Thursday, May 28, 2009
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
Monday, May 25, 2009
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
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
Monday, May 11, 2009
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
Sunday, April 19, 2009
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
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
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
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
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
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
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
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
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