Circle Diary - Novak

6/08/08

2008-06-08T14:38:00.002-05:00

Well ,again, it's been along time since I've posted. My weekends have been primarily consumed with my kitchen renovation. Things are coming along, but doing it only on the weekends really slows things up. Manboy Henry turned 15 on June 1st, and has been re-stocked with new t-shirts and music. He is in his final week of his freshman year, with a few finals left this week, followed by the school picnic. I'm hoping he has a stellar summer, he works hard at school and has earned his summer fun. Work has been busy to the point of near craziness, but this is good since the beginning of the year was lack lustre, and (since the economy seems shaky) the bottom could fall out at any moment.
After this it's upstairs to practice. I've been concentrating on Don"s newest piece, Get the Big Picture. At first it seemed impossible, but not so much so now. I don't yet have the big picture, but perhaps a majority of the picture.

april 26

2008-04-26T17:50:00.003-05:00

Welcome to the world Grace Elizabeth Manion. Born 10 days ago to niece and nephew Betsy and Johnny. All is going well with mother and daughter(and I'm assuming also with dad), they're all back home so the reality of the situation is setting in. Sleepless nights and lots of love. I can't wait to meet her in person. That would require a trip to New Orleans, something I can always be persuaded to do. Best wishes and love to all.
Good friend Dave Adams came for a visit. it's always good to see him. It's been too damn long, and the visit was not long enough. He's one of those people who, even if you haven't seen him in years, things pick up right where they left off. I like that, I think that's the sign of a true friend. We were in the trenches together in Food & Money, a truly magnificent band, ahead of it's time and generally under-appreciated. It was good to catch up.
Work has gone from pathetically slow (in the beginning of the year) to almost overwhelmingly busy. I'll take the busy, you never know when the bottom could drop out.
Don't get me started on the political situation, I could easily morph from a diatribe to a manifesto. It's hard to believe that someone with a joint income of 10 million dollars can persuade people (and the media) that she is a candidate representing the "common man". I'm truly tired of being lied to ( I'm quite sure if I were in a foreign land with my only child , being shot at , I'd remember quite clearly). Every president during my lifetime (except for Carter and Ford) , has lied to the public (and Ford pardoned Nixon, jeesh). Even though I am an over fifty, college educated, blue collar, liberal , with a job, when it comes to the current state of affairs regarding the government call me bitter. I think I'll go cling to my guitar for awhile.

April 13

2008-04-13T11:28:00.002-05:00

The gig yesterday was fun. I have no idea what we sounded like, because we couldn't hear ourselves, but I enjoyed it. We got positive feedback from the groom and his father , so as long as people were happy it works for me.
Friday I felt like I was living in a sitcom.At the place I was working at the husband was home. I've done work there before, but never met him. He was a really nice guy, but was either over caffeinted, or hyper something.Every time I left the room I was working in to get something, or or throw something put he asked me what was up (with a very concerned expression on his face), I would tell him, and he would reply,"no worries". This happened probably 7 or 8 times, each time with him saying," no worries". It was like the most worried man in the world telling me "no worries". I had no worries, perhaps he was trying to convince himself.
Later in the day I took Henry to his orthodontist appointment. The waiting room was full of sullen teens and their bored parents. After a few minutes in walked a family who's youngest son was the human replica of Bobby Hill. For those who are not King of the Hill fans this means nothing. For those who are, you can appreciate how funny this might be. I looked at Henry and he looked at me, then we had to stop looking at each other or the giggles would have set in. I'm thinking that it's rude, not to mention dangerous, to start laughing at someone's child. One good thing, neither his dad nor his mom looked like Hank or Peggy Hill.

