A recent trip to California for Jennie and I has created some exiciting news
- Jennie received a "new" fiddle from my Grand-dad; it's actually over 100 yrs. old!!
- we played music all day and night, right up until we had to leave for the airport
- stranded in the Vegas airport for 4 hrs before finally get the go-ahead to get aboard and take off
- Re-connected with my Dad's Dad. "Shorty" for short and found out nuggets of interesting family past. It had been over 24 yrs. since I last saw/spoke with my grand-dad ( I was 4 yrs old)
I really didn't know anything about Shorty besides the fact that we shared the same last name and he was a musician back in the day. I had heard some short stories about how he was a "cowboy" and he rode bulls and all that. But, I really learned a lot about his life and some of the good and the bad that he has endured in his 77 years.
We did walk away with more than just words and stories: again he gave Jennie a fiddle that was in his re-married wife's family for more than 100 years. After I picked her jaw up off of the floor and closed her mouth she was able to whimper an "are you serious? I can keep this?" to Shorty. To which he replied in his own sincerity "Well, I sure as hell can't play the thing, so you might as well have it". He gifted me with a gold and silver belt-buckle with and eagle on it (true cowboy style) and two rings; one of which was my great Grandfathers. He had also given me a ball glove, that was the last I had seen/heard of him until now.
Shorty played with the country star Faron Young - back in the Sixties I believe. He played guitar and sang with him for about 31/2 years. Upon arriving at his house outside of Reno, NV, we were promply offered a beverage and some food, then about 10 mins. after that he was already inquiring as to what type of guitar I had brought with me and about Jennie's own fiddle. So here we were, travelling from TX to CA and points in between and already hitting it off. The rest of the weekend went pretty much like that as well. We met some of his friends, which are hard to come by out in that neck of the woods, as you only have a neighbor about every 10 miles or so...
more down memory lane later, with pics hopefully.
JB
22 August 2005
02 August 2005
Roadtrip box score - Austin to Burlington 6-21-05
The roadtrip boxscore series is back -
This segment: Austin, TX to Burlington, NC for the wedding
travel partners: Chris M. and Elspeth S. (aka El-spizzle)
CD's: lots - but we now need some new ones
car- The trusty Golden Egg - Subaru Forester
great gas mileage and comfort all in one - who would have thought.
Only brought the guitar, chris didn't bring his banjo. (why?)
Day one:
We made it to Birmingham, AL. We stopped in Shreveport,LA for a visit with Chris's mom. We ate at a place that I highly recommend (Strahan's), if not just for their famous 'icebox pies' which were un-equaled by anything else. Not highly recommended - the drive through east Texas. boring.
Day two:
From Birmingham to Burlington; via Atlanta with a stop off in Greenville, SC. Chris's brother lives in Traveler's Rest (T-R for short) which is just outside Greenville, so we stopped there and had lunch with the brother and his wife. Not highly recommeded - the drive through/around Atlanta - there's nothing fun about that commute at any time of day.
Total miles: 1320
Total CD's: 4 This american life - w/Ira Glass shows, 2 Danny Barnes live shows - 3 Tony Rice albums, 3 Wilco Albums - several others that I may have missed while I napped.
1 broken guitar string
1 bag of Bugles
1 bag of corn chips
0 Flat tires or car problems (thank you!)
Driving: Unfortunately (for El-spizzle and myself); Chris was catapulted unto the reigns each day after the lunch meal. Man, he was drowsy too! So his stint at the helm was limited, but that's okay, he made up for it in DJ rotation and bugles.
NOTES: I did realize how lucky I am to have the type of friends that will take an adventure like that and roll with the punches. There actually weren't too many punches to take; for our sake.
MEALS: Maybe the meals...were a punch we stomached. We ate a lot of meat - sometimes when you drive you just can't accomodate that much meat - when you are in a car with others on a long journey that could be a bad combination.
Not to say we had issues with that, but I know I had some personal issues with the diet. Anyone who knows me can attest to some personal dietary issues at times.
