Sunday, February 13, 2011

Tootsie

We adopted a five year old basset hound from the SPCA. She came with the name of Tootsie. She was a "Senior" for a "Senior" so we got her for free. Here are some pictures:



Do your ears hang low?  Do they wobble to and fro?

Exploring the mighty outdoors.

Yes! That's Gary with the dog!

Man's best friend.

True, unconditional love......

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Look fast!

A rehearsal promo was made for our Valentine's Day concert in the Folsom lake Orchestra, which I am currently substituting as second clarinet in.

Go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEyAMb1hrh0  and look carefully in the first four seconds.  I am to the right of the harp and wearing my brown suede jacket.


Grandpa Doug

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Careful what you pray for!

Frantic practice

What's that note?

I think I can, I think I can....
       I tried out for the principle clarinet position with the Folsom Lake Symphony this past summer and did not survive the audition field.  I felt a little better when I found out the person who won the slot had a  masters degree as a clarinet performance major.  I had been asked to substitute for them at Christmas, but our regular band concert interfered.  I hoped I would get another opportunity to substitute, and it finally came.  When I got the music, I was impressed and started practicing frantically.  (There are a lot of notes I haven't seen in a few years.....) 

     I have been improving, being moved up to the first clarinet section in our Sacramento Symphonic Winds band, but I haven't practiced diligently each day as I should have to really improve.  Well, opportunity comes to the prepared, and sometimes even those who wish they were more prepared. I am now practicing my fingers off and am very excited for the concert.  I am substituting for the second clarinet part. If you want to know the concert pieces, google Folsom Lake Symphony and look at the concert on Valentines Day.  (You can listen to orchestral versions of the pieces on YouTube.)  The concert will be fun!

Dad

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Meeko Passes On












        The only sad note to our Christmas holiday was the death of our 13 1/2 year old faithful pug, Meeko (March 20, 1997-December  28, 2010).  Always with Pam wherevere she was in the house, his unconditional love was felt by all who knew him, but especially Pam.