Good Numbers

Thurs. Dec. 24th, 2009. 10:30 am.(These Pics are of our Grandaughter Shoshana checking out a big snowstorm in Bethesda...over 20" of snow). Well our trip to MSKCC was interesting yesterday. EZ in and out of the city. Morning numbers were excellent and Dr. Berman is happy. "See you in 2 months!!" Then after a quick snack in the cafeteria and a quick trip to see Catriona on the 12th floor we taxied (too cold to walk it) over to the Whitney Museum to see some Georgia O'Keefe. We had been to the museum in her name in Santa Fe and little more than a year ago, and enjoyed the New Mexico landscapes. But saw some additional new stuff yesterday. Wonderful burger in the Cafe. Then taxi back to MSK for a checkup with Dr. Farooki (diabetes stuff). We corrected some injection numbers and discussed a few issues. Things are basically good, but I can still improve. So it goes. I'm off from rehearsals and gigs for about a month and am looking forward to working more with my hands and in an artistic way for a month. Today some doll house work and train table improvements. Over the weekend we'll get painting and drawing. Millie just came in to the room to remind me the birds need a feeding. We love to feed the birds.
Enjoy the winter weather. Stay healthy. Happy Holidays.

Snow

Sun. Dec 20, 11 am. Well the snow amounted to only about 8" or 10" here of light fluffy stuff. Boo and Greg have 20-24" in DC area. Enjoyed final night of Chanukah (and Shabbot) with all candles lit. Mildred loves it as well. Then early Sat. am up goes the Christmas tree and the train set. We love it. Enjoyed the snow fall while eating Gingerbread and Hot Chocolate, which is what my Mother gave to us when we came home from ice skating back in the 50s and 60s. Fun. Today after digging out we'll sleigh ride to Red Bank to hear a Messiah and see some former students. Looking forward to that. Facebook is allowing me to stay in touch with generations of former students. So cool. There goes the train whistle through the valley. At sundown the church bells will ring. You'd think I live in a greeting card. Well Maplewood does have romantic possibilities. Folks who get off the train from NYC can hardly believe what they are seeing as they walk down Maplewood Avenue. It's poetic. And if you walk only 1 block off Maplewood Ave. you see incredible beauty in the snow, from the Burgdorff CPA to the homes on Woodland, the Women's Club etc. Picture perfecto.
Been listening to the Vivaldi Mandolin Cti. Perfect upbeat music for the holidays. Joyous. Used to listen to a wonderful Nonesuch album of this stuff in the 60's. I used music for healing when in the hospital. I like to surround myself with music for inspiration, and/or mood stuff. I love it all. Bach cantatas and Mass, Gesualdo or Gabrieli, Keb Mo or John Scofield, Miles or Charles Lloyd, Bill Evans or Bill Charlap, Beethoven String Quartets or the Beatles. We love to play it all too. Guitars, cello, basses, brass etc. That's what is so great about a snowday, suddenly free time to play/practice/listen/read etc. Love it.
Hey...stay healthy. JIMBO

Chanukah

Fri. Dec 11, 2009. Happy Chanukah y'all. I'm playing in shul tonight but may not get to enjoy my Latkes until afterward. I saw Adam Sandlers Chanukah tune on You Tube this week; "marijuanica!!" et al. Funny stuff. In any case we finished our New Years card today and will get it out soon. Next week I'll start up the Christmas tree and trains. Fun. Can't wait to see the kids again on Christmas Day. They were amazing at Thanksgiving with their cousins.
Carol had her checkup at MSK yesterday and came through with flying colors. The Doctor loved the way everything looks. Great news. Next 2 weeks we'll have a checkup as well. Feeling good. Hope you all are healthy.
The music performances continue and the whole thing of keeping the brain and the body healthy and challenged and still growing is an issue we consider all the time. Interesting stuff. More pics from last summer/fall. Girls going to Martha's baby shower and the Woodstock back door. .Peace.

