stretch zone archives 2007

in the mind of the pops archives 2007

4-19-07: It was nice to see some old pals at CPG.....and the "Vibez Inc" set went over well.....I guess it was a little different than what the patrons were used to, but what we do seems to tap some souls wherever we perform, and that`s what Toddd and I are about......It was nice to see Kevin Fudge again, who I havn`t seen sinse I hosted an open mic in the now defunked "Corsi's Place." FYI, The New York Islanders are saying that they were screwed out of a goal in last nights play-off game against the Sabres, but I saw the replays over and over again and the call of "no goal" is absolutely correct...'Sorry Mr. Nolan.. Also, The NHL is touring The Stanley Cup and it stops in Buffalo tomorrow, but I`m not the slightest bit interested in seeing or touching that cup until it`s won by the Sabres.....'More tomorrow..

4-20-07: Oh boy!!!!!! 'Got some runnin' to do during the day, more "Vibez" come evening time with the Sabres on our breaks as we say goodbye to the Islanders on home ice Yeah Baby!!! ....'Good Weekend to All..

4-21-07: I didn`t get to see the Sabre win....But something doesn`t smell right about a key member of the Isls suddenly getting suspended for using a performance enhancing substance.......I don`t recall any NHL other players getting nailed all season....Is this the only player in the NHL that uses something illeagal? Somewhow I doubt it...After winning "Coach of the Year" Ted Nolan at the end of his last season with the Sabres then fired that off-season and couldn`t land another coaching job in the NHL till finally being hired by the Islanders this passed regular season after nearly 10 years of looking for work......Of coarse I`m glad the Sabres are moving on but somehow the leauge's black-balling of Nolan does`nt exactly sit well with me.....I like to think we won fare and square....After all the times both the Sabes and Bills have been screwed over the years, I could say that the shoe is on the other foot for a change..but it don`t make it right...Well, that`s behind us now and I look forward to round two..

4-22-07: I am just loving the weather TODAY anyway..Is this Indian Summer??..You never quite know in these parts.....'Took my boy to his friends Birthday party at the local bowling alley..They were all having a blast when I left now it`s off to go get him and perhaps some Spring Cleaning or Indian Summer cleaning...These days, What`s the difference.....Still unsure of the Sabres next opponent in the quest for Lord Stanleys cup....I believe I share a lot of seniments with local fans when I say "the biggest bump in the road for the cup might be the Ottawa Senetors, but as a former coach locally some years back, I can`t stress enough that EVERY SHIFT OF EVERY PERIOD COUNTS AND NEVER TAKE ANY TEAM LIGHTLY..and the most important individual statististic is "Plus/Minus....Enjoy the sunshine..

4-23-07: With beautiful weather comes baseball mode....As many of you know I am and have been a Bosox fan from childhood...Other than another "World Series" the next best thing is sweeping the Yankees in a regular season series....Can you say Back to back to back to back home runs...Yep, The Sox did it to the Yanks tying a major leauge record...Life is good..

4-24-07: Today is about running around tending to family matters which is a never ending process with life always throwing me another curve.....Tonight is a "Vibes Inc" rehearsal which is another never ending process with new songs always in the works, which always serves as a great escape.......And some good eating too..

4-25-07: Sabres begin round two this evening..."Vibez" do that "CPG invasion thing" tonight...Yeah Baby!!!

4-27-07: The last Sabre "party in the plaza" went south when someone in the Sabres organization decided to pull the plug on beer sales...Well, the beer is back with a new plan in place were a limited amount of beer will be sold per head...Though I quit juicing it up a while now ago now there is no denying that beer talks....Enjoy tonights game and may your weekend be smooth like.....Hey Now..So far Derek Roy gets my vote for "unsung hero award" who has a small frame yet playing large, always involved in the play every shift..

4-28-07: It`s the wee hours and I`m taking a break from learning and practicing some of Toddd's lyrics...The late night always seems to be best time to work on musical homework...And I must say that there`s a good vibe in my soul between the music and enjoying the fact that the Sabres won again in a play-off nail biter...After that game I switched to the RedSox/Yankee game and my Bosox clobbered the Yankees boosting the RedSox's American Leauge Eastern Division lead and pushing the Yanks further into that AL east basement....Both teams are where they belong in my book.....And the SABRES RULE!!!

4-29-07: I remember well watching ball games on the front porch on a 13 (or so) inch TV complete with "rabbit ears" with hopes of better reception....With the weather being picture perfect in these parts , I wish I could rig up a TV with a cable connection to watch the Sabres game this afternoon like old times....Time to open some windows..

4-30-07: The Sabres were badly out-played in yesterday's loss to the Rangers..Ryan Miller kept them in the game which was forced into double overtime. It was almost as though many of the Sabres were taken off their game by cheap shots.....I can`t understand why players wern`t penalized for late hits....Yesterdays game was the first that had that real play-off grind...And the officiating was just plain awful.....Hey, Nobody said the road to the cup was easy...I think Coach Ruff will have them better prepped next time...Well I hope so..

5-1-07: It`s the wee hours again...I slept a couple of hours...With a ton on my mind, going back to sleep seems next to impossible..I have to be a awake in a few hours anyway...It`s going to be a long day, busing it downtown to deal with more crap....I`ve been a dedicated musician for quite a few years...Being a performer is something I can never give up..My sanity at times, seems to be on a string and music has kept me out of a straight jacket..but music aint paying my bills...The scene has changed for the worse thanks to smoking bans, tough DWI laws, and many other factors that figure in on life not getting any easier for many in the same boat...Finding a day job is no picnic either...This city is fried..Oppertunities are gone before they begin...Unions aint worth a crap anymore and havn`t for a long time now...As I reflect, I should`ve, could`ve, and didn`t...I feel like I`m letting my family down not pulling my weight as the bills keep piling up..At the moment I feel buried up to my chin in problems...As I think about it more, I should really be thankful for being in pretty damn good health for a dude pushing fifty who abused substances for a long time..Fatherhood curved that before it was too late, as I knock on wood about my health...But thoughts still linger about many too many people in my life who arn`t quite as lucky and suffering from a number of life threatening illnesses..I pray as I sing to God every day for everybody...But I gotta find away out of this rut..It aint no joke...I seldome play the lottery..I learned from other people's when it comes to gambling..Besides, gambling isn`t in my budget anyway..'Pretty sad huh? I know I have to quit feeling sorry for myself, and make changes in my life style..Get a hair cut? ..Allow me to weigh that possibility out...I`m so tired but I can`t sleep.................Sabres tonight..

5-2-07: Isn`t it great being a sports fan in Buffalo? ....It`s like someone sticking a "Kick Me" sign on the back of your jacket...I can`t help but get the feeling that those NHL big wheels in their office in Toronto wern`t into the idea of dealing with another over-time game or something? ....In any event, Buffalo gets screwed again...However...The Sabres will win this series..I can feel it in my bones..

5-3-07:It`s the wee hours again....Part of me says to go to sleep but I have the itch to get back to some music homework for "Vibez Inc"....I know I have to get up early, but gotta do what fits my soul, and deal with draggin ass during the daylight...I guess that`s just me..

5-4-07: First off, friend and fellow Muler Joann Peirce passed away on Tuesday..I want to send my prayers and best wishes to her husband Rick..Great people to put it lightly...Rest in Peace Joann..God will take good care of you. Rehearsing with Vibez Inc tonight and checking in with the Sabres during our breaks..

5-5-07: 'Just back from a "Vibez" rehearsal..(cool).Sabres win in dramatic fashion....Coach Ruff pushed the right buttons by sitting Max on Tuesday and inserting back in last nights line-up.....and Max only did something like score the game winning goal in overtime...It looks like the only way the Sabres know how to win is in dramitic fashion..Man oh Man.. Sorry to report another old friend who I will keep nameless for now, was recently diagnosed with the dredded cancer demon..and I shake my head again in dis-belief...Lord have mercy.. On a bright note, Today my neice Emma receives her "first holy communion." ..Congratulations Kiddo.....a family lunchon in her honor is in the plans today after the church service..

5-6-07: Good Sunday Folks...The big plan is to watch the Sabres eliminate the Rangers this afternoon on the boob-tube from the slushy iced Madison Square Garden...Though it hasn`t showed lately, the Sabres are a far better team.....BTW, The game is on NBC at 2pm..

5-7-07:I'm sure am glad that series against the New York Rangers is FINALLY over....They were very lucky to get as far as they did in play-offs..With that series behind us the Sabres can look forward to playing the Ottawa Senators (a team similer in style to the Sabres) in what promices to be a high flying series for the conference finals, instead of playing against a team (other than Jagr and Nylander) full of lugs.......However for me personally..being Monday it`s back to reality and my quest for a day job continues...Wish me luck..

5-8-07:It`s a beautiful day today in these parts....I pretty much have my time budgeted for today....I`m going to call some places I already have applications in for employment...I have more lyrics to write for "Vibez Ink"...'Working for "About Face" at the Tudor Lounge this evening....With all of that said, I feel like going back to sleep for a while..

5-9-07: I was in the process of moving my old fridge out to make room for a new one which was soon to arrive, then Yikes!!!! ...The damn thing slipped off the dolly (no straps) breaking the window on my hallway door...and I ended up pulling a muscle or something in my back.....Ice, Ice, Baby..

5-10-07: I`m still a hurtin' unit (I said "unit")....Beavis -n- Butthead forever!! .....I`m more than ready for the Sabres/Sens series that begins tonight....8 more wins away to winning the "big dance"..

