Party like it's 1813!

I had a fun opportunity to perform at the first annual Jane Austen Ball. There was whist, period dancing, costumes, pastries, and a little opera.

I made myself a dress--my sewing teacher would be so proud--out of two different dresses purchased at the D.I. In the past, many of my re-purposing projects have not gone exactly as planned. I am happy to say that this one went as smooth as the artificial velvet out of which it was made.

Take note of my MATCHING little red shoes.

Lee was kind enough to record my aria so now I can share it all with you! He had to get a little creative to get a good shot, so there is an odd camera twitch near the beginning, and there was really poor lighting, but other than that the video turned out pretty well! I added subtitles for those of you who aren't fluent in 200 year old Italian, so I hope you enjoy it!

This is from Rossini's L'Italiana in Algeri, first performed in 1813, the same year Pride and Prejudice was published. It seemed appropriate for the occasion.

Don't just write...VISIT!!

As you may have heard, Lee got offered a job in Tucson, Arizona with Raytheon. We are happy to announce that he has accepted this job, and some time this summer we will be making the big move.

We'll be so sad to leave friends and family here in Utah, but we don't want you to think that a paltry distance of 800(ish) miles gets anyone off the hook. We expect some visitors! Especially in the winter months when we'll be having beautiful warm weather and you'll be clearing the snow off the ice that has long since replaced the glass of your windshield.

I've been trying to figure out all the cool stuff to do in Tucson, so that when we do have visitors we can show them a good time. Here is a small sampling of what I have found:

#1 Arizona Sonora Desert Museum--It's a mostly outdoors, museum, botanical (desert) garden, and zoo all rolled into one. Great for kids! Learn all about Arizona wildlife and geology.

#2 Pima Air and Space Museum--One of the largest collections of aircraft and spacecraft in the world! Devoted to the history of aviation, you'll find military and commercial planes, jets, and gliders.

#3 The Gaslight Theatre--Comedy spoof and melodramas, complete with popcorn and table side service. Enjoy the show and an ice cream sundae, cheer for the hero and boo the villain!

#4 Old Tucson Studios--If you watch a lot of Westerns, you might have seen this place. It has appeared in hundreds of films! It's a movie lot set in the old west (1895-1900 era). You can explore the sets, witness gun fights and saloon shows, learn about film making, and enjoy the old west. Assuming there aren't any films being shot during your visit!

#5 Tucson Children's Museum--An indoor fun-straviganza!!..for kids. If you're crazy enough to visit us in the summer time, know that this place is an air conditioned and fun way to spend the day with your hyperactive youngsters!

#6 Rocks and Ropes--Indoor rock climbing! Another great summer activity for older kids and younger grown-ups.

And I haven't even mentioned the beautiful Spanish Cathedrals, the old Forts and settlements, or any number of fantastic canyons and hiking trails.


If my list of attractions didn't win you over, then how about this: Tucson is only 7 hours from Disneyland, 5 hours from the Grand Canyon, and 1.5 hours from the Mexico border. You go one of these places and we'll meet you there.