The Nutcracker Ballet

Hello, Dear Friends, I have been neglecting you, 

I know. The days are short and the 'to-do' lists are long,
but I am starting to catch up......:)

Last weekend I attended The Nutcracker Ballet

in our beautiful city of Seattle with my daughter, Heather, 

her sweet Mother-in-law, Sis-in-law, and dear little niece. 

My ensemble for the ballet: 

Sequined sweater, wool embroidered skirt with sheer underlay, 

vintage clutch, and suede pumps with little bows. 

A gray wool coat with pale gray, sequined scarf, 

and black leather gloves, kept me warm. 

I left my foothills home to drive past lovely farmlands 

under dark and moody skies.  

We were to meet at Heather's cottage by 11 a.m. 

to attend the matinee at 2:00 p.m. 

She had delicious little bites waiting for us

as we gathered together for our trip to Seattle - 

at least an hour's drive away. 

Sliced Granny Smith apples, topped with Havarti cheese,
crisp bacon and sprigs of rosemary, drizzled with olive oil.

The tiny shortcakes in the compote were lemon flavored.

Everything was delicious!

While we nibbled we enjoyed her pretty tree and decorations. 

So festive!

And who do we have here? 

Meet Jimmy.....Heather and Eric's new 

puppy. Jimmy is a Labradoodle

 ( a cross between a standard poodle and Labrador retriever) 

 a breed that is good for those with allergies. 

Heather is allergic to pet dander, but she 

has not had a problem with little Jimmy! 

He is so smart - he already knows how to sit, 

shake, lie down, and ring a bell when he wants

to go out to do his business! He is only 10 weeks old! 

I told all this to Whitey Bear and Kai

when I got home, but

 they were not impressed. 

In fact, when THEY hear a bell, they erupt in 

wild and uncontrollable hysterics, 

because somebody might be 'at the door'. 

Now that takes talent, they said! 

Never mind that we don't have a doorbell! :)

That's what happens when you have 'rescue' dogs!  

As you can see, the weather was atrocious
as Seattle comes into view.
The traffic was just as bad!

We were stuck in 'stop and go' traffic
for the last half hour and the clock was ticking.....

We made it just in time, with barely a minute to spare!

Of course, photos were not allowed past this point,
but I can tell you that it was absolutely wonderful!

As we floated out with the crowd while all of the little
girls imagined themselves ballerinas,
the magnificent tree in the lobby brightened the gloomy day.

We had dinner reservations at 4:00 p.m. - 5 blocks away,
so we scurried out to walk the distance,
umbrellas in hand, leaving
the long wait to exit the parking garage to others.

We passed some lovely apartments on our way.
I was regretting my choice of shoes at this point :)

This is their view.....
Can you see the 'Christmas Tree' on top of the Space Needle?

We ate at a lovely bistro named 'Crow'.
I ordered the kale/pomegranate salad with Parmesan,
and a delicious lasagna.

I was too full for dessert!

All too soon the day was over.

As we made our way back for the long ride home,
  the wind and rain turning our umbrellas inside out,
we reflected on the warmth of a day
spent together, and the many blessings we shared.

A lovely holiday ballet, delicious food,
and the company of loved ones,
in this beautiful place we call home.

xoxo

In life as in the dance:
Grace glides on blistered feet.

- Alice Abrams -
writer