On the Road and End of the Road for 2008

Christmas cousins

Christmas couch squeezes:

Here it is 48 hours before the end of 2008 and the New Year. Looking back gives us some perspective on how much can happen in a year and wonder what lies ahead for the new one.

A week ago Peter and I had lunch on a frigid, sno covered but sunny day with our golfing league buddies Jerry and Rene. A civil lunch down at the Union with a lot of our usual ribbing of one another. Lo and Behold Jerry is on the front page of the Gazette on Christmas Day with his family. Jerry is dealing with ALS and showing the courage I would expect of him. The outpuoring of support for him and his family from his family, friends and now the community has been wonderful. My prayers will be with him in the coming year.

Our Christmas celebrations from the 24th to the 26th involved 60+ people mostly family and a few friends. It began at our house in Richland with Mary's family; Karen and Charlie from the UP being present, Aunt Frannie being the oldest at an almost 88 and Ashley being home having traveled the farthest from Boston. Most of Mary's family were there cept the Marshall's from St. Ignace. Christmas day after our SMAC family Christmas we headed out to Sterling Heights and my Dad and Bev's house, where 20 or so packed the house for some great food, that mostly Bev had prepared. Sister Sheryl and Uncle Jim had traveled from near Kalkaska but cousin Erin had traveled the farthest, coming froom San Francisco to be there. The day after Christmas we had a smaller gathering at my Mom and Linc's place in Fraser. The passing down of the baloney spread grinder was discussed on this day as Grandma was in the mood for making tradition count. More food was munched on of course at this early celebration. The big surprise was that Cousin Erin had rescheduled her flight back so that she could share more time with family members. We were all disappointed that sister Suzanne and Lilly did not make it from the great white north this year but being the understanding bunch we are.......

I should mention that the weather was sunny on Christmas Day and allowed for good traveling, althought it got cold again after a melting and that made it very icy all around. Our final yuletide gathering was at brother Den and Jo's place that evening in Mt. Clemens where a crowd of around 20 again consumed more food and drink. A lot of good conversations were had as the Symons showed their true colors with our extended blended families all enjoying the "festivus" time together. Friend Corby and his daughter Tyler even made it over after a shopping spree earlier in the afternoon at metro Detroit Malls, where even Mary had ventured out with the girls on Friday after Christmas facing the motown mall crowds. I had stayed back and played Ruckus, the card game, with fellow seniors Dorothy and my mom. They both beat my butt.

So after all this celebrating Saturday morning came and it was time for daughter Ashley and cousin Erin to headback to their respective East and West Coast abodes and the SMAC FAM to head back to the Kazoo area. We said our goodbyes to Ashley at Detroit Metro after a too short, whirlwind visit where she got to see many friends and family in the few days she was in Michigan. Check her blog out for her report on her trip at http://www.akays.blogspot.com/ I hope your're reading cousin Erin!

After I got a wee bit emotional at the Airport saying goodbye to Ashley she was off for another day of flight catching. As Mary, Ashley and Callie and I were headed through the parking at Metro who would we run into to say one last goodbye to, yes Cousin Erin and Brother Den.

Her flight was scheduled to leave near same time as Ashley's. I believe everyone made it home safe and sound and in decent time and surely exhausted, I know I was from the Christmas trip that we have made so many times over the years.

>WHY do we do it? The quick connections of love, as I tried to keep saying, keeping the Christian mantra of Hokey brother Bill and Capt. Robin in mind, Keep on Loving One Another, as long as we can, while we can. 2008 has been tough on many, especially in Michigan and the Detroit area. I heard it in just about every other conversation that I had back here and there. These connections need to feed our desire to make better of what we have. Let us Make 2009 an improvement over this past year any way we can, what other choice do we have?

*traveling retraction from previous blog: It was Bishop Int. Airport in Flint, where we pickedup Ashley, not Bristol as I earlier reported, it was on Bristol Rd. Sorry for any confusion this may have cusaed.

It's beginning to look a lot like winter weather....