3/9/08

2008-03-09T12:43:00.002-05:00

This week was really good. I had a full week of work, as I did last week, so shaking the trees bore some fruit. Hopefully weathering this economic downturn/recession won't be as arduous as I once thought. However, I fear the end is not near. Yesterday, since the guitar circle meeting was cancelled/postponed, I got in a couple good hours of personal practice and ran the first coat of drywall mud in the portion of the kitchen that has been drywalled. It's really starting to look like something ( a kitchen?). Last night soaked the beans for chili, today I'm making the chili, practicing more, hopefully getting a second coat of mud on the walls, and having some family time. Too bad we lost that hour.
I recently got an e-mail from an old friend D. Adams. He and I were in the fast dance music ensemble Food and Money (also with Jim "Tooter" Troxell on bass, Pat Greenan on drums, and Bill Janssen on sax, when available). He, vocals/guitar, me guitar/some backing vocals. We lasted a few years, and came out of it with a few years of stories. A killer band, once described by the Illinois Entertainer as "far from legendary". It's always good to hear from him, he's one of those friends that even if you haven't seen him for years, things pick up right from where they left off. I like that. Hopefully we will stay better in contact, at least via e-mails.

2/24/08

2008-02-24T17:16:00.003-06:00

A pretty uneventful week, personnally. Worked a bit, although not as much as needed. Got a fair amount more done on our kitchen, mostly electrical.
Was upset this morning when I heard Ralph Nader had thrown his hat into the presidential race for the third time ( could he be becoming the new Pat Paulson/ Harold Stassen/ Wendell Wilke). In the last election the votes cast for him (exit polls showed if Nader was not running, his supporters would have voted for Gore 2 to 1) cost Gore Florida, hence the election was close enough for the Republicans to pull their shennanigans and steal the presidency, resulting in Dubyas reign of terror, resulting in the current state of the union, and muli-trillion dollar defecit, wars, patriot act, etc.. Suffice it to say that ,unlike in my youth, I'm not Nader's biggest fan. Hopefully history will not repeat itself, because I for one (being the father of a 14 year old) am not a supporter of the possibility of McCains 100 years war, or things in D.C. continuing business as usual.

2/17/08

2008-02-17T13:11:00.002-06:00

I have mixed feelings about last nights performance. Technically there is much room for improvement, at least on my part. I felt really good after our sound check. I felt the first set was a little shaky, but we always managed to land on our feet. The second set was much better( at least feel wise), the crowd was much more alive ( I think mostly due to the belly dancing between sets). My friend Tom was there, he's not one to mince words (especially when it comes to music and art), and he gave us rave reviews, I tend to trust his judgement. I know he was enthralled with the dancing. The audience members that I spoke with said it was a good show, so I'll go with the notion that the customer is always right.
Another noteworthy event, the concert guy was there. The concert guy( I should have really learned his name) is a man the circle members have all seen at all the shows we go to (Fripp, Belew, Crimson, California Guitar Trio, etc.). Last night he came to Shimmies & Strings 3, so I feel more "on the radar" than before.
There's an old showbiz saying (I think attributed to W.C. Fields), when performing, never follow children or dogs. I'm thinking that following belly dancers is a good thing. It may not have been our most technically proficient show, but I do believe it was by far the most fun gig we've done to date.
The next undertaking is organizing the beginner's circle. So far we have 3 or 4 interested parties, hopefully more present themselves. It may take a "gentle nudge" on my part and some research, but I'm hopefully optimistic that more happy plucksters are out there.
On the home front, a good deal of progress has been made on our kitchen rennovation project. There is still a large amount to do, but most of the tearing apart is done, and quite a bit of reconstruction has occured. That's the upside of having work slow down, the downside, of course, is keepng the cash inflow at the level it needs to be. So if you (or anyone you know) needs a good carpenter willing to travel (reasonable rates), let me know.

1/27/08

2008-01-27T15:59:00.000-06:00

The gig in Angola seems to have gone well, a final decision will be made after hearing the recording of said gig. The audience was receptive, for the most part it seemed like an "older" group, so I didn't think Thrak-mo-tizing was appropriate. We did it anyway, and it was well received. So much for pre-concieved notions. There were shaky moments, but overall I feel we did a admirable job.
The ride back was uneventful. At some point Adrian nodded off, and was actual snoring in time and on pitch to the Wilko c.d. that was playing. Quite amusing.
I had a work meeting this morning at 10. Usually I don't like to do these things on Sundays, but it was necessary, work has been slow, and this lead to the homeowner telling me that I would basically be his punch list man. This is a role I don't mind taking on, you sort of end up being like Mr. Wolf ( Harvey Keitel's character in Pulp Fiction). At least it's fun to think so.
After the meeting I did some more work on our kitchen. During the week Susie has taken on the heroic task of removing the plaster and lathe from the walls and ceiling, so it's the least I can do to put some time in on weekends. I furred out some walls and put up some drywall.
Tomorrow it's back to work at R's apartment building. My phone has been ringing, so now it looks as if I back to trying to take care of everything as opposed to worrying about finding work. It is truly a business of feast or famine. I prefer to feast, and it looks like that's what it will be (at least for the next month), but it could always change at any minute. Republican economies tend to be rough on my line of work. Hell, I'm still waiting for my trickle down income (remember Reaganomics?). Something tells me that the check is not in the mail.