Recent Photos

Last summer in Woodstock, Carol on a bicycle tour break; The Woodstock Bedroom

Post Thanksgiving

Dec. 3rd, 11 am. Hope you all are well. We're doing fine. Carol cooked for 27 people and did a fine job. When I was sick in the hospital in November 2006 Pete from the diner sent in a pumpkin pie.....he still gives me one every year..and gave another to my son in law last Sunday as the kids left for home. Pete and Fifi run a good diner here in Maplewood.
So. Facebook and the internet continue uncovering friends and students from the past. Great fun. This week a musician I haven't heard from in 50 years, found. 1 new diagnosis, my buddy Steve from college is dealing with Chemo for AML (same as my disease...but remember each case is unique). I've been visiting him and phoning him and he seems to be dealing. I go for checkups, and Carol as well, in 2 weeks. So far so good.
Been playing up a storm. Jazz, Symphony, Big Bands, Brass Quintet recital, string quartet rehearsal (cello), and trombone quartet today. Tonight a little holiday music for the Vets in the hospital in East Orange. All enjoyable.
Greg brought to me a new 32" flat screen on Black Friday. Amazing. Hooked it up to my fine sound system and am digging fine stuff. HBOs 25th Anniversary RnR Hall of Fame concert; Orff's Carmina Burana with Ozawa; Chris Botti on PBS, etc. etc. I also have a nice collection of music DVDs I love. I shared the Bach box with Lori and Ty this week. Fun.
Went up to the Woodstock, NY house Monday just to see the place and enjoy the ride. It was cold, but enjoyable. Carol and I had enjoyed Rehoboth Beach last month, and have already booked a week on Captiva, FL for January. Can't wait. But, of course we still hope for some snow. We like some of it. The ice I can do without. Carol took the Grandchildren ice skating at the Arena last week. I wish we still could skate outdoors here in Maplewood but it no longers gets cold enough for a long enough period of time. I think they have given up even flooding the parks anymore. Different era. Enjoy the holidays. Time to put up the tree and trains and have us some fun. JIMBO

Beautiful Fall

Mon. 10/26/09 9:30 pm. Wasn't yesterday amazing? Here in Jersey the leaves are peaking. We went to the Reeves Reed Arboretum yesterday for a beautiful walk on the trails, around childrens activities, and into the new gallery. Wonderful. The homes in Short Hills and Summit look great in the Fall foliage. Played in shul Friday night, then Saturday with the SwingTown Big Band for over 300 folks at a Rotary dinner at Skylands. Fun. This morning at the Paterson Musicians Union on trombone, tomorrow same place on bass. Then to Carol's library to play tuba for her kiddies reading storytime. Hah!!
Wed. we're off to get a checkup with Dr. Berman at Memorial Sloan Kettering. We should be ok. On Thursday we'll go to the NJ Symphony concert at NJPAC. Fri. up to Woodstock to meet the gas man; they are putting in a space heater for the cabin.
Looking forward to go to Bethesda in early November to see the Grands. Keep healthy. Enjoy the beauty.

A Gig

Jazz and Blues Thursdays
With Jim Buchanan and friends
7-9 pm Thursday OCTOBER 1ST, 2009 (Call for reservations)
featuring Martin Leys, guitar; Lee Finkelstein, drums; and special guests.

Churrasco BBQ and Steak House
1844 Springfield Avenue,
Maplewood, NJ 07040…..973-761-7744

MSK Followup

Sept. 16th; 1:45 pm. Carol and I went into MSK this morning for a followup checkup and blood test at Dr. Berman's office. My numbers are good, I go back again in 6-8 weeks. And I can get the flu shots. So, as they become available I'll get to it.
Naturally we're very happy about all this. A good thing to celebrate during the New Year. L'Shonah Tovah friends and relatives. We go to Bethesda Friday for the weekend. Can't wait to see the kids again. Rabbi Greg has prepared his speeches I'm sure but he also ran in a race last weekend. Too much, he's dedicated. Riv is being prepped for a change at work with additional responsibilities. She'll prepare a big meal for after services Friday evening. Carol will help out.
So, we enjoyed a few days in Woodstock 2 weeks ago but I hurt my back again while sawing down some trees with the chainsaw. Ouch. So playing bass and walking seems to irritate the inflammation. It's slowly coming around.
We're starting to play again with our regular bands, and have added an occasional gig at Churrasco's in Maplewood. Next time is Oct. 1st, 7-9.
Enjoy the beautiful Fall. JIMBO

The Grands visit

6:45 pm Aug. 27th, 2009. The Grandchildren left for home today around 3 pm after 5 glorious days of fun. We always get to Joes for Pizza as they arrive (Sunday eve). Monday a day at the beach (Seaside Park with Jane) was amazing. The waves from Bill were exciting. Then Tuesday we got to the Maplewood Pool so the parents could enjoy a date in NYC. We played at home with the wagon, the new dollhouse Grandpa built, a trumpet, violin, keyboard and drums. Carol called it Gramps Trio!! Then Wednesday more around the backyard, jumping through the sprinkler and playing Bocci ball, until 5:00 pm we left for Yankee Stadium. Beautiful night in the park, especially since we beat the Rangers. Late night fun. Today we went shopping for back to school supplies and then a final lunch at the Diner. Shoshana is really getting around and showing her personality. A joy. We can't wait to see them again at Rosh Hoshanah.