First day of the winter soltice started out with a mixture of wind, snow, and ice. This also happened to be the day daughter Ashley was flying in from Boston via NewYork and supposedly Detroit, where we would pick her up. The well laid travel plans often go astray they say. Mary and I left an almost blizzard in Kalamazoo to better conditions on the way to Detroit. We knew Ashley's Boston flight was delayed and she was trying to make the connection at Lagurdia which was also delayed. As we got outside the Metro Airport Ashley said she had missed NY flight and was trying to get a standby to somewhere near. We diverted our turn into Metro and called our friend Corby who lives in Grosse Pointe not too far away so we could kill some time. Ashley called back and said she could get a flight in an hour to Flint,MI, would we pick her up there?

Duh, being the parents we are of course and after our brief visit with Corbin we were off to Bristol INternational in Flint, who would of thought or had ever been there, not us. Did I mention the windchill was 25 Below Zero and wind at 35-50 MPH? So we headed through blowing snow north where Ashley actually landed prior to us arriving and it was fairly accessible terminal. There she was a lone figure standing out front waiting, again we all thankful that cell phones made this all a bit easier to happen. So our last leg was straight into the dark night and wind west on I-69. I ended up driving it all on some spiritual fatherly copilot with the angels keeping me on the highway. We made it to Richland at about 12:15, safe, weary and happy our eldest was home with us. It could of been a lot worse as there have been so many cancellations, etc. Daughter Callie has been having her driving skills tested with having to go across town to work this week. Not something she is used to doing, but she has performed well.

We are all a bit jittery after Mary's snow accident a few weeks ago and a totaled car. Sure glasd we had the new one on Sunday night.

>Monday night was another holiday jam session but at the Clone studios this time. Melvis and I added some last tracks to the Happy Christmas tune we were working on and Jazz, Johnny L., Jimmy Pete, M.Diotte, had a festive night playing an assortment of music, "rocking the night away" or at least attempting to do that.

Now, Christmas Eve, and the weather is still the story surrounding the family gatherings, church services and travel. Currently, raining outside and to get colder later. Prayers for all those traveling, angels on the highways will be busy this year. So let us enjoy what we have, be mindful of those that have less and let those closest to us know what they mean to us in some way. Talk to you in 2009. Peace+

DecemBurr Burr Burr.......

Chicago , November 2008.

Me and my lovely ladies

With apologies to those blog followers for the lapse in entries since the 5T but here is the latest holiday happenings:

Mary and I signed off on a new vehicle to replace the totaled Fusion of 08, fittingly we ring in the new year with a mostly American made Ford Fusion 09. Came away without owing anything for the crashed version and will just pick up payments on the new one. So we will not have to rent a ride to go do the Detroit Christmas shuffle. Let's hope Detroit gets what they are asking for this Christmas so things won't get worse in the days to come.

As many of you know Michigan has been hit again with another snowy blast right before the solstice. Many happy educators and students getting an extra day for the holiday break. I know Mary was celebrating this morning and will be all day. Joining me in my "every day is a snow day" mode.

Callie did have to work today. We assume she is there although we haven't heard from her since before the snow started as she was sleeping at her friends overnight. Last night there was a holiday jam at the Hokey Hideout with many old friends showing up to rock in the holiday.

The Hokey wall of sound was in full swing among the revelry. Thanks to Marty for having us over for a good time with a feel for the days gone by.

Ashley is scheduled to fly into Detroit on Sunday, we hope flights are on time and safe as more snow is predicted.

As folks do their planning and traveling I wish the best for all. 2008 has been rough for many and my thoughts are with them and for all of us to keep in our hearts that which is the most important, to "keep on loving one another" and look out for our brothers and sisters from the other mother everywhere. Savor your time with your family and friends as I will try and remember to do.

Keep on Keeping on, talk to ya soon. Off to snowblow..........

SMAC DADDY

TTTTT, American Stars and Bars, Part Two

fashionistas and roomies and > ***** star light

TTTTT 08 champ Toddly and myself

me and the deale smokin!

Day one ended with all of us going to the Resort Restaurante and having dinner. Most notable that evening other than the golfers all telling their day one stories of their round was that Karaoke was being setup as we ate and first song they played was a Johnny Cash song. Many of us immediately thought of two previous 5T players who have since moved on to the big fairway in the sky, CApt. Rob and Mickey Billy looking down on us goofers. Our waitress for the evening was Pam who had a great Tennessee accent, was very accommodating and helped set the stage for our weekend.

