Cormey's Corner - A View from the Lake

The Maggie Project: The Inspiration Behind the Book, The Brothers Foot...

2011-05-05T16:50:00.000-06:00

The Maggie Project: The Inspiration Behind the Book, The Brothers Foot...: "Today, Steve Cormey shares the story behind his book The Brothers Foot . I am a songwriter, not necessarily an author. The two are one..."

The Brothers Foot and The Rabbit Proof Fence

2011-05-02T17:44:00.002-06:00

The sequel to 'The Brothers Foot' is in the works. The 'Bros' are on a new adventure and singing along as they make their way down new paths and new foes. This next book features a song about carrots, rutabagas, celery and lots of tasty veggies!

May 'World of Ink Tour'

2011-05-01T13:20:00.006-06:00

The Brothers Foot are on their way!
I had to write an essay (300 - 400) words for the "World of Ink Tour" promotion for the 'Foot Foot' book .http://storiesforchildrenpublishing.com
I haven't written an essay since college, and we all know how long ago that was! I got home from the Lariat 'lasagna cook off' and decided that I should finally write something to send off to them, seeing how as the 'due date' is today!
After a grilled cheese sandwich, some tomato soup and a glass of wine... I wrote something down and sent it off to them. Damn it Jim... I'm a songwriter, not an author!! I hope it works and I got my homework done in time.

Santa's Little Helpers (OK... Not so little but definatley grey!)

2010-12-16T22:18:00.004-07:00

Barky Lew and Bish at the 'Delicious Dishes' Christmas party. It was a great time and I think the girls raised over $5,000 for the Mountain Family Center. Thanks to everyone who helped out!!

Delicious Dishes 21st annual Christmas dinner

2010-12-14T14:53:00.005-07:00

Delicious Dishes 21st annual Christmas dinner is tonight at the Daven Haven at 5:00. It's a great benefit for the Mountain Family Center and always brings out the true spirit of Christmas. I'm happy to be a part of it again this year! Leeper took over for Gene this year and peeled potatoes with the girls. I made a rum cake for the bake sale and you can see how I made it by going to this link...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUuLlc72Ovw

November at 8369'

2010-11-27T11:08:00.003-07:00

This picture looks like a painting but it's from just the other evening. Kathy James Rinker took this beautiful shot of Mt. Craig (Baldy) in alpenglow. November surely brings out the beauty of Grand Lake!

Veterans Day

2010-11-11T09:57:00.001-07:00

From my friend, Mark Sosis

A Veteran is someone, who at one point in their life, wrote a blank check payable to the United States of America for an amount up to, and including, their life. That is beyond honor, too many people in this country have forgotten that fact. Copy and paste this as your status if you are a Veteran, know a Veteran, Love a Veteran, or Support the Troops!

No Doubt About It... I Gotta Get A New Hat

2010-10-31T20:21:00.006-06:00

I've been out in woods looking for the answers to life, the universe and everything. I couldn't find Arther Dent or Sladdy Bartfast but I did find this guy. He was looking for a flying squirrel who had been kidnapped by two Russian spies(yeah, right). Oh well, I'm back for awhile and will stay in touch.

2010-06-26T15:05:00.004-06:00

I think there's a rain cloud hanging over my head when it comes to playing music outside! This morning was beautiful but about a half an hour before I was due to set up at the Waconda, it hailed about three inches and the temperature dropped 30 degrees! Oh well... it could have been worse. (At least I wasn't about to play golf with Mac and Dixie Stew.) Now, as I'm writing this blog, it is thundering and lightning is striking (was that Lou Christie I heard?), the wind is picking up and it's starting to rain. At least I'll be playing inside at the Lariat tonight. I hope the roof doesn't leak!!!

Too Close To Home

2010-06-25T09:56:00.004-06:00

There was a fire across from Johnsons Landing aka JRs, Rays Chop House, Jack Depews, Moseles. Luckily the wind wasn't blowing too hard, for a change, but it was still a little scary having a big fire that close to 'The Hood'! This is the hot, dry time of year up here and with all the dead trees, it gets pretty worrisome. At least I now have the new fire hydrant that attacked my car door last Winter....

2010-06-22T14:25:00.004-06:00

Here's a crazy idea for a bumper sticker that wandered into my twisted little mind the other day. I remember years ago Terry Bramwell had a bumper sticker on his old Plymouth Duster that had a bull legged cowboy relieving himself and the words... "DIVERT THIS DENVER" on it. I think it was about the Frying Pan project to divert water to the the eastern slope like the Big Thompson Project and others. I guess when you're at the top of the food chain (water wise) everyone wants the pristine waters that come from the HEADWATERS of the Colorado River just up the road aways. And I suppose that when we and the moose and deer etc. let our waters flow... they all go downstream! So "FLUSH TWICE - DENVER NEEDS THE WATER!" Here's the website for the "SAVE THE FRASER AND COLORADO RIVER" ...http://www.cotrout.org/

Berts Guitar

2010-06-21T15:13:00.007-06:00

I was doing my usual Monday madness today and thought I would stop by the Waconda on my way back home from Grand Lake. To make a long story longer... I grabbed the guitar that hangs by the fireplace there, took it down and cleaned her up and thought that I would tune the old girl (no comments from the peanut gallery, please). Well, of course it was still in tune anyway!!! The guitar was Bert McLaren's old Fender acoustic that he could no longer play due to arthritis in his fingers so he gave it to Doris and Egon at 'The Wac' for anyone to play. Years ago, "Cowboy Cook "and I were sitting there and took down the guitar which we had both used before to write some songs of our own and decided we should write a song about Bert's guitar. So here it is....

