See Taylor Run. Run, Taylor!

Seattle Marathon

Taylor successfully (and (relatively) painlessly) completed his first marathon! ) 

Dad and I dropped him off at the starting area at 7:30 this morning and waited in the misty-moistness for his group to start. The Marathon Walkers started before we got there (I think) and the Half Marathon group started at 7:30, just as we arrived.  T's group was slated for 8:15 and they started right on time (see the video in the picasa album above). 

After seeing him off, Dad and I headed to church to pick up Nina (who wasn't in the St. Nicholas Play practice group) and we meandered to Mile 15 for another look at T. He was goin' strong! Even gave me a kiss as he breezed by (maybe the kiss was for the energy bloks I  handed him)! ;)

Here is a picture near the park T ran around--the mist gave quite a dramatic effect of "into nothingness" :) 

After Mile 15, we met up with Mum and the other younger kids (and Aunt Wendy and Uncle Brooks) and saw T again at Mile 18. He still looked pretty good :) (there's another video of Mile 18 on the picasa album). Aunt Wendy made a sign (which was a good thing--since the rest of his cheering squad didn't have time to make one before we left) and we all congregated to wait for Our Marathon Man. Apparently, T got lots of compliments on his well-organized cheering section. I know he appreciated us coming out and supporting him, too :) It makes all the difference in the world, sometimes... or anytime, really :)

Next stop for us was Mile 21, the end of the first long hill of the course! We all piled back into the cars and hoped and groped our way through traffic. And we made it in time! Nina and I ran up the hill with T (who had an amazing pace--we were so impressed!), and he told us later that it helped a lot. From Mile 21, for Taylor, it was "just like a jaunt into downtown Boston."  'Course, he'd never done said "jaunt" after 21 miles of running, but he was still looking pretty good. I talked to him a bit, as I ran up the hill with him, and he said he wasn't hurting at all.  Good for you, My Love :)

As Mum, Dad, the 6 younger kids, and I all headed for Mile 23, the older kids (Elliott, Abby, her boyfriend Chris, and Garrett) were ready to meet T at Mile 22, just before another big hill, harder than the first. By the time we saw him at Mile 23, at the end of that hill, he was still goin' strong, but we could tell he was getting tired. I ran with him a bit more, and I think that was another time when our cheering was very important. Mum and I both got a little chocked up, seeing T work so hard. 

Finally, a mad dash to the car to head toward the finish line. We just barely made it in time to see T head in--look at that nice strong finish! He passed 6 or 7 people as he charged in. I'm so glad we were able to be there for him :) 

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Our friend Erik, after his first marathon, told us "I finished. I puked. And then I gave a 15 minute meditation on the Passion."  When T was hobbling to the car with us after the race, he said he, too, understood (just a teeny-tiny bit) more about Christ's passion: "It was really hard, but I didn't have to keep going. No one was making me do it." 

Upon reflection, as I write this, I can understand (a very tiny bit) more about how Our Lady must have felt, watching her Son struggle on up the hill to Calvary. Every little bit (of understanding) helps, right? Praise God for His goodness to us in Christ! 

So anyway, I'm very proud of my sweet husband :) He's quite the trooper. 

WE LOVE YOU, TAYLOR!

Divine Liturgy

I miss it. A lot. Luckily, T and I have been able to go to the Melkite Cathedral in Boston, which really is lovely. But it's not Ruthenian... it's not our tradition. And we've even been very welcomed there--everyone is happy to see us when we go, and it's been a fun experience to learn the different chant melodies and sing in Greek and Arabic. But I still miss St. John's and Ss. Cyril and Methodius. 

It was so moving to be there tonight at Liturgy, to sing the same familiar hymns (with all T's siblings singing as loud as they can!), with 4-part harmonies, the incense and the bells, the bright red decorations, the icons and candles... 

Fr. Joseph's homily was fabulous, too.  He told us "Heaven begins on Earth! because Christ is with us (S'nami Boh!)."  What a beautiful, blessed world it is, to have Christ with us! Another thing that struck me particularly was, "The prayers on your lips are the prayers of Christ. The desires of your heart are the desires of Christ. For Christ is with us (S'nami Boh)!" Rejoice and be glad, for God is with us... 

If I keep going it will just be more of the same. I've posted about Divine Liturgy before and I still feel the same way. It is beautiful, simply. We hope to make it back sooner than later, God willing. Here's hopin'. 

A Full Saturday!

