What I've been up to.

Discovering that I really, truly, do not like jazz. I knew that last week's concert was not going to be bluegrass, because Chick Corea is not a famous bluegrass artist. I knew that Bela Fleck pushes the boundaries for banjo, because I read a lot. I am glad that I went. And I left after the first set, because my feet had begun their "get me out of here" dance.

The Majestic Theatre is a beautiful venue, and I hope that future adventures take me there again. The seats are comfortable, and the acoustics are good. My two favorite songs they played were improvisations on two piano sonatas by Scarlatti. I'm not sure that there's any Italian (instrumental) composer I do not like. Respighi is almost but not quite too modern (i.e., shapeless, dissonant, and painful). I like his "Pines of Rome" and companion pieces, and I don't know if I've heard anything else of his. Rossini, Scarlatti, and Vivaldi? Bring it on!

We've already established that I don't have much patience for opera, largely because of how uncomfortable the seating is at the Winspear Opera House. I loved Carmen. Even though I found the choreography a bit shocking. I loved "The Marriage of Figaro," because it was simulcast, and I got to see the singers' faces and the costumes clearly.

So I paid a modest amount to hear technical virtuosity, and I learned more about what I do and do not like in music, and I had an adequate but unmemorable dinner out beforehand, and a great experience with the valet parking, and I met another fiber artist in the loo after dinner. We exchanged contact information.

I took Thursday off, because I'd been expecting to be out later than I was, and I slept in, and it was delicious. Later in the day, I took Fourthborn back to the apartment for a second load of stuff, and I bought five books on Zentangle techniques, and we had dinner at IHOP.

Saturday I finished the sashiko-inspired mending of the holes near the hem of my favorite teal skirt, and Sunday I wore the skirt to church. Yesterday I wore it to work. Saturday I also began basting the lace to the hem of my tunic. I haven't touched it since then, but I'll probably work on it some more tomorrow night.

Saturday we made one last trip to Fourthborn's apartment, and she left the keys in the kitchen for J. He and his mother will be cleaning up the apartment. Our part is done. (Fourthborn has helped him move his parents more than once, so she's already done her share.)

I've already adjusted my withholding at work, but it probably won't take effect this pay period. First of the month, I'll add Fourthborn to my healthcare reimbursement account.

I'm starting to fade, so this will have to do.

I have reservations.

Actually, only one. Yesterday I purchased a ticket to next Wednesday's performance at the Majestic Theatre by Bela Fleck and Chick Corea. (For about half of what it would have cost me to sit on the grass and listen to Joan Baez a few weeks ago.) I've never been to this venue before, and I understand that it's a good one. Since it's not far from my office, and I have three hours between the time I get off and the concert begins, I did a quick scout of nearby restaurants and found one with food I will probably like, at a price that I probably won't flinch to pay, that's a very short walk from both the venue and the parking garage, and I made a reservation. I will take my knitting and a book and see what feels most appealing once dinner is down the hatch.

Earlier this week I had two free tickets to a performance by the Dallas Winds at the Meyerson Symphony Center, because I am a "Friend of WRR." The music was largely out of my wheelhouse, and the middle piece was something that would have inspired me to turn off the radio or switch stations, but there is something about being "forced" to sit and be polite and listen that is eye-opening. Or at least ear-opening.

I handed out three pairs of baby socks at church on Sunday. I'm working on the second sock for another pair of Frankensocks, where I cast on half of the stitches in one color and the remainder in another, and then I spiral around until it's time for the heel flap. It's a lot of fun, and it productively uses up various yarn remnants

I've also been watching one or two Zentangle videos on YouTube in the evenings. I am really drawn (yes, I went there) to the technique, and I'm making myself finish two sewing projects before I allow myself to buy supplies and books.

My turquoise maxi skirt has had the hem chewed in several places by the wheels of my chair at work. I'm going to try my hand at sashiko. Heaven knows that I have enough fabric scraps for backing from one quilt top or another.

I'm actually feeling brave enough to start the first patch. Wish me luck.