Another long catch-up. Last week there was a flurry of Nadine activity, even if it was interspersed with periods on the couch. Ups and downs and activities.
The fiddle camp continued through the week. Nadine could hear it right from her bed. I was happy to be invited to accompany the kids on their large-group performance, and it was a treat to get to rehearse and play with such enthusiastic young people. The rehearsals were right where we were staying -- the concerts were at the school plus a nursing home and the Genesee Village and Museum Fiddlers' Faire -- all fun.
On Thursday, although she felt wretched during the early part of the day and her counts were down, Nadine still went with me to have ice cream at Brewster's with Claire and Betty, then I went home and Nadine went to Claire's house for for an (allegedly) quiet dinner. It was one of the last times for her to get together with Claire before Claire left for College last Sunday.
Nadine wanted to go to the contra dance with Claire and Sylvia, assuring me she'd take it easy; Nor'Easter was performing -- they're a refreshingly young (20s?) band from Boston. I'd thoroughly enjoyed seeing Julie Vallimont, their friendly and vivacious keyboardist, whom we'd first met at Ooh La La festival in Ways Mills, Quebec. Nadine had played with Cedar, their fiddler, at Flurry and NEFFA.
I was mixed about Nadine going, but she wanted to see that band, and also Claire and Sylvia were leaving soon for college. I had a choice. I could forbid her to go even though the medical people hadn’t objected; I could have sat stony-faced at the dance and glared at her; or I could just “let it be” and enjoy myself too. I chose to enjoy. It was a treat for me to see my friend (Sylvia's mom) Sue Klassen there, and other friends. The band really was amazing, including sets consisting of hot reels rolling in as great surprises after cool jigs.
Claire, Sylvia and Nadine were all out on the dance floor -- a threesome of close friends. Nadine made it through about 3 dances in her graceful way. She actually sat out in the middle of the third dance, which impressed me -- she really does pay attention to her body. As for me, I danced, danced, danced. We were planning on leaving after the break, but somehow we stayed on and made it through the end of the dance; Nadine really did take it easy; she did dance the last waltz. I got a video of her dancing one of the contra dances.
After the dance, however, both Nadine and I were concerned we'd stayed too late. Then, I couldn't find my car keys; after I found them, my car battery was dead (okay okay, I'd left the keys in the ignition), and the car had to "jumped". It was about midnight or later when we got home.
Nadine had a serious episode of panic terrified that she'd stayed too late and might get sick. I felt bad about having allowed it, and we had a subdued journey to bed. I guess it was inevitable that something like that could happen -- it felt pretty awful..
Friday morning, mercifully, she felt no bad effects, and had pleasant memories of the night before. Truthfully, so did I..
I’d invited the whole band Nor’Easter to visit us that morning -- they came around 11AM . Bouncy, wonderful folks. We gathered in the kitchen and started playing.(hurray for the piano in the kitchen). Nadine came down and brought her flute, and we played together -- Andrew and Noah joined us. Later on Nadine played one of her groove-style percussive originals and Max, the amazing mandolin guy, did the best groove-back-up I’ve ever heard with that piece. The two were AMAZING together. There were mixtures of music and lively conversation. Meanwhile the “kids” at the camp were outside on their lunch break, adding to the party atmosphere.
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Friday night Nadine had her first night away from me since this she was diagnosed -- a sleep-over with Sylvia, with Claire visiting too before leaving to get ready for her going-away party. It went without mishap, although I called frequently to check up on her. My trust in Sue kept me somewhat “even”. The next day, Sylvia and Nadine worked on presents for Claire, and went shopping again -- Sue made sure they limited the time spent in Goodwill.
I took a long sunny drove to Genesee Country Museum alone to accompany the kids atr the Fiddlers' Faire, A long sunny drive, a fun place, and lots of fiddling. The concert was fun and reminded me of what I love. fterwards I played “tourist”, first touring the museum. On the way home.I stopped at a small festival in Scottsville, happy to be able to do some solitary wandering in the parched heat before returning.
That afternoon, I joined Nadine at Claire’s going-away party (Claire was leaving for college the very next day) and it was one amazing celebration. People were streaming around the lawn, by the lake, in the house, friendly and happy; much yummy food. The usual gaggle of teens was present, with someone on the swing, people in a circle, a group playing volley-ball. Betty presented the gorgeous quilt she’d made for Claire along with many others; I’d contributed a few stitches. Margaret, who was Claire’s theory teacher as well as being Nadine’s composition teacher, was there and got to meet our homeschooling friends. The party went on into dinner and more socializing. There were pictures of Claire at all ages. I have warm feelings for many of the people there -- there were a few I had wanted to get to know better, and this was able to happen..
Nadine was having a fine time bouncing responsibly in her flowing silk scarf. She even went down to the lake with the other teens, wading a little -- she couldn’t go in even close to all the way. Finally people left, hugging Claire one by one. I got my hug. Nadine and Sylvia were the last teens to leave, with special warm hugging, and finally we left.
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