Tonight I am somewhat charmed by the wonders of the century in which we live. I log onto a computer to this blog which allows me to keep abreast of your health from afar–and yes, support, encourage, and pray for you. As I read the previous comment from your friend Dick, I smiled when he talked about attending the Academy of Ancient Music concert tonight, which played in Denver last night, because we attended that concert in Denver! In our century we can compare notes on concerts held thousands of miles apart from one night to the next. Our experience last night was that it was one of those concerts to be remembered forever. You know the type–your attention never wanders, you are joyously delighted, and after it is over you walk out realizing you have just experienced something very special. Part of that was the fabulous expertise and sensitivity of the players, part is that it was those wonderful Brandenburg concertos, and part is hearing Bach at his best and most joyous. If you haven’t listened to the Brandenburgs lately, put on a CD of them and I’m sure it will give you joy. These days you seem to be very aware of joyous moments in life, so I would encourage a little Bach to assist you!

We continue to hold you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. I am so happy to hear that you felt really well this week. We wish you the best next Monday as you begin round 3. There are many “in your corner”!

Christelle

Hi Connie and all — Happy First Day of Spring!!

I’ll celebrate that by including a note to you from Susan. I was initially attracted to a mention of this book because Susan is the gardener in the family (I am the garden-dependent cook.) I have not read the book but glancing through it reminded me of your natural environment descriptive writing which I enjoy so much.

Thus, this from Susan:

Dick brought home a truly delightful book for me from the library. I have only just begun to read it, but an so charmed that he suggested I send you a note about it. It is called Our Life in Gardens by Joe Eck and Wayne Winterrowd. They have what is apparently a famous garden at their home in Vermont. (Their garden design firm called North Hill has a website with some photos). Their writing style is immediately engaging. We learn that they started out in an apartment in Boston across from the Public Gardens. They filled their home with plants and animals. It was undoubtedly the chickens which precipated their flight to the country. They discourse in detail about gardens, plants, and life. Here is a sampling of the alphabetical chapter titles Annuals, The Daffodil Meadow, The Garden Trowel, Pea Season, Violets, and The Future. To date I am only as far as Artichokes. If you can secure a copy, I think you would enjoy this book. Also, the pen and ink illustrations are lovely.

We are busy weeding my shamefully neglected garden. I have a large plot in the community garden of Laguna Woods Village. It is almost planting season here. In fact, some of the old guys out there have already finished planting. I think it is early for tomatoes, but the other day one fellow who has all his tomato plants nestled in the ground told me he was at least two weeks late with them. I’m still holding off until April.

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Life does go on and we hope that your times of feeling good and energetic buoying up follow you into
Spring.

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Tonight we hear all six Brandenburgs, performed by the Academy of Ancient Music. Their website lists their full concert schedule (choose All), and it is amazing. Wednesday they played this program in Santa Barbara. Last night, it was Denver, and tonight they are in Southern CA. Sunday is Fairfax,VA, and Monday is Carnegie Hall and then, and then . . . Whew!!

Take good care and know that our strongest, positive thoughts continue to Spring your way.

warmest best,

dick and susan gale