August

August 5, 2009. I'm sitting on that almost finished porch/deck while writing. Carol and I had a nice wet week in Woodstock. Went to see Ralph and Michelle in the Adirondacks on a beautiful Sunny Saturday; swim in the pool, eat a fine meal, long boat ride on the lake , and an ice cream social, at which we won a prize. Hah!! Then we caught up with Elaine for 2 days and 2 meals. Heard a marvelous Piano Trio concert at Maverick including Beethoven's Archduke, a Bartok Violin/piano Suite, and Brahms C Major. A very athletic program.
The big item this week is Travis and Julie's wedding (my nephew and soon to be niece) down the shore. Rebekah and Lori will be here for the wedding. Carol and I will go Friday for a steamboat ride out of Brielle. Very cool. We'll see all the Garthwaite relatives and many Buchanan's as well. I was trying to provide music for this wedding as well when I got sick and had to bail out. Speaking of music we're beginning a Thursday night Jazz and Blues night here in Maplewood at Churrasco (used to be Kleest's and Baumert's Ice Cream parlors when we were kids) with Jim Buchanan and friends (see calendar). Carol is doing fine. She'll go for a checkup in September. I heard from my CHS classmates and they are planning our 50th reunion. Can't wait. It'll be a party!!! It's beginning to rain again out here on the deck, so I'll signoff for now. I hope Randi and Glenn are having a wonderful vacation on the Cape. Love, peace and Health!! JIMBO

A porch for Mom

Wed. July 15. 10 am. We're adding a small porch with sliding double doors into the backyard so Mom has both a screened in porch or a deck to sit on/in without negotiating the stairs. This will make life more comfortable for her. We dealt with bugs, screened in tents etc.in the backyard years ago but things have progressed shall we say. She had a little dental surgery yesterday for some new teeth. She feels better today. Carol is doing great, keeping busy doing stuff at the libraries. Tomorrow is our annual Outdoor Movie in the Park; Sunday will be SummerMusic with the Concert Band and SwingTown. Monday is Big Band rehearsal, I'll finally go back. Haven't been there since I wound up in the hospital. Wed. back for bloodtests and checkup at MSKCC. I'm doing fine. Gotta still call Spine Doc and get to PT. Enjoying some fine performances on You Tube and DVDs here at home. Slight cough now and again, but sitting in the garden will fix that up. Glorious Sun here now.
Stay healthy. JIMBO

Back home

Thursday, July 9. 6:30 am. I was released Tues. afternoon. I'm weak but ok. On anti biotics of course. So, it's time to sit in the garden, read a book. Take a 1/2 block walk etc. Did DVDs again of fine music. I got out last night to hear SwingTown at the Farmers Market in SO. Then dinner at the Village Diner. Then Yankees baseball. Didn't make it to the end of the game. Passed out early. I'll go listen to some MapleWoodstock on Sat/Sun. Thanks to all for your Facebook notes of encouragement and good health. I made sure I called the kids when I was feeling better, I probably frightened them a bit when I spoke to them earlier in the week. I was pretty messed up. Had 2 interesting encounters last day. As the Docs came in I was wearing my Maplewood Recreation Baseball cap. Head Doc asks "you from Maplewood Mr. B??" Yeah Doc, the Cultural Dude, I responded. He tells me he lives on Durand Road (fine historic homes) and then a Resident speaks up "I grew up on Durand Road, I graduated CHS as well". Then a visitor arrives from Recreation on the 15th floor. She sits to converse and visit. Very nice young woman. As it turns out, her Aunt from California went to school with me from Elementary School through CHS!!! What fun. We've since said hello over Facebook. Too cool. I love meeting/re meeting folks from the past. That's what is so cool about Facebook. I'm hearing from friends/students from 30, 40 , 50 years ago. Too much.
OK, keep healthy everybody. Thanks for your support. Back to the woodshedding on the basses. JIMBO