Saturday, most everyone was up and ready to hit the links early. We were on the tee ready by 9. I need to mention the other players in the tourney who made the trip down. Dan C., from Motown, Todd (alias Brett Smith), Bear, Nick- son of Bear, Cookie Sr., Jr., Jimmy C., Melvis, Jazzy Jeff, Too Tall, P. Schram and my ole Garage Band member buddy Neale the Deale, who came over from his base in Fort Campbell, Ky.

I had my first day 4some chosen for me being a newbie (first year). The other newbie and myself, Nick, son of Bear, had to play with the two old timers and originators of the 5T, Too Tall and P.Schram. It was a bit cold but cart covers were in place and we were off. My score for this day would be an 84 I believe, Nick and I survived all the "learned advice" from our two mentors

At this point the Saturday and Sunday events become a little fuzzy as far as the leaderboard goes. Saturday's highlight or lowlight was Toddly's errant shot on the 13th hole which shattered a homeowners car, who happened to be there and Todd had to deal with all the possible repercussions. It was not a pleasant round for Todd with that hanging over his head.

Instead of the spaghetti meal being cooked at the condo, a few of us opted to go back to Angelo's Restaurante for dinner. Part of our mission was to assist Todd with getting past the damage done to the car. I believe we succeeded as the libations took over and an enjoyable laugh filled dinner was had by the Deale, Jimmy C., Todd, Melvis and myself. I know we ended up having to put a moratorium on high fives, we were that enthusiastic. Somewhere in this afternoon/evening I think Melvis, Jimmy and I did a little jamming back at our room. Significant because we worked on a song new acoustically for the first time and it was good to hear it that way.

Sunday was a bit colder and wet for part of the day. I played with Bear and Neale and did not have much movement that day. My two birdies were cut for skins by Todd who had the low round of the tourney with a 73. Todd's comeback after the window crash was the story of the day and he leaped to the head of the leaderboard with Jazzy Jeff who kept playing consistent.

Monday's final 4some would be rounded out by Too Tall and Melvis, who also continued to play well. Todd was excited to say the least after this round and ready to celebrate. Since no dinner was planned when the moment was right Todd took off across the street to Angelo's to get pizza. I went after him to assist. While we waited for the pizzas Todd and I ordered a drink. This quite a slow night down in Baneberry, Sunday night after T-day and the employees were putting up Christmas decorations. They were having some trouble getting a Gold Star up on top of the tree as none of them were very tall. Well Todd was more than happy to help out and got that Star to stay up on the tree balanced against the ceiling. Of course there was some trouble with our pizza order and Todd and I had to take them back in shifts of 2 to the hungry condo dwellers.

Needless to say they went fast when we went back as the card players were ready for some nourishment by 8=9 o'clock. Later this night Melvis, Nick, JImmy C., Jazzy Jeff, and I entertained the crowd with some songs and jamming. I should mention that everyday after the regular 18, an optional 9 hole scramble is held in a more friendly game shall we say. The weather was challenging in this extra round each day but it was a lot of fun.

The last day of golf was upon us and the forecast was windy, snow and cold.

Monday was cold and snow was blowing. The first few holes were rough but everyone had their heaters for some extra warmth. The layers of clothing were 3-4 thick, made it tough to swing

After 9 holes and not improving my overall tourney score I opted to watch the championship match. The leaders played solidly and it went down to the 18th but Todd emerged triumphant over the others and won by a stroke. The weather had cooperated enough to make the round playable.

After much discussion back at the condo about changes for next year, handicaps, etc. turkey sandwiches, soup and bbQ was available. The condo guys always had good food and beverage around for the pickings. The trophy would be presented later before we headed to dinner.

I went back to my room for some rest and quiet. While there I heard my phone going on vibration and checked it out it was my wife Mary with a text saying "CALL ME NOW". You never like to see that, so I called and she had just been in an accident back home. Fortunately, she was not seriously hurt but shaken, air bags had went off and our 08 Fusion had been damaged pretty badly. Discussions about towing, insurance etc. ensued. Daughter Callie came to pick her up and was more upset than mom. So as the trophy and prize monies were handed out, photos taken, we decided Mexican would be for dinner in nearby Newport, Tenn. My mind was back in MIchigan planning figuring out my next steps with the car would be when I returned.

