Desertions, desires and a possible re-birth

      MONDAY 12/30/19 10 AM--I could be wrong, but I think *I* have only deserted one of my Musical partners, but she may have been the most talented of all of them--Sherri Robbins...I on the other hand have been deserted more than once...Bill Mulroney, Jeff Herbert, Neil McFadden, Barry Fantle (as a duo partner) Stu Judd (at least a little), Michelle Murray, Bill Grimes, Larry Mueller, Jon Reeve...
              And there are some non-Musical relationships that have mysteriously fizzled out, for reasons that are unknown to me...Roger Christian for starters...is it because  I'm repulsive? obnoxious? boring? stupid? is it because I want Chump outta the White House by ANY means necessary? I suspect that's why I don't hear from Roger...Do *I* have to do all the reaching out? If so, why?
        For instance, I swallowed my pride and reached out to Brooke Robbins on Flakebook quite awhile back...he's ignoring my Friend Request...
       I think about certain females I'm rather attracted to and I wonder if any of them, (or women I don't even know for that matter) have a crush on ME...of course not...besides, most, if not all, of those women are at least a little younger than me...and it wouldn't matter if I WAS living on my own, by myself...those activities that Women (and Men) enjoy together are activities I'm no longer capable of participating in...
   7:43 PM--just heard from Ken Sleeman...seems like Luisa wants to put together another Band...Ask me again tomorrow, but right now I'm interested...
9 PM--the way I remember it, The Reverbs was fun and I made a few bucks...Nothing is official, as far as *I* know, but it is a mildly exciting idea...
TUESDAY 12/31/19 5:30 PM--talked to Ken Sleeman today...there's a meeting of some sort scheduled for 1 PM Monday...I guess he wants to know if Luisa and I still have a chemistry or he wants to know if I can still play...I'll get to use my new Reverb Pedal...it may be too soon to say for sure, but I think I'm about to join another band...which would make SIX...

so it's a common problem

       SUNDAY 12/29/19 9:42 AM--From a comparison between the Fender Blues JR III and the Blues JR IV amps I found online, dated March 2019--"Volume still doubles when you dial it from 1 to 1.0001. This is a known problem since III but it looks like it wasn’t fixed in IV."   So that's not my imagination...it's quite annoying...
       The FHB has a practice scheduled for 1/2/20, so I should start working on my weak spots on the songlist, and there are a few...there's an FHB rehearsal scheduled for Thursday, which means I will miss at least some of the Singer Songwriter Showcase at the OTWC which in January 2020 includes Angela and Alexia among the artists performing there...Practice is usually over before 10 o’clock, so maybe I can make it to the OTWC  by 10:30 or so...
6:45 PM--I get tired of seeing so-called friends of mine talking about their recording projects on Flakebook and none of them seem to think I'M good enough to be even a small part of them...specifically Bill M., who is (I think) about to go into a studio and make an album...I should know better than to believe what a lawyer says, right?

if nothing else, I AM good at harmonizing

FRIDAY 12/27/19 1:39 AM-The fourth Thursday open mic is history… It went generally way better than I thought it would…I felt like I was playing in a phone booth...I guess that’s not gonna change...some of the regular singers are amateurs and I don’t expect too much from them – I’m not going to name names for a change...The highlight of the evening for me I think was the set by Jeff Jones with harmonies by me and Jeff Karn – amazing...Especially Jones’ rendition of Tom Petty‘s YOU DON’T KNOW HOW IT FEELS...Lately I’ve been worried about losing my high notes, but  that was not a problem tonight...not even a little...
      My guitar playing wasn’t too bad this evening either…There are still a couple of patches on the ME 70 that need to be readjusted with regard to volume levels though...As far as I can remember, my next gig (with anybody) will be January 10 with the FHB at the Rockville Elks...
      No one got paid this evening, because the ATM wouldn’t spit out any cash for Vera... I’ve arranged to go to the Thayer residence and pick up the money tomorrow at 2 o’clock after which I have to come back here to Rockville and feed the cat... But first I have to clean up and pack up…The house sitting job ends for me tomorrow at approximately 5 o’clock after which I go back to G-burg...
       There’s a video on Flakebook showing three dudes singing Hotel California acoustically in a sports bar in Fairfax…They got one of the chords wrong and the harmonies are so-so at best... It makes me feel even better about what me Jeff Jones and Jeff Karn did last night, the FHB too for that matter…Allegedly there will be videos… But Jones is hard to work with, for me at least...he’s such a conceited, dorky guy IMO...oh well... I don’t see any rehearsals with anybody in the near future, unless I’m forgetting something...
      5:55 PM--back in G-burg, thank the Universe...looking forward to bedtime, I admit...gonna try to stay up until 11 PM...thankfully, I don't have to make a run to Safeway--until tomorrow...
SATURDAY 12/28/19 1:30 PM--Stoney sent the set list for the FHB gig at Rockville Elks on 1/10/20...Of course I had to MANUALLY re-write it THEN create a Google Doc...took about an hour, thought it was gonna take longer...
1:46 PM--just ordered another amp cover...I had about $10 dollars left on my Gift Card, so the cover only added about $6 to my credit card balance...IF the original one somehow turns up, I'll check with Geoff (the ACME Band Co.) to see if he wants/needs one for HIS Blues Jr. amp...I'm not sure but he might already have one, in which case, I dunno what I'm gonna do with an extra one, if I ever see the one I left at the OTWC, which John Trupp allegedly has...why hasn't he contacted me, IF he has it? because he doesn't like me?
 7:17 PM--do I annoy that many people? how many people annoy ME?

trying to get back to “normal “

  THURSDAY 12/26/19 Noon-if I can, I’m going to try to focus on tonight‘s open mic…And like I almost always do this time of year, I’m starting to think about New Year’s resolutions... In 2020 I really really want to be a different person... Apparently who I am now has very few REAL friends...I want to try and start talking less…I’m sure there are a lot of people who think I just like to hear my sound of my own voice... I dunno if that’s true or not...it might actually be true...
        3:20 PM-I forgot that as far as the 0TWC 4th Thursday open mic set up is concerned, I’m back in the corner where I used to be in the Harbison days…I wouldn’t mind that so much if Butch wasn’t still right next to me...it doesn’t make sense to ME to have two guitars next to each other…I guess it’ s always gonna be like that with the FHB...Not to mention that he takes up a bit more room than I do...So it’s back to feeling like a second-class citizen, if that...but I need the money...
     And I wonder why I bust my ass to get here by 3 o’clock when I can’t really set up my stuff until Brian and Butch gets finished setting up  theirs...
4:49 PM-going to take a shower, eat dinner then go back to the OTWC… I want to be back there before 7:30… Which gives me about an hour to sit around and do next to nothing except be nervous…
6:17 PM-I am is clean and clean shaven as I’m going to get...I can’t see any reason to sit here and watch TV for 30 minutes or even 20 minutes...I’m gonna leave in about 10 minutes… I know I probably shouldn’t, but I’m going to have some ice cream for dessert BEFORE I do any singing…

the Big Day is history...

       TUESDAY 12/24/19 8:06 AM--now I'll focus on the open mic, which is two days away...on the other hand, there's at least one video on youTube from last night, thanx to Stoney or Sue...Video aside, I'd give the Full House Band an 8.5, no more, no less...
9:20 AM--suddenly nervous about buying a stomp box at Litz...I'm not 100% sure I have the credit, but I THINK I do...I guess I'll know in about an hour...
11:07 AM--I now own a Boss digital reverb unit...it does other things too, the most significant thing being DELAY...I don't need it when I'm using the ME 70, but otherwise it will come in quite handy--like when I'm with the ACME Band Co., ITN or just going to an open mic...I don't think I'll need it anytime soon, but I don't regret buying it...
11:47 AM--John Trupp has my amp cover...how and when we'll be at the same place, I have no idea...Maybe the open mic on Thursday...
5:50 PM-having seen a video of my performance of Blue Christmas, I am thinking that maybe a rating of 8.5 is a bit generous… And Butch’s performance of Santa Looked a lot like Daddy left a bit to be desired as well...I guess he was as nervous as I was…
WEDNESDAY 12/25/19 11 AM--suddenly I've got a few songs to learn by tomorrow night...and (naturally) Arlene wants to do Christmas songs--why? I have no idea...I'm sure people say this about me, but I find her to be annoying at least...
7:09 PM-starting to work on those new songs for tomorrow’s open mic… I’ve just listened to a couple of them a couple of times each... A couple of them are very easy; at least one of them is going to be quite difficult, I think, due to its’ tempo... I actually thought about pulling the guitar out and working on them now, but I don’t want to get all wound up or excited... So I’m gonna try to calm down as much as I can… I want to go back to being tired like I was an hour or two ago...
10:25PM-as far as I know, I have nothing to do but practice my guitar until about 2:30... I won’t spend the entire time practicing, in fact I don’t know how much time I’m going to spend practicing but I have the option of practicing whenever I want to…
11:05PM-just experimenting with the idea of printing something here from my phone, but through Linda’s printer… Much to my surprise it worked!!!