July 4th, 2009

Sat., July 4, 2009.12:30 pm. I'm in MSKCC, since Monday, with pneumonia. Heart Arrhytmia complicated issues Tuesday/Wed. I had a 103 temp when admitted and developed a severe hack and rapid heart beat reaction to the pneumonia. It was scary, but the cardiologists got things under control quickly and turned me around. Today I feel good.I had to wear a an electrical telemeter monitor on my heart for 2 days. Carol has taken good care of me but I haven't been good company. Thanks Baby. I'm missing Woodstock and visiting RJ and Joe. Mildred is in Cornwall with Debra.Carol is home today gardening and taking a break. It's beautiful outside my window. I have to walk the halls. Good to see my 12th floor friends again. I did a few pastels this morning. Have my earphones for the itunes. Later. JIM

Back on the Upper East Side

Tues. am 2:30 am. I hitched a ride with Carol who was coming into MSKCC to do her therapy and stopped off at the Urgent Care facility. My issue was a high fever, and still a sore back. So, after a chest x ray the Doc said I have pneumonia and she found a bed in isolation on the 15th floor. Sooo, I'm still getting settled in. They sent me to do 3 CAT scans yesterday on the mid area, lumbar, lungs etc. Hard to hold your breath when you have pneumonia. I'm sitting here at the computer at 2 am with my healing blanket comforting me. The night team here is terrific tonight, Melissa is my nurse and Jose is the assistant. During the day I had Erin and Simone.
In any case I hope we can finally get the full picture on the back issues. Gotta go. JIMBO

Summer is here

Tues. June 24th, 12 noon. A rainy season here with little sun but that seems to be changing, and we'll have summer now. The pool is open. We head North to Woodstock again for the July 4th weekend. Can't wait. We've started playing our 1st outdoor Summer Concerts with the Concert Band at Memorial Day parade then Library Concert Wednesday. We got to the Beach with Ben and Maayan on Friday to see Jane and Ryan and Maggie, Ryan's playful dog; then to the Boardwalk for Ferris Wheel, Bumper Cars, slides, ice cream etc. Ben read a chapter book in 1 day here (in a couple of hours Sunday. He's a chip off the old block; Carol and Riv do the same. Riv is in a book club with all she has to do. Great!). New front door looks great. Now for a new back doors and deck so Mildred can sit out or in a screened in porch without climbing. Will be finished mid July. Carol has completed 1st 2 of 6 immunotherapies. Takes all of 5 minutes at the hospital. She's fine. She went to aerobics last night even though procedure was yesterday. Her garden is blooming. Dylan and Elana were here for Shavuotov. Bravo. Greg will marry Jon W this Sunday. Carol and I will return to Bethesda to be with the kids while Greg and Riv travel. I've got back problems again. I'm a bit out of shape. I played Golf last week, then walking the sandy beach and riding in the car doesn't help. A couple of sleepless nights also add to the woes. Really, sitting here writing feels ok. So I'll stay put today. All bloodwork etc. remains good. I'm blessed. Do yourself a favor and read Smithsonian Magazine about the microRNA genetic material. They describe my exact disease in the examples (AML) and you can see the future of cancer therapies in this report. They "paint" the cytology report to see the inversion of the 16th chromosome which I had. Interesting stuff. I bless the MSKCC staff: research, labs, docs, nurses, clerks, wait staff. All dedicated. As soon as the back pain lifts I have cello and bass to practice. Rebuild my strength. Gotta go. Love you. Enjoy the summer. Enjoy life. The water, the trees, the birds, the sounds, the mountains, the waves, the sand, the dirt, the groove. Ahhh, the groove. The pocket. JIMBO

June sun

Sun., June 9, 2009. 9:45 pm. Go Kobe. Go Tiger. Great fun playing in Princeton this weekend for Kirsten and Craig's wedding. They and their friends and our cousins all look sensational and had great fun. Brass 5 and Jazz 6. Today beautiful MSKCC friends at the Rock and Run. Fellow patients Brad, Duane, and Geoff. Our nurses Catriona,Chrissy, others. Dr. Frattini, Dr. Berman. Donna. "We are family". Left 3 paintings etc. for a show at 1978 today. Off to Penn State with Ron tomorrow for the Bass conference. Carol's next procedure is next Monday. Carol and I really enjoyed the weekend. Thanks Randi and Matt for making it possible.
Only about 1 week until the Grands arrive. Broadway,Shore,hanging with Grandma. Books, math,and more. Can't wait.
I've got to put some of my ideas and experiences down to share with my fellow patients at MSKCC. Duane helped start Bridges and I mean to make a contribution soon. Thoughts, feelings.
Gotta go. Love to all. Thanks. JIMBO

