i probably use the word “magic” too often.

As Don Williams once intoned, “I Believe in Magic.” i experienced magic Saturday. i worked on outdoor projects most of the day. It was typical Southwest corner weather magic: high 72, a few clouds, enough to give the sky its own signature against the azure backdrop, pure, clean. It was cool enough to put on a sweater in the first blush of morning, but i was back to short sleeves for the bulk of the day.

Then, the magic really got serious.

A year or so ago, Maureen and i went to see and hear the San Diego Symphony perform Anton Dvořák’s Ninth Symphony, the New World. It was special. A narrative accompanied by dollops of the symphony itself explained how Dvořák came to America and composed this wonderful piece. i was enthralled, moved.

You see, i became a lover of “The New World” in 1963. Billy Parsons and i were looking for Cy Fraser. Someone told us he was in the Vanderbilt library. Knowing Cy, we decided to check out the music area. Sure enough, we came upon Cy sitting in one of the carrels. He had earphones on and was swaying back and forth, his arms waving along with the music. He was listening to the New World Symphony. Of course, i had to listen. i have been devoted, and i mean devoted to this music ever since. Except for when i was at sea (it was pretty tough to listen to music on Navy ships back then), i have listened to the entire work at least once a month, actually more frequently. Still do.

So when the Symphony announced that would be the featured music again in their renovated Jacob’s Music Center, we headed that way Saturday evening.

The symphony’s new digs are beyond impressive, not to mention the sound is perfect. Elena Swarz was the guest conductor who has conducted the Vienna and Barcelona symphony orchestras among others this year.

The two initial pieces were interesting. New stuff. i gained an appreciation for a different kind of classical music.

Then, they played my symphony.

It was a moving forty minutes. As we walked back to our car, i told Maureen that listening to Dvořák performed in a symphony hall was a religious experience for me.

It was magic.

Maureen is now the chef and the cook in this outfit.

This means i get to cook supper infrequently, and even then, it’s a couple kind of thing with my grilling and her taking care of the rest.

This means i am eating much healthier meals.

It also means one of the most enjoyable things i do, aka grilling, is done less. I put the charcoal in the egg grill knockoff and start the fire. I get a drink, most often a martini, turn on my old music on the Bluetooth, and sit on the kitchen patio to monitor the air ports, ensuring the right temperature. While waiting i enjoy the Southwest corner. I think about how i got here. This time of the year, the sun is setting or set, and twilight is upon us. i look up to our hill and the chairs next to the flagpole…and i find peace

Peace for you all.