Chilling in Cambria

Bob's wonderful mom Nellie and his excellent sister Merilyn flew out from Oklahoma City to treat us to a long weekend in Cambria.

The view from the front porch is pretty great:

I like the ocean, too.

The blogging table:

Loving my Muni Band shirt:

Our cozy group kicking back:

You may not hear from me for awhile.

I'm on vacation!

Bon Voyage B-1 Bomber

Bob and I spent a lovely hour yesterday afternoon sitting in the shade in front of our home, watching birds and waiting for the B-1 Bomber to take to the skies from nearby Long Beach Airport. Bob had his camera at the ready.

It was easy to tell when the jet began its take-off roll.

It was LOUD.

Soon the war bird rose siftly over the trees:

It made a graceful arc over our back yard:

...and flew off into the wild blue yonder:

See the KCAL 9 video here.

It was a rare sight indeed.

What a pleasant way to spend an afternoon!

Opera Finale

Today I headed back to the boat for the last 2 Long Beach Opera performances of "The Emperor of Atlantis" and "The Clever One".

Many people were in attendance for the 11am pre-performance lecture:

Meanwhile, out at Will Call...

...blog hero beFrank and lovely wife Dellis check in.

They scored some pretty sweet seats - second row, third and fourth seats in:

The set changed for Act 2:

beFrank and Dellis said they had a great time.

I love it when friends come to work!

Opera Reviewed

The reviews are in.

The Orange Country Register thought "there was plenty of tuba":

"Long Beach Opera Has An Orff Night" by Timothy Mangan, Orange County Register

The Los Angeles Times said, "In an ideal world, Long Beach Opera wouldn’t have to operate as a poor theater. But at least Mitisek knows how to create magic with minimal means. It boggles the mind to consider what he might do with a decent budget.":

"Long Beach Opera in the Hull of the Queen Mary" by Chris Pasles, Los Angeles Times

The Press Telegram liked the venue: "Despite the huge, empty, steel-walled interior (this was the Queen's boiler room before the ship was decommissioned), the sound was clear and bright, without uncomfortable echoes."

"Shipshape Operas at Queen Mary" by John Farrell, Press Telegram

We'll be back under water for 2 more performances this Sunday, May 17.

I'm looking forward to it!

Happy Mothers Day!

Happy Mothers Day Mom!

See more pictures here.

Boat Opening

It's almost time to head out for opening night of opera on the boat:

The sold out audience will sit here:

...while I will be located here (in the dark):

Opera ahoy!

Opera Ahoy

I'm heading out shortly for opera dress rehearsal.

It is very fun being on the Queen Mary.

Hope the show goes well so we don't have to abandon ship...