Sometime I Feel Like I Don't Have A Partner Sometimes I Feel Like My Only Friend Is The City I Live In The City Of Angels Lonely As I Am Together We Cry I Drive On Her Street Cause She Is My Companion I Walk Through Her Hills Cause She Knows Who I Am She Sees My Good Deeds And She Kisses Me Windy Well I Never Worry Now That Is A Lie I Don't Ever Wanna Feel Like I Did That Day
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Blood Sugar Sex Magik 1991
TURKEY:
The morning of Turkey Day treated me with highly unseasonably warming of sunshine for November. I quickly gathered my normally organized needs and headed towards the three houses that I care take for. This includes ; watering , leaves out to the street for pick up , miscellaneous soaking of house plants , and one easy swinging fence gate repair job. Nothing Flashy
One particular street of neighbors genuinely appreciates my efforts of staying on top of projects. They notice the small insignificant "things" I do and enthusiastically wave whenever they see me. They often drop hints when a house on their street hits the market. So its about 10am and I just finished walking behind the electric game changing mower and the one neighbor greets me with a cold New Belgium Old Aggie. Pleasantly Surprised !!
However, this was the turning point for my day. I consciously made the decision to pound the H2o from that point moving forward throughout my morning. What a veteran move by golly. Past years, I would've shared the 10am brew and casually drink my way through the holidaze. Nothing abnormal , no DUI's ever , and it's not in my DNA to bring jackasery to ANY dinner parties or family functions.
Don't get me wrong, I still consumed a few tasty brews throughout the evening. What pleased me the most was how our tribe stepped up their game this year. The side dishes were incredible and HOMEMADE ?!?!?!? The respect was off the charts and highly entertaining games went on throughout the evenings. This would be the first year in decades that I wasn't responsible for smoking the bird. The Dude nailed the flavors , hosted an amazing spread , and we catered to everyones needs without judgement. Just A Simple Gathering
Now here would be the perfect foot in the mouth moment. I was working on a client a few days later and we were both rehashing our Turkey Day trials and tribulations. They experienced just an OK Turkey Day and I went on rambling at the mouth. I shared how impressed I was when our tribe brought thoughtfully well planned sides over and I gracefully added, " Nobody brought a 7 layer dip to a $75 perfectly smoked Turkey Dinner." And now add the silence in the office.
They nervously explained to me that they brought a 7 layer dip to their dinner part to add something "different" to the table. They even bashfully added how everyone loved it and ate it all. Exit Stage Left
I obviously changed the subject because I felt like a real knuckle head!! What does one imagine doing the day after Turkey Day?? Us, we went out for a wine tour of all things. Yes, we headed out to Palisade to taste wine. The day after Thanksgiving we went sampling of all things. Really???? U Bet
With a belly still full of homemade whipped cream and pie, we drove east. Thankfully , I always drive because I prefer driving , we meandered our way through the vineyards and giggled all afternoon long. A spectacular winter snow storm rolled into the valley and I was able to time lapse quite a few moments in time. I So Dig Mother Nature
Nothing like waking up to a winter wonderland I tell ya. The air smells clean , the ice crystals dance adding life from the suns reflections , and the overall vibes feel crisp and tidy. Love It
The rest of the weekend was pretty normal and fairly entertaining. Totally righteous turkey sandwiches , helping The Dude pull out all the inside and outdoor holiday decorations , and numerous card games during College and /or Pro football games. You know , the weekend chores with a little flair. Right
Monday morning was definitely rough. My body was full. It was full emotionally. It was full of goodness. It was way full of oats wheat and barley. My guts were so full that I dedicated the whole week towards Liquids. Loads of water , soups for dinner , and whenever I though I needed a snack, I pounded more water. Turkey Week Baby
MUSIC:
With the oldies in town, Nate and I played an open mic session for them. We played of all places in GJ , Wrigley Field on North Ave. And we were so lucky. Like Way Lucky
I haven't patronized Wrigley in over a decade. Maybe even back when Amber The Human and Riverwind were still living in GJ. So I went on a scouting mission the week before and was totally dubious about bringing the oldies into a dive bar. The guys running the "event" played their music way too loud for the size of room and the overall clientele is exactly what you stereotype for any dive bar.
Who knows why but the Tuesday before Turkey Day was the cats meow at Wrigley. The bar was fairly busy serving couples , two families were having dinner together at one of the larger tables , a number of musicians turned up for mic night , and the older guy running the board dialed back the volume big time.
