KC Symphony Chorus Christmas Festival

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You’ll notice that there was, yet again, another break in the posts on this blog. Since Linda’s birthday, I was busy with work and also performing with the Kansas City Symphony Chorus and the Christmas Festival. We had rehearsal on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday – with shows on Thursday, Friday, and then two shows on Saturday and again on Sunday. Needless to say, I was exhausted.

Despite being exhausting, it was a wonderful concert with music from the Kansas City Symphony, the Symphony Chorus, the Allegro Children’s Choir, and the Rezound Handbell Choir. It truly was an amazing show – with numerous opportunities for getting misty-eyed.

I’m enjoying time off now and spending time with the family. I’m looking forward to spending more time with Linda and the girls. The Christmas season is about to arrive and we’re thankful that we’ll get to spend it with all of Linda’s family.

Procrastination…

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You’ll notice my last blog post was exclaiming the news that K-State was number 1 in the BCS polls. That lasted a whole week – because we got BEAT by Baylor the following Saturday and fell from our lofty pedestal all the way down to number 6.

I knew the right thing to do was to post about the loss, especially since I’d been posting every win all season long. However, I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. I kept meaning to – but it never happened. Seems that if I didn’t write about it, I wouldn’t have to really think about it.

Then, I got very busy. I had a lot of rehearsals and performances at that time for the Kansas City Symphony Chorus. The night of the Baylor game found me at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts singing Carmina Burana by Carl Orff. Linda and the girls were there, too. Fortunately, we did not witness the destruction of our beloved Wildcats because we were immersed in voices and percussion. Check out the video clip of our dress rehearsal:

Finally, the good news is that K-State won their last game of the season at home against Texas and are now the Big XII Champions. Last time we did that was 2003 at Arrowhead Stadium against Oklahoma (a game that Linda and I attended). Now, we will be playing against Oregon in the Fiesta Bowl on January 3. Watch party at my house?

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By the way, there were some piano recitals and other musical events for the girls in the past 2 weeks. I plan to post those here in the next few days.

Wildcats are #1 in BCS

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Despite being ranked number 2 in the Associated Press and Coaches polls, Kansas State is ranked number 1 in the BCS.

Now – we just need to play well at Baylor this coming Saturday. We get a week to rest and then host Texas at home for Senior Night. Looks to be a good close to the season.

Go Cats! EMAW!

Veterans Day

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Many of you may see the picture above and assume it is me – in fact, I even think it looks like me. However, this is my grandfather, Jack Lyndon Featherston Sr at 17 years of age. This photo was taken December 7, 1941; note that he is listening to the large radio behind him – he’s listening to the broadcast of the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was a flight navigator in both the European and Pacific theatres. He also served during the Korean War.

Unfortunately, my grandfather died in 1998 and my girls didn’t get the chance to get to him. He had lots of stories – but the ones I loved best were the ones about his adventures during World War II. I can still hear him telling them now.

My father is also a veteran; more than 20 years active duty in the US Army. He was a fabulous NCO and was a role model to many men – including me.

My years in the military had a profound effect on me – they shaped who I am today. I’m proud of my military service, but I’m even more proud that I come from a family of men that have served the United States of America.

My sister, Lynette, and her husband, Lee, were also members of the US Army.

Thank you to all the veterans for your sacrifice and duty.

Pacesetters Dance Clinic

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Emily attended the Pacesetters Dance Clinic today with several friends. This is the dance team for the local high school and Emily is really hoping to be part of it when she starts attending there.

Enjoy a little clip of what they worked on for about 2 hours before they showed all the parents what they learned.

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Last night, the K-State Wildcats survived a tough, physical game. They won 44-20, but the score doesn’t explain the nail-biting fashion in which the contest was played out.

Oklahoma State played well on both sides of the ball, but 5 turnovers would prove to be costly as the Wildcats were able to capitalize on those and also keep the Cowboys from scoring.

Unfortunately, there were several injuries suffered on both teams – most importantly, Collin Klein came out in the middle of the 3rd quarter. Those of us at the game had no idea what happened or why he was out. However, those watching the TV broadcast were told it was due to a hyperextension of his wrist. If that’s all it was, he should be back next week. Although…we’ll never know until then as Coach Snyder makes no comments on injuries.

K-State travels to TCU next week. Here’s hoping we extend our BCS ranking of #2.

K-State shoots down Texas Tech

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This past Saturday, Kansas State won another statement game in beating #14 ranked Texas Tech. The Red Raiders had hopes of an upset and played well during the first half. However, the Cats exploded from their halftime lead of 13-10 and ended up winning 55-24. This is the first team all year to get over 21 points on the Cats, but it was also the 4th time we’ve scored more than 50 points.

We have moved to #3 in both polls and all the way to #2 in the BCS. Just keep getting better every day.

Additionally, Collin Klein is the front runner for the Heisman trophy for the second week.

Lets go, Cats. EMAW!