Hummingbirds

I hope I do not get into trouble for snatching this
hummingbird picture from the Google
website today.  Google's new update is called "hummingbird" and took effect this morning.  Google named it Hummingbird  because it is precise and fast.
The hummingbird has special significance for us because for the past month, they have been taking in nectar from the red blooms of the Pineapple Sage and also from the orange blooms on the 20' high Lion's Ear, native to Africa. They like to feed in the morning and at dinner time in the evening.

Pineapple Sage

Lions Ear

Hummingbirds

By Judy Hines

Written 9-19-13 to be read at Poetry Service at our UU Church

Tiny bodies, a blur of wings motion the air,

Suspended, hovering, touching red and orange flowers

Long beak withdrawing nectar, succulent and sweet nourishment.

Stay aloft a moment more for a photograph

Before slipping out of sight.

The Benjamin Ficus Needed Attention

We knew the tree was outgrowing its container because leaves were turning yellow and falling.   It was re-potted once when we returned from a trip to find a carpet of yellow leaves on the floor.  One of Grandma Mimi's persons who kept her company when she lived with us, read somewhere that wiping a very thin coating of mayonaise on the leaves would provide a shine.  Thus, this is why I thought the leaves fell but this was not the case after I checked with Casey's, my favorite nursery of the many here in town.  By the way, this occurred before I went through the University of Illinois Master Gardener training.  I learned the reason the plant dropped all the leaves was becasue it was root bound and needed a larger pot.  So this time not that many leaves dropped.  We knew what to do. 

This was a difficult job.  At one time Ed said let's get rid of the tree.  No way!

Having Trouble Bursting Out of the Valhalla Bubble

Richard Wagner, known as an anti-semite, a womanizer, and a thief was a horrid person and yet his music is is some of the most beautiful ever written.   

Gutterdamerrung in Seattle a week ago this Sunday had an effect on me that is not uncommon.  The music, the story, the scenery and staging of this last of the Richard Wagner Ring Cycle was everything I expected and more!   Ed enjoyed the performance  which made the experience extra special.    We decided to make a trip to  McCaw Hall a few days early just to check things out.  Good thing we did because the hall is a work of art architecturally.   

Head gear, costumes, swords and shields were available for dress-up! 

At the performance one couple was dressed in all gold!   We learned the Met and Seattle are the only opera companies in the US to perform the entire cycle -- makes sense, one out East and one out West.   
I purchased a set of DVD’s from a Bayreuth performance that has been remastered - 1992 or something like that.   

One of the curtain calls -- Rhinemaidens fluttered their feet and rolled over and and over all synchronized.

At one point real fire protruded from many locations on Brunhilda’s rock -- they have a special pyrotechnical director.  At the end of the opera, lighting was used for virtual fire as  Brunhilda joined Sigfried in the flames as Valhalla goes up in smoke.    Then the Rhinemaindens “flew” under water like trapeze artists.  Astounding. 

Speight Jenkins, General Director of Seattle Opera is retiring next year so this is his last Ring Cycle.  He spoke between one of several curtain calls. 

Making Pesto with "Friends"

For the past 3 years through the Master Gardener project at Second Presbyterian Church in Bloomington called "Friends First", I take my mini Cuisinart and plenty of basil from the garden to  make pesto.  This group of approximately 20 persons who are  multi-disabled enthusiastically pick off enough basil leaves to fill a plastic cup and then they line up and push the grind button as a trickle of olive oil and some nuts are added.  Green slime is the result.

Master Gardner colleagues help.  Some Friends have aids and their assistance is always appreciated. With a tablespoon or so of Parmesan  cheese, the culinary creation is ready for cracker and carrot dipping. 

Instructions

Me and red haired Cody

Swallowtail Season

Bawooon

 A gift from the Midwest Institute of Opera folks who stayed with us.  

More Hydrangea Lore

We planted this Oak Leaf Hydrangea in front of the porch about 8 years ago and never remember it turning this beautiful shade of mauve in August.  This is probably due to the cool temperatures we've had this summer.  

Oak Leaf Hydrangea 'Snow Queen'

Carla and Blue Hydrangeas

Signy Celebrates her 9th Birthday at our House

Oompa went down to Arlington to bring Signy, Roslyn and Liesl back here for a few days with Laurie and Tim arriving just in time for birthday cake. 

Midwest Institute of Opera - MIO

Last year we hosted three Midwest Institute of Opera performers and this year we are doing the same.  Last year the opera was was Don Giovani and this year, the Marriage of Figaro.  Even though these singers are in their 30's, we treat them as our babies!  They pay tuition to be a part of MIO.   Jenny Beauregard and her fiance Kyle (stage name Vincent) Conner both have starring roles.  Joe Welch, a pianist who now has is doctoral degree from the University of Minnesota stayed with us last year and another pianist, Ben Nadel, another pianist will be arriving tomorrow evening.  They will be with us for ten days. 

In a Pantagraph article about MIO, one of the lead characters wore my 47 year old wedding dress!

Kyle just finished performing Elixer of Love

 

Jenny  and Kyle