In and Out

So last weekend I headed to Florida to open up the condo and and clean things up after the six months away and Hurricane Irma coming through. Also I timed it so I could see the first ballet of the season.  Before that we went to City Winery to hear Jeff Daniels in concert with his son and daughter in law... not the best concert I have attended - he was charming and the daughter in law had a lovely voice but the material was forgettable and the son's voice will not be able to front a band if Dad decides he's too busy to be on the road....

So I worked all weekend getting things cleaned up and arranged for our return in seven days - here is my jungle courtyard upon arrival for the cleaning weekend-

On Sunday afternoon I took a few hours break and went to the ballet opener! A lovely piece - a challenge for the composers with a complex narrative to impart both through dance and a libretto.

The first production of the Season sees the much anticipated return of Olivier Award Winner Will Tuckett’s The Secret Garden, which amazed and exhilarated audiences during its premiere in 2014. The ballet tells Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved tale of an orphaned young girl, Mary, who is sent to live with her Uncle in the countryside. She soon discovers a secret garden and a young sickly boy, Colin, who never leaves his room for fear of his health. Together, with their friend Dickon, they explore the garden and in the process find love, family and health in their own special paradise. The ballet features a commissioned score by composer Jeremy Holland-Smith, as well as puppetry and narration that help bring the story, characters and the garden to life.

the theater where I attended the ballet and we frequently see productions by the Asolo Rep...

next up for the ballet- of course the perennial favorite for the holidays Nutcracker- with a Sarasota twist!

returned home on Monday afternoon - a lot of turbulence approaching Chicago - but a dramatic view of the city upon entering the final ORD flight path-

this week - final prep and packing for our time in the sun.... and two last week meals with friends including a white truffle dinner at Osteria Langhe with Sheila & Mary... and a jaunt to Cafe Marbella with Mike.... It wasn't even 40* when I went out this morning to get a garbage bag from the deck box... Phil said 29 real feel - #timetogo.  Hope it doesn't snow this week!