Thursday, March 26, 2009

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

Saturday, March 7, 2009

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