JANUARY 2008 GUESTBOOK
CELEBRATING ANDRE RIEU & HIS JOHANN STRAUSS ORCHESTRA
!! WELCOME TO 2008 !! AndreRieuFans.com Guestbook
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THE JOY OF ANDRE RIEU & HIS JSO
Me First. We can now say that we (in Australia) will be seeing Andre this year.
HAPPY NEW YEAR to Andre', his orchestra, his family and all his fans! Hopefully I will get to see him again this year, not sure if he is coming to Michigan in '08. If not, I will catch him the next time he comes to Michigan. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!
Only 317 days to go!!! Yippee!!!! Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide , and hopefully Perth here we come. I'm sure these venues and their staffs don't know what there in for but we will be having a wow of a time and I'm sure it will be contagious.
I hope this year will be filled with many new RIEU experiences. Even better than last year (and that was pretty good)! Seeing André and Co live in concert, meeting new fans over the internet, Meeting new fans in person who then become friends, learning more about André and anything to do with him.
I hope to make a scrapbook about André and the JSO.
I may even learn more computer skills as I did in 2007 because I needed them for André research!!!
To all who contribute, monitor and read this site may I wish you a Very Happy New Year. Keep up the good work. Thanks
Dear Friends. A happy New Year to everyone. Watched the "new" ball" drop
down the pole in Times Square. Got my
station from Detroit so it was early. It's still 2007 in Southern Alberta. close to an hour to go. ABC had the Dick Clarke show, which has been on for some 35 years & I've watched most of them. The new ball is many facets of
pressed glass or maybe cut glass. It really has a lot of color changes, & is environmentally friendly, in that is a low consumer of power. One word comes to mind that kind of fits. Awesome. A
million people in the square itself, & what the TV audience would be I have heard no estimate, but I bet it was up there at the top of the heap. Now we can all get back to normal, until next year. I do hope that everyone has a good year without too many glitches, Had a few last year myself, so wouldn't mind a little smooth sailing. Love to all Marianne
Happy New Year to André and his musical family (even though it isn't quite 2008 in California yet) and to all André fans the world over! Since he probably won't be in California in 2008, I'll be traveling to New York in May to see him and the JSO in Long Island. It will be my second concert and I can't wait!! A great big thank you to everyone who keeps this website going and keeps us up to date on all things André.
My Wish for You in 2008
May peace break into your house and may thieves come to steal your debts. May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet for $100 bills. May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips! May your clothes smell of success like smoking tires and may happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy. May the problems you had, forget your home address!
My husband and I are great fans of Andre. Is it at all possible for Andrea and his orchestra to visit New Zealand, possibly after his Australian tour? Travel and accommodation costs are beyond our reach and we would dearly love to hear Andrea. It would be lovely to hear from Andre. Regards Maureen
Andre brought the MUSIC to the people ! LOVELY You must have heard this complement a 100 ++++ times !
Which one of the sopranos was doing the Peu Jesu with Akim ?
South Africa cannot afford Andre and I cannot afford Andre BUT I BUY ALL YOUR DVD 's
Chris, that was Carla Mafioletti, from Brazil. Wasn't it beautiful? Kati
Hi Chris, that would be Carla Mafioletti and it is on the DVD "New York Memories". I do hope Andre can get to your country sometime. I hope you have a very Happy New Year. Hugs to you
lo! I'm Kim and my entire family loves Andre Rieu and we watch it whenever he appears on TV! We also have most of his DVD'S! My youngest sister who is 14, like Andre, plays the violin however, it is purple! She loves music and the music Andre Rieu makes with the orchestra! Unfortunately we missed out getting tickets for the Sydney concert. My question is, will there be another Sydney concert due to the overwhelming response? Thank you for making music fun!
Start the New Year with Carla Maffioletti in Limburg!
January 22 & 24, 2008 22 en 24 januari 2008,
Vanwege de enorme belangstelling heeft de werkgroep bestaande uit een afvaardiging van de Kirchroätsjer Vasteloavendsverain, Parkstad Limburg Theaters en Kerkraads Symfonie Orkest besloten een tweede uitvoering te organiseren. Naast de gebruikelijke donderdag zal het konzëet ook op dinsdag worden gehouden. Data 22 en 24 januari 2008, aanvang 20.11 uur. De beperking van 2 kaarten maximaal per Vriendenkringlid komt hiermede te vervallen.
Thema van de konzëeten 2008: “Moezziek oes alle Ecke”. Het geheel staat onder leiding van Harmen Cnossen.
Presentatie is in handen van Fer Kousen.
Aan de concerten wordt onder meer medewerking verleend door de zanggroep Wiener Melange, de flamencogroep Goyescas en de Spaanse zanggroep Tuna de Maestricht en de sopraan Carla Maffioletti.
I thought Suzan and Carla were supposed to be touring together. Is this something separate for Carla? Do you have any info?
WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO APRIL 20, 2008. WE HAVE HAD OUR TICKETS TO SEE ANDRE AND ORCHESTRA SINCE THE FIRST DAY THEY WENT ON SELL. HE MISSED DALLAS IN 2007, SO WE ARE BLESSED TO HAVE HIM HERE THIS YEAR!!!
My Prayer for the New Year
For this New Year I pray:
that those we love will be better person because of this love.
that our enemies will become our friends.
that our pain will be turned to joy.
that the joy we find will be given in turn to others.
that those who see us will recognize us as a child of God.
that everything we do will make the world a better place.
that we realize as we try to get to the "top" we had to push someone out of the way.
that we find we are not responsible for the results, but we are responsible for the effort.
that as we grieve we realize that death is but a walk to the other side of the road.
that we realize that to experience music is to awaken another part of the soul.
that as our souls are awakened we will reach out to share ourselves with the world.
Thanks Jeanine Ann: This is really a nice prayer. Hope we all will try to remember it all year long. Happy New Year to all and my everyone and their families have a year full of happiness, peace and joy and also the beautiful music that Andre has given to us all. Lots of hugs. Aud
Happy New Year Everyone! Wishing everyone at the Andre Rieu Fans and Friends the happiest, healthiest, peaceful and prosperous New Year ever! We have so much to be thankful for!
Shirley, I was surprised too about how much Joshua Bell moved during his playing. I have two of his cds which I really love, Romance of the Violin and Voice of the Violin but have never "seen" him play before. I agree, it was a little distracting...I loved it in the first piece one of my favorites Rondo Capriciouso (didn't check the spelling!)but then I thought it became distracting....especially in Ravel's Tzigane...oh well.
You know, Jacqueline Du Pre was criticized for moving so much. However, with Jacqueline I felt differently about it. It seemed she was transported to another world and really could not help moving. With Bell, I felt different about it. I was very impressed however by the "color" he produced...it was very good....Maestro Maesel was superb! Watched Barber of Seville this a.m. Hysterical...giving the subtitles makes all the difference in the world. Public Television Thirteen will be giving opera all day (with subtitles) and then the Vienna Concert...WOW!
Much love to all and especially to my closest friends who've meant so much to me throughout the year...Love, L
At last Andre and his wonderful orchestra is coming to Australia but I have not heard any news of the Perth show. Please do not disappoint all of your Perth fans - please, please, please come to this beautiful State - you will not be disappointed!!
Dear Sally
We were introduced to Andre's "Flying Dutchman" DVD early in 2007 and were overwhelmed with his performance. We have since purchased all his available DVD's here in New Zealand and one by one all our friends, feeling as we do, have purchased the DVD's. It is obvious that, should Andre come to New Zealand, his venue/s would be sold out within a day!!! He is so popular here and sadly, it is beyond most people's reach, financially, to attend his European performances. My husband and I are in our 70"s, as are most of our friends. Our 40 year old children and grandchildren simply love it when we put on Andre's DVD's.
New Zealand is a wonderful country with many, many different contrasts in scenery. We pride ourselves on being a "clean, green"country with so much to offer the world. The country is very popular with European visitors, especially the young people backpacking and elderly people just visiting and soaking up the spectacular scenery New Zealand has to offer.
It is such a pity that Andre cannot perform for the thousands here in New Zealand following his Australian Tour, but hopefully we will be able to view his performances at the various stadiums in Australia on DVD.
If by any chance you (or anyone) are able to be in touch with Andre, please pass on New Zealand's best wishes and, of course, my very own.
Regards
Maureen
Andre is coming to Perth.
Ian Cameron announced on his radio show this morning that Andre would be coming to Perth on 1st December.
The venue will be SUBIACO OVAL.
Ian Cameron said the venue would be Members Equity Stadium, but I checked with them, and they said Subiaco Oval.
No ticketing details yet, but as soon as I find out more, will post here.
Trish
Hi
Wow Fantastic news
Kirsten
Perth
WA
Dear Friends. Jeanine Ann's prayer for the New Year is lovely & very profound.
This is one I shall try to commit to memory. I note the voting site is now open at Persoon vanhetjaar.nl. We need to get voting if we hope to have our Maestro person of the year two times running. The German site is still not
functional, & I do believe it is tied into the Dutch site, so I expect it will be available soon. My music station has already played a couple of Andre's recordings, so that is a great way to begin my day!! It has warmed up to above freezing, which is good for me
as the cold air makes me cough, so I don't go out when it is below zero Brr!!
Should invent some sort of mask to wear so I can breathe warmed air & I'm sure that would solve the problem. Will try
wearing a scarf across my lower face &
see if that improves the situation. The
best of good wishes, health & fortune to everyone. It is so great that the love & esteem with which we hold Andre
has spread among the members who write into the blog. so there is a love fest going on around the world, & that is a very good thing that kind of makes up for some of the bad stuff that is also part of our society. Love to all Marianne
Marianne, that is a lovely poem, in fact I need Jeanine Ann to send that to me so I can print it out! (hear that Ms Jeanine?).Gosh Marianne, how do you stand the cold?!We get cold but not as cold as you. Some years we have the below temps, last night was 13 & I thought I was gonna freeze to death!! I'm finding as I get older I detest the cold weather!!I don't like to breathe in the cold air either. I guess you could wear a ski mask but anymore they'd think you were a bank robber!
Darn, i wish our radio station would play Andre more often! Would save on the wear & tear on my cds! I did listen to "my" andre playing aimer, OMG, the beauty of that piece just does wonders for me!!!He plays it with such feeling.
Right on when you say "love fest around the world". Guess it will have to be "each one, teach one", then maybe..... thanx Marianne for your contributions to this blog. I learn a lot from you.
Ok Shirley will send it to you. I was inspired one day and wrote this and held on to it for the New Year!! Hugs
HI SHIRLEY AND ALL! I WORE THE SKIMASK, IT WAS SO COLD, SO MUCH SNOW, WITH THE BAD WIND, YOU DO NOT CARE, HOW YOU LOOK LIKE.
HERE IS MY POEM FOR YOU ALL!
A LITTLE MIXED UP
A LINE TO SAY I'M LIVING
THAT I'AM NOT AMONG THE DEAD
THOUGH I'M GETTING FORGETFUL
AND MIXED UP IN THE HEAD.
I'VE GOT USED TO MY ARTHRITIS
TO MY DENTURES,I'M RESIGNED
I CAN MANAGE MY BIFOCALS
BUT,OH GOD, I MISS MY MIND.
FOR SOMETIMES I CAN'T REMEMBER
WHEN I STAND AT THE FOOT OF THE STAIRS
IF I MUST GO UP FOR SOMETHING
OR, I'VE JUST COME DOWN FROM THERE.
AND BEFORE THE REFRIGERATOR, SO OFTEN,
MY POOR MIND IS FILLED WITH DOUBT
HAVE I JUST PUT FOOD AWAY, OR
HAVE I COME TO TAKE SOME OUT.
AND, THERE'S TIMES WHEN IT IS DARK
WITH MY NIGHTCAP ON MY HEAD
I DON'T KNOW IF I'M RETIRING
OR JUST GETTING OUT OF BED.
SO, IF IT'S MY TURN TO WRITE YOU,
THERE'S NO NEED YOU GETTING SORE,
I MAY THINK THAT I HAVE WRITTEN;
AND DON'T WANT TO BEA BORE;
SO REMEMBER, I DO LOVE YOU
AND I WISH YOU WERE NEAR;
BUT, NOW IT'S NEARLY MAIL TIME,
SO MUST SAY GOODBY DEAR;
INSTEAD OF MAILING YOU MY LETTER,
I HAVE OPENED IT INSTEAD.
KATI
HERE I STAND BESIDE THE MAIL BOX
WITH A FACE SO VERY RED
Don't have dentures yet, but can relate to most of the poem. I guess I don't miss what I don't know I missed. Am impatiently waiting for news about Andre in Central Park.
I DO NOT HAVE DENTURES EITHER YET, IT IS JUST HAD TO BE THE PART OF THE POEM!AFTER SO MUCH SNOW, HERE, GETTING A LITTLE BETTER, NOT SO LONG, NEXT ROUND IS COMING BY SUNDAY AFTERNOON! I HAVE TO KEEP IN SHAPE, FOR THE SHOVEL, THIS IS WHAT THIS COLORADO WEATHER DO TO YOU! OVER THE WEEKEND A MAIN HIGHWAY WAS CLOSED BOTH DIRECTION, BLIZZARD CONDITIONS, NOBODY COULD COME BACK TO THE CITY, HAD NO PLACE TO GO, HOTELS FILLED UP FADST, JUST OPENED IT UP YESTERDAY AFTERNOON! BUT, BECAUSE THE MILE HIGH CITY, IF THE SUN IS OUT, LOTS OF SNOW CAN MELT SO FAST, YOU DO NOT REMEMBER, YOU HAD ANY. THIS TIME, THE VERY STRONG WIND FROM THE NORTH MADE IT SO MISERABLE. KATI
I enjoyed this little poem and have passed it on to several close friends, so this poem is getting good milage and many more smiles. Thanks! By the way:
CONFUSIOUS SAY: " Getting old is mandatory! - Growing up is optional ".
Did I just say that??? hee-hee-hee
Dear friends Right now it is 3 above, but will drop overnight to minus 6. The wind chill at 5:10 P.M. is minus 7 on the celcius scale which is colder than the fahrenheit scale. Wish we still had that scale in Canada, but years ago it was decided by the powers that be that we should go metric Bah Humbug!! You dress for the weather, long-underwear,
heavy socks boots, a wind-proof jacket & vest underneath, plus some sort of head covering. Have a wool combo hood, &
scarf which works well. Just hate wearing anything on my head, Next week we should have a chinook, & the temp will be 10 above. Won't mind that a bit
& if it's too cold, I just stay home.
Usually have all I need in the cupboards
To-day, I made a beef stew. & when it is cooked will make dumplings. The diest just went that-away Ha Ha. No colds or flu so I am lucky, just allergies from the extreme dry air which I could cure by getting a humidifier, or just boil some water on the stove, which is on anyway. Love to all Marianne
Dear Kati, Don't often have back to back
messages, but I had to respond to your poem. It is so true, for me, get up to go do something & forget what I was about. At least I don't forget the really important things, so that's a blessing. Remembered to put all the stuff in the stew, even the spices, which have a bit of salt, but don't add any as that just plays havoc with the fluid retention & then the B.P starts going up & thats bad as I have that anerysm, which could blow if the blood pressure gets out of control, so I just have to watch the salt intake. Can have a very small bit, but I can even eat eggs any style without salt, but I can have pepper which adds flavor, so you do what you have to do. Went to a Church supper in mid-Dec, & everything was too salty, & it took a week to get that out of my system, so if I eat is restaurants, I tell them not to salt any of the food. Denny's chain is good as they don't cook or add salt to their
dishes. Good thing as most places are heavy handed with the salt. You soon find out where you can dine & where you can't!! Love to all Marianne
Hi Sally, for Aussies this year, how do we recognise another fan from this site at a concert. Is it a scarf or a coloured ribbon pinned to a collar or what. Is there something the fan club can generate that enables me to know that the person sitting beside me at Suncorp Stadium or in the train on the way to or from the venue is a fan from this site? Just a thought. Darcy
Hi Darcy
I think we should wear a purple tulip. The tulip is Dutch and André's tulip is purple so it makes sense. What do you think?
