Day Ninety

Ninety days of the blog, I wonder how much longer I can keep this up?  It's kind of like having a daily   exercise routine, you know it's good for you, but you there are days you just don't want to do it.  Especially when you can't possibly have something exciting to write about every day, so you write about dog crap and crown molding.  I guess I've hit the bottom of the barrel.  It's time for me to join Bloggers Anonymous.
    I'm going to let you off easy tonight, and hope that tomorrow brings some serious excitement my way so I'll have something to write about.  Until tomorrow, her's your daily words of wisdom:

 "One of the great things about books is sometimes there are some fantastic pictures."
 -George W. Bush

Day Eighty Nine

Today was crown molding day, oh man, what a pain!  That stuff looks great but it can be a bear to put up.  Especially when it's all pre-finished, things have got to go together right.  The customer not only wanted it on the cabinets but wanted it to wrap around the entire kitchen.  Needless to say, I'm in recovery right now.  I'll probably dream about some kind of man eating mitre saw tonight.  Watch those fingers!
    I've had absolutely no time for music lately, and it's starting to piss me off.  I was on a real roll during the summer sabatical, wrote a couple tunes and got myself up to speed in the studio.  Now I'm back to work and I have to say, I sure do miss the good old days.  Oh well, this prosperity can't last forever.
  Until tomorrow, here's your daily dose of wisdom:

 Enjoy when you can, and endure when you must. ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Day Eighty Eight

I installed a kitchen today in Vero Beach, on the east side of the river.  The Indian river is much like the Mexican/American border, on the east side we have the well to do affluent type, we'll call them Americans. On the west side of the river things get a little more real, we'll say this is the Mexican side. While there is no actual border or armed guards with drug sniffing dogs, you can bet that when the sun starts to set on this little strip of artificial abundance,  the local law enforcement officers keep a close eye on any vehicle manufactured in America prior to 2008.  After all, what self respecting millionaire would be seen in one of those.
    At the end of the day we pack up our tools and head for Mexico.  And as John Denver said so eloquently, "Hey it's good to be back home again."
  Until tomorrow, here's your daily dose of wisdom;

"I remember the time I was kidnapped and they sent a piece of my finger to my father. He said he wanted more proof." 
    Rodney Dangerfield 

Day Eighty Seven & Weekend Update

Sorry I was MIA on Friday, it was a long day and I was toasted by the time I got finished with all my duties.  That's just how it goes sometimes.
   I had to dog sit my daughters dog Winston this weekend,  he's a Boston Terrier and  quite a character.  I'm not use to having a animal around the house, and this guy needs serious adult supervision.  He enjoys stealing kleenex out of the trash can and having you chase him around the house to get it away from him, which is not always a successful mission.  He usually manages to consume some of the stuff before he's apprehended, which leads to an even more exciting phenomenon, which we call  "Code Brown."  Yes, it's just as bad as it sounds.  He becomes completely immobilized during a code brown episode, and will not move an inch until one of his human assistants extracts the offending kleenex laden tootsie roll from his nether regions.  You know he was having a good weekend because this happened twice while in our care.  Maybe we're just not cut out for this kind of work.   I think we're being tested for grandparent duties, and I'm not sure if we're passing the test.

                                                Winston in his Snuggie


Until tomorrow, here's your daily dose of wisdom:

Man is rated the highest animal, at least among all animals who returned the questionnaire.  ~Robert Brault,

Day Eighty Six

I mailed in my ballot today, it's so much easier than going to the polls.  Plus it gives you the opportunity to check out the background of the scoundrels running for office.  I usually spend a few hours on the internet looking up the candidates I'm not familiar with, then I put all the names in a hat and have my wife pull out the winners.   It's a very scientific technique developed by a housewife from Brooklyn, New York, who would eventually go on to invent the game of bingo.  OK, I just made that up, but the point being that all the stuff those guys running for office have been saying for the past two months is just as true as my bingo story.  And let's face it, you'd never vote for a guy like me!
    Until tomorrow, here's your daily dose of wisdom:
  