BERT’S GUITAR

BERT’S GUITAR JUST SITS AND WAITS
DOWN THERE BY THE FIRELIGHT
NEXT TO HIS OLD BEAT UP HAT
HE USED TO WEAR ON SUNDAY NIGHTS

PRETTY SOON SOME LONESOME PICKER
WILL PULL HER DOWN AND STRUM A SONG
AND WARM THEIR ACHIN’ FINGERS
WHILE EVERYBODY SINGS ALONG

IT BROKE SOME HEARTS, BUT HEALED SOME WOUNDS
AND GOT US THROUGH COLD WINTERS
PICKIN’ SONGS TO WARM OUR ACHIN’ HEARTS
WITH THE MAGIC IN HER STRINGS

HERE WE SIT WITH BERT’S GUITAR
COUNTIN’ UP THE MEMORIES
'TIL LAST CALL COMES TO CHASE US OUT
THEN WE’LL GENTLY PUT HER BACK

THE OLD GRANDFATHER CLOCK STRIKES THREE
EVERYBODY’S GONE HOME
LEAVING JUST THE DYING EMBERS
AND THE MEMORIES OF THE DAY

THAT’S WHEN I IMAGINE
BERT STILL PLAYS HER ALL ALONE
SONGS LIKE “SUPER SKIER”
AND OF COURSE, “STRAWBERRY RHONE”

(CHORUS)

BERT’S GUITAR JUST SITS AND WAITS
DOWN THERE BY THE FIRE
WAITIN’ ON SOME LONESOME PICKER
BOUND TO BE INSPIRED

Fathers Day

2010-06-20T02:26:00.004-06:00

This an interesting story and probably very long but here we go... My dad's been gone for 25 years or so and last winter, his little sister, my Aunt Shirley passed. When her husband, my Uncle Bill, was cleaning up things to maybe sell the house he found an old shoe box with letters that my father had written to his parents when he was in the service back in WWII. Uncle Bill sent them to my mother and my sister made copies and sent them to me and my brother. It was very interesting and emotional reading these letters from my dad that he wrote when he was 22 years old. Well, of course, me being a so called song writer had to write a song about it. Ray helped me put a CD cover together and I have finished the song and will record it for real....soon (I promise). Here are the lyrics and if I knew how to put music this blog thing, I would. Anyway, here is the song for anyone who cares to read it and Happy Fathers Day!

Twisted Tee Pee

2010-06-17T17:47:00.004-06:00

The wind is stronger these days due to so many dead trees from the beetle kill and it has twisted the canvas on the tee pee around so the door is about 3ft to the right of the door opening on the poles. Anyway, I got it twisted back around today and then the wind came up and moved it back just a little.... dang! I wonder if the Indians would mind if I got my staple gun out and secured to the lodge poles? Auntie Em! Auntie Em!!

Grand Lake Jam

2010-06-15T12:01:00.002-06:00

Wild, Wild, Life

2010-06-14T11:35:00.003-06:00

Lots of wildlife on the trails these days. Shelly and her kids ran into three moose up by Cascade Falls the other day and had to sit there for a half hour or so until they could pass. The snow yesterday didn't last long but it was a reminder of how short summer can be here at 8369'! The Barky Lew Reunion in Grand Lake is set for July 25th. I'll have more info later but it's not too early to make reservations. I will post some motels and all that good stuff soon.

Back on Board

2010-06-13T15:35:00.004-06:00

OK, I get the message! You're correct... I got on that stupid Facebook thing and forgot myself for awhile. As you can see, it snowed here this morning at 8369' but it didn't stop me from going for my morning swim! Rumour has it, that MJ is in town so no wonder it snowed on June 13th. I will try and direct my attention to my blog and leave the Facebook thing alone. It sucks anyway!!!

Get Me 'Somewhere With A Beach'...PLEASE!!

2010-04-30T15:05:00.003-06:00

Winter stays long this high. It may be pretty but it's getting old!

2010-04-11T20:46:00.003-06:00

I'm sure Dal meant to give me the 'peace sign', but didn't want to drop his cigarette or his scoop shovel. He is still my ch amen and Grand Lakes greatest 'Hippie'! Live well and prosper, my friend....

2010-04-05T16:57:00.005-06:00

I hope everyone had as great an Easter as I did! I even got a chocolate bunny but I can't decide if I should eat the ears first or the cotton tail. Maybe if I eat the eyes, no one will see what I do next....

It's Just A Moose

2010-03-27T16:54:00.003-06:00

This young one was hanging around the side of the road yesterday and I saw it on my way to work. Anymore, I usually just look and drive on past but decided to stop and take a pic. I'm always reminded of a story my friend Steve Nagel told me once. He owns the 'Wheel Bar' in Estes Park and there are elk everywhere in the town and, of course in RMNP. Tourists always stop to take photos and it can create a traffic jam(elk or moose jam) and irritates the locals trying to get to work or whatever. Steve often used to roll down his window and yell... "it's just an elk!". Well he was in Hawaii on vacation and stopped to take pictures of the whales when a local drove by and yelled at him... "it's just a whale!". After that, he realized that what we take for granted is special to someone else. We should always stop and smell the roses, even if we get to all the time!

Czech This Out Boys!

2010-03-23T17:21:00.003-06:00

Our beloved Petra from the Czech Republic dancing up a storm on New Years Eve at Caroline's. If ever you get up to to 8369' and go to Caroline's Cuisine for a fantastic dinner, I hope you get the pleasure to have Petra as your waitress. She is an absolute hoot and has some great stories about how she got to the good old U.S of A.

One Laptop Per Child

2010-03-20T11:31:00.006-06:00

A couple of years ago I joined a group called one laptop per child. They donate lap top computers to children all over the world to help educate them and therefore give hope to their future. I believe that education is the key to understanding and perhaps the best way to find peace in this crazy world. 'Give a man a fish and he will not be hungry today, teach a man to fish and he will never be hungry' Here's their website if you want to check into this further.... http://laptop.org/en/laptop

Stay Tuned

2010-03-05T16:10:00.005-07:00

I was talking with a friend today and we were conversing about cell phones and how two old guys like us finally 'bit the bullet' and now have one. Then I said something about payphones and how there don't seem to be any around much anymore. He said "I wonder if kids today even know what a phone booth is and where does Superman change into his costume to become the 'Man of Steel'? Well I'm happy to say that Grand Lake still has a phone booth in the Lariat and I believe there might still be one at Humphrey's. I will grab my camera and try to take photos of them and see if they even still work. Stay tuned for the next exciting episode of..."Who's that guy taking his glasses and his clothes off next to his cell phone?"

One Pill Makes You Larger...

2010-03-03T22:34:00.003-07:00

So what character from Lewis Carrol's "Alice" books do you think you are and,better yet... which one looks like some one you know?

Gravity Built The Snowman

2010-02-28T08:54:00.003-07:00

Winter lasts a long time here at 8369'. Even my friend here has had enough by now. I guess I should have put him on skis so he could embrace the season. He better remember that summer will eventually come and he will succumb to the heat and fill the lakes with his brothers and sisters and water the lawns of the people down below. So, think of him when you're playing golf in July and remember that he gave his all to keep the fairways green!

My Philosophy On Life

2010-02-25T11:55:00.004-07:00

There's no need to go to Vancouver to hang out with Swiss girls, you can do that right here in good old Grand Lake! I realize that this looks like a thorn between two roses so just concentrate on the roses, OK? It's a good way of looking at life.

