the clouds come rolling in

Hey all! Sunny Santa Fe hasn't been quite as sunny this past week, although we really can't complain. Monsoon season has officially begun, which the locals apparently look forward to every year (this tends to be a rather dry place, after all). Last Friday, the opening night of the Santa Fe Opera season, we experienced our first rain shower since arriving. Apparently the heavy winds and rain were too much for the power lines because a large part of Santa Fe, including our house, was without power for a few hours. That meant I had to go to the opera with a couple of wrinkles in my suit and Brenda had to wear a different outfit, but we managed. The opera was The Grand Duchess of Gerolstein starring the famous mezzo-soprano Susan Graham (no relation) and Brenda's friend from Juilliard, Paul Appleby. The opera is a comedy, and it was nice to be surrounded by hysterical laughter for once instead of weeping.

 Santa Fe Opera's front gate. 

On Saturday, Brenda and I went to a dinner hosted by some opera supporters. There were a couple of really famous opera singers there, a whole lot of rich people, and us. Everyone was really nice. A couple of the opera supporters were surprised (and dare I say disappointed) to hear that I'd given up singing to go to law school. They seemed equally surprised to hear that I'm from Iowa. I think I represented Iowa well though, especially when I explained the differences between Iowa, Ohio and Idaho.

Brenda has been rehearsing from 10-5 (with an hour for lunch) on most days. The building she is rehearsing in is open on two sides, which makes for a nice breeze and allows the singers to hear the other operas being rehearsed in nearby buildings.

 The view from the building Brenda is rehearsing in.

I've gone for a couple more hikes since last week. There are maps along the way (like this one) that help me not get lost. 

 Some ominous clouds during one of my hikes.

Our next week looks like it will consist of more of the same. Brenda wants to find a fireworks show to celebrate the 4th of July (by the way, Happy Independence Day!) and we may go see The Marriage of Figaro on Friday. I hope you all have a wonderful week, and we'll talk to you next Tuesday!