HIghlight for me at the Mexican restaurant was many of us were wearing our 5T hats, (provided by Melvis Maple Hill productions) with the big red 5 pointed star-representing our gang of golfers-celebrating a successful tourney and the 2008 champion, Todd, the man who had planted the Gold Star on Angelo's Christmas tree the night before.

Tuesday was traveling day and it was cold and snowy as we said our goodbyes, packed up, paid up and headed through the mountains looking for some breakfast, which we found at a Shoney's down the road with some sunshine. The road home was long and relatively smooth. Jazzy Jeff joined Melvis, Jimmy C. and myself for the ride back. The home made CD's, Judy's cookies, and Sirius XM made the trip palatable. I again drove the last leg but in the dark this time.

I am glad I made my first 5T and thank the organizers and all who made it memorable. Word had it I have passed the test to be asked back but I will wait for the formal invitation. I ended up somewhere in the middle of the scoreboard. No Look Party Boy was beat out by No Luck Good- Luck Party Boy. As Too Tall had said my lack of local course knowledge got in the way of going low my first year. Please Excuse any facts I didn't check or omissions in this blog. My memory was somewhat clouded by the mountain air. Our car is still being examined at this time, a week later to see if it is totaled or not yet. Again, stay tuned for future developments. We may need to rent a car for Christmas.

Till next time ya'll!

T for Tennessee and other Tings; Part One

I don't remember the last time I had to get up by 4AM for a 3:00 PM Tee Time but this one was in Tennessee. The men of the TTTTT (Tennessee Turkey Time Trophy Tournament) or something like that don't cotton to ya being late for tee times. I was to find that there were many rules and customs I would have to learn as a "newbie" to this invitational event held the last ten years the 4 days following Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving was lowkey and pleasant as we hosted it at our house this year for Mary's family that live nearby. We all got stuffed and I finished packing and prepared for the early arrival of Jimmy C. the next morning in his roomy van. He was on time and we were loaded and headed to pick up Melvis by 4:30. Melvis was ready and waiting so his duds and clubs were thrown in and off we were before 5AM, ahead of the pack of 3 other vehicles as we heard through the glories of nextel.

From here I am just going to highlight some of the more interesting things that occurred on Black Friday and the following days. To explain it all in the detail it really needs would be really long for this blog. If you are still interested in filling in the the details we can talk.

So things I learned this day:

• couple of us had packed turkey sandwiches and other earthly and heavenly delights for the trip


• Jimmy and Melvis both, as I, don't mind stopping for "rest" breaks as needed


• Melvis is much more goal oriented than I thought


• Always make sure the back hatch is down on the van or you will be running around picking up eggs, heaters, propane tanks, and other items in the middle of traffic near Dayton, Ohio


• Pay close attention to the flow and signs of the road or you may end up getting a close up tour of the Bengals Riverfront Stadium that you didn't intend to have


• The GPS gal does not always have the best route, especially on an unannounced detour (swearing at her does little to fix the situation)


• You always want more brownies than you should have


• Your friends are always willing to give you career advice the more beer they have had

>So at this point we were well behind the pack in getting to Baneberry Resort near White Pine, Tennessee. Our road blocks along the way had put us an hour behind the others.

Jimmy and Melvis had their turns at I-75 and the last leg would be mine to drive. I had saved myself for this moment having being co-pilot up to this point. We did the last leg without interruption and got to Baneberry with daylight to spare. It was a balmy 55 degrees and the sun was shining. Of course the golf clubs were on the bottom and we waded through the other stuff to find them and were ready to hit the links by 3:15. Last minute addition Jazzy Jeffrey Lamborghini met us with our room keys and golf carts and we were off. ( we had brought his clubs with us from richland).

The others were only a few holes ahead of us as we realized were not so far behind. We did finish the first 9 holes of the tourney just as darkness made it impossible to see the balls. Time now to begin the fraternizing with 12 other dudes, learn what lay ahead for what would be our little smoky mountain world for the next 4 days. Stay tuned.........

Comings and Goings

I come to this space this morning with something of heavy heart. I received notice that our friend, Martha, who I have mentioned in the blog recently lost her struggle with cancer on Sunday. I met Martha at a class at Western back in 72 and later caught up with her again when Mary happened to be working with her in Kalamazoo schools. After that we worked together and hung out, as she would often come and watch the Garage Band or Hokey Band when we would play. As so many of my friends are, she was unique and had a big heart that wouldn't give up easy. Peace to you friend.