Carol's fine

Thurs. May 28. 9 pm. Carol had a 2nd procedure this week at MSKCC and she's fine. A few low grade cells were excavated from her bladder. She's feeling fine. We're awaiting a pathology report but the doctor said she suspects little or no follow up. Probably just monitoring. So we're relieved and happy. Gotta go now, but we'll keep you posted. JIM

Memorial Day

Mon. May 25, 5 am. I'm up with the birds again. We'll march in the parade with the tuba. Carol and I had an extraordinary 3 days in the W oodstock house. Beautiful sun, overnight thunderstorms, birds chirping. Friday night dinner streamside at Bear Inn, then to Bearsville theater for Dirty Dozen Brass Band. Sat. a trip to town was wonderful; galleries, shops, ice cream. Dinner after walking the sunset at Reservoir Inn followed by movie "the Soloist". Sunday chopped a little wood. Then biked around Wrolsen Road (5.5 miles). Then chill out. At 2 pm to a fine concert by 2 Julliard pre college players in St. Gregorys. Schumman, Bach, Shostakovich and Tschaikowsky. Great. Garden as well. Final dinner at the Bar BQ joint outdoors. Fine. Burp!!
Tomorrow Carols procedure at MSKCC is at 3:00 pm We'll be home I'm sure by 7 pm. We'll keep you posted.
Enjoy the holiday. Keep healthey. JIMBO

Spring Gardening

Mon. May 11, 6 pm. Carol and I added a ton of plants to her garden. Beautiful. Now for some annuals with flowers. Carol went to Bethesda for Grandparents Day today at the kids school. Great fun. I took Mildred to Randis for our Mothers Day gathering. mmmmm delish. We're practicing cello hoping to play trios and quartets soon. Meantime 3 gigs this weekend, Fri. night services at Beth El here in South Orange (on bass) and Saturday after a cocktail party reunion with my HS Swing Kings band I play with my buddies at a 50s Sock Hop in Livingston. Sunday some blues at the Mayfest celebration in Maplewood. Fun. We'll be in Woodstock for Memorial Day weekend, then to the parade in Maplewood on Monday.
Carol has moved her case to Memorial Sloan Kettering as well. We'll keep you posted. Looking forward to Rock n Run in June. Peace. JIM

Carol's Doing Great

Sun. April 19. 7:30 pm. Well the big news in our house is that Carol rec'd a diagnosis of superficial carcinoma of the bladder. After biopsy confirmation we hastily scheduled the quick procedure at Overlook Hospital. The procedure took about 35 minutes and she was home by 2:30 Friday afternoon. No pain, no blood. Rebekah and Greg and Shoshana were here to support us and helped make all of this bearable. Carol has kept herself in such good shape with aerobics etc. for years that this procedure was a breeze. Worrisome of course at first, but she handled things beautifully. We will go for a second opinion at MSKCC as soon as we get the slides. Meantime she scheduled for an induction therapy which includes placing a TB strain in the bladder which draws the immune system there to fight and eradicate anything trying to develop there. No chemo or radiation needed. Monitoring every 2 or 3 months for 2 years, then every 6 months for the rest of your life. We have spoken to a number of friends with the same diagnosis/prognosis and it looks good. So, please add us to your prayers, and meantime stop smoking and get yourself checked up regularly. Love you all and thanks for your support.
The MSKCC Patients Art Show begins Monday April 27th at 5:00 pm (until 8 pm for the opening) and continues until Thursday in the West Cafeteria. I have 3 pieces showing: Mildred in Woodstock; Woodstock Abstract: and "Cascade", a new bridges wood collage. Drop by if you get a chance. Meantime keep healthy. JIMBO