1/15/08

2008-01-15T19:48:00.000-06:00

It was a very strange day at work. I was on the jobsite lowering a window 3/4 of an inch , at the homeowners request (reminds me of a joke, is anal retentive hyphenated?). There was a Polish crew there listening to the local Polish radio station. The news came on at noon (in English), I was only partially listening, when I heard the announcer say, happy birthday to Don Van Vliet aka Captain Beefheart, he's 66 today. Wow, the Captain has always been an inspiration to me. I remember vividly the first time I heard him (a truly humorous story within itself), and I've listened to him ever since. Happy Birthday Captain Beefheart.

Jan 13 08

2008-01-13T08:21:00.000-06:00

Yesterdays guitar circle went pretty well. I was thrown off because I thought our gig in Angola is next week, when in fact it is in two weeks. In actuality it ends up being a good thing, because I practiced extra intensely this week, so if I can keep it up then I should be in good shape for the gig. We have another gig in River Forest (Feb. 16th. at Pineapple Dance Studio), so we have some momentum going for the new year. We practiced at the dance studio yesterday, I enjoyed the atmosphere there more than at our last rehearsal space. It appears we can utilize this space for performances as we choose, which will definitely facilitate more gigs. Yeehaw!
A true sign of old age. Last night Henry was at a sleep-over, Susie and I stayed home and had soup for dinner. I must be making up for it this morning, because I currently have Beavis and Butthead on the tube, and have actually laughed at a few of their antics.

12/31/07

2007-12-31T14:40:00.000-06:00

Well, it's been a long time since the last posting.In the interem I saw R. with the touring league. Worked two shows (Chicago and Madison). Both shows were inspirational. It was especially good to see Martin, Hernan, and Robert. There was quite a bit of catching up done. Robert gave the thumbs up to start a beginner's circle, now all we need is beginners. So far there has been one serious enquirer, two others said they were interested, but have not made any further contact.
We went to Penn. for Thanksgiving, first road trip in the new car. We drove straight through on the way back and didn't want to kill each other upon our return. The trip also yielded a new family inside joke...strombolis at Sabarros (it practically writes itself).
We had a good Christmas ( as my mother would say," there's no blood on the rug."). Henry got his new game system, and I've even been aloud to play it a few times (he must be bored).
Tonight rings in the New Year. Susie and I are not going out. Instead we're doing something equally foolhardy, hosting a (lack of) sleep over four 4 or 5 14 year old boys. Henry's 2nd. annual.
It looks like the new year may bring in a couple circle gigs in Jan. and Feb. so it's time to get my digits fit.
Same resolutions I make every year, gain 20 lbs., and start smoking.

Oct 7th.

2007-10-07T12:19:00.000-05:00

Friday afternoon about 2:30 I managed to remove a chunk of my left index finger via a mitre saw. I knew it was unstitchable but I went to emergency room anyway ( more or less to calm Suzy) so I wouldn't be hearing too much about it in the future. So they cleaned it out, bandaged it up, and gave me some antibiotics for any potential infections. I amazed the doctor by telling her that I've never had to take antibiotics before, not too shabby for 52 years on this earth. Tomorrow I go back for a follow up inspection. Needless to say (but I'll say it anyway) any prestidigiuos guitar work will be on hold. Perhaps it's time to break out the old slide.
Yesterday while taking in our non functioning digital camera to Best Buy, they were having an in store appearance by Jimmy (the mouth of the South) Hart. If you don't know he's a "bad-boy" professional wrestling manager. Since there was hardly nobody in line (shades of Spinal Tap), I got an autograph and visited. I thought he (prior to wrestling fame) was in the McCoys with Rick Derringer (Hang On Sloopy), but in fact he was singer for the Gentry's (Keep on Dancin'). Since I haven't really been into wrestling for a few years, I felt more comfortable discussing ancient top forty music. He probably thought I was nuts, but at least I was the only one hanging around not wearing any camouflage what-so-ever.
The Cubs got swept last night. No big surprise, but even though I'm a Sox fan, I would have liked to see them do well. Wait until next year. Go Bears (ahem).