"A low voter turnout is an indication of fewer people going to the polls."
    George W Bush

Day Eighty Five

Another day in cabinet land today.  Our mission was to tear out an old kitchen from a second floor condo and haul the mess away.  I'm pretty sure that they were the original cabinets, probably been there for twenty years.  They were originally a medium brown wood cabinet but some creative soul decided they'd look better in a sky blue color.  As grandpa used to say "To each his own".  We were finished by noon, it takes a lot less time to tear a kitchen out than it does to put one in.  That's Friday's mission, to install the new cabinets.
   In other news, the fall garden is looking pretty good.  The green beans are starting to climb the trellis, my beets have popped out of the ground, and the carrots are starting to get those fuzzy carrot leaves going on.
I make my own compost with kitchen scraps and use it in the garden to sweeten up the soil.  I usually get a few renegade vegetables from the seeds in the compost, this time I have a bunch of tomato plants and some garlic plants.   I've never grown garlic before, but it sounds like a good idea.
   Until tomorrow, here's your daily dose of wisdom:

Weather means more when you have a garden.  There's nothing like listening to a shower and thinking how it is soaking in around your green beans.  ~Marcelene Cox

Day Eighty Four

Not much to report today, I got another flyer from that Rubio character.  It's funny he's campaigning on fiscal responsibility and pointing out how wasteful the government is.   You'd think he was some kind of financial genius who knows the way out of this mess.   Unfortunately, one look at his financial history will tell you he's not going to be anyones savior.  You may as well vote for him though, at least he looks good on TV.  I'm almost sure that's how this thing works, everything is just another American Idol.  Where's Simon when you need him!
Until tomorrow, here's your daily dose of wisdom:

Everything is changing, people are taking their comedians seriously
and the politicians as a joke.
      Will Rogers

Day Eighty Three & Weekend Update

Friday we meandered up to Daytona Beach for the Biketoberfest activities.  The weather was perfect and it actually felt a bit chilly at times, it's been a long time since that's happened around here.  We took the long road and stopped at the Osteen Diner for a breakfast sandwich and coffee. The place was packed with folks who apparently had the same idea.  We were the odd balls riding BMW's, everyone else had the standard leather vest and straight piped Harley's.
  From there we headed to Speedway Blvd, and out to the BMW dealership, which is just over the bridge from Main Street.  After scoping out all the new bikes there we crossed the bridge and found a parking spot.  Strolling down Main Street is where you get the real feel of this event.  It seemed pretty mild on Friday, but there are times when it looks like a real freak show.  You can tell the condition of the economy by the number of old sea hags dressed in body webs.  Needless to say, the leading economic indicator was way down this year.
   We headed for home pretty early in the afternoon, while we still had the strength.  It was an overall great day to be out in the wind.  We made it home safely with a minor sun burn as our only injury.
   Saturday Guitar Bob Bronar and I played at the Old Florida Days at Erna Nixon Park in Melbourne, and we managed to have a good time.  A woman and her husband approached us after we had finished playing to say they really liked our stuff.  Turns out she is a published author who writes romance novels for Harlequin and thought one of my tunes would be great for a book trailer of her upcoming book.  It would sure be my #1 claim to fame if it were to actually transpire.   They bought a few CD's and we exchanged cards.  I'm sure we'll see them again.  Who knows, her next story might be about about a hunky folk singer who gets abducted by a spaceship full of hot looking alien women!  I can't wait to see how it ends.
  Until tomorrow, here's your daily dose of wisdom:
 
Don't skinny dip with snapping turtles.

