When the cat's away...

Last Thursday, Michael and Samantha headed off to Durham, North Carolina for the American Dance Festival where Michael accompanies classes and composes original scores for accomplished and up-and-coming choreographers (and Samantha basks in the privilege of being an only dog for a few weeks). Thus far, it has been a very successful trip for Michael, including a standing ovation by the ADF students when he was introduced, and opportunities for new compositions with an impressive array of dance artists. He is certainly on a professional roll these days, and we are grateful for it. Michael will have the opportunity to visit with my mom this week, as she is traveling to Durham for the Duke University Board Meetings.

Loneliness was held at bay for Odin and me by a last minute visit from Jenni Davis, one of my dearest friends and past roommates. We indulged in a full-out girls’ weekend (apologies to Odin who put up with us), starting with a Hen House gathering on Saturday night that included charming company (my fabulous Philly crew - Bethany, Janet, and Melanie - plus Jenni), a delicious dinner, a rousing game of Cranium, and facial masks to end the evening. Well – not quite end the evening. Our neighbors, a mellow middle-aged couple by day, were letting their hair down (so to speak) on Saturday night, so Jenni witnessed some of Philadelphia’s Irish heritage first-hand. It was a colorful, and amusing way to end the night.

On Sunday morning, Jenni, Odin, and I headed down the street to the Schulkill River to watch the Philadelphia International Championship Bike Race, which passes (for ten laps) right through our neighborhood. It was really exciting to watch, and cheer the cyclists on as they passed. It reminded me of my Wellesley days, cheering for the Boston marathoners at the halfway point. I forgot to bring my camera to the race, so I am sharing some from Yong Kim (below showing the race winner, Juan-Jose Haedo from Argentina) and Jessica Griffin (showing many racers along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway) both photographers for the Philadelphia Daily news. Jenni and I learned a thing or two about bike racing rules, and witnessed the strategic sabotage of the T-Mobile team’s “train” by the winner, allowing him to move out to the front when the last sprint began (notice the T-Mobile team member in pink feeling the agony of his defeat). 156 miles biked in 5 hours, or so. Pretty impressive.



Sunday afternoon warranted shopping, including modeling of various “clip-on” hair accessories, at KING OF PRUSSIA (insert Troy’s inflection)...









...followed by Mexican food at Johnny Mañana’s (with the enormous red chili pepper, a famous landmark in East Falls).

Jenni and I were thrilled that we both got carded at the restaurant, and celebrated with a photo op of local teenagers outside the restaurant (can you pick out the thirtysomethings?).

I am grateful for good friends and aging gracefully…