5-11-07: It would be foolish to give up on the Sabres..But of coarse some fans are already....The Ottawa Senators coaching staff came into the game with a brilliant strategy...The Sens were forechecking hard having two players shadowing all star Sabre defenseman Brian Campbell, who specialties include skating and play-making....He couldn`t even get started from the Sabres zone..But that tells me one thing right off the top..Double teaming Campbell means that somebody was left open..'Gotta make those passes count..Stop the give-aways and get that powerplay back in synch...The Sabres know what they have to do..They just have to do it for sixty minutes..This is the conference finals..No walk in the park by any stretch..You can bet that a far better effort is forthcoming the rest of the way......."Vibez Inc" tonight.....Good Weekend to all..

5-12-07: 'Got a heap of activites for the day ahead and evening...Which includes we of "Vibez Inc" testing new PA with different songs, tones, settings etc..............I`m sure the Sabres are breathing fire and will be more than ready for tonight's game..

5-13-07: To all Sabre fans: NEVER SAY DIE!!! ..............Hi Moms!!!

5-14-07: With another weekend in the books and my back feeling better, it`s back to the serious job searching grind.......Hey, I`m looking for the Sabres to get back in the series with a victory this evening..The Sabres seem to play their best hockey when their backs are against the wall...It`s crunch time..No doubt..

5-15-07: Back in 2004 the Boston RedSox (A "wild card" team)..Even when the Yankees had a strangle-hold on the RedSox...Well, the Boston Redsox won the next three games, sent the Yankees packing and never looked back..When all was said and done the Bosox went on to win the 2004 World Series...I never gave up on the Redsox then and I aint gonna give up on the Buffalo Sabres NOW!!!

5-16-07:Yesterday evening, my two girls performed at the school's annual concert..Leanna played clarinet with the school band and sang with her chorus..Melinda sang with her chorus..They were both great and made me proud again......I arrived home to an invite to perform with Jim Wynne, Joe Mahfoud, and Cave Wilson at the Tudor Lounge, which I couldn`t pass up....Today, I'm kind of stuck...Melinda is supposed to go to the dentist but Kev Jr. woke up not feeling well...The Misses is at work..I can`t leave Kevin home alone..It looks like I`ll have to reschedule Melinda's appointment and keep them both home with me..........'Sabres play for their play-off lives this evening..I wouldn`t mind seeing a couple of changes in tonights line-up for Buffalo...We'll see..

5-17-07:If you happen to do crossword puzzles, a ten letter word for "joke" is "Lackawanna"...Mayor Polanski is the best..

5-18-07: The "Holy Ghost" comes through again....I call him the "Holy Ghost" because he is a true friend, great musician a do gooder in my life that prefers a low profile..Well Kids, It`s Rob Barone who is the guy responsible for the "Site Archives" which was just installed to my homepage...I can`t believe the stuff in there...I thought my spelling is bad now...However there`s real some cool stuff in there...I`m blown away........."Vibez Inc tonight"..

5-19-07: This afternoon, if the Sabres decide to cover the Sens pointmen and force turnovers they are sure to force Ottawa into a game six....Say hello to Drew Stafford...This guy is a serious weapon in the Sabre arsinal..All out hustle every shift from everybody is the ticket to victory....I wanna see Kotalik on the point of every Sabre power-play to use that cannon of a shot...The Sens like to block shots...Kotalik can change that...OUCH!!

5-20-07: Ooh! Ahh! Sabres on the golf coarse..

5-21-07: Hey Kids...'Another weekend is in the books and another page of my story begins.. Sabres now unfortunatly behind us till October once again..It`s baseball season now and I`m down with that...........Saturday evening was spent watching my daughters and their friends perform at their yearly dance recital...It was a great show and both of my daughters were in their glory...Hats of to the dance studio for a great program....Today, I have a landscaping job which I am thankful for..I hope there's a nice long handle on the lawnmower being the tall fellow that I am...Well, with music not cutting it with overdue bills galore, every little bit of cash is helpful...However, I`ll continue my work with "Vibez Inc" Todd and I have a great thing going with this operation and we are both breathing fire ready to expose our songs to more and more people as time goes on...and there are other musical endevors on the horizon as we are on the brink of Summer...Yeah Baby...Yankee/RedSox on the tube tonight................'More thoughts to be shared tomorrow..

5-22-07: Greetings All, I found myself doing odd jobs..I painted a fence yesterday, mowed a bunch of lawn today under a bright sky and more people are interested in my services and the people I work for now are nice, and that's premium in my book.....I have a few days off from that stuff and time to make some music..

5-24-07: I's the wee hours again and I'm the only one awake after a hot day in these parts..I`m having trouble getting comfortable enough to sleep, but that alarm will probably make it's ugly noise when I`ve finally settled in, which is nothing new in my life...My youngest has yet another appointment with the dentist this morning...She has some baby teeth that will not fall out on their own..The dentist has been pulling them out a couple at a time every few weeks..So far she's handled it well...Me, I can't watch..I look out the window while the denist and his staff do their thing....For the most part, I`m really not the squeemish type unless my kids feeling pain..then the tough guy exterior goes down the tubes, and the true softy in me comes to the surface.......Belated best birthday wishes to my baby sister Carol who turned Thirty-something yesterday..

5-25-07: Hey Folks, With Memorial Day Weekend upon us...I can`t help but reflect on the war in Iraq, which appears to be on it's way to Iran...I just wish there was an easy salution...I criver whenever I hear of another dead soldier.....Who ever coined the phrase "Money is the root of all evil" nailed it on the head...Like former US president said "This is the worst administration in United States history"..I obviously wasn't around for all of them, but he`s probably right..As I continue to pray for the war to end..For some reason or another, God is not listening............"Vibez Inc" tonight....Have a safe weekend my friends..

5-26-07: Hello Again Gang, The weather is just right for this kid in these early morning hours...The front porch served well as a place to chill and reflect on life and of course not only my own dealings.....I cannot and will not forget my friends...True friendships are something you can`t put a price tag on....different from most business relationships...Though there are many friends in my life, I never forget who has gone the extra mile for me and remain in my corner through good times and those not so good times....I thank you all......Man oh Man there is nothing quite like listening to Peter Green era Fleetwood Mac....I guess "there`s something inside me"....In 1968 Fleetwood Mac was a lot like "the Stretch Limo Ride"...Playing small venues, doing old songs and kicking the living snot out of them (in a good way) and using those old songs as a platform to showcase originals tunage...I think it`s time for a reunion show or two.....Yep, SLR is overdue to get together and kick some booty....'Gots to arrage a pow-wow before all the summer gigs get swallowed up..Time waits for no one..

5-27-07: Greetings Gang, I was checking out an interview with Roger Clemens on the "Yes Network" and when I closed my eyes, I could picture Bush giving one of his dumb-ass speeches...These guys poorly represent the state of Texas, let alone the good ole US of A.......BTW, I hope Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown enjoyed his business trip to Vegas...Nothing like tax dollars going to craps..

5-28-07: Geez, Our plans yesterday for a family outing didn`t happen because of the overwhelming threat of heavy duty thunderstorms....Not only from our local media, but even the Weather Channel predicted the same stuff, but when all was said and done, the Buffalo area ended up with like .0000000000000 of an inch of rain to speak of...with a slight wind blowing off lake Erie which helped keep it comfortably warm....It wasn`t a bad day to hang out....and Wifie took the Kids to see the new "Shreck" movie..'Much closer to home (thinking safety) rather than travel via metro bus to a theme park to a "dance" outing (as in outdoors) which was originally planned for our day....and I had some late evening work that didn`t happen neither..Oh well, Today is another day...However no major plans just yet...'Perhaps a cook-out thing with a few guests..'Don't Know........I guess the fanancial side...We saved a little coin out of the deal........Well maybe not........Anyhow, have good Holiday..Don`t let it get you down....Someday the madness will end.....Well, till the next one..The higharchy just aint making things right by sacraficing our young PEOPLE...to line their pockets..that out and out sucks!!!...It`s not my intent offend anyone who has served and are currently serving....feels like time to pray again....and I won't let the holiday get me down.....TWIMC...The Stanly Cup Finals finally start tonight..

5-29-07: Another old friend has passed. Richard Krieger (Younger brother of the late George Krieger) passed away last Tuesday...Blessings out to the Krieger family, who have had the worst luck imaginable..No kidding..............Me, I have a tool shed to paint today..

5-30-07: Hi Folks, At this time it`s the wee hours and I`m so over-tired that I feel super-charged....It`s days/nights like these that I wake up in strange places...I think I`ll play it cool, turn on some Miles Davis and close my eyes..

5-31-07: Greetings again Friends...Let's see, Today has the makings of a mid Summer's day...I will be cutting a lawn and using a weed-whacker in the hot sun....The weed-whacking part almost sounds like fun..Hey the weed whaker is a cool gardening tool...What can I say? It beats having to use a cycle any day..

6-1-07: It's a hot and stickie wee hours...I do believe we could use a nice rain storm to give the streets a bath and of coarse for the good of the farmers which intern benefits everybody in the long run...I plan on staying awake for a while and going over my "Vibez Inc" notes in preperation for a private party this evening.....Enjoy the weekend Kids......'RedSox RULE BABY!!!

6-2-07: Hey Peoples, The sun is rising as my head is humming with "vibez" and I'm I think I`m finally ready for a nap..

6-3-07: Man oh Man!!! It's the wee hours again, and the humidity is so thick you couldn't cut it with a chain-saw.....However, We'll be celebrating my nephew Jake's birthday and to top everything off, my sister Carol is making "stuffed mushrooms" amoung other goodies..The Shrooms rule beyond belief..I won't forget to bring my appetite....You can take that statement to the bank..

6-4-07: Hello Again People, All and all, it was a good weekend.....However, the week begins with a rain out in the wonderful world of landscaping...We`ll see what the weather has in it's bag of tricks for tomorrow...Well..Today..'Back to those half written songs..

