Monday, February 19 - Massachusetts

Good afternoon, intrepid followers! Not a lot to report from my corner of Massachusetts, but I have been busy. No pix today, but you know you will get them next time!

The weather is incredibly odd for February. January was really (really) cold, and we had a few snowstorms that dumped quite a bit of the white stuff. February not so much.

Unusual, given that February is generally the snowiest month. We have had a few snows, of course, but nothing major. Then the temperatures started shooting up into the 40s for a few days before plunging back to the more normal 20s etc. normally found in the midst of Winter. Granted it is a very chilly 42 or so degrees, but still... I half expect to see early blooms pushing up in the garden any day :)

Few inches of snow Saturday night, but not much to speak of. Then yesterday and today were upper 30s.

I am happy to report I have finally shaken most of last month's lethargy. The addition of more veggies and fruit to my diet does indeed seem to have helped considerably. I have been cleaning and straightening the place as I can, and feel so much better. A few achy muscles, but is a good ache. I have been getting up earlier than I was as well, and I like that. It is a good thing.

Phoebe sleeps with me at night, all curled up under my arm (I am a side sleeper), and changes sides when I roll over. Some mornings I do not have the heart to wake her, and lie in bed listening to or watching TV until I need to get up or she starts gently pawing my face, "chirupping", letting me know she is hungry for breakfast.

I had a bit of a scare with Phoebe a few weeks ago. She was not eating - and of course it was the weekend. Called my vet first thing Monday and took her in. No fever or signs of illness, they did bloodwork & gave her fluids & meds to decrease stomach acid/increase appetite. She has been her normal little self since. Phoebe is 20, which is like 103 in people years. And - she is my heart kitty.

I am still waffling on a return trip to Canada, for several reasons. Much as I so really, really want to go there are more practical reasons keeping me on this side of the fence. Will keep you apprised.

Started a list - my infamous lists! - of projects that need to be done in my humble abode. After almost a year, I can no longer stand the garish green paint on the walls of my living room and kitchen. Painted (badly) by the previous owners, the tropical greens are driving me quite mad. They torment me and I have actually become angry about the color on several occasions.

I require something more subtle and soothing. Same with my bathroom & laundry area. I cannot wait to replace the pink with a more adult color!

I have in mind exactly what I want. That may take a bit as I will need some help to complete it. A mural also popped into my head last week. Simply came to me. Its location and subject will be a surprise :)

Stay tuned, my friends! I am roughly outlining an outside hummingbird/butterfly garden as well.

Sunday, February 11 - Massachusetts

Good evening! A bit of a late (and short) post, but I wanted to share my experience at the Opera a few nights ago.

It was wonderful!! As mentioned, my friend had an extra ticket to see "Love Never Dies", the Andrew Lloyd Weber sequel to "Phantom of The Opera". What an excellent night we had!

She picked me up around 3:45, and 3 of us headed into Boston. We had dinner first at the Back Deck - it was great and (as usual) I could not finish my meal and left with a doggie bag.

It was bitterly cold that night, around 26 degrees. The wind whipped and whistled harshly through the narrow streets and buildings of Boston. Glad I was bundled up, even for that short walk!

Boston Opera House

After dinner we headed to the Opera House, just around the corner. It is a wonderfully lovely building; about 90 years old. Seating about 2500 people, the Theatre was almost full that night.

Stage

Opera House

And the opera itself - wow. Just... wow. It was a bit long (2 1/2 hrs.), but so very entertaining. The orchestra was exactly on point. Raoul, played by Sean Thompson, was well played and his voice was excellent. Gardar Thor Cortes, as the Phantom, was outstanding. His voice was so much deeper, richer. I think I fell a bit in love with him that night :)

Christine, played by Meghan Picerno, however was - absolutely sublime. Her solo, "Love Never Dies" towards the end brought tears to my eyes. Her rich voice soared and kept soaring... Higher and higher; higher yet as her voice grew amazingly stronger. Absolutely. Superb.

Solo

Absolutely amazing.

If you have seen "Phantom of The Opera", you must see this sequel. It was a bit overlong in some parts (parts of Act 2 and some bits in part of Act 3) as some of the critics wrote. I found the opera extremely entertaining and quite wonderful for my part.

The chilly wind blowing down Washington Street actually felt good for a few minutes as we left. Cold as it was outside, the Theatre was a bit over-warm and quite crowded (I do not do well with crowds).

I got delivered home around 11:30, the strains of Christine's solo still in my head. What a lovely and tremendous night :) I thoroughly enjoyed the evening.

Stay tuned, my friends.

Saturday, February 3 - Massachusetts

Good afternoon! Snippets today; I had not intended a post today and I am sure my followers were not expecting one so soon.

Most Saturdays are "grocery shopping". My Brother comes over and we shop, then spend a companionable afternoon catching up and solving the problems of the world. Today, however, he did not feel well. Low grade fever, sore throat, voice is gone, aches and pains. He wisely stayed home in bed with medicine.

Despite the 18/20 degree temps today I had to venture out to the local market. Why, and what would actually get me to move this week you ask? The second worst of my scenarios. I ran out of 1/2 & 1/2 for my morning coffee. Ayup.

I love my morning coffee; cannot function without it. I set up the coffee maker the night before. All that is required in the morning is to push the button. While I open the blinds and feed the cats, that wondrous aroma of hot coffee fills my senses.

I do not use a lot of 1/2 & 1/2, but cannot drink coffee black. That, my friends, got me bundled up and out to the store. While I was there I perused the fresh fruit section, but it was rather bare. Small local store where I do not do normally do 'major' shopping. The grapes (which I had in mind yesterday) looked rather pitiful. I do not buy large quantities of fruit as I am only one small person. If I got a cantaloupe, for instance, most of it would go bad before I ate it.

I got Dole fruit cups - peaches and Mandarin oranges. Perfect! Also picked up a few bags of veggies.


 Got me out, and moving :) Albeit in 20 degree weather. WOW it was cold today (and windy)! Literally took my breath away.

February in New England - gotta love it!

I received an invite from a friend to see "Love Never Dies" at the Boston Opera House next week. She has an extra ticket. A sequel to "Phantom of The Opera", it has received mixed reviews. I reserve judgment.

I cannot wait! I have not been into the theater district in quite some time, and am really looking forward to it.

I do love theater and all it entails.

Take that any way you wish :)

Stay tuned!