Our newest creature

A few weeks ago, my sister KDL was adjusting to the arrival of a beautiful new baby. Since she is already the mother of two adorable "angels," Jaden and Jordyn, and the stepmom to three other children, the addition of the newborn and maintaining a two-cat household was too much. The cats had to go. 

Imagine her surprise when a two-week old malnourished kitten walked into her garage and stayed there! After she had given the other cats away!

I asked Zheng if we could take the new cat. "It would be a good friend for Lucia." And not any more trouble than one. (This is true). He agreed! So we picked up the cat after our mini-moon in Chicago. 

The introduction to Lucia was surprising. This little guy doesn't know how little he is, so he refused to be intimidated. After a few days of swatting and hissing, and a few days without a name, the new little cat is part of the family. 

We welcome Panda Yuan to our home. 

I can see the light ...

And it isn't a train! I apologize for being absent this past week. I'm just hours away from completing the fifth semester of the doctorate - only *one* more to go. Some highlights from the week:

Talking to my little brother today ...

Working with a terrific vocal student today - I feel like I hear better when there's not a lot going on, and when I haven't had a lot to do. How can I replicate this during busy times?

Playing with my kitten (spayed on Wednesday, lethargic today). She must wear a "Cone of Shame" (as my brother calls it) until the staples are removed, early in 2013. Poor thing.

So, imagine my surprise when a mysterious gift arrived at my house, from her "guardian angel" (aka Aunt Lizzie). You can see what she got by clicking here: (http://www.amazon.com/Hexbug-Nano-Colors-May-Vary/dp/B002R7IK74).

Final push is tonight - then - I have given myself permission to only do fun things until December 26th. Then ... lecture-recital will be in full force until the end of January.

Larger than Life

Today is the day of our concert! We have already had the dress-rehearsal in Kunming's theatre. (800 seats, Steinway D, good acoustic).

Three anecdotes from this morning ...

1. As Ellen and I were standing in front of this big poster, a passer-by wanted her picture taken with the "movie stars." So we did.

2. There is a stray cat backstage IN THE THEATRE and it protests every time Ellen plays on the A-string.

3. The piano sounds best when it is slightly forward. The pit is raised, so currently one leg of the Steinway is on the pit, 2/3 is on the stage. My recurring "nightmare" about playing a piano which is barreling towards a pit might just come true.