll take care of you.

I am sixteen, going on seventeen, innocent as a rose.  Bachelor dandies, drinkers of brandies, what do I know of those?

Taking their bows to a standing ovation.

After the play, joined by proud parents, Melanie is loaded down with flowers.

Being grandparents to talented grandchildren (who are also really good kids) has it's rewards.

FIRST TEAM ALL STATE

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Our grandson Mike just made 1st team all state in lacrosse.  He is the only player from his school on the 1st team and he's just a junior. The players are chosen by the coaches, so he must have impressed them.

Mike works hard at whatever he does. He also plays football, runs the 40 in 4.7, bench presses 300 pounds, holds down a part time job, and plays a mean piano. In addition to all that, he's a good looking kid.

It's all about genetics folks, passed down from grandfather to son and then to grandson!

MY FAVORITE ZIPPO LIGHTER TRICK

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Remember when your mom told you to never play with matches?

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! CHARLES AZNAVOUR SINGS "LA MAMA"

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This is the original version, but Ray Charles also did one in english

She said "My son, I beg of you
I have a wish that must come true
the last thing you can do
for your momma"

"Please promise you will stay
and take my place while I'm away
And give the children love each day"
I had to cry, what could I say

How hard I tried to find a word
I prayed you would not see me cry
So much to say that should be heard
But only time to say goodbye
To momma

They say in time, you will forget
yet still today my eyes are wet
I tell myself to smile
for my momma

Now soon there'll be another spring
and I will start remembering
the way she loved to her us sing
her favorite song, Ave Maria
Ave Maria

Yes the children have all grown up now
but I kept my promise to momma
and I cannot guide them any more
Lord knows I've done my best for my momma

The family's gone I feel so numb
I should have known this day would come
but still I try to smile
for my momma

You know it hurts so much to see them go
They have their lives to lead you know
Now I will watch their children grow
and hear again, Ave Maria
Ave Maria

Then I will feel the deepest joy
Yes, I'll kiss them all for momma
and I'll feel so proud
that I made the wish come true
for momma

Still this seems so small
for all
she did for me

RAY STEVENS - GITARZAN

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He's best known for his grammy winning hits "Everything Is Beautiful" and his country version of "Misty", but I remember Ray Stevens best for his 60's comedy hit "Gitarzan".  He is a talented musician, songwriter, and live performer who had a long run in his theater in Branson, Missouri.  His Album, "Best Of Ray Stevens" has a little bit of music for everybody's taste.

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TOM RUSH - THE REMEMBER SONG

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