Siamsa na nGael 2009

Last night was the Siamsa concert at Symphony Center.  Aimee sang as part of the Old St. Pat's choir with the Metropolis Symphony Orchestra.  Here are some pictures from the event (click on them for extra big versions!)

a wide angle shot from my seats inside the beautiful hall

closer view of the performers with director Bill Fraher and conductor Stephen Alltop

close up of Bill Fraher, Stephen Alltop with soloist Rod Dixon and concertmaster Tom Yang

using my zoom lens to the extent of its capability, here is Aimee, Anna, and Megan (along with the other sopranos).  Compare this to the first picture above!

After the concert with Anna, Aimee, Megan, and Wes.  

We enjoyed a welcome Lenten Reprieve of Guiness, Fish and Chips, and Corned Beef at Hackney's afterwards.  :)

Happy St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day weekend in Chicago is always something to remember!  Aimee sang at the Civic and Community Celebrations at Old St. Patrick's (and I dutifully attended).  We had also had the great pleasure of having Kristen's dog Beamer with us since Wednesday.  It was great fun!

Click on Beamer to see our Picasa album with pictures from the weekend.

Lake Tahoe

Okay, okay I know I forgot to make a post of this but most of you have seen the pictures already.

The picture above was taken from the Snowflake Lodge which is most of the way up Diamond Peak.  The views were just amazing, everywhere you look there was a serene lake or alpine beauty.  Enjoy the pictures!

Happy Valentine's Day

Well it's a little late.  And it's been a while.  I'm in Minneapolis this week (and not sick this time!) after a very nice weekend with Aimee.  I did the dozen red roses thing which I actually don't think I've ever done.  I have to plug sweet petal in Printer's Row -- it's a great flower shop and Melissa is great.  The roses were perfect!!

Saturday night I played and Aimee sang for the Old St. Pat's Valentine's Mass.  The music is very similar to a wedding and we got to perform with Laura, her husband Craig, and a trio of other musicians.  Aimee's rendition of Con te Partiro was great as always -- and I must say even I was impressed considering she was sick (or at least getting there).  Jim and Virginia hosted us for dinner afterwards.  I'm always amazed and everyone's generosity and hospitality.  Thanks guys!

We're off to Lake Tahoe this weekend.  I plan on bringing my camera so expect some pictures next time...

Happy New Year!

...and welcome to 2009.  It was a quiet New Years (somewhat typical so don't  be surprised).  We watched some movies and Aimee made banana bread: 

In other news:

• Aimee was selected for the NANOS (North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society) Scholarship award for the upcoming conference in Lake Tahoe.  I'm very proud of her!
• We celebrated last night by going to Brasserie Jo for some delicious French food.  We had Michigan Brie cheese (in a toasted crepe), a great salad, loads of mussels, and scallops. That combined with a really great waitress made it easily my best dining experience there (if you don't count the gentlemen next to us who clearly loved to hear himself talk).
  
  
  
• Our friends David and Maryjoy told us about a great site called www.MyPublisher.com which allows you to create professional looking photo album with you digital photos.  We made one with our Italy trip:  about 20 pages (1-6 photos per page) with a custom jacket and hardcover was about $40.  I can't wait to see how it comes out!

I think that's it for now...Happy Epiphany!