Monday, March 09, 2009

Figaro, Figaro, Figaro

Although there was a lot of downtime this weekend, there were some busy parts too. Saturday after a quiet morning of household chores, we went to GBN1's fifth birthday party. The Piper and his Royals were there to make things really interesting. They played Pin the Petal on the Flower - both of my GGs cheated - not quite understanding the blindfold thing. They ate sugar cookies and chocolate cake. GBN2 remained sticky for the entire party and had a nice layer of dirt stuck to her nose by the end of the party. Jesse took photos. When opening gifts, GBN1 showed genuine excitement at some gifts, fake smile at others, but my gift, she pretty much kicked across the room in disappointment. I might have rapt her on her head if it had not been so funny. Who would have thought she would not want a soccer goal and ball along with a cute soccer outfit?

After the birthday party I went with Jesse and a couple of her friends to the opera in Norman on campus. We saw the Marriage of Figaro. It was our first opera and lots of fun. We acted a bit like country bumpkins, but we were enthusiastic if nothing else. We sat high in the balcony looking down on the stage. It was difficult to read the subtitles as they flashed on a screen above the stage and watch the action on the stage. Sometimes the interpretation was a bit odd or just bad grammar, and I had to read the words over and over to get their meaning. At times the subtitles were more of a distraction than a help. The music was great and the sets were interestingly designed - they set the play in the 1930's. Figaro was played by an Australian named Flanagan. Susanna was played by a beautiful Chinese girl. The Countess was a large Black woman. And of course, Cherubino was played by a girl and seemed much to beautiful to be playing a young boy. At first the different characters seemed odd, but the music took over and the ethnicity could be ignored. We did not get home until after one AM due to the time change. Jesse took photos and posted on her blog.

Sunday was the usual church in the morning, although we were late getting there. The rest of the day was spent on chores and being lazy. The weather was gorgeous after the last few days of wind.

Today is my birthday, and we are having some friends over for supper. I have lots to do to throw my own party.

14 comments:

The Friendly Neighborhood Piper said...

Happy Happy Birthday MamaLou!!! We all love you so very much! You are a great encouragement to us and always a joy to our eyes. Hope you have a great evening and know that we'll be thinking of you and how blessed we are being part of your family.

Anonymous said...

If its any consolation, she was much more excited about the soccer stuff on Sunday night.

Happy Birthday

Bo

Inquiries said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To the best art teacher and friend anyone could ask for!

Buck said...

Happy Birthday!

The benefit of throwing your own party: you're SURE that everything will turn out exactly as you like it. I think. ;-)

Towanda said...

H*A*P*P*Y B*I*R*T*H*D*A*Y LOU!!!!

Jenny said...

Happy Birthday!!!

Bag Blog said...

Piper - ditto!

Bo, I figured she would be okay later. If not, I knew you would like the soccer goal.

Ashley, I miss you.

Buck, Yep and I can invite who I want. Wanna come?

Towanda, Thanks! Are you enjoying spring time in the Rockies?

joyce said...

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Lou,
Happy Birthday to YOU !!!

Buck said...

re: Wanna come?

Ah... would that I could. Even if I left right this minute I'd arrive too late for dessert. But I'll be there in spirit!

Becky G said...

Happy Birthday, Lou!!!

Catherine MacDermott said...

Hope your day is as special as you are, Lou!

Bob said...

What Joyce said ...

Dave (aka Buckskins Rule) said...

Happy Birthday, Lou!

Glad you enjoyed your first opera. I remember my first opera vividly. It was a showing of "Phantom of the Opera" when I was stationed in Hawaii.

I was horrified at the thought of going to an "opera", and more than happy to let my feelings be known.
Needless to say, I enjoyed it immensely, and no longer turn a dim eye towards the opera.

Bag Blog said...

Joyce and Bob - thanks, you guys sing very well.

Buck, maybe next year...

Becky, thanks!

BR, We did enjoy the opera. My husband actually wanted to go with us, but he let us have a "girl's night."