the Big Day is here

    MONDAY 12/23/19 9:03 AM--I still hope to be at the OTWC by around 4 PM or so...I hope JT won't be the weirdo he often is...I want me and my amp to be on the far left side of the stage (as you're looking at it) which should make it easier to clear out if and when I want to...I guess I'm having Dinner there, somewhere around 5 or 6 o'clock...I intend to have a stage outfit to wear...I'll bring it with me and leave it in the car until about 8:15...no interest in seeing/hearing Greg and Lisa Marsh, but it shouldn't take 15 minutes to change clothes...
3 PM--getting ready to leave for the OTWC...For starters I want a good parking space, and I'm hoping to set up my gear...and of course, I'll be having Dinner there most likely...
7:20 PM-as I knew it would be, the place is packed… Angela isn’t here but just about anybody or everybody else I know is--including at least one of my other crushes-- Faye, Reneé, Carolyn...
8 PM-Angela is here now...
10:08 PM-we now about 20 minutes behind schedule...I can’t wait till we’re done...but I’m kinda stuck here until the end of the show...
TUESDAY (!) 12:28 AM--if nothing else, we had lotsa energy...I kinda forgot to come in at the beginning of BLUE XMAS, but I did manage to go over the top by the end of the song, which was the plan all along...What I DIDN'T plan on doing is leaving my amp cover at the gig...I'm hoping somebody picked it up...or I'll have to get another one (f**k!)...they don't cost all that much; I have almost $10 credit with Amazon...the amp's reverb went on the fritz again (f**k #2)--*I* dunno why the plug keeps falling out...I think what I'm gonna have to do is get a reverb pedal from Litz, charging it of course...
            I think I'll go to Litz later today, like when they open...Dianne will be at work, so what she doesn't know won't hurt me...

Fooling myself?

      THURSDAY 12/19/19 9:55 PM-So here I am at the OTWC...suddenly feeling like I’m in Musical Little League...I suspect that’s how other people see me...I shouldn’t care what other people think, but I do...I thought I was in the Major League, not the best player but not the worst either...I KNOW I’m not the worst... I’m in a band with some not very good singers and players, but I’m not naming names…
11:35PM-maybe if it hadn’t been so cold this evening, I woulda brought my gear to the open mic...but I AM saving myself for Monday...I'm having an OK time though...
 FRIDAY 12/20/1911:50 AM--I found out that I don't even have to bring my amp to the Derwood Xmas Show...I'll just bring Butterscotch and the ME-70...or just some stompboxes...we're only playing a 15 minute set, and it's a benefit...I still wish somebody had co-ordinated the Xmas songs, as in who's singing what...oh well...maybe I should tell Butch that HE can use JT's amp, so he won't have to bring his...but then I WILL have to bring mine, and I don't really wanna...
7:25 PM--still feeling down about my Musical public image...to some degree it's my fault, associating with amateurs...yes, that's what I said...perhaps not Barnaby, Stoney or Brian, but possibly just about everyone else...I don't consider myself to be an amateur, but maybe after FIFTY YEARS I am...maybe The LCB was my Professional period...actually, I felt like a Pro when I was with Daryl Davis...why he dumped me, I may never know...and maybe I don't wanna know...
 SATURDAY 12/21/19 9:05 AM--because I don't wanna spend 15 minutes possibly not liking the sound of JT's amp while playing with the FHB, I'll bring my own amp, hassle though that may be...that will be one less thing to worry about...after all, I told JT I would...and I told Butch that I would...and I'll probably just bring a pair of stompboxes...
9:41AM--listening to the FHB rehearsal recording of the Xmas songs...I'm not the worst singer in the Band...I'm reluctant to say who I think is...HINT--I think he's moving away sometime next year...I assume he'll be replaced...
10:50 AM--Somebody (Barnaby?) set up a Flakebook Page for the FHB...I don't think I'M an administrator; dunno if I'm ever gonna be...I'd like to add some photos, but I don't think I can yet...
5:18 PM--the gig isn't until Monday but I'm consumed by it...which is having a negative effect on my body...
7:08 PM--I tried to add a photo to the FHB FB page--as far as I know, I'm still in the band--but the post/photo isn't on the page yet...and (unless I'm doing something wrong, which IS possible) I can't load/post anything to the Page...I won't call anybody an asshole for shutting me out--yet...

not a total loss...but almost

    TUESDAY 12/17/19 12:19 PM--the electric twelve sounds pretty good thru my amp IMO...and it seems to be pretty loud as well...the intonation is kinda problematic...what I think are called "first position" chords are not in tune, but what I call barre chords are OK...I guess the real problem is that I have "perfect pitch" so a relatively slight bit of "out-of-tuneness" *I* am gonna notice, whereas other people might not...I actually shot a couple of vids, but I don't know what I'm gonna do with 'em...
          And I think I repaired the reverb in my amp as well...for how long I don't know...I'm a bit concerned about taking the acoustic out in this weather, especially since it will be pretty dammed cold after rehearsal...
10:15 PM--other than having a hard time finding the rehearsal location, the evening was pleasant enough...I'm still not completely sure what we're rehearsing for...Jeff is performing at the Derwood Xmas Show, but Liliana will be outta town...
WEDNESDAY 12/18/1912:21 PM--spent a fair amount of time working with the ME-70...checked out all 36 USER presets, most of which I created and/or modified...
9:21 PM--I spent a fair amount of time knob twiddling on the ME-70 to learn the guitar part that Barnaby learned on the keyboard faster than I did on guitar, thinking he was gonna give it back--he did not, I'm not sure why...it's Butch's Xmas song--Santa Looks a lot Like Daddy...apparently it was time wasted...
                I'm still (IMO) getting treated like dirt...I'm sure my "friend" Stoney (or Barnaby) is composing yet another e-mail full of criticisms--I can hardly wait...
      I've decided that I don't want to be in a Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band, if that's what Jeff and Liliana have in Mind...now I gotta tell them...not looking forward to THAT...
THURSDAY 12/19/19 7:50 AM--was thinking of going to the OTWC tonight, but the open mic is allegedly gonna include a Xmas music segment...one reason NOT to go...
9:13 AM--Tish says she would like me to come out tonight and play...the Xmas stuff won't take all night...and I've never heard Colleen sing...and my equipment is already in the living room...we'll see...
11:32 AM--I had to reconstruct the memorized patches on my keyboard, and so I did, in the "wrong" order, but still...
4:21 PM--I guess it doesn't matter what *I* want, or maybe the FHB is not a democracy...on the day AFTER Xmas we might be playing our Xmas set to kick off the open mic...that's taking the lazy man's way out IMO...
5:32 PM--it's funny, of the four (or is it five?) bands I'm in, I seem to get the most respect from the members of the band(s) that I'm least proud of, if I use the Musical standards that I've been using for most of my Life...it's quite depressing...

I'm hoping I can do better

 
          SUNDAY 12/15/19 7:07 PM--somebody (Barnaby?) sent the guys in the FHB a recording of Silent Night that (I think) features him singing all the parts...Maybe I'm wrong, but I think I can equal that...one of my problems is that my desire to take on ANY Project seems to be strongest at the time of day when I'm supposed to start winding down...meaning now...
    In order to get the Project done, I might have to buy a mic cable...I'm gonna poke around in the basement first though, I think there's one down there somewhere...
MONDAY 12/16/19 7 AM--there is snow on the ground...that may put the kibosh on my Plans for today...but I've been going over the arrangement in my head...I'm going for a CSN kinda thing, but who knows how it will ultimately turn out...
   9:15 AM-And now I’ve misplaced the two guitar strings that I bought (even though I only need one) so I can restring my electric 12 string...so now I have to go buy strings all over again…The only day this could possibly be is Monday...
 12:05 PM--it took about an hour but I finally put ONE new "G" string on the electric twelve string...it's a good thing I bought TWO, because I broke one...I bought a set of hex wrenches and I'd like to think by my adjusting the bridge I stopped the buzzing...I hope to work on MY version of Silent Night at least a little after my nap...
 4:34 PM--I'll finish it tomorrow...I don't mean to seem competitive, because Music is an Art form not a sport, but maybe I'm just upset because Barnaby's recording features three part harmony...which I guess will be Barnaby, Brian and Stoney...I think I can add a low part to what they're gonna do...it seems like the only way I'm gonna know for sure is to record a version of ME singing all the parts...it's gonna be a bit more work than I initially thought...
4:51 PM--maybe I'll just wait until the three of them sing it (at rehearsal?) and suggest adding the low part then...or just say "fuck it" altogether...nah, I'm gonna give it one more shot--tomorrow...how much time I'm gonna spend on it nobody knows...
7 PM--I realized I could first work out the individual parts on "piano"...so I haven't given up just yet...and then it occurred to me that maybe I could practice singing with the recording Barnaby made...
 7:45 PM--Barnaby's recording is now part of my iTunes Library...and it's time to chill, so I will... but I am wondering if I’m rehearsing with Liliana and Jeff Jones tomorrow… I’m supposed to, but who knows?
9:30PM--practice with L & JJ is on for tomorrow at 6, so if Barnaby will let me, I'll just add the low part to his arrangement of SILENT NIGHT...so instead of working on that, I'll likely try the electric twelve thru my amp...

