Early Autumn

I was coasting along, regaining some of the strength I lost four years ago, when my job and my relationship ended...Autumn had just arrived....and I was enjoying a spectacular Opera and a renewed contact with my Ex...when I had a *bomb* dropped on me...I'll talk more about it here soon...but now, must get ready for an afternoon of *Capuleti* and a lovely dinner at the German Consulate (thanks to a dear friend) where we will have wine, song and a little interview with Jay Hunter Morris (*Captain Ahab* in *Moby Dick*) and Patrick Summers (the Maestro conducting this OUTSTANDING Opera. 

Tomorrow, Day 1 of my *new reality*....but before it begins, I wanted to post some of Autumn's Beauty for you.

Sending you all, fantastic, caring friends, my love and thanks for becoming a wonderful part of my life.  I know I will come through this new challenge with your love and support.  (Renee, I wouldn't have met any of these amazing people, if not for you! I miss you every day.)

Always,

♥ Robin ♥

Three Minutes of *Moby Dick*

Animal Wednesday - Discovering North Lake and Its Denizens

Tuesday was an Opera-free day - and sunny, so I met my hiking friend, Carol, and we set off somewhere different - North Lake.  It's smaller than Stow Lake - but more densely filled with Trees, Bushes and...as you will see, lots of Animals!

We brought some peanuts with us - just in case!  It's a good thing we did!

I was thrilled to encounter more Stellar Jays here!  (Of course, they loved the peanuts just as much as the *Stow Lake Gang*!)

"Hmmmm...what do you have for me?"

"I think I'd better come closer and check it out!"

"Oh, yummy!"

"I'm coming back for seconds!"

Does anyone know what this little fellow is chomping on?  

At another, nearby Lake , I was surprised to find a Snout-Nosed Turtle...  

I think someone once had him as a pet - and when he grew too large, they brought him here.  He seems to be doing ok...there are lots of thingies for him to eat.

And....another Bird (a Cormorant) doing his *Dracula* Impersonation!  

(The Seagulls seem to be ignoring him....a-ha-ha!)

Tonight, I am off to the Opening Night of *Moby Dick*!  The White Whale Opera - perfect for an  Animal Wednesday!

Love,

♥ Robin ♥

Animal Wednesday - Palace Lake *Critters*

Sunday was the precursor of three (so far) glorious, HOT days here!  In the 90's!!!  Woo-hoo!  My friend Carol and I went to visit *our* Swans and to walk along the Bay at Crissy Field.  All the Birds seemed to revel in the Sunshine too....it has been a long, cold *Summer*!

All eight - 2 parents, (Blanche and Blue Boy) and six Cygnets.  Can you believe the  *babies* are just 5 months old?

We feed them oatmeal...much better healthier than bread.....don't they look like *little submarines*?

Papa Blue Boy - with outstretched neck, Galahad and two more Cygnets.....I haven't been able to distinguish enough difference to name the other five....

My beloved Galahad.  He is slowly losing his grey feathers and soon will become white like his siblings.  But, I will always know him.....

I loved seeing the Blue Egret through the branches...

This Blue Egret looks like he is preparing to be *Dracula* for Halloween!  I was laughing as I photographed him!

Bwaaaahaaaha...

As I complete this post....the fog has returned!  Waaaaaah!  Wind is howling...windows are shaking.....oh well, it was lovely while it lasted!

HAW!

Love,

♥ Robin ♥

Opera Photos

Whew!  I am surfacing for a moment to share some photos from our first two productions of the Season.  Today is the final performance of *Rigoletto*, last night was the opening performance of *i Capuleti e i Montecchi*.  Tomorrow, the Piano Dress Rehearsal of what I think may be my favourite of the season - *Moby Dick*

Rigoletto

by Giuseppe Verdi

With our WONDERFUL Maestro Nikki!

i Capuletti e i Montecchi

by Vincenzo Bellini

Hurried photos - as it was Opening Night!

Suit and Hat designed by Christian Lacroix

Gown designed by Christian Lacroix

The *infamous* 6" heels the Supers have to wear and run down many stairs in!  Mon Dieu!

Opening Night Bracelets given to all the cast - and sweetly - including one for me - in purple!  *Toi, Toi, Toi*.  (The Opera equivalent of *Break a Leg*.)

I hope you enjoyed the backstage tour...more to come soon!

Love,

♥ Robin ♥

I Capuletti e I Montecchi and Moby Dick

I've *surfaced*....to use a *seafaring* pun!  But I wanted to show you some of the latest backstage *thingies*!  First, for *I Capuletti e I Montecchi * some of the lovely (and brave) Supers wearing gowns designed by Christian Lacroix. He also designed their 6" shoes... sorry, no photo of the shoes yet....yesterday's Piano Dress was a crazed and hurried affair....  the shoes (and they are really something) will be photographed next week!  The flower in the mouth represents the fact the women has no say in the 14th Century!

Now, on to *Moby Dick*....I have only been to two rehearsals so far....no sets, no costumes....but, OMG....the music, the singing...this is going to be THE HIT of the season!

These cartoons were placed on the backstage bulletin board - and I had to share!  Tasteless, but funny!

I hope you all have a great weekend!  Tomorrow, I will be at the first rehearsal for "Lohengrin"....a most beloved opera of mine!

Love,

♥ Robin ♥

Sailing

These days, I *surface* up  out of the Opera House to enjoy a free day! Last Saturday, I did just that with a new-found friend, Birgit.  She is a German Journalist who is doing a feature interview with one of our *Rigolettos*.  We met at a Dress Rehearsal....and swapped *Opera Backstage Stories*... then, much to my surprise, she invited me to go sailing with her!  Of course, I said yes!  Now, I am a Sea-lover to be sure, but I have NEVER sailed in San Francisco on our choppy waters.  But, *armed* with Ginger Capsules 
(to prevent sea-sickness), I met Birgit at the San Francisco Sailing Company.

I arrived a bit early so I could photograph the *infamous* Sea Lions at Pier 39.  All was still and relatively quiet...very few tourists up and about ..

Even this fellow was sound asleep!

But, this BIG GUY was wide awake!  And so were his friends!

I met Birgit and we found our Ship, the Santa Maria.

It was one of those typical San Francisco *Summer* Days....sunshine to the East, thick fog to the West.

We boarded, along with fifteen other *brave souls* - and set off..

The Bay Bridge and some fog and blue skies!

Alcatraz

Coit Tower and foggy skies..

Headed West...towards the Fog-Shrouded Golden Gate....

Nearing the Bridge....  it was really cold and windy, and the waves were beginning to intensify!

Time for Mimosas!

You can see we dressed for the occasion!  A-ha-ha!

Sailing directly under the Golden Gate!  Too cool!

The waters were definitely getting choppier!

Then, a freighter appeared..... hmmmm..who has the *right of way*?

 They did!  A-ha-ha!

Whew!  That was close!

Sails against the Bridge....it was a glorious experience!

I hope you enjoyed sailing along!

Love,

♥ Robin ♥