I'll be at Melbourne and Sydney.
Only 315 days to go!!!
thats an idea, simple enough to cut a tulip shape out of a piece of purple card. Would have to be light coloured enough to stand out though. Thank you Margaret S
Darcy
Greetings;
Has Andre Rieu considered a salute to American music, "for his American tour"? Music of Scott Joplin, "Rag-time" (The Entertainer, Mapleleaf Rag), John Philip Sousa (Stars and Stripes Forever), Glen Miller (In the Mood, String of Pearls), Benny Goodman (Sing-sing-sing), George M. Cohan (Over-there, Grand Old Flag, Give My Regards to Broadway) yet even Al Jolson hits (California Here I Come, Swanee, You Made Me Love You). Kind of like a trip through the years of the 1900's to the present. Most each song wound give his musicians a individual spotlight and show the diversity of each members talent.
Thank for the wonderful sounds.
Mike
What a wonderful ides. There is so much good American Music and Andre has proven that the JSO can handle it. Manoe can swing both instrumentally and vocally. So can many other members of the JSO. What an opportunity to show off the members of the JSO. Please, Andre, consider this plea from your fans in the goo old US of A,
And please make another stop in Albuquerque when my granddaughter is in town. I want to waltz with her to your wonderful music.
Grampa Mike
I would love to hear Marcel do Gene Krupa's drum solo from "Sing, sing, sing."
Grampa Mike
That would be great Grandpa Mike. Another one of my favorites is: I've Got A Gal In Kalamazoo. I've been so into retro lately. I love the Big Band - Swing Era music.
I've always been into Big Band/Swing. I recently went to my 50th high school reunion. It was great fun. One thing we all agreed on was that having Duke Ellington at our Senior Prom was truly special. We didn't get much dancing done - too busy listening to the Duke.
Grampa Mike
That sounds nice for you Mike. I am not into big bands at all. My husband loves them but I like more classics and of course Andre and his JSO. And I just love the violin and I also like the cello. I guess I like slower type music, except when I want to jitterbug
Hugs to all
Jeanne ANn
I am rather fond of the string bass. My mother, who was classically trained in voice and piano, was a big influence in my life. She loved Offenboch and Gilbert and Sullivan as well as the classics. She could never interest me in opera. Maybe if she had tried Die Fledermaus on me it might have taken.
My parents lived in the peak of the big band era and they loved the big bands. The Glenn Miller band was still big when I was in high school. It was tough keeping a large band/orchestra together in those days which is why Duke Ellington was playing High School proms. I would think that Andre would appreciate the problems they had but he seems to have figured out the magic formula.
Andre seems to like all sorts of music, not just Strauss. The JSO is filled with multi-talented people who seem to be able to handle anything he throws at them. It is wonderful to watch and listen to.
My own tastes are rather catholic. I can enjoy almost any type of music except hip-hop and rap and I'm not sure those classify as music.
Enjoy life and jitterbug away. Do you know if Andre or anyone from the JSO check this site?
Grampa Mike
Hi Mike, my mother was trained in voice and piano and so was I but lost it over the years. That is why I did both because of my mother. But as I got older I drifted toward the strings especially the violin. Never played any violin but I am going to learn (at my age) but who knows, even if I cannot play it I will enjoy trying. Besides I am so inspired by Andre that I can probably do anything. He does have multi-talented people in his JSO and I think they are all wonderful. I think too that Andre likes all types of music as long as it is well done. I love his brother Jean-Philippe's work on the piano. He has a beautiful CD out now called Azur which my sister and I have ordered. I have his song playing on my "MySpace" site (Azur) and it is wonderful song.
www.myspace.com/andrerieufriend Check it out when you have time.
I hope that someone from Andre's group checks out this site but not sure. Take care. Hugs
Hi There!
I checked out your my space and it's wonderful. I didn't know about your musical background, you hid that tidbit in Toronto. And, it means we have a lot to talk about re singing too. I saw you have a video of Paul Potts the British Tenor and rising star, he is good and sings a wonderful Nessun Dorma.
I think it is wonderful that you are inspired by Andre with the strings and decided to take lessons, we're never too old to learn. Andre's inspiration comes in many ways for me too but I love watching his singers and their technique as I think about my technique when watching them. German art songs have really grown on me just by listening to Andre's music. He brings the old country in a very modern way which says a lot about the music itself. I love them and him, what an inspiration huh? For the first time I can honestly say I love someone of whom I'm deeply inspired by musically. My acquaintances think I'm overly crazy but they just don't understand that level of respect I guess.
Hi Jeanine Ann
I actually took violin lessons when I was in elementary school. I, as always, was big for my age so I could use a full size instrument. There was a violinist named Florian Zavack (sp?) in those days who played in the pop genre who was my inspiration. I got as far as "Twinkle, twinkle little star" and then bailed out.
After my voice changed I went into singing. Chorus, choir and barbershop. I had a big bass/baritone and really enjoyed that.
Your myspace site is lovely. Visit my webpage at mike-allen.info and take a peek. You can see my wonderful grandkids among other things.
Love ya
Grampa Mike
Hi Mike,
That is great that you took violin lessons in school. Wish I would have but I was so into voice that I just didn't think of the violin. I always liked the instrument and played a lot of violin music (records) but then when I saw Andre attached to the instrument I really fell in love!!! So I am going to start lessons as soon as the violin arrives in the mail. I looked at one in a music store here but I can get a better deal on the internet, better violin with a horsehair bow rather than a synthetic bow. The music stores have a lot of overhead and of course you pay more. Since I am a beginner I do not want to pay a fortune for a violin but you know just holding that violin in the store was a thrill for me since I love it that much (or do I love Andre that much??) I guess both.
I will check out your "MySpace" page. Thanks for checking mine. Glad you like it. It is fun, Isn't it. Do you still do any singing?
Big hug to you.
Jeanine Ann,
I was lucky, I had an Aunt who had taken violin lessons and still had her violin. She loaned it to me.
I really had a rather privileged childhood. My father was a TV anchor in two major markets and got lots of free tickets to various events. As a result I got to see D'Oly Carte do HMS Pinafore (I love G&S), Had front row center seats for a recital by Carlos Montoya and see Bob Hope and Betty White in Roberta at the St. Louis Municipal Opera. Now there would be a venue for Andre and the JSO.
My website is not a MySpace page. Just a website for me to show off my family. Please enjoy it. I enjoy making it and keeping it up.
Don't sing much anymore except for my own enjoyment. 40 years of smoking have taken their toll.
Grampa Mike
The St. Louis Municipal Opera Andre and the JSO.
You St. Louisans out there, what do you think?
Grampa Mike
Hi Mike,
What is it, an article? Thanks
Sally - it is a link to the Muny web site. Giveslots of info about the Muny. You also chopped out my comments about the Muny
Grampa Mike
Darn. I just couldn't get the link to work right. It was too long for this format.
I wish there were mass transit for all cities. Alas, the one I live in has buses that run 99% empty and that's it. Not all bus stops have covers, most are just a sign. So if you go to the stop, you stand for however long it takes. I see a young woman as I drive home, sitting atop a fire hydrant, waiting for a bus. Rain, Blazing heat, and the occational nice day. If I win the Lotto, I'm buying a covered bench, just for her stop!!
Mike that is a great suggestion. I am not in St Louis, but do live in Mo. We have been to the park many times. I had an uncle who lived a block from the park and we would go to the zoo and to see the beautiful Jewel Box.We never did get a chance to go to Muny til years later when we took our daughter to the park.Even then we did not get the chance to see a concert, the lines were way too long for the free seats & we didn't want to wait. I had forgotten all about the Muny. I think it would be a great place for an Andre concert. The whole park is so beautiful, just a great setting for him. Actually it's bigger than Central Park in N. Y. Great idea, but I'll bet Andre is busy with other schedules in that part of the year as the Muny only runs from June til august. Gosh, you've just given me a wish to go see a concert at Muny. Thanks for the idea!
I haven't been to the Muny since, I believe, 1958. I think that is when Bob Hope and Betty White did Roberta.
I went to school at Rolla. My folks lived in St. Louis. My father was an anchor at KMOX-TV and KTVI.
St. Louis is a wonderful town for artistic events. I would love to see Andre at the Muny. I wonder if PBS in St. Louis has investigated this possibility. The Muny is the oldest, biggest and best outdoor venue in the country. It is made for Andre and the JSO. If it were to happen I would have to make a trip from New Mexico to see it.
Grampa Mike
Hi!
You're right Grandpa Mike, Hip-hop and rap is not music at all in my eyes and ears nor am I really fond of blues either. However, I do like the big band sound and the big band greats..Count Bassey, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller and I'm sure others but I only remember those names and hearing their music when I was a child from time to time. By far I think what Andre gives us music that will be here forever, waltzes will never leave this planet, it's universal and eternal because it coincides with the beat of the heart. Having an appreciation for different music is wonderful, what gets over for me is the melody and how it is written. I guess it's a heart thing.
That's something alright. The singer at my mother's prom was young and unknown. Johnny Mathis.
I just can't imagine things like that!
Am patiently waiting to hear when Andre' will be performing in Michigan again. Fall of '08 would be nice. I will be all moved and settled by then, lol.
André <~~~ Housewarming Gift for new move.
Sally, i do not like your storms, that is heading toward my direction! It means, lots of snow to shovel on my weekend again?? Kati
Kati, you know California..it likes to share things. Too much rain last week to be sure. Floods and power outtages.
I was ok, nothing happened in my area, but I did leave work early Friday due to road closures. Wanted to get home.
NOT REALLY, WE GOT JUST 4 FEET THIS WEEK.MORE COMING NEXT WEEK. YOU WOULD THINK, PEOPLE WOULD SLOW DOWN, AND NOT SLIDING DOWN FROM THE HILLS, NO, DRIVE TOO FAST, SO THEY HAVE TO PILE UP. AFTER TYHE FIRST, STAYED HOME FOR 1 WEEK, IT WAS SO BAD DRIVING.CALIFORNIA PEOPLE, PLEASE DO NOT BE SO GENEROUS!!OK? I DO NOT WANT THE MOISTURE HERE, AND SHOVELING SO MUCH SNOW! WE ARE ABOUT 158% OVER THE AVERAGE! KATI
New tickets must have been released for Brisbane as Ticketek site does not have allocation exhausted any more. Must keep checking for another concert in Sydney!!!
I'm wondering if there is a problem with the concert. Melbourne had a second date announced almost straight away, Sydney was sold out pretty fast but no second concert has been announced. Adelaide is subject to council approval. Perth has still not had any dates announced yet. Doesn't this all sound like there is some kind of delay or problem? I hope not, we adore Andre and his music and can't wait to see him.
I would like to know if Andre Rieu's name is pronunced Andre` Reooo. That is how I pronounce it. Am I right?
Did you know that waltzing is good for your heart? I was reading, in a medical report, that a study was done on exercise for heart patients and it found that not only did waltzing improve heart function; it increased their quality of life. Seems like many people do not want to stick to an exercise program but they were interested in a waltzing program. Dancing improved the heart function, the quality of life and the emotions of those who participated in the program. Their oxygen level increased, their cardiac fitness increased, even the elasticity of their arteries improved. as one DR said, "I don't think this is better than good aerobic exercise but the major difference is people were happier doing it". So, for people with heart problems or not, dancing is certainly an enjoyable way to keep fit. So, would you say André is good for your heart?
Shirley it depends how close you get, sometimes he causes palpitations
I WAS AS CLOSE TO ANDRE, AS THE FRONT OF THE STAGE, NO PULPITATION HERE, I DANCED THE CONGO TWICE THE FRONT OF HIM, NEVER EVEN LOOKED AT ME, EVEN WHEN I DANCED CSARDAS WITH CARLA! LET US SAY, ALL DANCE IS GOOD FOR YOU AND THE FASTER THE RHYTHM, THE BETTER IS FOR YOUR HEART! LIKE THIS LOUSY BIKE I SHOULD SAY EXERCYCLE EVERY DAY! YES, IT IS TRUE, I WOULD RATHER BE DANCING! KATI
SHIRLEY, I HAVE TO GO AND TEACH YOU ALL!! I GUARANTEE, YOU WILL HAVE A GOOD TIME, AND LEARN TO DANCE THE WALTZ ON TOP OF IT! KATI
Kati, I'm not too sure that cardiac patients could dance the faster dances such as your csardas and polkas, or even your biking for that matter. they might need a somewhat slower approach. I think you have the energy of a 16 yr old!
ALL EXERSCISES,OR DANCES HAVE TO START AT A SLOWER PACE, HOPING, IT DOES HELP WITH HEART PROBLEMS, YOU HAVE TO START A TREADMILL TEST SLOW ALSO, WHEN THEY DO CHECK YOUR HEART, AND GO FASTER AND FASTER, SEE HOW MUCH YOUR HEART CAN TAKE.YOU ARE RIGHT! KATI
Dear friends. Dancing is one of the best exercises, one can find. The way young folk dance is a bit much for the seniors, but waltzing is just enough. I
dance on my own with the music which is more on than not. It's great fun even by yourself!! We have to get busy with the voting for the year!! Persoonvanhetjaar.nl At the moment there
is am empty space, but you will find all the current nominees if you just scroll down. Andre is away down the list so we have to get busy. Love to all
Marianne
On December 15,2007 I had the Wonderful Experience of my life, to see Andre Rieu's "WORLD STADIUM TOUR", in Toronto,Ontario,CA. It was out of this world, and I have never seen anything like it! On Sunday December 16th we were even able to meet some of His orchestra, The Three Tenors, Susan Erens, and even Andre Rieu, this was far more than I had ever hoped for! These people were even more Wonderful, than could have been imagined! Thank You Andre, Your Son, Your Wife, and everyone who made this experience possible!IT WAS MARVELOUS, and I shall never forget it! We came from Wisconsin, and it was well worth the trip! Continue giving to the world all you give! For three Wonderful hours we listened to the Music closest to my heart. Have a Successful New Year and Thank All of You For the Happiness and Joy you give to so many people. Sincerly, Marilyn
Hi Marilyn,
So nice to hear from you. I was there in Toronto (from Pa.) for both concerts and it was a wonderful time. I am so thrilled that you had such a great time. I hope you will have a chance to see Andre again in the future. Hugs to you
Dear Friends. Somehow it got lost in the shuffle, with both Jeanine Ann's &
Kati's poems, as I had meant to comment on Shirley's New Year's wishes. You could not have put it any better, Thanks
I'm hoping that Andre will issue a double dvd of the 1st World Stadia concert. One of the setting up & breaking down the decor & of course one of the program. It does take a lot of time to edit this type of thing, but I expect they have lots of footage to choose from. Just now his guest book is still closed since Dec 22nd & no new news, but I expect next week the routine will be back on track. The concerts in Koln Germany Jan 1st & 2nd,
plus the Toronto concerts have no mention as yet. The Holidays are nice but it is also nice to get back to normal. Love to all Marianne
I AM NOT SURE, THERE WILL BE A DVD OF THIS WORLD TOUR, BECAUSE, THE SETTING IS THE SAME AS THE REAL SCHONBRUNN, WHY COPY? I WOULD HAVE LOVED TO SEE LIVE BROADCAST, JUST LIKE THE ONE BEFORE, BUT I REALLY DO THINK, TO DO ANOTHER DVD, WOULD NOT BE FEASIBLE. KATI
I agree. Maybe they'll do a DVD of how they schlepped it around the world, various challenges, etc. and excerpts from different locations. As far as the music itself went, there was nothing new in Toronto. Maybe in 2008 there will be new things. The concert in Montreal was almost identical to the one we saw last May in Manchester, so I assume it will be new now for this year.
