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