Monday, June 27, 2011

A 4th of July Seder

Prager University has put together a marvelous, brief program to remind us what the 4th of July is all about and why we celebrate it. Here's what they say about it:
"Welcome to our 4th of July Declaration!"

"We have modeled this Declaration on the best known commemoration of a historical event in the world — the Jewish Passover meal. It has successfully kept the memory of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt alive for over 3000 years."

"As Americans we need to reconnect with our Founding Fathers. We need to rediscover the meaning of our country's creation. And we need to do it every year. That is the reason for ritual — to enable us to remember. Without ritual, the memory fades. And without memory, life — whether of the individual or of a nation – loses its meaning."

"If you follow this simple ceremony, this holiday will not just be another barbecue. It will be the meaningful day it was meant to be: a celebration of the birth of our exceptional country, the United States of America."


To find out what materials you'll need and to download a copy of the Declaration of Independence, check out the entire program here.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Our Night at the Capitol Hill Bed & Breakfast

We had a wonderful, one-night stay in a beautiful downtown Denver Bed & Breakfast, the Capitol Hill Mansion B&B the Sunday before the Memorial Day holiday. We were so delighted with our short stay, this B&B made our top five.

Kath arrives at the stately mansion.


The gardens are as meticulously cared for as the mansion.


Just a 15-20 minute walk from the 16th Street Mall, the Capital Hill Mansion B&B is ideally located in Lower Downtown Denver. We decided to eat on the Mall. The Cheesecake Factory was packed, but Ling & Louie's, right next door, seated us at an outdoor table on the patio immediately upon arrival. We enjoyed the Black Orchid Ahi, among other delicious dishes.


My lovely date perusing the menu.


Kath's favorite apéritif, a Midoritini.


Capitol Hill Mansion by night.


The huge whirlpool in the room was relaxing after our dinner and stroll.

Thursday, June 09, 2011

The 2011 Festival opens June 25th. Check it out here.

Check out the "Central City Opera Festival Blog: Behind-the-Curtain" here.