Toto, I'm in Kansas!

Yesterday was mostly a long travel day. But it started with a dress rehearsal: one of my students has a senior recital on Saturday, and we set her final run-through for Wednesday at 11am since I would be in Kansas all of Thursday and Friday. We had an audience, since one of the faculty brought her class in to watch. Things went well. I took advantage of the time we had to run one number twice, and fiddle with the positioning of the piano. My student has blossomed vocally this Fall, and it was a treat to hear her fill the hall with rich and solid sound.

The atmosphere on campus was electric. In particular the support staff, all hispanic, were elated. I did fist bumps with everybody and learned to say "Si se puede!"

I ran over to the faculty cafeteria and scarfed lunch, and then drove to LaGuardia Airport. My Western Wind colleagues were still on their election highs and mostly outfitted in Obama t-shirts. Even with the rain it was a truly beautiful day. Our first flight was to Atlanta. I sat in the emergency row and reaped my reward -- legroom (and an empty seat beside me)! The 757 had trouble with its transponder so there was no TV. I read a bit and dozed. Why I risked the takeout sushi in Atlanta airport I'll never know, but it was just about the worst thing I have ever eaten. The flight to Kansas City was packed like an anchovy tin, and, for the descent portion of the flight, quite bumpy. I am doing somewhat better with my flying phobia, but this was kinda hard. EZL and I got into a rental car and set off for Baldwin City. We bought food at a gas station. What I said about that sushi? The chicken salad sandwich was worse! Fritos, however, can be depended upon. An hour of high-stress driving in heavy rain later we got to The Lodge, our motel. And I fell into bed and to sleep.

This morning I awoke really early, still on Eastern time, and wandered over to the family restaurant next door to the motel. The food was a major improvement on yesterday's adventures... mediocre is GOOD. LC and I sat and talked. TF and BZ joined us. It is amazing how all moods seem lifted by the election. I walked to Baker University, where we are singing tonight, and found the library so I could get online. There is a stream emerging from a spring right outside the library, a lovely sight as it meanders across the campus. It is a glorious day, perfect autumn air. The trees are past their colors here but the sky is just fine. Downtown Baldwin City is pretty slim pickin's: a couple of gas stations, a burger take-out place and a Kwik-Mart (sorry, Apoo). But the college is handsome and I am looking forward to our work with the students this afternoon and our concert tonight.