Some Good Things

19°f, or -7°C, clear, but clouding up later in the day, with a high of 46°f expected. 

My last post was so angry and depressing that I felt the need to focus on a few good things, just to restore some balance to my soul as it seems more and more bad stuff is coming down the pike. We have to remind ourselves, don't we, that in the midst of this mess there are bright spots of joy. So in random order, here's some of what made me smile this weekend.

Yesterday (Sunday) we drove to Charleston to see a couple shows offered as part of the annual Celtic Calling festival. First was a fine concert by the group Mountain Thyme, who were joined by fiddler extraordinaire Jenny Allinder. This performance was held at a new music store in town called Folklore Music Exchange, and it was standing room only. It was good to be there, among people who shared our love of Celtic music, and to see a few people I had not seen since I quit performing. 

Loved the display of instruments, including a few that looked like they were made from suitcases or something.

The second event we attended was held at Second Story Brewing Company, and was advertised as a reader's theater of 5 one-act plays that were winners of the annual play-writing contest. I love plays do i was looking forward to this, but unfortunately the combination of loud customers and actors who didn't use the mics correctly meant we could hear only bits and pieces, and we left halfway through the 3rd play. Hopefully next year they will have a better venue, or find ways to address these issues.

We had a good time there, anyway. Larry sampled a flight of the brewery's offerings and I enjoyed a glass of wine while we talked, before the show, with a gentleman from Hawaii. He, amazingly, comes to Charleston every winter to care for his elderly parents, who are now 92 and 94 and still living on their own. Other siblings take their turns the rest of the year. 

A little gift to myself arrived Saturday. This is a Royal Albert teacup, decorated with the Canadian flag! So I will be drinking my tea from it and thinking of all of you in Canada as I cheer on your boycott of US goods.

Another bright spot: the forsythia i cut the other day for forcing opened its first blooms today.

Tbere is nothing like forsythia to bring a smile!

I chose to wear this tee shirt to Charleston. It makes me smile too. Do you know what it means?

Ending today with a short clip of the music yesterday.

Now, I must get my biscotti out of the oven! Yet another smile-inducer.

Til next time, friends!