KELTICGRASSHOPPER

Jury Duty day...

2008-10-07T09:08:00.001-07:00

Off I went at 7:00 this AM..got to the court house early and lucked out with a LOW number..but not too low. Our group was called to possibly be seated for a trial but being #19 I felt pretty safe..I was. We headed back up to the jury room, and at 11:30 the guard said numbers 1-33..(I groaned thinking here we go) ..but then the magic words.. "You are free to go home." Didn't take us long to hit those elevators. Made me think back to when I worked for Travelers Insurance Company when that 4:00 hour came and the mad dash for the elevators took place.

It was interesting to see the lawyers and the judges and all..but it was also VERY BORING. That is the worst part ..sitting with a TV blaring on programs nobody wants to watch. I actually watched "The Naked Cowboy" yes I did.. He was promoting his new workout video on some morning news program. Good Lord!!!

Anyway home again and heading to get groceries after lunch. Hope everyone has a lovely day.. It's beautiful here again.

Remember now keep on flying with my friend Peter for just as long as you can.. watch out for pirates and BREATHE and SMILE!!!!

Monday, Monday

2008-10-06T04:52:00.000-07:00

Another week. And we are into October..amazing how quickly time goes by. I was talking with Amy the other night and she said.. "I can't wait till Thanksgiving." That hit me..goodness I have to start planning. We usually have around 40 people for dinner....Our family..our kids and grandchildren ..Dan's Mom, Nieces, Nephews, their kids..their kids kids..and on and on. This family is growing!! But what fun we have and the FOOD.. I'm going to stop eating till then..or I'll be in trouble!!!

This week is busy at the house..something every night..Tomorrow I may have to report for Jury Duty. I dread going. I hate first of all being in Springfield..It's an awful city, second I hate the court house..I feel so unsafe in that building..It gives me the creeps. So I am hoping that when I call in today after 3:00 I'll be told not to report.

So everyone up and at-um.. Get busy with your week, but remember always fly with our friend Peter for just as long as you can..and watch out for those nasty sneaky pirates they are lurking behind bushes and just waiting for you to let your guard down so they can steal you away.

BREATHE now..and SMILE!!!

Sunday..morning...

2008-10-05T06:32:00.000-07:00

Last night we went to Maximum Capacity to hear and see the bands voted BEST in the Valley..and we were not disappointed. We heard some amazing music. Of course my favorite three were WORLDS GREATEST DAD, RUSTY BELLE, and PRIMATE FIASCO..all from the Northampton area and all members are good friends of our son Gabe. The musicianship of those three bands is perfect.

Rusty Belle was the first band we listened too and they are so much fun to watch..using an array of created instruments coupled with guitar, drums and keyboard they rocked the house. Jazer Giles - on 'stachenkeys, Matt Lorenz - (brother of Kate) ,Zak Trojano - the bearded wonder and the amazing Kate Lorenz - keeping the boys in check and wowing the audience with her "Janis" like vocals. WOW they are good!!

Worlds Greatest Dad took the stage next, outside..on what was supposed to be the "BIG STAGE"..however the BIG SOUND was inside..and sadly the sound technicians outside were POOR at best. They had things so messed up that at times nothing was coming out to the house except the vocals. VERY BAD.. The Dads is a mix of people from several bands in the Northampton scene..they are delightful to watch and hear.
Luke Degoao --- guitar, vocal percussion, sleepsoloz,
Prince BuD ( Gabe Sullivan)--- vocal, percussion ,Ryan Crowley --- bass,guitar, backing vocals, Eric Lee --- fiddle, Steve --- clarinet, Amanda --- flute, Dani---omnichord, Hodges ---topless percussion (riqq, tamborine and other oddities),bottomless drums..what a group.. They are like watching a play..everyone working the audience and each other through out every song. What a shame the sound men were not paying attention to their job..The music that came out was still wonderful.. Well done "Dads"

Primate Fiacso came on next, inside.. at first it seemed like poor Steve was going to again be faced with no sound..but alas they had a real sound Tech and within a few mins all was fixed. They rocked the house with swing that had the crowd up and shaking their "butts" as they say. Great set of tunes..over way too quickly.