This segment: Austin, TX to Burlington, NC for the wedding
travel partners: Chris M. and Elspeth S. (aka El-spizzle)
CD's: lots - but we now need some new ones
car- The trusty Golden Egg - Subaru Forester
great gas mileage and comfort all in one - who would have thought.
Only brought the guitar, chris didn't bring his banjo. (why?)
Day one:
We made it to Birmingham, AL. We stopped in Shreveport,LA for a visit with Chris's mom. We ate at a place that I highly recommend (Strahan's), if not just for their famous 'icebox pies' which were un-equaled by anything else. Not highly recommended - the drive through east Texas. boring.
Day two:
From Birmingham to Burlington; via Atlanta with a stop off in Greenville, SC. Chris's brother lives in Traveler's Rest (T-R for short) which is just outside Greenville, so we stopped there and had lunch with the brother and his wife. Not highly recommeded - the drive through/around Atlanta - there's nothing fun about that commute at any time of day.
Total miles: 1320
Total CD's: 4 This american life - w/Ira Glass shows, 2 Danny Barnes live shows - 3 Tony Rice albums, 3 Wilco Albums - several others that I may have missed while I napped.
1 broken guitar string
1 bag of Bugles
1 bag of corn chips
0 Flat tires or car problems (thank you!)
Driving: Unfortunately (for El-spizzle and myself); Chris was catapulted unto the reigns each day after the lunch meal. Man, he was drowsy too! So his stint at the helm was limited, but that's okay, he made up for it in DJ rotation and bugles.
NOTES: I did realize how lucky I am to have the type of friends that will take an adventure like that and roll with the punches. There actually weren't too many punches to take; for our sake.
MEALS: Maybe the meals...were a punch we stomached. We ate a lot of meat - sometimes when you drive you just can't accomodate that much meat - when you are in a car with others on a long journey that could be a bad combination.
Not to say we had issues with that, but I know I had some personal issues with the diet. Anyone who knows me can attest to some personal dietary issues at times.
19 July 2005
A Team
No, Not "The A-Team" as most of you were probably psyched about some crazy news of Murdock or Mr. T; but our team. Jennie and I make the best team, and as we should, we are married now.
Married life is wonderful, just wanted to put that out there, it will be 1 month this saturday. We are attending a wedding for our friends Joe and Beth out in New Mexico, should be a lot of fun.
Also looking forward to Jennie and I going to California to see my Grandfather that I haven't seen in over 20 years. That's right, that's a long time. He wasn't around during my younger days and so now I've decided to let by-gones bite big-0nes and go out and see him. Family is family, you can't choose them, so you might as well get to know them.
On the other front: work is going again - - that's all I can say about that. Travel is picking up again and with that comes less time at home. But I think we can stand a day or two at most away from each other. If not were in real trouble.
Road trip box-score(s) - I'm behind on my favorite installment: the road trip box-score. I've got lots to shout about too, the trip to NC, the HONEYMOON, I'm sure there's more there than that. Anyway...
Big Gig: I had my first real gig - well sort of "real" gig. I played with Jennie at the Old folks home where our friend Carrie K. lives. So it's a tough crowd but they mostly turn their hearing aids down, in that case I can play as loud as I want. And they are a captive audience too (most are in wheelchairs and can't escape that well) so double bonus for me...
more later --
This is Seth Walker and Ephraim Owens performing at our wedding reception. Look for them in a town near you soon - if you like Jazz, Blues/Soul, Live authentic music - you'll love this combo. Check them out at www.sethwalker.com and www.ephraimowens.com
see you soon.?
Married life is wonderful, just wanted to put that out there, it will be 1 month this saturday. We are attending a wedding for our friends Joe and Beth out in New Mexico, should be a lot of fun.
