My Door of Yearlong Cheer

 Every year I place the Holiday cards that I receive on the inside of my front door.  Greetings from friends and acquaintances wishing me a Merry Christmas, Happy Solstice, Joyous Hanukkah, and even the Prosperous New Year.  Never too many to cover the door and for the next 12 months they are the first thing I see when I come down the stairs of a morning, the last thing i see as head out into the world.  They are a constant reminder that I am loved and part of many communities.  What joy!

New Years Day Breakky: Thin Frittata full of Veggies and Topped with my Dijon Creme Sauce and Capers

First road trip with my new Stainless Steel Cookware.  LOVING IT!  Sauteed onion, carrot, red pepper, zucchini, broccoli and garlic, and then baked with eggs, a little half & half, smoked Gouda, salt, pepper, nutmeg.  

In the late 1800's Italian day laborers would take wedges of Frittata to work wrapped in cloth. The poor man's "sandwich," queche's forgotten cousin.  So easy to make and so full of nutrition, there really does need to be a Frittata lobby in this country!  Happy New Year!

Remembering U.S. Senators Who Passed Into Ancestry In 2023

 You may know that I am a follower of the machinations of the United States Senate.  Often have their live feed on during times of votes and in the evenings when Voice Vote confirmations occur.  Fortunately for me, they spend less than half the year in session!  Never the less, these elected folks are among the most powerful people in our nation.  We ought to know what they are about.  And it's fitting to acknowledge the passing into Ancestry.

Remember Some TV Actors Who Passed Into Ancestry In 2023

 I grew up on TV.  It doesn't hold much interest to me today, but still when I learn of the passing of someone who help to raise me, whose work I admire greatly, I feel the sense of loss and gratitude.

New Year's Eve Dinner: Glazed BBQ Country Cut Pork with a roasted Cabbage Salad mixed with Green Bell Pepper, grated raw Carrot and Bacon in a Dijon Vinaigrette Dressing

 

Shakespeare Theatre Company: As You Like It

Simon Godwin at STC has done it again.  He's found an outstanding regional production and brought it to DC.  "As You Like It" is a mash-up of Shakespeare and the Beatles set in the 1960's flower power, Love-Peace-and-Rock 'n Roll culture.  Originally conceived of by Daryl Cloran of Vancouver's Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival in Canada.  Sixteen of the twenty-five cast members came with the show.  It is a vivacious and self-effacing production that is simpy, Fun, Fun, FUN.

The first act is set in a WWW-esque wrestling syndicate complete with a 20 minute pre-show pair of off the charts grudge matches feature some of the characters.  The emcee is hilarious and you set you heart on the promise of a wonderful experience.  A promise full-filled.  By the start of the second act, the actions and the set has transformed to the Arden Woods.  The wrestling ring is replaced with trees and a VW van festooned with flowers.

A fresh cast is a joy, and this one was especially enjoyable.  They clearly loved what they were giving and for the minor weaknesses, joy can cover little sins.  The strength of the voices was uneven.  Fortunately, they belonged to actors playing minor rolls.  And it might have a tech issue, certainly some of the actors knew exactly how resonate in the space.  By tossing in 22 Beatles numbers, the show was long.  Almost 3 hours.  

Of the cast, some members really stood out.  Jeff Irving as the love-struck Orlando was a thing of beauty to watch.  Gorgeous, great dancing, great comic timing and rizz of the charts.  Andrew Cownden in the dual rolls of Jaques/Le Beau was both funny as hell and maudlin in turn.  He voice was strong and highly expressive, his rendition of "I Am The Walrus" was a show stopper.  Likewise, the comic stylings of Kayvon Khoshkam as Touchstone hit the mark every time.  Finally, the best vocals in the cast were offered by Chelsea Rose as Rosalind.  Her voice was clear and fill of nuance and power.  I had a wonderful time.  What a great to bring a year of Theatre to a close.

Orlando de Boyes (Jeff Irving) about to drop the hammer on Charles the Wrestler (Marco Walker-Ng), while Jaques the Referee (Andrew Cownden) looks on in amazement.  In the background Dame Frances (Jennifer Lines) oversees her enterprise with her Attendant (Jennifer Copping) stands at her side.

Two of the musicians Evan Rein and Isaiah Terrell-Dobbs lead the cast in a rendition of "Help!"

Orlando de Boyes with Celia (Naomi Ngebulana) and Rosalind as Ganymede (Chelsea Rose)

Touchstone (Kayvon Khoshkam) and Corin (Jennifer Copping) reprising When I'm 64".

Celia and Oliver de Boyes (Matthew MacDonald-Bain) singing "Here Comes The Sun".

The mad-capped adventures culminate as the love-struck couples come together.

A full cast finale of "All You Need Is Love".

New Pre-certified Used Car: 2022 Nissan Verse