Good Holidays

Fri., Dec 5th, 6:00 pm Thanksgiving started off good with good numbers at MSKCC. Dr. Berman said "see you in 2 months", a 1st!! Met my friend Mary Pat in Dunkin' Donuts early election day and she was on her way to MSKCC where she's a BMT nurse on the 8th floor. She's a hero!! Carol cooked for 28 for Thanksgiving. It was a warm family/friends celebration. She's been doing this for 35 years and has great skills. Man the Grandchildren were amazing over the weekend. Greg and Becky do a great job raising those kids.
I finally got back to the gym and pool at the YMCA today; 1st time since 4 days before my diagnosis. The PT for back trouble gave me confidence to get back on the gym scene. So, here we go. Dental Hygienist Debra cleaned me up today. Feels good. It's Mom's birthday today. We celebrated with gifts and cards today; tomorrow and Sunday with relatives and food. My students are doing good. Last night we played some blues for the kids at Seth Boyden Elementary School. Fun. Hah!! I announced that when I was 8 years old I was a Cub Scout in that Gym, at 12 years old a Boy Scout, at 14 years a n Explorer Scout, and now, at ?? years old I'm playing the Blues!! Hah!!
Also performed last week at Marshall School for the lunch hours (2 hours worth) with the trombone Quartet, Bones Inc. They put our picture in the paper again (it was just in the same paper for Veterans Day performance). Played 2 rehearsals this week at Paterson, one on tbone, another on the bass. Fun. Tomorrow Tuba with the Brass 5. Soooo, I'm keeping my brain and chops alive best I can. Really the back issues slowed me down alot last 2 months. Next Wed. Concert Band. Then following Wed. SWINGTOWN plays at Centanni for a Holiday Party. More Fun. Last year we DVD'd that gig and CD'd it as well. Soooo, have a great weekend. Keep healthy (especially my dear son in law Greg who had some surgery yesterday. He's good, all's ok.) Peaceful. Hopeful. Thankful. All good things to y'all. Love and Peace, JIMBO

Election Eve

Nov. 3rd, 2008. 8:45 pm. Digging Mon night football. Skins and Steelers. I wonder if Kim is at the game?? Carol and I had an amazing time in New Mexico last week. We hit a beautiful Fall week. Aspens were burning yellow. The mountains, deserts, sunsets and BnBs were all amazing. I worked through my back pain to really enjoy the museums, galleries, churches, Pueblos, and especially the food. Of course we visited libraries as well!! Thanks to all who helped us watching Mom and visiting her. Thanks Barbara for bringing her silver dollar pancakes. John more delicious cooking. Robin a delightful smile and presence. So next Mon. I get an MRI on the back at MSK. I suspect it is just old man shit and I'll be OK on Advil etc.
Played 4 hours yesterday at Metropolitan Orch. 2 1/2 hour rehearsal and 2 hour concert on Bass. Sat 1 1/2 hours on Tuba. Today 2 hours on Bass trombone. All fun. Yet to go this week Trombone 4. I restart a small version of my gig this week. Maplewood's Cultural Affairs dude. 5 hours a week for now. Try it out. Can't wait for RJ and Marthas wedding this week. I'm the Best Man. Cool!! Then to babysit our Grands in 2 weeks. And then Thanksgiving coming up. Great. Love, and Peace, and good health to you all. And my prayers and love to my dear friends dealing with a diagnosis. Peace. JIM

October Beauty

Mon. October 6th, 8:00 pm. Enjoying cool clear Fall weather here. Saw Grands over Rosh Hoshanah. Ahhh....They are very beautiful...My back issues continue. In Physical Therapy and on anti inflamatories. Stretching, strengthening etc. All numbers from MSK continue to be good. Lots of playing opportunities. Bass, trombone and Tuba. Conducting and teaching some as well. Read Philip Roth's new book, Indignation. Read it!! Saw Woodys new movie and Rodanthe . OK. Beautiful actresses and cinematography. The editing and writing is not as good. Dug Bernstein's "Age of Anxiety" at NY Philharmonic last week. Looking forward to Yom Kippur in Woodstock. No party this year, but I may just stay up there for my birthday (Friday). Had an oil painting framed this week and finished a painting of Carol in her Garden. Must someday complete the Woodstock oil of Carol on the bed. We're getting ready for our trip to New Mexico at end of October and RJ and Martha's wedding in November in North Carolina. October 30th is the 2nd anniversary of my Diagnosis of MDS, which proceeded to move aggressively forward until November 13, 2006 diagnosis of AML in MSK. I've been blessed with wonderful care from Dr. Berman, Carol, Rebekah, Greg, Mom, John, Catriona and Mariah (Mrs. Murphy now. Should have her baby soon) and all my friends and family. Lucky me. Enjoy this beautiful Fall. Keep sane through the mess of our government. Hopefully the Change coming will straighten out the mess made in the past 8 years.
Peace y'all. JIMBO

