FEBRUARY THOUGHTS

 

Summer is drifting along at the Red Cardinal nest...

 extremely hot and humid one day or heavy rain and flash flooding the next...

Salads are the usual fare, as it is too hot to cook..

We have increased our exercise and walking routines, getting ready for our trip to Europe before Easter.

What will probably be our last European adventure will feature Easter Music Festivals in three cities in Austria and Germany.

There will be three operas, several symphonies, and other concerts.

During the day we will see historic architecture and the art museums.

I have been looking back at a previous Art and Music tour we enjoyed in 2018.  Who knew that a pandemic would stop us in our tracks for quite a few years?  

There certainly are a lot of viruses around these days, and we will be taking masks (and wearing them!).  

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I have added a few items to my wardrobe, particularly for the nine night events.  My first purchase was an ankle length sheer coat/dress:

 

This can be worn over a black dress or top and pants..

It doesn't photograph easily, but the design features old architectue and creamy roses, a bit like an old photograph.

I like its mysterious appearance...

We will be walking from the hotel to the opera and concert halls, so will I take my white sequin sneakers with the satin bows??

Will there be April Showers in Germany?  Would black boots  be smarter?

Time will tell...

Back into Book Club for 2025, I have just finished 'Migrations' by Charlotte McConaghy.  I enjoyed the beautiful, evocative writing of this surreal story about the challenges we face in preserving and world, especially our wildlife.  The Arctic tern is followed on its migrations across the globe.

I am now reading 'The Dutch House', a family saga by Ann Patchett.  It is the first of her novels I have read, and I love the setting in Philadelphia and New York.  It brings back memories of our visits to these two beautiful cities, back in the early 2000s.

Sadly, three women I loved and admired, all around my age, have recently passed away after tragic ill health.  It has been a bit confronting to realise how quickly things can change in our later years, and to make the most of what we have.

Grateful for our good health, and working hard on our diets and health checks, we celebrated St. Valentine's Day yesterday with dinner at a local tavern.  And an exchange of pretty cards.

Mr. Red Cardinal sent me a little Valentine when we first met at the office, all those years ago.  It was an intriguing way to get my attention, and I guess it worked.....

Happy Valentine's Day to each and every one of you.

Stay well and be safe.

XXXXX