Big Leather Couch

So, I am not spending enough time here. I know it, you know it, The Couch knows it...

but it does not mean I am never posting here.

I wanted to share our back deck with y'all because my beautiful bride, Nancy, has done a stellar job this year!

We also began a small garden this year and I will share some shots of that also. All photos biggie by clickie!

Today Nancy and I get on a plane - first stop Atlanta. When we get there we will meet up with my brother Richard and his wife Cindy and the four of us board a flight for West Palm Beach, FL.

Tomorrow my sister Lynn and her husband Kevin arrive.

What are we all flying down there for?

Well, because tomorrow, Friday March 16, 2012 is...

THAT'S RIGHT...I SAID WE ARE GOING FOR




WANNA KNOW WHAT IT IS?

COME BACK TOMORROW AND FIND OUT!

The trip to SoCal went well. The press approvals were on time and we only had one night where we were at the plant until after 10pm.

Got to hook up with my fraternity brother Jaime and his girlfriend Christa on Friday. We had a small lunch right near the water and then - as happened last June when I last saw them - some door staining took place!

It was just odd that every time I come it happens. Good thing someone else was there as his doors are heavier than anything!

Then we went to a great dinner on the Redondo Beach Pier at Kincaid's. Had a roasted sirloin that was bursting with flavor and maybe - yes maybe - the BEST Clam Chowder I had ever tasted. That is saying a lot for a boy who grew up in the NY and New England region.

Then on Saturday I flew home. Nancy had taken me to the airport, so she was coming to pick me up. Before I left town, I thought to myself that it would be a good idea to stop at Uncle Lou's for some of his famous fried chicken. I never mentioned it to Nancy and it slipped my mind.

When she pulled up in the car, after a kiss, she turns to me and says "Why don't you order a full chicken from Uncle Lou's?"

Did I marry the right woman or what?

Well, in the end, it would have taken too long from a whole chicken so we grabbed a 7 piece meal, a sausage and cheese plate, a bottle of Corruption (Lou's special spice) and headed home.

Spent yesterday watching my Giants put a whooping on the Falcons. Next stop is Green Bay and as a fan I believe my team can win.

As someone who had 4 Packer players (Rogers, Jennings, Crosby and Finley) all season and picked up Driver and Flynn late I know how strong that team is!

Yes, we had Flynn stating in game 17 when they benched Rogers. Sure we were nervous and damn right we were surprised when Flynn threw for six TDs.


Dean and I won our Super Bowl in that league which is ahem a pay for play league. My two freebie leagues on ESPN with Jayman and with Brad, I came in 2nd in one and 4th in the other, so a decent season as far as fantasy is concerned.


Tonight begins my International Blues Challenge coverage with the first of three shows with past winners.

Tonight, Sean Carney and the band Trampled Under Foot (who are siblings!).

Then the week Jan 31 - Feb 4. Seems like it is coming fast. This week I need to go down and run a test show for the Hot Spot I am purchasing. I was told it would be better to supply my own wireless. No biggie.

I have been busy recording the ads I had left. Over all, for the first year, I did well enough to cover expenses with some left over. But there are still many spots which were made available. Next year.

I did miss one thing in Memphis while I was gone...ELVIS WEEK!

I might have to make up for missing this past Friday's Five On Friday...or maybe some form of it all...now the wheels are turning. hummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm


Hey, did oyu notice, this turned into a real blog post! LOLOL

At the suggestion of my friend Gary, I picked up the new Stephen King novel 11/22/63. I have read the first 30 pages and it has grabbed me already. The sign of a good novel.

The premise behind the novel is 'what if J.F.K. had not died on that fateful day.

So, how was your weekend?

Mine was not bad as far as the days leading up to the 11th is concerned. I always feel off for the 4-5 days prior to the 11th.

This year was a tad more nerve-wracking, as Nancy was scheduled to fly to Dallas on Sunday.

Took her to the airport around 11:30am and as expected, there was a security checkpoint as soon as you hit the airport grounds.

We were one of the cars selected to be pulled over and have them inspect the outside of the car by using one of those mirrors on wheels and also bomb-sniffing dogs.

Of course we passed, and when I dropped Nancy at the terminal, there were two police officers and a dog at each entry point.

Nancy did say that inside the terminal, it was quiet and uneventful.

While waiting for the dog to circle the car, I chatted with one of the security personnel who said "This is the safest day of the year to fly, there are over 50,000 additional people on duty today throughout the USA."

Made me feel a bit better and after thinking about it, he is probably correct.

I do love the memorial they opened at Ground Zero. It might even give me the inventive to travel to the spot so many were murdered when we visit next summer.

Watched the closing episode of Entourage and will miss this program. It was a fun watch with cool characters...now for the movie!

Tony Romo seems to fall down if a defensive player breathes on him. there were three times in the game on Sunday where he fell without really being hit.

Major League Baseball made a huge PR mistake not allowing the NY Mets to wear hats from the NYPD, NYFD and NY/NJPA at the Sunday game. the league told them they would face a heavy fine if they did so. Wish the team had balls and had worn them and let MLB fine them...can you say PR disaster?