Sept. 29th.

2007-09-29T12:45:00.000-05:00

It's been a long time since posting last. Many things have transpired,most of which I tend to remember AFTER I've posted.
Our little baby boy (don't worry I'm sure he doesn't read this) is now an official high-schooler. It really seems to be agreeing with him. He's really stepping up and doing his work without prompting. He's making lots of new friends, and reconnecting with some old friends. We went to parents night and met his teachers. It just seems like Jones is the right place for him. I'd like to say I'm cautiously optimistic, but in reality (and as exhibited by my personal history), it's probably more accurate to say I'm recklessly optimistic.
Speaking of recklessly optimistic, how about those Cubs? I know, I know, I'm a Sox fan, but I'm also in favor of any Chicago sports team doing well. As a youth I was really good about rooting for both teams, but years of disappointment kind of queered the deal ( I vividly remember the summer/fall of "69). Oh well, good luck Cubbies.
Last weekend I made a floor to ceiling pantry/cabinet for the kitchen. It turned out so nice, that I'm going to make all the kitchen cabinets. It should be fun.
Work has been work, but there's been lots of it which is good
A truly heartfelt congratulations to Nephew Paul and Megan, who are now engaged. There seems to be talk of a wedding in Las Vegas, now where could they ever got such a notion. Hey kids, I know a place....

August 25

2007-08-26T10:46:00.000-05:00

Just got back from downstate. I had a gig there (scenic Downs, Il.), for a private party hosted by a guy who started up an internet service provider company at exactly the right time and made his fortune. It was a fun gig, very rural, set up on the ground under a tent. The attendees didn't pay much attention at first, but warmed up at the end. I was not satisfied with my performance, I need to stop "coasting", and put the practice time in that is needed. So far, there is only one more downstate gig scheduled for Sept. 8th. (Schooner's Beer Garden, Bloomington, Il.). Unfortunately, again, it falls on the same day as the next scheduled guitar circle meeting.
Last Tuesday was orientation day for Jones College Prep (Henry's high school). It was wonderful, while the students were off getting "orientated", the parents were in the auditorium getting theirs. I was very impressed with what was focused on. Instead of talking about grades and college placement, the principal talked about the quality of person they want to hand their diplomas to. Their emphasis is on fostering social consciousness, and facilitating future leaders that will go out and help people, in addition to helping their students nurture their strengths and strengthen weaknesses. Susie and I feel really good about this place and think it's a good match for Henry. After orientation Henry signed up for his extra curricular clubs and such. He signed up for diversity club, band, bowling, and the Jewish students union ( apparently you don't have to be Jewish to join). School starts the day after Labor Day, Henry says he's ready to go back, and seems very excited about starting high school.

august 6

2007-08-06T18:45:00.000-05:00

It appears that my weekly postings has become more of a monthly thing. I'll have to kick my butt and remedy the situation, or as "Hawk" Harrelson would say," It's time to cinch it up and hunker down".
On the news front. The Novak family purchased a new vehicle, a 2007 burnt metallic orange Chevy HHR.Quite a change from the acid green Kia Rio, which was basically a high end go-cart. We're enjoying it, and it smells good too
Mother-in-law Florence returned to New Tripoli Pa. after an all too short stay with us.
Next Saturday is gig night at Schooner's Beer Garden (Bloomington, Il.), so it's time to practice in earnest
Tomorrow night The Old Town School of Folk Music is going for the world's record for the world's largest guitar lesson. Henry and I have signed up. He has recently shown an interest in learning some guitar, so the old man has been showing him some stuff (White Stripes,Violent Fems). Things he's interested in (unlike most of the things his dad plays). Tomorrow night should be fun, we need to learn This Land is Your Land and Jambalaya. Three chords and two chords respectively. I was hoping for Iron Man, oh well. I can't wait to hear hundreds of people trying to tune up simmultaneously