Miracle On Ice

2010-02-22T07:16:00.003-07:00

30 years ago today! Do you remember where you were? I know I was in Colorado Springs and probably watched it with Sean and Barky( do you remember, Sean?) but I'm lucky to remember what happened yesterday. Oh yeah, I saw the US hockey team beat the Canadians for the first time in 50 years! Not quite the same but none the less, a great game. GO USA!!!!

It Could Have Been Worse

2010-02-11T15:47:00.002-07:00

No more teasing...I could have fixed it myself!

Saga Of The Focus (Part 3)

2010-02-08T16:55:00.007-07:00

OK.... I know it's been awhile and I'm certain that all of you have been sitting on pins and needles waiting in desperate anticipation of the next chapter of this intriguing saga to be opened like a secret envelope from James Bond. Well, the silver door is on thanks to 'Randy's Auto Body' in Granby. Randy is Chuck Schmuck's (remember him?) nephew and did a great job! We both considered Chuck as our second father, so I think he took special care to make a stupid mistake (by me) become better. And now the time has come to customize the "SILVER DOOR"!!!! My friend, Christopher had a great idea to have the kids at Grand Lake Elementary School paint something on the door. If any of you have any ideas for them...I am open for suggestions from my beloved ' Peanut Gallery'! Thanks, your pal....Buffalo Bob Smithcorm ( hey Sean...maybe we could get Diegle out to customize the fire hydrant!...)

Saga Of The Focus & The Hydrant (Part 2)

2010-01-26T21:00:00.003-07:00

I found a door at a salvage yard in Denver and my friends Doug and Julie picked it up and brought it from 5280' to 8369' for me. It's silver but thanks to Randy's Auto Body in Granby, the silver door is on the red Focus and as Steinbeck would say...."Once again the world is spinning in greased grooves". Randy is Chuck Schmuck's nephew and I think he took special care to fit the silver door just right. Danny Schneller now says, when he sees me...."Hi Ho Silver Door...Away!!!"! I guess it's my turn in the 'barrel' until somebody else screws up! Larva says it is now Ohio State colors. Maybe I'll see if the salvage yard has a silver gas cap cover to match. Heck, who knows?, if the the little Focus hangs in another ten years, I might have a silver bullet!

Anybody Have A Door?

2010-01-12T18:24:00.006-07:00

I've picked on others for doing stupid things here on the hill in Winter, so I guess I have to pick on myself this time. As I tried to back into the driveway last night I slid off into the 'new' fire hydrant that was installed last summer. I tried to "rock" the Focus out and smashed the passenger door up pretty good. Result....fire hydrant-1, Focus-0!!!!

Sunset At 8369'

2010-01-05T11:30:00.003-07:00

It seems like everyday there is something here at 8369' to remind us why we live here. This was the sunset last night. Pretty dang cool!!!

Skinny Skiing At Adams Falls

2010-01-04T18:31:00.003-07:00

It was a little difficult getting over the wall with my skis on but that was nothing compared to the ride down to the East Inlet!!

Jane..."Get Me Off This Crazy Thing!!!"

2009-12-28T16:06:00.003-07:00

I guess it's time to get back on this thing. Sometimes I feel like George Jetson when he screams..."Jane, get me off this crazy thing"! Anyway, I've been busy making ginger bread cakes for Tiger Woods to help cheer him up and maybe get a free golf lesson...yes just golf, I'm not into the other stuff he's good at. I haven't read any comments yet but I'm sure there's some goodies. Maybe Mary Jo and Ronnie picked up the slack again. Thanks to Sean for getting me back on this crazy thing......Jane, Astro.....help me!! !! !!

Homesick Yet? ...you snowbirds

2009-12-01T21:42:00.003-07:00

Just another ugly day here at 8369'. This photo was taken by Peggy Lanahan and posted on facebook tonight. I saw it too and tried to get a picture...but this one is way better than mine!

2009-11-27T17:14:00.004-07:00

Here are some shots Dicky Stew took at the 'Never Trust A Party Over 30' Barky Lew birthday bash. And a quote from Stew...

To whom it may concern,

That was BIG FUN Wed. night. I continue to be amazed that a bunch of AARP aged people like us can still have that much fun after 30 years. Who knows how many years of this we have left, but I know I'm not done yet.

Sean, thanks for everything you do to make it happen and great job on the buttons.

Ray great job on the CD and thanks again.

Alan, Cormey, Joe, Lewis, Rob, Sean, Steve and the rest that kicked ass musically all night, you all ROCK. Thanks for all of the enjoyment you've given me and the rest of us all of these years. I'd appreciate it if someone would forward this to those whose e-mail addresses I don't have.

Thanksgiving - 2009

2009-11-23T08:19:00.003-07:00

This is what Adams Falls looks like right now. It's almost frozen over for the long winter ahead but is still a beautiful sight to behold. This Thanksgiving, I'm thankful for my friends and family and for the fortune to live here at 8369' surrounded by God's beauty and wonder! Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Five More Shopping Days!

2009-11-19T22:27:00.002-07:00

At McCabes again, be there or just stay home like the rest of people our age!

Veterans Day

2009-11-11T08:19:00.004-07:00

If you know a vet (and we all do), be sure and shake their hand, give 'em a hug, but 'em a drink or all three. In any case, be sure and thank them for their service and their sacrifice!

Halloween 2009

2009-11-04T14:27:00.004-07:00

Halloween at Mac & Rene's with Sylvester. Here's a picture of "Sly" with a a basket of hair balls for the kids. Mac said for some reason there were less 'trick or treaters' this year. I wonder why that was? I figured if one group of kids runs away screaming from a house, then the others would think it was cool and want to go see the giant cat. Maybe next year I should play the banjo!!

2009-10-30T15:38:00.003-06:00

No, those are not (tee pees)...those are stacks of pine beetle kill trees on the hill across from what was once 'Crescent Camp', Cassandra's Cabins' and now 'Timberline Cabins'...whatever! Change is inevitable, but this sucks! And on this cold and snowy day here at 8369', I feel like a dead tree! If only the pine beetle who has taken up residence in my ever-growing trunk (OK, I think I might have opened up the "Comment Center" with that one) would just talk back and make a little conversation....this day would not seem so grey.

Once a Toe-Head...Always A Toe-Head

2009-10-29T21:26:00.004-06:00

OK, the overalls don't fit anymore, I lost my little red wagon, the trees are about a thousand feet tall by now and I hope someone closed the garage door, so the raccoons don't invade my memories. But I still pose with my left arm on my hip and I think I must have given those sandals to Dal. The photo's a little bit faded, but I'm sure I was wearing a 'Aloha' shirt!!

