Monday, April 17, 2023

Spring in Seattle

 

Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back in the slow circles of nature, is a help. Gardening is an instrument of grace By, May Sarton

It seems like ancient history now, but the pandemic certainly slowed us down for a while. I don't know about "instrument of grace," but garden work saved me that first year of lock down.

Despite this unseasonably cold weather, beautiful spring is popping out everywhere. I'm entering the 4th year passing by this blooming street on my walking route, so pretty even on a cloudy day. Looking back on sad and scary April 2020, when a solitary walk (avoiding other humans like the plague) was about the only break from house arrest in Seattle.

Anyway, the trees on this street have probably lightened many heavy hearts over the years, thanks to the generous people who planted them long ago.

What is that old saying?  "The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is now." 

One nice thing, the tulips last a long time outdoors in this chilly weather. And I always cut a few of the biggest, finest ones for the house.

It rained Sunday (of course) but we were downtown at the Symphony. An interesting program to say the least, it featured a world premier concerto by South African cellist Abel Selaocoe. 

An extremely charismatic young man, the music was accompanied by chanting, singing and audience participation. He whipped our usually sedate afternoon crowd into a rock concert frenzy, getting a raucous standing ovation which he rewarded with a long encore. It was quite something, especially from our fourth row seats.

The epic Symphonie fantastique by Hector Berlioz was on the second half of the program. We were listening to conversations during intermission, and people were actually leaving early, so overcome with the cellist performance that "anything else would only be a letdown" after that experience. Poor old Berlioz, upstaged in Seattle. 

https://www.abelselaocoe.com/

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