Flarda again

Thurs., March 25, 2009. We're in Tampa again. It's amazing here. When we got off the plane we went to see my nephew Ryan's digs and took him to dinner. Fun. Then on Monday we first toured Ibor City, the Cuban cigar making historic district with my Sister in Law Jane. Ate at The Columbian. Fabulous food in historic setting. Toured U of Tampa but the museum was closed, we'll do that today. Dinner at home again with Ryan. Tues. over to Dunedin to see Sue Bogart, Carol's friend from her East Orange teaching days. Lunch at an amazing outdoor cafe/bar. Then at 6:00 off to the Yankees Legend Stadium for a game with Bosox. I brought my mit in case Joe needed to put me in for the late innings. We were 10 seats back from homeplate, behind any lefty batters. Amazing seats. Jorge, Derek, Robby, Melkie, Reggie, Girardi, Pena, Big Poppy too. Mo pitched 1 inning. Austin hit a grand slam!! Fun. Thanks Kimbo.
Wed. we left 7 am and drove across the state. Lunch with Lori and Tye in their digs at Del Ray Beach. Then up to Jupiter to see my cousin Bobby Schmitt and his wife Carol. We had a great time enjoying their beautiful home, pix of their children and Grands. Bobby's redone everything. I missed his brother Conrad who is out of town. Then they took us to see the green/blue see in Jupiter, the beaches, the inlet, the docks, and finally the bars. We ate great. The trip home was an adventure because I drove past an exit and the next exit is 40 miles North. Got home around 11pm. Long fun day (4 hours each way). We'll fly home tomorrow.
Gotta check now on internet to see how Diane is doing. Dave too. Then Sat. and Sunday SOMA Symphony gig. Mon. back to the big band. We call the kids or they call us. Love it. Next checkup is April 27th. Just finished EKG and bloodwork Lipids. So far ok. Facebook is still surprising me. Enjoy the Spring. JIMBO

The Music Continues

Sat. March 6th, 2009. 7 am. Just finished watching You Tube type video interviews with Denny Zeitlin. I haven't heard his music or name in years but came across another Zeitlin while reading about musical prodigies and decided, with Googles amazing help, to checkout where and what is Denny up to. He has used modern communication tools, especially the videocam (which John is now doing with Flip, almost daily) to tell his own story. And what a story. A jazz musician, composer, psychiatrist (MD) , a wine buff, a fly fisherman, a family man, a real raconteur. I'm fascinated by his video interviews, and love which bassists he's played with over the years: Buster Williams, Charlie Haden, Dave Friesen. I think I remember years ago on the early album with Jeremy Steig the bassist was.....................I know who I mean but it will take a minute to pop out. Hah!!
So last night I played bass at a Shabbot service in Cong. Beth El in SO. Very nice band with Rich Eisenstein and Perry Fine. Barry on guitar. We hadn't seen each other in about 45 years, so that was fun. At the same time my big band was playing at The Priory in Newark with Dwight for his birthday. Steve helped me set that band up at 4 pm so the guys could just walk in and play. I hope it went well. I wish I could have done both gigs because the Wed. rehearsal with the big band was a gas.
Today Brass 5 rehearsal, then to Wellmont to see/hear Lucinda Williams with RJ and Martha. Tomorrow a new "OOm Pah" adventure and a 40th Bday party/jam for John. Fun!!
Spoke to 2 friends with new diagnosis's (diagnosies???sp??) this week, offering encouragement and faith in the new medical advances which have helped save my life. Also a firm belief in keeping as positive as possible...upbeat. John G. and I went for lunch at the diner yesterday. He had a brief bout back to the hospital but is doing good now. Carol is home from Bethesda where she was glowing with Grandchild joy. Each moment with those kids is breathtaking. I was there 2 weeks ago, fantastic joy.
Our prayers and hopes continue for dear friends needing our support. It's a tough time on several fronts so we need to love and support each other during the adjustments. For Americans, indeed the entire world, it's a different future now. There will be adjustments to make, a new economy and new realities. New opportunities??? Maybe for some. I hope so.
Last week I jumped the gun and got into the hospital for a blood test because I was feeling sluggish and got a little scared. I'm fine, numbers are good. Just gotta slow down a bit. So Monday was a snow day and I stayed in my PJs all day and read a book. Made a difference to take a day off. Had some bursitis as well. John has helped me to understand and deal with the problem. Feel much better today after a week of serious pain and worry. Soooo...keep well. Love and Thanks. Hug your partner and take time together. JIMBO