2009-10-28T11:21:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was still and clear here at 8369'. Today it's still snowing and clear up to my (well...you know). My snow blower is backed into the garage and ready to go and my snow shovel is next to the front door but unlike the snow blower, I'm not quite ready for all this 'white stuff' yet! But, I guess it's time to brave the elements, brush off the car and test out my new snow tires. Or I could stoke the fire ( or in my case, turn up the thermostat...it's a gas fireplace), write a song about a beach(oh, I've already done that). I guess I'll just go to town and have a margarita!

Wanna A Cold One?

2009-10-27T15:40:00.003-06:00

E.G. was in the Lariat today for his usual 'Goldschlager' and when Lisa pulled it out of the ice....this is what it looked like! Is that cold enough for ya there Edward Gordon??? If only Sluggo's Budweiser's looked like that, he might not bitch so much...not! A hot coffee or tea might be appropriate for tomorrow. It was a beautiful morning here at 8369' but now it's snowing like it tends to do here and it might be a good one. Time to get out the skis!!!!

2009-10-26T16:32:00.005-06:00

Don't tell my boss that I put him on the blog! We all had a great time in Las Vegas celebrating Gene's birthday. When Grand Lake invades Nevada....well? Needless to say, a good time was had by all and, somehow, we all survived. I haven't checked the news lately to find out if what happened in Vegas....stayed in Vegas, but I think we're OK!!! By the way...is that Santa Lew sitting next to the biggest margarita on planet earth???

2009-10-25T18:03:00.003-06:00

It's Uncle Pie's fault that I haven't been blogging in sooooo long. Sorry about that! I will try and get back to Earth and create havoc on the the weak and feeble fools who dwell in the cosmos and Cyber-space. I've been up among the stars for awhile (nothing illegal) but my heart and soul have been dwelling by a mountain stream for quite sometime now. I will do my best to plant my footsies in the ground and get this thing going again. My sincere apologies to you all and I will do my best to let you know what's going on here at 8369'

TARP - Grand Lake Style

2009-09-14T17:33:00.005-06:00

Needless to say....it was another rainy weekend here at 8369 (snow up high). We all handle it in our own small way. Carol Ann & Clive's wedding went off well despite the rain. My equipment survived for another rainy day (Sunday) at the Waconda but, once again, everyone just takes it all in stride. The aspen are turning and the next couple weeks should be beautiful! Jon Cook said, when he saw Larry and me covering up our gear...again, that this will be the closest thing Grand Lake will ever get to experience the TARP program. Always listen to a true cowboy!!!

Happy 'Never Summer' everyone....

9-11

2009-09-11T15:22:00.005-06:00

Never Forget!

Here We Go Again

2009-07-31T17:12:00.006-06:00

Ray said it's official! The "Never Trust A Party Over 30" is in full swing. Of course, it will be on the night before Thanksgiving in Colorado Springs at the same place as last year. If anyone has suggestions for songs, let Ray or Sean or Rob or me know. Also, I'm thinking of bringing some memorabilia like old posters and signs and T-shirts, etc. of the old bands. I also think we should set up and do a couple songs in the parking lot of the "Chick Fillet"(the old Hungry Farmer) at some point. Do you think they'd arrest a bunch of old grey haired musicians? Hell, we got away with a lot over the last 30 years....maybe we can get away with one more goofball idea!

Welcome Home Bro...

2009-07-27T01:14:00.004-06:00

The boys are back in town! Jim and our friends are back from Iraq and we all look forward to seeing them here at 8369'. As Jimmy Buffett would say..."It's time to party!!"

Bald Bird In A Bald Tree

2009-07-26T10:58:00.003-06:00

Carol Ann took this picture of a bald eagle at Columbine Bay the other day. And, in case you didn't know, Clive and Carol Ann got married! Congratulations!!!!!!!!

See Ya'll In November

2009-07-22T16:27:00.005-06:00

Barky called yesterday and asked me to thank everyone for coming up for the Barky Lew Musical Mystery Tour. He said he'll see everyone in 'The Springs' in November for the "Never Trust A Party Over 30" bash!!!

What A Blast!!!

2009-07-20T18:19:00.003-06:00

It was so good to see the old gang here in Grand Lake this weekend! Lots of music, stories, hugs and reminiscing. I look forward to the 'Barky Lew Party' in Colorado Springs in November. Thanks to all of you who made the journey to 8369' and made it such a special weekend!!!

Get 'em While They're Hot!

2009-07-14T15:07:00.003-06:00

The T-shirts are here, Ray will have some CDs and I think Sean is designing some "Fun Tour" buttons. Looking forward to the weekend and playing music with 'the gang'! Waconda on Saturday and Sunday (with Peggy Mann) around 1:30 and Saturday and Sunday nights at the Lariat at 9:30....see ya there or be square.

The Captain And The Kid

2009-07-13T17:34:00.003-06:00

This is a picture of our friends, Rob and Jennifer who I met in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico years ago. I don't want to make this blog into an obituary column, but I had to express my feelings about Jennifer who left us last week. She was one of the most incredible souls I have ever had the pleasure to know! She was always sooo helpful, gracious, fun and was the hostess to everything we did in the times I got to visit and vacation there. She was diagnosed a couple years ago with brain cancer but it never, ever got her down. Her spirits were always high and she still filled everyone with her joy and laughter even through her battle. I will miss her dearly and my thoughts and prayers are with "Captain Rob".

Bart's Back

2009-07-08T11:03:00.003-06:00

Our friend, Bart "The Artist" is back in town for awhile. He made the trek out from Indiana OK and has already sat in on some music with the GL gang. You know summer is 'officially here' when Bart arrives. He's kind of like a big, boisterous robin who shares his music, stories, caricature drawings and paintings. Welcome back.....summer is finally here at 8369'!

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-04T10:47:00.003-06:00

To , Jim Reeman who's in Iraq instead of Grand Lake......stay safe and we'll see you in August. Happy 4th to you and all your fellow pilots and all the service men and women everywhere!

Another Cowboy Rides Away

2009-07-03T01:22:00.004-06:00

Our friend, Johnny B. Nelson rode off into his sunset today. I will miss him. I remember the nights that I would be playing on the stage at the Lariat and he would be 'sound asleep' leaning on the rail at the front of the stage, standing straight up and I watched in amazement at how he could somehow maintain to not fall over and land 'face down' on the "Louie Heckert Dance Floor".... but he never did! How he managed that trick, I'll never know. He was a good soul and I know he loved his sons dearly and talked of them often. "Happy Trails", my friend

The Calm Before The Storm

2009-06-30T22:11:00.004-06:00

Yesterday, Jean Cambell suggested that maybe a few of us old "lonesome pickers" should gather around the fire at the Waconda to play a few songs before the 'Forth of July' arrives and the (you know what)...hits the fan. We do this sort of thing at Daven Haven for the "RUDE AWAKENING" and it's always fun but also very busy with people reminiscing and talking. Most of the time the music gets lost in conversation. Tonight, it was pretty much just the pickers and singers. Jon Cook, John Brown, Mike Hanifen, Moby, Larry (back porch light) and myself ... just a pickin' and a grinnin' 'round the fire.

