Max and Esme

 During a work retreat this week we took a break for a falconry lesson. The little guy that looks like a stuffed animal is a screech owl and weighs about 5 oz. The big guy spreading his wings is a Eurasian Eagle Owl. We each got a chance to let the owls perch on our gloved fists. Even knowing the animals are trained, having the talons and beak that close to my face was a little disconcerting! We also got to view a falcon - a cross breed gyr and peregrine. And then we got to fly the Harris Hawk. He'd fly up into a tree, and then swoop down to land on your arm to get his snack. Was quite amazing to have that wing span heading straight at you! 

We drove to the Kings Theatre in Brooklyn last night for a live music concert of one of Esme's favorites - Dodie, with Lizzy McAlpine opening for her. The drive in was long, but the parking was free, and the drive home much easier. The venue itself was a beautiful, ornate, (and very large) old theater. We had seats in the balcony, and weren't the only set of parents there, but mostly the place was full of college-aged kids. Both performers were great and it was a fun show. 

We cut the cord on traditional television a couple of months ago, which means that we don't have access to live news or most sporting events. Luckily we were invited to join some friends for a fantastic dinner and access to their TV for the Super Bowl. Particularly nice of them that they let us bring Olive along. While Lily the collie has been to our house a few times, this was Olive's first visit to Lily's domain. She was very gracious and didn't even complain when Olive grabbed her usual spot on the couch. 

Peter and Esme spent most of Super Bowl Sunday at Jiminy peak on skis and snow boards. Both agreed that it was totally worth getting up at 5am to make a day of it.