I am counting down the days left that I have to get up really early! School is nearing an end, everything happens all at once, and then we are hitting the road for a bit and seeing some mountains.

I got to see my favorite current performing violinist, Augustin Hadelich, play a solo recital Sunday night at the 560 Center at Wash U as part of their Great Artists Series.

A program which includes Bach’s Partita no. 3, Ysaye Obsession Sonata, and Bach’s Partita no. 2!

He played entirely from memory, of course, and even had an encore: the slow movement from Bach’s A Minor Sonata. It was an unbelievable night, and at times it felt as if the entire audience was holding their breath.

I was lucky enough to be able to meet him after the concert as well. Louie was kind enough to take a picture.

The next day Augustin did a masterclass with some students at Wash U which I attended as well. In addition to experiencing such an amazing performance, it was fun to see various friends and colleagues from the violin (and viola) community here. I got to catch up and chat with several people that normally I only see in passing here and there, and it was really nice.

We have seats right up front and we adore them. I highly recommend any concerts that the Great Artists Series puts on, but this was a highlight. Thank you Jen!

Other stuff going on: Jazz Saturday night with friends (and dinner before at Brasserie), Dim Sum with Louie’s parents on Sunday, lots of stuff around the house, and lots of teaching!

We’ve been opening the windows when the weather is nice and of course the cats love this.

I forget if I shared our new living room set up with you yet. We put the finishing touch on the furniture the other week when we got the orange chairs, which I love. When I walk in the front door, I am just so happy every time.

It’s always one of those “I can’t believe we live here” moments. I was never a person who wanted a big house or cared too much, but I might have been wrong. Having this lovely home has made the past month so phenomenal. I am sure it will wear off, but we are both just so happy to be here. To be fair: I hope the feeling doesn’t wear off, because we need to appreciate our privilege and how lucky we really are to be able to afford a lovely home like this one. There is still more to organize and unpack (mostly pictures, some books) but I can’t believe how much we have done in just over a month.

If any local readers need any cardboard boxes or know anyone who does, please let me know. We have a few. Also packing materials.

Muriel has started climbing up on the stair railings. This makes me very nervous when she does it on the higher floors! I suppose she’ll be fine…