A great time and a good way to ease ourselves into the madness soon to follow!

Lazy Days

2009-06-29T22:27:00.002-06:00

Mondays, for me are probably like a Saturday for most people. It's my day off after a weekend of music and sometimes a little madness. It's time to relax and reflect on the week that just passed by. I don't know if my 'four footed' friends here had as great a week as I did, but I'm kind of in the same mode myself today. Just lye in the green grass and enjoy the sunshine. I hope you all can be as lucky as these "happy campers" are!

A couple more of these days and it's the 'Forth of July' weekend and they'll have to take me back to the "funny farm"...where I'll be happy to see those nice men in their pretty white shirts...'cause their coming to take me away!!!...HA, HA..

Perfection...Rocky Mountain Style

2009-06-26T16:15:00.007-06:00

I saw antlers rising above a sea of grass. the swift waters of the mighty Colorado River as they flow from their 'birthplace', raging over a thundering waterfall to calmly make their way through an open meadow filled with wildflowers as they gracefully pick up speed and tumble down to Adam's Falls below. ( It just doesn't get any better than this!)

I know that a word such as perfect, is a lot to say but Tuesday and Wednesday here at 8369' were definitely that for me! The weather was gorgeous, the company indescribable and the beauty of this place never ceases to amaze me. Two days of enjoying hikes in RMNP, a wonderful dining experience at Caroline's Cuisine, a great lunch at Max & T's and to top it all off....front row seats to see the Rocky Mountain Rep's presentation of "The Pirates Of Penzance" at the theatre in the 'Community House' here in GL. This may sound like a chamber of commerce advertisement but Grand Lake in the summertime is to me... the "Greatest Show on Earth"!!

Come on up and see us sometime!

Sunshine

2009-06-22T13:55:00.003-06:00

Not much to say except that summer is finally here! It's a beautiful day here at 8369' and the four-legged critters are enjoying the sunshine along with the rest of us. I took this photo a few minutes ago on my way home from running errands in town. I'm going to go out and whack at the weeds in the yard and enjoy this beautiful day! Maybe a little golf later....who knows?

Father's Day And Classic Cars

2009-06-17T08:33:00.006-06:00

There were a whole bunch of Model A's in town Friday. Sooo cool! I wish I could trade my Focus in for one. Summer does bring classic cars, motor cycles, boats etc. to 8369'. The drive over Trail Ridge Road is fun for them and it's good to see them stop and have lunch or whatever on their way back down to the 'flat lands'. I wonder what Barky Lew thinks when he sees them as he's mowing the grass in the park on his John Deer lawn mower. When I first met "The Lew", he had a '32 Model A Coupe with a 'rumble seat' and everything was 'cherried out'! I use to have a '36 Plymouth Coupe (hot rod) and I do miss it sometimes. I am willing to bet that those old cars look way better than Barky and I do now!
It is 'Father's Day' and I recall when my dad restored a 1926 'Star Four' by Durant Motors when we were kids. I remember when we went down to pick it up in Lyons and haul it back to our house in Holly Hills. It was pretty 'rustic' and even had bird nests in the vents. We all tried to help him out by sanding down the fenders and the old wood spoke wheels and such. Anyway, he made it golden and it looked just like it had just rolled off the assembly line in Detroit. He drove it in parades (St. Patrick's Day) and even up to Georgetown (if I remember correctly?) Honking the 'aryougaa horn' in the tunnel just before Idaho Springs. I miss my father and that beautiful old car!

Happy Birthday Aligator Al

2009-06-16T10:28:00.002-06:00

WHAT A CROCK!

Patience Is A Virture....(and I want it right now!)

2009-06-14T21:39:00.004-06:00

As always, the weather here at 8369' changes more than an old man like me has to change his underwear. Today at the Waconda, Larry and I played some music to a small crowd under darkening skies but the weather managed to hold off until the patio finally filled with folks to listen and enjoy the music. Then the wind picked up and the rain began to fall. I assured them that the storm was not going to last long. (in fact), Aron Rhone and I even placed a bet as to how long it would continue. I said ten minutes and he said eight. He won! The rain only lasted 7 minutes, but none the less, in that short time.... most of the audience had left.
Then the sun came out and my friend Jon Cook sat in and played some of his incredible songs. (I believe that he is one of the most incredible songwriters I have ever had the pleasure to listen to!)
The people who were afraid that they would melt in rain sure missed out on some wonderful music and stories.
I remember back to the days of the "Beer Garden" at Squeaky's. It always seemed that on Sundays, the weather seemed to clear up around 5:00 and I believe it still rings true.
Once the tourists head on back down to the "Big Smoke", God shines a little light on us local folk to reward us for our long winter and the crazy tourist season that lies opon the horizon..

Skip's Pool Table

2009-06-09T19:53:00.004-06:00

The Lariat got a new pool table last week. Of course, nothing ever goes without a story up here at 8369'. Dustin and Patrick Barnes were bringing the new one in through back door to put in on the new carpet and accompany the new tables and chairs in the "back room". (pretty fancy for "The Rope"). Well, they dropped it and it broke, so they brought another one in but it had red felt instead of the usual green. We all were wondering what Skip's reaction would be to see that 'whore house' pool table in his pool room.
Mike Hanifan to the rescue!!! He re-covered it with green felt and the "world is once again spinning in greased grooves", as DW and that Steinbeck guy used to say.

Thanks Mike.....Skip will be smiling this Friday night. (unless Bobby A. beats him in a three out of five)!