Today, Taylor and I drove down to Tacoma to see Gary and Shasta--good friends from GU who are engaged (congrats guys!). We hope to be able to make their wedding "sometime next summer"  :) We had a fabulous lunch with them at Duke's on the water. I'm almost afraid to say it (living in New England) but I think that Duke's was the best New England Clam Chowder I ever had! :-o We also got to see Gary's new condo, where he and Shaz (he calls her "the boss) :) will live once they get married. We're very excited for them--such a cute couple!

I think T is a handsome driver :) Granted, I'm rather biased, but he does make me swoon sometimes and I have to take pictures!  

We have no idea what this missile-car-thing is, or what it's supposed to mean. Just a little something we passed on our way to Gary's place!  Also, T wanted me to take a picture of the "misty-moisty mountains." There's just something about them that makes us feel good--that somehow we're in the right place if the mountains are misting this time of year (and that we can see them!). We can't wait to get back to the w(b)est coast ;)

We stopped by Mercer Island, before heading south, to see the Turkey Bowl--an annual flag football game (that usually turns into tackle football by the end of the day) with all the kids T grew up with. There is always a "big boys" game (and a "big girls" cheering/viewing group) and a "little boys" game (with a "sometimes" little-girl cheering section). 

T didn't play because he's running the Seattle Marathon tomorrow :) 

We also saw a bit of downtown Seattle--we had to pick up T's bib for the race and his timing anklet--before heading to West Seattle to see Mike and Kayleen again. It was a pretty afternoon, nice and overcast :) (just the way we like it!), with lots of lovely time spend with beautiful, fun people. 

 

And then we went to Divine Liturgy--but I need to write a separate post about that :) 

Shake Those Booties

Baby booties, that is!

Here are my CA babies (l to r): Rachel (2), Giulia (3), Carrick (1 month), and Michael (4). 

Notice Carrick's booties, the first pair I ever made :)

Three generations of DeMin's--and the booties I made!

Two of my three nephews--Michael is certainly happy to have another boy cousin (who has cool booties)!

Turkey-Lurkey

Dad and Taylor dressed the turkeys (which means they pulled the gizzards out and plopped the turkey into a bag in the roaster). They did a good job! But they didn't make it dance this year :)

When all the food was ready, it was laid out in a FANTASTIC display (from right to left): cream cheese corn, stuffing, gravy,  (wine and martinelli's), green beans, turkey, mashed potatoes, more turkey, baked spinach puff, scalloped sweet potatoes, and two kinds of salads. Mmm!A proper Hobbit feast, if I do say so myself!  Recipes coming soon. 

All in all, we had 23 people for dinner--the Black family, Aunt Sandy, Uncle Mark (and family and mother-in-law), Mum's parents, and Mr & Mrs Corrigan.  

Pie for dessert, of course :) (6 pumpkin, 2 apple (well, we are in WA!), 2 pecan tarts ("just the top part" of a pecan pie) :D and 2 key lime pies) along with Mum's hot wassail--apple cider, orange juice, lemon or lime aid, cinnamon sticks and whole cloves. Simmer until tasty :)

Also, Mike and Kayleen came over after dinner to spend some time with us. They are expecting a little girl (Louisa) in a few months. It was good to catch up with them--and rub the belly, naturally! 

------

As a treat for everyone, we played paper charades (a game the Black's got from one of Dad's cousins) after dessert. It was lots of fun! 

What you need:

I'd say at least 6 people (at least two teams)

2-4 strips of paper per player (the more strips, the longer the rounds)

2 bowls/containers to hold the papers

Here are the rules:

1) Every player write a person, place, or thing on their strips of paper (adjectives and adverbs ought, generally, to be avoided (aHEM, Garrett and Taylor)). 

2) Fold the strips of paper and place them all in one bowl.

3) Timing is variable--you can do 30 second turns or 1-minute turns where the actor can do as many slips of paper as he can.

---

First round:

1) A player from one team selects a piece of paper from the bowl and tries to get his team to guess what's on the paper without saying ANY of the words on the paper. Once the team guesses the answer, the actor places the paper in the second bowl (each guessed word counts as one point).

2) Alternating teams, continue with the above procedure until all the slips of paper in the first bowl are gone.

Second round:

1) Using the SAME strips of paper, for this round the actor can only use ONE WORD to get his team to guess the answer (Just so you know, "blue" for "whale" is probably not a good choice). By this round, everyone (if they have been LISTENING) should be familiar with all the words on the strips of paper. Dad says, "Spend the time in your turn thinking of the word, because you can't take it back or change it!"

