Parties, Concerts, Et Cetera

I love that our Sunbrook community has occasional get-togethers so we can get to know our neighbors  

and also socialize with our old friends. 

Mary and Bob Brady have left on their third mission, as of this writing, 

so we were glad we got to enjoy their company at this Sunbrook Hawaiian dinner and program.

We were entertained by a great Polynesian dance troop.

Craig Jessop is my dear friend from 100 years ago (well, I guess it was over 50 years ago) 

when we sang in USU Balladiers together.

For ten years he was the director and conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, 

and I think many would agree that it was the best they ever sounded, under his inspired baton. 

He recently came to St. George as a guest conductor 

of all of the southern Utah area Chamber singers and A Cappella groups. 

Each group performed a couple numbers with its conductor, 

then Craig directed five numbers that each group had previously worked on. 

All filled the stage at the Dixie Cox Auditorium at the end of the program 

and made marvelous music together with this gifted musician.

Roger and I went back stage afterwards to say hello.

We were so delighted to see each other, and he did a very touching and gallant thing. 

He pulled out one of the roses from the flowers the singers had presented to him at the end of the program 

and handed it to me.

Three years ago, my friend from Ogden who moved to St George, Kathy Jensen and I, 

started a little book club with some of the other St. George Ogdenites and Snowbirds. 

It varies who is in town and who can come, but each month we meet at a restaurant 

and discuss the book we have chosen, and truthfully, we mostly just chat and enjoy each others' company.

Kathy and Judy 

Mary Lou and me

Last book club until next fall

We hosted one last Aggie Night before the Bradys left for Africa on their mission. 

We had a casual dinner of grilled hamburgers, baked beans, tomato bruschetta, green salad and deviled eggs 

and ice cream cones for dessert.

And we played a round each of Five Crowns and The dice game (no one knows what it is called!).

We enjoy each others' company so much 

and we will miss the Bradys!

Our son, Ryan invited us to come to Mesa for the Spring MCO Concert, which I always rave about, 

with the combined choirs of hundreds of voices that are directed 

by the two gifted Stewart brothers.

One of the highlights was Brandon Stewart playing with the orchestra 

Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2, 

often described as the finest piano concerto ever written. 

It was 17 minutes plus of memorized magnificence!

Best Bud Maddy comes every time to hear cousin Ben

Emily, Roger and I dropped in to Ryan's office to see his new large family portrait hanging in his personal office. 

I should have taken a pic of that - it is beautiful. We are so proud of the wonderful Woman's Center 

that he has designed and set up, with the atmosphere being very non-threatening, soothing and comforting. 

His skilled hands have helped many women.

The timing of the concert was great. We got to see Pete and his date head off to the Junior Prom, 

Pete's last dance before he graduates.

Ryan and Emily took us out for a delicious dinner in Scottsdale Friday night 

to celebrate their 20th Wedding Anniversary.

Ben played us the piece he has been working on as we were getting ready to leave 

to drive back to St. George on Saturday morning.

It was a quick but wonderful visit with Ryan, Emily and family.

They treated us like royalty and we love to catch up with the kids!

Ever since we moved to St. George over 14 years ago, Roger and I have looked forward 

to attending Keynotes concerts and they have greatly enriched our lives. 

The Spring Concert was wonderful with the theme, The Gifts God Gives Us. 

I love the beautifully-blended harmony! Each member has a lovely voice, 

some having solo voices a little more than others, and I enjoy their solos, 

but when they sing in full harmony together, the angels are singing! 

I am so proud of my sister, Kay. Being the leader and a member 

of such an outstanding musical group has been and is a real act of charity. 

They sing at nursing homes and assisted living centers,

bringing moments of joy to others, 

and, I know, to our mom and dad.

It is the times that family and friends come together, 

sharing music, laughter and love 

that make our lives richer.