End of Days

Wow - in exactly 10 days, Kid #1 turns into Adult #1. Lean, mean, and 18. Look, I know I'm old - all the signs are there: grey hear in the beard, telling them to "turn down that damn music," warning the neighborhood to get off my lawn, and spending more time on the throne than I thought humanly possible.

It is interesting to watch some of his mannerisms. I think he's been watching me and picking up odd habits, ones that I wish I had kicked years ago so I'd be a better role model. But lately it's like looking into a magic mirror, seeing myself in him. Not just the looks, 'cuz our senior pictures look uncannily alike. Some of the things he says make me think there's an echo in the house. His handwriting is suspiciously familiar, and now I'm finally understanding how he was able to ditch so many classes w/o penalty.

A few years ago, I wouldn't have worried about him becoming an adult in this crazy world. Finances were OK, people weren't killing each other as much, and trust was a common commodity. Now - well, I hope to God that we've taught him how to be a good person, how to watch his back, and giving your word still means something.

Tonight, he gets the final signatures on his application to become an Eagle Scout. In a few weeks, off to college (local, but still a big step). Soon, $$ permitting, he'll get his own transportation. We're trying to play up the affordability of a scooter (thanks Kel), but it's hard to snog the girlfriend when you're sitting single file.

The world still holds many opportunities - I just hope he realizes how lucky he is.

My Music: two

The past year has allowed me to find even more tribute/cover albums for my collection, several of which are really off the beaten path. Case in point: David Lee Roth's "Strummin' With the Devil." If you like THE ORIGINAL Van Halen, and you're a big bluegrass fan, then you're in luck. Picture if you will, 15 Roth-era tunes, rewritten for guitar, banjo, slide guitar, fiddle, zither, and any other down-home country instrument you can think of. Add Roth singing lead on two of them, and you've got an album that will have your toes tapping from the first song.

Roth takes lead on "Jump," which retains its fast pace, and "Jamie's Cryin," which slows down with a smooth tempo. The rest of the songs are covered by various bluegrass and southern country groups. David Grissman and Sons do a smokin' instrumental of "Hot for Teacher." Blue Highway gifts us with a soulful rendition of "I'll Wait." The pickin on "Panama" by Cornbread Red is amazing, and you can hear the grinnin in their singing. Iron Horse's version of "Unchained" is a 'hoot' and fun to sing to. All that aside, the highlight of the album is a banjo (yes, I said banjo!) version of Eddie's "Eruption." Holy Spit. I can't see Dennis Caplinger's fingers...but I doubt I'd be able to see them even if he were standing right in front of me.

This is a great album to bring to a party of friends, just to show them you have a 'fun' side when it comes to rock and roll. Put it on, sit on the porch with some southern sweet tea and a long piece of wildgrass in your mouth, and rock your blues away.

back from the grave

Yeah, it's been that kind of year.

But - things are looking up for sure, you betcha. For instance...5 randon good things this week:

1) San Diego Comic Con 2009. Four days of fun, frolic, and fetching females in scanty clothing.

2) The yard work is done for the week. Huzzah!

3) Kid 1 and Kid 2 enjoying their FREE CONCERT tonight - seeing The Frey and Jack's Mannequin at Cricket Amphetheatre.

4) New job at a great school for the 09/10 season

5) I discover that a female friend (and former co-worker) frequently came to work sans underwear.

Yeah - things are looking up already.