At that point things changed a bit The Dad's had a photo shoot and none of the rest of the music was of interest so we headed out. Thanks to the Advocate for hosting and promoting this event..WELL DONE. It is a shame that more folks didn't show up for the talented Northampton bands. I have a feeling that by 11;30 or so Maximum Capacity was "maxed" out..

Today is kick back day..tomorrow I am cleaning houses again and JURY DUTY on Tuesday.. HUMMMM wonder if I'll get picked???

Have a great day all remember to BREATHE, and please keep flying with Peter and never stop watching for those tricky pirates..I think they were working the outside sound board last night...

Saturday

2008-10-04T06:27:00.001-07:00

Photo above is Gabe in the band that won Best Folk..Band.. "The Worlds Greatest Dad"

Up at dawn.. setting up for the clothes line art show..here at the house.. Then heading down the street to play music at another craft fair. Back at 1:00..then later this afternoon..heading to hear Gabe's band play in the Grand Band Slam at Maximum Capacity in Chicopee.. WHEW.. a busy day for sure.. Hey it keeps me young..

AND I have that wine to look forward to at night... YEAH.

So if anyone is out and about head to Agawam or Chicopee and look for me..

Remember to keep flying with Peter and watch out for the pirates..as you know they are pissed off at the moment.. BREATHE, SMILE and keep um guessing...

Friday

2008-10-03T04:51:00.000-07:00

So last night for the first time I heard a person in a debate say.." I am not "GONNA" answer your questions tonight ( spoken to the moderator)I am here to speak to the American people." wink wink...Oh and "Global warming isn't caused by humans it is a natural occurrence" grin wink....sure it is!!.. AMAZING!!! HOW can she get away with that???? Oh well I think I know the answer to that question. TOO MANY PIRATES!!!!! Really people do we want that winking, cutie pie leading our nation??? I DON'T THINK SO!!!! You know I could almost hear the "gum snapping" while she was waiting for Biden to finish talking. I was appalled, and I hope other people were as well. The answers were not there..she gave a speech..a rehearsed (if the question is this you say that) speech. Anyway time will tell..and there is always CANADA should the worst happen.

This weekend is CRAZY. Art show tomorrow in the day..I'm playing at another Fall Festival just down the road so will be running back and forth..Someone is stopping by top see the hall..and tomorrow night is the GRAND BAND SLAM..Gabe's band "The Worlds Greatest Dad's" won best Folk Band in the valley so of course I'll be going to go and hear them play. Notice I said GOING not "gonna"..
Sunday there is a mega shower here at the house in the afternoon complete with the mother from hell directing the show.. GRRRRRRR.. I'll deal, I'll deal.

My thoughts are on the island this month wondering how Julie is doing and when the newest Chaisson will arrive.. ANY DAY NOW....

So all you lost boys and girls..keep on flying with our friend Peter never give up hope and watch out for those pirates especially the ones who say "gonna" while on national TV giving a debate about the future of our nation and the rest of the planet.. SIGH..BREATHE...SMILE

Thursday

2008-10-02T04:52:00.000-07:00

Tonight should be interesting as we watch the debate between Palin and Biden....Yesterday a Friend sent me this to watch.. She said "I am dumbfounded how about you" and so I pass this on saying I AM DUMBFOUNDED HOW ABOUT YOU???"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9go38MgZ4w8

Do we really want to consider someone like this to be a heart beat away from leading our nation? The thought terrifies me!

Sooooo on to some more upbeat news. Last night was fun..the girlies came for dinner, that is always a blast. They were WILD.. filled themselves up with illegal chocolate and by the time the left they were bouncing off walls. Saturday is the "GRAND BAND SLAM" Gabes band is featured as Best Folk band.. can't wait it is going to be a blast.

Today it is lovely again crisp cool dry air..the leaves are falling and it feels a lot like FALL. Take care all..BREATHE, SMILE and Fly with Peter..the pirates are still very grumpy so watch out..

Wednesday....already!!!!

