20 June …

 

I found someone to go to the opera with me next October !!!

The Met shows some of their productions live in High Definition at local movie theatres.  George and I had gone to see one of them a few years ago.  This year I will see “Samson and Delilah”.  I wish George could be with me.  The female lead is being sung by mezzo Elena Garanca and will be the opening production at the Met this season which is very unusual.  Mostly the opening gala features a coloratura.

Garanca was a favorite of George’s.  He thought she was better than Horne. 

I will listen closely as if there is still a connection between us.  Maybe he can enjoy too.

~~~

Weather has been moving toward summer. I’ve opened the window in my room full and am sleeping with just a sheet.  Nice.

And as we expected … the sun is up before me and still light out when I go to bed.  But Solstice is tomorrow and so days will begin to shorten soon.

Oh well …

~~~

Tonight will be radio club meeting.  Several things are happening.  There is trouble with a member who is nowhere to be found until this month each year who then shows up expecting to be in charge of one of our events.

The first of our summer events will be next Saturday and so planning is in full swing.  Report next week.

The question of the treasury is still pending.  A real pain …

Oh for the simple life.

~~~

Yesterday was the monthly Tailgate Party in Weed.  It is part of the “Feed the People” program here in California.  Once a month a semi filled with fresh produce arrives and all that fresh stuff is supplied to whomever shows up.  No requirements to prove anything.  Just come and get it.  First come, first given.                                      

I have volunteered to help with the “giving” and also take part in the receiving.

In May we gave away lettuce, yoghurt (not produce but donated by a central valley company), cabbage (both whole and shredded), eggs, tomatoes, eggplants, onions, potatoes (entire sacks to some folks), broccoli, and hand toys for the children (I don’t know where the toys came from). 

Have I told you all that before?  If so, chalk it up to age.

Yesterday it was strawberries, red potatoes, strawberries, zucchini, strawberries, leaf lettuce, strawberries, vitamin drinks, strawberries, chocolate chip cookies, and strawberries.  I came home with a flat and a half of berries.  I had bought a flat last month to make jam not knowing this was in store.  Next year I’ll wait a month and see what is available.

We’re having berries for breakfast, for snacks, and tomorrow I’ll do a strawberry pie.

~~~

Since last November, I don’t watch near as much television as I did before.  But I do claim some special times.  Masterpiece Theatre is one of those times.  And Great Performances is another. 

Last Friday Great Performances showed the current Met production of “Tosca” which had been filmed last January.  It was interesting.

A couple of things (in addition to the music) caught my attention. 

Both the first and second acts ended with just two points of light on stage … both times from a pair of candles.  The first pair was in the nave of the church where Scarpia was “praying”, and the second pair had been set beside his body after Tosca stabbed him.

The other attention grabber was the way Tosca was costumed.  In the first act she was in flowing white.  In the second she was in seductive jeweled black.  And in the last she was in modest bluish grey.       Three stages of a woman’s life.

~~~

 One of the projects last week was work on the chicken environs.  The coop is secure and was painted.  The run is ready temporarily (it will be enlarged later).  When the “chicks” were let out for the first time it was fun watching them explore.

 

 

First out were the brave ones.

 

 

Now they look for the open door.

 

Next project is naming the coop.  Current lead suggestion is “Poltrygeist Palace”.

~~~

That seems to be all for now, so here’s a reminder … 

Although it may not always be obvious, when we do a good turn, something positive comes back to us. It might not bring the outcome we think, but somehow our good deeds create a cosmic response that brings help and support just when we’re most in need. As you look at a stressful scenario in your world, think about how you can reach out and help someone. There’s no guarantee that you’ll feel the effect of your generosity immediately but you might. Compassion and kindness always feels good.

 ‘til next week …