Occurrences such as this make you thankful and treasure all the more the time we spend with friends and family or doing something useful or creative. This past Friday night we had a little friendly reunion among Jimmy Jazz, Mikey "the biskit" Seaton and Corrie Robbins. All longtime friends celebrating fall birthdays and each other I suppose. We met up at the new Wine Loft where a big weekend crowd developed quickly in the early evening. We left there and walked over to the "reborn" Charlie Fosters for dinner. Tales remembered and updates on families were exchanged. One would not think the times were so hard with the number of people out and about spending $. This is how we pursue one form of happiness I guess, if we are able.

Sunday morning I participated with Susan doing a performance for the Festival of Trees at the Kalamazoo Radission. I reprised my Santa Conga Maria role assisting Susan in doing Holiday songs for a decent morning crowd. 11 am on Sunday we be jammin! and playing to the little kids is a favorite thing of mine and and done it many times with Susan over the years. I am not the most likely Santa but only a few of you know I first played him as a stand in for my second grade play when the original Santa got sick. I think this years costume was the best ever though as Susan had a new one for me to wear. So there are quite a few pictures out there that parents were taking of us and their kids dancing, singing and shaking music makers up on stage. I should mention that Mikey D. and Sus' sis Anita were there doing their thing as Rudolph and the Gingerbread man, uh lady?

Then Monday morning Mary, Callie and I crawled out of bed and drove to Chicago to see daughter Ashley who had just finished up working a family farm conference for Equal Exchange.

We did a quick visit wrestling with some traffic and confusing directions but found where she was staying on the north side where we took the train back into downtown for some shopping and lunch. I did my best being patient while the ladies shopped and we had a nice lunch at a little Italian place near the John Hancock building that I had eaten at a couple of November's ago. MIchigan Ave. had just had the holiday lights up so the city was in full holiday swing. It was chilly and the train had taken a while to get there so we took a cab ride home which wasn't that much more costlly and much quicker and warmer. After checking out Molly's place, Ashley's friend from MSU, we had to say our goodbyes and try and beat the rush hour traffic which we did and had a dry 3 hour drive home.

Always good to to reconnect in person with a child and get some hugs and kisses although
Ashley is coming home for Christmas, yeah.

When we returned home and checked email is when we got the news about Martha. As Thanksgiving looms here quickly I ponder what we celebrate and are thankful for, what we cherish, that which nourishes our body and soul. Brought closer to home all the more by recent events. I am thankful for having all of you in my life+

No Sun No Leaves November

After an abundance of Autumn sunshine we have now had zero sun the last several days, which makes for gloomy outlooks, especially when sitting at home looking out at it or trying to get the last of the leaves to fall so I can remove them this year before the snow hits which is predicted for the weekend. I wish I loved golf as much as some like Too Tall, Melvis or Peter so I would be motivated to play in this weather but I am saving that for the post Thanksgiving golf trip to Tennessee.

Since I last blogged other than the leaf removal, part of which has been made easier with the acquisition of the "well aged and taken care of " Snapper Lawn Tractor from friend JImmy C, I have finished the Janis Ian book, which I enjoyed and related to as a musician, writer and fellow early fifties born boomer. I appreciated Janis' outlook of working through the hard times by keeping the faith. Related to books I failed to mention another book in my name droppers blog that I really enjoyed this summer which Marty let me borrow, "Grit NOise and REvolution: The History of Detroit Rock and Roll", having been there and around for most of that time I found it insightful and entertaining. The MC5 sections and FM radio pieces of the era were quite "right on!"

In recent days I made my first foray into selling something online by posting on "Craig's List". If you haven't used it, it is an amazing way to expose or be exposed to whatever you are looking for including jobs, cars, etc. We are trying to sell Callie's 93 Grand AM and one brief post got me 8-10 emails of interest. Beat phone calls but does take some management of the interested parties. Try selling a car with over 200,000 miles on it, not easy.

Daughter Ashley has used it for years and I believe it helped her find out about current job but I could be mistaken on that and she will let me know I am sure. Bottom Line 2 parties came and drove the car so far and one I have deal with and said he is coming to get it Friday. Ahh- the Internet, where would we be.....