Maybe somebody up there doesn’t like me

SATURDAY 12/14/19 3:50 PM-I KNEW I’d forget something on the way to Mike’s house...I didn’t know it would be the keyboard stand… It could’ve been worse...I could be sitting by the side of the road with a flat tire, and I’m not… The absolute worst case scenario is we’ll be playing without keyboards at all; Dave says he was going to check with Stu and see if HE had a keyboard stand…Maybe I should ask Mike…
6:15 PM-I think the keyboard stand dilemma has been solved, but I am one cord short and in fact it’s the shortest one I use… Some good news – I’ve already gotten the $80 (minus $10 for Dinner)
SUNDAY 12/15/19 1:23 AM--just got in from Mike's house...I'm home about eight minutes sooner than I thought I'd be...the gig went as well as could be expected under the circumstances...Maybe a dozen people in the audience, all of them in the bar...Mike ran the keyboard thru the PA...it sounded real good to me, especially when Stu was playing it...it was seemingly unnecessary to bring the Stagg (the powered speaker) to the gig...But I had no way of knowing that...
 9:04 AM--I left all my stuff in the car, but then I worried about a break-in...happily, it was all still there just now...I'm gonna bring it in slowly...the keyboard is in now, it's the most cumbersome piece of equipment I have to deal with...LATER-I’m trying to get rid of this New feature that I thought I would like but I HATE it...
11:16 AM-it took the better part of 45 minutes, but I think I disabled that feature on my phone that repeated back to me verbally every fucking thing I said… And yet, I can’t remember how I disabled that feature – but I do think I disabled it, at least for the time being…

not quite what *I* had in mind (at first)

             FRIDAY 12/13/19 3:51 PM--I was hoping ITN would have a keyboard player other than me at the gig tomorrow night...but I figured if we didn't, I'd muddle through...I didn't count on having a part-time player...I think he'll be playing on SOME of the songs I'm about to go practice, but not all of them...and I'll still have to schlep the keyboard, stand and powered speaker with me...a not so pleasant surprise...
7:18 AM--after doing some digging, I find that the guy just might be really cool, and probably doesn't need the money I thought/think he should get...and he's coming from Fairfax--I dunno why, but *I* thought he was coming from Baltimore...Fairfax is far enough, I guess, but Colesville (Mike's house) is pretty far too, about 40 miles away from the gig...
       I figured I would be doing a LOT of keyboard practicing tomorrow, but I may not have to do too much...On the other hand, I don't have anything else to do...
SATURDAY 12/14/19 9:50 AM--after watching another episode of AOS, I'll gonna pack up my Musical gear and (maybe) bring it upstairs...Dianne said that was OK...this theoretically leaves me with more time to take a nap--IF I can relax, that is...
          11:35 AM--roughly half of my gear is upstairs already...I'm gonna bring the amp stand but I hope I can leave it in Mike's car while we're playing...surely the Moose Lodge has some kinda chairs...metal folding ones are my first choice...and I'm only bringing ONE guitar, probably "eBay"...I didn't spend any time in front of the light box this morning in the hopes that I can get at least a little bit of nap...but I'm already excited about the day's events...

why am I not surprised?

      WEDNESDAY 12/11/19 9:52 AM--I now have eleven strings on my 12-string...naturally I broke the .008 (the high G) so I'll go to Victor Litz and get some more .008s...I hope to step away from the guitar for now...I hope to get back to it tomorrow...a MAJOR lesson in "patience" I say...Not yet looking forward to FHB practice, maybe by 6:00 I will be...
4:51 PM--I'm a step closer to having a working electric 12-string Strat...I think Lowe's will be able to help...I may have to buy a set of hex wrenches (for about $10), but it's worth it to ME...just to fix the buzzing high G string...I bought a pair of .009s...maybe it won't snap like the .008 did...
10:41 PM--The FHB rehearsal went ok...I'm fairly sure Barnaby doesn't have the respect for my abilities that I deserve...but I think our Derwood Xmas set will be an 8 on a scale of 10...
          The cleaning ladies are supposed to come sometime tomorrow...if I can be patient I will go to Lowe's to get a hex wrench when they get here, no sooner...
8:24 AM--I'm gonna hold off buying a hex wrench (or anything else) until I can safely afford it...right now I can't afford anything that isn't absolutely necessary--like food and/or gas...
  THURSDAY 12/12/19 8AM--I've had the keyboard for quite awhile now but until a half hour ago I had never scrolled through the beats selection, there are several dozen "STYLE" choices and each one can be super slow or super fast (or anything in between) so I've started going thru the list...
      Dunno why, but I wanted to see if I could play the missing riff from I SAW THE LIGHT...the only way to play it the right way is to use a slide...it turns out I can kinda play it with one, but (probably) only if I use Butterscotch...the action is a bit higher than the action on eBay...just barely (IMO) high enough to play slide on it...but for just one riff, it should be ok...maybe Butterscotch can be the official FHB guitar...
6:04 PM--the three Musically inflexible members of the FHB are apparently gonna do an 
a capella version of SILENT NIGHT...at this point in time, like right NOW, sitting calmly and comfortably in my chair, I can add a low part, especially if the raise the key a whole step...a half step might work...
Like I’ve said before, Barnaby mostly, but Stoney sometimes and Brian as well, treat me like some sort of “special needs” kid... And, like I’ve also said before, I think they’re jealous of my ability – or at least afraid I might have a considerable amount of it... And I know how conceited that sounds, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t true…

that's unusual

     SUNDAY 12/8/19 11:45 AM--I usually do next to nothing the day after a gig, but today I'm going up the road to see Michelle and "Buck Stone" play their gig...but I think I can squeeze in a tiny nap before I go..."Buck Stone's" real name is Jeremy Schumann...It's way too late now but if I could go back in time MY stage name would be "Scotty Andrews"...or maybe "Andy Scott"...oh well...
      3:16 PM--the Plan is to take some photos at Michelle's gig--the "normal" way, using the iPhone 8 technology I have at my disposal...I should stop off at Harris Teeter on the way home to get baloney and cereal...gonna set my alarm for 5:15 or thereabouts...
6:26 PM--just got home from Michelle's gig..her and Jeremy sound good together..hung out with a guy I sorta know, Stefan Monica (and his Wife) and a couple other folks I know showed up as well...
MONDAY 12/9/19 11:35 PM--I think I know Stefan from Blinkie's karaoke...realizing that triggered the idea that maybe I'll go to Hershey's Tuesday evening, mostly to see Ken & Luisa...and yet I compiled a list of EIGHT songs I think I could sing--if I want to...
TUESDAY 12/10/19 11:10 AM--went to Pritchard's and got the set of strings for the electric twelve...might try to put 'em on after my nap...but I don't expect to finish the job today...
11:30 AM--I'm fighting the urge to work on the guitar now, but I really REALLY wanna learn the concept of "patience"...I don't wanna put it off too much...but tomorrow might not be good if Maria and the girls show up...
4:17 PM--I called it...I was pretty sure I wasn't gonna finish re-stringing the electric twelve-string today--I was right...worked on it for an hour and a half, didn't get finished...eight outta twelve ain't bad...I'll work on it tomorrow...
 5:17 PM--the great thing about the last two pairs of strings is that there is no right or wrong string...I'd like to think it will be pretty easy...the high G has a "buzz" that I think *I* can fix, IF I can find a small enough hex wrench...

hoping to detach...and I did, a little...

     SATURDAY 12/7/19 8AM--I hope to go to the Combustibles gig and just do my job to the best of my ability...this means (IMO) ignoring the inevitable mistakes that I will hear...There is some anxiety about driving myself to the gig, but I should be OK using the GPS on my phone...
     6:10 PM--gonna leave the house at about 7 o'clock and hope I will be at the Celtic House by Eight...I'm considering praying that my journey will be trouble free...not quite as worried about the trip home, but I will be depending on the GPS...
SUNDAY 12/8/19 2:02 AM--just got in from Arlington...IMO the Combustibles might be a 6 on a scale of 10...I really messed up JUNIOR'S FARM...there were a couple of neat spots, but a lot more rough spots...we played three songs by request and the girls who made the requests sang two of the songs...None  of the songs had been played by the Combustibles before...We did YOU MAY BE RIGHT and I sang it...
      Working the ME 70 in Manual Mode took some getting used to, but it wasn't bad...in a conversation about me having a girlfriend, Ric suggested...Angela Drago!!!! Kinda scary if you ask me...
         I got turned around and/or confused leaving the house to get to 270 South--THAT is still a mystery to me...Then my GPS put me on the WRONG Parkway...*I* was thinking George Washington, the GPS was apparently thinking Clara Barton...but I arrived at Celtic House just about when I wanted to and got a parking space right in front of the Place...
      I had directional problems leaving to come home as well...but I made it, that's what matters the most, right? I could have the $80 dollars by Tuesday...