2008-10-01T11:23:00.000-07:00

Well I've started my new "profession"..cleaning houses..Cleaned two today.. both lovely..one was under construction lots of dust, boxes to move about ..annoying stuff..Beautiful house..I could live there.. The second house was even more beautiful but they have two house cats and everything is covered in cat hair..YUCK.. Now I know why I don't have a cat. At any rate my "boss" liked what I did so I have a weekly assignment and more to come.. Funny how these things happen.

Now I have about an hour to rest up before I pick up Molly and Morgan..Chelsey will be here for dinner.. Should be fun!

I hope all of you are happy and healthy.. Remember BREATHE, Smile and keep on flying with Peter!

Tuesday..and thoughts about cleaning up messes...

2008-09-30T04:57:00.000-07:00

Last night Chelsey served the most fabulous meal!! It was lovely ..pasta to die for..yummy salad..bread and for dessert CHOCOLATE CAKE!!! She gave me the most amazing photo of PEI framed and matted with the word breathe..surrounding the photo.. SOOOO lovely.. I have hung it so it is the last thing I see at night and the first thing I see in the AM. THANK YOU CHELSEY!!!!

Today I was supposed to be working..but it was put off for a day...

A friend of mine is in the construction business..specializing in restoration and preservation of old houses. He has asked me to help him by cleaning up after his jobs are finished.. So I get to go into lovely houses I could NEVER afford and clean up..polish furniture, wash windows..dust drapes..vacuum rugs..ect. It's a little pocket $$ for me and I enjoy seeing how the other half lives. I cannot help but wonder how these people are being effected by all of the turmoil in the financial markets. I think that perhaps having just a little isn't a bad thing..at least I know how to get by..on nothing.. These others with their vacation homes in the Greek Islands and Belize..with jaunts to Dubai for vacation..I think maybe they are going to have to readjust their spending habits a bit.

Scary times for sure. I feel awful for people who have counted on their income from stocks and 401K's..I'll probably be standing right next to them all at the soup kitchen in a few years ..LOL..

Not gonna happen..I have always planned on having a piece of land where I could provide for me and all of my loved ones..A little piece of land where I could garden, have fruit trees, chickens and maybe even a cow or goats.. GOT IT.. and will never let it go.

So to all my friends who fly..you probably know where I am talking about so if times get bad head for "The Sullivan's" in "Never-Never-Land" it is safe and warm and no pirates are ever allowed unless they have sworn to change.

Remember to BREATHE, SMILE, and fly with Peter...

Monday, monday...

2008-09-29T04:43:00.000-07:00

WORLD'S GREATEST DAD....best folk band in GRAND BAND SLAM!!!!
Monday, Monday
and Dan's birthday...not kidding either. So tonight we head over to the girlies house for a bit of a party, and dinner. Should be fun..always is with the girlies. Gabe's band "Worlds Greatest Dad" has won a spot in the GRAND BAND SLAM this year. There will be over 50 bands presented at Maximum Capacity this week Saturday the 4th of October. Gabe and the rest of the band go on at 8:00PM.. Can't wait. They are such fun to see live. If you haven't done so be sure to pick up a copy of last weeks Advocate and check out the article and pictures of all the bands included. Sorry to see that Zoe Darrow didn't win for best Celtic..

Well everyone have a wonderful Monday it looks like the sun will be back today. Remember to continue your flight with Peter..and watch out for grumpy, weird pirates..they are tricky but they are BAD! Oh and wish "Dulcimerdan" a happy birthday today if you get a chance.

Sad news

2008-09-28T15:40:00.000-07:00

At The Ceilidh barn....

BENNETT CAMPBELL RIP
I didn't hear till yesterday that the beloved Bennett Campbell has passed on. His family will surely miss his powerful presence. Bennett served as Premiere of Prince Edward Island and was a member of the Trudeau Cabinet. I will remember him as the emcee of the Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival and Ceilidh. One year Dan and I were not able to make it up for fiddle festival and our kids arranged for a special phone call from the sound booth. Bennett had been sick that spring but when we picked up the phone and heard his voice over the airways saying "This one is going out to some of our friends down in Massachusetts"..I was moved to tears then and I was yesterday when I read on a Facebook page that he had passed on earlier this month. He fought a long and hard battle with cancer and never gave in till the end. Even this past summer when the illness was in its final stages Bennett was there smiling greeting people, acting as Emcee for his niece Melanie's Wedding..To Shirley and all the kids..our thoughts are there with you. I know that Bennett is looking down with that lovely smile and saying "I did well!" and he sure did!!