July 1

2007-07-01T17:03:00.000-05:00

Long time, no viddy droogs.It seems the computer has developed a mind of it's own, open the pod bay door Hal. I'm sure it's something viral (don't those people have something better to do with their time?).
During the course of this week we got close to four inches of rain dumped on us in less than an hour. It filled our concrete exterior basement stairwell to the top, which created enough pressure to break the basement door jambs, thus releasing the floodgates and subsequent water into our basement. What a mess. I fixed the door, and luckily I keep all my tools up off of the floor. Still there was plenty of stuff damaged.
I spent today working on our kitchen, will grill mahi-mahi for dinner, practice, and get to the crossword puzzle.
My mother-in-law (Florence) arrives in town tomorrow for an extended visit, which we are greatly looking forward to. The fourth will be spent in the scenic small town of Beecher with friends family and the parade. Looking forward to all that and perhaps an appearance by grand-nephew Rex (almost sounds like a rapper's name).

June 3

2007-06-03T09:17:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to the McCarthy's for the new addition to their happy family.
Henry turned 14 on Friday, and had his buddies over for the night. I would call it a sleep over if in fact there was any significant amount of sleeping involved.
Today is sister Julie's birthday (I won't say how old, no matter how tempting).
Susie and I went to a jazz party last night. A smooth little trio played, and yes there was some drinking involved. So couple that with Friday night's festivities and the Novak household should be moving a little slow today.
Carolyn Janssen is in town from Denver for the weekend, and I am very much looking forward to seeing her today.

May 13th

2007-05-13T07:46:00.000-05:00

Happy mother's day to all the mom's that faithfully read this ( and those who unfaithfully read this).
I missed last weeks blog. A fact I realized mid-week. Don't worry, there was little missed in my exciting life.
I had a very busy and productive week. I finished up three jobs, which resulted in me finishing up my morning commute to Northbrook.
Yesterday's guitar circle meeting went well. We were fortunate to have Loreen's daughter Kate there to take promo pictures for us. A daunting task, to make this "box of frogs"appealing to the eyes of prospective gig providers. Much thanks, Kate. After that we got down to practice. I felt most things were a bit rough, many clams, but it gives us a good idea where we are and what we have to do. Poor Kate had to endure this "consarned racket", but she did so with aplomb.
Last night it was an evening of relaxation and watching sporting events. Sox and Wolves, both won.
Today it's off to Wheaton to see me mudder.

April 29

2007-04-29T10:52:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Brother Paul.
A fairly uneventful week. Yesterday Susie and I started the arduous task of automobile shopping. Something I dislike, probably because you're required to shop rather than just buy. Later I grilled Italian sausage and bell peppers, with sauteed onions for dinner.
Today it will be Hickory smoked St. Louis style ribs accompanied by grilled sweet potatoes. Life is good. The plans for today are practice guitar, hang some dry wall, perhaps mow the lawn, and general household puttering, and phone calls to friends ( the Sunday crossword puzzle is already completed). Many of these tasks going on while all media centers are tuned into the Bulls sweep of current N.B.A. champs the Miami Heat. I'm not generally a basketball fan, but I'm willing to jump on any bandwagon (hey I'm a musician) that features a winning Chicago sports team. That includes indoor Lacrosse and even (ahem) the Cubs.

April 22

2007-04-22T16:51:00.000-05:00

I found myself feeling like I had a really shitty week. Then I remembered that I don't have a child who goes to Virginia Tech.
Happy birthday nephew Nick.

