Summer Pops!

When I first moved to Charlotte, I was introduced to Pops In The Park, which is an alfresco symphony concert series at a big ampitheater in South Park.  Annnnnnd ... it was love at first sight.

Let me just explain it this way: it's like a big Southern-style tailgate with an orchestra.  Fried chicken, deviled eggs, champagne, kids playing, the sunset, quilt-sittin', people watching, and an absolutely hilarious conductor that really knows how to engage an audience!

These concerts happen every Sunday in June, and then they do a patriotic concert on July 3rd which we will not want to miss this year.  I love that they happen on Sundays -- less of a chance of already having plans, and the perfect way to send off the weekend before another work week!

  

The gate opens to claim a spot at 5pm and the opening show begins at 7.  The Charlotte Symphony kicks off at 8:15.  Last night we brought a deck of cards and played gin rummy  and war between the opening show and the Symphony.  It was such a perfect way to spend the evening!

For our spread I had Palmetto Cheese, salami, fried chicken drummettes with ranch dressing, Italian cheese, an assortment of olives, Triscuits, raspberries, and grapes.  I could eat dinner like this every night!

Hearing the symphony warm up is one of my favorite parts!  Then we sat back, relaxed, and enjoyed the concert sounds as the sun went down.

I truly think this is one of the best events that Charlotte offers.  If you're around the area, click here for more information!

Lastly, a fun note on the quilt. 

For my high school graduation, my Aunt Karen made this quilt for me.  A true labor of love.  And if that gift wasn't special enough, she included a card that I still have to this day that so sweetly urged me to actually USE this quilt ... it was not meant to be kept pristine and locked up in a hope chest, it was one that she hoped I would not be afraid to use on a daily basis (which we do).  One that would grow soft through love and snuggles and frequent use.  I have definitely heeded her advice.  It brings me so much joy tossing that quilt up in the air and letting it flutter down to the ground, absorbing the wetness from dewy grass and maybe even a little green grass stain from time to time -- which I welcome, because it all becomes part of the quilt's story.  So, while I do enjoy piecing together all of the fun parts of the night of what will come with us -- the cheese, the sauvignon blanc, the playing cards, the cocktail napkins -- the most important and meaningful item always packed for Pops In The Park is my special pink quilt.