All I Ever Wanted

 Vacation!

The past three Summers, I have taken Vacations with the kids. 

Chicago

New Hampshire

We've taken a train to Chicago, a cruise ship around New Hampshire and a road trip to the Cape.

For a few minutes, I took a post sunset stroll from our hotel, across the street to a sliver of beach facing the Cape Cod Bay. 

The tide was low, and a sand bar was exposed for me to walk out upon. 

I'm having a Carpe Diem Moment.

 

Sometimes, you need a moment to relax and enjoy your surroundings. Be it a quiet sunset at the beach, or over a cocktail at a famous seafood restaurant. 

 

A lot of what Vacations are about for me was, to quote the Go Go's hit song "All I Ever Wanted". Now that we are getting into August, and the kids go back to school in a few weeks, it's time to enjoy ourselves once again.

 

South Windsor Skyline

My first rest home show of the year.

COVID put an end to my part time job for a few years, and what few shows I did play were outdoors, or wearing a mask. I was outdoors for this particular event, and things went great. Nice weather, and friendly people. I seem to spend a lot of time in South Windsor, which is where I was born and spent the first two years of my life. A part of my life I have no recollection of, but the band I am currently part of has a large, loyal following in the area, and I'm often recognized during my adventures. Perhaps this is a positive sign for the future. Getting back to normal has taken over three years.

My first rest home show of the year. 

 

Crystal City Visions

 I had never been to Las Vegas before. I don't gamble, and I live on the east coast. However, a friend of mine was performing with New Wave party band The-B52s, and the final shows of their career were happening at the Venetian Theater, and I had some free time in May.

I booked a room at the Cosmopolitan Hotel with a balcony overlooking the famous Bellagio Fountains.

with temperatures in the low 80s and a nice breeze blowing, it was fun to relax in the morning with coffee watching the scene unfold along the strip.

It was even more fun at night, where the city really comes into its own.

The days leading up to the show we explored some of the resorts and local attractions like Meow Wolf.

Hard to Explain.

Following that experience, it was off to downtown and the Fremont Street Experience, where old meets new.

I had also never seen a Cirque De Soleil show, and The Mirage was hosting the performance of The Beatles "Love", and I was encouraged by several people to check it out.

I was not let down.

It was an adventure checking out some of the shopping areas at places like The Venetian, with it's gondolas and sky painted ceilings, making you feel like you are outside on a cool fresh late afternoon.

Or the Bellagio with its incredible glass sculptures and floral arrangements. 

The sights sounds smells and tastes were all accounted for in Las Vegas.

and when you think you have no room in your belly, there's still room for more on your plate.

All of this was great fun, but the reason we were here was to see our friend Kenny play with The B-52s: Greatest New Wave Party Band Ever! The show and the theater were both wonderful, plus we got to meet the opening act, DJ Cumberbund!

After 5 days and 4 nights, it was time to head back home, but not after one last adventure.

Riding on the High Roller Ferris Wheel, we were treated to a view of the mountains and deserts of Nevada, and noticed The Sphere where U2 is soon performing at this Fall. Funny enough, another friend of ours works for U2.

Could we possibly think about coming back in November?

We'll have to think about that for awhile.

Greener Pastures (Version 23)

 

Spring temperatures like I like 'em. 50s and 60s. Partly cloudy and not too much wind. Thank you Nature!

On my daily ritual of walking, and encountered only a couple of cars, and no pedestrians. Just me and the outdoors.

A large tract of land that alternates between corn and hay (one section had been Industrial Hemp (!) for a couple of years, but went back to planting corn last year.

Whatever they plant this year, it will still be a great place for me to clear my head, get some exercise and breath some fresh air.

I usually feel pretty good afterward!

Come On Up To The House

This weekend, Amy and I visited the Treehouse Brewing Company, which is a large facility serving beverages and pizza in a former sprawling corporate office in Deerfield.

It's absolutely beautiful, and live music plays there often.

It was very cool to see such a building used to invite the public - families and all - to such a welcoming environment. We took the kids, who had been asking for awhile to check it out.

They seemed to enjoy it.

Live shows this summer include Aimee Mann, and local friend Martin Sexton. I can't help but feel like I'm losing out on doing some cool solo or duo gigs in places like these, as breweries are popping up like dandelions in the spring. In the meantime, It's good to get out of the house with everyone and see something new.

 

Springing Forward

 

By the time Easter rolls around, I start to feel the real Spring weather showing up.

 

We also received the Easter blessing of our resident groundhog, affectionately named "Dirt Friend". First time this year, and has spent the winter digging tunnels under the yard.

We made our first visit of the year to Shelburne Falls. Temps were in the upper 50s and the winds were mild. Plenty of sunlight too.

A recent restaurant opened up called the Blue Rock, and we had a terrific experience that went into the early evening.

Looking forward to coming back in a month or so when more flowers are in bloom, but it was still very pretty.