Happy Birthday..

2008-09-28T06:17:00.001-07:00

MY NEW RING

Yes it was....Yesterday was great from start to end.. Breakfast..lovely ring..movies..DEATH BY CHOCOLATE..and wine.. Friends, family, and surrounded by love.. What more can a girl ask for!!!!

65...naaaah can't be!!!!!

2008-09-27T04:48:00.000-07:00

It is a dark and rainy day..but all is well here in the big A..that being Agawam..Heading out to breakfast in a bit then just doing what ever I decide is important to do for the rest of the day. Maybe "shop", maybe read a book, maybe walk around in a museum..not sure but IT WILL BE FUN!!!

Word has it that tonight I may be heading to the movies with two of my favorite ladies..we will definitely be taking in a "chick flick"..What else is there!

So all of you BREATHE never stop doing that..please..and SMILE...and remember to grab hold and keep flying with Peter..watch out for pesky pirates..and stay safe!!!

Friday..

2008-09-26T04:32:00.000-07:00

Looking out the window at RAIN and wind..feels like fall for certain.

Went to the BIG-E last night and had my traditional meal of clam fritters from Rhode Island, and Apple Pie with cheddar cheese from Vermont. Walked through the fair and looked at my friend Beth and said why do we do this year after year? It never changes, just cost more and more. So I'm done with the BIG-E.

So yesterday was interesting on the economic/political front..It seems like our "leaders" are finally listening to the people. At least some of them. I wonder where all this is going to lead? I have to say once again that I am appalled at the fact that this was allowed to happen..someone knew, and did nothing but gloss over things with a smile and a wink. Now that they are being effected by the mess they have created the "scare tactic" come into play. Just like they did at the time of the Iraq invasion. Maybe we the people are more vocal and in touch now. Never again you nasty old pirates, never again!

So on to music..the next concert ..I am thinking that it is going to be a goodie... The performers involved have been playing together for years and as individuals they all have done amazing things. The instruments will not be what we are use to seeing but the music will still be traditional Celtic..with some other stuff thrown in to make the night interesting.. SOOOOO keep the date of October 18 in your minds and get your seat fast.

For now though if I go out flying today I'll be wearing my rain coat, but it is always fun.. so keep on flying with our friend Peter and keep those nasty pirates at bay!

Thursday...

2008-09-25T04:51:00.000-07:00

So last night "Captain Hook" spoke to his nation and told us to let the pirates do whatever they want or else...We will continue to have no money and the rich guys will feel our pain! Hummmm maybe its time for the rich guys to "feel our pain!!!!"

Anyway.. it is yet another great day here in New England..the weatherman says we are getting rain for the weekend..time will tell but as I look out my window I see a "mackerel sky" That usually means RAIN..Tonight I plan on going to the BIG-E with my friend Beth.. we'll walk about for a bit look at the crafts, the animals..have a bite to eat..then come home.. It's fun to go but not much changes..Getting my hair done this AM and trying to figure out what to get "The Daniel" for his birthday next week. Any suggestions????

So all keep on BREATHING, SMILING, and never stop flying with Peter. We've got our work cut out for us these pirates are multiplying.!!

PIRATES

2008-09-24T16:36:00.001-07:00

Lying, thieving, pirates!!!!!!!

Wednesday...

2008-09-24T05:56:00.001-07:00

Another perfect Fall day. Yesterday I sent out all of the rest of the press for our next concert. Hope we will get another good turn out. This afternoon I am picking Molly up from school and spending the afternoon with her! Wonder if it will be a "frog hunt" afternoon or if we will be building "Faerie huts"...She is quite a delightful child! I just spent about 10mins looking at Becky's photos from the summer..ahhhhh MAINE and Judy's place on the lake. Fun times happy memories.

