That Jolie Girl

Chapman Swifts

I first saw the Vaux's Swifts back in 2005 when my cousin was visiting.  It was a very serene peaceful evening of about 30 people watching the birds retire for the evening.  This year I got to see them again and it was a very different experience. 

Each September the Swifts sleep in the old chimney at Chapman Elementary School for a few weeks.  We are one of their many stops on their migration trail.  They spend the days out and about.  When the sun sets, they create a swirl pattern and descend into the chimney for the night.  It's an amazing sight to see thousands of birds deftly enter this small opening in a very short period of time. 

This time a hawk created a lot of drama.  He would sweep in and the swifts would scatter.  This went on for quite awhile (with the crowd rooting loudly for the swifts) until the swifts ganged up on the hawk.  Finally, the hawk left and the swifts could continue to retire for the evening.

This is a super cropped shot to show the birds in better detail. 

The thing that was most amazing about the night was the turn out.  Hundreds of people brought blankets and picnics to watch birds.  Birds! People were friendly and courteous.  It felt like one big party.  It's such a fun thing to experience.  I can't wait to see them next year.

Topol in Fiddler on the Roof

Fiddler was the first play in Broadway series this year.  After having such a great experience with our season tickets last year, we opted to keep our seats for another year. 

Being born in the 1970's,  I grew up with Topol.  I've seen the movie a zillion times and can sing along to every song.  Getting the opportunity to see Fiddler with Topol was just incredible.  Every word, every gesture embodies Tevye. 

The play itself was really well done.  The sound was great.  We could clearly hear the softest of words, but the songs weren't crazy loud.  It was a nice blend.  The set was also very creative and used the stage well.  It was just a joy to watch this play.

The dream sequence is always fun.  I've had this song in my head since seeing the play.

This is a trailer for the production in Australia. It will give you a sense of how great this play is.