Spring in my Step

 Even though it snowed again yesterday, and it was cold and very windy. Daylight savings has arrived, and Spring is a little over a week away. 

Two shows this weekend, and a few events around Saint Patrick's Day I will try to attend, but with April around the corner, and a brief period of time for a short vacation after Easter, I am thinking of warmer temperatures, and outdoor adventures. 

The road ahead looks a little more certain than the past two Springs, and this Summer is already filling up with shows. Trying to stay in the moment, but I can't help looking forward.

Picking Up The Pieces

 For nearly two years, life has been put on hold in so many ways. Frozen.

My yearly income was reduced to less than 1/4 of what I'm used to making, and although I sold my house, and what little I made from the sale only managed to last me so long. Last summer work managed to pick up a little, but it did little to make up for losing almost all of 2020 and half of 2021. 

Finally, it appears I'm back to working a normal schedule again. Spring is just about here, and warm weather will bring outdoor shows, and work during the weekdays too. 

Warming Up To The Idea

 We recently had a few days in the 50's, and I took full advantage by going for some extended walks.

A huge gathering of Canada Geese were hanging out in the cornfields making all kinds of noise.

With less than 30 days until Spring, I'm really looking forward to the end of Winter. Of course, we have the threat of a new snowstorm on the way this weekend, so we aren't done yet. Still on days like this, I can feel the warming begin to slowly take place.

 

Bringing It Back

 Northampton is where I lived for 20 years, and even though I moved away a couple of years ago, the town still is part of my inner being. I briefly felt at home here, and still spend most of my free time shopping, dining, and occasionally seeing or playing a show.

COVID cut back on lots of music plans, but when Valentine's Day came rolling around, I got the idea to book a room at the historic Hotel Northampton. I didn't hold back, either. I reserved one of the nicest rooms I could get for my girlfriend and I.

Two private balconies, providing us with a view of Coolidge Park and downtown on one side.

and a smaller balcony on the other side, which I had not expected.

It just so happened that the Super Bowl was on TV, and although my girlfriend isn't much into sports, she does enjoy the halftime show, as do I. Throw in a bubble bath in a Jacuzzi tub, and we had the makings of a good ol' Staycation.

It was chilly on both days, which was a perfect excuse to stay inside this very nice historic hotel, and keep cozy.

 

Icy Sunsets

It may be cold, but January usually is.

I went for a short walk, because I need to do some exercise every day.

and it was a beautiful sunset.

It has been cold and dry for the most part this winter. Not a huge amount of snow, which I don't mind at all.

 

What's New With You?

 I had two shows on New Year's Eve. I did the same route for three straight years. 

My first show was at my dad's old rest home. He passed away just before COVID and the lockdown started, and I only recently started playing there again. Definitely an odd feeling not having him there anymore.

30 minutes away was my night gig, which was a big public event that got canceled last year due to COVID. Attendance was down this time around, but maybe that was a good thing. After the second show, I hit the pillow exhausted, and woke up 5 hours later to this...

The vision of a foggy, abandoned Dunkin Donuts location was quite otherworldly for me. On one hand, I could appreciate the recently expanded parking. On the other hand, this couldn't look much more of a depressing sight for a brand new year.

Things will get brighter.

Year End Reflections

 

This year ended much like it began. I took a sunny solo hike up Mount Sugarloaf, to gaze over the Connecticut River Valley, and now reflect on the year I have had. 

More water under the (covered) bridge.

Heath, MA

Island Pond, VT

Conway, MA

I bought a few guitars, to keep a song close to my heart

I started playing shows for people again. Indoors as well as out.

I also managed to see a few shows as well.

And while there was time, a few vacations to places within easy enough reach.

Alton Bay, New Hampshire

 

Northeast Kingdom, Vermont

Chicago

and Providence (Twice)

So, I guess this year turned out okay. Took advantage of the time when I had it to go places, and play shows when I was able to.

 I hope 2022 will build upon the positives compared to the year before. I hope everyone has the same good fortune as well.