Fall Issues

Sept. 7, 2008 1:00 am. Rain from Hurricane Hannah blew through today. Not too bad. But I'm dealing with a back issue. 5 years ago an MRI told me I had stenosis in the lower back with some fused bones etc. This has caused episodes whereby I lose all muscular control from hips to toes and it takes 5 or 10 minutes to recover. It became an issue this week when I had 5 episodes in 3 days after not even thinking about these things for months. So I had to go to an Urgent Care place and get a Scan. Doc just gave me an anti inflammatory and asked that I checkin with my family doc and followup with another MRI and a back doc. So, new issues to deal with. Meantime I rode my bike several miles yesterday, and swam last night w/o a problem. But reaching for my bathing suit I had an episode setting me back 5 minutes and alot of shock to the system. Same today while demonstrating bass bowing technique to a student. I had to excuse myself to recover. Weird. A bit scary as well. It shocks the body. Sweat; heart racing etc. So I gotta deal soon.
Meantime saw Endo Doc Farooki last week. He's happy with the A1C numbers and direction. Trying to control the sugar. They want me to get a diabetes educator appntment. This Wed. I see Dr. Berman for a checkup (once every 6 weeks). So far all Leukemia numbers are excellent. In remission. I feel good and am playing music etc. Fun.I visited the 12th floor Tuesday and spoke with Catriona, Eddie, Donna and others. Nice to see my caring friends at MSKCC. Enjoyed some parties with Carol last weekend. Week before we hiked and biked and ate in Ithaca/Finger Lakes Region. Beautiful. Thanks Randi and Glenn for the suggestion. Going to see the Grands soon. Rosh Hoshanah for sure. So, enjoy the ball games. Keep practicing. Give hugs and kisses. Smell the flowers. Dig the music. Dance!!! Sing!!! Live!!! JIMBO

August means Woodstock

8/5/08 Finally we're getting back to Woodstock tomorrow. For 25 years we spent all of August there. Then for 3 years we've had conflicts (in the hospital last summer) so finally we're able to get there for a week. Mom will stay with Debbie. SummerMusic is finished but we have 1 more Pool gig with SwingTown (from a rainout) and JJ Blues will play in a bar in August. Went to Dillons with Ben today to have trombones and tubas worked on while I am out of town. Richard and Arlene, our neighbors on Zena Highwoods Rd. have been helping us and have cleaned the place and done some carpentry to get it ready for us. CB and I will search for some carpets and furniture to improve things. The kids are at Rehoboth Beach for a week. Great week for that.
Saw Dr. Berman last Monday and all numbers are holding nicely. Here in Maplewood the house outside has been repainted, and the kitchen will be repainted while we are out of town. We had 2 fine family parties on Saturday down the shore. Carols cousins in Belmar, then Travis and Julies engagement/Bon Voyage party at Seaside Park. Great family fun and good food. Trulie are off to Duke Law School. I'll see them in NC in November during RJ and Martha's wedding weekend. Cool!! Gotta go sleep and get ready to pack. Peace and Love and THANKS for keeping up with us. JIMBO