Happy Trails

2009-06-08T23:39:00.005-06:00

JENSEN, ROGER M. Roger M. Jensen was born in Ottawa, IL, on July 25, 1935 to Dorothy and Robert Jensen. Roger married his high school sweetheart, Mary Ellen Miner, in November 1956. They had two daughters and relocated to Denver, CO, in the early 1960's. Roger was hired by the Denver Fire Dept. and began service in 1963, and retired in 1989 as a Captain. He was able to spend time with friends and family in Grand Lake, CO, for many summers. He enjoyed the outdoors, walking, hiking, golf, and taking pictures. He lost his wife "Little Bit" to breast cancer in 2001. He is survived by his daughters, Jill (Mike) Coleman and Julie (Roger) Smith; and brothers, Virgil Jensen and Donald (Shirley) Jensen. Roger would be honored if, in lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory were made to the Denver Fire Fighters Burn Foundation, 2342 Broadway, Denver, CO 80205, or the Susan G. Komen for "The Cure".
Roger, all of us here at 8369' miss you and the smiles you gave to us...thanks and Happy Trails!

Pyscho Weather

2009-06-07T17:04:00.009-06:00

Well, it took some time, but the squirrels are now in Belize and collecting coconuts instead of pine cones! Today was an adventure in the weather department, but we somehow convinced Peggy Mann to play at the Waconda despite the clouds, wind, rain and occasional sunshine. Probably not a great idea but we got to listen to her wonderful music for a little while before the s*#t hit the fan.

I hope the weather is good in Orlando!!!

Thanks to DJ (best bartender in the known free world)!!!

She and I reminisced about years gone by .... (the "Pub"... Stevie Ray, Fetch, Stanski, etc.) but the weather here at 8369' is still pyscho.

2009-06-06T19:49:00.004-06:00

OK, I've lived here in my little cabin for almost 20 years. I always thought it was kind of cool that there was an old outhouse in the back and a year or so ago I even put some barn wood siding on it and cut a quarter moon in the door to spruce it up a little. I used to joke with my friend Mary Jo, that this was her guest room when she would come to visit, but it's really been a storage shed for tools and a place for the squirrels to stash a few pine cones. I always thought the squirrels and I had an agreement to kind of leave each other alone. Today, as I usually do every spring, I go out to take out the the summer tools and put back the snow shovel for the few short months of summer here at 8369'. But I think Rocky and his buddy Bullwinkle (remember the moose hang out there in the winter) have gone a bit too far!!! When I opened the door, there were so many pine cones in there that I couldn't even get the quarter moon door closed. Now I'm in a dilemma. Should I declare war on my grey furry neighbors and turn their little hides into paint brushes? or as Paul would say ... "Let It Be"

Such Is Life!

2009-06-04T21:57:00.006-06:00

Sometimes it is difficult to express one's feelings on this stupid keyboard that goes out into hyper-space.

Tonight I am reminiscing about two wonderful souls who have passed on to their next journey.

Ella Mae Sutherland's ceremony was today and then I just heard tonight that my good friend Roger Jensen has left this time and place to be with his beloved Mary. I want to cry, but then again, I am so grateful to have known them both and I also want to laugh with the joy they both gave me and everyone they touched.

I guess all one can say is to thank them for making our lives a brighter place.

I will miss you both!

Horses On The Highway

2009-06-04T16:32:00.003-06:00

Yesterday Elk, today horses. I tell ya, it doesn't suck to live up here at 8369'! Finally....a day without rain. Only problem is, I didn't have an excuse not to work and I had to get something done around here. I planted flowers, did some sign painting work, recycled old batteries, set up at Caroline's to play music there tonight and even started cleaning out the RV and getting it ready for a little camping this summer. My back is going to hate me tomorrow but it is nice to be a little productive for a change. Guess it's time to clean up and get ready to sing a few songs!

Just Another Day In The Neighborhood

2009-06-03T00:55:00.003-06:00

I caught a photo of these guys on my way home last evening. It's always good to keep a camera in the car because sometimes you get the chance to see something like this, or a rainbow or maybe someday ... who knows?

Somewhere In Time

2009-06-02T02:31:00.002-06:00

Excess within control

Old Joke

2009-06-01T22:13:00.003-06:00

So.....this moose walks into a bar and the bartender says....hey buddy, why the long face?

Thanks to Craig (Homewrecker) Capps for the pic!

2009-05-31T21:50:00.002-06:00

If you turn this picture counter - clockwise... 180 degrees....do you see a to tum pole or a horses face? I believe if I was in this picture, you would see a horse's ass but that is not what this questionnaire is all about. To tum Pole or Horses face???..... Please leave a comment!

And by the way...Happy Birthday to Jerry Warner, my mom(30th) and my big brother John(26th)!!!

It's A Beautiful Morning

2009-05-29T08:24:00.004-06:00

Why get up at dawn?
'cause all I do is yawn
It may be "daylight in the swamp", Big Jim
But sunrise doesn't always fit right in

With all my busy do's and don'ts
Whatever sinks, whatever floats
My eyelids want to close instead
I guess I'll just go back to bed

The Incredible Journey

2009-05-21T01:09:00.004-06:00

I'm off to Rainbow Mountain to see the Wiz of a Wiz...because, because, because, because....I can!
film at 11:00

It's Getting Better All The Time

2009-05-19T21:47:00.004-06:00

I hope you all had as great a day as I did. I listened to Beatles and Poco music all day....thanks Ray and Sean. I'm just a very happy little camper!! It's a Good Feeling To Know.....

Jimmy And The Jets

2009-05-17T22:10:00.006-06:00

Our good friend and brother, Jim Reeman, from Grand Lake is back in Iraq on another tour of duty with the Colorado Air National Guard. I'm not sure how many times this makes? but it's been a bundle. "Desert Storm", Bosnia, Afghanistan and this one, (probably three or four times now) I think. We all wish him and all the others well and know they will return safe and sound to 8369'. Jim is the one to blame for me doing this blog in the first place. He has his own blog (wisdom of the warrior-the fighter pilots view) and it's a good way to catch up on our Colorado pilots and learn how to do a push up or sit up. His blog is mostly on cross-fitness which doesn't exactly workout for old fat guys like me but I do several sit ups everyday when I get out of bed to pee. Today I was wondering...who's going to do the "fly-over" on Memorial Day and the 'Forth of July' if those guys are over there and aren't here to do the show in the F-16's? Well I think I've got the answer.... Mac, myself and Alligator Al should do a "flyover" in a hot air balloon! What do you think Jimmy? Is there enough hot air to lift us up over Grand Lake and do the Alligator dance if 'Homewrecker and Dayton Dave supply the 'hot air'?

Be safe, my brother, and we'll party at he 'East Inlet' when you get back!!

