Not in Kansas Anymore

This past weekend Sandra, Pam, and I traveled to Tampa/Clearwater to be a part of Sharon's four performances of the "Wizard of Oz." It was a fabulous production with a cast of over 40 and an additional 15 or so stage crew. The colorful set and costumes were complimented by the fresh approach to the familiar story.

Sharon is giving some last minute instructions to her cast.
Here the Munchkins are excited because Dorothy's house has landed on the Wicked Witch of the East. In this scene they sing and dance to a cool arrangement of "Ding, Dong the Witch Is Dead" intermingled with "Celebrate Good Times."
Everybody loved this scene where the crows taunt the scarecrow. The crows danced as the scarecrow sang, "Shake a Tailfeather." The Tin Man sings "If I Only Had a Heart."

Arriving at Oz.

Somehow, in the midst of all the performances we did find some time to enjoy Florida. Friday morning we all went for a walk on the causeway, and then Sunday evening after Pam left to go back to Charlotte we went to Honeymoon Island to watch the sunset.

Teacher's Lounge Makeover

Since I consulted with several people on ideas for this project, I thought I'd post some pictures of the outcome. Just finished redecorating the teacher's lounge at Northside Christian Academy. It had been 15 years since originally furnished and in recent years had begun to look bedraggled, plus it had become a dumping ground for assorted equipment. It was fun to clear it out and try to make it an attractive, restful retreat for the teachers.

I love representational pieces such as the picture above the chairs. Found it at Hobby Lobby as a poster and I put it in a ready-made frame. Much cheaper than buying already framed art. But the best part - the title showing underneath the three trees is, "Standing Together." It also reminds me of Psalm 1:3. Check it out.
The plaque on the wall by the door has one of my favorite verses, Psalm 19:14, "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeember."

One of my favorite pieces, I actually didn't capture in the picture - the area rug. I got a great deal on it at Rug and Home Outlet in Gaffney. It's a contemporary design fitting the rest of the room and has color blocks of tan, black and the wine color of the loveseat. It helped tie the colors of the room together.

Most of you know that I don't consider myself a decorator, not by any stretch of the imagination. But this was a chance to try something I knew I couldn't do without the Lord's help. He's truly the Master Artist.

More Birthday Re-Cap

Last weekend, 4/11-4/12, we went to Raleigh to hang out with the kids and celebrate Scott's birthday. Leigh Anna wasn't able to come in from Raleigh. We missed her! For dinner Friday night we went to the Angus Barn where the guys all got their red meat fix.

Bennett is thinking, "Only three candles? He looks a bit older than that."

The girls provide all the entertainment that we could possibly want.

After the meal, our waitress, Florence, took the girls back into the kitchen and fixed them some ice cream. It was fascinating to see all the cooks working over the prep areas and the hot grills.

Happy Birthday Papa Squat!

To most people April 15 is income tax day. But here at Renstromania, it's double birthday time! Scott and his mom both share April 15 as a birthday. So.... just for the occasion, I'm actually creating a new blog! Here's a picture of Mimi Renstrom holding Greta when we were down in FL visiting in January. Greta got to help pick oranges and grapefruits from Mimi and Papa Renstrom's trees.

Here's the birthday boy with Bennett. Scott enjoys being a grandfather as much as anything he's ever experienced. He's never happier than when both girls are in his arms. Last weekend we enjoyed some time in Raleigh with Bennett and Greta and their parents. Today Bennett called (with the help of her mommy) and said, "Happy, Happy Poppy!"

Still one of the favorite girls in his life, Leigh Anna poses with Scott in front of a wine rack somewhere; but as far as I know, they're both drinking ice tea. Speaking of birthdays, in a few weeks Leigh Anna will be twenty and we will no longer have a teenager in our family. Now that makes us feel old!

One final birthday note - Today at my office at church a bouquet of flowers was delivered. Inside was a card from Scott that said, "Because of you all my birthdays are happy ones!" How's that for sweet? And.. how many men send their wives flowers on their own birthdays?

Happy Birthday Scott! - from Susan

Happy Birthday Papa Squat! - from Daniel, Danielle, Adam, Nat, and Leigh Anna

Happy Happy Poppy! - from Bennett and Greta