Good Times

What was it Dicken's wrote? "...the best of times, the worst of times..." With the passing of this year, and this decade, I suspect Dickens summarizes my feelings about both the past year and past decade.
I've had some amazing experiences this past decade. I realized my goal of seeing all 50 states before I turned 50, and in so doing, repeatedly went back, again and again, to many of my favorite places. In fact, I've traveled so much that I've kind of lost my wanderlust for travel. But I'm grateful for good health and resources that allow me this, I've enjoyed what I've seen and learned. Travel has enriched my life. I've learned so much that I wouldn't have otherwise. For example,
when I was born, Leonard Bernstein was conductor of the New York Philharmonic. It would be some 40+ years before I actually saw the Philharmonic perform in person. Lorin Maazel was the conductor, I came to enjoy his concerts whether in New York City or when the Philly comes to Vail, Colorado for their summer residence concerts. So I was pleased this summer then, to see the premiere concert of new conductor Alan Gilbert. As tradition goes, I have just finished watching the New York Philharmonic on PBS, Live at Lincoln Center. Gilbert promises to be equal to the task. I'm glad I'm connected to this amazing symphony, the New York Philharmonic has a certain cache' that I appreciate and enjoy.
Equally interesting was seeing/hearing the famed Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra and their 28 year old conductor Gustavo Dudamel perform at Chicago Symphony Hall last Spring. To learn thereafter that he had been appointed the newest, and youngest, conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and then to see him at the new Getty-designed stainless steel Los Angeles Disney Concert Hall in his premier concert, was likewise enjoyable. My travels have allowed me to meet interesting actors/actresses,(stage/film/t.v.) musicians, historians, and authors. Unique people, yes.

But none compare to the unique and wonderful new person in my life: our grandchild.
We just returned from the Pacific Northwest where we had so much fun with her. It was great to be with her and her parents, albeit a horrid 4 hour/20 mile drive in a freezing rain and snow storm on Interstate 5. (Oregon drivers were very patient.)

However, I'm glad to be home. It's very cold here, bitter cold. But without the bitter humidity that I experienced this past week (and the week before that in Chicago.) As I've gotten older, I prefer the quiet and peace of our small town. I enjoy nightly hot tub soaks in the patio. It's silent. I look up thru the lattice roof where I see stars and hear jets flying over head, without the crowds of people that are found in large cities. As beautiful as the Northwest is, I thrilled to be in Colorado Springs en route to home today. Cheyenne Mountain, Pikes Peak...... ah, it's a beautiful city that equals, for me, beautiful Victoria, British Columbia.

So yeah, the last decade, the last year.... the worst of times, the best of times. Here's to the New Year, the New Decade.
Be well, do good...