Day Eighty Two

I'm doing my best not to become a Facebook slut, you know the type.  The hourly updates just to say they're having there morning coffee and an english muffin.   Then an hour later they report that the sun looks really bright today.  Look what Al Gore has done to us!  The internet, it's not for everyone.
   It looks like tomorrow is the day to ride to Daytona Beach for the annual Biketoberfest.  We'll probably meander up the back roads and take in the cool country air.  It should be fun if for no other reason than to put some miles on the rocket bike.  I'll do my best not to come home with a new tattoo, I'm sure my fear of commitment will work in my favor on this one.  I've thought about it, and I really can't think of anything I'd like to have permanently inscribed on my body.  I've seen to many grannies with tinkerbell on their ankles to think that would be a good idea.  No telling what else is going on under those moo moos!
   Until tomorrow, here's your daily dose of wisdom:

Once you've outgrown the sand box, everything else is a scam.
    My Accountant

Day Eighty One

I bit the bullet and signed myself up for a Facebook page today, scary I know.  I was abusing my lovely wife's page and I thought I might be violating some unwritten marital law.  So before I got the book thrown at me, I did the right thing, and got my own page.  Now I just have to hope I'm not tracked down by people I can't remember, or would rather not communicate with, or owe money to!
   Our percussionist Norm "The Most Dangerous Man In Folk Music" McDonald has a new you tube video up that was recorded by Gail Carson at the Lake County Folk Festival.  It's his tune Florida Bound , check it out before he has Gail pull it off the web.
Until tomorrow, here's your daily dose of wisdom:

  

“My parents didn't want to move to Florida, but they turned sixty and that's the law.”

Jerry Seinfeld quotes

  

Day Eighty

Not much to report today, I've been working for the past couple of weeks in my official position of cabinet maker.   I've got a couple of jobs going on right now and a big job coming up for the first of the year.  After that I may slip back into semi-retirement.  At least I'm hoping!
   This week is Biketoberfest up in Daytona Beach, I'm hoping to slip off for at least a day ride up to crazy town.  There are always some interesting looking people wandering around up there, and the weather has been just beautiful for a ride.  It's always better to go during the week when the place is not at full throttle and you can drive down Main Street without overheating.  If I get up there, I'll give a full report on the insanity factor and cole slaw wrestling!
  Until Tomorrow, here's your daily dose of wisdom:

 There are drunk bikers. There are old bikers. There are NO old, drunk bikers.

Day Seventy Nine and Weekend Report

I survived another Monday, hanging onto the weekend festivities.  As I reported last week, we played the Lake County Folk Festival over the weekend.  It was the kind of event where your sure you're going to wake up at any minute to find it was just a dream.  There was a cool breeze blowing in all weekend from the north across Lake Eustis, keeping us comfortable even during the heat of the day.  The  Saturday evening show was just magical, a great line up of music, a cool breeze that the dragon flies seemed to really be enjoying, and a group of kids chasing each other across the lawn just north of the stage.  All was right with the world, at least in Eustis! 
   Sunday was equally dreamy.  We played two sets, one unplugged set in Harper's Alley, and our final set on the main stage just before the closing ceremonies.  The Harper's Alley set went really well and we drew in a lot of folks off the street.  At one point I took a survey to see how many folks had stopped by just to see our percussionist Norm Mcdonald, almost everyone raised their hands.  Yes, he's a real crowd pleaser!
 We were pretty well exhausted by our last set and I was starting to forget how to play the guitar, but we managed to get through it.  We ended with our signature tune "The Ashley Gang" and were joined on stage by our good friends from Eustis Jeff Friberg, Steve Waters, and Harley, I didn't catch Harley's last name, but those guys really kicked it up a notch maybe even two.  It was a great way to end a great weekend.
 Until tomorrow, here's your daily dose of wisdom:

Friends are like bras: close to your heart and there for support.”

