the past few days

Let's see. . last weekend we reunited with the old River band at a small church in Santa Clara. It was a throw-back to good times and a piece of evidence that we've all changed a bit since the last time we played together. Afterwards we went out for dinner with the Dicksons and had our usual debriefing over beer.




Yesterday when I went out to check the mail, there was a stack of birthday treats on my front porch. I don't like to make a big deal of my birthday, but it does make my heart jump to receive gifts like these. Stephanie and Anthony sent me two books that I've been very intersted in. . .


. . as well as a card and some great photos from their wedding.



I also got an adorable card & some money from my parents, so I decided to go out and get that desperately needed new pair of running shoes for my deprived little feet. After much resistance and sorting through clearance aisles at discount stores, I gave up and went over to a real running store -- the one where Jon gets his shoes for his marathon training. The salesperson measured my arches and videotaped me running to see what kind of needs I had. I have to say, when I put on those first pair of proper shoes, I was almost a little emotional. I didn't realize how bad I had it in my $30 markdowns.



Jon and I have been working our way through a 2-disc documentary about Bob Dylan, called "No Direction Home". I've never been interested in his music before, but I am now completely fascinated by him. I had no idea that he started out just trying to immitate people he admired, and then eventually started writing his own music, which was such innovative and captivating music for America's youth. I also didn't realize what a brilliant lyricist he is. Even if you don't care for his voice, you've got to admit that a song that sings, "to dance beneath the diamond sky with one hand waving free, silhouetted by the sea, circled by the circus sands, with all memory and fate driven deep beneath the waves, let me forget about today until tomorrow." is worth listening to. We still haven't finished the whole movie, but I still feel confident recommending it, especially to musicians.

That's all for now. Sleep well.