When the team guesses the word, place the strip of paper in the now-empty first bowl.

2) Repeat until all the strips of paper in the second bowl are back in the first bowl.

Third round:

1) Traditional Charades--actions only; no words or sound effects (or lip-reading, T!)--using the SAME strips of paper. This is a particularly funny round because the words are familiar, but the actions vary quite a bit depending on the actor's interpretation :) Like the first round, when the team guesses the word, place the strip of paper in the second bowl.

2) Repeat until all the strips of paper are gone.

Total the points for the rounds to see who's won :) This is also a great game for moments of insight--T should write a paper on this game and how the actor must lead the guessers to the further pertinent questions ;)

Here's a link to my other pictures of Turkey Day: 

Thanksgiving Day 08

If You Decide To Have Thanksgiving At Your House

...you have to have pumpkin pie. 

To make pumpkin pie, you have to go to the store. 

If you go to the store, the kids will want to come with you. 

(What would big families do without Costco?)

When you get home, they'll want to help you make the pies. They will want you to make lots of them because they love pumpkin pie. In fact, they would probably be happy to have pumpkin pie all-day-everyday the whole week of Thanksgiving. 

(6 Pumpkin pies and my Little Helper :) I didn't get a picture of my other little helper because she wouldn't stay still long enough when I had the camera!)

When you're done making pies, they'll want you to make cookies. If you make cookies you need cookie cutters, which probably means you have to go to the store again :) 

And, if you make one batch, you might as well make four (yeah, four!).  

They will want to help you decorate them, so you have to have an easy method. 

(I call it: "dip and drip." Thanks for the idea, Heather!)

Once you're done with the cookies, you'll have to hide them if you want to have ANY left for Thanksgiving. The same with the pies (which can be tricky when the pies don't stack!). 

In order to hide them, you have to distract the helpers, so you put on a CD they can dance to. 

While dancing, they'll probably want you to take pictures. 

When you take the pictures, they'll want to see them right away (hooray for digital cameras). Seeing the pictures will remind one of them she wants a digital camera. 

To get a digital camera, you have to go to the store :) So she can take pictures of the Thanksgiving you decided to have at your house.

And chances are, if you have Thanksgiving at your house, you're going to have a lot of fun with all those little kids! 

Here is a link to my Picasa album of the baking fun!

Bake Time

Holy Bread!

I told the receptionist I wouldn't be in until lunchtime today.

I told my boss the same thing.

"Why!?" they questioned.

Because I'm making Holy Bread :)

We are having a Divine Liturgy on the feast of St. Nicholas this year (in the Holy Trinity Chapel at 129 Lake Street--come if you're in the area!), and Kate (Fr. DePaulo's wife) and I made the phosphora for the Eucharist. She came over this morning with the seal and we made the bread in my mixer.  

It really was a fun experience. It gave us a chance to talk a bit, with no interruptions or distractions, because the bread had to knead for 20 minutes (!) and then rise for an hour. We talked about all sorts of things, not forgetting childbirth, dating and marriage, family, birth order (she's the youngest, I'm the second youngest (but I am the shortest!)), and general house-wife type things :) 

We decided to make only a half recipe (one loaf) and we even divided the dough into two smaller loaves--we don't know how many people will come to the Liturgy. But it turned out well (despite a small mushrooming). 

I really like the idea of the laity making the Bread used in Liturgy. It harkens back to the days when parishes were smaller and communities were closer. I want to belong to a parish where the parishoners bring the Holy Gifts to present to the Lord. I want to raise our children in an environment where God is in all things at all times. 

My domestic church book says of phosphora: 

"While mixing, kneading, and waiting for the bread to rise or bake, family members can pray for the intentions they wish to commemorate during the Liturgy. In some parishes, the priest sings these names aloud during the Great Entrance [when the priest and servers and deacon process around the church with the Holy Gifts], so when you bring the Bread to church, include a list of the intentions you wish commemorated." 

What a beautiful way to pray for those you love! Remembering them while making the Bread that will become the Body of Christ, the Body which stregthens us on our journey to heaven... 

And just so you all know, mine list would be quite long :) 

------- Paul VI said: 

"The Eucharistic mystery stands at the heart and center of the liturgy since it is the fount of life by which we are cleansed and strengthened to live not for ourselves but for God and to be united in love among ourselves."

And what do we do at the Eucharist but bring the small everything that we have--we poor, fallen creatures, loved unconditionally by a benevolent Lord--to have it transformed into something awe-some? Bread becomes the Body of Christ, wine His Blood. What can we become, if we let Him transform us? 