In closing, I watched the Country Music Assoc. awards last night and it is sad to see that realm of country music become such a glam and glitz show and maybe in some ways it always has been just different times but other than a few of them country music is just a world of pop songs with a bit of a twang thrown in here and there-but it's what the people seem to want so the radio stations, record execs., etc give the people what they want, watered down tunes. Most of popular music radio is that way I suppose; "Stumbling Drunk or Just Another Hokey Song #34, would never have a chance.

In closing, my "outlook" is somewhat colored these days by our recent visits to friend Martha in hospice. She seems to be hanging on to life because she has always believed in living life to it's fullest even after the crap she was sometimes dealt. Her family is strong and I pray for them and Martha to see the light through these tough times.

Ya'll keep the faith too now, thanks for checking in on the recent life and times.

Will we get change back?

Fellow Americans:

It tis the day after election day and I ponder, amazed at how quickly after laborious campaigns that in one day across the country things happened that could potentially change some pivotal directions in the United States and the world. I want to believe it can happen for the good of us all that we can work together and I will leave it at that for now as I am trying to change my own views on our future as the human race.

The speeches from last night and this morning are heading in the right direction but the honeymoon phase will need to last a long time to make it work as a good marriage has to continue through the hardest times, for the greater good

The Obama's picked the right music to frame the celebration last night. I heard "Sweet Home Chicago", guessing by Buddy Guy after the victory announcement, I heard some perfect classical music for moment as the speech was over and families came on stage, not sure who it was, and then as they were headed off stage and the crowd was celebrating Springsteen's "The Rising" accelerated the crowd's feelings of the night. So the Blues, the Classical and the Boss is a good way to start this for me. Now the rest is up to the big US, can we write a new song for the new times to come.

I wanted to mention the quick Halloween trip (photos) to Fenville/Saugatuck with the G'Nas last weekend. Corby came over from Detroit to make the unseasonably temperate trip and we dressed up and ate and danced and goofed off as good trick or treaters do, our hangovers were not from candy though. We had mucho fun again in the little coastal town with all the crazy characters that abound there.

Tuesday Moanin

Fueled by some Equal Exchange Love Buzz coffee I am here with a Name Dropping edition of the Blog:

In the last couple of weeks since the The Hag concert I have been attempting to keep busy-the time on my hands and money concern has started to create a bit of angst at times-especially with feeling I am gettin to know Regis and Kelly and Hoda and Kathy Lee and the Today show bunch a little better than I care to, I realize I need to find something more constructive to do since the outdoor activities are waning.

>So after going to see 4 wheel drive with buddy Jimmy C. at the Stagecoach here in Richland and meeting some new wild characters (another story, another time) there that night I headed north last Tuesday for a autumnal 3 hr. tour with some fresh CD's from KK to hang out with my condo-conference colleague/buddies at Shanty Creek ( Ralph and J.C.'s treat). It also gave me the opportunity to visit my sister Sue and my niece, Lilly, in the backwoods of Mancelona on the Cedar River and play golf at The Chief, (see photos) where I again teamed up with my retired pal and xcellent cart driver, Lynn and Joelman and KRippit to win some more $ and prizes and have a frosty fall golf experience, 2 longest drive prizes in a month. After surviving living the Vendor life at the conference I drove home through the rain to a call from Ashley, rain leaking in a window, a message for an interview, and call from Jimmy C. to come up to the Pub as he was meeting Melvis there. Did I mention I was a bit worn from the condo hanging? Anyway, reunited with CAllie as she got home from work, waiting on Mary but she had went shopping after work so I headed to see the guys at the Pub, where Mary joined us a bit later. The night turned out really nicely as Melvis invited us to dinner at the Players Club in Augusta with his wife and grandson. All you can eat fish and friends on Friday-indeed.

Weekend was not over yet-Mary said we were meeting Cuz Sharon and buddy hubby Jeffro Saturday night down at the new blues club 411 to see Blues Time BAnd, guitarist, a friend of Jeff's. Blues were hot and place was given a thumbs up- food which we didn't partake in looked good but many good beers available even one from Shorts Brewery in Bellaire. Oh yes the Shanty Creek Brown from the Brewery in Cedarville was quite good at the Shanty Creek Lakeview BAr.