It is hard to believe that at the end of this week we will be almost into October! Where does the time go....

All the more reason for all of us to hang onto the thoughts of flying in the clouds with Peter and hunting down all those Pirates that want to ruin things!! Stay safe all BREATHE and smile!

PIRATES!!!!!!

2008-09-23T07:17:00.001-07:00

JUST SO YOU KNOW!!!

Tuesday..

2008-09-23T04:39:00.000-07:00

Talked with Sean last night they are still "picking-up" from the hurricane..some folks in the Houston area still have no power. An interesting thing happened to the homeowners in Louisiana since Katrina..Insurance companies who always have a "deductible" feature built into policies..have come up with a new way of determining that deductible..Where before it was a set rate say $1500.00 or something like that it is now determined by a percentage of the market value of your home. SOOOOOO... Sean and Paula have ended up having to pay out of pocket for all the damages done by this latest storm. That coupled with this so called "bail-out" of banks and insurance companies has him pretty riled up..I agree totally why should we be footing the bill for CEO's who earn 6 and 7 digit salaries when their companies cannot find a way to help out people who are working hard every day just to get by.

Something is very very wrong here.. PETER where are you? The pirates are coming and they are taking the house!!!

Have a great day all..be sure to check out Vic's site for a wonderful review of last weeks concert like is at the bottom of this page...

Monday, Monday..

2008-09-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

BUT ALL OF THE FOLLOWING IS TRUE!!!!!!

October 18, 2008 at 7:30PM a multi talented group of musicians known as "The Harp Breakers" will grace the hall in The Captain Charles Leonard House 663 Main St, Agawam, Ma. 01001

This quartet of musicians was brought together by an instrument they all love to play – the Autoharp! No, they won't be smashing the instruments on stage as you might see at a rock concert, rather they'll play some smashing dance tunes as well as some gentle heart-breaking melodies.

You're probably thinking back to your grade school music teacher who strummed the autoharp to accompany the class, but this is quite different. Intricate autoharp picking will be heard from all band members including Mike Herr, who has won National and International Autoharp Championships. He also adds the Irish Bodhran on some tunes. Band mate Glenn Scott will join in on mandolin, guitar and bouzouki. John Cerrigione will add guitar, banjo and bass, while
his wife Heidi will play hammered and mountain dulcimers.

Performing mostly instrumentals, the group collects tunes from Ireland, Scotland, France, and Sweden but also enjoy American tunes that one might hear at a contra dance. So come prepared to tap your toes and hear acoustic music played on traditional instruments.

Now doesn't that sound like a great time!!! I hope everyone out there will come and support this talented group! For now though have fun and keep soaring with Peter and please watch out for pirates..the poor guys and gals are having a run of bad luck and they are very CRANKY!!!!

Sunday...

2008-09-21T08:53:00.000-07:00

What a great time last night. The "gals" from Sonas put on a bang up concert..Margie on piano was a delight, Tina and Amy on fiddle, wonderful. They enjoyed playing as much as the audience enjoyed listening. THANK YOU to the lovely ladies from SONAS and thank you to our audience..Well done!!

Linda Mareno was the winner of last nights raffle and she will attend next months concert for free..

Next month we will be presenting TWO concerts for your enjoyment.. First on October 18, 2009 at 7:30PM. That one will feature a group who call themselves "The-Harpbreakers".. Entertaining us on Auto Harp, hammer dulcimer, guitar, and several other instruments. They play traditional Celtic, and American contra dance tunes.. Should be a great time..THEY ARE AMAZING..

On October 26, 2008 at 2:00PM we will be hosting "Katherine First and friends" Katherine will be releasing her new CD at this event and we are honored to have this happen as a part of our series. Katherine is a talented fiddler and her approach to slow aires and waltzes is absolutely delightful.

So again thanks to all who came out to enjoy SONAS and be sure to call or email early for next months concerts!

Have a great day it is BEAUTIFUL outside!! Remember Watch out for pirates and keep flying with Peter..It's the only way to survive...

