Happy Anniversary

Tues.,Dec. 28, 2010. We spent yesterday cleaning up from a brutal Nor'easter. About 16" of snow blown around into 4' drifts around the doors, porches, cars etc. Just as the storm began I went to Target and "Mo's with Maayan and we got good boots an gloves for the kids (and a couple of new sleds as well). Faith, the kids Au Pair is from South Africa and had not experienced snow like this before. Riv and Shosh and Faith trek back to Bethesda today and I'll take Ben and Maayan to the parks for some sledding and skiing. The wind was too much even for that yesterday, but they did get out and help shovel and play a bit in the drifts. I saw M making a fort. Tomorrow Lion King at night on Broadway, another tradition.
I grewup on a Dead End around the corner (Marion Terrace) and we could sled down the hill on the streets after a bad storm; build igloos and such, from which to chuck snowballs at each other. Great fun.
So on Christmas Eve I played bass with a Quartet at the Actor's Home (a nursing home for actors, musicians,stage hands etc.) in Englewood. The night before Brass Quintet Caroling for a Soup Kitchen in Plainfield. We love to see the eyes brighten and people come alive a bit when they hear familiar tunes. It's uplifting. Then after Shabbot dinner Friday I took Faith to an Episcopal Mass for Christmas Eve services. We selected a church with a Jazz Mass with T.S. Monk and his band with Willy Williams, my neighbor, sounding beautiful. The minister is very heavy and inspiring. Fine service, communion, etc. Then after gift giving Sat. am in Maplewood we went to Montclair to see all of Carol's family at Randi and Glenn's house. To eat, chat, give and receive gifts. An annual joy for all of us, but especially the children. On Sunday Carol and I celebrated our 46th Anniversary with our annual brunch with Budo, who made us candles and food. Another tradition. For the celebration we'll take the Cruise next week to the Caribbean. We need that break now. Thanks to all our relatives and friends who stay to take care of Millie. Well Happy New Year y'all. I've been celebrating performances from the past year on the DVD player. Fun. Stay healthy man.

Up Early

12.18.10 7am. Been up early, since 4:30...Coffee at 5..You tube of The Stones at 5:15 and since...Satisfaction...Meet Devil...You Can't Always Get...etc. Reading Keith's book on the new Kindle. Also Ben loaned me Ben Ratliff's book "Jazz Ears" to devour. Carol and I dig Crosswords. Getting gifts for friends, relatives, each other. "Tis the Season. The cards are going out. The gigs continue...some for pay, some for fun..some as a gift to people and the World...kids, neighbors, Vets, patients, the hungry, the masses. I love to be immersed in the music, whatever, the blues, country, chamber music, the orchestral stuff, the swing bands. It all involves the brain, the heart, the joy, the challenge, meeting all kinds of challenges from whoever/whatever you're playing, to where you're going etc. It's a great place to be. T and I talk about it all the time. We're getting ready to Cruise to the Caribbean with a Symphony Orchestra (listening/customer/traveler, not as a player this time). A getaway is necessary now. Usually it's Captiva, this year something different. Back to Captiva later. Waiting for a DVD of last weeks "Country For Kids" programs. I'll add it as soon as I get. Meantime here's a vid from last Summer. Have fun. Happy New Year. Stay healthy. Keep lovin'. Peace. Go For It. JIMBO