Day Seventy Eight

We're getting all geared up for the Lake County Folk Festival this weekend in Beautiful Downtown Eustis.  We've been visiting Eustis now for a number of years and for some unexplainable reason the folks there have taken a real shine to us.  And I'd have to say the feeling is mutual.  The town is a hub of musical and artistic activity, and home to a bunch of friendly folks we've come to think of as family.  There's always something going on in the historic downtown area thanks to a little organization called "Eustis Main Street" run by our good friend Wayne Carter.  Wayne is also an official Harmonizing Ashley Gang Member, so you know he knows how to get things done.   We always look forward to a visit to the best small town in America, Eustis, Fl.
Until tomorrow, or maybe monday, here's your daily dose of wisdom:

The nice part about living in a small town is that when you don't know what you're doing, someone else does”

Day Seventy Seven

I crafted some Djembe stands down at the cabinet shop the other day, I figure I may as well use all of this wood working equipment for my own evil purposes.  I thought that our flute/djembe player might appreciate not having to sit down when she goes into djembe mode.  I built one to use in the studio and one for the road.   My first prototype was a bit aboriginal, but I improved my design for #2 in the series.  I've got all the kinks worked out  now and it works just like I planned it.  It looks pretty stylish as well.
   The trick to getting a good sound when recording one of these drums is to have one mic underneath it to pick up the bass frequencies and one mic on top to get the sound of the top.  I've already used it in the studio for one track, a brush track for a song I've been messing around with.  I think we'll debut it at our gig in Sebastian on November 5 at the library coffee house.
Until tomorrow, here's your daily dose of wisdom:

 People who don`t take care of their drums really annoy me.

John Bonham

Day Seventy Six

I've been working in cabinet land for a couple of weeks now,  I guess the recession is over!   I'd like to thank whoever is in charge up there for this cooler weather.  It's the only thing keeping me from a massive cranial explosion.  I'm trying to  keep a positive attitude, after all there are folks out there who would kill to have a job like mine.  And there are days when I actually find myself amused by the goings on of this small enterprise.
      After doing this for some time, and seeing a wide assortment of weirdos hired on to help, I've found out why they could not possibly work anywhere else in the world.  We get the independent, artistic type, they always have there own way of doing things, no matter how many times you've instructed them on the way you want it done.  They also tend to show up when it's most convenient for them, and I always like when they roll in an hour late because they knew there was nothing to do.  Yes, there are times I find it amusing, until I realize why I'm working there, I'm just like them.  
  Until Tomorrow, here's your daily words of wisdom:

    A mysterious envelope will be mailed to you with a little window in it.  Pay it.

 

Day Seventy Five & Weekend Update

Last Friday night we attended the Library Coffee House at the North  County Library here in Sebastian.  Our friends Ray & Chrystine,  who call themselves Hair Peace were the entertainment for the evening.  They did a superb job and were extremely entertaining.  The played some covers some originals, all of them done very well.  Ray is a great guitar and mandolin player as well as a great vocalist and Chrystine's no slouch on the guitar and harmonica.  Not to mention her sweet vocals.  If you see them passing through your neck of the woods check them out, you'll thank me for the tip.
    Saturday night we attended a benefit for our dear departed friend  Jennifer Goldacker, AKA, Java Jen.  It was good to see so many folks turn out to say goodbye.  Her and her Husband, Java John, have a long history of doing benefits for every charity under the sun, and we've played at a bunch of them.  She will be missed by many, and I'm sure we will think of her often.  I'll miss seeing here at our shows, sitting up close and singing along.  I don't know how I'm going to remember the words without reading her lips.  
 Until tomorrow, here's your daily dose of wisdom:

"I do not know what your destiny will be, but one thing I
know: the only ones among you who will be truly happy 
are those who will have sought and found how to serve."
....Albert Schweitzer
  

Day Seventy Four

Well we're heading out the door to see some of our folk friends play at the world famous Sebastian Library.
The Friends of the Library sponsor a coffee house during the cooler months of the year, this months act is Hair Peace.  We've known Ray and Christine for a while and they alway put on an entertaining show.  Maybe we'll see you there!
    You can now check out the latest tune called Gibtown on my music player.  It took some doing, but I finally got it up and running.  Let me know what you think.
Until Next week, here's your daily dose of wisdom:
  
Don't try so hard, the best things come when you least expect them to.