MapleWoodstock 2008

Tues. July 15, All Star Game day. 5pm. Dear Friends, Sorry I haven't been in touch recently. I/we've been busy. Feeling healthy. That's good. We had a ball at MapleWoodstock this year. I played Sat. with JJ Blues (soon to be Smokin' J's Blues Band) on my Alembic Bass and Sun. with the Clam Chowder Marching Society Band (on TUBA!!). This picture is from last years MapleWoodstock, but we still have the same guys in the band; this year we sounded even better.
SummerMusic continues next Sunday with 3 Bands: Maplewood Community Band (which I conduct) and Chatham Community Band, and a guest band from Holland "Zwarte Fanfare .com", a German/Czech styled Brass Band of 16 performers here in the States for a quick tour. I'm trying to setup concerts for them.
Carol has done beautiful work on our "Cottage Garden". It's coming along. We will start to move around a bit in August. Woodstock, Amherst for Andy and Suzy's wedding, followed by Tanglewood and finally the Finger Lakes region for some hiking etc. We hope to get to New Mexico for Fall. We must try again to get to Yankee Stadium one more time. I got down the Shore to play a round of golf with Brother Kim and his boys last week. Fun. We will be down the Shore again on August 2nd for 2 family parties, one in Belmar (Carols cousins) and one in Seaside (Travis and Julie's engagement). Meantime I see Dr. Berman July 28th for a checkup. Another of her former patients who is a friend of mine, Stephen Mohr passed on yesterday. Carol and I went to his funeral this morning. Maggie and Stephen have been Maplewood/South Orange/Woodstock friends for years. She's a poet who read on my Performers Cafes all those years ago at DeHart Park (in what's now called the Jim Buchanan room) with Diane Moser. Stephen and Maggie would come to Blue Moon Diner to hear our band play. Stephen was a BeBop fan big time.So it was such a surprise about 8 months ago to walk into Dr. Berman's clinic and see them there. His Lymphoma took a turn in which she could no longer help Stephen and he went to another Doctor. So we will continue to celebrate his life. We intended to go out to eat together and it never happened due to colds, therapies etc. But we must still go out and toast Stephen.
Prayers and thoughts are with our friends and relatives dealing with different cancers. Our love goes out to them as they deal. I'm proof that a very devastating disease can be dealt with. I hope they all find the quality of care I've found. God bless my MSK Nurses and Doctors. And my dear supportive friends and relatives.

Last week Carol was down to see beautiful little Shoshana Eve. In their new home. This week her siblings are going to Hebrew Camp now that Swimming Camp is over. They are beautiful.
Peace. Carry on. Have a great summer. JIMBO

Father's Day Weekend

Tues. June 17, 9:20 pm. Father's Day weekend was a joyous one with Rebekah and Greg and the kids. Sat. am was Baby naming for Shoshana Eve. Friday night Shabbot dinner was with Greg's family from DC, Calif., Silver Spring, Baltimore etc. Great family fun. Sunday we visited their new house, on which they closed Monday. A very exciting step.

We're now back in Maplewood building Carol's garden. Got some new bushes last week and are trying them out in different locations. Monday was at MSK to see Dr. Berman. All numbers are good. Next apptmnt. in 6 weeks ( I tried for 3 months, she said not yet). Enjoyed seeing my nurses again. A consult as well with the nutritionist. Lunch with Jon F. Today tbone 4 rehearsal; got a concert tomorrow night.
Last week we got to the Monmouth Museum at Brookdale College in Lincroft to see Jeff's Mom's art work. Very fine show. Had a good time. Man, are we enjoying daytrips. There are so many interesting places to go here. We really enjoyed a day with Jane and BJ at the Shore. Heard from Arlene and Richard up in Woodstock; they've done some work on the house for us. Great to have some help since we haven't been able to get up there much recently.

Big news this week is a visit by the Grands. Greg will drive Maayan and Ben up here Thursday. That night we go to Broadway for Mary Poppins. Then we hope to take the kids, depending on weather etc., to Woodstock and/or the shore. Even if we hangout here we'll have a ball. We'll see Carol's family at TJ's graduation party Sat. night. Ben's using Power Point and both kids love making pictures on the Mac.
Saw Lance Armstrong on Charlie Rose while having a new cap put in at Dr. Pollacks. We're thinking alot about Cancer, healing, dealing, etc. This is such a big area of concern in our lives. My hopes and prayers go out to all our friends. We stood for healing prayers at shul Sat. am. Peace. Enjoy this beautiful Spring. JIMBO