I said I would (I think)

          WEDNESDAY 12/4/19 8:30 AM--I think I told Lou that if HE went to Hershey's, I'd go too...He says he's going...Jackie isn't hosting; maybe that's ultimately for the best...not going out again until Saturday, if I have MY way...
3:48 PM-- Barnaby and Stoney continue to treat me like dirt...guess I'll have to get used to it...after all, THEY are Professional Musicians and I'm just some wacko amateur...Going to Hershey's to meet Lou--HE seems to respect and/or like me...Ileana checked in with me to see if I was going to Hershey's...that's just her being polite I guess...
5:46 PM--she DID seem pleased that I was planning to be there...but again, that could be her just being polite...
11:35 PM-- Lou & Scott were an "8" on a scale of 10 IMO...I think Lou agreed with me...I accompanied a few other performers on guitar...had some fun...now I guess I'll start to focus on Saturday's gig...
THURSDAY 12/5/19 7:35 AM--I could go to the OTWC tonight and spectate or I could go to the Grape Escape and (because Pete is so insistent) participate...or I could stay home and save my voice and energy for Saturday night...Completely undecided...
2:09 PM--still totally undecided about going out tonight, and if so, where...and why for that matter...
4:08 PM--the roomie is definitely going out, as of a half hour ago...I'm leaning towards the OTWC, I can get dessert, I don't have to perform and to some degree I can blend in with the crowd...my budget for today is about $12 and dessert and a drink (plus tip) should come out to be about $12 bucks...
FRIDAY 12/9/19 12:49 AM--went to the Singer/Songwriter Showcase at the OTWC...spent $8, that's dessert and tip...I think my daily budget for the next three days is $11 dollars per day...I think I'll be ok...but I might not get the Saturday gig money until Tuesday...Barry uses PayPal, I dunno why...
12:34 PM--I wasn't gonna do it until tomorrow, while Dianne is in Annapolis, but I went thru the ME-70 to fine tune it in MANUAL Mode...and wrote all the settings down...because what if she DOESN'T go to visit Sue for some reason? so that's done...most of my clean laundry has been dealt with too...I don't think I have anything major to do tomorrow...
    The FHB is scheduled to practice on Wednesday the 11th, but I dunno what Stoney means by "practice yer parts"--parts of what? the Xmas songs? Or are we working on songs for January 10th? *I* don't know...

I called it

           MONDAY 12/2/19 10:04 PM--I was thinking as I left for the FHB rehearsal, "I sure could use my new amp cover, a garbage bag looks stupid..." It was raining a fair amount at the time...I told Dianne that it would probably come while I was at practice--it did...At first I found it hard to believe it was in the box that was waiting for me when I got home, but it was...it fits the way it's supposed to and should under most circumstances keep my amp dry...
           The practice itself went smoothly enough...the other guys let me have my way quite a bit...I swapped out RUN RUDOLPH RUN  for BLUE XMAS, and we added PLEASE COME HOME FOR XMAS as well...I'm very surprised...Yet again I was reminded of upcoming gigs that I had forgotten about...like the 4th Thursday Open Mic on 12/26 which in addition to being the day after Xmas is Deborah Lynn Haines' (of Ellicott City) 66th birthday, assuming she's still alive...
       On January 10th the FHB returns to the Rockville Elks and February 21st it plays at Hershey's...There is also allegedly a Combustibles gig at the Celtic House on February the 1st...
TUESDAY 12/3/19--8:42 AM--I think the FHB is playing four (?) songs at the Derwood Xmas show, but I'm unsure as to which songs and in what order...If not sooner, I'll find out at the next practice...
9:13 AM--I don't think I need to prepare  for the upcoming Combustibles gig, but the ITN gig a week later? Maybe, especially if I'm playing keys...frankly, I hope that the keyboard player who is waiting in the "on-deck circle" will be able to play the show...
10:31AM--But just in case he can't, I went thru the entire ITN Moose Lodge setlist...including the "Alternates", there seem to be lotsa songs that could use keyboards...a couple of them need to be transposed, but that's not a problem...
7:37 PM--Barry made an FB Event out of the gig on Saturday...he made Brian and Barney hosts, but not me...I'm sure that means something, but I'm not sure what that something is...
8:55 PM--and now Stoney is whining because I mentioned on Flakebook a couple of the songs his band is doing at the Derwood Xmas show...and he seems to think that John Trupp is God...I think he's a bit of a jerk...no wonder Stoney likes the guy...I think I'd be happier if they DID fire me...
9:38 PM--I'm gonna try driving myself to the Combustibles' gig on Saturday...that way, I can pack up and split almost as soon as our last Bass player used to...

who’s right, who’s wrong

           SUNDAY 12/1/19 8:35 PM-earlier today, or was it yesterday? I was thinking about my musical ability… Sometimes I think it’s considerable; sometimes I think generally people don’t know how talented I can occasionally be… That is, at least in the privacy of my own home...some of my public performances seem to indicate, at best, average ability…It’s probably true that I don’t practice enough – keyboard OR guitar...
         MONDAY 12/2/19 8:37 AM--In about an hour and a half I'll take the car across the street to get an oil change...I might wait for it, mostly because I don't wanna get wet IF it's raining when it's finished...I think that whatever practicing I do will be after my nap...I'm considering praying that the amp cover will come today, before I leave for Butch's house...
 9:24 AM--I know the FHB is doing a ridiculously short set at the Derwood Xmas Show, so we need to practice for that, but our next gig is January 10th, at the Rockville Elks Club...I'm not yet looking forward to rehearsal, maybe I will later...
10:51 AM--got the chords and lyrics to PLEASE COME HOME FOR XMAS...I got 'em for ITN, but the FHB could use them too...
 4:30 PM--I'm gonna try to be the bigger man and if some of the other members of the FHB wanna treat me like a second class citizen, so be it...For instance, I made copies of PLEASE COME HOME for Stoney Barnaby and Butch IF we end up learning the song...I think I'd rather sing that than RUN RUDOLPH RUN...Frankly, I don't remember singing RUDOLPH, but Stoney says I did...
 And I'm gonna let Stoney be a jerk, if he wants to be...he's pretty good at that, at least occasionally....

don't wanna jinx it

          FRIDAY 11/29/19 11:32 AM--I rescheduled the oil change to Monday...I think the car will be okay until then, even with the trip to Damascus...When Dianne leaves, shortly, I'll go to Giant for fudgesicles and Pritchard to see if they have any sets of 12-string electric strings...I'd be more surprised if they DON'T have 'em...
5:30 PM-Leave it to Stoney to put a damper on my good day he still bitching about my performance at at the FHB gig – like I told him if that had been a practice I would’ve said I’m not going to be there, I was then very sick… Tonight I’m just a little sick… As far as adding harmony parts that aren’t there he’s jealous because he can’t do it...
SATURDAY 11/30/19 1:05 PM-so now I’m at the Music Café, waiting for Lou…This should help me forget, if only for a little while, Stoney’s attitude problem… I’m having lunch here, although it’s very expensive… The Damascus Jerry’s Subs and Pizza is gone...
     Before I went to Damascus I stopped off at Litz and bought a "whammy bar" for "eBay"...They seemingly don't carry amp covers, so I hung around in the store and ordered one using my phone--AMAZING...
3:15 PM-Lou and I were an “8” in my opinion...He seemed satisfied; he's pretty sure he's gonna be at Hershey's on Wednesday...I'm gonna try to be as well......
              The whammy bar I bought at Litz didn't fit, not even almost...So I used some duct tape to thicken the shaft...And I fixed the reverb on my amp...Like it or not, the Combustibles are rehearsing tomorrow at 1 o’clock…I'm gonna bring my amp but hopefully I'll be able to leave it in my car, and use the amp that is usually in the basement...the FHB is practicing on Monday...I'll need my amp for THAT...The weather is supposed to be less than ideal on Sunday and Monday...The amp cover I ordered from Amazon probably won't get here until Tuesday--perfect...
SUNDAY 12/1/19 1 PM-I don’t mind being a little early but a half an hour? Oh well, I was pretty sure practice started at 1 o’clock, but Barry tells me it starts at 1:30… Oh well… I’m not sure if anybody’s home at the house even though the door was unlocked...I felt weird being in there possibly by myself so now I’m sitting in the car...
   The plan for tomorrow’s practice with the FHB is to say as close to nothing as I can… So I’ll probably use the Combustibles’  rehearsal to practice that idea...
7:39 PM--I did some talking at practice, but not much...whatever plan Stoney and Brian have, Brian gave nothing away...much to my surprise, I found out the Combustibles are playing at the Celtic House next Saturday...a pleasant (financial) surprise...

I'm not a CD player

    WEDNESDAY 11/27/19 7:55 PM--it could be my days with the FHB are numbered...I should care, but I don't...I'm not a member of the Groovy Musicians Club of Montgomery County...I feel like I SHOULD be, but I'm not...Stoney wants to have a debriefing with (seemingly) only me... We’ve actually started emailing back-and-forth this evening… I only started that because I wanted to know if *I* was the problem...Stoney says I’m not, so I’ll take him at his word-for now...
THURSDAY 11/28/19 10 AM--I saw a 12-string "Strat" on eBay...that triggered me into getting MINE outta mothballs...so that's what I'm gonna do...probably go to Litz tomorrow to get a set of strings and stop off at Lowe's to get a tiny Phillips screwdriver...I don't have to take the car across the street until about 11 AM or so...
FRIDAY 11/29/19--I gotta keep working on, among other songs, HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SHOT...when Dianne leaves the second? third? time I can get to it...just heard from Lou...he wants me to come to the Music Café tomorrow...if I can, I'll will...turns out I can, so I will...one of the ABC songs that needs the most work is DON'T STOP BELIEVING...that one's not gonna be ready for tonight...
 11:28 AM--just might play piano on STEVE MCQUEEN and ROLLING IN THE DEEP...I DO wonder what, if anything, Lee is gonna say...but I don't care--yet...

