Oh Sooo Long

He0000000000y all,

Been a very long time updating, and one of my new resolutions is to do this every week. If you would read this blog weekly, let me know. Encouragement is a true inspiration. Also, may need to a pro to help me update the webpage (Isle of Nod) which may become partially a wedding news website this year. I can't get the updates to upload - new hub, perhaps.

December was crazy as usual but, unusually, I did not get overly sick. I did stints in the Sarnia area and the massive gigs at the Rose in Brampton and River Run in Guelph and the month was busy, but full of entertaining.

Christmas and New Years was with the family in Milton and Wasega Beach. Gifts were over the top, again, and New Years without a gig was still a blast, singing tunes, playing video games, eating seafood and chillin' with relatives. Dave can produce an A1 party in a solitary cell.

One of my New Year's resolutions is to spend more time with all the components of my family. This especially includes a) my dad, who is so wise and wealthy an individual, newly retired and finally relaxing in this life; b) my brother's wonderful gang and kids who are destined to be above the crowd; c) Sandra, last but never least, who will hopefully marry me in November.

Winnipeg in the first week of January went well, but left a bug in most of the band. But it was not a cold town - Portage and Main was only 5 below or so. The next week I was very sick. (Yuck) I hope you miss the flu bugs that are about.

Kevin and I slayed the crowd at the Duke on Friday. Always - even when you feel sick - this is a great venue to hang in.

Westjet creamed my bass guitar - more stuff to deal with, repair wise.

Just finished overhauling my sax (big $) and setting up my bass.

One week of classes and exam marking left - it's been a pretty good year at work, even if class sizes are huge and the politics are ridiculous. More rants to come, to be sure...

I have sooooo many projects on the go right now:
- Kevin Coates and his duo or band gigs are soo fun and satisfying, musically, that I can't express enough how fun and enriching they are.
- Alysha is still working and recording/working with some interesting opportunities in the industry
- The "Butcher" project sees me helping a talented young gtr/singer/songwriter put together a CD with rock/alternative/blues influences - right up my alley
- I can't wait to see if I can't get more shows settled out with Ray or Ed - two of the best mates any one could ask for - to play with such musical geniuses and friends is a rare treat indeed

The new year promises to be challenging and musically enriching - what more could one ask for?

Cheers,

NOD