Last Weekend

We had a rather music and art filled weekend.  Below are some of the high lights of the past few days.

 Saturday night we went to our Carlsbad Museum of Making Music for a concert by Otis Taylor, blues musician, who plays banjo and electric guitar.

This is only a small part of the banjo exhibit that is currently on display.  Otis Taylor hit his groove with his eclectic group of musicians, with the highlight for us being his version of Hey Joe.

 We went to UCSD Sunday, to see a book arts exhibition at the Geisel Library.  We enjoy the snake path leading up to it.  We had to come back later, as the library was not open yet.

 The library appears like The Starship Enterprise, perched on a knoll.

 We had a little time to kill at Balboa Park before a free organ concert, so we stopped in at the zoo.  This female orangutan is 53, and because she was raised with people as a pet, loves to see what is in a woman's purse.  Gail kindly emptied her purse for this gal.

 Then it was off to the pipe organ concert at the Spreckle's Pavillion in Balboa Park.  The world famous organist, Carol Williams, had the pipes blaring, and was later accompanied by this bag pipe band.

 The major never flinched as he spun and threw his baton.

 The $150,000 console controls over 4,500 pipes, drums, cymbals, etc. by activating electromagnets. A 20 horsepower blower provides the wind.

This is in the building that houses everything but the console.  It was built totally for the organ.

 On the way home we stopped by the UCSD library again to see the book arts exhibit.

 The technical knowledge, artistry, and skill that went into these projects was mind-blowing.

Tuesday evening we went to the Lux Art Institute to hear a talk by artist Beverly Penn (internet photo).

In this series on exhibit, she made bronze castings of weeds and water plants.  Casting only several 4 inch sections at a time, she assembled them on walls to be beautifully patterned sculptures.  The finest detail can be seen.

Well, all for now.

Here and There

The following are a few phone pics from the last couple weeks or so.

 Nora displays one of  her Lego creations.

 We thoroughly enjoyed The Book of Mormon.  That's Moroni up on top.

 Gail eagerly anticipates the opening.

 Susanna and I have been regulars at the park just about every week.  One of our specialties is building nests out of pine needles, adding some "eggs", then sitting on them.  Not shown is some of the great sports action Soren and I have been up to.  He is becoming quite the athlete!

 Last Saturday, we attended the open house at Lux Art Institute.  This outdoor furniture was more comfortable than it looks.

We are currently cooking up plans for a Yellowstone trip in September, a probable backpacking trip with Nick and Cassidy (hopefully), surfing with Nora, and smaller trips up the coast.  Dang, it seems like summer is nearly over already! And... yesterday, Andria hosted a very pleasant and fun Father's Day BBQ for Dave and me.  I was so in the moment, I forgot to take pictures - darn!

Birthday Girl

We've been having multiple birthday celebrations over the region because...   Gail had a birthday!

 Birthday #1 started at the Johanson house where Gail led us in the "Happy Birthday Song".  Susanna loves a good party!

 Then it was off to Palm Springs for some "dry heat" and much water play.  We became quite educated in the dominant architecture of Palm Springs - Mid-century Modern.

 Burgers and fries, our birthday treat!

 We then moved into our villa at The Andalusian.  Gail was prepared for the Southern Spain motif! This is flamenco dancing, not flashing of gang symbols.

 A precious gift from Sarah!

 Nora's and Soren's poster came along, of course, and was taped to our cocina wall.

 Gail loved this thoughtful detail, "department store".

 We spent much time in and around the water, as the daytime temperature was always over 100.

 Another fashion splash - goggles decorated with sprinkles.

 The grounds of  The Andalusian were lush and peaceful.  It was shockingly bright and jarring when we had to venture past the perimeter wall.

 There are only 8 villas, so we only saw the same 2 or 3 couples if anyone at all.

 Goodbye, Andalusia, can't wait to see you again!

 Of course, no trip is complete without at least one thrift store exploration!  We also visited the very impressive Art Museum which had works by some of the greats.

It was particularly hot on our last day - 111 degrees!  Well, one more celebratory outing today, the musical "The Book of Mormon" in San Diego.  Happy Birthday, Babe!