YUM

I realize that this might not mean too much to any of you but today is a very special day here at the Hermitage. I supposed one could say it doesn't take much to thrill Joe and I, but really, I ask you, is there anything better than simple pleasures?

Granted the grilling season has yet to begin in earnest, it's still March and this is Illinois but, it is also 60+ degrees!!!!! It will prob'ly snow tomorrow. :-/ We take what we can get around here so a quickie trip up to the locker about 16 miles up the road and ta da heaven in a plain white wrapper.

Behold, the first porterhouse of the 2008 season.



Sans butcher paper for those who like it raw.


And while I'm on the topic of simple pleasures, how about something that isn't so simple, but oh so fabulous? Last night we went to the symphony to hear Joshua Bell play. I am still in awe. He played the always pleasant Violin Concerto by Mendelssohn. And of course playing it on his 1713 Gibson ex Huberman Stradivarius..................heaven singing I'm tellin' ya. WOW As an added bonus he also included his own originally composed cadenza. I can't begin to tell you how wonderful it was, seamless, flawless, fabulous. If you can't imagine what that might be like imagine if you will your most fav musician, playing a great piece, on the most exquisitely craft instrument ever made then imagine further he/she going off on a incredible riff. Thrilling no? Honestly, if you ever get a chance to to hear him play do it, even if you don't think you'd like classical music, you can't help but enjoy his playing it is that good.

After the performance last night we went out for dinner. Lo and behold if Joshua Bell, the Maestro David Commanday and their party didn't come in to the restaurant to also eat. I was able to keep hold of my senses and merely applaud, but it took a butt load of restrained not go and ogle his Stradivarius. Yes, he did have it with him in a very nondescript, but I imagine specifically crafted, duffel bag of sorts. I wouldn't have left it in a hotel room or the hotel safe either! A 100 points to anyone who can tell me how much that violin is worth. Every penny of it too IMHO.

Oh btw, don't hold you breath for Weaving Wednesday I might not get around to it.