2006.8.18. Der Rosenkavalier by Richard Strauss & Hugo von Hofmannsthal. Conducted by Asher Fisch. Carol Vaness as Marschallin, Alice Coote as Octavian, Peter Rose as Ochs, Frances Lucey as Sophie. Comic. Pretty yet simple stage design. Lots of action. The most memorable tune is the self-absorbing waltz by Baron Ochs "with me, with me, the night won't be too long". The pre-performance lecture is, as always, entertaining.

2006.8.17. North Cascade Scenic Hwy 20. At Newhalem, North Cascade Visitor Center, a short stroll leads to a view of Picket Range (most of the peaks are above 7000ft, the closest is Pinnale Peak at 6819ft). A mile or two east is the Gorge Creek Dam. A short walk follows the creek up a couple of cool shaded cascades.
Between milepost 131 & 132, Diablo Lake Overlook is a must stop, with Colonial Peak (7771ft) to the south and Davis Peak (7051ft) to the north above the blue green reservoir. At mile 162 Washington Pass Overlook (5477ft) is a cliff overlooking some erosive rocky facades.
On the way back, did a wheelchair accessable 1-mile trail to Rainy Lake.

2006.8.8. First surgery in my life. Laparoscopy. Scheduled to arrive at the Swedish Hospital at 10am for the operation at 12, but at 1pm, I was still waiting. Powerful drug. I was completely unconscious before going into the operation room, and for ~2 hours after the surgery. Had to spend the night in the hospital because my bladder wasn't completely awake. The surgeon, the anesthesiologist and the night nurse were efficient and super nice. However, someone made a wrong cut on my thigh, and a resident punched through my vein while trying to put on the IV, an overweight nurse at the recovery room didn't straighten the tube of the Catheter, causing my bladder to "scream" in the night. Overall, I'm well and recovering.

2006.8.2. Heartbreak House by George Bernard Shaw at Intiman Theatre. Wonderful acting, as always. Witty and poignant dialogues. Highly entertaining.