So Nate and I only planned on playing three original tunes. And we absolutely nailed our set. Somehow we sounded as if we have been playing together for years , Nate remembered all of the lyrics , and I never fumbled once. Now we are nothing special and I am not bragging like a rock star. I am still very humble and carry myself as a rookie bass player. But all the patrons came over to the table and gave us incredible accolades. It Was Kinda Bizarre & Extremely Unexpected
Even later on the bartender gal asked Nate for our contact info because they are looking to promote Happy Hour weekday live musical acts. Everyone became so wound up for more that Nate wrote out a quick four song cover setlist for us with simple chords and we performed another set. I simply camped out on clean solid root notes and Nate did the rest. All four of those songs are songs that John has taught us recently. We as a trio have been practicing them as of late. That little strange set sent the place into a frenzy and to think of the oldies perspective was a classic. Considering they had no idea I even play the bass. So That Was Cool
CYCLING:
Only one downer report out of Camp Garmin. The old Garmin 500 is shot. Well, it has seen its better days anyway. Sometimes this photo below is all the old sucker is able to muster up. Have A Minute
Other days, it acts as if it is recording but the file say NOTHING / NO DATA / EMPTY . And then there are days were the red Strava lines are all over the place and shows me riding IN the Colorado River at 35mph. Sure don't feel like purchasing a new , teaching myself how , and owning something that I only use 2% of its Technology. Damn You 2023
ORTHO:
Has finally slowed down by choice but definitely my busiest calendar year to date. Hands down the busiest I have ever been in the body working world. This was the year of new clients and I swear it is a reflection of my new office digs. All Word Of Mouth
EMMY:
Did I ever score !! Meet Emmy Loooooooooooooooooo
That Lou was for my favorite
Shadow People . Emmy is the sweetest little girl and only wants to please everyone anywhere at anytime. Such A Good Listener
She accompanied me during the Food Donations Pick Up and what a fun adventure that was. She couldn't believe all the smells and that morning certainly wore her A$$ out. Just look at that dog tried face in the below photo. I snapped this photo at the very end of our route. Rat Sh*T
She gave it the old college try a few times to sneak in a nap but noway. Way too visually stimulated for an actual nap. So much happening that napping was not happening. Must take a nap , Squirrel!!!
Emmy Lou's humans are gallivanting around the Deep South until mid December. Emmy clearly doesn't dig my presentation of meals and all the needless charades as well. I scoop her food into her dish , slowly add the fresh cooked veggies , and then pretend to gobble it up in front of her. Why This Production She Asks
I am enjoying the dog walks and it really helps to have a dog that doesn't pull the lead while trying to give attempted chase concerning other passing dogs. Have truly missed walking downtown main while window shopping , noticing all the satellites passing by in the darker clearing night skys , and just the easy going headspace clearing outings. Plus, my walking muscles are so out of shape. My poor Tibialis Anterior and Fibularis Longus burn like a crazed monster searching for a child's nightmare to haunt before the sunshine wakes the child. Always up for a bike ride but haven't been walking nearly enough these days. So Be It
THINK SNOW:
Please think snow for me. Pretty Please
Our poor trees are cooking this Fall. I went up one the Grand Mesa and the snow so far is dismal for sure. The tree limbs aren't even bending over because there is almost zero moisture associated with these lates storm fronts. Its Flipping Scary
But it was really wonderful to have the whole flat top mesa to myself. The cross country tracks were pure and pristine. Big fan of hearing those sounds on my skies and the trees blocked any headwinds obstructing my path. So Peaceful
ANNUAL:
And now I showcase the annual Parade of Lights 2023. And once again , The Reed Brothers nailed it.
The Dude shot downtown earlier in the day to set up chairs in the most ideal location. I mean he garnered some seriously prime restate. He even secured an area next to the chairs in anticipation of his little lady bringing her elderly mother to the Parade of Lights extravaganza. The Dude also smuggled in some contraband for the occasion. A thrums of Hot Chocolate with a flask full of Kraken Spiced Rum. Oh Baby
I arrived minutes before the mother showed up and was able to set up the solar battery bank and two electric blankets. Just as they were warming up, here comes old mom. And it was perfect as she was a bit confused , she made the statement that she is was in the way , and she had zero clue as to WHO THE Hell am I. I accompanied her over to the her chair by her elbow , she couldn't believe she was in the from row , I draped the warm heating blanket over her lap just as the first fire truck of the padre rolled down Main Street , and she looks right at me and says ," You mean this is an electric blanket like the one on my bed?" Rock Star
My absolute favorite float was #30 !! Its the Cub Scouts of 353 and I loved it. The theme this year was Dinosaurs and all the walking folks inside those dumb Phuc-N T Rex Suits were everywhere. The overall creativity was a solid F and upheld my GJ motto of KEEPING GJ LAME. Most decorated vehicles were maybe a C- at best and it was rather obvious that folks half A$$ their floats. At least the Cub Scout projected some spirit and a little character. Something Different
GOALS:
- Finish Building Bird Houses
- Survive The Heat Wave
- Don't Kick The Bucket
- Ride On Pleasant Days
- Walk With Intention
I leave you with this thought , words of wisdom if you will , you are the only one standing in your own way. Lead with your heart my friends.
Cheers