6-5-07: My acoustic guitar is driving me nuts...I wan`t to play on the front porch...But it will NOT stay in tune...Is it the humidity or what? ...It stays in tune in the house, no problem.....Is this another set-back from global warming? Geeeze, I just want to play guitar without waking my family.....I`m going to give it one more try..

6-6-07: Hey Kids, It took a small screwdriver to fix the problem with my acoustic guitar...It's like being able to breathe again, but unfortunately it`s too cold to play on the porch........I have some landscaping work today, which has been rain out the passed couple of days....We'll see how the chips land today..

6-7-07: Hello again friends, First off, Happy Birthday to dear old dad (the ageless wonder)....Congratulations to the Anaheim Ducks, the 2007 Stanley Cup Champions...I`m particularly happy for ex Sabre Brad May, who gave lots of great memories as a Sabre and while seeing him kiss the cup, I couldn`t help but picture him briefly in a Sabre jersey..then I woke up..

6-8-07: There's something that's been bugging me for the passed few days....Before game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals televised from Ottawa, Kevin Jr. and I were listening to Alanis Morsette singing the anthems and as always in games played in Canada, those in attendance sang most of the canadian anthem loud and proud silencing the vocalist....My son (who is ten) asked "Why can't our country be like that?"....I went on to tell my son how our country is sadly devided in many ways and that many US residents don't know the words..We briefly talked politics, then the puck dropped which ended the discussion....However, I feel that regardless of our political beliefs and the crooks currently in office, "Old Glory" stands is a symbol of freedom and we should all sing along at sporting events in the future....If you don't know the words, just hum.....Good Weekend to All..

6-10-07: Rip Van Stretch here...After a number of consectutive days with very little sleep, I came home after the landscaping gig, started to check emails and began seeing triple...There was nobody else home here and I found myself sleeping for about 15 hours....'Only waking to use the bathroom a couple times...I`m lucky I had nothing scheduled, but odds are if I had something on the calendar, I probably would have slept with one eye open and fired up the coffee..

6-11-07: It's the wee hours again...No day job today, So bar owners beware...I'll be on the beating path again...In a perfect world, the time going into tracking down bar owners and hustling gigs would level out with the actual performing time....I guess the world needs a little fixxing....BTW: If you are a fan of the group "Rush", Their new album is called "Snakes and Arrows"..It totally kicks booty..It has my vote for "album of the year"...........So far..Then again, I haven't put mine out yet...Like "The Ox" used to say in regard to his opinions on music.."Your own farts always smell better"..

6-12-07: Hello Again Friends..Working the day job is up in the air, with trim paint on order, but in the mean time, it's me and my guitar as I find myself in writing mode...I have a melody in my head and it's kind of like learning an existing song, figuring out how to play what's dancing from brain cell to brain cell..But I strongly feel that I'm on to something fresh...I better get back to this thing before it slips away..

6-13-07: Well Kids, The threat of rain appears to have passed in these parts, leaving it hot and sticky...Speaking of hot and sticky, Paris Hilton should be in jail...She didn't kill anyone like other celebrities so they ought to lock her away and toss the key..This is a travesty......If you don't believe me, ask Reverend Sharpton...The man is totally righteous...Yeah right..Just like David Duke....and honorable mention of course to Bushy Boy..

6-14-07: It's the wee hours and another sleepless in progress....I feel like I'm at the crossroads in my life once again....or maybe it's the fact that I have too many bills without the means to pay them...Yeah I'm whining again, but at the moment, the feeling of letting my family down is getting the best of me.....But I'll snap out of it as always..

6-15-07: This evening is a "Vibez Inc" sort of things with some special guests...This will prove to be interesting...New souls to tap into......On a very sad note, Our dear friend, local musician and artist Mark Freeland has passed away after a bout with cancer..Mark will be missed by many....Rest in Peace..

6-16-07: Hey Gang, I have some people to cheer up today which intern helps cheer me up....That's a big part of what friendships are about..

6-17-07: I would like to extend best "Father's Day" wishes to myself and all you papas out there....That statement also applies to pet owners as well..

6-18-07: 'Wee hours again as a new week begins, I'll find myself in the lawn doctor mode, for starters...A friend and I have to get the ball rolling on yet another benefit....details TBA soon....BTW: There's a fly who found his or her way into our home...Everytime I close my eyes and near sleep, the little SOB gets in my face..

6-19-07: At times, I just can't help but be under-whelmed..

6-21-07: Hey...It's finally Summer....Enjoy it...Before we know it, the fair will be in town..

6-22-07: Hey Gang, It's the last day of school for my kids..They are happy campers......I can remember singing "School's Out" by Cooper as a kid when that sacred day finally arrived for me...I was ready to set the world on fire (so to speak).....'Enjoy the weekend..

6-23-07: To be flat honest, I had the living hell scared out of me after a trip to the doc this passed Wednesday...He sent me for blood-work after the nurse found that my blood-pressure was high....So I waited on pins and needles for the results of the blood tests which finally came back yesterday, and it turns out my cholesterol is high....The doc went to tell me about adjustments I need to make about diet, of coarse smoking etc...I'm not nearly as worried now..I ate my last steak sandwich for a while......However, the stone keeps right on rollin with a "Vibez Inc" thang today..

6-24-07: Good Sunday All..It's a hot one outside in these parts...My family is doing Fantasy Island with the in-laws....I`m relaxing today listening to a group called "Velvet Revolver"....It never hurts to mellow out with a little time to my lonesome...It's also a nice day to play some acoustic guitar....Not like I'm short of music homework by any "Stretch"..

6-25-07: As the new week begins, I just wanna thank the Gov't Mule communtity, who comes through for me in more ways than I can keep track of....If you like rock -n- roll with an old school flavor, I strongly advise doing a Mule show...They will blow you away..

6-26-07: Best Birthday wishes to my sister Joann who rules!!!

6-27-07: Hello again Gang, With the gig front being very slow of late amd I'm not quite sure when I'll be landscaping again neither...For me there is only one thing to do...I took my solo act back to the street yesterday (something I haven't done in a few years)...fully armed with guitar and permit and set up shop at a couple of locations and didn't do too bad, if I say so myself....I saw a few old acquaintences, one of which shook his head in discuss......However, I feel no shame in performing on the street...I put some smiles on some faces, and they but bread in my case, and no one hassled me...I'll be at it again today...Wish me luck..

6-28-07: Greetings Kids, It's another hot one in western New York...The Weather Channel says rain.....I hope so...It's beginning to be a serious drout in these parts...Unfortunatley the last time it rained it was accompanied by high winds that caused conciderable dammage in some of the south towns....A good old fashion downpoar without all the drama would be nice for everyone...The streets need cleaning...the grass is dying, and of coarse there's the farmers.....FYI: "Hooty and the Blow Fish" cancelled their free concert at Aftpark next Tuesday.."The Derek Trucks Band" will play in that slot instead.....and yes, It's free..

6-29-07: Hello Again, It's those blessed wee hours again...'Still waiting for the forcasted rain, but no dice thus far...'Feeling a bit breezy now, which is making my front porch (even more) a great place to hang out and play my acoustic guitar...It's such a priceless feeling to work out songs and experiment with different grooves with no interruptions, as I prep for "Vibez Inc" this evening.........Enjoy the weekend All..

6-30-07: 'Back home after a 'Vibez Inc" gathering with Toddd sporting a brand new acoustic guitar...The vibe was great...Toddds sound was fantastic....But I'm home now sitting my sister-in-law Mary's family pooch...The Dog named "Coal"who is high strung and will chase anything that moves, and has periodic barking attacts...I love dogs, cats, rabbits etc...But to be flat honest, I would prefere coming home to peace and quiet, but we've got "Coal" till Monday...Yay!!! BTW: "Coal" is the offspring of our old neibor Nick's dogs named Sam & Molly...Sam is a mixter of lab and coyote, with two different colored eyes.....(Speaking of) I wonder how Nick is doing...He's an old "Dead Head" and was probably one of the best neibors we ever had (a great guy) who always has that travel bug....I wish him well.....Wherever he part of the planet that he hangs his hats now a daze and walks his dogs......When they are not walking him..

7-1-07: Good Sunday Friends, I just got back from walking the dog....With the knowlage of this dogs history, I wasn't overly fond of the idea of sitting him, but I must admit this dog is beginning to grow on me...Geez, I hope my sister-in-law doesn't catch wind that I actually like this dog....No, We don't have the room here anyway........Oh yes..best birthday wishes to my old friend Mike Borowiak..

7-2-07: Hey Folks, As many of you know I've been a Sabres fan from day one....I saw them all come and go in the passed 35 years or so, but for me there is no getting used to seeing players who gave their all game in and game out GONE....There's all the salary cap blah that management uses as an excuse, but to lose both Briere AND Drury to free agency is just plain sad.....Yeah we have prospects and I'm sure the Sabres have to have their sights set on other lower paid players....Drury in particular is the guy I hate to see leave...He led by example game in and game out with more clutch goals in a season and post season than anyone I can remember in Sabre history (including any member of the french connection)..........I could go on and on but in closing...It's kind of fishy how teams like the New York Rangers can can stack their deck with multi-million dollar players staying within the salary cap......The Sabres sold out every game last season and sold more merchandise than any other team in the NHL so they can't cry "poor" anymore....But yeah..the salary cap..'almost believable....The initials of the Buffalo Sabres just so fittingly happen to be "BS"..

