Taste of The Nutcracker

Last night, I was lucky to be off work so that I could accompany Keith to a performance by Ballet North in Excelsior Springs. The company performed a sampling of the best-of moments from the Nutcracker. Ballet North originates from Gladstone and they delivered a wonderful show. The Candy Canes, Clowns and Dance of The Sugar Plum Fairy were all beautifully done. The Waltz of The Flowers was wonderful as well, although to this day when I see it, the only image that dances in my head is Jason Alexander in a tutu from Love! Valour! Compassion! Following the Nutcracker performances, Ballet North presented a breathtaking performance titled Watermark that carried an environmental message about saving life in our oceans. It was a visually striking production, particularly the glow-in-the-dark dance sequence that created an ethereal undersea world. Keith's organization, the Downtown Excelsior Partnership, put this show on and by all accounts (including the capacity crowd), it was a massive success. Kudos!

Following the show, we joined friends at Jim and Ginger's warm and inviting home for dessert and wine. Jyette and Torben brought some tasty German wine and Ginger served and array of delicious desserts including raspberry tarts, lemon bars and Brie cheese with Granny Smith apples. Their homemade apple cider was a good remedy for lifting the chill off the bones. Ginger's house always mesmerizes me.....she and Jim own the English Garden store and the English influence is felt throughout their home as well. Vintage tea sets, European Santa figurines and portraits of English countrysides and fox hunts dot the inner landscape. The only factor that could disturb this idyllic setting would be an obnoxious guest who insisted on photographing everything.....oh, wait, that was me.
Never mind.

One last peaceful evening before the holidays and Black Friday descend....