Rock and Run Day

Sun. June 8, 2008.(That's Carol in the Rhinebeck BnB) We got to Woodstock over Memorial Day. All is ok there.
Today is MSK Rock and Run (5K) on Pier 46, on the Hudson, NYC. BUT...there is a heat wave here. So, I reluctantly have chosen to stay home in the air conditioning. I don't feel I need to put my body through the heat wave. Carol and I visited Jane and BJ at the shore house. It was cool there on the beach. Noticeable temperature drop as you cross the bay . I wore a long sleeve shirt on the beach, and would have put up a hood had I worn one. It was cool and breezy. Here in Maplewood it was about 95 degrees. Same tomorrow, so I'll stay in Thank You. Looking forward to seeing the Army buddies I missed last summer when I was forced back into the hospital. We'll gather for lunch at the beach Monday. (No Big Band in Paterson Monday for me this week). Tonight we are rehearsing the JJ Blues Band for MapleWoodstock (Sat/Sun July 12/13; we perform Sat at 7 pm). Sat in on bass Friday night at the old North End Tavern where Dad and Howie used to chug a beer. New owner, made room for bands etc. Had a good time seeing friends etc. Am enjoying coaching some adult friends in music etc. Am also enjoying time to listen to new music here at home. Meantime Carol, always a nurturer, is nurturing a new Cottage Garden in the backyard. The trees/bushes are verdant, and the songbirds are prolific in every way. Charming songs. Once the garden is in we'll see butterflies and hummingbirds. Wonderful.
We had a nice ride up to Westchester County Friday to pickup my bass, so stopped to see LuAnn and Geoff. Nice quick visit. We plan to meet again soon for a trip to the Brookdale Museum in Lincroft to see Geoff's Mom's paintings. Last week we attended Studio Artists Tour here in Maplewood. 50 artists on board. It was a beautiful scene. Peter Max came by to checkout one of our galleries on Springfield Ave. on Saturday. He may start showing there. B.John sold a piece Sunday. Then about 2 weeks ago we went to a Mansion House/Gardens Tour as a fundraiser for Morristown Hospital at Froh Heim. Very pleasant. Lotsa good garden ideas.
Next MSK visit/checkup is coming on June 16th. All things feel good. Energy etc. Stamina. Endurance improving. Diet is coming along. Walked a mile yesterday before it got hot. Will cool it today.
Lots of good graduation/engagement things in the family: Mazeltov to all: Elana, TJ, Randi, Travis and Julie, RJ and Martha, Rabbi Greg and Rebekah and Shoshana Eve, Maayan Shira Harris.
Also prayers and support needed for Joan Harris, Bud and family. Joan will see an MSK doc on Monday for advice. Our prayers and heartfelt thoughts are with her. And to our musicians families here in Maplewood..prayers and thoughts of healing.
Love and Peace and Thanks. JIMBO

Memorial Day coming

Thurs. May 22. 9:35 pm. Yankees and Orioles are still tied at 1-1. Tomorrow Carol and I travel to Woodstock for the holiday weekend. We haven't spent a weekend there in almost 2 years. Tomorrow is also Shoshana's 3rd week birthday. Hooray!!! She' and Mom are doing well. Last week's big gig with SwingTown turned out to be exciting. Carol loved both performances. Last week we went to see Dr. Berman on May 14th. Numbers are holding. She said "see you in 4 to 6 weeks". Yahooooo!!! So I saw the Nutritionist on 53rd street last Thursday, and Dr. Farooki (Endocrinology) re: Diabetes control yesterday. We're doing better. More to learn/control etc. John and I played fiddle music today. Had a good time. We'll try to get back to Maplewood for the Memorial Day Parade. Enjoy the start of the Summer season Y'all. JIMBO

Shoshana Eve

Wed. May 7, 2008. 5:15. We leave tomorrow morning to go meet Shoshona Eve (named for my Dad, Elwood Buchanan). Carol spent last weekend there but I had gigs etc. So it's my turn to hold her. Also Friday is Grandparents Day in Ben's school, and the California Grandparents (The Harrises ) will also be there. We'll all have a grand time. Rebekah is doing well. Baby is good. Maayani is ecstatic. Can't wait.
Tonight rehearsal for the May 17/18 gigs. Yesterday went with John Sepe to Carnegie Hall to hear the Phila Orch do Mahlers 8th Sym. Great performance. Eschenbach. Fine trombone/tuba sound and bass section (Go Harold Robinson and team). We had a great day digging sounds. This am Carol and I hiked up in the Reservation. Perfect day for a hike. Birds etc. Enjoy this beautiful Spring. Peace. JIMBO

Its a Girl!!