that would be something

           SUNDAY 11/24/19 4:38 PM--it suddenly occurred to me (after a pretty good and much needed nap) that *I* could fill in for Mike on Drums at the ACME Band Co. gig on Friday the 29th...I sent Dave an e-mail expressing the idea...I suspect that ultimately the idea will be shot down...and that's OK too...Starting tomorrow, I will focus on the ACME Band Co.--although it seems like I've already started, right?
     First I need to practice my keyboard parts...in fact, that's the first priority if you ask me...I'll start tomorrow, hopefully...
10 PM--The substitute drummer idea was nixed, and that's OK, I guess...Now I need to determine exactly which songs I play keyboard on...I have a couple of lists but I checked with Dave to be more certain...
         TUESDAY 11/26/19 10:30 AM- Litz is having a 50% off sale Friday morning from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM… Allegedly the sale covers absolutely EVERYTHING…Maybe I can get those Fender locking tuners that I’ve been thinking about for Butterscotch...I may be wrong, but I think I could possibly install them myself…There is at least one video on YouTube that explains how…
 4:40 PM--I talked to Tony Litz this morning...they don't even carry locking tuners anymore, at least that's what Tony said...besides which the sale is for items that cost more than $50 dollars, I think...kinda puts a damper on the whole idea...
5:09 PM--I think I'm gonna go to Litz in the morning to see how much he'll give me for my wireless...I'm hoping for $75 bucks, he can sell it for about $100 dollars...
9:20 PM--whatever cash he gives me I'm hoping to spend there--on Friday morning...on what I have no idea...
WEDNESDAY 11:44 AM--change of plan, I think...NOT going to Litz' Early Bird Black Friday Sale...I don't need anything; I may WANT things, but I don't NEED anything...
12:16 PM--Jackie is hosting the open mic at Hershey's tonight...I MIGHT go w/o Lou, but I'd rather he was there...he can't go...so I probably won't go either...what's the point?
4:16 PM--and yet, I'm planning on going anyway...gonna take my acoust--wait, I just changed my Mind...I'm not yet completely over this cold and I have a gig on Friday...there is singing involved...

From one extreme to the other

          SUNDAY 11/24/19 11:35 AM-now that the gig with the FHB is over, I have to focus  on the Acme Band Company...starting Monday... Even if I felt all better, which I don’t, I would take today off… I will have to get back to work in earnest tomorrow…

it's the right thing to do

         FRIDAY 11/22/19 9:18 AM--it feels like it has taken forever, but I finally got the mp3 of BREAKDOWN into Audacity so I could slow it down enough to (hopefully) learn a certain guitar riff...I feel as though I can't do much of anything until Goodwill comes and takes the microwave and the microwave cart...I dunno when that will be...Dianne doesn't either...
       4:12 PM--they came around one o'clock or thereabouts...I tried to take a nap of a decent length but it only lasted about an hour...so I got up and went to work in the Gizmo Lab...I THINK it's ready for the gig...
9:10 PM--I was able to get in a teeny bit of practice for the past hour or so, polishing up various riffs...I hope to get some more in before the gig...because its' strings are newer, I'll probably use Butterscotch as my main guitar...
   Dianne and I are going out the door in the morning at about 8:30 to do stuff...hoping to home by 1 PM, more or less...the load-in is at 3 PM I think...
SATURDAY 11/23/19 5:15 PM--Dianne went out alone, I was/am? too sick to go out...participated in the load-in/set-up...dunno why I brought Butterscotch, but it's a good thing I did...what happens is:ya set up yer stuff, plug in your instrument, make sure everything works--*I* don't, but some people call that a sound check...don't wanna leave the house before 7:45 or so...
SUNDAY-11/24/19 2 AM–the gig at the OTWC is history...LOTSA mistakes from everyone not just ME...I think the audience generally liked us...that may be the only thing that matters...I think I came home with about $100 more or less...I’ve got $166 in my pocket...at the most I had roughly $60 in my pocket when I left for the gig...
 9:20 AM--I'm gonna wait until I hear from the other guys, I'm sure they have their opinions regarding last night's gig and I suspect that they won't exactly agree with me...I believe it's true--what the audience thinks matters the most...but I would be happier if we didn't make so many mistakes...
       It sounds like BS, but it's true--I felt pretty bad when the show started, and I don't feel good now...I would wager that Barnaby Brian and/or Stoney will deny making many if any mistakes...In some cases, if one person makes a mistake, the rest of us have to go along with it...as to who originated the most mistakes, I would say it was Butch...IMO he's the weakest link in the band...he has said that he and his family will be moving to the beach (wherever that is) sometime next year...it's cruel and heartless, but I'm wondering if we should replace him sooner...

again with the pressure?

                                                                                                                                                                                   SUNDAY 11/17/19 10:26 PM--I think I've got the set list for the ACME Band Co.gig at Lahinch Tavern on the 29th and should have the set list for the FHB gig at the OTWC soon, whenever that is...The situation will likely change, probably a few times, but right now I'm rather excited about the FHB gig and a bit apprehensive about the ABC gig...
           MONDAY 11/18/19 11:13 AM--prepping for the FHB gig...loaded up the tablet with two or three more sets of lyrics...printed what I think are the latest set lists for both band's gigs...
2:50 PM-just discovered something… When I got my new phone, it took a day or two but most of the old files made it to the new phone...with the exception of all of my sound recordings... Most if not all of the ones that I thought were important enough I uploaded into iTunes but basically, when it comes to the entire collection itself, I’m starting over, there IS no Collection..a bit of a shock, but Life is like that sometimes...
     TUESDAY 11/19/19 5:50 PM--mostly because there was a workman in the house, I haven't touched a guitar...he's gonna be here again tomorrow...even so, I intend to get a new set of strings for Butterscotch...maybe I can put them on early Thursday morning and use Thursday night's rehearsal to break 'em in...
11:07 PM--nervously downloaded a free Joe Bonamassa album into iTunes, which (I think) automatically enters me in a Fender contest where the winner gets an amp...which I would likely sell for some cash...
WEDNESDAY 11/20/19 8:35 AM--still planning to put new strings on Butterscotch...I guess I'll have to wait until the splashback guy leaves...
1:38 PM--some of the guys in the FHB and I have been having a civil discussion about some trouble spots in the FHB song list...let's see how civil we all can be at practice...
9PM--it took an hour (just like in the old days) but I put new strings on Butterscotch...managed to stab the middle finger of my left (fretting) hand...hopefully it will be better in about 22 hours...if not then, surely it will be OK by Saturday...
THURSDAY 11/21/19 4:41 PM--our OTWC debut (as something other than an open mic house band) is two days away...the number of butterflies is growing...
10:35 PM--it's weird, I felt fine at FHB practice...I felt as though my voice was slowly coming back...although singing from my chest really wore me out...now I'm home and I'm feeling a bit "oogy"...
11:19 PM--I just made a payment to Litz...I might regret it later, but not yet--I paid $100...now I owe about $150 more or less...there's still about 35 minutes left until tomorrow, but it was a very good day...

trying to get back in the groove

          THURSDAY 11/14/19 8:34 PM--the call went out to the members of the FHB to suggest one new song each to add to our song list...*I* suggested DON'T DO IT by the Band...I dunno what the other guys think but Stoney was cool on the idea...I'd bet money that he just doesn't like the song/arrangement because of what is more or less a one-note bass line...He suggested SATURDAY NIGHT'S ALRIGHT by Elton John...it's got more energy in it...I sang that once at an open mic somewaht spontaneously...I think Sue Johnstone wrote out the lyrics for me...
FRIDAY 11/15/19 7:48 PM--I don't think I have any band practices this weekend...I'm OK with that...I think there's one by the FHB next Thursday, two days before the gig...I'm already getting a butterfly or two in my stomach...and I've still got another week...
11:10 PM--I've just spent the last two hours extracting the audio from three dozen youTube videos that Stu uploaded of the SNOWDAWGZ live...Two venues were involved--Hershey's and an AmerLegion post in Laurel...two different drummers were used--Randy at Hershey's and Rich at the Legion...Jeff played Bass at both gigs...
           I keep meaning to check in with Stu to see how things are going, find out if anything is going on in the near future...at this point in time, it may be a bit late in the evening...I'll try tomorrow...
SATURDAY 11/16/19 8:51 AM--I was gonna go thru my phone and take out songs that I don't know and/or have no strong desire to hear...I was gonna take out playlists that I didn't want or need...to make a LONG story short, it was easier to leave it all on the phone...In fact, I ADDED some stuff-the Snowdawgz live stuff...I THINK the phone still has half its' gigabytes left...that seems like a lot to me...
 SUNDAY 11/17/19 4:51 PM--starting to think a bit more about the upcoming FHB gig...made a list of songs *I* think I need to polish...there's eight so far...Had a chat with Stoney, he says he feels bad that I wasn't asked to sit-in with the 'stoppers last night...I'm still ambivalent about it...

It’s kind of sad, really

            SUNDAY 11/10/19 5:38 PM-It’s kind of sad listening to Barry wonder why the Combustibles can’t get hired to play at Hershey’s or the OTWC... I guess he has no idea how bad the band is…And as much as I respect Brian’s musicianship and ability I’m curious as to why he plays with us… We are a better band than we were before because he’s in it, but still…
     The next gig that I know of, by any of the bands that I am in, is November 23 at the OTWC… It’s the FHB…
MONDAY 11/11/19 4:40 PM- Much to my surprise, I have band practice with the Acme band company tonight…That means bringing the keyboard stuff… More work for a body that has had more than enough work the past few days... I figure on being back here in Rockville by 11 PM more or less…
10:37 PM-so I made it back to Rockville before 11 o’clock… After the official practice the female singer left and the rest of us did some jamming-that was probably the most fun I had all evening… I’ve been playing music every night since last Thursday... Last Thursday was rehearsal with the FHB  Friday was the gig at the OTWC with ITN, Saturday was the gig with the FHB, Sunday was rehearsal with the Combustibles and this evening was practice with the ACME Band Co.- it’s no wonder I barely know what my name is...
    WEDNESDAY 11/13/19 7:47 PM--just about fully recovered from all the Musical activity that I engaged in last week...and I might be busy tomorrow, rehearsing with Lilieana and Jeff Jones...
THURSDAY 11/14/19 Noon--I don't feel like jamming with Lilieana and Jeff...and I probably won't be going to Pete's open mic either...of course by 7 or 8 o'clock I'll wish I'd gone out somewhere...but going to Pete's would look VERY suspicious...

