Mother's Day 2012

Having both M and W here was the greatest treat possible for Mother's Day, but the whole day was wonderful as well -- sunny skies and a gentle breeze, homemade waffles for breakfast with a choice of real maple syrup (Grade B, the dark, full-flavored kind) or homemade red currant jam, sitting on the deck talking, a short stroll at Lake Padden Park, lovely cards and gifts from M and W, and more, including this informal group portrait taken by Phil.

After leaving W in Fairhaven to await his bus back to Seattle, Phil, M, and I went to the "Bellissima!" afternoon concert at Mount Baker Theatre. Featuring the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra, Bellingham Chamber Chorale, and seven superb area singers (four of whom I knew from my years at the University of Washington School of Music), the event included a concert version of Cavalleria Rusticana and opera gems grouped by three "locations". Among the works in the "Morning in India" section were the achingly beautiful "Flower Duet" for soprano and mezzo-sopranto from Delibes' Lakmé and the moving Au fond du temple saint for tenor and baritone from Bizet's Pearlfishers, two works we were especially eager to hear.

The entire concert was superb, live music at its best, and the standing ovation for all of the performers, including Roger Briggs, the orchestra's artistic director, who is stepping down after 16 years, was well-deserved. We had a light supper at The Temple Bar afterward, and then I took M to the bus station and waited with her until her bus to Seattle arrived, giving us a little more time for mother-daughter conversation.

I think it was the best Mother's Day I've ever had.