Sun., May 4th, 12:05 am. What a week!!! Our 3rd grandchild was born yesterday (Friday I mean, May 2nd) at 2:34 pm. She weighed 6 lbs. 11 oz. and measures 19" tall. I'll let you know her name after Minyan on Monday. Meantime Carol is in Bethesda with Ben and Maayan, and visiting Mommy Rebekah, Baby and Dad Rabbi Greg Harris. Alot of Gregs family is there for support as well, and they have terrific friends with growing families all around. I had a gig tonight so I stayed home with the Great One (my Mother in Law Mildred) this weekend. Went to hear a fine choral concert last night at Montclair State (where I met my bride). Heather Buchanan is a magnificent conductor. She's taking those kids to Russia, a terrific program of American composers, some Russian and of course Gospel tunes. Bud and I really enjoyed the concert. Then at 4 today went to Bev Perlman's beautiful home for a fundraiser for Global Theater Arts Project performance/social with Bahati and Ahmondylla. Wonderful music and food and people. Tonight we had SwingTown play for the Livingston Arts Council fundraiser at the new Livingston Library. What a beautiful place. We were a big hit. Ronnie and Barbara were there; he said it was the first time in along time he could really enjoy the music at an affair. We tried to get everyone up on the dance floor. Worked very well. Tomorrow morning 9am rehearsal for a Church Service at 9:45-12 noon at Wyoming Presb. Ch in Millburn.Tuba/Brass Quintet. Then, 2 pm rehearsal with Jay for a TV spot next week (Upright Bass); then 4-6 Booksigning for Tricia at Emily and Dans beautiful home. I think I'll skip Mondays rehearsal and get down to see my new Grandaughter as soon as possible. Meantime, peace everyone. I'm feeling strong and feel blessed with your support, prayers, blood and platelets, friendship, and love. Thanks for all your support the past year plus. I've spoken to 2 close friends in our musicians family here this week who need this kind of support now. My heart, prayers, and love go to them as they work their way through to a life in which they can live beyond cancer. I'm trying to learn to be there for others what you have been for me. I'll never forget words to me from another musician when I was first diagnosed in the hospital. His support is with me every day. As Jon wrote about my Grandaughter : Mazeltov and "go TEAM "(the support TEAM which Runs for Leukemia and Lymphoma). There is joy in working on the TEAM to help patients, support survivors, and remember our dear friends and relatives who have dealt with disease. Enjoy this beautiful Spring. NEW LIFE. JIMBO

Art Show Coming

Wed. 4/22.11am. So on Monday, April 28 we have some pieces in the MSKCC Patients Art Exhibition (55th annual). The Opening starts 5:00-8:00 pm Monday in the Cafeteria on York Ave. by East 67th Street. Carol and I should be there for the opening, but if you're in town and want to drop by you have until May 1st. Then it closes. Anything I don't sell will be picked up Friday.
Enjoying this beautiful Spring. Carol is creating a Cottage Garden in the back here in Maplewood. We're going up to straighten up the Woodstock house tomorrow. Been to see the Cherry blossoms in Newark last Wed. Then to Grounds For Sculpture on Thursday. Beautiful. Went to hear David's brass quintet last week at Wm. Paterson U. Fun. Very good. Randi and Glenn hosted a Seder Sunday. Lots of excitement with the kids heading off to College. Elana to Wesleyan. Fantastic place for her to deepen her arts/intellectual sensibilties and skills. Great. Then TJ to, I think, Syracuse U. Science stuff. Amazing. We're all so proud of these kids. RJ and Martha are planning their wedding. More excitement. Rebekah is about to have her baby. We're sitting next to the phone. I called Tuesday and Greg answered "no baby yet!!". His parents were there for the Seders in Bethesda and everybody had a great family time. Now 4 grandchildren there, with #5 (our #3) about ready to bring us great joy.
Spring brings a number of fine concerts etc. We've been enjoying playing. More Swing band, Concert Band, Trombone 4, and Brass 5 gigs coming. A jazz gig here and there as well. Looking forward. George offered me my old job back as Cultural Affairs guy here in Maplewood. I'll offer some suggestions soon. Dr. Berman's last words were "see you in a month!". That's a 1st. I can go for monthly visits. That's progress. Can't wait until she says "see you in 6 months!!".
Gotta go, CB and I are going for lunch. Peace. Prayers. Love. Thanks. JIMBO

