L' Abominable Boheme

Went out of town recently.

Made some new friends.

Hopped in the car, picked up the Momster and headed south,

for the Running From Yeti race in St. Louis, MO

This truck was staring at me for a considerable portion of the drive.

After we picked up our race swag, we

had a nice dinner at Rock & Brew.

A rock and roll American restaurant, with a good beer selection,

tasty entrees, and TVs showing classic rock music videos.

Great classic rock albums on the wall and these awesome

fretboard door handles.

Because it's a colder race, our swag was a hoodie instead of the 

usual t-shirt.

I've worn it a few times since I got home and it's very warm and cozy.

Who knew a Yeti would need such a nice hoodie?

This race also offers a choice of bonus swag. Either a long-sleeved t-shirt

or this knit beanie. Momster went with the t-shirt, I chose the beanie.

We got to the race site, in the Creve Coeur Park, and met Freddie the Yeti.

It was a bit chilly. Glad I have a hat.

Photo op with Freddie.

And we're off!

The lake was so still.

Sights from the course.

There is a 5K, a 10K (which is the race we did), and a half marathon.

Out and back race, here's the view from the return stretch.

After the race, we rehydrated with some water and energy drink samples, and

got out on the road again.

Stopping for lunch in Hannibal, MO.

Lunch wasn't much to comment on, but it was fine.

Found another abominable snowman peeping out of this window. Eep!

While at my parents' house, I met the new baby goat.

Pretty cute.

Then it was back on the road for me, to get to Iowa City for a dance job with the trio.

I left directly from the farm so I wouldn't have to drive to Davenport, then back out to Iowa City.

My Dad kept an eye on my instruments while Momster and I were hanging out with the Yeti.

Back to Davenport for another performance Sunday afternoon.

The woodwind quintet performed an Ibert piece.

Super fun, and the recital went very well.

Lots of variety and a good mix of small ensembles.

Because I had time between the stop at my parent's house and getting to the

gig in Iowa City, I took the opportunity to swing through Trader Joe's.

After picking up a salad for dinner to get me through the job, I did a short

shop for a few things to bring home with me. This vegan banana bread

is very tasty. Their specialty breads have all been good, of the ones I've been

able to try. 

Played in the pit for the Augustana College production of The Prom.

Cute show. Apparently it was made into a movie.

The music is fun.

My instrument round up for the show.

The clarinet got an impromptu repair and it now plays great!

It's long overdue for a more serious spa visit, but for now, it's 

in much better shape. I take care of it, but it's played constantly.

Backstage is  Nicolas Cage. Hmm..

A running nose.

It has running shoes.

It's FUNNY!

On the road again, early Saturday morning the weekend following the Yeti race, driving to meet the Amtrak at the Kewanee, IL station, the sky and sun were so striking, 

that I had to nab a photo. The hazy clouds give a filter effect to the Sun.

Almost spooky lighting.

It was this weekend for the Prom performance (Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sun), so I had arranged a sub

to play for me Saturday night, then I would get back home in time for the Sunday matinee.

It was a packed schedule.

After a mostly uneventful train ride into Chicago, I got myself to the South side,

via the Metra Electric Train (my first time riding it) and visited the Ancient

Cultures museum in the campus of Chicago University.

The name is a mouthful.

Anyway. After last month's Egyptology class, I thought a

field trip is in order to see some of the stuff I learned about.

Not all of it, but a good collection of old things.

The museum covers several different ancient cultures, but

for this visit, I focused on the Egyptian section.

Shabtis

Colossal statue of King Tutankhamun.

There are two of these in the world.

This one here in Chicago, and the second one in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

Maybe I'll get lucky and see the second one this summer.

After soaking up the ancient life, I got back to the station to take the Metra back into

the Loop.

Noticed this trio of buildings across the tracks.

Returned downtown in time for a quick shop at Nordstrom Rack,

some coffee and a chia pudding from Fairgrounds coffee for a quick

snack, and made my way to the Congress Plaza Hotel to meet my

friend Dion, who was going with me to the opera that night.

It was St. Patrick's day celebration Saturday in Chicago.

I missed the greening of the river, but I saw plenty of

festive folks dressed in green.

My trip to the South side meant that I missed the parade, but

honestly, that doesn't bother me too much. I wasn't there for the parade.

Great coffee and snacks and Fairgrounds coffee.

I met Dion in the lobby and we went up to our room and was treated to this fabulous view.

Michigan Lake and Buckingham Fountain. 

We got ourselves pretty for our night at the opera.

La Boheme at the Lyric Opera House.

Last year I saw Aida, and decided to take a trip to see another opera,

and my old friend Dion agreed to be my date.

Silly selfies while waiting for Dion to get ready.

We clean up nice.

A charming date!

Arrived early enough for a glass of champagne and the pre-show talk.

A beautiful show.

The sets are impressive and, even though the stars are on-stage, 

I couldn't help but notice the incredible orchestra in the Lyric.

La Boheme is the story of poor struggling artists in Paris.

Its story was the inspiration for the Broadway show Rent.
Wonderful melodies, delightful jokes, and the actors are top notch.

I never get tired of this view.

The early morning walk back to Union Station to catch my early train home.

Got to admit after the past couple weeks of a non-stop schedule, I was a bit

worn out. But after a few days of catching up on sleep and some random

house chores, I'm back on track and ready to plan the next adventures.