You are right Marianne, it's nice to get back to normal. I'm looking forward to "normal". André and the JSO, concerts, dvd's, cd's, and personal family, work and everyone in between have been quite busy these last weeks/months. A "routine" life and all that goes with that and life itself, will be "comfortable" for awhile.
I wonder sometimes if I'm going to be able to keep up with my goals I've set for this new year. I hope so, I don't want another year to "just pass on by" without some accomplishments. In the past I've always let something get in the way of my goals, but I'm quite determined this year. I so want to be proud of what I've done, and I need to take action in order to do that.
Ok, enough of that
Take care everyone, have a wonderful weekend and be safe and happy.
Hi everyone,
Have just been reading the local Sunday paper. There is a story about André in Australia particularly Sydney. It says " Tickets for the Sydney concert were snapped up when they went on sale last month and a second concert was recently announced........André Rieu, Telstra stadium, November 28 (sold out) and 29. Bookings Ticketek,132849."
This is incorrect but it would seem that we will have a concert on November 28. There is nothing about it on Ticketek site yet. I will look tomorrow and keep you informed.
Hope this gives people who haven't got tickets yet another chance.
Hello to everyone: Just wanted to stop by and say hope eveyrone had a great New Years. The weather is to get a little warmer now here this week. Will be in the 50's and some low 60's maybe. That is a lot better than the bad storms coming into California. Hope all who live there are ok. I am enjoying my christmas gifts of Andre's music and the videos that my sis gave me. I watch them everyday. Hope you all have a great and safe week. Hugs to all. Aud
Hi Aud,
Glad you stopped by. Haven't seen you since last night
Hope everyone is fine. Been busy taking down Christmas decorations. It is more fun to put them up.
Hugs to all.
I have been enjoying your web-site since I saw it mentioned on Andres Guestbook a while back. I have enjoyed all Andres music and seen his concerts on our PBS.I have his DVD's and his CD's. I can't travel to see his live concerts but I do enjoy reading about him. I saw on your web-site about how ill Benny Neyman is and saw him on Andres hometown concert. I will continue to pray for him. I wondered if you know what happened to that wonderful piano player Ju Huijts that was always on with him. I never heard anything about him. I thank you for being able to get your web-site. It sure is interesting and the fans who send in their time and pictures about Andre. Thank you again for making it possible to keep up to date with Andre. Mary Louise
Hello Mary Louise, you must be talking about one of my favorites too, Jo Huijts? He was with Andre for a long time huh? He is now a conductor of a men's choir called the Leudalzangers. You can go to the web site at http://www.leudalzangers.nl It will be in dutch language but you can get the drift. His picture is on there too.Happy hunting.
SHIRLEY, I JUST CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT YOU! TO GET THIS WEB SITE, YOU REALLY SOMETHING!! I JUST LISTENED TO THE CHOIR, HOW BEAUTIFUL, FOR CHRISTMAS! I REALLY ENJOYED IT. THANKS FOR HELPING US OUT ON THIS ONE! KATI
Kati, it's amazing what you can find by typing in a name and then just see what you can find. I found his site last year, had to go through about 8 pages to find this one. Isn't the choir fantastic? I love their sound. Glad you enjoyed them too.
Welcome Mary Louise! It's nice to read your comments. We all have a lot of fun here and enjoy sharing our comments and enjoyments about André and the JSO.
We are all praying for Benny Neyman, he's wonderful and we all enjoyed him so much singing "Ode To Maastricht", what a great song that is!
I share your thoughts on how wonderful Jo Huijts is, all his music is fabulous, but there are a couple of songs he plays that really get to me, awesome!
Keep checking back with us we are very active and always have a lot of stories and reviews, daily experiences and of course most of it is about our favorite Maestro André!
Happy Belated New Year to Everyone,
I hope this note finds everyone enjoying a safe, healthy, and prosperous 2008. Just wanted to check in. Since my last post, I received both of my new Andre DVD's from the boutique. "Live in Vienna" was wonderful and "Wonderland" was nothing less than spectacular. It was so nice to add two more DVD's to my collection. When you watch these concerts on average of four to five times a week, you have to repeat alot. This was my first experience to hear Mirusia. She is just incredible!!! I have loved Carla, Suzan, and Carmen for a LONG time now. I am please to add Mirusia to this list of supreme vocalists.
I noticed that the dancer that portrayed Prince Charming to Mirusia's Snow White looks like the same dancer that played Kaiser Franz Joseph in Schoenbrunn (without the mustache). He is quite an incredible dancer. I tried looking up the Vienna State Ballet on the web, but I didn't find anything about him specifically.
As usual, I have an identity question. Does anyone remember the gentleman that played in the percussion section with Marcel for several years ago. He had black hair and wore glasses. I think that Ronald Gerards (the tall young man with Marcel now) replaced him. He was very talented and I missed him. Although Ronald is one of my favorite new members of the JSO. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for all your efforts in making this site a WONDERFUL place to visit (even when we don't get here as much as we would like). Louisiana can't make up it's mind whether it wants to be hot or cold. In one week, we had low temps of 18 and two days later, high temps are in the mid 70's. Go figure and GO TIGERS.
Best wishes to all,
Macky
Macky, I don't recall what the person looked like but there used to be someone named Ad Triepels who played drums.Look at the credits on some of the older cds. Your weather sounds like ours! Not only the temps but the darn wind! I go around looking like I've combed my hair with the cuisnart!
SHIRLEY, WOULD YOU TEACH ME SOME ENGLISH HERE? WHAT THE HECK IS CUISNART? NEVER HEARD! KATI
hahaha.Kati, that's a food processor, like a mixer.
WELL SHIRLEY, NOW I DO HAVE AN IDEA HOW YOU WOULD LOOK LIKE IN THE BIG STORM! THIS WEATHER IS REALLY STRANGE! MORE SNOW COMING, COLD OVER HERE,WINDY,I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THIS, TORNADOES? THIS TIME OF THE YEAR, AND SO NORTH, ALL OVER THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY? JUST BAD. I JUST HAVE TO DEAL WITH THE COLD AND THE SNOW. THIS IS TIME FOR WINTER HERE, YESTERDAY 4 FEET, TOMORROW, MAYBE LESS,BUT STAYS COLD! KATI
i do have a bad news for you shirley. the spelling of that so called mixer is different!! HAHAHA! Isn't that the brand name derived from Cuisine? Kati
Cuisnart had me puzzled too, Kati. I did a Google search, thinking it must have been something you have in the US that we don't have in Oz. I had a chuckle when I found it was a Mixmaster.
Thank You so much Sally, I received your parcel and it was wonderful to watch. Very much appreciated.
hello every one!!!
sorry i have not been on i have been very busy with the holiday season! i hope that every one has had a great holiday! any thing new with andre rieu or any interesting info on anything comming up? also jeanine ann, my myspace got deleted i dont know how so i did not delete you just my whole myspace is gone!
take care all
-jeff rubino
Hi Jeff,
what a coincidence, I just emailed you and wondered what happend to your page. Hope you start it up again. Funny things happen on My Space. Someone took my password so I had to list a new one. Luckily MySpace caught it. Look forward to seeing a new page. I added some new photos plus a slideshow!! Take care. Hugs
Well here I am, my e-mail server is down and I just had to chat with someone! Jeanine Ann, I love your myspace page. I'm not "into" myspace for myself but do like to look at everyone elses. I love the kitty pics your sister sends. The only thing cuter than Andre is those kitties!
Thought this was beautiful and added a Toronto photo to it. My sister found it on imikims.com
Hi All, Shirley I love My Space. I have so much fun with it and have made so many friends in places like Germany, Australia - all over. I thought it was mostly for teens but it is not. So many nice people. Sure you must be careful who you take as a friend but most are fine. As for music I too love all kinds except jazz, rock, rap and stuff like that but as far as an instrument I love the strings. I guess I always did and also piano music especially when mixed with the violin and cello. That is why I love Jean-Philippe's music so much also. His latest CD Azur is just beautiful.
Back later. Hugs
That IS pretty!
Well, being that we are talking what kinds of music we like, thought I would add my two cents worth
I like most kinds of music also...except I'm not too big on Big Band, jazz, rap, rock, metal stuff. Excluding heavy metal, there is always some in all the groups I mentioned that I like...most I can leave alone, there is none in heavy metal I like because I don't even listen.
My favorites are André, of course. I'm not predjudiced here, but I have to say that I've never known an artist that I like 100% of all the songs played, as I do with André. Elvis was right up there, although I prefer non-vocal over vocal because after a while I repeat the words over and over and over and over and over...well, you get my point. With just music, I listen until my hearts content.
Shirley, I liked what you said about André doing some more Musik zum Traumen and Tuscany types, those were wonderful. And, I can't complain either, he does just about everything that I love.
As Jeanine Ann mentioned..."Azur" by Jean-Philippe is incredible, it's very beautiful music and I've already listed it as one of my favorite cd's. If anyone wishes to relax and enjoy some beautiful music, this one would be good.
Thanks for listening. Take care everyone.
Dear Friends Just a comment on the Big Band era which was in the early 40ties,
well before your time Marlene. There were many who played beautiful music, from Guy Lombardo, who hosted the New Year's celebration from the Waldorf Astoria, NYC, for many years, Nelson Riddle, the Dorsay bros, Percy Faith, & many more. All these bands played very listenable music, not in the class of Andre, as in my opinion, he's in a class by himself, both the music & the man, who is very unique in our sometimes hectic world. I'm off to Medicine Hat this P.M. for a ct scan on my head (brain), to try & find out if there are calcium deposits, that has been affecting my memory. Seems to be like I'll get up to do something & forget what I was about by the time I cross the room, it's not all the time,
& I don't forget the important stuff, so
far. It is either that or I've had a little stroke that has impaired my thought processes. Will also have some kind of doppler X-ray on the 11th to see if there is too much calcium in my carotid arteries. That is a new one for me so I don't really know just how that procedure works. There is a special doc coming from Calgary, so it should be kind of interesting. I really just want to know if I have anything to be concerned about or that it is just the aging process. Maybe it is treatable, but if not I will accept that. Otherwise I am okay. When I'm in the Hat, I hope to find some Andre tapes & will look for Jean Phillipe's cd, as I like piano music & most of his stuff is his own composition. I have a whole long
wish list, which will have to wait for
a little more income. Should get a good
pension raise at the end of this month, so that should help in the disposable income dept. Have to get busy with the tasks of the day, so will wish everyone a happy week ahead, love Marianne
hello all,i just got an email from andre's service desk it read-
"we are expecting the new live in vienna dvd to arrive at our warehouse on friday and we will send them out first thing monday morining to any one who had gotten a deffective dvd."
wow i cant wait. i was dissapointed when i got it and saw that something was wrong with it. but now i feel better that they are sending us new ones!
-jeff
I hope that means those of us who haven't yet purchased this DVD can get it too. The one in the Boutique is only in PAL format and I need NTSC. I'm slowly building my CD and DVD collection...I still don't know how I missed hearing about André until a few months ago. I have a lot of lost time to make up!!
KAY, JUST CHECK ALL THE PAGES WE ALREADY FILLED IN THE LAST FEW YEARS AND YOU WILL LEARN A LOT ABOUT US, FANS ALSO. KATI
Hi Kay, I'm sure the NTSC will soon be available in the boutique, now that they have solved the problem. You sound like so many of us when we first heard of Andre. we also wondered why we hadn't known of him sooner.
I have recently come across this wonderful man and orchestra and now have my granddaughter enjoying his music and shows on Ovation Channel and we would really like to be kept informed about tour dates, prices, dvd's and CD etc.
Virginia In Emu Park
Hi Virginia: I think it is wonderful that Andre's music can span generations and bring us all together. Ages, Countries, Languages. We all have a common bond.
hey every one.
i just read a coment about violin lessons. they are great! i have been playing for 9 years now and it is the love of my life. i love going to practice with the orchestra and making music with all of my partners. it a wonderful thing to learn it does take a lot of work but when u get as far as me its all wroth it! i hope any of you decide to take lessons because its never to late!
-jeff
I have always pronounced Andre' Rieu's name as: ON-DRAY REE-YOU That is the way I heard it pronounced on PBS, and that is the way it was announced at his concert last May.
Hope this helps
thank you Renee, that's the way I've always heard too and that's the way I pronounce it. I've heard everything from Ree-eer, to Re-ah, or sometimes Re-u.Seems the last name usually puzzles some people, and it's understandable. That's one of the first things I asked too.
I DO NOT PRONOUNCE, JUST POINT AT MY LICENSE PLATE. KATI
Hi Renee,
I pronounce Andre's name that way too. I see you on "MySpace". You have a cute page so I know you are a "I Love Lucy" fan. My page is andrerieufriend if you want to check it out. I have so much fun there because you meet so many nice friends. Hugs to you.
Hi Renee: That's the most common English pronunciation of Andre's last name that I have heard. I think you wrote that very well and clearly.
Hi Shirley and Kay, just finished reading your talk about CD's and DVD's, and was wondering what is the difference between the PAL and the NTSC?
Have seen discussions on this subject before, but never jumped in to see what is actually means. Thanks a bunch...
Hi Judith, from what I know, PAL is supposed to have a wider channel bandwidth than NTSC, therefore a better picture quality. If you have a multisystem TV you can play either format.
Yes, given a choice I always buy the PAL DVDs. I have had better luck with them and have found the picture quality better. I have a cheap DVD player which fortunately plays both versions. I didn't know it when I bought it, but it does. An added "advantage" is that I cannot loan them out because most acquaintances who would want to borrow them can't play them. I am missing one NTSC that I loaned out and never got back. Of course now it can't be located. We are expecting more snow Monday! A lot got rained away yesterday so we can start over.
Hello everyone. I heard one of our PBS people pronounce it "R-oo". He did that the entire first commercial segment, then the next one he pronounced it "Ree-u", like I've always heard it. I believe someone must have corrected him.
We had a tornado here today, never been one here in January. It touched down about a mile from where we live. We got a ton of hail and rain and it was extremely fast and hard. Everything here is ok, but some people lost their homes and businesses, others lost trees and cars and tons of limbs. It did various levels of destruction from not too much at all to major, for a length of about 4 miles.
Hope we don't get any more of those things.
Boring probably to those of you who are in areas that get them frequently, but it's very rare we get them here, so it was big news in this small American city today.
Take care everyone.
Hi Marlene, glad you are ok. we heard on the news about the tornado up your way and since I have a sister in Vancouver I was quite concerned but they are ok too. Those storms can really wreck havoc. We had some around here a couple of days ago with major flash flooding.Our town is now under a boil water order til further notice. Shezaam....weather is certainly stirring things up all over! Ironically I'm starting to get garden catalogs in the mail!! Yikes! What will Spring be like?? I hope my Andre tulips will make it.
Shirley, your weather has been quite strange, like everywhere else I guess.
haha...everyday I go outside my door, I look over at my André Tulips and I say, "You better make it!" Nicely, though.