7-3-07: As much as I'd love to catch "The Derek Trucks Band" (a free concert at Artpark)..I'm gonna have to sit this one out...For those of you who don't know what Derek Trucks is about...He is the nephew of original Allman Brothers percussionist "Butch Trucks" and after the departure of Dickie Betts from the Allmans...a few guitarists later, Derek and "the mighty" Warren Haynes have been the guitar package for the Allman Brothers Band for the passed 5 years....Derek is a true master at the craft...I've been to a number of DTB shows over the passed 10 years or so, and he has a great supporting cast for band mates as well...If you can make it out there and you like serious guitar wizardry, you will NOT be dissapointed.....I know there are many of you who already know what I mean.....But once again for me..No can do..

7-4-07: Yep..It's "Independance Day" in the "Land of the Free"....I will spare you the political rant, and the lecture about being safe with fireworks, drunk driving, etc...As the years go by this holiday means less to me....Anti-American? Nope! ..Anti cronyizm? Damn straight! ...I'll be doing some exterior painting today......if it doesn't rain..

7-5-07: I know it's been said many times by many people in my places, but "all's well that ends well." .....'Got rained out of my painting job, which to be flat honest was fine with me.....then the rain stopped and I found out what a great street I live on, as many of us gathered for a nice fireworks display (nothing too loud) at the park across the street from our home.....There were plenty of sparklers to go around for the neiboring kids (my own included)...A couple of friendly dogs found their way to my sides, and hung with my kids and I for at least an hour......A group of us stuck around and cleaned up the mess the best we could in the dark, sharing laughs....BTW: A couple neibors volunteered to rake up the last of the rappers and stuff in the light of today.....I must say that I snapped out of my bitterness, taking in a great vibe from everyone who was present.........Including the dogs..

7-6-07: I was rained out of day work again.....However Vibez Inc tonight....'Good Weekend to All..

7-8-07: Hey Kids, After doing the landscaping thing with my son, we got together with my sister Joann, bro-in-law Jim, and their beautiful daughters Melissa and Aberly....Melissa is now a college geaduate....I'm very proud of her...She's am acomplished musician and a great person. There was a bunch of family together....We hit Losson Road Park, hung out and fed squirrels for a while, taking in a little nature...We all ended up at my sister Carol's place afterwords...It was quality time spent...It was also nice meeting Melissa's boyfriend Juan, who is yet another musician and a nice young man....Yesterday ruled......Today, Wifie, the kids and myself are going to the Buffalo Zoo....Well, If the weather cooperates...But I think it will..

7-9-07: Dear Readers, I must say that my weekend was nothing short of "way cool."..The kids behaved well.."priceless in itself"...Yesterday we all had fun learning at the zoo...To the the Buffalo Zoo's credit...They are always upgrading...I'm glad it didn't move downtown...and I hope it always stays right where it is... It was also cool seeing my old friend Wayne at the zoo..BTW: Sea Lions rule!!...'Can't remember Wayne's last Name....However I remember him as a cool dude growing up...Wayne was also sporting a beautiful family....Also, Wayne inquired about "Richard Davidson" and ..Original Stretch Limo Ride drummer"Billy Alley"(who is another dear friend that I miss)..BILLY, Get in touch with me Man...Geeze..................Also...Speaking of "getting in touch"... to callers of the "Stretch Line", ..Please leave your phone numbers!!! ...if you get my machine, that is......Thanks in advance.....................Man oh Man..It sure is hot outside..

7-10-07: Another sleepless night in the making....Fans are all over the house and doing little to cool things down......However, I have birthdays to report...Yep Mike Lubecki and Mike Rodas are celebrating birthdays today..My best birthday wishes to my two favorate yankee fans..LOL..

7-11-07: Well Hockey Fans, Ex Sabre Matt Barnaby has announced his retirement from the NHL....Matt was as good of disturber that ever played the game......Barnaby was one of the more hated players in the league....He wasn't a dirty player, but he ran with his mouth and always got under the oppostion's skin and sucked opposing players into penalties every game, and was a valuable player to the Sabres.....Matt was one of the Nolan faithful and never saw eye to eye with Coach Ruff and was dealt away and played for a couple of more teams and took one too many beatings and was forced to retire because of repeated concussions.....I loved Barnaby as a Sabre...He stood up to every tough guy in the NHL, and took many punches for the team....He actually had a 19 goal season as a Sabre (not to mention 300+ penalty per season leading the NHL most of his career)...He never used his stick as a weapon as many other disturbers did...His mouth was his best weapon........I thank Matt for the memories and wish him well in his retirement..

7-12-07: Best Birthday Wishes to my darling baby daughter "Melinda" who turns nine today....Where does the time go?..

7-13-07: 'Nice day here in WNY...Sunny, nice breeze, not too hot...Perhaps yesterday's rain storm was a blessing...But this is Buffalo as we all know who lived in this area any period of time..The weather may change in a heart-beat..........As for me, 'Got a "Vibez Inc" thang going on this evening....and yes it's Friday the 13th, so my luck has to improve....It's all part of the "completed backward princible"..........Have a nice weekend, Kids....Get some air..

7-14-07: It's those wee hours again as the rain is coming down in these parts...It was a nice power-hang with "the legendary" Rob Barone yestersay...We had fun jammin some tunes and hangin out shootin the breeze..'Hope to do it again sometime soon.........I like to think that Sunday is a day of rest, but it seems the times have changed.....This day and age, the days seem to over-lap....Yesterday felt like Sunday for some reason....Only "the Shadow" knows...However, I'm sure "the Shadow" will be in contact to clarify matters..

7-16-07: Hey Peoples, 'Time to relax (I hope) after some exterior painting...The strange thing was it appeared the sun was fallowing me around...No matter what side of the house I happened to be working on....So I guess I have the "Rock Lobster" thing going on....I have a knuckle sandwich for the next person to pat me on the back...It's been a long couple days...and I have yet to hear from "The Shadow" in a while..

7-17-07: After looking at Burdzy's latest installment on the "Buffalo Archives page" ..I'm thinking about those Buffalo Bills...I must admit to not exactly being Mister Optimist about the up-coming season....It appears on the surface that not a lot has been done to improve the team....All I can see is another 500 season at best...'Kinda reminds of the "John Rouch era" as the Bills head coach...Nothing to look forward to, but a bunch of 3 and outs, and the punter getting a lot of work..............I hope I'm wrong..

7-18-07: Man oh Man, Life is a piece of work...Aint it? Everyone has issues...But not "the Shadow" ...He is a wise man.........Who is this Shadow Dude, already do you ask??? ....Well... I gave you a hint...Duh!!! It's not a female ..Infact the man is a guitar and flute player that a great deal of you know personally...It aint Jim Wynne....But another close friend who you best know for his command of the electric guitar...His work on flute is featured on a song called "Autumn Dream" which can be heard via my homepage on MP3....That's all the "Shadow Dude info" I can provide at this time....'Sorry....Visit again soon..

7-19-07: I just got in after taking a break from life...I sat on my front porch and watched the world go by for a couple of hours...With my family asleep, it was kinda like "Papa's great retreat".....Hmmmm, 'Could be another song in the works..However..I'm helping some folks move some furnature a little later this morning...Oh What to do? I know sleep has to be in the equation...But I can feel those ole creative juices beinning to flow again..

7-20-07: I seem to have lost the vibe to "Papa's Great Retreat."....However lost vibes usually resurface somewhere down the road....Yesterday, while moving furnature, I get the feeling that I made a new friend (priceless).....I'll be doing some landscaping today if Mother Nature cooperates.....Oh!...Speaking of vibez...Another "Vibez Inc" outing is slated for tonight........'Good Weekend to All..

7-21-07: Please extend your prayers to my dad who just had double bypass surgery........Thanks in advance..

7-22-07: First off my dad is doing well and in good spirits...Thanks folks and keep those posative vibez coming..Also, We are celebrating "My little Sweety" Melinda's birthday today.........Good Sunday Friends..

7-24-07: 'All cleaned up after another afternoon of landscaping...Soaking in the tub rules...I nearly fell asleep..No kidding.......BTW: My dad is doing pretty well, eating solids, but not quite ready for a beer yet, however he's catching up on some rest at home......It's a good thing his doctor intercepted the problem....There was no cardiac arrest..Thank God..

7-25-07: Humm, Is the NBA fixed? ...Well the NBA hasn't been right since the Buffalo Braves were "clipped" away.....I feel that NBA referee is one of many in professional and college sports that has their hands in fixing games (Very Sad).........Now the Micheal Vick story....It takes a lot of evidence for Federal indictment....Michael Vick has a federal indictmant on his hands and should be thrown to the dogs...People who get off on dog fights are just plain rotton...No penalty is too severe in my book for acts of cruelty of this nature..

7-26-07: Insanity wherever I turn....or so it seems...I need a road trip..

7-27-07: I just learned that my Uncle Joe Golombek passed away a couple of days ago.....My prayers go out to the family including Aunt Betty.....Uncle Joe, God will take good care of you...Rest in Peace.........and as they say "The show must go on"......"Vibez Inc" tonight...Enjoy the weekend...I'll try my best to enjoy mine..In music we thrust..

7-28-07: Hi Gang, It's another hot day in these parts..I hung out with my landlord while he did a few repairs on apartment..Now that the repairs are complete and he's left the building, I am currently a man without a plan...Wifie and Kids are hagin with the in-laws...Not playing anywhere tonight, unless I get one of those last minute calls..

7-29-07: Good Sunday Kids, Yesterday I visited my new neibors a few doors down, and was talked into getting a guitar and serenading some nice folks..Very Cool..It was nice seeing the smiles and sharing jokes...I had no idea what to open with till I was sitting down and tuned up...Suddenly two hours passed and I still had one more order of business...Vibez Inc is doing a near by party next week, so I dropped off my guitar at home and brought a drum to test the waters now I have a clue as to my drum levels that I'll use through the PA...and there were more smiles...PRICELESS!!

