Sin and Savior, Side By Side

     The nice thing about my job is that I was able to walk one block to attend Tenebrae services at St. Thomas Fifth Avenue, this evening.  It's great to do some yearly rituals: they help you remember where you were during this time, last year. (In 13 years, you will have done them only 13 times, so they tend to stand out).  Everything was beautiful!  Light from the sunset beamed through the stained glass windows, and their cobalt blue panes twinkled.  The glow of candelabra glinting on the woodwork and organ pipes.  Serene hymns were sung by the famous Boy's Choir.  (I'm lucky to reside in a city with such a vocal group: so few exist around the world)!  As each candle was extinguished by acolytes, the whole church grew dim (thanks to an usher in the back at the light switch dimmer).  I studied the wide stone columns near my pew, as the organ resounded vibrant blasts, reminding me that such ceremony has existed for centuries before this one.  

     Then, it was time for dinner.  Mr. van Meerbeeck at Neuhaus Chocolates on Madison Ave. assembled a lovely boxful of Belgian artisanal chocolates for me to tote to Lewis' apartment.  That chocolatier holds a Royal Warrant from the King of Belgium because it is so excellent that is the prime supplier to the royal household.  Their products were the perfect dessert to have after Lewis' recipe of bouillabaisse!  It made us reminisce about the chocolates that we tasted in Paris, last autumn!  Our kisses were equally sweet, as the next part of the evening ensued!