Regarding Andre possibly coming to Perth. We fans in West Aussie are slowly going around the bend. Watching for the latest on Andre's Down Under visit. A great many of us have not booked a ticket at any of the Eastern States venues because we have been led to believe our Andre is definitely coming to Perth. The latest is that he will be appearing at Subiaco Oval on the 1st Dec 2008. I have been in touch with (1) Ticketmasters and there is no success there and; (2) Subiaco Oval is not answering my emails - and by the way it is not advertised on their site. Nor is it mentioned on Andre's own website. Is there anyone out there that knows for sure and if and when tickets will become available?
Hi, I am also waiting for news Ticketmaster will be selling, they have a contract at Subi. The last I received was that nothing was confirmed yet-but worldwide tickets are selling for the venue and date(around 600AUS).
Ticketmaster suggested to keep calling and look at the West Aussie paper because they will advertise.
If I find anything else out will let you know.
Hello everyone ... I must apologise it's 11 days into the New Year and this is my first comment on the January Guestbook. I have been sooooo busy at work ... and I have had a few health issues but I have read every single comment from everybody ... I could write a novel in response to everyones comment.... I feel very privileged to be part of this wonderful extended family.
Sally I gave Mavis the beautiful card you sent from everyone on this wonderful website which eventually made it to Australia after what must have been a journey around the world.... she was extremely touched and is sending you something in the mail .... thank you for making her feel very special... having been married to Bill for 40 years and this being our first Christmas without him sitting at the head of the table was very strange.
When we visited him last Saturday at the Nursing Home they had Andre playing in the common room ... it was beautiful... (Mave and I supplied the CD of course).
Kati ... you are still have terrible weather where you are ... we are in the middle of our summer, so I am sending you some lovely warmth to warm the cockles of your heart ... in fact to anybody who is experiencing cold frosty weather I am personally sending you some sunshine ...
Well my darlings, I have gone on long enough ... I am listening to Andre as I write this and after a very busy week at work I can feel the tensions of the week disappear ... Have a lovely weekend everyone and I promise to be back in a couple of days ....hugs and kisses to you all xxxxxx Les
LESLIE, MY HEART IS ALWAYS WARM. THANK YOU FOR THE GOOD WISHES, UNFORTUNATELY, EVERY DAY COLD,GETTING EVEN COLDER BY NEXT WEEK, STORM EVEY OTHER DAY, AND NATURALLY SNOW. I WOULD LOVE TO BE IN AUSTRALIA NOW, I USED TO HAVE FRIENDS IN SIDNEY AND IN PERTH ALSO. I DO KNOW, YOU HAVE A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY, HATE TO THINK OF YOUR SUNSHINE! I DO HAVE SUNSHINE, BUT STAYED COLD. VERY, DIFFERENT WINTER IN COLORADO, THAN WHAT WE GOT USED TO. KATI
Mine also Leslie, especially when I read your comments. It is cold here but so many nice, warm and friendly fans from all over the world make that cold go away, just like Andre's music. I thought about you when you posted last and said a prayer for you and Mavis and Bill. It must be so difficult for all of you. Just remember you have many friends here who love you and pray for all of you. Stay well. Hugs
Hi everyone. ANDRE IS WAY BEHIND on the person of the year website. Please try to vote every day. It seems that only the dutch site is working. In Dutch it's Persoon van het jaar. Let's bring him up as soon as possible.
Hi Virginia, holy smoke, I totally forgot about the voting, and I also mis-placed the site to get to the voting page. If you would be so kind and refresh me with this information, I will post on my PC and vote everyday. Thanks so much for bringing up this very important issue. Hugs for all your help.
I was introduced to Andre by a dear
elderly lady in the pharmacy where i work, i accepted the video tapes never having heard of Andre, purely to be curtious to the customer. I had time to watch the video today and fell in love!! my husband came home and i beleive he fell in love too!! Andre is truly amazing and we can't wait to see him perfom here in Australia. *Could you see it in your heart to come to Adelaide?
Your adoring fans
Laura and Geoff
Hello Laura & Geoff, according to Andre's agenda he will be in Adelaide Nov.18th at the AAMI stadium. Have you gotten your tickets yet? go to ticketek.com.au
Hi Laura and Geoff, In addition to Ticketek, Ovation Channel are also selling tickets on-line, www.ovationshop.com.au . For Adelaide they are still advertising tickets in both categories 2 and 3 whereas Ticketek only have seats left in categories 5 & 6. Ovation Channel are charging slightly more for their tickets than Ticketek but throw in some extras (opera glasses, programme etc). They are certainly much cheaper than some of the other sellers such as worldtickets. Hope that helps.
I LOVE HOW FANS ARE SO WILLING TO HELP OTHER FANS. I AM SO PROUD TO KNOW YOU ALL.
We are travelling from RSA to Vienna to attend your concert in the Stadthalle on 2008/02/16. Could Andre include something by Lanner in his program? Regards
Can someone email me the website of "the person of the year" so that I can vote for Andre
Thanks
Vote for Andre:
http://persoonvanhetjaar.nl/
Dear Friends, am so glad that folks have remembered that we have to vote for
Andre as person of the year. The only site up at present is the Dutch site & we all made Andre person of the year in 2007, & it would be great if we could repeat the honor. Didn't think we had tornadoes along the Oregon coast , which is where you live Marlene. I remember a hurricane in Hope a number of years ago, the first weekend of December. We were in the middle of a ladies curling bonspiel, but we postponed the event so all the ladies from out of town could get home before the storm hit. It was one very wild night. Tremendous winds & rain, but it was part of a South Pacific storm so it was warm. Lots of damage and power outages, something like 47 hours, so all
food was cold & you didn't open the fridge any oftener than needed. At least there was no loss of life. My late husband & I lit up part of the town with portable generators, so we were very busy. Our whole crew was up into the wee hours of the morning just
running on adrenalin. Then the next day it was storm repair as many homes had their power links detached from their homes. That was a 48 hour go around, & when it was over we closed up the shop for two days to recuperate. Where I live now in southern Alberta we get tornadoes, but so far I haven't seen on & hope I never do, but we do get a lot of wind so forget fancy hair-dos as they
just blow away. I have short hair that I can comb with my fingers so that works okay. Don't like the winter wind as it makes me cough something terrible
so I avoid that as much as possible, & cover the mouth & nose with a scarf to warm the air. Seems to work. Hope everyone is well Love Marianne
Happy Sunday everyone. I thought I would check what's happening before I continue on with my yesterday's work at home of cleaning, sorting stuff, throwing out and whatever else that involves. Dog gets a bath too.
Leslie, didn't comment earlier but nice to see you back. I enjoyed reading your comments, you are always so friendly!
Yes, André does bring out the best in everything doesn't he? It's fun when I'm home alone to put his music on and turn it up loud and it seems the time spent becomes so happy. No cares or irritations, just plain happy times.
Hope all of you have a wonderful day!
Happy Sunday to you also Marlene. I am having a lazy weekend. Got to church and that is about it. Maybe the Toronto trip is just catching up with me and that was a month ago! Maybe this is withdrawal also. This can be very hard on you
Hi Jeanine: Just wanted to check in to and say hello to you and to all. Not that I did not talk to you today yet but nice to talk here too. Just think of all the fun we can have at 120!!!! Sure hope I will still be able to use my computer but I know for sure I will still love Andre and his music. that is a given. Hope you all have a great week. Guess we will wait to see how much snow we get. Our youngest son is in New Englad and I know he will have a lot of snow up there. Take care and see ya all later. Lots of love and hugs to all. Give Honi, Cotti & Patchi a big kiss till I see them.
AT 120, DO WE ALL HAVE ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIRS? I THINK, WOULD BE EASIER TO GET AROUND! KATI
Hi Everyone! I think when we are 120, it will be the new "60". Later, when we are old, we will have personal flying machines. They have them already. They hover and fly about 20' off the ground, at a speed of 30 mph. When we are old, which is soooo far away...we can zip and zoom around in our personal air-transports, and for long distance, we will use the Star Trek Beam.
What'cha think?
Hi Marlene, Well my lovely leisurely Sunday went far too quickly and already it's Monday night and the first day of the week has gone.
After visiting Bill on Saturday afternoon, Mave and I watched the new DVD of Celine Dion's Las Vegas Concert ... it was fabulous...
Yes, we have our Monday over with!
I used to live in Las Vegas. Was there for about 22 years (off and on). I would have loved to see Celine Dion but she wasn't playing there then, of course. It's been about 12 years since I have been there, except to touch down on a plane. I miss it very much, but also love where I am because of my family ties here. It's funny (not really) but for about the first 5-7 years we went there, I always got sick...we always called it "Vegas Throat" because that's where it bothered me most.
Leslie, you went to some of my favorite places on your trip. Yosemite, San Francisco, Vegas. Must have been a fun trip for you.
Yes, American people are generally hospitable and kind, I have found that out whenever I have traveled. There is a lot of this country that I would love to see. I've only seen a small portion of it, and I live here.
It would be so fun to meet you at an André concert. If and when I ever hit that elusive Lottery, I will be planning on a lot of André concerts for sure! Talk about "Ambassador for André"!!
Sunday afternoon, sunny but cool, leaned back, feet propped up, listening to Pachelbel's canon in D, finishing off the last piece of panettone and a cup of hot tea. Life doesn't get any better.
just a short entry and though people think this kinda cute, but two weeks ago my partner and i didnt know who andre rieu was and then my 10yr old daughter stayed at her opa,s place (school holidays) and was introduced to andre via dvd, and loved him and had to take him home to borrow. has anyone else been introduced to the wonderful music of andre and his orchestra by there 10yr old daughter .
Dear friends. I think we all have a memory of where we first discovered our Maestro. I was surfing channels & wanted something restful to doze off to dreamland & just happened onto a PBS, channel showing Andre live in Tuscany. The thought of sleep fled & I have been hooked on the man & his music ever since
He is so charismatic & good looking too, & he has a great sense of humor, without resorting to smuttiness, which is what some of the comedian do, & I just will not waste my time with any of that stuff. On my memory channel his music is about every seventh melody, most of which feature his violin. I can be in another room & I know who is playing. Each musician has a bit different touch, same as the piano men,
I'm getting so I can pick out Richard Abel, Hagood Hardy, Percy Faith etc. It's a lot of fun to guess & then bring up the artist to see if you're right, I can usually tell if it is a woman playing the piano or a man. Men have a firmer grasp on the keys, because their hands are stronger. Then at time I kick back & enjoy. All instrumentals, no sung lyrics, as those are in my head. That is where I have to sing now since the docs blessed me with hormone shots, which were not needed, so my voice deepened from soprano to contralto & the worst thing is I have had male beard growth on my face ever since, Now I just shave it off, & don't worry about it, but when it began at age 27, I was devastated as I feared I had a brain tumor, but luckily not so,
so I am still female, with a couple of quirks. It sure was no fun at the time, but it is a fact of life no & I just carry on as normal. Thank goodness I didn't get the bone growth of a friend of mine & she lost here eyesight & died at 35 from the inoperable brain cancer, so I count myself as very blessed. Oh I have aches & pains & sometimes my fingers want to go their own instead of where I want them to perform. Shortly I am going to see if I can still knit &/or
crochet, Have a prospect of a great grand son in late March, so will give it a try. I've been wearing sleeves on my thumb & middle fingers of my right hand at this does keep the skin from feeling like they've been scalded. Without them it's quite miserable. Have had rheumatoid arthritis in both fingers on each, the right one being the worst, just stinging at the base of the nails Ouch. I got them frostbitten in mid Nov, scraping the ice from the car windows, without heavy gloves, silly
goose me. It's healing but the damage will bother until spring. Have so far has been pretty good. It was very cold in Nov for two weeks, still no snow & most blessed NO WIND!! Expect a big storm mid-week possibly a blizzard with
snow. So far we don't have any. Love to all Marianne
I have been the best ambassador for Andre, here in Cairns. Now My daughter and I (I'm a oensioner) will miss out on Andre's concert in Brisbane, because although we constantly checked Ticketlink, we missed out on tickets somewhere in front. We were prepared to pay as much as $500 for a seat!! Bitterly disappointed, Mildred
For this tour, the front may not be the best place to be. I was in front in Toronto and you don't get the whole effect. It's a toss up. Personally if I go again I may try the risers this time. You don't realize the overall effect from the front. Even though I was in the front (as I usually am) it wasn't as effective as usual because of the space that had to be left between the stage and the first row for two rows of horses and carriages. I think the side risers may be the best bet, then you can take everything in. From where we were, one would not have known there were fountains, etc. Also, as concerts sell out, they probably will add another one.
Hi Virginia,
I guess it depends on what "whole effect" you want. I know I was in the front and didn't know what the fountains were doing but I want to be as close to the stage as possible. I had first row center in Reading and there is nothing like it, I love that eye contact when you can get it. There is nothing like it. Ant to see the expressions on Andre's face when he plays is priceless and I don't want to use opera glasses. I know what you mean though but for a first concert I think the Australian fans want that closeness. They need to experience what you cannot get on a DVD, the magic of being close to Andre when he plays. It is so wonderful that I cannot even explain it. Take care Virginia. Good to hear from you again. We had so much fun. Hugs
Hi Jeanine Ann. Yes, I agree with you that I normally am in the front and want to be. It was specifically the Stadium concert tour that I was referring to when I said maybe on the risers would be better. With the wide space between the audience and the stage you can't get that close anyway. In the regular concerts, to me, it makes a big difference. In fact, I don't think I would go if I could not be near the front, especially now that they are usually in hockey stadiums which are not really in keeping with what's going on on stage. I treasure the times I went to his concerts in old fashioned theaters. Perfect. I guess those days are over. In 2008 he was scheduled to appear in a REAL theater, but they changed it to a stadium which is good for him but disappointing to me. Take care. We are getting more snow tomorrow.
It's nice to see today that Andre has moved up to 2nd place on the Dutch website. But I notice that the other JSO members are not doing so well. I wonder if some people are not bothering to vote for them because it is a little more tedious on the website this year. We have to click on "Nominees" to get the alphabet, and then click on the first letter of the LAST name, not first as they indicate, and then make sure we click on "Stem" and wait for the next screen to click on "Stem" again. As usual, the email they send has to be confirmed.
Looks like the German site is not operating this year.
I hope we can get Andre to be Man of the Year again in 2008.
No, he's still only #6. Maybe he was no. 2 for that day. He is WAY behind the leader so we really have to be diligent about voting for him. At least he's in the top ten but that's not good enough. Suzan is in the 30s. They are rising but not fast enough!!
Since I heard Andre play at the Rogers Centre Dec 15,2007 I have become a fan. I have purchased 8DVDs so far and plan to buy more. I would love to receive News of him. Gloria - Oakville
I understand Andrea is to visit New Zealand, please advise when and where?
Jannie of Lower Hutt, New Zealand.
Hello Jannie: I have not heard of a concert in New Zealand. That would be nice, and I myself would love to visit your country. I used to watch The Adventures of Hercules, which was for a large part filmed there. Such stunning geography. I truly enjoyed the beauty of your country.
André will be in AUSTRALIA this coming November & December. Perhaps you will be able to attend a concert there?