7-30-07: It's the wee hours for me here in my stately home...As I reflect on another weekend in the books...It was kind of funny when I brought out the air pump that had been in hiding for a while...All of my kids needed air in their bike tires...Suddenly neiborhood youngsters were waiting their turn in line with their bikes..There were even a couple of adults looking for the same favor...I enjoyed helping them all out...It wasn't long afterwods that I found myself in a moving job..My friend and next door neibor "Stevo" moved from next door to me to about five houses down the street to a larger pad..I'm glad Stevo and his family are still close by..They are great people and a big part of great vibe on this street..I know too well how it feels to out-grow apartments..Once again, I was glad to help..

7-31-07: It's a scorching hot day in WNY.....I must give newly inductucted baseball hall of famer and long time San Diego Padre "Tony Gwynn" honorable mention...This guy was quietly one of the best hitters to ever play the game...Mr. Gwynn's hall of fame speech could very well be the best I ever heard, and something I believe EVERY athlete should here....There are way too many athletes who's wallets are weighing them down, and don't give their all....The Boston Redsox have been my favorate team in the major leagues...My dad raised me a Bosox fan and my son is carrying on the tradition...However, I hope Manny Ramirez heard Mr. Gwinn's speech and takes it to heart...The fans don't pay to see players not run out ground balls or not run out what they think is a home run only to find that what was thought to be a homer bounces off the wall and because of base running laziness a double becomes a long single which could be the difference between winning and losing a ball game....I know I speak for many when I'd say that I'd love to see credibility back in professional sports which is badly lacking in this day and age..I hope the cronies in Vegas choke on their pocketbooks and the same goes for any athlete, referee, coach etc. who has a hand in fixing sporting events..

8-1-07: Sixty-five years ago (the late great) Jerome Garcia was born..Jerry definatly was an infulance on myself, for better or for worse...One thing I learned from Mr. Garcia was that a song could be played many ways other than it was originally composed...I still miss "the fat guy"...but his legacy carries on... I received word late yesterday of Diane Feskun's (mother of friends Mark and Marie) passing...She was a great lady and will be missed by many..Rest in Peace.. With the thought of Mrs. Feskun in the back of my mind, I took my son on a tour of my old east side stomping ground...Being daytime it seemed pretty safe to take a walk around the neiborhood like old times and my son was picking my brain for information on what once was in the old hood..We actually sat on the corner of Sobieski and Sycamore streets on the steps of the old "Queen of the most Holy Rosery Church" and watched the a bunch of people doing the ghetto thing...Man oh Man, I have so much history in that neiborhood and thoughts of Mrs. Feskun, who was very active in the community..I felt a bit choked up at times....My old neiborhood is shambles...Life goes on in a war-zone, I once called home..

8-3-07: It's the wee hours again...'Too hot to sleep, so I gathered up my 'Vibez Inc" notes and giving myself a refresher coarse.....John Lennon once said "It takes a hundred hours of reheasal time for one good hour of music' but Neil Peart of Rush said "Time Stands Still"...So I guess I'm caught somewhere in "the spaces in-between"....I think......."Vibez Inc" gathering tonight...After a power-nap, of coarse......Good Weekend to All..

8-5-07: It was a nice summer bash yesterday...'Did the "Vibez Inc thang".....Now my focus is on a new job that I start tomorrow (thanks to "Burb")...This means a slight change in sleeping habits......Wish me luck..

8-7-07: Hey Folks, Since I started working the day job, my days seem to be overlapping..But I'm getting used to it...So far so good on the job front..The people I work with seem pretty nice so far...I must say that if there is a place to lose weight...I found it....Now I'm ready to play some guitar and sing a little too.....If I can keep my eyes open..

8-8-07: First off, HAPPY BIRTHDAY "BURB!!!" Now it's "story time." I can remember tending bar a couple years back and I'll tell you a story about a dude who had trouble getting chicks....He was natorious for putting his foot in his mouth while hot on the heels of a fine young lady...I'll naturally NOT give up his name, but I'll give you an example of one of those times.. One time while making good conversation with a cutie...they were both getting a bit drunk...suddenly the song "play with fire" by the Stones began playing on the juke box...And he began singing it at the top of his lungs and way out of key....If you know the words you'll paint a better picture of what I'm saying....Well the young lady was totally turned off and left the bar rolling her eyes upon departure.....Well, I guess generally, a lot of people just don't get it..

8-9-07: Off to my front porch to sing and play guitar for a bit, after an honest days work...Then it's nap time for this kid..

8-10-07: Thirteen years ago today, my life was changed forever...My daughter Leanna was born...I can remember like yesterday being in the delivery room, and feeling a natural high that was beyond words...She is a great kid and I'm proud of all of her achievements that keep on coming....Happy Birthday Leanna!!! .......Now it's time to watch the Bills first pre-season game.......Yikes!!! I don't want it to get cold outside...I'm finally getting caught up with my gas bill......Oh Well, Enjoy the weekend folks..

8-12-07: I heard on talk radio that retired Buffalo Bill Bruce Smith should be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame....Yeah he had a million sacks in his career, but sacks alone don't make someone a complete player...Frankly, I believe that sacks are an over-rated stat' ...also I remember too well that Bruce was suspended for almost half of a season for substance abuse...If they induct this guy then I guess that hall of famers need not have been posative role models for kids....If inducted you might find Bruce asleep in his car at another red light...Or maybe he won't show up to the ceremony....He never used to show up for training camp..

8-13-07: Another day at "the salt mine" is in the books....In the morning I was a bit frustrated...It seemed like nothing was going right for me, but after lunch I had a little chat with a fellow employee and he helped clarify a lot for me...I then worked the afternoon like a man possessed..Before I knew it the supervisor told me it was time to vacate........Now I'm home alone with my family camping for a few days with some of the in-laws.......Guitar is calling..

8-15-07: I came home from the day job, ordered a sub.....I ate it in seconds flat and found myself awake from a snooze a short time ago....At work I have this feeling that I am underachieving at times and find myself getting down about it...But my co-workers (who have been great) help keep my chin up...I guess laughter is the cure to foolish dispair....Anyway my family is due to return from their camping trip tomorrow....I'm gonna try my luck with "Grimaldi Entertainment" and hopefully get some recording done tonight or something?..

8-16-07: 'Family just got home from camping, now I'm multi-tasking my butt off....'Probably watch some baseball after everything settles down...Yikes..

8-18-07: It's the wee hours and though I missed my family while they were away (especially the last day of their outing) now it's great to have my late night peace again....I managed a little nap after work and life is beautiful......Good Weekend Friends..

8-19-07: Good Sunday Kids, I woke up to a surprise side job moving some furnature...I didn't mind it at all..Today I was basically a man without a plan anyway.........Courtney Koehler (a classmate of my daughter Leanna from kindergarten) was the victim of a hit and run and was on taken off life support and is now in God's hands..This is so sad..The girl was only thirteen..Rest in Peace Courtney...Everyone here is shocked but coping the best we can...Courtney's mom is a friend and I send my prayers to the whole family......I think I'll watch some baseball before nap time comes around..

8-20-07: Well it looks like Kevin Junior and I will go to a Buffalo Bison's game against the Pawtucket RedSox in beautiful Downtown Buffalo this Wednesday evening.....When I suggested going to a Bisons game earlier today, fate just had it that is would be the PawSox would happen to be in town....It'll be great for both us to check out some prospects of our beloved baseball team.......and it's a hell of alot easier to get minor leaguer's autographs than major leaguers by a long shot.........and only "the Shadow" knows if that autograph is one of a future sports legend....Stuff like that brings the kid out of me as well...This is gonna rule!!!

8-21-07: A nice gloomy day has a way of bringing the best out of me as a song writer..Perfect climate to write a happy song..I gotta get on it before I fall asleep and lose the vibe.......I spent a little time at the day job thinking about the state of the Buffalo Bills......'Sorry Kids, but I don't see the Buffalo Bills as a contender this season....I don't see a lot of talent or character....A true NFL condender needs both.....Once again, I hope I'n wrong..

8-22-07: Give us some peanuts and cracker-jack...........and first row seats on the third base line..

8-25-07: It's the wee hours and I'm beginning to grow tired...It's been an extreemly busy week...I'll be doin that landcaping thang after a nap....My schedule is more frigged up than ever, or so it seems........I know it's only pre-season, but my expectations are low for the Buffalo Bills....We have no running game and unless you have Joe Montana as your quarterback, you can't expect to go very far without the run and with an average quarterback at the helm (and I'm being generous with that statement)...There will be an ocasional big play as there was last night, but I see Losman throwing more interceptions than being sacked....Is there anyone good available on the free agent market? ....That number seven doesn't make JP a Flutie neither........BTW: "Wynne"(the band) opens for "Kansas" today at Gateway Park in Tonawanda..........and it's free..

8-26-07: Good Sunday All, Yesterday I set out to do a lot and did very little...However, It's back to that landscaping thing today, now that the sun is peaking through the cloud formations....'Gotta get moving here....FINALLY..

8-27-07: I was taking a break from things and relaxing on my front porch....A car drove up and layed on the horn to get a neibor to come out of the house....I was ready to ask him if he was too lazy to get out of his car...the expression "East Side Doorbell" came to mind and I laughed it off, as the dude drove off without his friend coming out.....Life goes on..

8-28-07: Bragging rights are at stake again....Yankee/RedSox tonight.....There's gonna showdown this evening in the Bronx and I'm ready to do some bantering..........The days Bucky (corked bat) Dent are long gone, Baby..

8-29-07: Well, the Bosox took one on the chin last night, but tonight will be different...The fix is on...A "Schilling" will be the pay-off..

8-30-07: OK the Bosox got swept, and I'm eating humble pie....Ah to hell with that...The Boston Red Sox are in first place over all in the entire major leagues....'Got a lot of performing to do this weekend........and I ain't complaining....I live for this..

