Almost Fall Again

It's not hot, I'll give it that. I do wish it weren't 100% humidity out. I like to open a few windows in the morning and let the ocean breeze blow through the house, wafting away the odors of people that accumulate overnight while it's closed up. It's a quiet Saturday, early but light out. If I stand in the dining room and look toward where the ocean is, I can't see it, just the white blankness that is fog. Even the birds are a little quieter, waiting to see if it's still there. I really like living near the ocean, but I would like it better if there were not so many houses nearby, between me and the sea, crowded up next to me. Of course, now, at 7:30, it's still quiet. I tend to take the ocean for granted, I don't visit it every day, or swim very often, but I love knowing it's there. Would I like being on an island, with no one else around? I've read books about that, but it seems lonely. Looking for the balance. I don't want to be any further from my daughter and her family, just all these other people. 

Beverly is delightful in so many ways. We are members of the Cabot Theater, 100 years old. They have restored it and updated it--new seats, new HVAC. It has been closed for most of the pandemic, with shows scheduled outdoors at a nearby historic farm. They have been showing a few movies, but last night was the first live show in about 18 months: Madeleine Peyroux (and Joan Osborne). Osborne is my great-grandfather's middle name, but I don't know why--no relatives apparent with that name. As members, we got free tickets and a reception. Ray bought me some bourbon at the cash bar, but there wasn't exactly what I wanted for a mixer--I settled on soda. In a plastic cup, with almost enough ice. There were thick slices of beef tenderloin on baguette, peapods with chicken salad, deviled eggs (Ray's favorite) and more baguette with figs and mascarpone--excellent! We had eaten a small dinner, asparagus frittata, knowing there would be food at the show. 

Madeleine Peyroux has an incredible voice and distinctive style. We first heard her in Athens and this is the second time in Beverly. She must be 50 or so, but she seems timeless to me. She was wearing shiny leggings--not leather, something slinkier--and an overblouse. Her hair was short, to her chin, and dark. She's heavier now, but stands tall. The band was wonderful, too: keyboard, drum, bass, occasional harmonica. They all had gray/white hair, so I suspect they have been with her awhile. She played guitar some and had a easy manner, making obvious jokes (this guitar was tuned when I bought it) and chatting. She didn't say the predictable things the opening act did--thank you for taking precautions, we need live music...but somehow gave off a positive "vibe." I think the only song she performed that I had heard before was her second encore. I admit I dozed a little. It was late for us, since we are often in bed by 9. We did manage to get home by 11, so not too bad. 

It felt pretty safe, no one sitting in front of us, an empty seat to my left, the wall to Ray's right. Everyone had to show proof of vaccination and ID. The man ahead of us had no wallet, not sure whether they let him in. Everyone was masked most of the time. The worst was the bathroom, cramped and crowded although every one was trying to not get too close. Here's hoping.