Last night, Cynthia and I went to Lyric opera in high spirits - literally. Before the cultural event, we enjoyed bombastic Tangeray martinis and hors d'voures consisting of coconut crusted shrimp with tangy mustard sauce, Thai spring rolls with dipping sauce and pad thai followed by a jerk chicken spinach salad. The opera was grand...and long at 3.5 hours. The time flew by on the soaring melodies and interesting story line that was slightly different than Shakespeare's play. Maybe it seemed so splendid in sharp contrast to the previous week's Salome; I think that Cynthia appreciated that more than I. It was long on drama and short on music. The time with Cynthia was so enjoyable, as always..........she never disappoints. And special touches in her guest room on the first floor included a festive and aromatic Christmas candle in a nest of multicolored bells and an arrangement of pot pourri in Fall fragrances. My building's guest room is a wonderful bonus; it rents for $30.00 a night and has color, cable TV, coffee pot (no coffed is provided) and a full bath. Cynthia will be pleased to know that, when she returns for our next opera in early December, coffee will be provided for her early wake-up enjoyment. It's fun to think of those special touches to make my guests more comfortable and happy to be in Chicago. The guest room overlooks our recently installed $40,000 garden. Unfortunately, the garden now has a bleak, late autumnal appearance.............but spring will arrive again.