MR BILL, I DO NOT KNOW WHERE YOU ARE LATELY, BUT I JUST CAME BACK FROM TUCSON!! VIA DVD, BY COACH TROY, TOOK ME FOR THE RIDE OF MY LIFE!! I WAS RIDING MY EXERCYCLE UP TO MT. LEMMON, ABOUT 5000 FEET HIGH, IT IS SURE A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY THERE! WHAT A RIDE, HE INSTRUCT YOU OF THE RIDE AND LEVEL, DEPENDING HOW STEEP I DO HAVE TO PEDAL. TOOK ME ABOUT 1 HOUR AND A HALF. I COULD NOT GET OFF MY BIKE FOR A FEW MINUTES, AND NOW, I DO NOT KNOW, IF I SHOULD SIT DOWN, AND NOT ABLE TO GET UP, OR JUST KEEP WALKING AROUND, UNTIL, IT IS TIME TO GO TO BED? HE TOOK ME TO WINDY POINT, VERY BEAUTIFUL. HE SAID IF I WANT TO GO HIGHER, I AM ON MY OWN! I DID WANTED TO COME BACK DOWN IN ONE PIECE! TOMORROW, IS RECOVERY DAY! KATI
I'm right here, Kati, looking over your shoulder If you were here in Arizona & didn't call me, I'm going to be pouting for the next several days.
Even if you were on your exercycle, & riding around here in Arizona via DVD, you should have pulled out your cell phone & given me a call.
Tell me, did any roadrunners run out in front of you? Did any tumble weeds roll into you? Were you attacked by the spirit of Cochise & his band of commanches? Did you run over any rattle snakes that were innocently sunning themselves in the middle of the road?
NO BILL, IT WAS SMOOTH RIDING, VERY HARD, UPHILL BATTLE ALL THE WAY! MY COACH MR. TROY WAS LOOKING OUT FOR ME AND ENCOURAGED ME ALL THE TIME, NOT TO GIVE UP!ABOUT 20 MINUTES LEFT OF THE RIDE, HE SAID, OH YOU ARE DOING GREAT WE ARE ALMOST THERE, 20 MINUTES LATER, FINALLY I ARRIVED! NEXT TIME, I WILL RIDE THE SAME ROUTE WITH MUSIC ON, SEE IF I MAKE IT? KATI
Please will you let us know when the tickets are coming on sale for Perth
Be warned everyone. At least at the concert I went to, we were all waiting for Andre' and all to come out on the stage, and without warning, 76 Trombones started playing, and up the aisle walked Andre' with his orchestra. Right past me! I was 2 seats away from touching him!!! Wow, I still get goosebumps talking about it, and the concert was last May! The Andre' Rieu experience is something EVERYONE ought to enjoy at least once in their life. Sadly, I was about halfway back in the Van Andel Arena, and I could see on the huge big screen monitors, but, I would have loved to have been closer. And next time, I will be watching the ticket sales for Michigan, so I can get a closer seat. We did not get the horse and carriage. But, I think that is a Christmassy type thing??
Hi Julie, glad to see I have serious company in the "voting" department. I have made this my priorty to make sure I vote everyday. I am so happy to know that to vote for the JSO, we have to use their last names. I was originally looking under the 'group' section and came up with nothing. Now I am voting. Yes,"we" will make André NUMBER ONE...
come on all our André fans, if we all get together and make a commitment, we will be successful for our "MAESTRO" to do "HIM' PROUD !!! Remember, together WE 'THINK RIEU' and STEM (Vote)
Good to see you back on the web MR BILL,
was a little concerned when you dropped off the screen. I knew it couldn't have been weather problems like all the snow some of us have been shoveling. Saw you had 65 today, how does 25 degrees grab you @ 12:55am? Anywho, so happy your back to keep us all in-line (on-line) you dig. Hang loose AZ. smog HUGS.
We saw Andre at Rogers Center in Toronto. "A night in Vienna" was fantastic.Recognized the Schoenbrunn palace he brought from Vienna.We truly loved your show.
I wonder how many people like me notice little things each time they watch one of Andre's DVDs?
My favourite is the Songs From My Heart _ Live in Maastricht. This morning (in beautiful Melbourne weather) I looked at it again (for the umpteenth time of course).
The Aviators' March is a real highlight and I've probably seen it 101 times but today I noticed for the first time that there is an Andre Rieu DVD on the table where they guy with the cigar is sitting (and clapping to the music!).
Trivial maybe but shows that no matter how many times you've watched one of Andre's DVDs there is something new to notice!
I'd be interested to hear of others' thoughts on this.
November 2008 in Melbourne gets closer each day!
Paul in Melbourne
Hi Paul,
You can count me with those like yourself that notice new things every time that you watch a DVD. I have seen Songs from My Heart at least 50 times and I've never noticed a DVD on the table. The Aviator's March is one of my favorite pieces on that DVD and I know exactly the man you are talking about with the cigar. He wore glasses and was wearing a white dress shirt and khakis.
I love watching for familiar faces at each concert. There is a couple named Jones from England (I think) that are on several of Andre's DVD. They are in London at the Royal Albert, at Dublin, and Maastricht. In Maastrict, she is patting her husbands cheeks during the first song with the tenors and the girls. I think the orchestra are the most fun to watch. Teun and Manoe always have something going on. Ruud on the trombone is quite the character too. I love the Chianti Song in Dublin. His comic timing was perfect. In Maastrict, they did the same routine, but it was a little "over the top".
Andre's music is always fantastic, but I like watching the crowds and the orchestra as much as I like the music.
Thanks for your post. I'm glad to know others do this too.
Mac
I know what you guys mean. I have always enjoyed watching the audience and the orchestra too. I like to look for audience members who have been at other concerts, and I also like to see if I can pick out the families of the orchestra members. It's fun to know that others enjoy the same thing.
I had another look at "Live In Maastricht" and realise what I thought was a DVD was probably a program --- but certainly propped to the camera would see it! And the number of cigarette packets on the tables is a worry - but then different cultures have different values eh? Other people in the audience of the Aviators' March (I reckon that's the way to quote the title - not Aviator's March) that looked interesting were the women (twin sisters?) one in blue and white and the other in green -- - who I first thought were blokes dressed as women!!!! Also the Mayor if Maastricht appears a couple of times and the boys on 3AW breakfast (Melbourne radio station) once referred to a famous soccer identify in the audience and I think they were referring to the Aviators' March). I also love seeing how happy Linda Custers seems to be in that item; she was really enjoying herself and I am sure it was very natural. She says she wants to live in a warm climate - with palm trees -- I am sure we would welcome he to Australia! I do hope we get to read impressions of Australia from the various JSO members when they come to entertain us later this year. I wonder how many of them have been to Australian previously?
Paul in Melbourne
Hi Paul, those two women you refer to - ?twins, I thought at first mother and daughter. Dont they look so much alike.
Dear Friends. It is fun to watch the audience, especially when Andre & most of the orchestra marches up the aisles to the stage as for 1st time attendees,
it is really unique. By the time he & his orchestra gets to the stage, the whole audience seems to be mesmerized.
That is truly an Andre innovation!! The music station I listen to all the time
has many of his renditions, including the "Aria" which is the only one with the human voices & it is beautifully done by the choir & I think all the soloists as well. It's cold here, but we still have no snow, but we are due for a blizzard anytime soon. We've had two weeks of "chinook" weather, with winds blowing from the south,(a warm wind) but it will swing to the north likely with the moon changes, then it will be Brr time. So far we've had no real winter, so we are experiencing climate change along with the rest of the world. Sure enjoyed Jeanine Ann's
tribute to Marjorie, in recognition of all she does supporting Andre in his endeavors. Many of the innovations have
come from her & it sure shows the support she gives Andre. They do walk side by side in love & that is a beautiful sight to see Love to all Marianne
Hello everyone. What's happening out there in your world today?
Listening and/or watching enough André cd's and dvd's to keep you all happy?
I'm lonely, can you tell?
haha, I have tons to do, but it's Saturday and I don't want to do it. I just want a day off...Maybe I'll go put on André in Vienna, or Wonderland, it's fantastic. Ok, take care everyone and check in once in a while!
Hello everyone. I hope everyone is having a great weekend so far. We in
Eugene (and no doubt the rest of the Northwest) are anticipating some very cold weather starting Sun. night, where the temperatures are expected to drop down to 20 and colder at night for several nights, then coming up slightly mid-week. This is expected to last for a week or so. Brrrrrrr ! Otherwise I spent Sat. doing errands, walking my guys this am and took them to the groomer for a little grooming. Tomorrow I will be looking for a new couch. Mine is totally shot. Otherwise I have been listen to André's new DVDs (wonderful, both of them). I got the replacement Vienna DVD last Thurs. And I have been waiting for André's Northwest Pacific schedule to be posted
By the way, has anyone heard how Benny Neyman is doing? I am sure keeping my fingers crossed for him too.
You can google Benny Neyman, click on (translate this page) and get an idea. The translations are somewhat strange, but helpful. He's not doing well at all.
Thank you Julie, I will do that. I am very concerned about him. No one can sing "Ode To Maastricht" like he can. Will keep him in my prayers. Have a happy Sunday everyone. Hugs
Hello everyone.I too like to go to Benny's site just to keep up on the latest with him. I did send him a card. I like to try to find out about a lot of the special guests Andre has had. Remember Russell Watson, he also has had a bout with cancer, as did DJ Otzi.They all have websites you can go to. I was looking up Semino Rossi the other day. He's such a nice looking young man. Also John Sheahan with the Dubliners. I like to keep track of all these guys.I'm sure there are many more I'm not aware of, but it's sure interesting. I hate to hear or read bad news but just makes one realize that anything can happen to anyone, no matter who you are or where you live. God bless us everyone. Marilyn, I think Shelties are beauties, of course I love all animals.(well, almost all)
I have just bought Russell's new cd "Outside In". It was released just before Christmas but Russell was to ill to promote it! It is wonderful-12 songs and a tribute to Pavarotti. He has such a strong voice. Check out Russell's website www.russell-watson.com to find out more.
Marilyn, I'd heard about the concert (and bought the tickets) in Portland in December of 2006, for the 2007 concert. That's why I'm a bit concerned about this year as I haven't heard a word about it. Seattle was a little later than the Portland concert announcement.
I see that the schedule is open between mid Sept to mid Nov, and am hoping that those will be the dates that André comes back to the Northwest. Yes, I am hoping, because I know that the schedule for Australia is November and December, and that would make an incredible amount of traveling in a very short period of time.
So, I wait and watch...is he coming back to the West Coast this year??? It's been a "tradition" for me for the last three years, a very pleasant one that I don't wish to give up. Whether I could buy those expensive tickets at the moment is another story. However, no matter what I could afford, I would go to the concerts.
Ok, all is speculation until we hear, I guess.
What kind of dogs do you have Marilyn? I think you've said, but I forgot
Not looking forward to that very cold weather we are supposed to be getting.
Take care everyone, have a great Sunday!
You found out about much earlier than I did, alright. It was either March or April (probably April) that Portland PBS first announced that they had JUST received the news that André was coming in Oct and they started their fund raising then. I didn't waste much time in getting my tickets. So we will just have to wait and see what happens. He might give some concerts on the West Coast during the fall, but maybe not as many. That is what I'm thinking.
My dogs are Shelties (officially Shetland Sheepdogs). I have a small one (Bentley) who is almost 8. He has a "puppyish" face, and doesn't look like the typical sheltie. His former owner "showed" him, but Bentley didn't do real well, no doubt because of his non-typical look. So his owner was looking for a home for him. Luckily, I was looking for a Sheltie at that time and got him. He is very cute and sweet. My other guy, Bobby, just turned 3 on New Year's Day. He is a big Sheltie, just 1/2" too tall for the show ring. Since they are very particular about size in those circles,
and, since he couldn't be shown, his owner was willing to sell him. So I got lucky again. Bobby is a big goof and very sweet and I love him and Bentley immensely. I have always been a dog lover and can't imagine not having any.
Well, it is time for our morning walk. They guys have "that look". Have a great day, everyone.
Dear friends. I've been trying to raise Benny Newman's web site, but I get some very peculiar response. I would like to add my prayers for his timely recovery very soon. It is sad when our friends become ill & we can do very little except keep them in our prayers & hope for their recovery. Doesn't always have the outcome we would like but at least our thoughts & prayers do not go unheard. I've been having an Andre day
with already 3 of his dvd's which are most enjoyable. The Tuscany one has vistas of where my forbears originated
& I have a picture from there than has been in my family for close to 100 years
or maybe more. It was originally owned by my gt grand Mama, so the scene from
the Tuscany dvd is most familiar to me
Funny how such a small thing can stay in a family and one day you learn where it had come from. I'm the last of the senior generation & my kids, grandkids
neices & nephews don't seem to be interested in the family history. Once I am gone, there will be no-one to pass on the family history & that is sad, as
we should all have some idea of whence came out roots. I do hope everyone is fine as I am, so far. No real problems
except so much stuff doesn't work as well as it once did some 30 years ago. This senior citizen sure is not what it's cracked up to be, but one can't do much about it except accept things as they are. Love to all Marianne
Marianne, you know what I like about you? You seem to see the positive in all situations!Like, "it could always be worse".Isn't that the truth!And you are right about the "senior thing", haha,someone said that by the time we're 80 we'll know everything. Only thing is we only have to remember it!
Hi Marianne. Try Benny Neyman, and the site will come to you.. The site is in dutch, but has a translate this page available.. Sorry to hear he is so ill... hope this helps... Nettie May
from Snowy Colorado
Hi Nettie May,
I just went to Benny Neyman's site, it is www.bennyneyman.nl but there is no translation available that I can find. Maybe I am just not looking at the right place. I am just concerned to know how he is also. Thanks. Hugs
Jeanine Anne, you need to "Google" Benny Neyman and when the site comes up the Translate option is beside it. On the Google page. Hope thats clear enough.
Thanks Grayeme and Jeff. I thought you were finding it on Benny's page. Got it now. Hugs
COLD WEATHER
Are you prepared for it?
Do you have candles & matches where you can find them in the dark if the lights & powers get shut off?
Do you have 5 gallons of water stashed away where it won't freeze if your pipes freeze or the water is shut off?
Do you have some wool clothing for your head & feet?
YOu can go 7 days without eating, but will last only 3 days without water & just a few hours if you let your body temperature drop. You can still die from "exposure" if the temperature is only 50 degrees & the wind is 15 mph.....your body temperature will drop & you will die due to hypothermia (loss of body temp)
Your most important job if power goes out is to keep & maintain your body temperature first & foremost. Your 2nd most important task to drink plenty of water. If you get dehydrated, your body will have to burn just that many more calories trying to regulate your body temperature with thick blood. Keep yourself hydrated will make it just that much easier for your body to regulate its internal 98.6 temperature.
3rd....task is to have some food.
Always keep in mind your primary job is to keep your body temperature as close to 98.6 as is possible.
I have to tell you Bill, when I first read this, my first thought was, all this, from a guy who lives in Arizona! But seriously, you have bought up some good points. Having recently experienced power outages and boil water orders, I think we sometimes forget just how much we take for granted those things until we no longer have them. As for the hypothermia, have not experienced that (yet) but came close several years ago when a gas pipeline broke & we were without any heat source at all except for a small electric heater. I can tell you it got mighty cold! And the water situation, especially bottled water, there's an interesting article in the Feb. Reader's Digest.It's very interesting.
BTW, what prompted you to bring this up?
In answer to your question, what prompted me to bring it up?
The national weather reports of some very cold weather in some parts of the country.
Every year we hear of people dying from 'exposure'. This is a polite way of saying, they died because they were unprepared and/or they didn't know or understand the very basic things needed to survive when faced with a lack of man generated heat.
When you mix human nature with mother nature, you get many, many variables. Anytime a person gets in their car they should realize something could happen during the trip that prevents you from returning to your nice warm & comfortable home.