Concert Weekend

Sun. April 13; 8 pm. Yanks at Boston just starting. Masters just ended. I'm achy. Been a busy week. Played Haydn's St. Cecilia Mass last night in Plainfield. Carol came Fri night to rehearsal. Sounded great, but alot of intense work. Then Sat am Baseball Parade for the kiddies. Then Brass Quintet in the afternoon. Today a Combined Bands concert in Chatham. Lotsa fun. Especially the combined tunes. Tomorrow am back to MSK to see Dr. Berman. See what's up for the future. My feet and legs are tired tonight.
So even though it's cool Spring is popping out all over Maplewood. As I drove on Valley Street Friday past the Golf course, then the Baseball fieldslooking so quafed. Amazing.We will get to the cherry blossoms Tuesday down in Belleville/Newark. It's been a joy for us to visit and photograph for years but Joe D and Essex County have put some care and money into the parks and the display is getting richer and more beautiful each year.
Last weekend we loved being with the Grands. Carol was there again today; 3rd week in a row. Helping Becky (she's due real soon) and playing with the kids. Bike riding etc. Thanks for keeping up with us. Gotta go eat. JIM

April Fools Day

4/1/08. 5th Inning of Rained Out Opening Day. New Joe!
So today at the hospital Dr. Maslak released me from the Clinical Trial. My 2 bad reactions, 1st a swollen right leg, then last week a swollen left arm were enough evidence of potential future problems that the Docs decided to not put me through anymore of this routine. Frankly if they come up with any other such ideas I'll beg off until next winter. I'm a little bit tired of the number of runs into the hospital and look forward to minimizing that for a while. When the phlebotomist took 16 vials of blood I was surprised and looked at the order and saw the phrase "End of Study" so I knew in advance of seeing the docs today what was up.
We will miss Suzanne and Mariah who are such excellent special nurses. Thanks to my buddy John for providing transportation today. We had a good time catching up. Saw 2 of my previous roomates today; Brad looks fine, doing communications on his laptop; Moshe and his Mom are fine. I told him how much my Grandchildren love his music. His Mom offered me a good Pesach. Also saw Donna, our Social worker and asked for Saga, the art therapist. I dropped 3 frames off for the art show. I'll be posting invitations to the opening soon. Enjoying mostly good energy but am trying to slow down. I stayed home alot last weekend while Carol went to Beckys. Tomorrow night Swingtown plays at the Vets hospital. Thursday night a 4 piece Jazz gig in town. Fri-Sun down to Bethesda to celebrate Maayani's 5th Birthday (April 3rd). I'll try to take some pix to share. Spoke to cousin Billy today. He has some fine old slides to share; I gotta get up to see him. He was by here last week but I missed him. Kim was by to see me Sat. We had a good lunch at the pub. Bruce and Judy were up in the lake house. Sounds magnificent. We're getting ready to open the Woodstock house next week. Can't wait. I'm walking more and trying to up the exercise.
Enjoy the beautiful spring. Thanks again for your messages, prayers and support. JIM

Easter season

Monday, March 24, 2008. 8:30 pm. Hope you all had a nice Easter and Purim celebrations. We had a wonderful family celebration on Saturday honoring my sister in law Brenda. Celebrating her beauty and enthusiasm for life. The Queen of Presents my Grandchildren call her. We had a ball toasting her, singing to her, laughing with her. It was such a nice gathering everyone wants to keep enjoying such times together. We had it at a perfect little Italian Restaurant in Montclair, Marzullos. Fun. Joy.
This morning we played trombone for the dedication of the new Police station here in Maplewood on Springfield Ave. Funny, about 50 plus years ago I played trombone for the cornerstone ceremony of the Maplewood Memorial Library as well. Hah!! Also took a shot today. Wed. back to the hospital for a checkup and another Clinical Trial vaccination. Last week I had some energy problems and was getting worried, but now feel better. I must have been fighting something off. Or was getting dragged with the cloudy winter weather. When the sun broke through Sat. and Sunday everything felt better. Looking forward to the MSK patient art show at end of April. I'm having 3 tryptichs framed. 3 related pastels in each. We'll see how they look. Fri. I got the MacBook checked up. Added some Ram and bought a new printer. Sent Ben and Maayan some prints of some of those extraordinary self portraits they took last year. Fun!! Also got a backup system installed. Cool.
Well, enjoy the Spring.Thanks for keeping up with us. JIMBO

