Archive for August, 2010

Here, kitty kitty…..

Posted on Monday, August 23rd, 2010 at 6:46 pm

For Sweetie, a Double Yellow Headed Amazonian Parrot that I occasionally feed.  Here, kitty kitty…. is one of her favorite phrases.

.

Here, kitty kitty….

.

August heat

Posted on Friday, August 20th, 2010 at 10:42 am

Several times this month, I’ve heard people say, “Sure is hot!”  I usually reply, “Yeah, but it’s not like last summer.”  The typical response is, “True.”

.

I was driving around Austin a couple of days ago, on the brink of rush hour, and the car’s outdoor thermometer jumped around 104° and 112°F.  Granted, this was not in the deep shade, but rather out in the sun and atop concrete or asphalt.  Still, it was 100°F in the shade, and that is plenty warm.  To attest to the heat, I saw three cars blow their engines, steam and smoke abounding, something that just isn’t a common everyday event.

.

Consequently, all the physical outdoor chores are done early in the morning with a shower before 10AM.  It’s supposed to be like this all week.  Pretty typical weather for August in central Texas, all told.  Another three weeks of this to endure, and then it breaks (usually mid-September).

.

But that’s okay.  I have enough to take care of my time indoors.  And if it keeps up, I may even find time to render something.  Been eating rather well this week….

Bryan again

Posted on Wednesday, August 11th, 2010 at 9:46 am

Back in Bryan for a couple of days, making myself poorer again (auto insurance).  But hey, the bills are being met.  So I cant complain too badly about finances.  I am staying above ground, though not by much, and there are more to come this month.

.

Staying over for music school tonight.  Should be fun.  It will be the first jam for the new guitar case.

.

Cleaned the meanie’s interior with a thin dowel, kicking loose a few bunnies and shaking them out.

Patty Finney

Posted on Friday, August 6th, 2010 at 10:04 am

Went to see Patty Finney last night, a most enjoyable evening.  She was playing at the Austin Sports Tavern, and the audience was unusually light.  However, that probably had to do with the lack of a liquor license, requiring the purchase of a meal  before beer could be served, and the limit was two.  People came in and promptly left upon hearing that  they couldn’t just order a beer.  I’m sure it will be better there when they get their license from TABC.  But as it was, it was quiet and most enjoyable to hear her perform.  And we had a great time talking to her between sets.

.

I had seen Patty this year on a couple of occasions, but it’s the first time this year I heard her perform.  So it was definitely the case of my getting my Patty fix.  It’s hard describing just how soothing her voice can be.  There are so few vocalists with her gift.  And to be her friend is very nice too.  Life can be wonderful.

.

Tonight I get to go see Connie Gatling and David Hoffpauir in Bastrop at the Roadhouse.  And Patty should be in the audience with us.

New Case

Posted on Wednesday, August 4th, 2010 at 8:31 pm

Got one of the $40 black dreadnought guitar cases from Musician’s Friend.  I must say, it is more than I expected.  The original cardboard case with which I bought the Takemine G-335 had lost one strap and two clasps, and it just wasn’t getting the job done any more.  The flat bungie cord held it shut, but it changed the tuning noticeably.  So I broke down and got the new case (MSRP $110).

.

It’s heavy.  The plywood construction adds considerable weight, enough to make it dangerous when loaded.  The Meenie isn’t a lightweight guitar, especially with 12 heavy capstans on the head and sound kicking body.  I’m going to have to get used to carrying it around.  It’s no longer an easy wrist swing to guide it, the finesse has been replaced by solid armor.  And the guitar is a tight fit, I have to press it down into the fur to fit.  Super snug.

.

But hey, it sure looks new!

.

I like it, despite the impending change of toting habits.  I’d recommend one to any dreadnought player.