Having something in the auto & in the home, that you can put on in the way of clothing to help retain your body heat, can & will make a difference between survival & not surviving. Black Plastic 55 gallon trash bags are wonderful emergency things to have in the car & in your dwelling that can keep you dry & help retain your body temperature.
hmmmmm......I wonder, "where is Kati"?
Marianne, was it Benny Neymans site you are trying to open. I just opened it ok, heres the url http://www.bennyneyman.nl/
Kindest regards and best wishes to you.
Yesterday I found an interesting site http://mp3fiesta.com where I was able to download a lot of Andre's music. The tracks on some of the albums (e.g. Flying Dutchman) seemed quite different to those on the DVD --- not recorded in front of a live audience. But enjoyable just the same. The earlier music from his "salon" days sounded very different but the tunes were familiar. Andre has clearly developed a successful repertoire and stuck with it!
It is interesting to do a Google search on some of Andre's tunes --- to give some history and some background information. Yesterday, I did that and found my way to some German "Oktoberfest" type music featuring several of Andre's tunes! There were two lovely German women, Gitti and Erica (Erika?) who have been around for years and their videos are worth looking at especially if you like Andre's more "oompah" style tunes.
It's amazing what directions Andre leads us all in?
Regards to all from Paul in Melbourne
Just a question for all those who are daily voting for André to make 'him' #1, are WE voting for him in 'english'? or stemmen in nederland???, because he is hold his own in the Stem, but needs lot of help in the english vote. Hope everyone is coping well with the chill factors. Double Bear Hugs to All..
Hi Judith,
What do you mean by the "english vote"? We only vote on one site and that is the Dutch site. I think Andre is pretty far behind at this point but if we keep voting he can catch up. Take care. Hugs
HI jeanine ann,
go to www.ask.com and type in bennys name and them one of the first or second links will be his offical sie but next to it in blue it will say translate page click it and the entire website will be in english. i hope that this helps!
-jeff
COLD WEATHER: being brought up to be a Survivor, I am preparing for cold weather as soon as July first. I begin to weatherize my compound by stacking bales of hay around the perimeters of my castle - securing "heavy" tarp from tip of roof to secure fasteners at the base of entire perimeter to be quickly clipped in case of minus 50 below inclement forecast. Beds of hay are prepared in late September for inside bunks for thermal/sherpa sleeping bags, made by previous ancestors. Under-ground quarters/out-house also being prepared. Prepared beef jerky, loads of other smoked/dried staples buried in new under ground facilities with vented gas generator for electricity/heating conviences. Bose System just put into place for viewing André's DVD's, CD's, Emergency Radio, Motorala walkie talkie, lap-top computer. Yes, candles & matches just in case; flashlights. Oh of course the important Sun Lamp for daily dose'es of Vitamin C & D, if under ground for prolong periods. Lots of sheep skin clothing. I prepare taking ice cold showers in August to prepare body for winterazation. Snowmobile is fully ready for any type of emergency if car should not start. Also, have the sled dogs preped and awaiting my bidding. I don't recall how many times "we" were contacted to help out hospitals, nursing homes. As the years have rolled by the human body quickle adjusts to COLD WEATHER emergencies. Actually it is kind of a VERY COOL experience which I can pass down to my children, and their children's, children. I have been keeping Journals since we had the BIG BUFFALO BLIZZARD in the early 1970's. I was home bound with two very young children, as the husband was unable to get home from place of employment for one week. You will never imagine how we improvised. From that BLIZZARD, I pride myself with always being PREPARED. So you go ahead, MR BILL, AZ - you makin silly with the chillin weather, but "WE" are a hardy stock. If Kati keeps the 'sno-balls' arriving at your door step; I'll be conjuring what I'll be delivering to you. Any how, I am glad you made the COLD WEATHER posting, but don't forget to be making your VOTES count for André. I went to the site at 2:15a.m., as André's numbers were at 1,064.....so every one reading this winter advisory, please get out and VOTE for the RIEU's. Lots of hugs to all with a sense of 'humor'.
Judith, I am actually ROTFLOL!
Shirley, I am glad you had a good ole fashioned laugh with a giggle thrown in here and there. I had an extremely great time trying to compose something silly, yet serious at the same time. Believe you me, I have had some really odd situations happen to me, and learn to cope with basic instincts. My husband had dubbed me his "Yukon Lady" early in our marriage. But thats another whole journal. Are you the same Shirley who wrote about having the two
Shelties? I hope so, because I was the proud owner of two beautiful show dogs.
They were both "large" Collies. Let me know, perhaps I can share a story or two. Take care, sending hugs and paw prints. Oh YES, please DO-NOT forget to vote for André on his web-site which our Jeanine Ann has so graciously provided us with. It will be interesting to see the numbers tonight, as I have been logging in the numbers on a running daily "STEM Tab".
Hi Judith. You might be thinking of me. I wrote in a few days ago talking about my 2 shelties. I have always loved collies too, due to all of the books about collies I read as a youngster. If you have sled dogs, you must live up in the wild north somewhere. I grew up in snow country (northern Calif), but the weather didn't usually get too extreme, but still most people there were prepared for big snows. Generators, 4-W drives, etc.
Yes, I have been voting faithfully for André and Co. every day. It was amazing how others just jumped into big leads right away. We need to keep at it, for sure. Best wishes, Marilyn
Some members of the JSO are receiving relatively few daily 'stems' to boost their rating. I am thinking of Frank Steijns, Sanne Mestrom and Tanja Derwahl. There may be others whose names I am not familiar with. Please don't forget to include them when you are voting.
Hello "Yukon Lady"!
Hi Shirley. One difference I know of is the shape of the head. The Sheltie
has a head that is wedge shape, where the Collie has a longer narrow muzzle.
Shelties are a good size for me - not too big and not too little.
<giggling> To: Na-Nook
I'm impressed with your foresight & planning except for 2 things.
1. Have you laid in an adequate supply of toilet paper?
2. Have you stored an adequate supply of water in a manner than will prevent it from freezing. Actually, if you siimply put 5 gallon jugs of water in the sunlight during the day, the water will retain enough temperature to prevent it from freezing at night. This means you will need a south facing window, so the water can get maximum sunlight exposure.
And I'm sure everyone on this blog, including me, now want to know 2 things;
1. where do you live?
2. Are you armed & do you know how to shoot? <giggle>
I guess there are many "mature age" people on this site who have investments and are currently taking a battering with the worldwide share market problems.
At least, if we look at our "portfolios" and/or superannuation fund balances and are feeling rather gloomy we can turn on some of Andre's music to help soothe the "pain"?
There are so many ways Andre and his music can impact on us all!
Paul in Melbourne (Australia)
Good morning everyone, a sad day for my sis (Mavis) and the family, her husband (Bill) passed away last night in the nursing home. We were all with him, in fact I haven't been to bed yet. A bit of organising to do today. I will be going back to the home this afternoon to help Mave clean out his room and also to pick up her car, she was in no state to drive in the wee hours of the morning.
Thank you so much to everyone on this wonderful website who expressed their love and friendship to myself and my sis.
Need some good news now ... like Andre's Perth Concert... now that news will bring a smile to our faces.
I do hope everyone is well .. love and hugs to you all xxxxxxxx Les
Lesley, we are so sorry. Give Mavis our love. we stand beside you with tears and hugs.I am so hoping you will get that concert in Perth.
Such sad news. You and Mavis are in my thoughts and prayerss.
My deepest sympathies to you Leslie and your sister Mavis. My heart goes out to you and your family. It sounded as though you were a very close family and it makes losing our loved ones that much harder. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Take it easy and know that he is happy now and at peace. Visit back here soon Leslie, and let us know how you are getting along.
Judith, now, I always thought that I was a very prepared person. Prepared for those times we have disasters, cold, hot, no electricity, traveling, hiking, taking a Sunday drive...yes, even going out for the day shopping...I am prepared for almost anything. But, Judith, I must say that I have never heard of anyone as prepared as you. And yes, I too, would love to know where you live to warrant doing what you do to "be prepared". I commend you on your resourceful ways.
I love the part where you are even prepared to view André dvd's and listen to his cd's. This one thing should be enough to make almost any situation a happy one!
Comfort To Lesley and your sister Mavis on the passing of Dear Bill. I followed your story which you so lovingly shared with all your on-line friends. There were many times I wanted to write and tell you how very similar our stories were. I also had taken care of my mum. I gave up my job so as to take care of my mum and was her total caregiver until she needed nursing home placement.
I was with her daily; I even took all her belongings home to launder as she felt more secure seeing me do this. Some how two years of my life are still missing. But I know you both understand this feeling. I just wanted to share with the both of you some beautiful words that my mum's personal nurse wrote to me after her passing. I hope it brings you some "comfort", as it did for me. Here goes my "new friends":
So many people see in death nothing but a cruel seperation from our loved ones. Even good and religious people make that sad mistake. In death there is certainly the very real pain and sorrow of the physical seperation. But it is equally true that our loved ones remain with us. They do not just go off to some dark and distant place. They simply continue into eternal life. We do not see them because we are still in the darkness of this world. But their spiritual eyes, filled with the light of heaven, are always watching us as they wait for the day when we shall share their perfect joy. We are born for heaven and we end this life of tears to begin our life of endless happiness. So as we believe, death is a preparation for an eternal union with those we love, in the peace and joy of heaven. "Love and thoughts are with you both, and your families during this diffucult time. Please find peace,knowing that "we all" share very deeply in your loss. Gods Blessing to You Both.
Oh Leslie, I am so very sorry to hear about your dear sister's husband Bill. I pray that you both will take comfort in the fact that he is in a much better place free of pain and suffering. I know that cannot be fully realized until we get to that place, but I know it does exist. I know there is little we can do for you physically but just know you are both in our prayers. Mavis is so lucky she has a lovely, beautiful sister like you. I know how important that is because I am lucky enough to have that too. Together you will go on and help each other through all the sad times that life sometimes gives us.
I hope Andre's music will give you both some comfort and eventually some happiness. You are both in my prayers my friend. Love and extra big hugs to you both.
Dear Leslie, Please pass along my thoughts & prayers to your sister Mavis.
It is hard to lose your life partner as I have had to do. Lost my husband Don nearly 16 years ago, and most everyday I
find something to share with him, so you never really get over missing your mate, but one thing you know they don't have to hurt anymore & that's a blessing. Music does help you over the rough spots & even though they're not there physically, you still hold them in your heart. Love Marianne
Dear friends. First of all I would like to express my sympathies to Lesley & sis, Mavis on the loss of Bill. My other post seems to be lost in cyberspace but the thoughts & prayers are still being offered. Thanx Sally for
the dvd, which I quite enjoyed. Mashed potatoes with endive & both sauteed & raw onions. Very similar to Germ hot potato salad. Sounds yummy. Think there may be a mix-up on the recent comments,
as you have 2nd Sydney concert on Jan 1st/08 & they are to be in Koln Ger. Also one other tour date seems a bit mixed as the Perth concert is on but no date set as yet. Still nothing on the
agenda, but I expect that this will soon be fixed as Andre starts his winter tour of Europe in Trier Germ., this evening. It has been a drought for all us fans with very litle news happening, but both Andre, Marjorie, the
JSO & crew all need time off to catch up with their families etc. Once the touring begins it is a go, go, go effort
Don't think I could begin to operate in that fashion, so I really appreciate the efforts put for by everyone. We have finally had a taste of winter, very cold, with a skiff of snow etc, but
not enough to close roads as back east,
they are really getting "weather" in spades with one storm upon the last. Hope they catch a break pretty soon, as
constant bad storms do drag one down. The bog cities get it the worst as none have enough staff to clear roads, sand & salt for the protection of the driving public. Would be a big help if
drivers would slow down because of road conditions. Sally do you want me to return that dvd or may I keep it for my
collection. Either way it is most appreciated, thankx again love to all Marianne
Just took a look at the standings to date in Persoon van het jaar. Andre moved from 6 to 7 as of right now, i.e., in the wrong direction! Suzan went from in the 30s to the 20s and Mirusia went from 68 to 58 so they're coming along fine. Obviously the people ahead of Andre are getting more votes per day than he is. We started late last year, and he won, so let's do it again!
For the first time in my life I have been moved to write a letter of protest to the editor of the Brisbane newspaper, the Courier Mail. My letter was in response to a paragraph on their entertainment page on 23 January in which the writer said that speculation is mounting over who is next to take the Suncorp Stadium stage. They went on to say 'And we don't mean odd-bod violinist Andre Rieu'. Odd-bod indeed! My attention to their comment was drawn by a letter from another indignant fan published in today's newspaper. I could not let the newspaper's remark go without making my own protest and have suggested they consult the Aria charts.I really can't understand the newspapers here. Andre hardly rates a mention and, on the rare occasion there is something about him, it is only a one-line comment. It almost seems as if they are deliberately ignoring his popularity.
Good for you Lyn, I wrote a letter too and they published it. Can you believe that - calling Andre and "odd bod violinist. It made me mad too. Hugs to you
Jeanine Ann, Good on you, mate! I have just read your blog on the 'Courier Mail' site. A paragraph of sanity amongst the drivel from the unwashed!
My letter was published in the newspaper itself this morning. Hopefully more people who are unaware of Andre will read our comments and look for further information about the man and his music and find the same enjoyment from it that we do. Hugs to you!
Hi
I have just voted again and Andre is at no 5 now;
No, No. 5 is for the week but for the year you have to look at the standings for the year. Hit "stand" and you will get the whole list. He is still no. 7 for the year. The four sopranos are moving up but have a long way to go. We did it before so can do it again.
Dear friends. Odd bod indeed, Brisbane
newspaper sure has missed the boat, or
they have a serious case of "sour grapes
It is ovious that they know nothing of the man or his music which for me is over the top. He is so talented & charismatic, plus being a very good human being. Maybew they just don't know a good thing when they see it. That
doesn't matter as the rest of us will
still love & esteem our "odd bode violininst. Love to all Marianne
Where's Kati?
I LOVE THIS COLOR BILL! I AM STILL HERE, RIDING IN TUCSON, THIS TIME IT WAS GATES PASS ROAD, I WAS ON MY OWN, MR TROY DID NOT COME WITH ME THIS TIME, IT WAS WAY TOO HIGH FOR HIM! IT WAS FOR ME TOO, HARDLY COULD GET OFF THE BIKE! sAQUARO NATIONAL FOREST IS BEAUTIFUL, AND I HAD TO GO AROUND McCAIN LOOP ROAD. I HAVE TO TELL YOU, THIS IS NOTHING BUT SUFFERING! THE CLIMB IS 14% BUT ONCE I WAS UP, I HAD TO COME DOWN. I DO NOT KNOW YET, IF I WILL DO THE SAME TODAY, OR JUST RIDE UP TO 7500 FEET. IT IS NICE TO BE MISSED THOU. SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT WITH THE BLOG, I POST SOMETHING, WAIT MANY HOURS AND STILL DOES NOT SHOW.MAYBE, I SHOULD JUST MODERATE MYSELF? KATI
Jeff, are you around? If so please email me ASAP. Thanks
YES...THAT IS A GREAT IDEA.
Hi Kati, It sounds like you are having a great time in spite of the suffering. "-) It should get easier (it says someplace). I also was wondering if something was wrong with the blog since it takes so long for messages to get posted, as much as a day. I hope conversations aren't being too disrupted. Maybe my computer is just slow or something. Keep at it !
Always remember, Kati......life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer you get to the end, the faster it goes
Right on, Marianne ! Well said.
HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY everyone!!!!
Only 292 days to go!!!!!
Yes.. HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY !!
