happenstance home

Actually, I really want to write about the Goat Rodeo Sessions today.




My sister introduced me to the music of Chris Thile more than a few years ago.   Fielder, Josh, Noah, and I have enjoyed his concerts in Ann Arbor as Chris Thile, and with his band The Punch Brothers.  Last night along with my mom and sister I saw him in his newest group - The Goat Rodeo Sessions.  We saw them at Meadowbrook - the weather was amazing (high 70's all evening) - the crickets were loud.  It was the most peaceful concert I have ever been to.  At one point I just laid back on my blanket - shut my eyes - and just enjoyed the perfection of the evening.

The Goat Rodeo includes the following musicians:

Chris Thile
Yo-Yo Ma
Stuart Duncan
Edgar Meyer
and with Aoife O'Donovan (on some of the songs vocals)
You have to listen to her voice.  Just beautiful.

It is really hard to choose which video to put here so I picked one with Chris and Aoife.



The concert ended with them singing a song called All Through The Night.  Check it out on iTunes.  It was the perfect ending.

Here is a longer video about how The Goat Rodeo came to be.  It includes some of what is in the video above.



 I am addicted.  If you like  The Goat Rodeo Sessions also be sure to check out all of Chris Thile's music.  He is unique, and his songs are interesting and different.

Thanks for reading!  It's kinda funny because on one of my recent posts I have something like 1070 views and one comment.  It's sometimes hard to be a blogger out here.  Say hello if you stop by.  I love reading your comments :)

 

I don't know about you, but I find it exciting when someone takes something that is crumbling, and restores it to it's former glory - or in this case maybe even made it better than it originally was.

This story in our local paper is a very inspiring example.


I have fallen hard for the exterior colors they chose.  The blooming tree out front just adds to it's charm.

This home is located in the Franklin Boulevard Historic District in Pontiac.  Prior to 1920 this was a private residence - in 1954 it became an office for Catholic Social Services.  The new owners have restored the property, and it is now The Murphy House Bed and Breakfast.   They hold public and private events - tea parties are also an option.  They have also restored another home on this same street where they run a gallery. 

I had a friend back in high school that lived on one of the historic streets in Pontiac.  Her house had two lion statues at the end of her drive.  There are unexpected historical treasures that truly exist in this town.   If you know the Pontiac area this would probably not be the first thought you would have.  There also exists some very rough sections.  Next time I drive by I will take some photo's of the homes.  They are truly beautiful - they just don't make homes rich with this much character and thought anymore.

For more information on this property and their gallery visit:

www.galleryboulevard.com
www.murphyhousebb.com

What do you think?  Do you love it? 

Hello!

It's hard to believe another week has slipped by.

I went to a nice BBQ at my neighbors last week.  His name is Hans and he makes the BEST ribs ever.  He really needs to open up The Swedish Ribshack.  He uses a dry rub, and they are amazing.  His youngest lives in Sweden and was home for a visit - he shared with me photos from his trip to South Africa.  He worked at a wildlife park for 2 weeks so lots of Cheetah pics.  They were stunning photos. 

Saturday I went with my sister to a beer festival in Ypsilanti.  So much fun.  You receive tokens, and trade them in for tastes.  I'm no beer expert, but I always like the beers from Dark Horse Brewing Company in Marshall MI. They had 99 different beers to choose from.  I had all my tastes except one from there.  I got the lone other taste from Bells - it was Bell's Blacknote.

The Dark Horse beer names I tried (they are fun names so why not share) :
Whatsupwiththemonkey Blueberry Ale
Perkulator coffee Dopplebock - Oh so good!
The Mighty Peach Basil Ale
Where The Wild Things Macerate Raspberries Sour Ale
Bourbon Barrel Plead The Fifth Imperial Stout - LOVED! Had 2.

Last year they had one named What's Up Doc - It was a carrot cake beer - it was my favorite last year.

On to more dog things ... 

As you might know our dog is pretty special around here.

I just got her a new ID tag, and it's cute enough to share.


Rockin' Doggie - I'm loving their alphabet tags - 3 sizes - many colors - solid or glitter.  We went with the purple glitter in the medium size.  Noah picked out her polka dot collar at the local pet store.


Closer view.  With my love of letters I'm finding it perfect.


While looking up the tags I ran across another collar I really like, and some neat hooks you can use on your collar so you can switch your tag easily from one collar to the next.  I'm thinking if I was going to buy more tags I would buy them at this website - http://www.shopmimigreen.com/

Here are a few reasons -





Rubits tag holders - clip them to your dogs collar  - slip on their tag - then it's really easy to change their ID from one collar to another.  I know I always have the hardest time sliding GG's tag onto that holder on her collar.  I'm really liking this idea.


Lastly, really nice leashes.

So many happy prints to choose from.

Yesterday I had lunch with one of my friends.  Went shopping at the GAP which I haven't done in ages.  Bought some funky pants.  Why not!





Today is more shuttling N to basketball camp, and later dinner with more of my friends.  FUN!

Hope all is well.