Impromptu Movie Night

Yesterday evening, T and I had our friends Nick and Burke over for dinner and movie night. It was not a very formal affair, since T got the idea that afternoon when they all met up, by chance, at a coffee shop near campus, but we had fun. 

I served leftover minestrone soup (with turnips this time), with bread and butter (see what I mean about impromptu? I don't usually serve leftovers when "entertaining"). Few things are as great as warm soup on a COLD, windy night, sitting in a cozy house, chatting with friends. The boys had beer, of course, but I stuck with water.  I don't know why I don't like beer--I can't seem to acquire that particular taste :) 

After dinner we rearranged our living room, to have enough seating in front of the tv (we have to move the couch anytime we want to watch a movie anyway, but this time we had to move both couches), and put in The Wild Bunch, which Nick said was the greatest western of all time. I think the movie was raising the question of who was really good and who was really bad.  The so-called "out-laws" always kept their word and looked out for their own people. They were even rather noble, in their own right. The "law," represented by various groups (the railroad tycoon, the dopey, unexperienced American soldiers, or the selfish, unruley, unprincipled, trigger-happy "guns for hire"), was not noble and seemed to care little for the people they claimed to protect. 

So, although it was a good movie, with some interesting ideas I'll have to think on for a while, I can't say it was the greatest western (sorry, Nick!).  There was a lot of throaty (very "cowboy") laughing, sometimes for no clear reason, and topless women were present in abundance (I guess boobs were the thing in the 60s!). The action scenes were well-done, and even artistic for the time, but a lot of elements were left unresolved. Was "society" really more barbarous than the out-laws? Were the out-laws actually better than the "good" guys, or were they only better with regard to certain things. In one scene, Pike (the out-law leader) says, "It doesn't matter. He gave his word!"  To which is partner returns, "It doesn't matter! What matters is who you give it to!" But the only guy who survives by the end of the movie kept his word, even though he gave it to the "good" guys (who were actually the bad guys?).  So.. I dunno. Interesting, definitely, though. Nick wrote a paper on it, which I should read before casting final judgment :)

Off the top of my head, The Cowboys comes to mind as the greatest western :) and T would hold up The Magnificient Seven, undoubtedly :) 

Also, during the movie I knitted one legwarmer! Don't worry--I'll knit another one for the other leg :) I'll be busy with those this year, I think. Lots of knitting for C'mas presents. But this one only took me a couple hours, so it shouldn't be too bad :) 

Cold?

Yep.

"Temps Appropriate to Late December"

Carrick Giovanni Luca

My oldest sister had her baby last Thursday :) She successfully managed to deliver on a day as yet unclaimed by another birthday (in our family, at least). Good job!

This is her first child, Giulia. I figure this is a good time to post this picture because

1) It's my favorite of G. She's so full of personality!

2) I think it might aptly express the feelings of most first-borns when they find out they will have a sibling. And a brother at that! :Þ They're not really averse to having a baby in the house (see second picture), but: "C'mon, Mom--do we have to?"

3) She picked out her dance outfit all by herself. I truly appreciate her style ;)

4) Did I mention I love her face here?

Still, though, I think this is how she really feels about her new brother (despite telling her parents, over and over, that she wouldn't love the baby if it was a boy):

fascinated, in love, and just the way a big sister should be :) So congrats to my sister's happy family! We love you!

A Coat for Annie-rella

I realize some (probably most, actually) of you won't know what the title of this post refers to, but it's a play on the title of a Cinderella cartoon my sisters and I watched (quite frequently) when we were younger. I think the granddaughters watch it now :) 

Anyway, I've finished my winter coat! Just in time, it seems, too, as the forecast for this week leaves us in the 30s most of the day and the 20s at night (but I love cold weather, so that's fine with me). Overall, I'm very happy with the way it turned out. It's not perfect, by any means, but most people won't be able to tell, and if I wear it enough, I'll probably forget too. I think there are still some minor tweaks I can do to make it less imperfect, but that's not a problem at all. 

The outter material is a nice teal basketweave (80% wool), and the body lining is also wool--a lime green gabardine :)  I used some gray satin Momma sent me for the sleeve lining. I was concerned the basketweave pattern wouldn't stand up to the wind, but so far it's proved sound. I was actually hot walking home yesterday in the wind (admitedly though, it was an uphill battle in the afternoon). This morning, waiting for the shuttle, I was quite comfortable, despite the "real feel" being 22 degrees with a chilly wind blowing! We'll just have to see how it does the rest of this week--it's supposed to keep gettin' colder. 