Also looking forward to Jennie and I going to California to see my Grandfather that I haven't seen in over 20 years. That's right, that's a long time. He wasn't around during my younger days and so now I've decided to let by-gones bite big-0nes and go out and see him. Family is family, you can't choose them, so you might as well get to know them.
On the other front: work is going again - - that's all I can say about that. Travel is picking up again and with that comes less time at home. But I think we can stand a day or two at most away from each other. If not were in real trouble.
Road trip box-score(s) - I'm behind on my favorite installment: the road trip box-score. I've got lots to shout about too, the trip to NC, the HONEYMOON, I'm sure there's more there than that. Anyway...
Big Gig: I had my first real gig - well sort of "real" gig. I played with Jennie at the Old folks home where our friend Carrie K. lives. So it's a tough crowd but they mostly turn their hearing aids down, in that case I can play as loud as I want. And they are a captive audience too (most are in wheelchairs and can't escape that well) so double bonus for me...
more later --
This is Seth Walker and Ephraim Owens performing at our wedding reception. Look for them in a town near you soon - if you like Jazz, Blues/Soul, Live authentic music - you'll love this combo. Check them out at www.sethwalker.com and www.ephraimowens.com
see you soon.?
07 July 2005
The party is over!
The wedding was a complete success! Folks from all over came to NC and had a great time (at least that's what I've heard anyway...) and we are happily married and have started our lives together. Now what.?!? What do we do now that the honeymoon is over and "real" life starts back up? I really don't know, it's back to the grind for me at work. Jennie is starting to get some lessons going again (violin students) and that's about it right now.
Not many things have changed since the wedding. We are still just as broke as before. Although we have all the utensils and pans you would need to host your own Emeril episode.
Anyway - things are great still. I love being married and all I know right now is that we don't need any kids for the time-being.
Enjoy some pics as I post them.
cya's
JB
Not many things have changed since the wedding. We are still just as broke as before. Although we have all the utensils and pans you would need to host your own Emeril episode.
Anyway - things are great still. I love being married and all I know right now is that we don't need any kids for the time-being.
Enjoy some pics as I post them.
cya's
JB
14 June 2005
13 June 2005
Full swing
Wedding season is in full swing, and in prime time right now for Jennie and I. In fact, Jennie is already in NC, she just left this morning, after almost missing her flight and her bags arriving on a different flight, she made it there safely.
I, on the other hand, am still here in Austin; just working away. Mainly trying to keep my mind on work, but having somewhat of a hard time doing that. How's that different than any other day? It's not really. But usually i'm playing some on-line pool for lunch time, and now i'm looking up what route i'm going to take to get to the wedding.
In case some of you didn't know, i'm driving to North Carolina for my wedding.
I have two friends who have graciously decided to make the trip with me. So I won't be soloing the cross country trek. (Thank god)
Just had a new stereo put in the car, again, the voracious gratitude of my man Chase pulls through. Along with that, he's also picked up the ties for the groomsmen and plenty of other things I've surely, or will no doubt forget before then.
More later, back to the grind.
- JB
I, on the other hand, am still here in Austin; just working away. Mainly trying to keep my mind on work, but having somewhat of a hard time doing that. How's that different than any other day? It's not really. But usually i'm playing some on-line pool for lunch time, and now i'm looking up what route i'm going to take to get to the wedding.
In case some of you didn't know, i'm driving to North Carolina for my wedding.
I have two friends who have graciously decided to make the trip with me. So I won't be soloing the cross country trek. (Thank god)
Just had a new stereo put in the car, again, the voracious gratitude of my man Chase pulls through. Along with that, he's also picked up the ties for the groomsmen and plenty of other things I've surely, or will no doubt forget before then.
More later, back to the grind.
- JB
26 May 2005
Re-do
I'm going to repost this quote because I need to read it again due to the last few days i've experienced:
The beauty of the soul shines out when a man bears with composure one heavy mischance after another, not because he does not feel them, but because he is a man of high and heroic temper.