9-1-07: The stone keeps right on rollin to another end of summer bash...Drive safely...There is no point in trying to rush in holiday traffic...Drivers courtesy travels a long way..

9-2-07: Ah Yes...It's those beauitful wee hours again....Congratz to Bosox rookie pitcher Clay Bucholz who in his second major league start pitched a no-hitter against the Baltimore Orioles last night while I was performing...Nice to come home to good news after jammin..

9-3-07: Geeze!!! Late last night I figured I'd chill out on the front porch before going to sleep and I called what I thought was a neiborhood stray-cat, but it turned out to be a skunk....It about scared the crap out of me....That situation could have stunk real bad, but fortunately I made it back in the house in time before the tail went up....Happy Labor Day..

9-4-07: 'Just got home from the day job and working on yet another career move this evening...FIRST I NEED FOOD..

9-6-07: 'Just waking up and collecting myself for the day job....But I wanna go back to bed....Morning comes way too fast..

9-7-07: While lifting a box of cabinet parts, the bottom of the box opened and a pack of wooden boards landed on my foot...My big toe is all purple, swelled and nasty looking......I suppose a trip to the doc is in order...This sucker hurts....No music tonight, as far as I can tell....Tomorrow is another story...'Gotta put my best foot forward..

9-9-07: First off, A BIG thanks to Bob & Pam who threw a great party and to all the great musicians who I performed with yesterday..It was a special experience to perform on my old stomping ground of the east side of Buffalo.......Oh Yeah, How about those Bills? ....Well isn't training camp starting soon for the Sabres???

9-10-07: FYI, I will be performing at both benefits linked to my home page....'Hope to see a bunch of you out at both..

9-11-07: Hey Gang, It's a windy one here in Western New York....From what I gathered in work-mate conversation...We here are getting residuals from a number of tropical storms throughout North and Central America...Yikes, the car door was blown shut, but not before catching my injured toe...If I didn't have my sneaker on....I shutter to think.....BTW: My long lost friend Joe Palczak is celebrating his birthday.....Happy Birthday Joe...wherever you are..

9-12-07: It's so good to hear that Bill's tight end Kevin Everett is progressing well and may walk again after a being hit motionless on opening day....I guess we can never underestimate the power of prayer..........This evening I'm working on some music homework that is never ending when one makes the big commitment...I never dreamed it would be like this when being a performing artist was just a dream a little more than a few moons ago..

9-14-07: It's the wee hours again and I'm at another one of those states of indecision....Should I work some more??? Well that may put me on the verge of burning the candle at both ends....But my brain will not shut off with another melody going through my head and my guitar at my left....I guess I can dabble a little more before I grab a nap....Yankee/Redsox begin a weekend serise later as crunch time for major league baseball's regular season is now upon us....BTW: It was great talking to Bobby Balla......It's been a while....'Nice to learn he lives close..

9-15-07: I hate sports!!

9-16-07: I went back to liking sports again regardless of the knuckle-heads who give professional sports black eye after black eye...I can't help but wonder just how many teams in all sports are using high tech bugging devices on the opposition........But I guess it's OK for baseball teams to steal each others signs the old fashion way....Good Sunday All....Go Bills!!

9-17-07: Well I guess I'm back to hating sports with the Bosox losing a heartbreaker to those damn Yankees....and then there are the Buffalo Bills....They must make some kind of move to get an experienced quarterback in here....JP just doesn't have NFL stuff....Once again the Bills are so predictable with their offensive sceams, I can usually call a play before it happens....A co-worker meantioned today that the Bills would have a good defense if they wern't on the field so long.......He might be right...'You know??

9-18-07: All kinds of stuff going on after a tough day at work....I'm going to meet a dude I'm jammin with at Courtney's benefit at an open mic that he hosts right here in Lackawanna....I'm going to try not to stay out too late.....Key-Word is "Try".....Perhaps I can sneak a little nap before I go..

9-20-07: It's a beautiful day in Western New York....I'm happy to report that I will be performing with Bruce Bell at Courtney's benefit Saturday evening...I met and played with Bruce this passed Tuesday at a place called Bokans Pub in Lackawanna...There was a good feeling in the air, and I can't help but be optimistic that that nice vibe will carry on into Saturday..

9-21-07: A picture perfect day as Moma Nature is continues dealing us days of warm tempatures with a nice breeze...as I knock on wood...........Been doing some vocal exercises on the front porch...I was then joined by my Darling Daughter Melinda and sang together...We sang the chorus of "Keep on Smilin" by Wet Willie...Before I knew it she was singing backing vocals...She was quiet while I was singing the verses and came in on time and singing in key to sing the chorus..and ever so sweet...Of coarse we milked the ending and smiled......I'm so proud of Melinda and all of my kids for their accomplishments which blows me away with every given day........But there are trouble lives to tend to...Help is needed and playing at two benefits tomorrow (check showdates fpr more) for people who need both spiritual and finanical help...I like being a part of cheer up committee....It helps cheer me up to cheer up others with song...infact I love it...God Bless Corrine with her long battle with cancer and Courtney...Rest in Peace Sweety....and let's not forget Kevin Stefanski....I'm getting choked..thinking of the suffering on this rock so much so close to home...For those of you who don't know...I sing to God every day/night....that's one of the ways I pray.....I think I'll check my ball scores before I go on the porch with my guitar....BTW: Dean Bell is one talented cat and I look forward to tapping into his soul tomorrow evening.......Good Weekend to All.....Go Bosox!!

9-23-07: Good Sunday, I might be landscaping today, but I'm ready for what's traditionally known as the "day of rest"...Watch some football...If that starts going south then I'll watch some baseball...Hang with my kids...'Gotta have hope for that day off today.......FYI: Dean Bell Rocks!!.....incase you don't know that already..

9-24-07: It's a very pleasent evening in Lackawanna......I'm actually get used to the first shift......I'm usually awake before the alarm....Even after late nights of practicing music, I'm up like clock-work.....I have perfect attendance after about two months of working my first day job in a long time and I keep on doing my thing....I'll give myself a pad on the back..Hmmmm perhaps I should hold off on being too proud of myself.....I need to make some time to visit my mom....This is well overdue..

9-26-07: I'm wrestling with a cold that's been bugging the heck lately....At the moment I have no idea about anything....I even took the liberty of consulting "The Shadow".....but he did know either....So I guess it's nap time for this kid..

9-29-07: I guess I'll call today's ramblings "In the Tired Mind of the Pops"....Anyway, I am quite content with the world of sports (for the moment.)........I know it's only pre-season for the Sabres but the team on a whole is doing well...Derek Roy in particular....I always liked Derek....I guess he's built on a small frame but his heart for the game makes him very large for the team......Bosox win the AL east...That gives me, my son, my dad, and Billy Sereduik another thing to smile about.......Also, My son's first day in a kid's bowling league started this morning, which was his first time playing without bumbers...He's loving it...His smiles are thousand words in themselves, as they are for my other kids.......One more trip to the store then it's nap time for me....Enjoy the day..

9-30-07: 'Going to finally visit my mom today...This is way overdue......BTW: I have the feeling the Buffalo Bills will actually win.....I don't know why...but I do..

10-1-07: It's an absolutely beautiful evening in these parts....After I got home from my day job I found myself alone for a couple hours and decided the time was right to play some guitar and I'm happy with what came out......Now I can get to sleep at a reasonable hour and re-charge for a full day and night of non stop activites capped off with getting on "the Dean's list" at Bokans in Lackawanna..

10-3-07: We are under gloomy skies in these parts.....I am desperately trying to stay awake for Bosox play-off baseball this evening.....I'll probably be sleep deprived till the creek rises...But there's too much to do to take matters laying down.....Rock On!!

10-4-07: Man oh Man, I stuck it out and managed to watch the Bosox shut out the Angels right to the last out...I closed my eyes and it was over for me....I slept like a bear in hibernation and fell asleep wearing a smile.....Today is a picture perfect day...'Warm with a enough of a breeze to make my work day drag being stuck inside....I was sorry I took lunch because it only served as a tease.....But it's behind me for today as we are on the brink of another weekend and a new Buffalo Sabres season....I love my baseball but hockey is still dearest to my heart in the world of sports...Even with the departures of some very key players, we are still looking at some great young players....I'd like to see them bring in an old war horse for some on ice leadership.....Someone who will go to the net and is not afraid to get his nose dirty...Someone in the Gary Roberts mode.....We'll see..

10-5-07: It's another beautiful in Lackawanna....I took my first day-off from the day-job today.....I was totally wiped out physically and mentally...I slept the day away...Now I ready for action....Sabres tonight...Yeah Baby!!

5-6-07: First off, the Sabres looked like a bunch of lost souls in last nights season opener...Miller was not sharp in goal...The team on a whole just didn't have it together...the Islanders were the better team last night..The Sabres get to try it again tonight, this time on Long Island to play to the New York Islanders..'Too early to hit the panic button...but I don't know why the Sabres didn't pick up a single free-agent from outside of the organization...My guess is that they probably will.. Shifting to Baseball..I have no idea what Angels manager Mike Sosia was thinking when he had his pitchers pitching around David Ortiz and pitching to Manny instead...I knew that sooner or later it would come back to bite them and it did with Manny's walk off blast over the green monster for a Bosox victory......and the Yankees lost in eleven innings last night to the Indians...Things were getting buggy in that game.......BTW: Kevin Junior seems to be aquiring a feel for bowling....Not as many gutter-balls as last week..

10-10-07: Woe is me...'Gonna miss the Gov't Mule tomorrow night at UB...I chose to make money at my craft instead....As lots of you know, I am a big fan of the Mule and have been for a while...Oh Well....I won't cry in my bottled water..

