Rich food tonight, and rich celebrating. We arrived at River City Grill to find them quite busy with preparations. We had no reservation, so we were seated on the patio. A tall heater device kept us warm. It's charming outside, with the colorful chairs of the flowered backs. Some imagination was taken with the painting of these chairs. A bird chirps in a nearby cage, adding a sweet note. The band for the evening dance was setting up gear and practicing. They sound quite good. But we are not night owls, and so we did not stay.

We found more sedate entertainment on TV, with the PBS special, Live From Lincoln Center. Live it is, for Beverly Sills made a goof and forgot she was in New York, saying 'Chicago' instead. But the French music was at times tender, dreamy and sweet and at other times exuberant and rollicking. They featured the Can Can song from Offenbach's Orpheus in the Underworld. Soprano Renée Fleming brought vital expression and ease of singing. She just glided from note to note. How delighted she was when she sang:

I walk along every road, just like royalty, people bow, they kiss my hand, because my beauty makes me a queen! Je marche sur tous les chemins aussi bien qu'une souveraine; on s'incline, on baise mes mains, car par la beauté je suis reine! music - Jules Massenet lyrics - Henri Meilhac and Phillipe Gille

To be physically there, in the front row, oh how delicious that would be to absorb that energy! Still, the small TV screen, while offering none of the fully LIVE experience, does have subtitles as the singer sings, and the camera focuses on what ever instrument is being featured in the piece, so it brings it closer to your mind that, for instance, here, now, the flute is being played, or here the French bassoon. And how wealthy must one be to AFFORD front row seats? We did extravagantly enough for our meal alone.

I had tastes of Julia's lamb, along with my spinach and cheese ravioli. Three different sauces accompanied the large circular pasta pieces. I'd have been more generous in dabbing the bites into the sauce piles, had I known there would be sufficient. And the dark chocolate cake was yummy. Always, everything is a taste sensation at River City.

I paid attention to the vibes around me with a keen sensitivity. Across from us, two men, one smallish and dark, and one largish and light, sat. I could feel the hyper heated pulses of lust in their energy signatures. Did they glance at Julia and I and make a similar observation? I do not think so, they had eyes only for each other.

I learned from the small man's announcement to the restaurant owner that the other was an artist. Looking at his rather Scandavian build, I tried to access what sort of art he might do, but could get no clues. I suspect, however, something rather modern.

I asked Julia later if she noticed the two men and sensed anything about them. She hadn't. I must admit my increase of sensitivity is rather enjoyable at times. I am grateful to partake in such rich pleasures.

As I remember the early evening, I notice the tiny numbers in the lower right hand of the monitor face: there is now only one hour left to this year 2003. Rich it has been, for growing experiences. I've learned much and hope to learn as much or more in the year to come. Somehow I don't doubt the dependability of that. I smile as I think on that. Many such rejuvenescences to come, I hope.

And to you, dear reader, as well. Good health, strength, fortune, all things desirable to you, as well.