The first peony bloom of the season – from the bush that didn’t bloom at all last year. I have to move it in the fall because the tree that is next to it is overwhelming it with shade. But, for some reason, it was able to produce one big beautiful flower this year. I’m grateful.

The catmint is nectar central for all the bees. Honeybees, bumble bees – they’re all there. The constant buzz (literally) of activity is the best movie in town.

And later in the day, I saw this:

Henry lurking in the shadows. Was he watching the catbird? Or was he contemplating life?

I grabbed my camera and took some photos. Right after that, he turned toward the entrance to his den and disappeared. I think it might have been due to this guy on the edge of the back forty.

I think he lives under our next door neighbors’ shed.

But enough about all that. Let’s get to the meat of this post.

I have to go into the city on Saturday. Why?

Because I have a ticket to the matinee of Hamilton!!!!

Oh my goodness, I am beyond excited about this! Here’s how it happened. One of the guys working on the music for Escape to Margaritaville  also worked on Hamilton  for several years and continues to work on the tours. He and Don got to talking about that one day and Don mentioned that I really, really, really wanted to see it. He said that he has access to House Seats and did I want him to put me on the list?

YES. YES. YES. He asked me to pick three dates in June. I chose three matinee days. He submitted my name and our credit card info. Saturday turned out to be the day the box office thought might work best, but I was still on a waiting list and as this week went by, I began to give up hope. I mean, it’s Hamilton  and getting a ticket is nigh to impossible.

Yesterday, I asked Don whether he had heard anything yet from his friend who had told us that he would hear something the week of the performance. Don said he’d call him. Coincidentally, his friend was emailing him the confirmation at the same time Don was calling.

I’m in!

House seats aren’t free – they’re still pricey, but less expensive than the cost of seats being sold to the general public. I learned my lesson when I turned down the opportunity to buy a house seat to see the original cast when it was at the Public Theater. I grabbed this chance.

Whoo hoo!

A good week: the celebration of my dear friend Rick, Comey is testifying today, the Original Broadway Cast album of Anastasia  is being released tomorrow, and I’m seeing Hamilton  on Saturday!

Happy Thursday.