What a great two days! Friday morning came oh so early. Managed to get the girls off to school and on toward the gym. Rode the bike for a while and enjoyed yoga class. Only 7 students, so we were able to have a "wall" class wherein yoga becomes even more 3 dimensional as you can use the wall for stretching and support. Came home as planned in anticipation of Terminix for the regular 3 month drill. One thing about the south, having an exterminator visit is in no way an indication of poor housekeeping skills! Not that mine are great, but anyone who can has they guy come out with his various potions. Meanwhile, the men coming to take away the playset in the backyard were also here. At 9 and 12 the girls were no longer using the equipment and we were planning on posting fliers with a photo -- "free" just come and get it. My cousin let her neighbors know and they were interested, so they rented a trailer and showed up. I hope they're able to put it back together again! The girls really enjoyed it while it was here, but the backyard looks so empty without it.
Next stop for me was to pick up the girls for a bit of time at home. Then we dressed and attended the Friday evening ONEG service at Temple Sinai in New Orleans. Maggie's good friend celebrated her Bat Mitzvah this weekend and we were invited to attend the service and the following dinner. Never having been to one before, we were quite interested in attending and seeing Maggie's friend reading the Hebrew during part of the service. Dinner at a local Chinese restaurant followed which, of course, was wonderful.
Saturday morning saw us dressing up again for the Bat Mitzvah service itself. Maggie's friend led the bulk of the service, chanting the Hebrew. Her school friends sat in the front two rows in support for her. I was amazed. She attended 2 years of Hebrew school in preparation and it was lovely. The Cantor at the congregation has a wonderful voice and was wonderful to listen to as well as to sing with (although I didn't see much of an improvement in my Hebrew!). When the service was over it was absolutely pouring rain outside, creating difficulties for all inside as it had been quite sunny when we arrived. The kids were taking a bus over to the luncheon, so Maggie went with them. Tom ran across the street and drove our car up to the doorway (thankfully we'd been able to park nearby!). And we were thankful that his suit was lined, so although he got wet, it didn't seem to affect his comfort level too much. Abby and I were able to get into the car without getting too wet (thanks Tom!). We then went to the luncheon. We were seated at a table with many of the parents from the school -- poor Tom was the only male in attendance -- he is truly a good sport! After this we headed home for a bit of rest.
In the evening, Maggie and I attended the party. This was held at a facility near the French Quarter. We rode with a neighbor/friend. I am definitely feeling old as the volume of the music seemed so loud! I sat with several of the other mom's at a table and had a wonderful time. The food was good, the dancing was fun for those that dance (I was forbidden to dance), and the highlight was a video. For her Bat Mitzvah project the girl raised money and collected food for the SPCA and other local animal shelters. The video began by showing photos of her at various life stages with family and friends. Then she spoke about her project and thanked us all for supporting her. At the end her family and friends danced to "YMCA" substituting lyrics about the "SPCA". They were all in various costumes and it was filmed all over New Orleans. Maggie had been asked to participate, so it was special for me to see her in it! I came home a bit early, leaving Maggie in the care of our neighbor. She got home about 11:30. Not late as in the "latest I've ever been out", but late for my current custom in life. THANKS to all who provided so much fun, demonstrated so much love, and welcomed us to participate in so many ways.
This morning Maggie went to church with me. I think we're both sleepy! Heading to a re-scheduled piano lesson in about 20 minutes, then quiet for the rest of the holiday. No plans for tomorrow aside from attempting to sleep in, and, if it works out, doing the weekly grocery run. Hope you all enjoy your holiday!
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