Went to the opera last night, the world premiere of "Dulce Rosa" in Santa Monica. Didn't get home until well after midnight. I'm usually up with the birds at sunrise, but this morning I had to sleep in until 6:15. No morning walk for this kid, and I know there's an afternoon nap in my future.

I had been wary of going to this opera, but I was invited by a friend who reassured me that the reviews were good, so I accepted. And was pleasantly surprised. It was very good--in my truly uneducated opinion. I know nothing about opera, though I know a great deal about symphonies, concertoes, etc. Musically it was quite acceptable, the sets and costumes fabulous, the staging very clever and creative, the voices extremely well-matched to each other and to the music.

And, like most tragedies, it had a dark ending. People who hadn't read the summary of the plot in the program were gasping in surprise and shock. Really? If these are regular opera goers (many were L.A. Opera financial supporters), they should have expected the heroine to die in the arms of her beloved. Isn't that what opera is all about?

Well, not always. There are some operas that end well, but darned few.

So this morning, short on sleep, I dragged myself out of bed, dragged a comb across my head (Beatles!) and I'm off to see the wizard (Oz!), or my Learning in Retirement class, whichever is at the end of the rainbow.

Hope your day is moving along nicely. Tonight, early to bed.