APRIL 15

2007-04-15T09:36:00.000-05:00

A fairly uneventful week.Monday I returned to see my dentist and spiritual leader the most holy Mahavishnu Dr. Joe Barry. The moniker dates back to college days and I'm sworn to relative secrecy. Needless to say there are dental discounts and painfree visits involved as potential blackmail information can be a powerful tool. My temporary crown came off and had to be re-glued. I figured I could re-glue it myself, but home dentistry didn't seem like the wisest course of action.
Yesterdays guitar circle meeting was rough for me. Susie and I had gone to Goose Island Wrigleyville on Friday night. Two of my cousins (Doug and Bruce) have sons (Stan and Mack) who go to U of I and have formed a band (Santa), and they played at Goose Island Friday night. It was good to see and hear them, but we didn't get home until 1 a.m. which is late for us "oldtimers". Needless to say, my presence Saturday was less than razor sharp, and I was exhausted last night.
Today I'm going to tidy up my music space (it has been doubling as my tax preparation area), and catch up on some long distance yaking. Later Henry and I have tickets for this evenings Chicago Wolves (hockey) game.

4/8/07

2007-04-08T19:53:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter to all. Happy birthday to Sharon and Aunt Irene. As you might be able to tell I'm a happy guy. I'm happy because the Ovation is back from the shop, cracks repaired and all set up. Now I need to get busy and give it a proper workout. More happiness. Taxes are tallied and at the accountants for professional ciphering. Still more happiness. After her third interview at 26th. and California, Susie was not impaneled as a jurist for the Brown's Fried Chicken Massacre trial. On one hand I'm sure it would be a fascinating (if gruesome) trial, on the other hand it would last at least two months. All this for a whopping $17.25/day. A collective sigh of relief from the Novak household. We were sweating it out.

April 1

2007-04-01T11:46:00.000-05:00

Happy April fool's day to all.
The Ovation is not yet back from the Doctor's office, so I've been working on other things guitar-wise. Also it's crunch time for organising our ( and mom's) tax info. Every year I say I'll get it done early and every year I procrastinate.
Good news, Thai Little Home Cafe is re-opening. It's our favorite Thai place, and we've been going there for 20 years. Unfortunately it's re-opening in Arlington Heights ( no longer a short three block walk). But I'll make the drive for the whole deep fried red snapper in chili sauce (among other flavorful delights).
Tomorrow Henry starts his spring break, and I resume my work up in Northbrook. It's a bit of a commute, but it's a good gig. I'll be up there for a bit of time.

March 11

2007-03-11T10:32:00.000-05:00

Henry chose Jones College Prep for his "high school experience". Susie and I are delighted, not only was it the highest ranked high school that chose him (4th in the city, 8th in the state), but it's small and we think it will be a good fit for him. Now he just has to take his 8th grade ISAT tests, then it's just the endless drudgery of the last lame duck half of the 8th grade semester.
Last night guitar circle played the 2nd. shimmies and strings. My general impression is that overall it was probably better than the 1st. It will be interesting to hear the taped results. I know that I counted in Third Relation way too fast, and it suffered as a result. At the end the emcee referred to us as "the best live band you could ever see live". A bold claim that I'm sure none of us would ever make, but I'm glad he enjoys listening to us. I think in the future more "rockers" would be a good addition to the set list.

March 3

2007-03-04T10:23:00.000-06:00

I am finally able to post again, thank-you Loren. It seems any time there is the least little computer related change, I'm thrown for a loop. It's good to get help.
Henry's application results for the selective enrollment high school arrived last week. He got accepted to Lane Tech (honors), Lincoln Park (scholars program), Von Stueben (double honors), and Jones College Prep. The choices have been narrowed down to Lane Tech, and Jones (rated 4th. in the city,8th. in the state). I'm hoping Jones wins out, it's a much smaller school with a lot to offer. Out of 7,000 applicants for less than 200 spots, H. was chosen ( my proud daddy chest is a puffin' out) . Henry will do a "shadow" day this Tuesday to see how he likes it, I hope it goes well.
Yesterday was the guitar circle's semi-dress rehearsal. Things went well for the most part, but I know what I need to focus on this week. Next Saturday is our 2nd. gig with the belly dancers, it should be even more fun than the previous one.

Feb. 5

2007-02-05T15:41:00.000-06:00

Looks like I missed my Sunday posting. I was busy insulating our kitchen in the a.m., and the Superbowl was in the p.m. I am happy the Bears made it, but would have prefered it if they played better. You can't play half a quarter of football and expect to win. In the end the better team won. Will the Bears ever get an A-list quarterback. Even McMahon was at best a really good second stringer, and he's the best they've fielded in my lifetime. Oh well.
God it's cold.