Trying New Things

 

Besides The Nutcracker at Christmas or kids' performances, Papa and I haven't attended a professional ballet performance...until this week. It was a unique outdoor performance under the stars and a close-but-not-quite full moon. It was a little warm and breezy, but the breeze helped counter the warmth so it turned out to be a lovely evening.

The temporary stage was so unique with the mountain-like backdrop contrasting the dark sky. The backdrop changed with the various illuminations of the "Rite of Spring." The stage floor was illuminated in a blue water-like color. The three-dozen or so dancers were synchronized beautifully. I can't say that Papa and I would be regular patrons of the ballet. We did enjoy this evening, though.

The following morning I took our car, BetsyB, in for routine service. When returning to pick up the car in the afternoon, a large mulch fire at a recycling center a few miles from us was sending large plumes of smoke into the sky. Fortunately no homes or people were hurt, but the fire still smolders a few days later. Being outside would be wonderful because our temperatures are mild for June, but the smoke makes breathing difficult. Hopefully the controlled fire will soon be extinguished!

Pictures don't do this "first" justice. Given the air quality and the warmer temperatures, we are excited that our community has converted inside space at the Activity Center for indoor games. Papa and I tried bocce ball and pickle ball. Just as we purchased the kayak in December and didn't use it until April, we purchased a bocce ball set in February and finally christened it this week. It was fun. The small white ball, called a jack, is the target. Papa was red, I was green. The goal is to roll your team balls closer to the jack than your opponent. 

Of course playing inside on indoor carpet versus outside on grass/turf is a different feel. It certainly was pleasant inside, though. We slowly got the hang of it. We will play bocce ball again. Pickle ball is interesting, but probably not a favorite, especially for Papa.

We ended up the week enjoying a little time outside. The red sky sunset due to the smoke in the air provided a nice background for the pool and the putting green at the golf course. Also a reminder of how fortunate we are to live in a wonderful community with lots of opportunities to enjoy activities with great people. The full moon is mesmerizing. The saguaro cactus blooms are fading. I'm not sure what the bulb-like growths are.

We continue to golf and thoroughly enjoy recreational golf. I'm loving kayaking and was thrilled to take a friend on her maiden voyage this past week. What a wonderful life!