Recession and Rain

There was an "event" celebrating the 30-year anniversary of the Aspen Fountain today.  We made a point of getting down there to see what was happening this afternoon only to find it somewhat underwhelming.  I did get a sticker promoting "Aspen Tap", a local move to convince people to drink tap water rather than bottled water.  While downtown we decided to help the local economy claw its way out of the recession by purchasing a variety of stuff we certainly don't need (myself included).  I am proud of myself for deciding not to buy a pair of  "men's" Capri pants/shorts (which is it?) even though they were Kuhl.


We dropped in to check out the mandala, which is coming along nicely.  Those Monk's seem to be running around all the time doing various ceremonies, dances, chants, and who knows what else.  Tomorrow is the "Dissolution Ceremony" which we hope to attend.  Here is the latest image of their progress.  My Monk friend Choepel has been dispelling many of my misconceptions about being a Monk.  For example, he keeps in touch with his daughter via Facebook.  I ran into the group the other day as they were heading out for pizza.  They wear digital watches.  When he is India and the Internet is not readily available he just purchases a tracphone and a calling card to keep in touch with his family.  Go figure.


It is pouring rain now, creating a refreshing breeze and smell to the air and a very soothing sound.  Here is a view out the front porch of the condo.

BTW, we ran into drum-man Eric and his girlfriend Stephanie by the ice cream shop (we actually were not getting ice cream).  We saw her on stage last night (assistant concertmaster) as expected but were not able to say hey so it was a nice coincidence to run into them.  I offered to buy them each a scoop but they had just had ice cream.  I promised to do so in the future.  After they went on their way it occurred to me to get a gift card for them, so I did.  Now I just have to have it with me the next time our paths cross.

Oh, one more and much more remarkable coincidence.  At the concert last evening we realized that sitting right next to Jamuna was a young lady named Destiny Hoyle.  I had never met her before but Prema and the girls know her from Rapid City.  I suppose the mutual recognition was delayed due to not expecting to see each other but once it became clear who was who it was fun to catch up.  I'll report more on Destiny in the next few days as we will surely be seeing her.  Mrs. White, who arrives back here tonight, was Destiny's first violin teacher.  Destiny just completed her master's degree in music performance and is busy with performances and auditions in the Washington, DC, area.  She is here visiting her friend Mike, an AMFS faculty member and the principal cellist of the Aspen Chamber Orchestra.