If you did not catch the show last night, hope you check it out in the podcast.

TWO YEARS TODAY
When asked if I took you as my wife...
I responded "I ABSOLUTELY DO!"
and nothing has changed

Love You!

So, how was your weekend? We had a great one.

Thursday evening, Nancy and I got in the rental and headed to Baton Rouge. Nancy had a presentation on Friday evening with a nice size client and I decided to tag along.

We arrived about 11pm and settled in at the hotel. On Friday, Nancy prepped for the meeting and I got to relax and hang out. Unfortunately it was an overcast day, so it wasn't a pool day.

Nancy's meeting went great. In fact, so good she was not done until after 9pm and she had arranged a meal to feed the participants (I got my own and had it at the hotel), so with an early departure planned, we didn't experience Baton Rouge.

All go biggie by clickie...

Saturday we were up and out on the road heading for Highway 61 out of baton Rouge North. This is called the Blues Highway once you get into Mississippi. It is a long stretch of blacktop used by the blues artists who were able to get off the plantations and head north to Memphis and possible fame.

Six plus hours later - after a stop in Natchez, MS for lunch we arrived at Hopson Plantation and the Shack Up Inn in Clarksdale, MS.

The Shack Up is for those who are not looking for room service and gourmet dining, but it is an experience that really should not be missed.

There are 10 shacks on the property that range in size from small to medium. There is also 10 rooms in an old grain building that are considered the more 'upscale' accommodations on the property. We had tried to get the Pinetop Shack or another...but they were all booked, so we were placed in Bin #6!  up the circular stairs in the silo to our room.  The room was spotless and very comfortable indeed.

That evening we drove a few miles to Ground Zero Blues Club and partied with the Reba Russell Band and some other friends including Victor Wainwright and Jay Moore.

On Sunday, we took our time and left and finished the last 90 minutes to home.







A cool weekend made even better with my darlin' Nancy.

RYAN MICHAELS
and
VINCENT HAYES
SIT ON
THE COUCH

Ryan Michaels has been immersed in music since he was a child, his family having owned an instrument store in the San Francisco Bay area.

He moved to Nashville with his band; drummer Andy Calmes, bassist Matthew Heath Harper, guitarists Steve Cunningham and Josh Sulfaro, and Peter Spero on keys and have released their debut album Life Is For The Living.

What is next for this group of skilled musicians? I will chat with Ryan and find out more. We will also listen to cuts from the album.

Then, Vincent Hayes, guitarist and leader of the Vincent Hayes Project will take a seat on The Couch.

The band were nominated for the 2011 Blues Music Awards for Best New Artist Debut category. Their album Reclamation is being honored from all corners.

The album is a collection of songs borne out of the decline of the area (West Michigan) which the band calls home. Begun in 2008 as a trio the band has grown in numbers and in skills and now includes, Hayes, David Alves - Bass, Donny Hugley - Percussion, Steve "Doc" Yankee - Piano, Christian Van Antwerpen - Hammond B3.

Vincent's guitar work will make you stop and listen. Clean licks while causing the fretboard to smoke.

Vincent will be calling in and we will find out more of his history and where the band is heading today and tomorrow, while catching tunes from Reclamation.

So, how was your holiday weekend?

Ours had highs and lows...

The highs...Nancy and I together all weekend...

Went to a great Farmer's market early in the morning and got some fresh milk, eggs and veggies...

spent Saturday night with her family and some good food and company.

Sunday, we hung out and drank daiquiris all day and caught a real good buzz...

Monday was a sort of work day...her getting ready for the trip she in on right now, me revamping some things for Music On The Couch

The real low of the weekend was having to send Nancy's 10-year old Lab, Alice over the Rainbow Bridge. She has has a skin infection and recently it caused her to scratch almost constantly. This led to lesions on her skin, balls of hair everywhere and a dog that was not happy. Then a tumor appeared and in the last couple of weeks it exploded into an infection.

Brought her to the vet and asked him about her quality of life and he told us she had none (What we expected). So, we hugged her goodbye and told her what a great dog and friend she had been and said our goodbyes. Neither of us could stay as they sent her on her way across the bridge, but at least now she is romping around without the constant scratching and pain.

As far as Music On the Couch, I am retiring the musiconthecouch@yahoo email and now have vinnybond@musiconthecouch.com and showbookings@musiconthecouch.com

I also signed up for Mailchimp.com so the email newsletters I send out will have a totally different look, much more professional.

Have a big meeting tomorrow night that will hopefully result in a big announcement soon.

That is all...

Where the heck has Vinny been? Have not seen hide nor hair of him in about 4 days...maybe you did not notice, but in case you did...
(pssst all photos go biggie by clickie)


Well kiddies...On Thursday night, Matt and I headed about 10 miles away to Hernando, MS to watch Eric Hughes Band playing a free show on the green in town...beautiful night sitting under the open skies.