- Aristotle
I really didn't have a terrible day in terms of total shit-dome. But when you look at the small picture:
- I had to drive to Dallas for work. Not leaving until 3pm. I had to rent a car, cause my wonderful ride might not make it back from Dallas. [the ride to Dallas is a cluster-F waiting to happen]
- When I go to rent the car, the fantastically helpful folks at Hurtz-dont-it rentals tell me my card won't work (Great)
- Finally resolved that issue and trudge up the highway. Do the job (45 mins tops) and get back in the car. In the mean-time I had to dispense 100 bones to the client for a "fee" out of my own pocket.
- Get back home about 10pm and couldn't sleep. But, that's ok, I get to sleep in the next day. Only having to return the rental by 10am.
- Upon returning the rental car, I find my car with broken glass and a missing stereo. &#^% *&@#! @(*#*...needless to say. That cost 140$ for the window and now no stereo.
- I'd say that qualifies for a decently bad day.
I have a place to call home, food to eat, a car that does run, and a great dog. A beautiful woman who has committed to be my Bride, and a job that pays most of the bills.
There is more to it than that, but when I look at it, those are the things that make "it" okay.
The beauty of the soul shines out when a man bears with composure one heavy mischance after another, not because he does not feel them, but because he is a man of high and heroic temper.
- Aristotle
I really didn't have a terrible day in terms of total shit-dome. But when you look at the small picture:
- I had to drive to Dallas for work. Not leaving until 3pm. I had to rent a car, cause my wonderful ride might not make it back from Dallas. [the ride to Dallas is a cluster-F waiting to happen]
- When I go to rent the car, the fantastically helpful folks at Hurtz-dont-it rentals tell me my card won't work (Great)
- Finally resolved that issue and trudge up the highway. Do the job (45 mins tops) and get back in the car. In the mean-time I had to dispense 100 bones to the client for a "fee" out of my own pocket.
- Get back home about 10pm and couldn't sleep. But, that's ok, I get to sleep in the next day. Only having to return the rental by 10am.
- Upon returning the rental car, I find my car with broken glass and a missing stereo. &#^% *&@#! @(*#*...needless to say. That cost 140$ for the window and now no stereo.
- I'd say that qualifies for a decently bad day.
I have a place to call home, food to eat, a car that does run, and a great dog. A beautiful woman who has committed to be my Bride, and a job that pays most of the bills.
There is more to it than that, but when I look at it, those are the things that make "it" okay.
The nicest gifts...
Max's crafted bench gift
This was a gift from our friend Max. (aka "Willie") see following pictures of Willie and friends...
Max heard that we needed a couple more chairs for folks to sit on at the party, so he built this Bench and planter combo and brought it with him; as his gift to us. It's nice to know you have friends who care enough to put some sweat and heart into a gift like that. Thank you Max.
23 May 2005
Roadtrip box score - South Padre Island, TX 5-20-2005
The trip to South Padre for the Bachelor party was a success. No major injuries and no insurance claims were filed.
Here is a rundown of what we did:
-Sat on beach and got sunburn
-We used sunscreen but couldn't get our own backs and we
weren't going to be the four guys on the beach rubbing
lotion on each other's backs. Ummmm - no.
-Danced with some women from a bachelorette party. Young enough but not quite as good looking as we'd hoped. But who will complain?
-Got the truck stuck in the sand at high noon (about 103F) four times. Lots of fun!
-Sat by the pool and had cocktails.
-Nearly caught the entire Island on fire. (details not available at press time)
-Nearly dropped a gimp in a fountain.
-Nearly lost a finger on a palm tree.
-Lots of sand in the crack
-Only one minor incident in the hotel - involving Matt's clothes and someone's urine..eeewwww
The crew:
- 4 of us jammed into a 2000 Ford crew-cab F-150. Not bad for room in the extended part, just not real comfy. Fit the bill though.
- 1 sirius satellite radio (Matt's) that is on the brink or either Chase's stereo is on the fritz; either way we had to listen to my bluegrass & folkie CD's.