March

Mon. March 3, 7:30 pm. Enjoyed playing with Harmonium over the weekend: Vaughn Williams "Dona Nobis Pacem" and Mark Millers newest composition, based on Whitmans poem "Song of the Open Road". Great fun. Fine sound. Lori Sue went to camp with him when they were kids. Missed having Bud in the audience. He's in Fla. But Carol came by Sat. Loved it. Also, Jilana Dellal, a Caldwell Band horn player from the early 70s said hello. She babysat Rebekah all those years ago. She's back in NJ now at ATT. Others who haven't seen me recently were gracious. Lots of hugs, blessings etc. Today at MSK saw Brad. Looking fine. Goes back to work soon. Onward and upward. Saw others we know. All my numbers are good and we are proceeding with the Clinical Trial afrter last weeks brief hiatus due to a swollen leg. All seems ok. Went up to 15th floor and got application/invitation to the art show in April. We'll see. Maybe we'll play a recital or concert there as well. Could be healing for all.
Next weekend Beethovens 7th and Mozart Piano Cto. 21. In 2 weeks Crescent Ave gig. Played Fri at Harlem Hospital with Linsy's JazzBerries big band. Trying to keep up the chops and still studying Guitar styles. Keep the brain challenged. Spoke to cousin Billy yesterday. They've had 11 feet of snow up there in New Hampshire. He needs to use the tractor for snow removal. Had to hire someone to shovel snow off his roof!!! The ski resorts are ecstatic.Hope to get up to see him soon.
We're playing Blues March 15th at Heres 2 the Arts, 7:30-9. Early show.

I feel Spring in the air here. Or is it just a tease?? Looking forward to a beautiful Spring and Summer. See you. Continued thanks. Love and Peace. JIM

February Thaw

2/16/08 9 pm. Been a while since I've written. Been busy trying to enjoy a more normal life style. Fortunately the body/disease is mostly cooperating. Numbers are good, clinical trial is good and we're moving forward. The diabetes continues to be a challenge and we're meeting with doctors, nutritionist etc. to deal. Gotta exercise more, loose weight, eat healthy. Am trying to cleanup my act. Been playing alot of music, which is a joy and a challenge. Great way to keep the brain, lungs, coordination etc. happening. I also love it all very much. I respond to musical sounds in any and all forms/styles/venues. Been to hear Berio's Symphonia, Beethoven's 5th, Santi DiBriano's Bass Threesome, and Winard Harpers Band at Shanghai, as well as playing some jazz and blues and symphony and brass stuff myself. Whew!!! Soon, hopefully, Pink Martini and KD Lang. Last week a storm hit the East Coast, so we headed North to Rhinebeck, NY to get into the snow. Stayed on a 40 acre horse farm BnB, WhistleWood Farm. Delicious. Stayed in the Carriage House, Morningside Room. Met really interesting people (See their website:(usonfoot.com). Enjoyed the movie "The Savages". Restaurants, Bars etc. Here's some pictures from our little vacation. Enjoy the Thaw (whenever it comes and goes!!). Ah yes, and here's Carol at her 65th birthday bash: "Aged to Perfection!!" Love, peace, thanks. JIMBO

Numbers OK

Sun. Jan 20. 7:30 pm. Between plays while watching the Giants in Green Bay. Last Wed. had a rough day in H with biopsy and blood tests. Had to quit conducting concert band Wed. night. Wokeup feeling much better Thurs. My nephew David and I went to tryout trumpets at Dillons. Fun. Am playing more trombone and tuba. Fun. Today String Bass in an orchestra and tuba this afternoon in a brass 5. More Fun. Friday in the hospital we saw a number of my fellow patients and their wives. We have a very warm comraderie. Its a family of sorts, all caring and asking about each other. Sharing stories of numbers, chemos etc. Also worrying about each other. Nice people. My 1st round of the Clinical Trial is finished and it looks good for continuing on in another 2 weeks for another 3 months. Go Giants. Thanks for checking in here friends. I have to be sure to write every week or so. If I don't I have friends who get very worried. So, thanks for hanging in there. I'm doing good and am very happy for your support and your prayers. Next week is Carols and Rebekahs birthdays. Acquarians all here!! Peace. JIM

Thursday. 9 am. Well, I finally found the photo somewhere mixed into the folder. So this is on the porch. Today, for our last full day we'll take the bikes to town and enjoy the library, a chapel, some shops, lunch etc. Just heard from Elaine, so we'll stop to see her on the way up the coast. See y'all back home.

