The snow was forecast to begin before midnight and put five inches or more on the ground by tonight. So far it hasn’t quite lived up to the hype, but we do have a snowstorm going on here. There was maybe a half-inch of snow on the ground as we got up this morning. There was some wind this morning which died down during the afternoon and we had some periods of sunshine. Tonight when we came of of The Nutcracker, a light snow was falling and looks to be a fairly steady snow. We may get another inch by tomorrow morning. So, winter has indeed arrived.

The Nutcracker was delightful. The venue was Frazier Hall on the ISU campus. This aging facility was for many years the best Pocatello had to offer. Now with the Performing Arts Center, Frazier Hall has a lot less activity. Tonight was the first time that Nina and I have been in the facility. The performance was spirited and well done. I had no idea there was so much ballet talent in this little town. Tonight’s performance was the last of three this weekend. Next week the program will be presented up the road in Blackfoot.

I think The Nutcracker was the first ballet that Nina and I saw. Nina had been given tickets by a friend when we were living in Chardon, Ohio, and after attending we were hooked. For the next several years we bought season tickets to the Cleveland Ballet (which no longer exists). Then we moved to Utah and became aquainted with Ballet West. They put on performances both in Salt Lake City and in Ogden. We were season ticket holders there as well. Then we moved to Japan and haven’t been to the ballet since. The wonder has been reawakened. It’s time to start going to the ballet again. I wonder what the schedule is for Ballet West? Do they still exist? (They do … and The Nutcracker is playing until December 27th.)