Music and Pink Cacti

Two trips into the city, lots of church newsletter work, painting and prepping for a short visit to Dallas has kept me out of trouble. I leave in the morning to see Cousin Jim and his wife Nancy, their daughter and grands. And take in some of Dallas' offerings.

I won't be taking along the laptop so posting will be limited to the iPhone as will the amenities on Spirit Airlines, but it's non-stop both ways so I guess that makes up for a lot. Yea! wave a flag.

Still, I'd rather saddle up my pony Subaru.

Aidan and I were the recipients of Philly Orchestra tickets for last Friday afternoon's performance of Prokofiev's Seventh and a couple of debut pieces that were very different and interesting--Composers were in attendance. Aidan thinks he was the youngest person in the audience. I'm certain he was right. Outside Kimmel Center afterward, there were buses and big vans lined up curbside for three or four blocks that were all from various senior centers.

Out seats were wonderful. Thanks to our friends here, Yvonne and Kirk.

Afterward, with art work we were seeing.,

In case you're wondering why I mentioned painting, I am trying to come to terms with acrylics and have yet to say I've enjoyed them. It's good I tried out the Del Val U. drawing class because it is teaching me that what I love is something else--I have fun when I do the soft pastels and other drawing mediums. Yes, to oils, but no to their toxicity. No final conclusions, Just paying attention.

Incomplete. Stay tuned.

Sunday was another day in the city because Aidan had his recital at The Union League. I only captured part of his piece from inconvenient seating, and it blocked some of the sound. Still, I love this piece he's been developing, and this time hearing it with the piano accompaniment was a treat. Wish it recorded better. But, Wendy will have it on Facebook, though she has been so sick with a very bad cold this last week that had some days of high fever before that subsided enough in time for her to go to the recital.

The program.

Cookies, lemonade and hanging with the boys afterward. I had cookies for supper.

Wendy and John.

Aidan and Mrs. dePasquale, his teacher. She plays in the Philly Orchestra. Her brother-in-law was Keoni's violin teacher, Robert dePasquale.

Time to go home.

A gorgeous day ending.

William Penn keeping watch.

Monday, it was time to take in free tickets to watch the Iron Pigs of Bethlehem play the Chiefs of Syracuse. Sarah's husband Bill is a policeman up that way and tickets were from law-abiding, appreciative residents. What fun to be at a ball park again! Good company with Sarah, Bill, and Melissa, their daughter, too.

The program.

The park.
Wonderful, spotless, well-maintained park.

Larry the cable guy's brother sat in front of me.

In Tucson, the pink cactus I bought about eight years ago at Oro Valley Farmer's Market has prolifically produced spring flowers and pups that you can see in this picture that friend Paula sent recently. This momma cactus (maybe its a euphorbia) is a generation or so beyond the original. 

And, a second photo came from Gloria who planted some of the constantly forming pups years ago, too. I love this connection with my Tucson friends and the wonderful, springtime, pink happiness bursting open.

Thank you, Paula and Gloria.