Time is Precious - Who Knew?

About 6 weeks ago I blooged about my parents (see June 7 - Time is Precious). Little did I know that a month later, my active, young at heart father would be facing his last day with us. Our family, small but with all 3 generations present, stood and prayed with the Priest after last rites and with each other as my niece held her bible (the bible itself was also a surprise.) It's been 14 days, and my father is returning from a rehab facility to his home.

The doctors are amazed, as are we all. Yet as I spoke with the doctor in ICU, I kept referring to the ways my Dad's surprised me recently. Well, needless to say, never more so than in his return from that precipice.

Thanks Dad. I wasn'y ready yet.

Truly Joyous Video

This made the rounds on Twitter and I've kept it minimized and wateched it several times. It is impossible not to smile as you sense everyone's surprise and then elation at this wedding.

Storming the Bastille

After our evening began with the Florentine Opera open air concert at Alterra, we proceeded to move on the Main Event, the Storm The Bastille evening run. The Bastille Days celebration is a project of the East Town merchants, with the run commemorating the time of day that coincides with the original event.
Forget about personal body space. The entire area was packed with human bodies, which after the run became hot and sweaty human bodies. Yet, there's something to be said for such an inclusive event. It was impossible not to see friends and local luminaries.


The Bastille days celebration continues through Sunday with music and food and general cavorting. Sunday's highlight, for me, will be when the 15 piece "big band" Swing Nouveau takes the stage in a special "Sunday Jazz in the Park". The concert runs from 1-3:15. Swing Nouveau brings a never-miss-a-note big band sound that is always a treat to listen to. (Some braver souls have been known to swing dance in the aisles). If you miss them Sunday, Swing Nouveau will also perform at the Wisconsin Lutheran outdoor series on Thursday, July 16th from 6:30 - 8:30. This is the music my dad loved before I made it my own.

Double Booked with Alterra's Opera then Bastille Days

There is a Sex in the City Story about the always socially correct Charlotte. It chronicles her short foray into double booking her dates (scheduling one immediately after another.)

Last night was a double booked night combining Opera with Running the Bastille. We began at the Lakefront Alterra with the open air Florentine Opera Concert. Alterra has a weekly rotation of Latin Music and the Florentine Opera on Thursdays. Last night featured all male voices and was a stellar combination of traditional opera and old time favorites like "Maria" from West Side Story. Additionally, I arrived hungry and the Turkey Club was surprisingly perfect. White bread and only 2 slices(my preference), thick bacon, what's not to love?
Bring a lawn chair and enjoy one of Milwaukee's summer staples: outdoor free music that doesn't sacrifice quality.