Barky Lew Reunion/Grand Lake

2009-05-17T02:21:00.007-06:00

I had a nice talk with Cinda today and she will be here for the Grand Lake/Barky Lew Reunion July 18th & 19th. She said Mike and Barb will accompany her. It's the weekend that she usually makes it up to GL to run in the Buffalo Bar-B-Q race and sit in for a few songs. Good news, especially after learning about Radford. We are so lucky to have had the chance to play music with each other all of these years and the Barky Lew Birthday Bash in Colorado Springs has given us all the chance to get to get together once a year (or so) and catch up with each other! I'm really looking forward to this first Grand Lake reunion and hope that as many of the gang can make it up here for either or both days. It's a busy weekend, so make reservations for rooms ASAP and let me know if I can help in anyway. I think Rob, Ray, Hammer, Dicky Stew, Aligator Al and (of course Barky) will be here and hopefully Sean for Sunday. I'll try and get in touch with Foster, Al and Tom (Lewis and Joe might have to work but I'll let 'em know). If any of you can think of someone else...please let them know. The Hungry Farmer might be history...but I'm sure we can keep the spirit going!

2009-05-14T21:45:00.005-06:00

I know many of you blog readers know me and also know that I don't fish in the 'main stream' most of the time. But I just saw something a few minutes ago that I've seen once before so I've got to share it. I had been at Caroline's Cuisine for a nice dinner and a glass of wine. Well, when I made it back home and parked the old Focus in the drive, I looked at the stars.(it's a beautiful night here at 8369' by the way) The "Big Dipper" was right above my house and, of course, I stood and looked up at that beautiful sky to look for Polaris and remembered the days when Ronnie's horse, BJ, used to be in the corral and I would visit with him after a night of music at the Lariat around 2:00 in the morning and look at the Milky Way and talk (he never talked back, by the way ...smart horse!!) but he'd put his head on my shoulder as I gazed at the stars.

Ok, to make a long story longer, one night I saw a UFO up there in the heavens and it was the coolest thing! Well, tonight as I was looking at the "Big Dripper" and thought I saw a satellite going kind of fast, just like the one I saw years before. It was going pretty fast for the space station or a shuttle(I've seen them before) and then it suddenly did 180 degree turn and disappeared. The one I'd seen before was more spectacular in the way it moved and went out of sight with a big flash of red light but the one I saw tonight was not from this neighborhood either.

And no, I'm not drunk....just lucky to live here with the aliens and hope to get abducted someday!

Flannel PJ's

2009-05-14T01:04:00.003-06:00

My moose pajamas fought with the washing machine
Must have been quite a battle trying to make them clean
I think they fought hard through the spin and the rinse
The draw string was loose, I haven't seen it since

I wonder if it's somewhere where that one sock goes
You know, that other dimension, only heaven knows
Is it somewhere in the Cosmos with Mr. Spock?

Please bring me back my drawstring and my other sock

Do Penguins Have Tongues?

2009-05-03T21:22:00.003-06:00

PENGUINS DRESS LIKE FRED ASTAIRE
AND WALK LIKE CHARLIE CHAPLIN
THEY LOVE THEIR SUSHI FRESH AND RAW
BUT ALWAYS USE A NAPKIN
THEY CAN’T USE FORKS OR CHOPSTICKS
BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO THUMBS
THEY LOOK LIKE NUNS WITH DUCKY FEET
AND FISH BREATH ON THEIR TONGUES
SO POLITE THEY STAND IN QUE
TO DIVE INTO THE SEA
AND WAIT THEIR TURN TO DIVE ON IN
ONE BY TWO BY THREE
DO PENGUINS REALLY HAVE A TONGUE?
I’D SURELY LIKE TO KNOW
IF ONE WERE ‘DOUBLE PENGUIN’ DARED
WOULD IT STICK TO THE SOUTH POLE?

Barky Lew's Birthday....Grand Lake

2009-05-01T03:58:00.005-06:00

El-Reeve Danway has officially confirmed that the Barky Lew's (Summertime) Reunion will be the weekend of July 18th. I'm not sure if we can have the photo of John Lennon at the white 'baby grand' or the miniature Bronco cheerleader (Rob probably did her anyway) but maybe the Kuner's can of green beans is still around and we can donate it to the local food bank! That is also the weekend of "Buffalo Bar-B-Q" which is a fun time but a busy weekend, so it would be wise to reserve rooms soon.
I would suggest the Daven Haven Lodge, Gateway Inn, Columbine Cottages (they allow pets) or Western Riviera. You can mention my name and, who knows? you might get a discount or they might charge you double! So pass the word on and I 'm certain that a good time will be had by all. As Gary H. would say..."If we don't see you in the future...we'll see you in the pasture".

PS. Ray, you might want to wear a hard hat in case that empty vodka bottle is still around....

Reunion

2009-04-27T18:35:00.003-06:00

Thanks for the positive response on a possible Grand Lake (Barky Lew birthday kind of reunion)! I'm going to throw out two possible dates....July 11 or July 18. I play an outside gig at the Waconda on Saturdays from 1:00 to 5:00 and then at the Lariat at night from 9:30 to 1:30. Everyone would be welcome for one or both and I will have a sound system set up. You might just need a microphone setup and an amp for the electric guitars and bass. This could be a great thing, so let me know which dates would work the best for the majority of you and I'll make it happen. When we figure out the date, I will post a list of places up here for folks to stay. Let me know what works the best! We can do it!!!

Looks Like Bad Weather

2009-04-26T18:54:00.004-06:00

My good friend, Sean, has been sending me info on one of my favorite bands ever....POCO! Sometimes it's a 'good feeling to know' just to remember the incredible music they did and still are. Anyway, in this time of my life I am am watching it snow, blow and basically just be nasty outside but inside in my heart... things are warm and I'm reminiscing about all the good times my friends from Colorado Springs, Greeley and GL all had playing music. I always look forward to getting together with the old gang every now and then at Barky's birthday party when I try to pretend I can still sing like I did 25 years ago. ( why doesn't Joe ever get old or lose his voice?) Just to let you all know..... we don't have to wait until Barky Lew's birthday to get together and jam. I think I have a few venues here at '9369' and Grand Lake is one one the greatest places on the planet, especially in the summer. This is an invitation! And maybe like POCO's reunion, a few of us can get together this summer. So, it just might be time to get out the 12-string and practice on Richie's great riff. If I work on it everyday until July, maybe I won't screw it up too much. Maybe I should just play the rhythm and let Lewis and Rob do what the rest of us can only dream about! Sean...what do think? Should I put Dicky Stew in charge!!!

2009-04-25T18:46:00.004-06:00

I've never seen a okapi
But I've seen his long necked cousin
In the Congo they say nearly every day
They come cheaper by the dozen

A giraffe with stripes
Like a zebra... yikes!
Though it might be just a rumour
It just goes to show... as the elephant knows
God truly has a sense of humor

Opa!!!

