February 26, 2016 – Jonathan sings with the Stanford Symphonic Chorus

I have been sick for about 10 days with another horrible cold. I can’t quite decide whether I should go to this concert. I don’t want to sit there disturbing the people around me with my coughing. But when I meet Jon for lunch he is really hoping I will come. So I do.

With the exception of a bad encounter with the hotel front desk when I tried to check in and they made me call John to get permission to do so, I have a really nice day.  I ride over with John and drop him at work.  I do some shopping, meet Jonathan for lunch at Max’s, and finally check into the hotel. Later John and I go out to dinner at Mistral in Redwood Shores. It is a restaurant that we used to go to when we had the condo.  The food is very good.

Then we head over to Stanford for the performance at Bing Concert Hall. In the first half the orchestra plays a piece by John Adams called The Chairman Dances. It’s about Madame Mao and Chairman Mao. It has some interesting parts. Then they play Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto, Op.14. This piece is a little more mainstream. After the intermission the Chorus and the Orchestra join forces for Francis Poulenc’s Gloria. I believe I can hear Jonathan! All in all a lovely day with my best guys!

The orchestra tuning up with the chorus behind
The orchestra tuning up with the chorus behind
Jonathan seated between the white haired and bearded fellow and a tiny lady
Jonathan seated between the white haired and bearded fellow and a tiny lady

February 13-21, 2016 – Florida, Andy and Brittany’s wedding

We travel to Florida to spend a few days with Peg and Ted and then head up to Phyllis and Gary’s for our nephew Andy’s wedding. He is marrying Brittany who seems like a very nice and pretty woman.  And oh so organized.

Peg, Phyllis, and I take a little “us” time first with a lovely tea at a tea shop that Phyllis has recently found.

Peg and Phyllis at our Victorian tea spot
Peg and Phyllis at our Victorian tea spot

Now it is down to work! There are a lot of things that need doing for the rehearsal dinner. Phyllis and Gary have decided to have it at their home. There is so much delicious food! The evening is a comfortable success for the older crowd and the bridal party.

The buffet table is set (I arranged the flowers!)
The buffet table is set (I arranged the flowers!)

The older folk will sit in the family room and the wine room while the kids are out on the back deck.

Phyllis and Gary's wine room
Phyllis and Gary’s wine room

There is so much to eat! We end up munching on it for three days.

Phyllis and Gary
Phyllis and Gary
Peg and Ted with the desserts
Peg and Ted with the desserts
John and I admire the desserts but save ourselves for the savory foods
John and I admire the desserts but save ourselves for the savory foods

Brittany has done a wonderful job organizing the wedding. Since she is a high school English teacher she has decided on a book theme. Here are some of her components.

Bouquets are all made out of paper, some from pages in books
Bouquets are all made out of paper, some from pages in books
Find your table in the card catalogue!
Find your table in the card catalogue!
This is our table!
This is our table!
Even the wedding cake is book themed
Even the wedding cake is book themed

The wedding is lovely. Brittany looks beautiful. Many pictures are taken. The food is a brunch buffet and we dance to the music of a DJ. Here are some memories from the wedding…

The mother and father of the groom
The mother and father of the groom
Ted, Peg, Phyllis, Gary, Mary, John
Ted, Peg, Phyllis, Gary, Mary, John
Thethree weird sisters
The three weird sisters
Brittany and Andy exchange vows
Brittany and Andy exchange vows
The groomsmen show off their superhero socks
The groomsmen show off their superhero socks
Andy and Brittany with Mike and Becca
Andy and Brittany with Mike and Becca
First dance
First dance
Time for the honeymoon!
Time for the honeymoon!