This gig probably requires Xanax

         SATURDAY 11/9/19 7:36 AM-There is a 4 o’clock load in at the Elks club in Rockville… I plan to be there; It shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes to get there...the gig itself starts at eight and goes till 11… Other than those two events, I have no idea what’s going on today, like Dinner... If I don’t forget, I’m going to take a Xanax before I leave for the gig tonight… I think they’re currently at Dianne’s house, so I’ll look for them when I get there, which is in about an hour…
    4:50 PM-I remember when playing a gig was fun...so far this one hasn’t been...the 5PM soundcheck MIGHT be done by 6:30...but I’m not gonna bet on it...
SUNDAY 11/10/19 1AM-The FHB finished their first official gig about an hour and a half ago... All the other members of the band seem to be satisfied with our performance…*I* came out of my shell (as a lead singer) in a BIG way... I surprised even myself...maybe it’s the hat... I DO regret not making a cell phone recording though...
   I came home with $80...I’m happy with that... Every bit of good news is usually followed by a bit of bad news… The Combustibles are supposed to rehearse tomorrow at 1:30 – that’s just about the last thing I want to do tomorrow...maybe it will be canceled;
     7:23 AM-My amp didn’t sound so good by the last set, I hope I haven’t blown the speaker... I’ll probably take the amp to practice, but I won’t take it out of the trunk if I don’t have to – there’s usually a guitar amp in the basement when I get there… It’s the same kind of amp that I use...
MONDAY 11/11/19 1:19PM--again, I'm surprised to find out I have a band practice tonight--with the ACME Band Co.--7PM at Mike's house...as far as I know there's a Peavey amp there for me to run my guitar thru...but I've been instructed to bring the keyboard stuff...the gig is on the 29th...plenty of time to prepare for it keyboard-wise...but I'm not sure I like to be THIS busy...

two gigs at once

              FRIDAY 11/8/19 1:39 PM--I've done as much prepping for tomorrow night's gig than I have for tonight's gig...and I think the ITN gig will be more fun than the FHB gig...I will need Sunday and Monday and maybe more to recover...
     Maybe there’s a full moon out tonight...has Stoney always been so full of himself? and, in some MontCo restaurants I can’t seem to get any respect...wassup wit dat?
SATURDAY 11/9/19 1:52 AM-The gig at the OTWC  with ITN went better than I thought it would and was a considerable amount of fun… I made $80 plus $15 in tips...
        I’m not sure why, but Arlene guested on one number – SUPERSTITION… I did some of my best singing in front of an audience this evening IMO, and frankly, some of my best guitar playing... And because I was ready with the tablet I made it through TAKE IT EASY without incident... Perhaps because no one was there to reprimand me, I had a considerable amount of fun with lyric mutation...
      Stoney was a little on the bossy side, when discussing with me the idea of testing my wireless system before bringing it to the gig... He’s right, of course…IF I have time to set it up and test it, I will… If I do not, then I’ll leave it here in Rockville And use the normal method...
10:26 AM--I'm starting to think that I won't have time to run the wireless test--darn it...
   

who is the leader of the band?

       SUNDAY 11/3/19 7:36 AM--As far as I know, the FHB is still practicing today...I'm not at all looking forward to that...I THOUGHT that if there was a band leader it was Butch...it feels to ME like Stoney brushed him aside and took over...and IMO he's a bit of a dictator...which is why The Snowdawgz are my favorite of all the bands I'm in; although I'm not 100% sure I'm actually a member OF the band...in fact it might not be a band...It almost feels like Stu gets a gig then puts a group together based on who is available...
         I would like to have a band meeting, but I dunno if any other members of the group feel the same way I do...it wouldn't surprise me if they did...I find it hard to believe that I'm the only one that feels this way...
6 PM--but apparently I'm like Lindburgh over the Atlantic--totally, utterly, completely alone...and it doesn't feel good...at least two of the guys in the band are (IMO) anal retentive...playing Music with them is not fun...
TUESDAY 11/5/19 7:03 PM--I think I should take a break from the 1180 Lab...I struggled for awhile, and gave up fighting with a power strip that kept shutting off...tomorrow I'm scheduled to meet Lou at Hershey's acoustic open mic...naturally it's one of those Wednesdays where Jackie ISN'T hosting...I may not be up to it physically or emotionally, but I'm planning to go if it's the last thing I do...
      WEDNESDAY 11/06/19 9:47 AM-as far as I know, I’m still going to Hershey’s this evening… especially if Lou does as well… And if by some chance he can’t or won’t go, then I’ll likely stay home…
1:04 PM-we're still a "go" for 6:30 or so...I hope to be asleep in about an hour...hopefully the nap will last until 4 PM...
        I hope to warm up on the guitar before Dianne gets home...I AM concerned about the condition of my singing voice...all I can do is hope for the best...
9:19 PM-I think Lou and I were an 8.5 at the most… he seemed satisfied; I recorded the set, it lasted about 15 minutes…I also sat in with Jeff and Liliana…being generous I would give us a 7.0… But then again we didn’t rehearse anything…
 11:22 PM--Liliana and I did YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND...I'd never played it before; I did pretty darned good IMO...and with a capo no less...Butch came out and did a few...he confirmed that The FHB is practicing tomorrow at 7:30 for the gig on SATURDAY...and ITN is playing at the OTWC on FRIDAY...I'm pretty nervous about all of it...and running outta Xanax...
      THURSDAY 11/7/19 11:29 AM--thinking about using my wireless at one or both of my upcoming gigs...otherwise, why did I buy it?
11:50 PM-it seems like we’re not supposed to have too much fun at rehearsal… After all, music is serious business, right?
   Stoney  says he’s going to the OTWC tomorrow to do an early load in – tomorrow night he’s a keyboard player, so I guess he’s got more stuff to deal with than if he was a bass player... I told him I might do the early load-in as well, but I can’t guarantee that I will...

what about next month and beyond

     
             SATURDAY 11/2/19 8:42 AM--I don't think I have a lotta gigs after the end of December, if any...I guess I should check with Dave, Stu, and Barry...FHB is scheduled to practice tomorrow--we don't need it as much as a couple of the other bands I'm in, but some is better than none...
3:49 PM--have started an iTunes playlist of the work I've done recently with Stu...got 15 minutes so far...two from the sit-in w/Dogs Off the Wall, one from last night with the Snowdawgz...
     7:35 PM--*I* thought that Butch was the leader of the FHB...apparently Stoney is...I actually wrote out the notes that he wants me to play in DRIVE and put the cheat sheet on the tablet...I'll check my work tomorrow, if I don't do it sooner...be right back...checked the accuracy of the notes...I believe they're on the money...and MY part of the solo in I SAW THE LIGHT is pretty dammed good to my ears...I suspect CENTERFIELD needs some work though...
 10:54 PM--I was thinking about my recent "lab work", recording one of my own compositions when it occurred to me that I should try to re-record my arrangement of YESTERDAY, done in the style of NY and Crazy Horse...the only recording that exists now was dubbed from a cassette and sounds like shit...maybe I'll start on that on Monday or Tuesday...
 11:36 PM--after watching a pair of tutorial vids on using the drum machine that's built into the BR-1180, I actually think that perhaps I could possibly utilize it--MAYBE...something to think about, right?

analysis

        WEDNESDAY 10/30/19 5:17 PM--it suddenly occurred to me what the various bands I'm in have going for them--or not...ITN is a mostly a "roots rock" kinda thing...The ACME Band is (IMO) a mish mosh of Musical stylings...ITN is a bit better than ACME, for what it's worth...both bands could be "better" I think...
             The Full House Band is better than either one of those, with a pretty dammed eclectic song list...The Combustibles are the most eclectic band of all of them, IMO...it's also the worst of all the bands I'm currently in...The Snowdawgz are every bit as good as the FHB IMO...and the song list is mostly well-known "working class rock"--Bruce, Seger, Petty...excited about both the gig at Hershey's AND the one at the  AmerLegion Post 60 in Laurel...I still dunno how much money I'm gonna make...
            THURSDAY 10/31/19 2:46 AM--I guess the way it works, in both the ACME Band Co. and ITN is that if Dave is happy, everybody's happy...well, Dave's standards must be rather low...I don't think there will be another ITN practice before next Friday's OTWC gig...I dunno how good we're gonna be, but I think the audience will like us...I think I'll use the ME 70--in (mostly) Manual Mode...I'll run a sound check the afternoon of the gig...some of the ITN songs could use a wah-wah sound...
    3:41 PM--as for tonight's gig with the Snowdawgz, I'm taking the least amount of gear to get the job done...getting nervous/excited...should be home by 10:30 or so...
FRIDAY 11/1/19 6:50 AM--and that's about when I got home...maybe I woulda gotten home a bit sooner if it wasn't for the intermittent showers...there was more of a turnout than I thought there would be...Coleen was there, and so was Angela...
      It's probably my imagination or wishful thinking, but sometimes Angela looks at me like she's expecting me to ask her out or something...and, of course I can't--ever...it almost physically hurts to think about it...
SATURDAY 11/2/19 12:38 AM--got home from Laurel about 20 minutes ago...My playing for the first set was nothing to be proud of...I was just about warmed up when I got sick...I dunno if the Wendy's dinner caused the problem, but I had to leave the stage for about ten minutes--can't remember the last time THAT happened...maybe my sugar level was too low...
   My playing for the rest of the night was nothing to brag about either...I THINK I'm mostly over the cold that I've had or it moved to my digestive system...my singing voice might be back; IMO it sounded pretty dammed good in the car on the way home--AFTER the gig, of course...

