Engaging, Smashing.

You couldn't ask for a nicer day: clear, blue skies and that crisp winter feeling. The dogs and I went for a walk in the park. As we passed a couple embracing on a bench, the lady turned to me and said "we just got engaged and I have to tell someone!" Her fiancee couldn't have proposed in a more serene spot - with the Bay Bridge, the Bay and Downtown in the background. Very simple. Very neat. It just made me feel good seeing how happy these two people are. Last night we went to the "The Nutcracker" at the Opera House. The new SF Ballet production is smashing - the Nutcracker takes place in San Francisco in the 1800s. Imaginative costumes. Beautiful sets. I first attended the SF Ballet Nutcracker when I was five years old and I burst into tears when the Nutcracker died. My Grandmother, who was sitting next me turned to me: "Porqoui pleurez-vous?" (Why are you crying?) "Le casse-noix est mort!" (The Nutcracker died!) I said in between sobs. "Regardez, petit bebe, Le jouet va bienne a une personne!" (Look, little one, the toy becomes a person!) I felt five years old again when the Nutcracker died and I found the tears flowing down my face. I don't know if it was because of the story, the childhood memory or that behind the facade is a very sentimental man. Regardless. Afterwards we went to Jardiniere for a really good supper. ********************** I got a call from Marianne around 11am this morning: "I hate my family. I've left the house. Let's go to lunch, my treat." She's been having a rough go this holiday season. I picked her up and we went to Patisserie De Longhi to pick up the Bouche de Noels (Yule Logs) that we had ordered for Christmas dinner. Lunch today needed special fortification for Marianne in terms of a Bloody Mary so we went to Perry's where the kids joined us. Had a nice, festive lunch. Merry, Mary everyone.