>Are you still with me? NOte in here that part of the celebration Saturday was SPARTY beating UM at their HOuse (GO GREEN) and Sunday rooting for the Li-Downs to get beat again, which of course they did in their own miserable way.

So that pretty much takes us to Tuesday moanin-a brief mention that I had my first 55 minute telephone interview yesterday for a little job I won't talk about yet- wait and see what hoppens.

Did not really like the impersonal telly talent question and response system but sign of the times.

On a last name dropping note some books I have read of late and would recommend: In order of most recent: The Great Gatsby-Fitzgerald, Grab on to me Tightly As If I Knew the Way- local author Bryan Charles, A Fish of Size-local author Keith Konvalinka, The Overcoat-Gogol, The Road-Cormac McCarthy (author of No Country for Old Men), Who's Your Caddy-Rick Reilly, Just started reading, Society's Child-Janis Ian, a book Big Shooter lent me.

I think that is enough Name Dropping for one morning except for a blessing for my old and dear friend Martha who is not doing well. My prayers to her and family.

Look for Election Posts coming here soon, no endorsements just reactions!

Please make comments so I know if anyone is reading!! Thanks Ya'll!

Fifty -Six X 4 Seasons

I could give fifty-six reasons to start why my life is blessed but if you spend anytime looking at this blog you could see that. Birthday came and went-started rainy and ended sunny with a full moon rise over the backyard. Got the New License to a Lunch with Shooter, Dinner with Mary and Callie at the new restaurant in Richland, phone calls with parents, phone call from Boston and Ashley-all ending with expressions of love, more wishes from brothers, sisters and nieces and nephews-even makin me look like a dancin fool as you can see on the blog, and last night in between raindrops Mary and I and NBF's again, Eric and Kristin (and their friend E) and Jimmy C. came by for pre-show Haggard festivities.
Merle was a feisty, smiling, mellow still playin as he put it with his, " beer bar band", after 40 years still playing leads. He reminded me of Dylan when he played the State-a troubadour, still, " writing the songs, and singing them", getting his licks in. Inspirations for the creative force-doing their thing their way and the crowd eating it up and Merle and the band reciprocating playing the classics, Mama Tried, Big City, Rainbow Stew, Silver Wings, Guess I'll Just sit here and drink," and on and on til he got tired and had to get back to the bus as we had to run and splash through the rain to the parking lots, content to have seen a legend before he takes his last bus ride.
This morning though as sunshine perseveres and breaks through I think of what to do. I have a chance to be creative as Melvis sent a copy of the song we are working on-sounds good and helps to motivate me to keep on doin it....some how some way.......

birthday wish from jfam

stayin alive baby!!

Monday Moanins....

With nods to Ray Davies and Melvis....After the Meltdown....doing the fall...

numbness to the eco-nomie news

start to write a new song with oceans sounds and inner wounds

friday sunshine a martini and finally the growler filled again jack 0' lantern spirits

young at heart gets me to cry for the old and not so lonely

baseball boston the adopted red sox rocks against the upstart southerners

saturday we wine loft with old friends and friends anew with early birthday wishes

ragbirds rock and we sway with the moon rising above the outdoor bells

lights on once lights off into dreamland

sunday more autumn sunshine and a backroads drive to the big lake changes on the way

extraordinary beach time sands stand still along the softest blue

drive back home and read The Great Gatsby till tired to sleep

Rainy Day Blog #1

a day after a fine golfing day at yarrow, a rainy day morning it is.
economic news fills the airways like the the rain sitting in the puddles in the driveway so....

it leads me to believe the that the terrorism in grrrreeeed that is within us is among the worst kind of terror that we possess, another way to dominate by fear that western civilization has cultivated along with our other cash crops. do we all buy and sell and who gets the credit?
who gets the blame? who gets the spoils?
It is a part of all of us, the need to be the boss with the power, have the bigger house, not knowing when to say when or push away from the table, or want to make all the money we can but for what?where is the love? the beatles sang it, " money can't buy you love"
but maybe the leader of a country?

ok, enough of that for now, it is supposed to be sunny tomorrow.

Monday Moanin'....

