Lots of stuff to cover today.



The car (my poor 6.5 year old car) had to get a new alternator and two drive belts this week. I am now on the edge of getting a new one. I am torn between getting a used Jag and buying a new, socially responsible Toyota Prius.



I bought a mountain bike the other day and have been learning how to ride it. Riding an MTB is totally dfferent from riding a road bike. I like it but I have been struggling with the fit of the bike and the clip-in shoes. Practie makes perfect, I suppose.



The band rehearsed last night as a three piece since one of my guitar players is on vacation. it was OK, but I really prefer 2 guitars since we aren't loud enough to fill in the empty spaces otherwise. I have decided to get a floor tuner and some sort of bass signal processor and possibly even a bigger amp. My Carvin sounds great but it's just a little overwhelmed at higher volumes.



I saw a great show earlier this week; my friend Michael Miller opened for daniel lanois at the Coach House in SJC. Joe was in Michael's band and they put on a great peformance except for the sound. The sound guy was asleep at the switch (what is it with me and shows with bad sound lately?) and they sounded pretty bad for the first half of the set. Low level but extreme vocal distoryion with any vocal energy input by Michael. The crowd was with them though and really responded to them. I was very hapy for them in the end. Joe came by after his performance and we had a quick chat and then it was time for Daniel Lanois. Another great show. it's amazing what less than $20 can get you as far as great entertainment and great music.



The trip is coming up soon; 6 weeks or so. I am looking forward to it and I hope it all works out the way I want it to.

It's been a while since I wrote anything.



The Beatles night at Lake Arrowhead was fantastic. We had a great great time up there. The band was spectacular but they were let down by the support staff - the MC and the sound system. The MC does not know how to relate to a crowd or properly introduce a rock and roll band. The sound system was overtaxed and blew a component at the start of the third song and so for a while it was pretty bad sounding. The guys didn't know about it until Joe went into the crowd to dance with his wife and some friends. The video backdrop was great, though. It really made the second half of the show come alive. I taped a majority of the show this time and have it on two DVDs. My time with L was wonderful, too.



I took Natacha out for her birthday; we went to dinner and saw "Julius Caesar" at the Old Globe and then last weekend we went for a hike with Friendly but he got too hot so we had to turn back. It WAS pretty hot, too.



We had a big neighborhood party at Floyd and Kathy's last night which was pretty fun. Lots of food. Natacha came over and then later Ed, Gretchen and a surprise guest in the person of Todd.



I decided to invite my parents and my aunt and uncle to Rome for a week in October. We all pulled together good itineraries for excellent prices. We are staying at a 5 star apartment near a metro stop and a taxi stand. THis shold be fun!



I am considering whether to pick up a digital camera; I am torn since I already have LOTS of photo gear, but the appeal of digital is very strong to me now. I have done a fair amount of research and I know which one i want to get; it's just a matter of will I get it or not?