Facebook

Wed. 2/11/09 7am about!
I just finished another letter to a former student from Caldwell. It seems that since I enrolled in Facebook I've been fortunate to hear from so many former students and parents. Very cool. Also alot of musicians are sharing stuff. As for You Tube forget about it. Once I go there I can hardly stop for food or sleep or anything. I'm becoming a You Tube junkie. Now Fran and Geoff sent us a Flip so I have to start entering some video on our Facebook or e mail sights. I'm a little slow on the technology end (as Al and Paula will attest) so don't hold your breath, but eventually I'll get out some videos to you all. The usual Feb. thaw is here to tease us all. The snow and ice are gone, but the cold will be back. I remember years ago spending a Feb. thaw in the Woodstock house with Bucky and Sean. We kept warm with the woodburning stove and wore sweaters even though the ground was snow covered. We used melted snow to flush. Hah!! I'm not ready for that now, but I can't wait to see Spring and get back to the Woodstock cabin. Usually around Easter or Passover. Just played our CHS music fundraiser with a fine Brass 5. A joy. Students are wailing; Region groups, NJPAC etc. I'm supposed to be in Bethesda this week but the kids have a bug, or colds, so I'll wait until next week. Meantime we have plenty to practice and prepare for here. Beethoven's 3rd, Tbone stuff, Brass 5 stuff etc. We've had some exciting and encouraging performances recently so we're moving forward. Carol and I have been trying to get to some movies, plays etc. between occasional gigs etc. Last night DEFIANCE. Heavy stuff, but an amazing movie. Hope to read more about that soon. Reading now a book about Music prodigies. Inspiring. 1st read about my teacher Gary Karr, then Mozart. Next Glenn Gould. All fascinating stuff. Can't wait to read more about Jacqueline, then Daniel. We saw the 2 of them with Pinchas in the late 60s at Carnegie Hall. She was so amazing. Her playing of course, but her mere presence in the room. I've felt that a number of times. The presence of some artists can change the vibe in a space. For me Connie Kay did that one afternoon at Fred's house. Connie sat behind the drums and everything changed...the music...the lighting...the conversations ended....the mood....the vibe. Unbelievable presence. That's why it is so amazing to be in the presence of these artists. Inspiring stuff. Energizing. Thought provoking. We're on our way next week to see Christine in Blythe Spirit. Billy tells us to be sure to get backstage. We will. Soon more Philharmonic . Last week being in a club downtown Newark at midnight was a gas. To hear Dan and Steve and Yakiko.I used to stop by the Front Room on the way home from the music studio after teaching. Miss those club years. The Vanguard was a regular. We're hoping to put a new band together soon playing some Country blues etc. Fun music. Meantime we're digging whatever is out there. Benny Golson's new album brings me back to the 1st time I heard him and Art back in the late 50s. Incredible tone, energy, soul. The NewTet. Like seeing/hearing Blakey, Horace, Bill Evans, Miles, Ron, Roy Haines etc. Artistry on such a deep level. Gary, Jennie, Leonard, Igor, Rene Fleming, Fischer Dischau, YoYo. Keith tells me Dudamel is the real deal. I should have gone to see/hear him last month in NYC. I gotta go soon. Digging his stuff on You Tube.
So, thanks for keeping up with me. I feel healthy. People tell me I look healthy, if a bit overweight. Back to MSK for a checkup in a few weeks. So far so good. We're dealin'. Thanks for your support, prayers, communications, love etc. Back atcha!! JIMBO
Things happen in 3s. I lost 3 friends this month. Drag. That's enough now, no more. Keep healthy. JIMBO

Carol and Rebekah's Birthdays

Tuesday, January 27, 7:30 am. A cold January is warmed by the thoughts of Carol's (Jan. 24th) and Rebekah's (Jan 29th) birthdays. We had a little party for Carol Saturday afternoon. Fun. The Ice Cream Cake I bought was a big hit. I'm digging some rehearsals for performances on cello, tuba, bass. Also SwingTown plays Sat. night this week for Rotary. More fun. Steve is helping us around the house with some repairs. Lee M was here Thursday to play some country blues. Hope to put a little band together there soon.
Last weeks checkup at MSK went well. I'm still healthy. Jon Flowers met us at the hospital so we could catchup. He's very busy touring with Josh Radin. Our occasional messages from Ben and Maayan are filling up our message machine. Pretty soon there will be no room for anyone else's messages. We love to listen to their voices. And our live conversations continue to knock us out. Ben loves math problems, he loves a brain challenge. He's got a good brain. And Maayan is the sweetest. A real artist with the sharpest memory in the family. Shoshana makes herself heard over the phone, but it's too soon for words from her. CB goes to see them in a week or so, and I'll follow the next week. Can't wait. Lots of opportunities coming up...performances at Prospect Pres., Beth El, JCC, Womans Club, Ron and Vicki's home, and a few niteclubs. If I can I want to get to Fla. for another week to visit friends and relatives in Feb or March. Meantime the Woodstock house awaits a visit. Maybe in February as we did the last 2 years on the way back from Rhinebeck or Lenox. Ahhhh...winter ....snow and ice.
Mom is fine. Busy as ever. Last night she even put out my cup of coffee. That's unusual, but very welcome. I think she was telling me "..if you stay home more at night I'll treat you better!!..." Hah!!
Well, Thursday is Boo's birthday so y'all go call her. I left her a message on Geni.
So, next time I'll leave a pix or 2. Peace in this lighter brighter world. Things do feel better. I have Obama's picture in my window. That's a 1st since JFK.
Thanks for the thoughts, prayers, messages, hugs etc. I'm a lucky dude! JIMBO