practice makes perfect

     TUESDAY 10/29/19 5:14PM--still working on recording whatever the song is gonna be called...I'm up to version 3 so far...I tried to use the drum machine built in to the 1180, but it's way to complex for me...so again I laid down the rhythm loop from the KB, the keyboard part itself and the Bass guitar...it took longer than I thought it would. which is what happens when I get tired...
      6:35 PM--I dunno for sure if I'm gonna work in the Lab tomorrow...one of the bands I'm in is practicing at 7 PM...I think it's ITN...and Thursday I have a gig with Stu and whoever else he has recruited to be in the band...and Friday I have another gig with Stu and a (maybe) different group of musicians--in Laurel, at the AmerLegion Post 60...
          WEDNESDAY 10/30/19 11:23 AM--I added a simulated acoustic guitar to my latest Project...it sounds just as good if not better than my real acousticIMO...all I gotta do is add a hi-hat and (maybe?) cymbal crashes...after nap time (whether I actually get one or not) I will shave shower and pack the Manchester bag--not at all sure if I wanna use the ME-70...The ITN song list doesn't have a whole lotta variety in it, as far as I can tell...I feel like all I need is a dirt box and a Chorus...but even as I typed that, I started having second thoughts about NOT using the ME-70...

an awful lot of trouble for...what?

         SUNDAY 10/27/19 7:49 PM--it has taken ME I dunno exactly how many hours, but I think I've got the SET list for the FHB's debut gig...I dunno if it's the final list, but after what I had to go through to get it done, I hope to hell it is...
        MONDAY  10/28/19 8:05 AM--I'm attempting to organize the paperwork from all my various bands into a binder...a binder that I'd forgotten about...the downside to this Project is the redundancy of the documents themselves...
10:52 AM--for now at least, I'm done organizing...did a teeny bit more work in the 1180 Lab...I need to kill the faders at certain points to take out sounds I don't want on the recording...that will be part of the mixdown process I think...the "track mute" option makes me nervous...
 5:45 PM--just did my first "punch outs"...I took out some undesirable sounds...but now I have to punch IN the hi-hat that was on the same track as the undesirable thumps...I think/hope that will work out fine...in addition, I added CHORUS to the basic keyboard track and I added it when I wanted to...it's a bit less boring that way IMO...
  6:12 PM--I don't have anything going on tomorrow having to do with band practices that I know of...
 7:00 PM--ultimately it might be easier to do the hi-hat track over again--and leave out any and all "tom-tom" riffs...they don't sound like real tom-toms to ME...
9:53 PM--I'm hoping to add an acoustic guitar to the tracks I've already got...that would use the eight tracks available to me...I may be wrong, but I don't remember the process of "burning" a CD being all that complex...

and of course things went well enough...

           

             SATURDAY 10/26/19 11 PM- I’m starting to think this is the best band I know of from my neck of the MontCo woods...I must remember that it's TWO bands combined...The (almost) "unplugged" Snowdawgz are at Hershey's on October 31st...and some version of the Snowdawgz (including me?) are playing at Post 60 in Laurel on November 1st...
SUNDAY 10/27/19 2:16 AM--for ME the sit-in with "Dawgz Off the Wall was musically and emotionally rewarding...financially? Well I DID say that I'd be happy with $10 bucks--and (surprise) I am...I played on six songs...I dunno if Eileen (the band leader?) was happy about that, but she didn't say anything to ME...
          Both Stu and Eileen said they were happy with the way the gig went...I'll assume they were telling the truth...I can't get over how good the Band is...on a scale of 1 to 10 I think I'd give them a 9.5...I'd give myself a 9.0, but then again I didn't have that many chances to make mistakes...As far as the FHB goes, like I told Butch privately, that even in baseball, a batter gets THREE strikes...
     12:50 PM--did some spontaneous 1180 Lab work...took out the keyboard Bass, put in a Bass guitar...
    2:17 PM-- I think there's another gig with Stu (and Jeff and Rich?) at the Laurel Legion, the day after the gig at Hershey's...that's okay by me...in Behavioral News, Stoney didn't quite apologize, but then neither did I...I guess I'm still in the FHB and he and I are still friends...

finally, it's Saturday...and I don't care

           SATURDAY 10/26/19 12:45 PM--I've been fairly excited about going to Laurel tonight to hang out with and sit-in with "Dawgz Off the Wall"...but I get the feeling I won't be playing much...Frankly, I'm counting on Stu to spontaneously hand me his guitar on more than two or three songs...I intend to ask him about that, face to face...I guess it's possible that he would relay my thoughts to Eileen, and she would get annoyed if not angry...She seems to be a bit too rigid and inflexible for me, like Stoney--only a lot easier to look at.
        I think there are 45 songs on tonight's set list, including "extras"...I believe I could theoretically play on all of them...I don't have to/want to play on ALL of them, but just three songs? I'm still wondering if it will be worth it...
5:22 PM--I should be excited, but mostly, I'm stressed out...I've taken one Xanax, I wouldn't be surprised if I take another one at some point...Because I'm so impatient, I texted Stu regarding my playing whenever HE wanted me to, although that my bother Eileen...he texted back "10-4!" which I could interpret as "I agree with you" but who knows? Stu strikes me as a guy who likes to be in charge, and from what I've seen is good at that...
 7:30 PM- I missed the exit that I wanted to take to get to the gig, but I found an alternate route and actually got here almost exactly when I wanted to…finally the subject of money came up...I SAID I’d be happy with $10 but the Truth is I'd rather have $20 bucks...I’m not quite a part of this group, but I sure don’t feel like a part of the other groups I’m an actual member of... and there’s one thing about playing at an AmerLegion--I strongly suspect that I am the only Liberal in the whole building… That makes me nervous, but the plan is to keep my mouth shut as much as possible… 
     

it figures

        THURSDAY 10/24/19 10:30 (?) PM--So I thought the Combustibles were going to suck, making our debut at the OTWC… We didn’t quite suck... most of the rest of the open mic was torture for me...Barnaby was right, Stoney can be an asshole sometimes...he kinda treated ME like shit this evening...I think if you want to chew somebody out for some reason you take them aside somewhere relatively private and chew them out...you don’t do it onstage... I admit that I wasn’t prepared on some songs but I swear the next time he makes a mistake I’m gonna jump all over HIS fucking ass... in fact the way I remember it he admitted to not having done some of HIS homework – what a dick...
   FRIDAY 10/25/19 1:14 AM--the Plan was to quit the Combustibles, but I didn't--yet...I DID quit the Full House Band...the asshole Bass Player was not happy that I told him to fuck off (onstage) and I only did that because he berated ME onstage for not having done my homework...the way *I* remember it, during the performance he admitted to not having learned a particular song that we were about to play...wish I could remember which one it was...and, like she does every Month, Vera chided me for not helping pack up the stuff...Nobody helps ME with MY stuff...Angela was there with her friend Ann...we sang together...
         I sang a Tom Petty/ Stevie Nicks duet with Ann AND Angela...I think she (Angela) just might know that I have feelings of some kind for her...Of course, it isn't Love, but it hurts almost as much...
            FRIDAY 10/25/19 7:35 AM--I'm gonna try to do my best to stay off of Flakebook today...I don't need it to contact some people--Stu, Reeve, Eileen...
          6:23PM--I hope I'm wrong, but based on the set list I saw,  it looks like I won't have much to do tomorrow night at the AmerLegion sit-in with the Dawgz Off the Wall...I know it sounds selfish but it hardly seems worth the trip...BTW, IF they offer me money, I will likely respectfully decline...I  believe I have a house sitting gig starting 11/7...that will be financially rewarding to me...

the way I thought it would go--once I actually got there

            WEDNESDAY 10/23/19 11 PM--practice with "Dawgz Off the Wall" went well enough, once I found the correct location...I was about 90% of the way to the house where I'm rehearsing with the SNOWDAWGZ NEXT Wednesday (sigh) but thanks to Jon Reeve, I made it to Jim and Eileen's home...I got there before Stu in fact...the Band sounded as good as the FHB, and better than the Combustibles, ITN or the ACME Band...
             It's rather depressing that a part time (?) band with me sitting in (for the first time) is as good as bands that I'm in that practice (occasionally) and occasionally play in public...Sitting in with Stu, Eileen and Company will likely make me forget whatever unpleasant  things may happen on Thursday...and I do expect some unpleasant things to happen...
           THURSDAY 10/24/19 7 AM--the Plan is to hook up my stuff and check the condition of the strings on "eBay" and maybe tweak certain patches on the ME70--specifically the Pink Floyd patch (7-2 ?) which I hardly use, but still...and I'm glad I have a day off between tonight and Saturday night...and even though maybe I shouldn't, I believe/hope I'm not busy on Sunday....
              12:16 PM--just might use Butterscotch tonight, I think the strings are a little bit newer...I haven't yet started thinking about what I'm gonna tell Barry...and hoping I don't chicken out...I even ran thru the guitar solo in WITCHY WOMAN in case Angela wants to sing it...Barnaby isn't singing anything; neither is Stoney...unless their plans change...
         5 PM--just got back from the load-in and walking the dog...I'm still (IMO) being treated like the little kid with a handicap...maybe that's my fault...like I said before, I'll be glad when this night is over and I have the money in my pocket...