We have a worker at the Blood Bank where I work who is from Australia. Today she and her husband had an Australia day at the Blood Bank. They cooked all kinds of Australian dishes for the rest of the employees, and they brought decorations - the Australian flag, her collection of stuffed animals in the form of kangaroos, koalas, etc. The staff thought it was great. Go Australia !
I have an appointment to donate a pint of blood on 21 February. I've already contributed > 4 gallons of A+ blood. I always feel the blood bank people take one look at me & think to themselves the poor little guy needs a pint of blood, he can ill afford to give a pint......but they always wind up taking a pint & thanking me. And they are really surprised when I present my card & they see how many pints I've given.
Good for you, Bill. Long time donors like you are so important to the blood supply. The increase in the number of tests that must be done on each unit have the result of eliminating donors from donating. Keep up the good work !
Have a great day. Marilyn
Dear friends,Bill, y & I share the same A+ & I too have donated blood, two quarts. They have me on the hospital list as I have a clotting factor that most people don't have so it is kind of nice to be unique. I don't know if there is an age where they think you are too old. I am 74, but in excellent good health so I feel very blessed. We are finally getting winter weather & it is ti be -18 celsius so it is going to be cold. Its bearable as long at that darn north wind stays away. Te blog is pretty quiet just now, but I do think it will pick up once the concerts resume
with more events, Don't think we will get a concert here in Alberta until 2009
so will save my dollars & have an Andre fund so I can attend a concert. For those who have yet to attend a live concert, you really are in for a treat.
The energy & joy is unmatched and so enjoying. Hopefully I can get an autograph at a concert sometime in the future, I have three programs from my previous concerts & they are really beautiful. Best stock available & the photos are superb. My Memories music station plus a lot of Andre Rieu, & is
part of the Mtrax organization. They have a variety of music types, but I listen to the memories channel pretty well exclusively, except when I get Andre's dvds playing. Have a want list which I will send for when the finances
ease a bit. Pensions don't cover all the frills I'd like to have, but that the way life goes. Love to all Marianne
Dear Bill I too have A+ blood type & used to donate until I was over 70. They used to keep me as a fresh donor as
I apprently have a clotting factor most folks don't have, si that makes my blood unique. It's warmed up a bit, not
in the minuses & no wind, & that's a blessing. The sun shines here but not a lot of warmth as it is so far away this time of year, but we are past the shortest day, so the hours of daylite are longer, which I very much like. B.C
is quite different in that you get dull grey overcast, with few bright sunny days although it is warmer temp wise.
Think the blog will pick up once Andre is back on tour. It's odd, that no-one
reported on the two Jan concerts at all.
I really like to read the input from other fans etc, but maybe it is a case of winter blahs, which willl cease once
spring arrives. Love to all Marianne
Hi Marianne. I think that here in the US, at least at our blood bank, they let people donate as long as they are in good health. Yes, it's winter here, very rainy today and expected to be snowy and icy tomorrow. As long as it isn't too bad, I don't mind it as I like a change of seasons. I grew up where it was very snowy in the winter, so I don't mind it unless it gets real bad and the power goes off for a long time.
Yes, I agree, when André is on tour again, fans will start getting excited again. I know I will once I know when he coming to the Pacific Northwest, which I am hoping will be this coming Fall as he has before. Otherwise now I feel like I am a kind of vacuum. I am envious of all of the people who are planning to travel to Maastricht next summer, but happy for them too. Time to get my doggies their dinner. Love, Marilyn
Hi all good deed Blood Donors. I commend
each and everyone of you for your life saving donations. I salute each and everyone of you. I also noticed how quite the blog is lately what with no chatter on André. Sure hope it picks up soon. I will be answering questions to what "Na-Nook" posted, but have been dizzy with car problems. So I'll be un-
able to drive for awhile, which will give me time to compose some "humor" which we all could use. NO sun today, 19 degrees also. Just passin on a reminder 'bout André voting. Are we all doing our part?? I am doing it daily, have 12 people voting for, and it does not look like the numbers are moving much. Just for today, looks like most only received 3 votes. So since we have the off time, lets get together and cast our votes for the Rieu's. Preeety
please-with sugar on top. I will be returing like a bad penny to see if our numbers are jumping. 'member, we can do it, if "WE" do it together. and on that note I'll leave you with a good word:
"A smile is the light in the window of your face, which tells people that your heart is at home". ta-ta for now.
Hello All Wonderful André Rieu Fans!
I've been off line a while with a sore neck. (those old work place injuries!) But I missed everyone and am baaaaacckkkkk.
Yes, sometimes our posts do not show up right away. Darn Moderators dare to have lives or get busy. Ah, but what can we do? kidding aside, if other sites were not so jealous we wouldn't have to moderate, but this works best. And...we LOVE all the Fans and want to bring you only the best of the best, which is ... YOU ALL
catching up.. Timmi is doing well after surgery. Monster was to have her teeth cleaned but didn't need it so she is back home and happy too.
Send in your Andre News Items. I'm ready to get back to work! And...we will be having a new way to bring you The Rieu Report! Ohhhhhh good things are in store for us all.
Who is going to Australia? Who is going to Europe? Who is going to local Concerts? And who is traveling to see other Fans?
~~~Webmaster Sally~~~
My radio station is playing an all day tribute To Mozart, whose birthday is today(happy birthday Mozart). He may be gone from this earth but his music lives forever!I'm on cloud nine now, will come back down to earth at a later time.
Enjoy your day Shirley!
Happy Birthday to you Mozart, you sure brought a lot of joy to a lot of people with your music.
Hi everyone, I know I have been missing a lot this week but it was not a good week. A bunch of stuff but we took Honi for a second opinion and to have the tumor checked. The vet found another mass in her tummy and her lymph glands are enlarged and she is very pale. This doctor seemed to be more interested and gave her better pain meds just in case she has some what she called achey type of pain. She gave us something to clean her tumor area and that has helped some with the odor. Then yesterday she must have hurt her front paw because she is limping so I guess it is back to the vet tomorrow. I feel the end is near for poor Honi but as long as she seems comfortable we will wait. The vet gives her about a month but who knows. The main thing is we must watch her breathing because that would be a first sign of things going down hill. But she eats and drinks so that is good.
Sally I am glad Timmie is ok and Monster did not need to have her teeth cleaned. Yuk, even I hate that. I got my violin and started my lessons but I am not quite ready to audition for Andre
Well that is about it for this week. Talk later. Hugs
Jeanine Ann, I am so sorry to hear about Honi's tumour. It is so devastating when our pets fall seriously ill. They are so much part of the family.
You are very brave taking up the violin. I have been trying to encourage my 33 year old daughter to start playing again. She used to play violin and piano as a child and teenager and loved playing violin in the school and youth orchestras but once she left home to go to university she didn't have the opportunity to practice so stopped playing. Now she is worried about her neighbours complaining if she tries to pick up where she left off. Hugs.
{{{{Jeanine Ann}}}} & {{{{HONI}}}}
Aw, I am so sorry to hear about Honi. She is a lucky girl to have her Kitty Mommy take such good care of her. It is good you have the medicine to keep her comfortable. I am certain she knows she is very loved.
Hi Jeanine, So sorry, but you will know when it is time. As you know I have written about Samson, my cat who is old and blind. But he eats. Three weeks ago he stopped using the litter box and after three days of it I decided it was time. I called my sister and asked her if we could arrange for her to pick me up and take Samson to be put to sleep. The next day he started using the litter box again and still is. I guess he heard me. He's just an old cat, kidney failure, heart failure and blind. But he eats and drinks and I guess he told me he is not ready. It won't be too long because he's shaky, but still likes to cuddle. It's been cold here, but one day when the sun was shining in the back yard I took him out and held him in my arms for about 30 minutes and he loved it. Too windy today. I'll know when it's time as will you.
Any idea what's happening on the Andre website. Nothing new. The press site is nothing even though they promised to keep it updated. Sometimes the people on the site use the excuse "press of business." Well, obviously they can afford to hire a person to be devoted to the site. I asked them a year ago when the orchestra page would be updated and the answer was "very soon." Yup. Take care and my prayers are with you and yours.
Happy Sunday everyone! I'm so happy because it was supposed to maybe snow or ice this morning, and we didn't get it! Now, keep it away tomorrow and Tuesday and I think we will be home free. I hope
Very nice to see you back Sally! Happy that your neck is better
As far as who is going to Australia, Europe or local concerts? I wish I were, but I'm not, but I'm sure there are some out there who are!
never-never land, happy and wishing for more André and JSO, to keep their minds active and lives sane.
Take care everyone and have a great Sunday!
Hi everyone,
Said I would check back in a few days ... Sally I'm sorry to hear that you have a sore neck, I do hope you are on the mend now, I missed seeing your name on this site.
Many thanks for Shirley, Marilyn Smith, Marlene Warren, Judith, Jeanine Ann & Marianne Peters for your wonderful words, thoughts and prayers. I passed each and every one of them on to Mavis, Bill's funeral is on Thursday 31 January.
Now lets talk about our darling Andre ... What a difference he has made to my life ... because if it wasn't for Andre and his wonderful, wonderful music, I would never have met such a caring and thoughtful bunch of people.... a huge THANKS from Les
We have had a long weekend here, to celebrate Australia Day. There was a slight cloud over our festivities with the passing of Heath Ledger, who is a Perth boy, very sad to learn of this news. (Same day as Bill actually)
Well my friends it's Monday evening here and it's back to work for me tomorrow. The weather is still very warm with the temp in the 30's (celsius) let me know how your snow falls are going, It's hard to imagine that you are experiencing such cold blizzard conditions when we are basking in the heat ...
Well everyone, I will be back in a couple of days ... Enjoy your week, love and hugs xxxxxxxx Les
Leslie, Dear Friend: I am so sorry to read of Bill's passing. My heart goes out to you and Mavis and I will be thinking of you both on the 31st.
It is sad for all re Heath Ledger's passing. He was so young. I am sick of the stalk-arazzi. They need to allow families and loved one's space in their time of sorrow.
Thankfully our rain has let up. A few cities had flooding, but my area is good, abet Wet.
Hello everyone, its been a while since I have written. One of my cousins up north was ill and I went up for three weeks to see her. She is much better now! Yesterday I found out from our daughter and son in law that my wife and I will be grandparents for the first time!!! How fast time goes, I can remember when our daughter was just a baby and now another baby is on the way! I now have a chance to introduce Andre's music to our grandchild!!
I wish all my best
Bob Ruark (Hooked on being a Grandfather)
Congrats Grandpa Bob !
Hi DJBob, Congratulations to you!! Yes time does go fast. I am very happy for you. See you in April!! Hugs
I missed you Robert! Congratulations on your new status. Grandpa in training.
Greetings Shirley, glad some one hasn't forgotten about me. As I compose this, I am preparing for the survival mode, as the weather is expected to change by morning, at the moment we are getting drizzle which will change to ice covered roads by early a.m., making for tuff commute - compounded with winds which are expected to gust to 60 miles and above, alerting everyone,for possible wind damage-power outages-trees
causing more trouble. Today 01/28/08 we celebrated our thirty-first Anniversary of the [ Buffalo Blizzard of 1997 ] which made national news, National guards were sent in to help dig us out which is the reason I became a pre-pared person. We had no electricity plus
effecting computer time last night. Only lasted for several hours, but just enough for me to start my gathering. Does come at a rather bad time, as I have relasped with my neck problems also. Had quite an accident here at home in 2005 and have never been the same. The vertibrae in my neck C3 -C5 were badly injured when a construction worker failed to secure a double door to my wash area, when the door fell square on my head. Suffered a severe concussion, and have not been the same.
Try to keep humor thru all this pain, plus effected eye site, terrific ringing
chirping sounds in my ears, at night it is enough to make you nuts. But, I am alive and should be thankful, could be worse; just as long as I can hear and see Andre, I am a happy camper. But I digress - Congratulations to Robert on your wonderful upcoming baby event! So sad to hear about "HONI", I also had to go through some greiving times with my two Collie's years ago. The pain is still there. Webmommy Sally take care of your neck, I can just imagine the pain too well. Marianne Peters, you take care of your self, you sound like a hearty stock as I am, or as we all are- if I have left some one out at this posting, I will catch you later, but please know you all are in my heart always. You've all become closer than my own few family members left in this area. So good wishes to all, and on a lighter note I'll leave because I am going to study for a "blood test". Hee-hee. Back at ya soon, unless 'mother nature' arrives in an angry mood. Also, Lesley, you just be strong, the Good Lord does not give us more than we can handle. Keep the 'faith' and A.S.A.P ==
"Always Say A Prayer", got that from when I almost took final vows. I told you, I have just scratched the surface, what with the journals and all. Hugs.
Judith,you certainly ARE a survivor! In many ways.Two things you say intrigues me, "study for a blood test"??? and "almost took final vows"? I am glad you feel we are like family because we really are ya know. Now on another note, I do sometimes like to listen to some of my "older" songs from years past.Do you remember Chicago, with Peter Cetera?just listened to their Glory of Love. My gosh that gives me goosebumps! And then the Eagles and their Hotel California. I-YI-Yi! The instrumentals on that one are GREAT! You know what 'they" say, variety is the spice of life. Ok now, hello & goodbye to everyone. I'm fighting a nasty cold now. Stay well and safe everyone. "Goodnight & God bless".........
Hi there Judith, my friend. Like Shirley said ??study for a blood test, I don't understand but I do know what you mean by the "final vows" since I am Catholic. You really have a lot to tell about your life. Thank you for your kind words about Honi. I appreciate it so much. It is like a death watch here and we are sad most of the time. But that is part of life and you get through it with God's help and the help of wonderful friends like all of you.
You know you are lucky you were not killed by that door falling on your head. I am so sorry that you have to deal with the complications from that. I think the ear ringing would drive me crazy and I would not have a long trip
Sally I was so concerned about asking about Timmie and Monster that I forgot to mention your neck. Hope it is better now. Seems like a lot of us have neck problems, I hurt mine cleaning the bottom of an airplane while living in Florida. Now it hurts when I hold my head too long in one position like to the left when I am trying to get something more than a screech from my violin
Leslie, I'll take a few degrees of your weather. It's cold here, snow came but not enough to keep me from working, thank goodness.
I'm sure that André has made a difference in the lives of more than a few of us!
DJBob, it's nice to see you again! I was wondering what happened to you. Congratulations on the news of a new grandbaby! I'm sure it's exciting for you. Yes, I can see him/her growing up to André's music.
Dear friends, We in my part of the world are in a deepfreeze, minus 30, with wind chill to minus 45, but it supposed to warm up by Thurs. Jeanine,
we give our love to our animals & when they get old & ill, we can do more than grieve. Some will say that is foolish, but when you give your love to a cat or dog, they are part of you, & it is okay to mourn. Remember the good times!! and
that way the memories will always be with you. I will be so glad once things pick up on the blog, but I am also glad that Andre, the JSO, & the singers have had a rest from performing. They still have to practice each & everyday so days off are almost unknown. Don't think I could take that kind of pressure
but I sure appreciate the effort that goes into offering impeccable performances. I sure don't like the cold & the older I get the less I like it. Wish I could fly south with the birds, but Feb 1st is Thursday & the weather is to get warmer & it seems once
we get past January we don't get any more deep freeze. I can take the cold, but the wind is something else & southern Alberta is noted for being windy. I expect there will some up-dates on the Andre site once he is back on tour. It sure has been desolate since
before Xmas. I listen to Detroit T.V. & it is all politics. Funny thing I know more about American politics than I do of Canada, ours is so boring but the American variety always has some thing
interesting, so I find it very interesting. The biggest thing I guess, is the health care issue, which we have had in Canada for a lot of years. It is something that is not to be ignored but everyone has a right to good affordable health care, because if our people aren't healthy, they can't contribute to the betterment of the nation as a whole.
