In which we find ourselves in another part of the world
Brattleboro Concert Choir choristers getting ready for Benjamin Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb and Richard Blackford’s Mirror of Perfection.
My first pet ever was named after the cat Jeoffrey in the Britten piece, but this is the first time I’ve ever heard this work performed. Cosette, our cat of 14 years, is sick and It’s easy to understand writing ecstatic poetry as a way to honor her presence in our lives.
Ice on the Whetstone Creek
In Brattleboro, it’s OK to fix your car with black duct tape if you use a blue border.
Summer picnics are just around the corner!
All the red flights are cancelled. All the other ones are listed as “Waiting for Godot.”
Three Dog Night
I can’t remember the last time I was in a place as cold as -15… Maybe never? Luckily, it’s a short term thing, back up in the 30s by Monday.
NYE dinner at Dalem’s Chalet
The first night I ever spent in Brattleboro was at Dalem’s Chalet Motel and Restaurant, which was started in the 50s by Oscar Dalem, pictured here, and his wife who still runs the place on a kind of part time basis. When we invited the Provs, they asked if Norman Bates would be there, and it’s not a bad question to ask.
Mrs. Dalem put an ad in the paper purporting to be open for NYE dinner, and we pounced. Ambiance included hand hewn beams and a modest beer stein collection. Food and service were better than expected. The wine cellar had cheap bubbly and a good Austrian white. A grand time was had by all. We’ll be there for Oktoberfest.
New Year’s Eve with World Way reggae band at Metropolis
Jotting down thoughts and sharing pictures like this has really been fun over the last couple of years. Friends and family see this on Facebook and a very small handful of strangers reads it on Tumblr. The first time one of my pictures was reblogged it felt inordinately wonderful.
Still… It’s easy to get carried away, like when you can’t stop talking about your new kitten. This bumper sticker, which I’ve seen around town a couple times but finally got to snap last night, is a good reminder to not admire my own cleverness too much.
Indoor Segway adventure at Katy Mills mall… Our group totted up one wrenched back and 2 good scrapes, but we still had tons of fun.
Roadside shrine, Katy TX
When I go, I wouldn’t mind a monument like this: silk flowers, a smiley face or two, an action figure, and friends who care enough to leave three cans of a 4-pack of Rodeo Clown Double IPA for my journey to the next world.
A neighborhood in transition
Our niece’s very cool loft is across the street from this charming establishment.
The Retreat Tower in the snow
Brattleboro Adventure – the Auckland Edition 