a picnic, and Mozart under the stars

Summer whites (+ orchid + turquoise)

Last Saturday the weather finally broke and we had perfect summer temps. I enjoyed an afternoon on the balcony, with iced coffee and the New York Times on the iPad.




Then A. and I spent Saturday evening at the Blossom Music Festival, which is where the Cleveland Orchestra performs during the summer months. I love summer outdoor concerts. Here is another place for outdoor concerts (every Tuesday till August 14th) - and best of all, they're free.

The lawn was getting packed!

 I love this place. It's only $20 per person for lawn tickets (those under 18 get in free) and you get to listen to some world-class performances. There will be an opera in August - I'd love to go to that one as well.



You could opt for actual seats closer to the stage too (at a higher price), but I personally prefer the lawn -- for me it's also about the opportunity to enjoy a picnic.


 


We used 2 yoga mats side-by-side as our picnic "blanket". Works for me.

Our picnic spread (part of it, at least): mixed olives, summer fruit, aged cheddar, and nut pâté (recipe to follow soon!). Not pictured here is a chunk of crusty Italian bread, pistachios, and a mango-pineapple sparkler (just mango juice and pineapple juice diluted with sparkling water)

Homemade rosemary and pine nut shortbread for dessert

The sky was amazing.

Stripey and dotty clouds (technically these are cirrus clouds, right? Geek moment.)

Perfect summer evening

Hope you all had a great weekend! Stay tuned this week for the nut pâté recipe.