I think I've had enough

      TUESDAY 10/22/19 9:45 PM--a few days ago,during a conversation with Barry, HE said something to the effect that if I was leaving the Combustibles, I should let him know so he could find another guitar player...I kinda sorta in a way implied that that was my Plan...but, for whatever reason (money?) the subject was dropped...I'm picking it up again...a lot can happen between now and Midnight Thursday, but I very much want to summon up the courage to quit the group--assuming we don't have any more gigs this year...I'm fairly sure we're gonna suck at the open mic...
             10:16 PM--and now the (self-imposed?) pressure begins to mount...like I sorta said before, I wish Thursday was behind me...
        WEDNESDAY 10/23/19 7:26 AM--I'm not sure I have to change ALL the strings on eBay; I'll check it out in a few minutes...the high "E" string sounds/feels weird to me...hopefully changing the one string will make a difference...
12:18 PM--again, somewhat inadvertently, I did a mixdown, thinking/hoping that I've freed up three more tracks to use...dunno if I'm gonna get to that today, but I might...
 4:10 PM--gonna leave the Lab alone for awhile...there's other stuff going on that I need to focus on...tonight's visit with the DAWGZ OFF the WALL for instance, prepping for the Saturday night sit-in, or whatever it's gonna be...tomorrow is the 4th Thursday...and I might be dropping a bomb on Barry...that's more nerve wracking than thinking that Angela is planning on singing something...

just like starting over

     MONDAY 10/21/19 12:51 PM--I guess I should be practicing something, but I don't quite feel like it...I WANT to start working with the BR-1180 again...I just don't seem to have the energy until mid-day...and suddenly it's Dinnertime, after which it's time to start winding down for the day...and today I have to be ready to drop whatever I'm doing to go get Muzzy from the Vet...I'm OK with that though...
             2:32 PM--I don't wanna go downstairs and work in the 1180 Lab without thinking things through first...I guess I can do that this afternoon/evening...I want to devise a program of "baby steps" leading up to the Main Project, whatever it actually is...I think I'll work on that chord sequence that I've "borrowed" from TIME AFTER TIME...might make track sheets to keep track of what I've done or intend to do...
          6:13 PM--instead of starting from scratch, I decided to keep working on the song I started months ago, that I had completely forgotten about...I wanted to erase everything but the drums, but for whatever reason, I couldn't make that happen...I THINK I can just record OVER the tracks I wanted to erase, like they used to do in ancient times...
    7:08 PM--I might even re-write the song itself--or not... or possibly merge the two chord progressions...in any case, I'll work on it tomorrow...I just dunno when...
 8:08 PM--trying to chill...but, of course, I wanna go downstairs; sheesh...50 MINUTES LATER--went downstairs recorded over a certain track, so THAT concept worked out...now I'm thinking about "punching in" various bits...we'll see...think I'm gonna need a certain footswitch...
     TUESDAY 10/22/19 8:08 AM--I don't often dread playing a gig, but I'm dreading playing on Thursday...unless the Combustibles cancel their proposed appearance at the open mic...I'm considering prayer...I must try TRY not to think about what I'm fairly sure will be the most embarrassing thing to ever happen to me...
10:26 AM--spent about an hour an the 1180 Lab...I'm remembering more as I go along...maybe later (or tomorrow?) I'll try to add a guitar or two or three...
     11:21 AM--I just remembered--a woman (ric's girlriend?) showed me how SHE would play the chromatic riff in MAYBE I'M AMAZED...it was the same two-fingered method *I* use...except of course that she was a LOT faster...
 5:02 PM--other than the mixing, I made a ROUGH demo of a new song...I think I used up all eight tracks...what I'd like to do is make a CD of the unmixed version and a CD of the mixed version and hope they sound quite different from each other...
5:55 PM--somewhat unintentionally I EQd the "Bass" track--*I* think it sounds good...I might start all the way over, try to NOT make any mistakes... 

I just don't get it

         SUNDAY 10/20/19--5:48 PM--The way I see it, the guys in the Band have two choices--either they can't HEAR the mistakes or they don't care that there ARE mistakes...of the other guys in the band, I would say Barry just might be the most Deaf...it's intensely aggravating...
              I absolutely think The Combustibles are NOT ready to go to an open mic anywhere, much less the OTWC...Barry called me after practice to complain about Ric, who might be a weaker link than Barry is...
             I guess I should soon focus at least a little on whatever the Snowdawgz are gonna be doing...I think we're practicing the day before our gig...and having Dinner before practice...spaghetti I've been told...
    7:38 PM--I know there are three days between today and Thursday, but I'm starting to get bent outta shape over the Combustibles appearing at the 4th Thursday Open Mic...I expect it to be the most embarrassing thing to happen to me in public--ever...
           8;34 PM--It feels like it's gonna be a long three and a half days...eventually 10/24 will be the Past...in the meantime somebody (Stu? Eileen? Jim?) wants me at practice on Wednesday...so much for spontaneity...and again my Brain feels kinda overloaded...
           

Murphy's Law of Scheduling

          SATURDAY 10/19/19 12:09 PM-- so Lou and I made Plans to go to a certain open mic hosted by a certain woman on a certain date...MY plan just changed...the Stu Judd (temp?) Band is rehearsing on Wed 10/30, the day before our gig...The message from "whoever's controlling the Universe" is "forget about Jackie, it can never happen.EVER"--deep down I already knew that...
       I'll let Lou know that he'll be at Hershey's (with Jackie) without me...although, as always, a LOT can happen between now and 10/30...I kinda think it's a good idea that Stu's Band (The Snowdawgz?)practice at least once...
          5:21 PM--The compliments I got last night from Barnaby are still affecting me today...just goes to show ya how wrong you can be...Barnaby even said that Stoney can be an asshole sometimes, but so can everybody else...I almost forgot, Jeff Payne paid me a compliment or two when we were discussing my upcoming practice with the Snowdogz... IF at practice I happen to discuss The Next Flight (Alan's band) with Barry et al, I will try to be diplomatic...it's easier to be honest, but that's how feelings get hurt...
         SUNDAY 10/20/19 8:39 AM--I have yet to hear any different, so I assume the Combustibles are still practicing, rain be dammed...I'll take my amp but I'm hoping I can leave it in the car...getting it in and out of the basement is such a chore...OR I can leave it at home and gamble on that other Blues Jr. being there...and if it's not, I'll run the ME70 thru the PA...although I would bet that Ric might not know how to do that...except that I don't think Barry uses an amp--he just takes the signal from HIS gizmo...maybe I should ask him before I do anything...
 11:45 AM--Because of Dianne's generosity I have SiriusXM on my laptop...unless I have to, I might not leave the house again...
12:18 PM--leaving for practice in about 30 minutes...gonna try the ME 70 thru the PA, unless I can't hear myself that way, in which case I'll use the Blues JR if it's there...

just marking time? maybe

              FRIDAY 10/18/19 8:49 AM--I don't think I have anything of a Musical nature coming up until Sunday...and that's the Combustibles practice...and I don't think I'm going out to see anybody either...I know there's way better bands than the Combustibles, the ACME Band, ITN and even the FHB, the best of the four, can be better...and I'M not the weakest link in the FHB chain...all the other guys make mistakes as well...
             Stoney is technically right, I'm not always prepared...but then again, *I* don't know which songs we're gonna work on...I suspect Stoney and Barnaby do...Brian too possibly...I don't like feeling as though I'm being excluded--whether I am or not...I THINK I can call Butch a friend...
      Just messing around, we (reluctantly?) added Margaritaville...I'M singing it, go figure...the way I heard it, the person at the Elks Club who hired us is big Buffet fan...we won't see each other again until next Thursday...I WILL see Brian on Sunday as a member of the Combustibles.12:47 PM--I created a cheat sheet for Margaritaville, including the "lost verse"...it's in the tablet...
          SATURDAY 12:45 AM--just got in from seeing a new Band at Hershey's...I think they're called THE NEXT FLIGHT...they were just OK in my opinion, but better than three of the four bands I'm in...I was shocked to find out that Barnaby agreed with me that Stoney needs to relax; unless he was "yanking my chain"...he also complimented my guitar playing...again, I wonder if he really meant it...
    Angela was there; that was enough to further scramble my Brain...SHE seemed a bit distracted; there's a lot going on in HER Life too...Lou showed up, another unexpected event...he and I made plans to go to Hershey's Wednesday Acoustic Open Mic...not the next one, but the one after that, on the 30th of October... if I understood him correctly...Jackie is hosting, SHE rattles my Mind too...