Bob Talbert, who wrote for the Detroit Free Press when I was growing up in Detroit, had a column on Monday Mornings which he titled MondayMoanin, and just wrote down musings from the weekend which usually were interesting and sometimes insightful, I can only strive for that here. Bob has since passed away.
Here are my moanins on this Monday;
-the election, last day to register today-good to hear that Bruce Springsteen is playing in Ypsi today to promote and get out the vote.
-the talk on newshows is "Saturday Night Live", good to see so many folks watching these parodies of the candidates debate.
-I have a hard time watching the debates as the moderators seem to find it hard to keep the debaters on point with questions so they let them pontificate instead.
-world markets plunge and you wonder who really does know what is going on with it all?
what is that line from my song, Temptation, " where did all the money go?....."
-Our weekend-Art Hop happening Friday in Kalamazoo-so many talented friends and folks on display-as we search for the free wine and cheese-ended up groovin to the bluesin of Crossroads Band on the Mall with the Fall chill coming down
-Saturday, makin sure my new grass is still a growin, Mary and I dressing up for a spendid heartfelt wedding with the reception at the Kal. C.C., on an awesome sunny fall day, overlooking the lake there, sharing cocktails and hordourves with the family and friends-Ashley calls from Boston and talked a bit more bout her trip-cocoa leaves and the altitude there and as we speak a hawk flies over the lake, adding a little extra kick to the accumulating euphoria of the afternoon. The dinner and dancing were a blast-the Dopp's do know how to throw a party, and as Marty and I come in from an trip outside the new moon is rising and inside the 96 year old patriarch of the family is surrounded by women trying to get a dance with him-ahh what we all can hope for.....as usual the "bag of tricks-is a percussive hit".
-and Sunday, papers to read, grass to cut, root against the Lions and I win again as they of course lose another, make dinner and count the blessings as Mary, Callie and I sit down to some BBQ.

to write: the when and how and why

I can see already that being motivated to write here will be difficult even with the new time on my hands. Who will take the time to read it and Why, always these question pop up.

I was "encouraged" by friends from my golf league, Mike and Ed, to start a blog in my retirement as to how it was going and the things I was doing. The first few months, which were summer, I was doing quite a bit; traveling with my wife to visit family and friends, playing golf, playing some music festivals with my friend Susan, jamming with Melvis, Johnny, and Jazz amongst others. Now the golf has slowed-partly due to now being fixed incomer and I have always been more of a summer golfer, although certain fall days are a joy to be out there. Knowing my golf preferences has not stopped my pal and league partner, Peter, from calling to urge me to golf as he has the golf jones bad.

Last week though, I chose to play up at Hawk Hollow in Bath, MI near E. Lansing, with a recently retired colleague who invited me to play for "comped" in my former state adule and comomunity ed associatin outing. I drove up there as the weather was perfect and the course is very nice, and with a free lunch how could it turn out poorly. Well, not only did we win the scamble thing, 3 skins, longest drive (guess who), closest to the pin, but my friend who asked me, Lynn Man, got a hole in one! so we won $70 some dollars, had a blast doing it. My having to drive home after a bit of celebrating was the only drawback but pulled it off. Lynn and I always have some thing interesting happening to us when we get involved wiht golf together; like the time I got my hole in one up at a contest on top of Crystal Mt. to beat Lynn, or the time on a gorgeous fall Drambouied day at the Threetops par 3 Lynn almost killed us getting air on our golf cart speeding down the ttreacherous hills there and getting busted by the ranger, those are other stories longer than to tell here.

Soooo... as the first real entry goes I can say my retirement is starting out swell- I am now making adjustments to the time home alone stuff-cleaning, doing home projects ( I am proud to say I got new grass to grow (lawn variety), applying for occassional suitable employment, reading, cooking for Mary and daughter Callie, and taking calls from my great friends that I have out there with possibilites for things to do (Davie G., Jimmy C. to name a few) or just yak, right Madigan?

Stay tuned, excuse my free form spelling and grammar at times, I hope it 's an interesting slice.

I can say I do not miss getting up and going to work, especially on Monday mornings.

what and the now

......and how the what and the now is this blog

for how long and about what is happening or happened

like tonight jamming on the lake street to the old and looking for new (er) sounds
like beach boys gone but not forgotten this is a song of retrospection

ashley this first blog is dedicated to you, peru and a boy named sue

let's see where this goes from heah.....