….as I was leaving Beckman Auditorium last Saturday evening. Terrible deep down chills and a fever and wondering if I could even make it home.
The great report is that after major self medicating and lots of prayer I was pretty much myself the next day. However, not to take any chances I cancelled the Oscar viewing party event Amy & I had tickets for. Amy made a ‘soup of love’ for me and came over……
…..and I made popcorn & we watched the Oscars on the large screen TV. I in my jammies…..
Kita had to get in on the action….
You know how she loves to dance……
O.K., settle down now….we’re watching the show…..
So glad I saw Birdman with Lizzie girl!
Monday I picked up my car at Rusnak. Eden always takes good care of me and even though I did had to tool around in a loaner for four days, Rusnak picks up the tab for all but the insurance.
Just had to show you Emma who has cornered the market on cool….
Tuesday Jane V., here from Harvard, enjoyed reading a beautiful letter I had received from Harvard Natural History Museum. (They love our cards.) I’m delighted to report that they do very well also in Harvard’s Bookstore!
Fun time talking over everything in the world over lunch!
And of course all things ‘Harvard’ with Sir Charles!
Wednesday morning George (Martin’s dad) stopped by with Jasper and asked if we would like to taste test his home made bread. Silly question…right?
This was soooooo good. Nice and crusty on the outside and light and airy inside…… AAAA+ George!
If you don’t have geraniums somewhere I guess the question is why not! They’re just about the happiest flower and always if a plant could smile it would surely be a geranium!
Time to head off to the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills where the trees were decked out in Chinese lanterns.
….and inside….I think they need Amy’s touch!
For sure!
Jane & I had a ‘spot of tea’ before the Harvard dinner and I was shocked they didn’t use Lissi’s service. Plain white cups just won’t do. I’m lecturing the server on that!
Meet Juliette Lynch from Boston here to photograph all the goings on at the Harvard event. She’s not only a photographer and multi-media journalist but an Alexia Foundation winner and a Carnegie-Knight Fellow. Did I mention she’s tons of fun???
Taking a picture of me taking a picture!
The following is for all my foodies.
A better Caesar than at Parkway Grill….
Grilled Barramundi, roasted tomatoes, quinoa, basil & fennel confit with saffron sauce.
Milk Chocolate Creme Brûlée, fresh berries……
Beautiful artwork everywhere…………
The Chinese Lanterns at night were even prettier…..
I know I’ve mentioned before the ‘thing’ Kita and our mailman have. 
The LA Unified teachers were picketing at the Music Center and may go on strike this coming week. Let’s support our teachers!
Carol had asked if I’d like to go to the opera with her & Hildegard. It worked out perfectly as I had made a mental note to try and catch the last performance of ‘The Ghosts of Versailles’ on Sunday. Remember I had seen the set and worker bees finishing up chairs for the set. But first….time for a quick bite.
We hurried thru dinner to hear the pre-opera lecture which is always so interesting and helpful. This one had people literally packed to the rafters.
Mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne was there and spoke briefly. You can barely see her white head.
Time for the performance of ‘The Ghosts of Versailles’!
Intermission and refreshments in the Founders Room and then a little socializing.
It’s not unusual to run into Peter Adams, artist extraordinaire, at the opera. Hildegard and Carol along with Russian artist Alexy Steel. 
Am I directing traffic or what?
Creative set designs, stunning costumes and Patti LuPone as Samira was absolutely sensational!
Back to food. Carrot Ginger soup at Recess Eatery on Brand……
Ahi Tuna …….
After all, all you really need is love!
Amy came over to work with Nika and ‘just happened’ to bring this exquisite floral creation with her!
Busy us so cold cuts were in order.
We had quite a bit of work to do and Kita started the meeting in her usual style!
Class the next day and these peeps could not resist clowning around. They were loving Amy’s elegant floral creation.
The water had little bubbles on the petals that looked like tiny silver balls. Amy opened each rose petal by hand. It’s fascinating!
Chef Kaley made me yummy ‘Slutty Brownies’ and we could hardly wait for lunch to have some!
Kathy brought her recently exhibited work, ‘Lone Pine in Mist’ to show the class.
Everyone loved it and a big discussion followed…….
Settling down to work…..
We painted Cherry Blossoms and Butterflies!
Saying goodbye to this painting and hello to the new week! Wishing you a great one!