- 1 fishing cooler (~100 gal) with a case of water and 2 cases of beer. **beer was finito before we even got to the island...
- 1 wheelchair
- 0 blow-up dolls (we had one but it was popped by some British chicks a couple years ago...that's another story)
- 3 emergency flares (almost got us in trouble)
- and 1 thong (texas flag model)
it was one hell uv'a good time.
pictures might be available upon further review...
Here is a rundown of what we did:
-Sat on beach and got sunburn
-We used sunscreen but couldn't get our own backs and we
weren't going to be the four guys on the beach rubbing
lotion on each other's backs. Ummmm - no.
-Danced with some women from a bachelorette party. Young enough but not quite as good looking as we'd hoped. But who will complain?
-Got the truck stuck in the sand at high noon (about 103F) four times. Lots of fun!
-Sat by the pool and had cocktails.
-Nearly caught the entire Island on fire. (details not available at press time)
-Nearly dropped a gimp in a fountain.
-Nearly lost a finger on a palm tree.
-Lots of sand in the crack
-Only one minor incident in the hotel - involving Matt's clothes and someone's urine..eeewwww
The crew:
- 4 of us jammed into a 2000 Ford crew-cab F-150. Not bad for room in the extended part, just not real comfy. Fit the bill though.
- 1 sirius satellite radio (Matt's) that is on the brink or either Chase's stereo is on the fritz; either way we had to listen to my bluegrass & folkie CD's.
- 1 fishing cooler (~100 gal) with a case of water and 2 cases of beer. **beer was finito before we even got to the island...
- 1 wheelchair
- 0 blow-up dolls (we had one but it was popped by some British chicks a couple years ago...that's another story)
- 3 emergency flares (almost got us in trouble)
- and 1 thong (texas flag model)
it was one hell uv'a good time.
pictures might be available upon further review...
Recent Reviews
The house party was great. My shitty thought from the previous post was that we would have an egg on our faces and everyone would leave early...well, it was quite the opposite.
We had a large crowd of many different peeps. Only one lacking thing: music. Who would have thought the Karoake machine was going to flop, along with the fog machine. No special FX for the party scene. Good thing we had lots of good beverages and great eats.
a rundown of all we had:
1 pot roast w/garlic taters and gravy *Tasty!
1 dish of home cooked ham and beans
1 dish of home cooked cream corn
1 tray of homemade appetizer samplers
2 veggie lasagna dishes
1 tray of rum brownies **** (four stars by the review team)
1 tray of homemade cupcakes
1 Quiche
various types of beer and wine (1.5 cases wine - 5 cases beer)
1 Big red dog - w/no poop in the yard
lots of stringed lights and candles
awesome landscaping and seating in the yard (Andrea went full-tilt)
spiked punch
1 italian creme cake
1 Karaoake machine*Bust
1 fog machine*Bust
28 Good Friends
great weather (no rain)
1 awful rendition of "I got you babe" by the soon-to-be's.
Those of you who left the party early missed out on some guitar/fiddle tunes by Jennie and I.
- Jerusalem Ridge
- June Apple
- Billy in the Lowground
We had a large crowd of many different peeps. Only one lacking thing: music. Who would have thought the Karoake machine was going to flop, along with the fog machine. No special FX for the party scene. Good thing we had lots of good beverages and great eats.
a rundown of all we had:
1 pot roast w/garlic taters and gravy *Tasty!
1 dish of home cooked ham and beans
1 dish of home cooked cream corn
1 tray of homemade appetizer samplers
2 veggie lasagna dishes
1 tray of rum brownies **** (four stars by the review team)
1 tray of homemade cupcakes
1 Quiche
various types of beer and wine (1.5 cases wine - 5 cases beer)
1 Big red dog - w/no poop in the yard
lots of stringed lights and candles
awesome landscaping and seating in the yard (Andrea went full-tilt)
spiked punch
1 italian creme cake
1 Karaoake machine*Bust
1 fog machine*Bust
28 Good Friends
great weather (no rain)
1 awful rendition of "I got you babe" by the soon-to-be's.