Sun and Fun

Tues. Jan 8, 2008. 1:30 pm. Captiva, Florida. Arrived Sun. eve. Snack at the bar. The Christmas lights were still on the palm trees and our cabin. They are removing them all now. Charming. But somehow it doesn't fit my thinking. I'm used to lights etc. in the snow and cold. Hah!! So, it turned warm when we arrived. It was about 75-80 on the golf course with Kim Sat. afternoon. Same here on the beach today. We rented 2 old style wooden arm chairs and an umbrella. Carols walking the beach, bird watching, shell picking, waves kicking. I sit and listen to Sibelius 2nd Sym. and read Oliver Sachs thank you. Yesterday, Monday, we rented bikes and went into town. Shops, restaurants, homes, mucho birds, fauna and flora. It's really beautiful here. So we visited an Antiques shop Rudy would love. We had been there 2 years ago. The couple who own it spend 6 months on Captiva and 6 months in Maine. They have beautiful stuff beautifully displayed. Carol saw a glistening diamond ring from the 1920s. Set in platinum. Very hip. We got it. She's never had a real fine wedding band, so this is another celebration of our 43 years of marriage. After the year I just put this woman through she deserves this vacation and that ring. We're very happy. So, then lunch on our front porch. We are in the Ding Darling cottage, #106 on the "Tween Waters map. If you checkout the web cam you may see us walking, bending to pickup shells etc. After lunch yesterday we went to the pool, hot tubs, and bar. Sipping pina coladas and margaritas while reading and listening, and them hot tubbing and swimming. I love to do laps and try all my strokes. Today we may skip the pool to stay on the beach since we have chairs there. A lotta sun today. At 5 pm yesterday we got on the beach to sit and dig the incredible sunset. Mind you , sitting on this beach is just like the Corona beer commercials!! Today at 4 pm instead of digging the sunset from the beach we will take a guided Kayak tour in the bay, to an island, etc. during the sunset. Very cool. That will be some exercise. Tonight the band is playing in the bar. We met Michael and the Modulators 2 years ago here. They are from Cincinatti and they do this gig each year. They come for 2 weeks, live like guests at the hotel/beach/pool, and play New Years Eve and a few other nights. Tonight I am their mystery guest!! Hah!! Tomorrow morning we're driving over to the Ding Darling Nature Preserve and will hike some trails etc. More about that next post. I'll try to send a picture of us on our porch here. If it doesn't showup today, look for it on the next post. Sometimes the systems are a little funny, and I don't have access to the latest photo untoil I reboot or something. In any case, Happy New Year. Keep cool. Don't get too sunburned or too sweaty up there!! JIMBO

Florida

Sat. Jan 5, 4:00 pm. We're at Kim and Jane's house in Tampa, FL (on Harbour Island). Flew Jet Blue out of Newark yesterday. Justin flew in at the same time from a Ski trip in Colorado. He's off to UF in Gainesville now. Our little Justin is a man. Looks fine. Carol is reading and napping and walking with Janie today. Kim and I played a round of golf. Great fun. Just finished watching Rutgers at Toronto for the International Bowl, now to watch Redskins in the playoffs. Tomorrow morning we leave for Captiva/ 'Tween Waters to relax and really celebrate our 43 years of marriage (our Anniversary was 12/26, the day we took our Grands to the Nutcracker Ballet). We'll have lunch with Sue Bogart, Carols colleaque from East Orange days.The weather was cool yesterday, warmer today, It'll be fine Sunday on the island. Hope it stays nice. I need to get swimmimg for exercise. The golfing was good for me today. Need to get a stronger physical routine happening. Have brought Musicophilia and Water for Elephants to read. Can't wait for those seashells, sunsets, showers, and 2 hot tubs on Captiva man. I'm ready. Have to still protect myself from the sun. The Chemo causes some extra sensitivity. Meantime it is great to spend time with Kim and Jane. Again, Happy and Healthy New Year. Thanks to our family for helping out with Mommy again.