Saturday...concert day...

2008-09-20T06:52:00.001-07:00

The first concert of the season kicks off tonight at 7:30PM..hoping for a good audience for these talented ladies. Gotta get going with all the set-up..Make the soup.. go pick up some bread and water..that sounds bad.. Really I do feed these folks.. but I forgot the bread and bottled water..

Anyway it's a lovely day again..cold almost..but sunny and bright. A great night ahead for some good time music..

For now I'll remind you all again to never stop flying with my friend Peter and watch out for pirates they are everywhere!!!!

Friday...another week...

2008-09-19T04:33:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was fun..stood up for OBAMA at the Big-E..Lots of support from people driving and walking by. The seats for Saturdays concert are moving along well. I think we will have a nice audience for the girls in "SONAS". As I have said before the first couple of concerts are always tough. Getting people back into the habit of coming out on a Saturday night.

Today I'm setting up the hall, getting supplies and then kicking back. I am also checking out a "part-time" job at Stop and Shop in the floral department.. Just something to get me out of the house for a few hours.. I might give it a try for a bit. We'll see.

So everyone have a lovely day..it is cool and crisp here in Agawam..I will be flying again with my good friend Peter and we will be on the look out for pirates and especially ones disguised as "hockey-mom's" ..so you all be sure to do the same thing....

Thursday..

2008-09-18T04:53:00.000-07:00

Today I am working for the OBAMA campaign holding signs at the Main Gate of the BIG-E. Governor Deval Patrick will be coming by and chatting should be a fun afternoon. The last time I did this we counted negative responses..and really there weren't very many. Maybe 10 totally in a three hour shift. We will see what today brings.

The seats are beginning to move for Saturdays concert I always worry about the first one of the season. It takes a while for people to get into the habit of coming. But I think we will have a good crowd. Hoping that we make it into the "Weekend" magazine that comes out today.

Wishing everyone a happy Thursday, it is beautiful today. A great day to fly with Peter and keep your eyes out for pirates disguised in suits or as "Hockey Mom's" They are pretty tricky those pirates..

Wednesday

2008-09-17T04:52:00.000-07:00

So later this month will see me jumping into the magic kingdom of MEDICARE. I have been reading, listening to people and trying to understand all the jargon and weed out what is hype and understand what is the truth. My head is spinning. So you see I worked since I was 16 paid into the Medicare fund for decades yet the government is still going to take $96.00 from my meager social security to "pay" for Medicare. Hummmm I won't go there. Now I have to try and decide do I want to spend another $89.00 or more each month to cover what Medicare does not?? Or do I want to sign up for a Medicare Pharmacy plan even though at this time I do not take any prescription drugs. One chart I was looking at on line wouldn't give me any information until I listed a drug I was taking..so I put down Vitamin C and "COLDEZ"..It didn't work. I'll have to call that one. ANYWAY enough blah blah blah.

So are you ready for the weekend? Tomorrow I will be standing in front of the BIG-E with signs for OBAMA. I love doing that it is so interesting to see how people react. Flip offs..are really few and far between but they happen.. Funny stuff..

Well you all have a great day its lovely here in Massachusetts. Remember keep flying in the sky with my friend Peter and stay away from pirates in business suits or especially the ones disguised as "soccer MOMS"

Tuesday....

2008-09-16T04:47:00.001-07:00

WE are just about 1/2 filled with reservations.. hope to have a good crowd for these hard working ladies. Anyone out there that has not done so yet remember to call for your seats. This is going to be a great kick-off concert. The first of the season is always the most scary for me. Word isn't out yet, people aren't use to coming out and it is HARD work to get them off their couches and comfy chairs.

Yesterday got a bit of running about done..today a bit more.. The humid weather left us and it is beautiful again today. On Thursday I'll be holding signs for OBAMA again this time at the gates of the BIG-E..a New England State Fair just down the road from. Should be fun.. A busy week is always fun. So everyone take care today.

Stay strong, BREATHE, and keep flying with Peter. Watch out for pirates they are out there in force, some are even disguised as "soccer MOMS"....