May 16, 2023
We are briefly back at the lake house. In a day or so, I will be flying out to Arkansas for a screening at the Walton Art Center. This will be the last major screening for a little while. We do have some festivals this summer to deal with in Spain and in Australia. There is also an announcement coming soon about a real gem of a festival that we are invited to.
The big news over the weekend was our screening at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center. It was totally amazing. We were treated like stars… well, mostly because of Pat Musick, the star of our film. Please read all about it in this review on the Artist & the Astronaut website. https://www.theartistandtheastronaut.com/screenings/stamford-museum-amp-nature-center-may-12-2023
When we got home on Sunday morning we awoke to find one of our returning pairs of geese with four new furry goslings. The little ones enjoy the beach, particularly hiding under the overturned beach chairs. The proud parents watching close by.
We also are expecting to see some little ducklings soon. A very friendly pair of returning ducks have a nest at the edge of the forest not far from the lakeshore.
The birds and wildlife found here in abundance remind us that it is their home. As it has been for centuries. We are recent arrivals, and very happy that they share their home with us.
On a very sad note, we here in CNY have lost another dear friend. Becky Palmer, the morning drive DJ on our local Country station lost her battle with cancer. I talked with Becky just about the time she retired from the air. We were doing an event together, as we often did. She was, on the air, as she was in life, warm, gentle, and kind. One of the sincerest people I have ever met.
There are constant reminders around me, that my own life is in its later stages. All the more important that I spend time with those I love. I reached out to my four wonderful daughters for Mother’s Day. They are remarkable women with wonderful families. I stand in awe. Grandma and I celebrated her Mother’s Day with a Zoom visit to our littlest grandchild. Jasper is a gem. Then a morning piano lesson and lots of games with our two Baldwinsville Hobin girls. And then a cookout at the lake with Ryan and Nicole.
Before I leave… I will be sitting down at the piano with Lyra. She is progressing beautifully as a pianist. She already is a fine dancer. She turns eight way too soon. But, I can’t wait.
I will be in the studio tomorrow. Lots of music to do, but no gigs in sight. There’s just no time to fit anything in. The summer awaits. Let’s make it a good one.