Counting the days for Christmas/New Years break. I am taking a little over two weeks off of work. No travels really but lots of play with the family, and much needed rest.
After seemingly months of not playing, I managed to have some time with the sticks and recorded a cover of "Between Two Points" performed by David Gilmore and his daughter, Romany. The original song was written by The Montgolfier Brothers back in the 2000s.
Full song cover:
We went to a Christmas tree farm to get our tree. They have a lovely red barn where kids can go upstairs to an open space a play with toys, skateboards and other fun vehicles. I tried the skateboard, it's the first time in like 30 years that I've hopped on one.
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It has been abnormally warm here in central Nebraska. Today was 62, sunny, no wind. Most days have been similar. I hope January doesn't clobber us like it did last year.
My crazy work hours has kept me away from the news, I'm all the better for it to be honest.
Finally played a little today. I started listening to David Gilmour’s new album about a week ago. This song (Between Two Points) is something else, had been something like 20 years since I first heard it and Romany Gilmour just shatters and cyclones through all emotions with her performance.
It’s a short week this week due to Thanksgiving. The 12 plus hour days I’ve been putting in regularly for the last 3 months has made it difficult to wind down (I woke up today at 2 am, granted I think I fell asleep at 8pm).
Lot’s of reflection on finances. While I would love to be in a fuck you money situation, my goal is to be able to have the occasional go pound sand money.
Tied to the above, mainly gearing up for the change in administration in January (and next 4 years). I really can’t predict or time things but have come to the conclusion to prepare for the worst and acknowledge or reap the rewards of any successes that come up.
My work will undergo major shifts this upcoming year. Lots of unknowns within that statement, but I work with talented, wonderful humans.
My son is becoming more musical every day (lyrically and sonically). He’s also discovering (and appreciating) the nuance of comedy. I can listen to him all day (and often do).
My wife and I have a lot to do still to focus on what’s in our control for the next year, next 5 years, next 20 years. Lots of big decision making experiences we need to go through. We both agree on the need to simplify and reduce stress as key outcomes.
I’ve been listening to David Gilmour’s new record. It’s lovely, and of course Steve Gadd is playing drums on it.
It’s not even December yet but my mind is taking me to New Year’s, when I make my one Manhattan for the year, sip and reflect on the past year and think about next year’s possibilities.
I appreciate that Bluesky is growing. I occasionally skim it and find the vibe in general to be good. I still prefer owning my feeds and posts via micro.blog and cross posting from here as appropriate. I did request Openvibe devs to consider micro.blog support (it’s just a nice app).
I’ve resorted to just have the election live updates from Apple News on my phone home screen instead of watching live. Gave the kid a bath, brushed his teeth, set him to bed. Only checked now where we are at. Now back to figuring out a movie to watch and not looking at my phone until snack break.
Moving to a small town in Nebraska after so many years in Seattle makes voting (in person!) feel extra special. Hearing the folks around me hanging out after voting, talking about dinner, family, how young so and so is doing, absolutely no contention or anger. Community is where it’s at.
Boeing has been shooting itself in the foot since the early days when they decided to move their HQ from Seattle and “innovated” by outsourcing shit. But sure, let’s blame the workers in Seattle, who produced high quality airplanes up until leadership changes decided that quality and engineering takes a back seat to perceived shareholder value: (gift link) The Machinists Take Boeing Hostage
Asked the kid what his highlights from school were today and after kickball at lunch and gym he said "and we had a lockdown drill today, which is the best drill because you get to hide in the corner in the dark with your friends" and I'd like out of this collective nightmare please.
I had no idea that UsaFacts.org was a thing nor that Steve Ballmer was behind it until I listened to Jon Stewart interviewing him. I’m impressed that he took this on and I love the format of the site.
As we ease into September, I can feel autumn making it’s way to our trees. The light already feels different from just a week ago.
I’ve been enjoying the hot Nebraska summer days and nights since we moved here. In particular working outside and enjoying some ice cold NA beer after yard chores or some other activity. I don’t have a lot of access to NA beer brands (Athletic Brewing was my goto when we were still in Seattle) in my small rural central Nebraska town, but compared to last year the options have opened up. Here’s my top 5 list for the beers I’ve enjoyed this summer, hopefully more brands will make it to stores here next year.
Run Wild IPA (Athletic Brewing Co): Just a great hoppy, crisp IPA. Not always in stores but I stock up when they appear.
Stella Artois Liberte: Ice cold, comes in glass bottle. Tastes like the real thing.
Heineken 0.0: I love ice cold glass bottled Heinekens.
Just the Haze IPA by Sam Adams: This one was a surprise, I never liked Sam Adams before but this has been regularly stocked and doesn’t overwhelm you with malt like the real stuff does. A crisp, lighter IPA.
Busch NA: Another surprise (and always stocked and cheap). These are crisp, flavorful (light bitterness a la pilsner). I keep these near freezing and am pleasantly surprised that I would be touching a Busch beer product.
In the coming months I will be shifting to Guiness NA as temps cool down.
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