Wednesday, December 16, 2015

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


36 comments:

  1. Wow the ballet; I bet you had a great time.
    My daughter will go to Scala Theater next week to see the Christams concert.
    Thanks for this beautiful post.
    Have a great day

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  2. What a lovely lead up to the Christmas holiday. I saw the 'Nutcracker' ballet many years ago when I first moved to France. I loved going to the theatre but couldn't understand French back then so chose the ballet, It looked like you you had a wonderful day from beginning to end ,even choosing your lovely outfit .

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  3. The Nutcracker is just so Christmassy. Glorious. Looks like you had a wonderful time except for the weather. I hope that Christmas tree on top of the Space Needle is well secured! x

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  4. Oh I love that quote....how true! What a perfect day you seemed to have enjoyed. Even the weather couldn't dampen the blessedness of it all. I must say I love your ensemble....your skirt is beautiful! My Maisie is in complete agreement with your Whitey Bear and Kai; she loves to energetically greet every guest that passes through our front gate.

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  5. I loved reading about your trip in to see 'the Nutcracker'. I am sorry the traffic was bad but things like just happen. So, does the nasty weather. However, it appeared to be a lovely day. Thanks for taking me along with you.

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  6. The Nutcracker Ballet oh that sounds so beautiful I have never seen it. The company of the ones you love would make it perfect. Enjoy these days of family and love Karen. HUGS B

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  7. Oh, I so enjoyed it all ... thanks so much for including us in your wonderful Nutcracker day. I feel like I was there in the entourage with you. I know about shoe regrets too (smile) and loved that wee quote at the end.

    Wishing you a beautiful day, Karen...
    Brenda

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  8. What a lovely holiday outing--although the traffic sounds disheartening.
    I'm reminded of years in Vermont when I went with good friends to the performances of Lessons and Carols at Middlebury College--half an hour's drive away.

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  9. What a lovely holiday outing--although the traffic sounds disheartening.
    I'm reminded of years in Vermont when I went with good friends to the performances of Lessons and Carols at Middlebury College--half an hour's drive away.

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  10. Hello Karen,
    How fun to see the ballet with everyone. It sounds like you had a great day!! Wishing you a wonderful weekend and a Merry Christmas.
    Julie xo

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  11. I attended the Nutcracker last weekend here in Illinois for the first time in my 60 years, I enjoyed it very much!

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  12. It looks like you had a lovely time with your dear family and friends. It's been twenty years since I attend the Nutcracker performance in Seattle. I loved seeing all your photos as it brought back such wonderful memories. Give Whitey Bear and Kia a hug from Lilly; they are adorable in that picture. Lilly is a rescue animal, too. Hugs, Pat

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  13. What a lovely little holiday! Nice pictures and I just love that puppy, oh dear, so cute!
    Enjoy your day and take care...
    Titti

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  14. Oh, what a wonderful 'Nutcracker' day! I've always wanted to see that ballet but never have. Mayby next year!
    Wishing you a beautiful weekend!

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  15. Beautiful post from start to finish! I would love to visit your part of the country someday. It looks lovely there. I have as yet to see the Nutcracker Ballet live and it is on the to do list with my daughters and grandchildren. We do a girls day out each year before Christmas so that will be perfect.

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  16. Super wonderful event to take part with your daughter and other family members. I've gone to the Nutcracker when I was first married. It was my very first ever ballet to be to..And I was confused as to what was going on and once I made it known to my sweet husband - would tell me a little as we watch the show go along. And I loved it and was so amazed. WOW what a night out - blessed you. Thanks for sharing and one other thing - I love your outfit too!
    HUgs.. Merry Christmas

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  17. What beautiful post!! Filled with so much eye candy and beautiful things from where you live. I hate to admit it but I have never seen the Nutcracker. Maybe because I am a Mother of sons. It is on my bucket list!!
    Thanks so much for stopping by!! I am sorry that I have not been able to stop by sooner. I had one party here in the beginning of the week and i am getting ready for another one on Sunday for 20!!
    Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

    Hugs,
    Deb

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  18. How wonderful for all of you to have had such a lovely time together.

    Happy Christmas to you ~ FlowerLady

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  19. So glad you got to see the Nutcracker Ballet, Karen. The girls go every year, and this is the first year they didn't make it. Heather's cottage looks cozy with the Christmas tree and the festive decorations.

    Hello Whitey Bear and Kai. Do you know that they are the cutest dogs ever? Such beautiful white fur and they look like friendly dogs. Every time I see them, I smile.

    Enjoy the rest of the Christmas season, Karen.

    ~Sheri

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  20. What a special post! Christmas time is realy wonderful! And the Labradoodle is soooo lovely. I know them. Very rare her in Austria. All my best to you and yours, my best wishes for a wonderful Christmas time!
    Elisabeth

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  21. What a wonderful day! Such a really lovely Christmassy thing to do too. Happy Christmas! xx

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  22. What a lovely day, Karen, and it all started with your pretty outfit! Heather's home looked festive and the food looked scrumptious. Attending the ballet must've been a wonderful treat, which I haven't done in years upon years. Thanks for sharing your fun! xo

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  23. What a beautiful occasion you ladies made of this event! Right down to that delicious dinner. It's so important to take time out for something special when we are so busy with the season. Christmas blessings to you and your family!

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  24. Hi Karen....
    What a great tutorial of your day!
    Nothing compares to spending time with family♥️
    Fabulous outfit....and delicious snacks and lunch...
    Not to mention the Ballet!
    Enjoy your evening...
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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  25. It has been several years since I saw The Nutcracker. I know you enjoyed this lovely evening!

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  26. Karen, your evening sounds and looks magical! Thank you for sharing with us.

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  27. It sounds like you had a wonderful time and made some great memories! I like the light tree on top of the space needle! I remember it from years ago when I was up there for the Expo in 1974.

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  28. Looks like a magical day out! I took Annie to the nutcracker a couple of years ago. Such special memories. Loved your outfit!! And your daughters new puppy is SO cute!! Our Ruby is a golden doodle & we got her for similar reasons. And she's been so smart & easy too. ;)
    So glad you're enjoying this season. It's flying quickly by. One week to go!!! Xoxo

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  29. What a grand time you must have had with your daughter! Your outfit was stunning, sorry to hear your choice of shoes weren't so grand. :-)
    I was able to go and see the nutcracker live with my mother and two daughters a few years ago, oh it was something! Just the whole atmosphere was special.
    Your daughters home is so sweet, and a beautiful Christmas tree to set it off nicely.

    Thank you for sharing with us, Karen.

    Merry Christmas~~ Debbie

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  30. What a lovely time you had dear friend! Your daughter is a very thoughtful person to have prepared the snack before your travels! What memories I am sure you made! Have a beautiful Christmas and will look forward to hearing what you are doing in 2016!!

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  31. Karen, it's hard to go to the ballet and not imagine oneself a ballerina, even when you're not a little girl! C'mon, admit it! Loved your new plaid things you made a few posts back, and a daybed in the kitchen would be heavenly.

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  32. So glad you all made it in time and a great idea to go out afterwards and let the traffic clear out, while you enjoyed your meal together. Sorry it was so rainy for your day together but such special memories of the day I am sure you have!

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  33. Such a great getting in the mood for Christmas, from the christmas decorations to the weather and traffic queues. The Nutcracker is a perfect girls day out pre-chrissy ballet isn't it? Our Crazy Poodle is also an 'oodle breed so I laughed yes he's good for those with allergies and started off so well with his training too, but the wild excitement for life takes over all manners at times :)
    Wren x

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