I took Friday off to spend some time with Matt and work on getting prepared for our Grillin' and Chillin' get-together on Sunday.

Saturday was a day of food purchase and preparation...and cleaning the house.  Cooked 24 chicken thighs and 36 chicken wings and 18 hot Italian sausages with onions, red peppers and green peppers as the main courses.  So, off to Costco to get the chicken (already had the sausage).  Got home, mixed up some sweet paprika, ancho chili powder, salt and pepper and rubbed that into the chicken nice and good - pulled back the skin on the thighs and rubbed the meat too..

Cut all the peppers and onions for the sausage and peppers..and then made the sauce to baste the chicken.

That consisted of ketchup, tomato paste, juice from some oranges and a lemon, onions, garlic, ancho chilis, and some frozen red sweet cherries. Into the pot and let it cook down and then grabbed the submersible mixer and made it nice and smooth...let it rest overnight.

Made a big ole batch of macaroni salad and then relaxed for the evening as we watched a movie.

Sunday, bright and early, put the sausage and peppers together and put it in the oven to cook slowly. got the chicken on the grill, getting them all nice and brown and then layering on the basting sauce while the grill was on low and let it sink in. Then it all went into the oven with the sausage and peppers to just marinate and cook slowly.

Made some delicious dips for the chips and pretzels and a great sangria that was enjoyed by all who indulged.

As always, putting it all together and sharing the experience with Nancy was just the best.

Ended up being a great time for all except for the arrival of a mass of flies at one point. They were obnoxious to say the least, but some more protein on the plate never hurt a soul!

Matt was a huge help and had a grand time talking to friends and the musicians who all flocked to have a good meal.

Party broke up around 10:30, then clean up and much needed sleep.

Get shots early on and then I get into the party and the camera is forgotten...missed some late arrivals, Eric and Donna and Jack and "Sweet T" and Pete was there early, but left before the camera even came out!

On Monday, it was finish clean-up and relax after a busy three days.

Tuesday, back to work - ugh...

So, what was your weekend like?

Want some delicious chicken? There is left-overs!

Matt leaves tomorrow to go home and I hate it, because as he said on Monday "Dad, just hanging and watching a movie like old times is good enough for me."

Though...tonight we head to Beale for Bike Night and to let him see the fantastic Brandon Santini play live again. You see, when Matt was here 3 years ago we saw Brandon for the first time and Matt has been a fan ever since.

If you have a child living at home, give them a hug, because before you know it, they will not be living there and you will MISS THEM!

But you will never miss...these guys...

Back from NOLA and a wonderful weekend with Andy, Janice and Nancy.

We walked all over the city in two days - Garden District, French Quarter, Marigny Bywater area...

We ate some grand food. Had beignets at Cafe DuMond while watching the end of the Ochsner Triathlon - which became a bi-athelon since the water was too rough to do the swim.

A great dinner was had at Praline Connection on Frenchman Street.

We also enjoyed a wonderful meal at the Gumbo Shop.

Saw some great music. We did go to Preservation hall and got to see Jazz there with the Tommy Sancton New Orleans Jazz Band.

On Bourbon Street we hung at the Tropical Isle - Bayou Club because T'Canaille were a great Cajun/Zydeco band.

Unfortunately, the one act we wanted to see, John Boutte canceled right before show time.

All in all a fantastic weekend. It was sad to see it end.

And we had the most spectacular weather - both days 80 degrees and zero humidity.

Will have pictures in the next few days. Nancy had to stay behind for work, so I drove home by myself yesterday.

Hopefully she comes home tomorrow.


Will be deleting a bunch of links in my friend area in the next few days also. Some are no longer blogging and some just don't come by any longer, so there is no need for the links - JAY. your link is staying dude!

Check out the other participants by clicking on his link to the left...and join in!

You can register for free at playlist.com and type in a band name and BAM the song will be there to assist in building your playlist.

Travis lays out some guidelines for this meme and they go like this:

1. Grab the banner, make your post title Five on Friday, and be sure to link back here.

2. Go to Playlist.com to make your play list of five songs. Choose a particular theme to share with us. You can simply post the play list, or you can add a little summary about what you are sharing.

3. I don't know how to make a specific linky, so be sure to leave me a comment to let me know that you participated.

4. No tags, but feel free to invite your friends to play along if they need a post topic on a Friday.

So, Nancy and I are in NOLA when you get to read this. Meeting our friends later today and then we will hit the French Quarter. We are going to check out a gentleman named John Boutte Saturday night, a suggestion from our friend JOHNH of "Voices To Hear" and maybe we might even get to meet him at the gig!

Probably go down to the Bayou and take an AirBoat tour...and eat eat eat!

Enjoy the sounds of some of NOLAs finest musicians.

If you do not know these artists, you can find out more about them at their sites:

DR. JOHN
JOSH CHARLES (not the actor)
AARON NEVILLE
FATS DOMINO
MARCIA BALL


and

Laissez les bons temps rouler

which is Cajun for "Let The Good Times Roll"!

and we will!