Hatchling Update

Two days ago we noticed only one baby.  The daddy was chirping furiously on the porch railing as if to tell other birdies of the fate of his family.  I noticed a huge bird around the front porch and we are wondering if it attacked and ate the babies.  Or maybe the extremely cold weather was too much for the three. 
Later that week, no hatchlings remained.  My friend the the Rev. Dr. Ruth Gnagey thinks a cat ate them.

They're Here!

Four hatchlings!  One of the parents continues to sit on the nest.

Marinated Fresh Asparagus

No will power.  Many already eaten.

Just picked these tips.  Marinated in olive oil and seasoned rice vinegar, fresh herbs with a sprinkle of garlic salt for about 24 hours brings yummy eating. 

CUTTING FOR STONE by Abraham Verghese

A gal sitting in front of me at a recent Civic Chorale rehearsal heard me say Cutting for Stone and she immediately turned around and said  -- This is the best book I have ever read!   She went on to say her primary care physician wanted to invite Verghese to do a lecture but his fee was ridiculously high.

The link above notes Abraham Verghese did a TED Talk.

For Lovers of The Ring Cycle - Radiolab Again!

Produced in 2008, for lovers of The Ring Cycle, this piece is a must. This production won Jad Abumrad of Radiolab the  MacArthur Foundation Genius Award in  2011.
  
Neal and Carla will move to Seattle where he will assume a position as a geochemist!   The Seattle Opera, mentioned in the Radiolab piece, is performing the Ring Cycle this August.  I have not seen the first or last of the Cycle so maybe a trip out there in August???