Healthy folk contribute, whereas people who can't or don't have affordable health care can't work & then become a drain on the social framework of our respective nations. Anyway enough of my soap box, & it is only my humble opinion
Love to all Marianne
Dear friends. it is nearly 9a.m. & the temp is minus 38 celcius. Supposed to get up to minus 26 by mid afternoon. In
the meantime my car won't start & it's not battery, so the next thing is a frozen gas line, so will wait until then
& see if it will start. It's bright sun,but cold brr!! Even my apt is cold this morning, so had to plug in my auxiliary heater, which at least warms the living rood. I'm at the end of the line facing north so I get the full brunt of the wind. So far this a.m it is still, so when I go out to check whether the tow man reconnected my block heater it will be bearable. Main thing is to wear my toque as you really lose a lot of heat thru your head, & the rest of me will be layered. No updates of Andre's site since Jan 11th,
& there have been few postings except from Oz. It is just amazing how our friends from down under have taken Andre & troop to their hearts. So touching & they are so excited by the up-coming concerts. It should be quite a blast. Wish I could take a trip to Oz, as I've read so much about the country over the years, but I expect that will be in another lifetime unless
I win a big lottery, then I could become an Andre groupies & follow his concerts all over the world. Sure would like to celebrate my B/D., Aug 29th in Paris, France. My memory station plays a lot more Andre selections since the Toronto concert, so even Mtrax is picking up on the trend. Love to all Marianne
Has anyone seen the interview with Andre on a TV show in Hannover. It's great. He looks very relaxed. I do wish there would be some updates on his website but at least we know he's in good health. You can see it with subtitles on the movie page. Enjoy
I watched the interview earlier today and enjoyed it immensely. He looks great (but then, doesn't he always?!) I love his sense of humor! Can't wait to see his concert in NY in May.
Wasn't that interview great! Andre looked sooooo good and he was so funny. It is amazing what he has accomplished. I am so happy for him. I think we all had tears in our eyes in Toronto. When you first see the palace you are in awe of it. Then throughout the concert all these beautiful things begin appearing one after another and it is so wonderful and so romantic. The sound was beyond amazing and you could not help but tear up as the lovely music played, song after song. It was incredible. Andre can be proud.
I thought the funny part was when he tried to give a violin lesson to the lady guest. I was dreaming - why can't that be me. It made me feel a little better knowing she had never even held the violin
I've only seen the videos of Toronto, but it looks amazing! I hope he brings the Palace to Northern California in the future...maybe 2009? If André gave me violin lessons, I'd be too distracted to remember anything! Isn't that what he said about his first violin teacher?
It is difficult for us here in Queensland, Australia to even imagine what a temp of minus 38 Celsius is like. We think it is freezing when our temp drops to 3-4 degrees Celsius - we usually get one such morning each winter although the winter daytime temps are more likely to be 19-23 degrees. I am hoping the weather will not be too hot when Andre and the JSO are here as it will be summer when our temps are usually in the low 30s.
We have been getting some very welcome rain over the past few weeks. We had been in drought for a very long time and now some places have had floods. Unfortunately the rain has not been widespread enough to alleviate the drought in all areas.
I have never been to Canada, Marianne but it sounds like a very beautiful country.
I think we are all getting worried about Andre and the lack of updates on his site. Cheers to all.
Dear Friends A little bit about Canada for your info, We are a very diversified the country. Roughly 3500 mile s from the west coast to the east coast Each section of the country has its own differences/ I have lived in B.C.(west coast) & Alberta for all of my life. Alberta is mostly flat land, with grain
farming in the South & mixed farming in the northern part/ B.C is mountainous
with valleys which run north & south. The interior has some flat land around Kamloops.(meeting of the waters,) Indian
name) to Keremeos. (meeting of the winds) Kelowna. where I lived most of my life until I returned to Alberta to care for my daughter & family eleven years ago as she had an accident & needed care for her 6 month old son Andy
so here I am eleven years later, a permanenent resident of Alberta. That's
life, would rather be in B.C.e the weather is a bit better. but you do what you have to do, & I can't complain
as both my children are here as well * I have many good friends, so you put up with the bad weather & enjoy what one has & forget about wishing for the moon
It sure makes life easier, & I am glad to be where my family lives, so it is no so bad. Sure never thought I would spend my waning years in the province where I was born. but life sometimes changes what you expect. I am content although I sometimes wish that the weather would be a little less intense. It has been very cold minus 35celcius
but Feb is Thursday so it can just improve. Not much on the web, about Andre, but that will change once the tour begins Feb. 8th. Can hardly wait!!
Don't expect we will get a live concert before 2009, but at least I have dvds & cds to play & my memories channel plays a lot of Andre's music, especially since the concerts in Toronto, which were very well attended. Otherwise it has been a bit of a drought. Hope everyone is fine. This line of communication is just wonderful, as I have met so many folks , whose connection is our Maestro. Bet he never ever thought that this kind of thing would happen, but it is all due to the man & his music. Love to all Marianne
Dear friends/ I have learned a lot about Australia from a series of novels some years back. Think there was at least
8 novels beginning with the convict repatriation to very close to present day. It was most interesting, & very well done/ Can't remember the author at the moment, but his research was very in depth/ Canada, too is a big country so if
you live in Alberta or British Columbia
you really don't know a lot about the Eastern part of the country. Kind of a sad state of affairs, but far too many of us don't have the wherewithal to travel from west to east so we are limited. That's the way it is, although
my family came from Toronto & Manitoulin
Island, I've never gone any farther east than the Alberta/Saskatchewan border. No reason and now no money to travel except in my dreams. Now if I could win a big lottery, I would travel to wherever I liked, but it is a dream.
But one thing I have learned in my fairly long years is that you never let go of a dream even if it is unattainable. & that is one thing that makes us human beings. Am back on my soapbox, but really it does make good sense. Love to all Marianne
hey jeanine ann,
in the interview andre said that he will be releasing a new dvd in australia with a painted picture the his some did. what will the dvd be of. i want if even if i all ready have another version on it lol!
ok
thanks
-jeff
Hi Jeff,
Wish I knew what the DVD is going to be. I guess we will watch Andre's site although lately there has not been much news. If any us hear anything we will post it here. I would love to have some of Marc's work, even on a DVD. Hugs
Dear Sally and Fans,
Congrats and thanks for keeping me up to date with the Andre "revolution". We have been spreading the news for some 8 years in Aust. and things are really taking off now. I have infiltrated Melbourne, Perth and London
(UK)and Mike Connelly has done likewise in Sydney. Please advise if the Schonnburg Palace/Maastricht group
(2006) are coming to Australia.
We are having extraordinary difficulty
getting info re Perth dates, venue and
ticketting. Can anyone, including Andre
promotions, HELP??
Looking forward to meeting and dining with all overseas FANS
Thank you for the kind words. They helped me feel better as I suffered with a sore neck. Dang the C4-5, C5-6 & C7 issues.
I'm certain you will have a great time again. Andre Rieu Fans are the BEST!
Dear Friends, We still have winter, altho it has warmed up to minus 16, with
wind chill at minus36, but it should be minus 11 by 2p.m., & then I will see if my poor old car will start. I've had this car for 8 years & this is only the second time it has let me down, so I'm not complaining too much. We will likely get a bit of snow later to-day,
but we haven't had much so far this year
& that's not good as we need to get the ground water up, otherwise the crops don't grow. Our Maestro's music is balm to a great many folks, especially those who are ill, or depressed. It seems to lift one out of the doldrums. My music station plays a lot of Andre, plus many selections from the big band era. Just heard an Irish pianist, Phil Coulter, whose music is quite listenable. Just saw a photo of my old home town Hope,
which sits at the eastern end of the Fraser valley. They are very plugged up with snow with more to come. Glad I live in a apt, where I don't have to shovel snow at all, & I can stay indoors
unless I just have to go out to run errands. It will be toque, plus scarf for my face as I can't take the wind, I
just get breathless. Friday is Feb 1st
& usually our winter is on the way out. We can get a few really cold days, but not usually in the minus 35 range. Hope everyone is coping okay, next thing will be spring run-off, but maybe it will come slowly, so we don't get floods
Not here, but other parts of Alberta & B.C. can get very hard hit. Love to all Marianne
Dear Friends, I am totally perplexed, since someone asked about a concert in Perth, Australia. Now the dec 3rd/08 has
disappeared from the agenda completely. I hope it hasn't been canceled since the Sydney, Adelaide concerts still are on the agenda. Hope someone can sort this out, so Perth doesn't get left out yet again. I don't expect a tour anyplace close to me before 2009 or maybe later, but it would be sad for our Aussie friends to also be let out.
Perhaps everything will get sorted out once the tour begins Feb 8th/08. Just now it seems a bit disjointed. This kind of thing pretty much always happens, when the routine is interrupted
I also wanted to say how much I enjoyed Andre's tour of his home a few days ago on our PBS channel. His home is just lovely, thanks in no small part to Marjorie who stays in the background, but her influence can be both seen & felt. Feb lst to-morrow, & winter should be on the way out to make room for Spring. The days are getting longer
already, & tho it has been cold at least the sun shines. Love to all Marianne
Well, the weather HERE is a balmy 17 degrees this evening! We had 40 degree temps 2 days ago, then rain, then the temp DROPPED 30 degrees, and well, it was "cars on ice". The wind chill was -20. Just when they ALMOST have the roads clear, and I mean ALMOST - still just enough ice to make you go 20mph, it snows. Yup, big fluffy flakes. It took me over an hour to get to work this evening, in what usually takes me 25 minutes. I drove 25-20 mph, and let a couple people pass me. Hope you all are well and safe, and maybe next year I will be blogging from sunny Acapulco! MUAH HA HA HA!!! (yeah right)
Dear Marianne, Dec 3rd 08 in Brisbane is still on and
Dec 4th 08 has now been added to the agenda for Brisbane according to our State Minister Judy Spence.
Dear Marianne, I am curious about the 8 books on Oz. If you remember the author I would appreciate knowing who it was. You mention convict repatriation. My first ancestor to reach Oz in 1831 was a sergeant in the 4th foot escorting convicts out from the old country. As far as I know as they served their time or became citizens due to their skills they settled down to normal life here. A few who became successful made their own way back but I am unaware of any being repatriated to Britain by the authorities. Many of the ex convicts became successful businessmen, architects, public servants, farmers and bushrangers and so on.
Dear Darcy Maddock. The author of the novels on Oz, was William Stuart Long. He really did his homework on the history of Oz. I think I used the wrong word, & actually meant the transport of the convicts, who weren't really bad folk, some had been arrested for as little as swiping a piece of bread. I agree that very few if any ever went back to England, but they stayed, worked hard & once they'd served the allotted time they worked for themselves & many accomplished a good leg up the ladder of life, and no-one can find fault with that. It was a tough time to do things with no money &
very little help from anyone else. Very
commendable. Something like the prairie
pioneers in the Canadian prairies, but our settlers were free men. Altho I was born in Alberta I grew up in B.C. We had
a few native folk, I never saw a black person until I was 11 yrs old, * that was a girl operator of the elevator & was she a beautiful looking person. 63yrs later I still remember that young woman. I was raised with no prejudices, so to-day, I don't see a persons color
before I see the person, & then I want to know all about where they are from & how Canada is different from their home countries. I've garnered a lot of knowledge, without the benefit of travel
so I count myself lucky!! Everyone has a story to tell & all you have to do is listen. Just look at the blog & how we've been joined by our love & esteem
for Andre, & how we are evolving into sharing some of our day to days' lives
That's communication & can do nothing but make our world better. Love to all Marianne
Thank you Marianne, I was wondering about the repatriation bit. Yes there were some people who were just trying to feed their families who were starving, but believe me quite a lot of them were very nasty items. While I had no convicts in my direct line, sisters and brothers of my line married reformed convicts or children of convicts and I have enormous amounts of family history about them. Some of them became very good citizens though one lady in particular according to court records was in trouble all the time through her own activities.
Lots of musical artists, a bandmaster in the British Army, an orchestra condutor, a theatre organist, a vaudeville comedian, a UK soprano and a London theatre owner in the family history. Both my sisters were on stage in the UK and one travelled to Canada and parts of Europe as backing singer with "The Bachelors" plus singing parts in Operettas and the other a dancer with lots of TV shows with people like Sascha Distel (hope I got the spelling right) Benny Hill, The Two Ronnies, Lena Zavaroni and so on. Her estate still receives cheques from various sources because of replays of shows she was in.
We love music in our family. Both myself and my son and daughter played the violin (I am now well out of tune)plus piano and my son also plays classical guitar. My grand-daughter 3 years old loves watching Andre as we all do. We gave her a playable toy saxophone for her birthday as a starter.
We are suffering from Andre deprivation at the moment because the Ovation Channel seems to have run out of Andre shows. We are resorting to Andre DVDs and CDs to keep us happy. Once again thank you Marianne
Darcy
Dear Friends. I totally agree that we have an Andre drought with nothing new
anywhere. Thank goodness for cds & dvds.
Will have an Andre day today, as it is super bowl & I'm not much of a football
fan. Wonder where Sally has gotten to. I hope she's not ill, as it's already Feb & the guestbook hasn't changed. Hope
she's better. I agree Darcy, that some of the convicts were bad folks, but most of them had been transported for
minor crimes, men & women both. Brooks is a city with a large immigrant population. From every country on the African continent, except maybe Mauritania, & a couple of other countries on the northwest area. For the most part they are good folk, with a few that get into trouble with our justice system, mainly because they don't know the law, & then there are the ones who have professional education, not recognized in Canada. It
really is a waste of talent, but now the gov't is trying to fix the problem.
We have a real shortage of medical people, which is only going to get worse
I have an injured hand with a lot of nerve damage. Was on the beach watching the boat, & the sand washed away, so I landed with my full weight on my wrists
Had the left one fixed 3 or 4 years ago, but the surgeon told me then that the right one would go sour too. Yesterday I was doing a lot of writing in my son-in-laws accounting ledgers & the had finally just gave up. Numb, tingly & pain!! Phooey. Have to wait to see the specialist until April 2nd, then
another wait to book the surgery, so I can see the whole summer messed up. Oh well at least is repairable. Got my car up & running Sat. It turned out that the block heater plug had all the wires pulled off, so having it connected to the power source didn't help one bit. Me & block heaters seem to have an issue. A year ago I had one that started a fire, so the front of my car has a big burn mark, but the fire didn't do any damage to the motor so she still runs very well for an old car,
1988 Ford thunderbird. Have all the parts to repair it, but not the cash to pay for the work, that I can't do myself
& I also don't have the tools to take it apart & reassemble same. If I was 40
I could still do all the stuff, but I'm 74, & the strength has gone bye bye.
Darcy, I always have music in my home,
but don't play an instrument except for a keyboard, & do play some at my daughter's house as she has a piano. Her
son Dustin plays by ear, Andy is picking up the guitar like his Dad, who plays both country & rock & roll. He has his own recording studio, & does a lot of work for other people, so one day he will produce a hit & then the studio will be a viable enterprise. The
only endeavor that is harder to break into is professional sports. Your family sounds very interesting. If you can get the novels I mentioned, you may even find your ancestor mentioned as he had a few of the guards mentioned in the stories. Comes to mind of the settlement at Parametta, north of Sydney
Love Marianne