10-11-07: A very large congratulations to my darling daughter Milinda, who received the "citizen of month" award for the month of September at school.......Melinda rocks!!.....BTW: I still might see the Mule tonight...If I can get a ticket..

10-12-07: Man oh Man....My head has been in my rectum lately...I guess I can blame sleep deprivation again....'Gonna watch the RedSox tonight....I really need to get my head together...I've been a missing out on a lot....BTW: The Gov't Mule concert at UB was Wednesday and not yesterday....I missed the boat again..

10-13-07: I woke up this morning feeling good about the RedSox victory last night....Then went with Kevin Junior to bowling...Kev was a little bummed that neither of his two team-mates showed up but we had fun anyway...Nothing like pizza fpr breakfast...When the kids were through Me and Kev played a game and I actually broke a hundred...Afterwords I went to my landscaping gig which reminded me that Summer is gone...It's good to be home now....It doesn't appear that I'm playing anywhere tonight...However, The Redsox are on again this evening and the Sabres as well.....Last but not least, I'm looking for some work for the Stretch Limo Ride....We all have the itch to do it again...It's been a while..and we are very much for hire..

10-14-07: At this point I don't know if it's good or bad, but I slept the day away today.......My hope is that it won't effect my sleep tonight...The work bell rings early these days...'Aint no point in worrying about it...Worrying doesn't change a damn thing...Maybe listening to a little classical music will prevent me from counting too many sheep..

10-16-07: Yay!! Sabres seem to be back on track...They needed one of those clutch last second overtime goals to let them know they can do it without last years co-captains............On to baseball..I have the feeling that the Cleveland Indians will not be able to hit a knuckle-ball tonight with the Redsox due to explode with a multi-run outburst......Me..I can be found once at Bokans on the "Dean's List" again tonight..

10-18-07: I've been working on an original tune that is very deep in my heart and soul..It's just about complete...I guess I could leave it as is and put it in the books but I have the feeling that it could use a bridge section...Either way I will play at Bokans next Tuesday........Redsox action in the ALCS tonight....They are on the brink of elimination (so Burdzy would wishes)....If you are a Bosox fan and they lose tonight..BLAME CHRIS BURDZY (Burdzy's Buffalo Archives)..I think he's been working on ressurecting the "Curse of the Bambino."..What a bum..

10-20-07: 'Windy and raining here in Lackawanna...'Did the bowling thing with my boy again...We were met by our friend Mr. Rob and took a little cruise, hit a bookstore now and we are home...With the weather raining me out of landscaping today..I'm gonna cash in on this opportunity to grab a nap....Sabres on the tube again tonight, looking for redemption..I heard they played like crap last night...I should be awake by the time the puck drops..

10-21-07: It's a beautiful Sunday afternoon in these parts...My plan is to finish watching the Bills game, go over my new song, and watch game seven of the ALCS between the Bosox and Indians tonight..The winner moves on to the World Series...'Gotta spend a little time outside today as well...Summer like weather may not be in Ma Nature's plans for till who knows when??

10-22-07: Hey Kids, 'Been busier than I have time to put into words.....I'll be at Bokans in Lackawanna once again tomorrow evening..

10-26-07: There is a "Vibez Inc" reunion this evening...Yeah, A tribute to "Peaches & Herb" .....Well maybe just "Herb"..

10-28-07: Good Sunday Friends, After bowling..Watching my son yesterday in "Guitar Center" going from room to room and playing trying out every musical instrument he could get his hands on and loving life was absolutely priceless.........Go Bills!!

10-29-07: How sweet it is....Bosox are the 2007 World Series champs.....Yeah Baby......Now lets see Sabres bring it home..

10-31-07: Geeze, Were on the brink of November....The thought for me is bone chillin....But playin music with Dean Bell at Bokans felt like global warming........Well, The hour is getting late...Ahead of me today is a nap before the day job, going trick or treating with my my kids....After that..Only the Shadow Knows...Happy Halloween!!

11-2-07: Popping the seal on another page on a sad note..."Roger the Engineer" (Our cat of nearly eleven years) passed away yesterday...We are all deeply saddened here and ask that he lye in the good hands of the Lord eternally...........................The new and improved "Vibez Inc" get together this evening for a session...Good Weekend to All..

11-3-07: This evening I set my clocks back ahead of time..

11-4-07: Good Sunday Friends, Today was about scrambling to make it to church on time...Afterwords I did that weekend landscaping thing, which turned into some winterizing work...It is un-clear if I will be needed till spring...It all depends on what Mama Nature has in store...I guess....Well after work today I managed to catch the end of the Bills game against the Bengals...'Good to see the Bills winning of late....I love quarterback controversies....That usually means that at least one of them is good.....'Gotta changes strings on the old acoustic guitar before by days end..

11-6-07: Well Kids, I was hoping to grab a nap before performing tonight, as "Vibez Inc" Todd Willard, Jo'Ma, and little ole me will join the "Dean's List" at Bokans....Rain, Snow or whatever.....

11-7-07: The day job today seemed longer than usual....I can't quite put my finger on it...My seniments were shared by a number of co-workers...'Probably the weather.......Anyway I'm chillin' at home watching the Sabres game....As Usual (or so it seems) the Sabres are bit by the injury bug....I'd still like to see a seasoned power forward in a Sabre jersey....Someone to pound the net, cash in on rebounds, tip-ins, and of course drop the gloves when needed..

11-8-07: Best Birthday Wishes to my OLD pal Larry Staszkiw (who I haven't seen in years).........Early to bed tonight..I hope.... Got a "Vibez Inc" thang after the day job tomorrow....Cool!!

11-11-07: Good Sunday All, It's great to hear that former Bills quarterbacks Jack Kemp and Jim Kelly are working on a plan to buy the team and have a stadium built on Buffalo's waterfront.....I hope this actually happens...Kemp's political buddys should help.....A lot of birds will be hit with one stone if this actually all happens............It's been a great weekend musically and all...Lets add a Bills win to the equation....the Sabres still need help...The injury thing is no excuse...Every team has them.....As most any fan knows, Our team was gutted worse than usual during this passed off season..This group can do everything but finish...Last years finishers are gone..

11-12-07: Man oh Man eight hours seemed like a lifetime at the day job today....It appeared as though my fellow employees were sharing the same seniments....I have a bit of prepping to do for Bokans tomorrow evening...I better get working before I get too comfortable...Right now I feel like I'm moments away from a snooze...'Better fire up the coffee..

11-15-07: It's very early in the morning...as I managed to get most of my prepping done for the day job last night..So I'm actually ahead of schedule for a change..............It's so great when friends get together for the first time and find themselves on the same page...I reefering to the scene at Bokans the other night, as "Vibez Inc" and "The Stretch & Dean Show joined forces for asome nice jam...'Gotta make this happen more often.....Well it's about time for me to get my coat on and make my way to that ole bus stop for another dose of "volunteered slavery" (a tune from the Derek Trucks Band) .........If you happen to live in these parts 'Sabres on the tube tonight..

11-16-07: I got off the bus yesterday and stopped at the Wilson Farms store near my house and my 10 speed (well only a couple of gears work) bike was in front of the store unlocked...It was there for nearly 24 hours as I forgot to ride it home the day before....Somebody up there likes me, I guess.......Another "Vibez Inc" function is on tap for tonight....Good Weekend to All..

11-17-07: Geeze, Corporate greed is getting worse and worse every day....I'm sure the price of gas figures in but it also serves as an excuse for further price gouging EVERYWHERE......I would love to see a massive boycott of the buying of Christmas gifts...Save your money for something you need..........Well wishes and posative vibez speak a lot louder than material items.....It just doesn't make sence to spend lots of money on cute expensive gifts while there are homeless people out there.. To Donald J. Shipley..Rest in Peace as you are now re-united with your parents and a dog named "Love"..

11-18-07: Good Sunday Kids, 'Too many mixed emotions of late...I guess the holiday season has something a lot to do with that....I haven't wrote a Christmas song since the 80s....Maybe the time is now? Maybe it should be a hard core punk song?? We'll see... BTW: If I was a betting man, I would pick the "over" for the Bills/Patriots game...Which I can't bare to watch...I'd like to thank the sadistic person(s) who re-scheduled the game to prime time, so the whole world can watch the onslaught.......I hope I'm wrong..

11-19-07: First off, My boy is sick with the flu..Yuk!! ...I had to leave the day job early today with the flu as well....It was kind of strange...I felt fine when I woke up this morning...I felt a little crappy at the bus stop....I arrived at work and felt fine...As the morning went on...I started feeling really nasty and I had to run to the bathroom and it was ralph city...I stuck it out till lunch time and couldn't take it any longer......I was lucky enough to be spotted at the bus stop by my friend Keith who drove me home...Keith told me that there was a nasty 24 hour bug going around...I hope it's gone in 24 and that it doesn't spread any further....THIS REALLY SUCKS for me and my son..

11-22-07: I pleased to report that I'm feeling better other than this rawness feeling in my thoat...I've been drinking a lot of hot tea...Appologies to those who attended Bokans on Tuesday expecting to find me but I'm sure you found Dean Bell entertaining...He's a great musician and a good dude too.. Right now I'm home with my rapidly growing kids...They are gathered around the TV in anticipation of the Maceys Parade...I'm prepping dinner as the rain continues fall in these parts.....I believe this dinner will give Alice's Restaurant a run for their money...Well maybe not.....Anyway..Happy Thanksgiving to All..

