I was at a con all weekend and only now see your post. Happy Birthday! Was it the 9th or the 10th or -- ? (Our birthdays are close -- mine is the 17th.) Your day sounds lovely, may its good feeling last far into the days that follow.

A few hours ago I saw a one-night only encore showing of Ted Hughes's version of Racine's Phèdre as performed a year ago at London's National Theatre, with Helen Mirren in the title role. Jaw-droppingly awesome performances all around, with only the actor playing Theseus slightly off. Mirren is a world treasure. I can hardly wait for The Tempest.