One of the burning questions (in some circles) is whether to accept compensation for blogging. Some say it is reasonable to be paid for writing, and (especially if you are open about it) claim that it does no harm. Others feel that being remunerated for blogging (especially posts which recommend or review products) can create a conflict of interest and may compromise the integrity of a blog.

For many, this is a moot issue: nobody will pay them for blogging, so it doesn’t really matter which side they choose. Until recently, I fell squarely into this category … but no longer. In Kathy’s quest for sleep, her desperation has reached new levels, and she is now offering payment in poker chips, which I can redeem for additional computer-game playing time.

Here’s the pay scale:

• a basic, no frills blog = a 1/2 hour chip
• a good post = a 1 hour chip
• a really top-notch, world-class entry = a 2 hour chip

“But I don’t really have anything to say,” I demurred.

“Look, do you want the chip or not?” Kathy challenged.

Truth be told, I’ve burned through nearly the whole week’s poker chip allotment, and there are two more days before my supply is renewed … I need the chip. It is in this way that even the loftiest ethical standards can be eroded. The problem is, there really are two things I’d like to write about, and I don’t have anything particularly witty to say about either. I guess I’ll just pick one, knowing I’m doomed to a half-hour chip.

The Best Piano Recital, Ever

Today we hosted a piano recital at our home, with Rachel, Daniel and David performing to a small audience entirely comprised of family members. As was confirmed by several of the spectactors, “It was the best recital, ever.” I’m sure it had very little to do with the fact that it was also one of the very shortest recitals, ever.

Kathy whipped out a programme, to add a touch of class.

Rachel has been taking piano lessons from Mrs. Nancy, as arranged by my Mom. In many ways, the whole thing has been very painless for us — my parents pay for the lessons, and they even arranged for a piano to be delivered to our home (since we left ours in the Duckabush). Rachel has made good progress, and we’re very proud of her, although she speaks in considerable self-deprecation and sometimes dreads her lessons (especially when she hasn’t practiced).

Having Mamie and Grandad here to witness the recital was a great treat.

Recently, there has been a new development: David became interested in the piano. Rachel would call David to sit by her when it was time for her to practice, and he started to pick out simple songs on the piano. The next thing we knew, he had somehow wheedled lessons out of Mrs. Nancy (and Grandma) and was playing from his own little songbooks.

David takes his role of piano student very seriously.

Not to be left out, Daniel began to attempt songs from David’s book, apparently belonging to the self-taught school of piano mastery. And so we had three performers in today’s recital. Each of the three made selections from among their favorites, and (after a short introduction), played away happily, basking in the adulation of all four of their grandparents.

Daniel couldn’t let his little brother surpass him in musical achievement …

A Cream Puff improves any recital, in my opinion.

My Mom brought her famous chocolate-drizzled cream puffs, which contributed substantially to the success of the event. She also brought each of the budding musicians a gift, which brightened their day considerably. Indeed, each of the kids wanted to play their selections a second time, once they got over their initial nervousness.

Rachel received the coveted ‘canned raccoon’, a prize she has sought for several years.

We clapped and took pictures and munched happily on cream puffs, swapping stories of recitals we had attended. My sister Posie figured prominently in some of these tales, to the great interest and amusement of the children. I managed to play the one song I know on the piano, although Mom put a bag over my head in the middle of the piece, which (I felt) somewhat lessened the dignity of the moment.

Rachel was quite glad to be done with the whole ‘ordeal’.

Feel free to comment on how the subtleties of wit and phraseology of this post combine to make it worthy of a full hour chip.

Tim
Project 366, Day 38

I’m afraid we’re much too busy having fun with Mamie and Grandad to find much time for blogging. I will, of course, share a few pictures.

We opened presents, read books and played games today. The girls even got in some shopping (and coffee).

It wouldn’t be a proper visit with Mamie and Grandad if we didn’t get in a little swimming so after a dinner out, we all headed to the hotel.

We are trying to savor every moment together. A Happy Valentine’s Day indeed!!

Kathy
Project 366 - Day 45

My parents arrived this evening for a short visit. They spent last week with my dad’s two siblings (and their wives) in Jamaica.

Suffering for the Lord, I’m sure.

We realized it has been Eight Months since we’ve seen them. That’s too long!!

We all went to the hotel to greet Mamie and Grandad. David was so excited he could hardly contain himself. “This is a really nice place, isn’t it, Mom?”

I am falling asleep as I type so I had better say goodnight before I end up with something VERY embarrassing.

I’ll have more pictures to post tomorrow….

Kathy

Although our neighborhood is green and slightly muddy, there was definitely some snow out on the property where we went to celebrate Grandpa’s birthday. Nothing like a little snow to bring out the kid in, uh, the kids.

That’s just brilliant. It’s obviously past my bedtime.

David and Daniel did some sledding on the deck while Sarah watched from inside. Who needs a hill when you can sled on the porch?

I managed to stay inside, cozy on the couch, and visit with Tim’s mom. She prepared a delicious birthday dinner for us - pork roast with vegetables, twice baked potatoes, green salad with avocados and hard boiled eggs, acorn squash, and rolls.

How does she make it all look so effortless?

Eventually the screams of the children drew me outside, with my camera of course. Because if there’s going to be a traumatic accident involving little kids and a not-so-frozen-pond, I want to catch it on film.

The screams turned out to be cries of joy. Daniel and Rachel had discovered a new game called Break the Ice. They would walk across the frozen pond, find a weak spot in the ice, smash it with their boots, and then laugh uproariously as they crashed down into the cold water.

Doesn’t that sound like fun?

Thinking back to my warm, cozy spot on the couch, I couldn’t quite understand the charm of the game. I did, however, manage to sneak in a few pictures. Sarah and David stayed on the edges and watched.

Later the big kids played a long game of Guesstures. Joshua had a CIT (counselors in training) meeting in the afternoon so he was busy until dinner. We brought three friends from “the big city” with us to join the collection of counselors. Grandma and Grandpa were gracious to include some extra teenagers in the birthday celebrations.

There was a delicious cake for dessert.

Nothing like a little Pick Up Stix acupuncture to go with Black Forest cake.

It was a whirlwind visit - yummy food, games, snowball fights, laughter, and birthday wishes.

Kathy

Today we celebrated Tim’s father’s birthday. What a precious gift it is to have such a godly man as my father-in-law and the grandfather of my children.

Happy Birthday, Dad!!

More pictures tomorrow - I took a few while we were enjoying our day.

Okay, more than a few, something close to 300. What can I say, I spent the afternoon playing with my camera. I’ve lost my user’s guide and am a frustrated novice, randomly shooting pictures and pushing buttons on the camera.

Kathy
Project 366 - Day 34