Sunday Catch Up

It is pouring rain here (though it stopped for a bit) and a wind storm is expected tonight. 

I managed to get out this afternoon though to see a lovely performance of Verdi's Requiem as performed by senior students in the Vancouver Academy of Music and the Vancouver Bach Choir.

It was pretty much a full house At the Orpheum Theatre and it was lovely to see so many seniors from senior's residences being escorted to the concert too.

The program was Guiseppe Verdi's Requiem Mass. 

I took a friend to the performance in celebration of her birthday next month. 

Both she and I enjoyed it very much.

I managed to snap a few photos before the performance but didn't get a chance to photograph the soloists or the conductor. I'm sure you know how that goes with the rules about no photos at concerts.

 Prior to the main program, there was a mini concert by the younger students of the academy. Unfortunately I wasn't aware of this and I missed it when I went out to the lobby since I wasn't permitted back in until it was finished.

Next up conductor, Leslie Dala gave a moving introduction to the Requiem coming right on the heels of yesterday's Remembrance Day services.  

He and the soloists were all wearing a poppy to honour our war heroes.  

Today's performance  did not disappoint!

 Read more here about the Requiem. If you would like to hear it you can click here for a moving performance at La Scala Theatre in Milan, conducted by Daniel Barenboim.

Monday morning I will meet up with my niece and nephew who are both here from out of town to visit friends.  They are on different travel schedules and in different locations so I'm glad we managed to pull it together for a short visit.  I don't get to see them very often.  The last time was when we laid my late mom, and their paternal grandmother to rest. I am so impressed with how they have matured into gracious, loving and responsible young adults.

 Later in the evening I've been invited to dinner at the home of dear Ghanaian friend I haven't seen for long.  We've got a lot of catching up to do.

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We are expecting to receive a lot of rain this week.  That means limited photo opportunities since I'll be sticking closer to home until Friday.  

I will write more about Friday's event so please do come back soon for another visit. Don't be too shy to leave a comment if you drop by for a visit. 

Have a wonderful week.

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♥♥♥


Linking to Our World Tuesday

Remembering

I'm remembering better weather with clearer skies....

I captured these shots just over a week ago.

Trees are in the sky! 

Seriously these trees are planted high above the ground as they are part of an apartment building built over top a shopping mall.  This photo was taken near the entrance to the shopping mall but if you want to enter the apartment building the entrance is on the opposite end and at ground level.

Some trees have been looking a little bleak.

I'm remembering trees full of green leaves.  Within the last two weeks many trees have lost their leaves. It is at times like this each year that one appreciates the greenery that remains with all the coniferous trees we have. I am truly grateful.

I'm remembering a colourful container garden.  

A few posts ago, I mentioned that I wouldn't clean out the debris from my garden until the Spring. I meant to empty out the container garden and store the pots though I haven't yet. 

I'm amazed to see how the geraniums have managed to stay so green.

I'm remembering walks to the beach on sunlit days.

On my last walk down at the beach I found these cute critters.

I love seeing the ducks on the water as the sun set.

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Most importantly, I'm remembering that on November 11, at 11:00 o'clock, cities and towns across Canada will celebrate our fallen war heroes.

I've always felt the poignancy of this day and the sacrifices made on my behalf.

The poem, In Flanders Field was written by Canadian physician, Lieutenant Colonel, John McCrae after officiating at a funeral of his fallen friend and soldier, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer. If you have a moment watch the video to hear the poem narrated with lovely photos.
If you don't have a moment, I've posted the poem below for you to read.

LEST WE FORGET

Joining with 

Skywatch Friday

Friday Foto Friends

Saturday's Critters