My favorite part, though, is the lime green lining :)

Blessed Feast of St. Philip!

And while we're at it, happy beginning of (Byzantine) Advent! Yes, this is the beginning of our Christmas fast--a full 6 weeks before Christmas (just like Great Lent).  As Fr. Bill always says, "It's the quality of the fast, not the quantity" :)  And St. Philip's fast is not as strict as the Lenten fast--which is good, because it would be no fun to fast during Thanksgiving! 

I have to admit, I really enjoy starting our Christmas preparations this early in the year. I've always been one to listen to Christmas music in *gasp* September! I can't wait to begin my Christmas baking and to make and wrap this years presents. I love being "sneaky" in hiding T's presents and figuring out what my family wants this year. It's a beautiful season, and I'm glad I now get two more "official" weeks of it than I used to :) 

And what better way to celebrate the beginning of this season than with Byzantine Vespers? Yes! T and I were the main cantors at a vespers service this evening at the St. John's Chapel on the Brighton campus of BC (in the chapel in Bishop Peterson Hall--now known as 129 Lake Street). I think it went very well--it was certainly nice to attend vespers again. We didn't have too many people there, but we got about 6 or 7 that were not part of the organizing group. Incidentally, we'll have a Divine Liturgy on the feast of St. Nicholas, Saturday December 6--ALL are welcome to attend! The more the merrier! Please come! (Same place--Holy Trinity Chapel at 129 Lake Street.)

...

Also, I have completed one of my sneaky projects (item number 4 in this post) and the Claytons have received it! Here are some photos I took before I wrapped it and mailed it (from Kris Kringle, of course).  *Renee, I don't know if you've opened it yet, but today is the day you're supposed to, so I'm posting the pictures anyway :) So there. 

Claytons' Advent Calendar

Project Update

1) Pea Coat: 

Mostly sewn! I only need to finish the hems--lining, coat, and sleeves. I also want to make a hood, which will be detachable with buttons under the collar. Exciting! (Just in time for the cold weather to arrive--bring it on!)

2) Linen Shirt (from pants): 

Not even started! Thinking I might want some binding for the armholes. This one has lessened in importance with the cooling weather. 

3) Silver Shirt (from pants): 

Nope.

4) Secret: 

Finished. Wrapped. Mailed. Received. Not yet opened. 

Check  :)

5) Surprise: 

May not get the help I was hoping for, but will still be finished in time. 

6) Burp rags (about 4 of them): 

One embroidered! Going to sew it when I get home today and mail it off, along with a little something for the new big sister. Yes, Summer, this one's for you. Sorry it's so late :(

7) Nursing Cover: 

Finished! Mama loves it, baby hasn't complained so far :)

8) Formal shirt/skirt: 

Cut out, ready to sew. Thinking I will finish it in time for Handel's Messiah in December. 

9) Knitted baby hats and booties for various people: 

Not yet started. But I'm all ready to go for the baby leg warmers :) 

10) My Noah's Ark: 

Might paint this weekend, depending on how my coat turns out this evening. 

11) Mending/tailoring (not Taylor-ing) all my old clothes: 

I've now added a few Taylor clothes to tailor... the pile grows.

12) Kimono: 

Still sitting on the chair next to my sewing machine, waiting to be Hobbited. Now that the weather's cooled down, my spring-weight kimono has certainly moved to the back of my mind. One of these days :)

Farewell to Fall?

I took this picture a couple weeks ago--now the tree outside the conference room near my office is all bare and naked. Old Man Winter has not quite arrived yet, but he's coming. It's in the air. We've had quite a few windy days lately that have stripped many trees... Still, not all the trees have let go just yet. There are still some beautifully yellowed ginko trees clinging to their leaves, and several oaks remain aflame. It's been another beautiful fall here in New England. Hopefully T and I will get to enjoy some snow before we head to the CA desert for C'mas :) We'll see. 

Jumpin' Josaphat!

Today is the feast of St. Josaphat, patron of Holy Unity--the first Eastern Catholic saint to be cannonized by Pope Leo XIII of Rome (I suppose all the Eastern saints before him were canonized when all Christians were united? or maybe up until then saints were either Eastern or Western?) in 1867. 

Born in the city of Vladimir, c. 1580, he chose to embrace the Eastern Rite (over the Orthodox tradition) and entered the Basilian monastery of the Holy Trinity in Vilna, Lithuania in 1604.  He was ordained an Eastern Rite priest in 1609, and archbishop of Polotsk, Belarus in 1617 at age 38.  He prayed, "Grant that I be found worthy, Lord, to shed my blood for the Union and obedience for the Apolstolic See."  He was martyred for the Catholic faith on November 12, 1623.

