Um, spring?

Hello Family,

I'm sorry it's been so very long since we've blogged. Life travels by very fast these days. But we are always thinking of you, and with a few things planned for the near future, we hope to be seeing most of you.

I think since the last time we've blogged, Cat and I have done two recitals together. The first was in Hudson, NY, for Diamond Opera Theatre. It was on Valentine's day in a recital room at the Hudson Opera House. It was a charming concert, about 35 minutes long, offering a french, english, and italian favorites, and included a few duets where love was the key ingredient. It was reviewed by a person who could have been nicer, but had some very complementary things to say along with his ribs. The review can be read here, http://www.ccscoop.com/arts/09feb/16-amore/amore.html.
Our second recital was just a couple of Friday's ago. We sang german art songs, english, and Italian Neapolitans. It was at the church were we work in Summit. It was recorded, and we'll be getting a cd to Mom and Dad soon. It was suprisingly well-attended, and very well recieved. We had a good time performing for people in the church we've gotten to know so well.
Just this past Saturday, I was scheduled to sing a few Scottish songs at the Scots Guards and Rampant Lions BagPipe Band Benefit. Catharine and I were invited to stay and enjoy the night, which we did, and WE DID. It was a fantastic night. We ate and drank (as the Scots most certainly know how to do!), but enjoyed a piping corps which consisted, mainly, of teenagers age 13, to 18. These kids were not only very good with Bag Pipes, they also could play other instruments if called upon. One young gentlemen admitted he played oboe, drums, and the french horn as well as the pipes. He hopes to be the Drum Major for the band as early as next year. We were amongst a group of people who are heavily Patriotic, and proud. The first thing we all did was stand and say the Pledge of alliegence, followed by the national anthem. The night continued with five toasts. The first was a toast to the flag of the United States of America, and to it's people, it's liberties, and the Constitution. Then to the UK, Great Britain, and Northern Ireland. The toasts finished with a toast to Armed Forces of US, UK, and other countries which fight for those unalienable rights of humankind. The music was great, the people were open, welcoming, and generous, and the night was a success for this, already, very tight Scottish Pipe band.
Okay as for other news. We are moving out of our condo and have not yet decided on where we will be. We have several options, from houses to apartments, and we're just sort of deciding what our priorities are in chosing our location (Price, space, privacy, location...). We'll send out our new info when we come to a decision. Cat is prepping for Solos with Westminster Choir, in April, as well as two roles in Operas with the Opera Dept, as well as Spoleto Opera Festival in North Carolina this summer. I'm preparing for a Concert with San Diego Chamber Orchestra in May (I hope you guys can make it those of you that can!), an opera the next week in Washington D.C., And future stuff in NY, and in Rome. Overall we're doing well. We miss our families, and as look forward to seeing everybody soon. Cat wont be with me in San Diego, but she will be heading to CA for Easter, and is hoping to see everyone she can.
Love you!