Happy New Year/Captiva

Tues. Jan 6, 2009. Captiva, FL. 4:30 am. As the Gulf waves ripple across the beach, and I sit here in our cabin/cottage having a nice cup of coffee I have to count my/our blessings. We're here to "dryout" after colds. I was in bed from Christmas through New Years and more and am still "fluid". Carol caught it this week from me. Now Mom has bronchitis which she got probably from us. She seemed fine Fri. when Randi and Glenn and Dylan came by, and also with Debra and Elfin on Saturday, but by Sunday night and early Mon. we could hear her lungs were laboring. So Matt came up early Mon and got her to the docs and she seems better already. Mom is the energizer rabbit. This is our 3rd trip weeks after New Years to "Tween Waters Inn". Its like summer camp and a Honeymoon all at once. John took us to the airport by 6:30 am. EZ flight to Fort Myers, then Hertz put us in the drivers seat for an EZ 1 hour drive. After a quick lunch at the Hungry Heron on Sanibel we were in our "Lindbergh Cottage" by 3:00 pm. In my Birkenstocks and bathing suit walking our summer camp here to the hot tubs by 3:30. 82 degrees mind you. Carol and I both fell asleep reading at the poolside. The water was warm for a brief swim. Delightful. I didn't drink and eat there yesterday, but I will today. Chili Nachos and Margueritaville!!! Can't wait. Sooo...we're so boring. We'll probably do the same thing we always do...rent some bikes...hike the wildlife refuge bird watching...maybe kayak again...eat and rest. We sat on the beach at sunset (5:46 pm) and it was glorious. Maybe I can get brother Kim and Jane to come down Friday and play a round of golf. We'll see. He's working pretty hard these days in the banking business up in Tampa. Last night for dinner we went to the bar here called "Crow's Nest". While we ate the entertainer who runs "Crab Races on Captiva" was barking away making fun of people and raising money for United Way. He's very funny and quik. He does this every night, 2 shows, somewhere on Captiva. He teased me on the way in because of my beret. He said I looked like one the members of the band (the Modulaters from Cinncinnati). "They all wear funny hats". He asked "are you from Paris??" and I responded "wee wee!!". That helped him get another laugh. There were kids there for this early 6 pm show, but his 9 pm show is quite raunchy and they don't allow kids in the place. Funny routine. Tonight through Sat the band will play and we'll dance etc. Last year I sat in on bass. Mustang Sally etc. Soooo....we have a checkup at MSKCC on Jan. 15th. All still looks good so far. Then we have performances Jan. 17th and more in Feb and March. My students are preparing for auditions this time of year. Fun, but scary for the kids. Good focus for all of us. I heard an amazing concert Sunday afternoonin Maplewood at the Chicken Fat Ball. Great Jazz. Frank Vignulo and amazing beautiful bassist Nikki Parrot. Then I had a rehearsal and performance with Courtney and the Ripley brothers at Prospect Presbyterian Church with Jason Asbury and Rev. Rick Boyer Sunday eve. Good jazz interpretations of hymns and Carols. Fun.
So, we had a great time with Benjamin and Maayan over the holidays even though I had to stay away due to my cold. Those kids are amazing. Shoshana stayed home with Mom who worked. Carol took the kids to see Alvin Ailey Dance at City Center. We played with the trains, read books, and when Greg came up to pick them up they all went to see a movie. Great fun. Someday I want to bring them to summer camp here in Florida in January!! OK. Gotta go. Have a beautiful winter. Keep warm. Enjoy the snow and brisk air. Again, THANKS for the prayers, blessings, opportunities for love and friendship and the music making. Let's work at bringing some peace to this troubled world. JIMBO