Making Music

When my company arrived from Missouri, they brought a surprise. Attached to my brother's GMC Envoy was a U-Haul trailer and in it was my mother's piano. She asked me some time back if I would like to have it and I said yes, but I did not expect them to bring it at this time.



I played the piano for about three years during grades 3 - 5. I really wanted to play the drums, but my mother said I had to start on the piano first. I can still play a few songs I learned at that time.



I looked around the internet and found a website called Piano Nanny. I am going to relearn the piano. Start dusting those chairs off at Carnage Hall.



My drums have been in the attic for several years. Barbara does not share the same appreciation I have for drums. As a child, I loved the drums. I finally got my first drum in the fifth grade. It was a chrome snare drum and it currently rests in the dark recesses of my attic with its other percussion cousins, the bass drum, tom tom, and cymbals.



Due to the financial limitations of my family growing up, I got a new drum or cymbal each year, instead of a whole set at one time. I wound up with a three piece drum set with a hi-hat and ride cymbal. All I really lacked was the floor tom tom.



The extent of my career boiled down to a few years in the school band and playing in a gospel quartet throughout college.



Something about getting the piano, then buying a set of drum sticks at the House of Blues has me wanting to get the old drums down and bang on them again. What I really want to do is trade them in and get a full set and take lessons again.



This is crazy I suppose, because I do not intend to be in a band or anything, it is just for the fun of it. I still have to convince Barbara.



Here are her arguments against:

1 It is not practical

2 Let's spend the money on furniture

3 We already have too much clutter

4 You will drive me crazy



Here is my argument:

I know, but I want them.



I figure I can buy some furniture to offset number two of her list. Number one is a matter of opinion. Number 3 is easy to fix, I will get rid of some of my other toys. Then number four. I have been driving her crazy for years.



I will let you know, but I have my hopes up. I think I can wear her down.



Until the next time

John Strain

Warning: Contains Nudity

This page contains 49 photos highlighting our fun weekend in the Big Easy. Two photos are of a slightly intoxicated lady who really wanted some beads. Needless to say, enthusiasm like she displayed does not go unrewarded.



I lack the necessary energy to write a proper post right now, so enjoy the photos and I will pen the details tomorrow. I know I keep promising. The Missouri gang has returned home safely and will be back at work on Tuesday.



My sister Becky's 50th birthday celebration in New Orlenas photo page



Until the next time

John Strain

Things Are Back To "Normal" Around Here

I'll explain later.











Until the next time

John Strain

Still Having Fun

We are still having fun. Here are some highlights. Today is the gospel brunch at House of Blues.





The Three Bloggers heading into New Orleans





When will she come out of her shell?

O'Flahrerty's Irish Channel Celtic Centre and Pub, one of our favorite places





Becky enjoying Bourbon Street





The evening winds down with beignets at Cafe Du Monde





Enjoy your Sunday

John Strain

Happy Birthday Becky

Today is Becky's 50th birthday and we are going to celebrate it New Orleans style. Stay tuned for more photos.



Until the next time,

John Strain