11-24-07: It took the "immortal" Bob Peterson" who kayaked from Madagascar to South Africa, caught a helicopter to somewhere in New Mexico, then hitch-hiked to Lackawanna exclusively to record "Vibez Inc"...If I'm not mistaking, Mr. Peterson traded his kayak for the chopper ride...But secured in a state of the art water-proof, padded travel cooler was his recording gear....A big time thanks to Mr. Peterson who went far beyond to record Joe'Ma, Toddd and myself the makings of a fine demo of some kick-ass songs....Recording and hangin with these guys was an experience for the personal highlight reel in my head... This morning I landed at home and grabbed a few hours of sleep, went to watch my son bowl, came home and cooked the "inter-continental breakfast" (fried bologna and eggs) for my family....It's a cold one outside in these parts....The plan for me is a well over-due extended nap....Odds are I'll remain home tonight with nothing penciled in on the big calendar tonight......'Sabres on the boob-tube this evening.....Last but not least..Best Birthday Wishes to my good pal of a gal "Judy Verger".............ROCK ON EVERYBODY!!

11-25-07: 'Been hangin' around the house with my kids today....I subjected myself to more Buffalo Bills punishment...I'm not a big Losman fan but I'm not losing sight of the fact that it's a "team" sport...I could spend an hour or more picking all the holes in the team...Let's face it...It's yet another rebuilding year which adds up to a rebuilding decade....And it's the Philadelphia Eagles stuck playing the Patriots this week....Better ANYBODY than us..

11-26-07: It was an evening well spent watching the Sabres win on TV tonight....I really should be in bed, but NO!!!! I will try for a nap after the day job tomorrow so I am re-charged for Bokans with Dean Bell & Vibez Inc..

12-1-07: It feels like I've been burning the candle at both ends lately....I finally managed some sleep last night and this afternoon after watching my son bowl this morning....Tonight I'll watch the Sabres and do laundry between periods....I'm off from everything tonight and keeping it that way........I hope..

12-2-07: The Bills win another nail-biter.....Even with a few seconds left after Lindell's game winning field goal, I couldn't help but ask myself just how they would blow this game...But the Redskin's "Hail Mary" wasn't answered.........'Back to the day job in the morning..........which has me thrilled..

12-6-07: Hey All, It's been quite the few days....Hangin' with "Haiku" who opened for the Jefferson Starship was nothing short of way cool. I must say that "Haiku" fans were short changed a bit being that they performed 35 minutes at the Jefferson Starship's road manager's request...However "Haiku" and friends came out blazing and ended strong with their version of Zeppelin's "No Quarter" with Mike McGuire let it all hang out on vocals........For me it was a total blast for me to take in the Jefferson Starship's rendition of Airplanes tunes, Greatful Dead....Paul Kantner compostions from the classic years of the Jefferson Starship....This was a great performance and a great post show hang with band members....Daivid Frieberg is the man....69 years old with a powerful and hypnotic voice....I feel honored to be in a photo with him.....David is a founding member of the "Quicksilver Messenger Service" (one of my all time favorite bands).....Oh yeah...The covered some of that too....Club Infinity has Hippie Heaven this passed Tuesday....The way rock concerts were meant to be...Apologies for those expecting to find me at Bokans....'Be back there again next week...with my soul to bare..

12-7-07: Those "holiday blues" are not worth it....Instead of dwelling on what is beyond my control.....I choose to be thankful for all I have and to be thankful for.......Life is not not a bowl of cherries by any "STRETCH" but I do my best to keep my spirits up (and for those around me too) and naturally keep that music flowing......ENJOY THE WEEKEND!!

12-8-07: The only real problem I have with the holidays is the cost of everything.....I say wait a couple of days after Xmas if it's that damn important to buy expensive gifts.....Somewhere the real meaning of Christmas seems to get lost in the shuffle every year.. BTW: If you happen to be a regular visitor to my son's Sabres page (linked below) there was scheduling error that he has since been corrected.....This west coast road trip has not exactly been anything to write home about....If the plan is to trade up at the dead-line for a rent a player (so to speak)..it might be too late...Sure if the season ended today the Sabres would make the play-offs but the only consistant thing about the Sabres is their inconsistancy....There is a long way to go in this season and I've expressed what I felt the teams needs were many times, and those needs have yet to be met...We need at least one rugged forward with a few years under his belt with a nose for the front of the net....A finisher..

12-9-07: 'Another brisk day in Western New York....It's a nice day for football...Bills/Dolphins today at "the Ralph"....I say the Bills will win a tight game...But I don't see them giving the Dolphins their first win of the season...I hope the Bills don't take them lightly or....Need I say? Happy Birthday to my good friend and guitar shredder "Toddd Willard"..Who can finally drink legally..

12-10-07: If you live in these parts or anywhere is it's cold and slippery....Bumdle up those kiddos and yourselves too...'Careful driving and walking.....Time for me to get on out of here to my lovely day-job...Coughing and weezing....Hey..At least it was a good weekend for professional sports for Buffalo (Poor Dolphins & Sharks) .....'Sabres return home tonight after a west coast swing..

12-13-07: Best Birthday wishes to my dear Mama and also to Mr. Jim Wynne, who will probably kill me for letting the kitty out of the bag......BTW: I've gone five days without as cigarette...Talkin' cold turkey....I can feel a big difference already..

12-14-07: PRAYER ALERT!!! Extra prayers are badly needed for Papa Paul Griese and Kevin Stefanski.....I took a little spill on the ice in my work parking lot and ended up with a soar back and elbow....But my problems are very very tiny compared to these guys........Back to the day job...I hear the wind blowing around which doesn't add to my inspiration......'Still no smoking for this kid..

12-15-07: In my travels this evening, I slipped on ice and fell two times....The second time I landed pretty hard not far from home here in Lackawanna....My back and elbow are hurting some...'Gonna lay in the tub for a while and call it a night....BE CAREFULL OUT THERE!!

12-16-07: I'm still hurting a bit from last nights adventure....and it aint getting any better outside....So I will stay home and watch a Bills game that finally means something...I smell victory for a team playing for their play-off lives..

12-17-07: 'Almost time to trample through the snow drifts and make my way to that there bus stop to get to that day job......The shoveling I did is gone again.....I'm not a skier, so Mama Nature can keep this weather................Dan Fogelberg..Rest in Peace..

12-18-07: Bokans tonight...Baby!!

12-20-07: I'm not gonna like Memorial Auditorium getting the wrecking ball.....'Priceless memories..Concerts, Sabres, Braves, and World Team Tennis (for practice)....I think a "Aud Sneak-ins Reunion" is in order.....Including the guards....who tried to keep us out..

12-21-07: The lack of music for me this weekend has me jonesin' to play.....It's a good thing I can do the solo acoustic thing....I'll just do some of that here at home...where it's warm.....We'll see what tomorrow brings....'Nothing scheduled (musically) but one never knows..My schedule can much like the weather..............'Sabres are on a roll of late..Cool!!

12-23-07: I sure enough enjoyed sitting in with "Dirty Little Business and Friends"....Yous All Rule!! ..I had a blast...Nice party..Great people.. BTW: Terrell Owens is a piece of shit..

12-25-07: 'Got me a taste for some egg nog.....Merry Stretchmas to All..

12-27-07: Welcome again my friends, as we pop the seal on another page of my goings ons......It's kind of strange how prior to 1999 we were without a computer, and I was totally against the idea of getting one....Perhaps it's the traditionalist in me..Maybe I didn't want the geek tag on me.....But once I became a papa, everything....Well..almost everything changed....I can't blow off jobs like I used to...It seemed like not having a computer was like not having a phone........I eventually quit the booze..Never felt better..I don't miss the hangovers..NO DOUBT........I recently quit smoking, but that only lasted a week...I still would like to quit, but it truly relaxes me...So maybe I'll try it again as a New Years resolution...However, the resolution that comes to mind is to be more dedicated to my craft and be able to make a TOTAL living off it.....I don't want to become a warehouse zombie (so to speak).....My world is about creativity...NOT manual labor by any "stretch"......Back when I was tending bar, I was entertaining people and entertaining people is my bag..Now music..When I perform live, I feel the highest high..That's when I'm totally touble free.........More tomorrow..

12-29-07: It's the wee hours and I'm rapidly approaching 24 straight hours of being awake........Kevin Stefanski passed away yesterday evening.....I'm currently getting flooded with great memories of a great person....So many times when a person dies I hear that that person was the nicest in the world...In this case, It's REALLY true!! Rest in Peace Kevin...THE BEST LOCAL GUITARIST I EVER HEARD and a true humanitarian...Who will be missed by so many..including me...................Best Birthday wishes to Ray Lubecki...Another Sycamore Street boy of years gone by.....Good Lord, I'm so tired..

12-31-07: Jim Wynne and I were cruisin around the funeral home yesterday, looking for a place to park...I finally suggested we use a Convenient Store parking lot a block away....Honestly, I started feeling dizzy in the store....Jim had a read on the situation, and made sure I got to the car OK...I told him that I couldn't do it. I couldn't see Kevin in the pine....I did some breathing exersises till I snapped out of that bad funk.....Jim suggested that we makes some music, as we planned to do after the wake......We and the other members of "Dirty Little Business" decided, only fitting to dedicate the session to the great Kevin Stefanski....I get the feeling Kevin was pleased and felt our vibe...I felt his very strongly...As time went on in "Studio Z" it became my Birthday...I called in to my day job after returning home to the heart of the sunrise......At this point it is not clear to me how I will spend the remainder of my Bday tonight...When I get to that counfounded bridge...I'll cross it.........Be safe if you are out and about...including those in New York City to catch The Gov't Mule's..MULE YEARS EVE PARTY at the Beacon.....ROCK ON EVERYBODY!!...Wherever you are...BTW: it is also my Sister-in-law Mary's Bday today..Enjoy young lady......and also belated B day wishes to Mr. Andrew Dominiak.....December's Children are a special breed, indeed..