Entertainment.

We were blessed to be able to see a couple of really good shows recently.  First we went to the Ringling Brothers Circus, something we have done every year since 2004.  For just the second time we got to meet the Ringmaster.  This year it is Andre McClain.

A pre-show picture I took from the entryway to the arena.

Recently we went to the Riverdance 20 year tour.  They requested that the audience take no photo or video of the performance.  Being a semi-solid citizen, I respected their wishes.  In lieu of that, here's a Youtube video of a show from 2002.  It hasn't changed, except for the cast.  The music is as awesome as the dancing.  It's difficult to get the music out of my head after seeing the show.


Next up will be the Moscow Ballet performing the Nutcracker.  We are trying to start exposing our daughter to a little culture, and really it's a wonderful performance to see first-hand.  The only other time I saw this ballet was in the 1980's when the Joffrey performed it.

Nature in action

I happened to catch a couple of pictures out in the back yard of stuff I don't see very often.  One is a Pileated Woodpecker.  I've only seen them a few times, although the Audubon Society says this is part of their normal range.

A good photographer would have taken a shot like the one below (Audubon Society shot)

Also I got to see a couple of young bucks practicing their fighting.  Fortunately I had the presence of mind to get my phone out and take a couple of pictures.  It was pretty slow and gentle, not a massive cracking of antlers.  I've seen pygmy goats hit harder :)

A little fall color

Just a few shots of our tiny patch of aspen trees.

The "pine tree" at left is actually a Tamarack (Larch family), beginning to yellow up.

Rodeo

We went to the Pro-West Rodeo Finals this past weekend and had a great time.  It's also pretty inexpensive, compared to some of the entertainment alternatives.  $10/per seat in the grandstand.  Got a few decent shots with my phone...