Today at Mass, when the priest told us about the life of this Saint (I didn't even know about St. Josaphat until this morning), I was particularly glad to be Catholic--to be able to breathe with both lungs, as John Paul the Great said, and pratice and share both the Eastern and Western traditions of our faith. I love the beauty of the Eastern rite, but to be Orthodox would not be enough--as Fr. Joseph said in the first homily I heard from him, "It's good to have a father!" Sitting through Liturgy that day, I thought, "Yes, I like this whole 'Byzantine' thing!"  It's important to have a Father because a Father can stand up for you and defend you in the face of persecution. A Father can give you guidance when you are lost.  "We love our Pope," Fr. Joseph finished. And we do! 

So I'm glad to be Catholic, and to breathe with both lungs. I pray for the continued effort toward unity between the Catholic and Orthodox faiths, "that they may be one, Father" (John 17)

Liturgy, Anointing, Symphony, Steak, and Chocolate

Can a Sunday get any better than that?!

I didn't think so :)

We went to Liturgy this morning at the Melkite Cathedral. It's quite a beautiful drive, especially this time of year. And hey--on the way, we saw a turkey! He was just peckin' away in the grass, cool as can be. I mean, I guess turkeys are native to this area (pilgrims, Annie, duh!) but it was just so funny to see...

This Sunday the Liturgy was mostly in English (for big occasions--like the visit of the Patriarch and anniversary of the Church--they have a bi-lingual liturgy in English and Arabic), so it was very easy to follow along in the book and I enjoyed being able to sing so much! Fr. DePaulo anointed us afterwards. Byzantine anointings are very thorough (do they do this in the Roman anointing, too?) because the priest anoints the forehead, eyes (eyelids, actually), nose, mouth, ears, throat, and hands. All the essentials, right? :) We could smell the fragrant blessed oil all day--a reminder of the blessing we received... As he invoked Christ, the Theotokos, and all the saints for our blessing, he moved his hand from our heads (for Christ), to our ear (for the Theotokos), and then to our shoulder (for all the saints in heaven). It was quite beautiful.

We made lunch at home and spent some time "puttering" (a very technical term, including, but not limited to, completing miscellaneous tasks in no particular order) around the house. Around 2 we headed downtown to the beautiful Boston Symphony Hall to hear the Handel and Haydn Society's performance of Motzart's first symphony (yes, composed when he was 8!) and Piano Concerto # 23, and Beethoven's Overture to Creatures of Prometheus and his 8th Symphony. Maybe it was the time of day, maybe it was the program, maybe it was the size of the orchestra, but I enjoyed this symphony performance much more than other recent ones. We're looking forward to more such enjoyment in the near future :) 

The Handel and Haydn Society is a neat group--it's relatively small compared to modern orchestras or choral groups, but their aim in staying small is to imitate the size of the performing group at the time Handel and Haydn were composing. I really enjoy the smaller size. I feel like I can hear the instruments better, how they go together, what they're doing at different parts. Also, one thing that struck me particularly during this concert is the movement in music at a live concert. There's so much more to the sensory experience of music than just listening to the piece! I could see the ebb and flow of the themes and the orchestra parts and it was so interesting to see how each musician manifested the music in their bodies--in each respective section (violins, winds, brass, etc.), the hands were doing the same thing, the bows were moving in unison, but the heads, arms, and bodies were all moving in a different way. Seeing the music that way was beautiful.

Here are a few pictures of the hall:

Boston Symphony Hall, built in 1900--the first hall constructed in accordance with scientifically derived acoustic principles :)

Original chairs (which have probably been re-covered but are way-comfy)

Beethoven

Apparently the original idea was to have tribute-emblem-thingys, like this one to Beethoven, all around the frame of the stage. However, after adding Beethoven's name, no one could agree on what other musicians were great enough... So it's just Beethoven. The great.

After the concert we came home and made my Momma's recipe of Flank Steak Florentine--a thin-cut steak wrapped around cooked spinach and cream cheese (and I add some onions and herbs). SO GOOD! We also had asparagus and got to use one of our nifty new silverware pieces. Would you have guessed that's what it was for? :) Points for you if you did. And for dessert, this is what I call a "fun size" chocolate bar :) (that's a dinner knife in the picture, to give you some perspective). MMMM Chocolate!