2009-04-19T17:18:00.003-06:00

Those were the days my friend. I often think back to the 'good old days' and the corner cupboard and of course, the "PUBSKI". Stevie Ray, Stan , Fetch, Julie ,Fast Eddie, Maloyski and Slabovia ( I think I still might have a map drawn on the back of an order note that shows a map where the Joan Rivers meet). Larry Bishop has a great song about the day they tore the old pub down. I could write a book about those days and late nights and early mornings. That's really not a bad idea. If any bloggers have some memories about the Pub. Please pass them along and maybe Stevie Ray and the rest of the gang can reach down in the "Wayback Machine" and recall what the Rumpelmints didn't erase!

Just Hangin' Out With The Coconut Man

2009-04-18T01:21:00.004-06:00

Yes, Mr. Tubby, there is such a thing as cabin fever! I've been almost snowbound for the last two days! I say almost, because I did manage to make my way to Caroline's the last two nights but then the snow hit the fan. It would snow on and off all day and let up around 6:00 or so. That's when I would make my escape... but soon afterwards the skies would open up again and I was lucky to find my little car and plow my way back home. But as they sing in the Monty Python song..."always look on bright side of life". So I hunkered down on the couch, watched TV until I was so bored that I actually got off my ass and worked on a song I had been messing with for awhile. I believe I even got somewhere with it but then again, it is almost 2:00 in the morning. DUH!!! That's when I get home from work on Friday anyway. I wish i was in Belize just hangin' out with the coconut man!

Oh, The Weather Outside Is Frightful...

2009-04-16T22:02:00.006-06:00

Don't be fooled by this picture! Actually, I am still in Grand Lake and it is snowing to "beat the band"(whatever that means!). I know it's 'Springtime in the Rockies' and this is no big surprise but it would sure be nice to be in the Tropics right now watching some of my favorite critters...pelicans. I'm not certain of how much snow I'll wake to in the morning but before I grab the snow shovel and start up the snow blower.... I'll look at some old pictures of my good old flying friends with a smile, heave a heavy sigh, walk out the front door to face the snowy task that lies ahead and probably turn around and go back to bed!!!
I'm sure Bob King is getting a big kick out this blob...

Late Night Snack

2009-04-13T05:04:00.003-06:00

Vegemite and peanut butter

Standing by each other

Waiting, oh so, patiently

Up there in the cupboard

For me to make a choice tonight

And lift one of their covers

I'm hungry for a sandwich

But unlike Mrs. Hubbard

I have so many choices

But I'm waiting for a sign

The bread is sliced upon a plate

Pleading..."please make up your mind"!!

So in pure desperation

As my stomach growled out loud

I made my choice between them......

And had potato chips

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T01:35:00.002-06:00

To all my friends and family....Happy Easter!

The Moose And The Moon

2009-04-11T01:56:00.003-06:00

Tonight was kind of slow at the Lariat but I met some nice people and had a chance to sing some songs that I don't usually do at "The Rope". On my way home at 1:30 am or so, a moose was crossing the highway and luckily, under the light of the full moon, I saw her in time to slow down and avoid a collision that I am certain my little car and I would have lost. As I slowed to let her amble across old 34, a bright shooting star rocketed straight in front of me. Just another day in paradise I suppose but the kind of thing I never take for granted. If you keep your eyes open, it's amazing just what you might see....or miss!

I Was Just Cleaning The House

2009-04-09T23:37:00.007-06:00

Tonight I got the vacuum out

To clean and sweep the floor

When I chanced upon a spider

Who was swept up near the door

And I wondered what she thought

As she was sucked up by the Bissel

Is this the end? ...or the beginning?

As she was launched up like a missile

To exist in that old vacuum bag

With the dust-mites and...who knows?

Hidden in the darkness

Wondering where her life will go

I hope she starts a family

In that paper vacuum bag

To raise her little "spiderlings"

In a world that's not too sad

I hope she doesn't hold a grudge

Or sound off an alarm

I only meant to clean my house tonight

I didn't mean to do her harm.

It's About Time...It's About Space

2009-04-08T22:36:00.005-06:00

I have a magical outhouse in my backyard. Open the door, peek inside and you can step into a time machine and go to a beach! It's an 'all inclusive' spot where everyone is included. I don't use it very often but I'm thinking about a get-a-way! It could be like James T. Kirk meets Captain Stubing!! And , of course "NO BAD DAYS" What'd ya think....do you dare to step inside?

Lucky Dog

2009-04-05T21:46:00.005-06:00

I was just kind of thinking about how lucky I am. I have an understanding family, beautiful friends, great neighbors who also have golden retrievers that come over and visit now and then and I get a chance to spoil them with dog biscuits and they reward me with a "paw shake" and a kiss and then I can send them on their way back home.(I guess like grand children?).
I have a comfortable cabin back up in the pines of the mountains that I love, a tee pi, or lodge(complete with lazy boy furniture, beds, wi-fi Internet and a gas fire pit).....sick, but Christy Ann told me that it's OK and Danny Weeks loved it!
I play music for a living (not very profitable but "what the hell") with fantastic musicians who are also dear friends. I have gotten to travel to many places and met new friends there too. I suppose I must have done something in a formal life to deserve this!!!!

They're Here

2009-04-02T13:36:00.003-06:00

I think it's been just a little over a year since I contacted Ronnie Roo about my hare-brained idea to write a children's book and if she would do the illustrations. Well, everything is finished now and available to the public. To check it out, just click the www.footfootsong.com link here on the blob. Click on the "BUY" sign on the home page and it will show you how to order the book and the CD/DVD package. My thanks to Ronnie for making it all happen!!

What Closet?

2009-04-01T05:02:00.006-06:00

If you can't live with 'em.. then join 'em. Sorry mom, but after 57 years as a man, I've finally discovered my feminine side! After two weeks in Trinidad, I am all healed up now and ready to be the bitch I was born to be! Those boys at the Lariat better watch out!! I walk softly but carry a big purse! I'm ready to spread my wings (or legs ) and live the rest of my life as a blond.

After all....it is April First (you fools).

Crunchy On The Outside, Chewey On The Inside

2009-03-31T17:42:00.003-06:00

It looks more like Styrofoam than ice, but it's the stuff inside that really matters. Beauty's only skin deep but I have discovered that so many of my friends are beautiful in both ways. Of course there are a few exceptions (you know who you are), including the man in the mirror. Last weekend was a very uplifting experience for me. To be able to sit in with Peggy Mann and the incredible musicians she put together for her concerts was a blast! Thanks Peggy.
Be sure and check out tomorrows blob!!!!!!!