Those of you who left the party early missed out on some guitar/fiddle tunes by Jennie and I.
- Jerusalem Ridge
- June Apple
- Billy in the Lowground
12 May 2005
Party-time -"it's fun-time"
It's party time in Austin. A party is being thrown in our Honour--this weekend, should be a good one. Our friends Margaret and Howie are coming from NC for this one!! Hopefully we'll have some good pics and stories out of it too. Margaret put the invites together and sent them out, each one had an item for the person(s) to bring to the party; such as: beer, wine, appetizer, entree, dessert, you get the idea.
So yes, it is a pot-luck style dinner. Jennie and I have spent some good hours in the back yard and in the house getting it all hussied-up for our guests. We don' git too many folk in our nape o' the neck. Andrea has been involved too, designing different ideas for themes and what-not, dressing up tables and chairs and who-knows what else!
We had some live entertainment set-up: no not mud wrestling, although a slip-n'-slide w/baby oil did enter the conversation - - no we had the fabulous Seth Walker and friends set to play a bit, but alas, he has found a real paying gig.
Opening for Delbert McClinton in Gruene Hall (the oldest dance hall in Texas, no joke). It's good for him, when music is your LIFE, you tend to go where the $$ are. Especially in that business, we'll miss him but we can't blame him, hopefully he'll be able to join us later.
A recent shitty-thought: That we have a lame-o party and people are ready to leave by 10pm. That would be a bummer. But Justin, I know I can count on you!! - "Yep"
So yes, it is a pot-luck style dinner. Jennie and I have spent some good hours in the back yard and in the house getting it all hussied-up for our guests. We don' git too many folk in our nape o' the neck. Andrea has been involved too, designing different ideas for themes and what-not, dressing up tables and chairs and who-knows what else!
We had some live entertainment set-up: no not mud wrestling, although a slip-n'-slide w/baby oil did enter the conversation - - no we had the fabulous Seth Walker and friends set to play a bit, but alas, he has found a real paying gig.
Opening for Delbert McClinton in Gruene Hall (the oldest dance hall in Texas, no joke). It's good for him, when music is your LIFE, you tend to go where the $$ are. Especially in that business, we'll miss him but we can't blame him, hopefully he'll be able to join us later.
A recent shitty-thought: That we have a lame-o party and people are ready to leave by 10pm. That would be a bummer. But Justin, I know I can count on you!! - "Yep"
10 May 2005
Austin Voting FLOP
A flop on the issues
Get this -- an election for city officials and council members where only 14.9% of registered voters cast votes. What kind of shit is this?? I thought Austin was a pro-active town, where it's residents have the mind-set to participate in items like this?
They passed a smoking ban, the second one actually. The initial one really didn't do a whole lot, but now, it will be tough for restaurants and bars. Especially all the nightlife places that thrive on drinking, smoking, and late night carousing. Drinking and smoking seem to go hand in hand, especially when you are listening to some type of music one might like.
ANYWAY...all you folks out there that didn't get off your drunk, smoke stenched ass - don't bitch and complain, cause you had your chance to shoot it down.
[by the way, i voted for the ban. so ha.]
Get this -- an election for city officials and council members where only 14.9% of registered voters cast votes. What kind of shit is this?? I thought Austin was a pro-active town, where it's residents have the mind-set to participate in items like this?
They passed a smoking ban, the second one actually. The initial one really didn't do a whole lot, but now, it will be tough for restaurants and bars. Especially all the nightlife places that thrive on drinking, smoking, and late night carousing. Drinking and smoking seem to go hand in hand, especially when you are listening to some type of music one might like.
ANYWAY...all you folks out there that didn't get off your drunk, smoke stenched ass - don't bitch and complain, cause you had your chance to shoot it down.
[by the way, i voted for the ban. so ha.]
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