Down On Muddy’s Farm

Ahh, there’s nothing like catching up with old friends at a backyard blues jam on a warm summer night.

My old friend Mike had another one of his classic summer bashes this weekend, and it was really great to see him and a pretty large cross section of the people I grew up with, as well.

Mike, or Muddy, as we affectionately call him, is a special guy. One of those guys that stays in touch with everyone. I guess you could say he’s the linchpin of our old social circle. Matter of fact, if it wasn’t for Mike, I think I’d lose touch with everyone. I get so tied up with family, work and chores these days that I just can’t seem to find the time to hook up with any of my old friends, and I’ve lost track of at least half of them. I kind of stopped going to my high school reunions, mainly because the narrow channel of “just people in my graduating class” doesn’t represent how we really interacted. My crowd was into music, the blues specifically, and the old crew was spread across a few classes. Mike takes the time to find all of us, and drag our scraggly butts out of the house, and he can usually persuade our local blues band to make an appearance for a set or two.

So, it was great to see everybody and catch up. There were so many friendly faces to get reacquainted with that the time just flew by, and The Bluehemians were spectacular, as always. I just can’t get enough of their funky stuff! Thanks guys, I know it takes a lot of effort and schedule rearranging.

Good food, good music, good conversation. Good times. Thanks Mike!

Every Parent's Dream

This weekend we had a party to celebrate our son's graduation and successful passing of his licensing exams. He worked hard and we're incredibly proud of him.

When we were planning the celebration we weren't sure what to expect for weather this early in the season. After a bleak and depressing winter that seemed like it was never gonna leave us, the nice weather we've experienced over the last week or so has been like a gift from the heavens, but this is New England and you just never know what spring might bring you, so we planned for an indoor affair.

To our pleasant surprise Saturday turned out to be a perfect day, and the festivities quickly moved outside and became our clan's first official backyard party of the 2008 season. It was great to get outside and sit in the brilliant sunshine, and even better to be with friends and family to celebrate a happy occasion for a change.

The best part of the day though, the part I'll hold onto years from now when I look back on that sunny day, was the smile on my son's face.

Watching him enjoy the day gave me such a good feeling. It was the highest of highs.

To see your children succeed and be happy is what every parent dreams of, and we've been truly blessed.