Prep Time

In Case Of Emergency Call Gallagher

This isn't something you see everyday.




I just happened to see it when I stopped at the 7-11 for coffee. They were doing a brisk business. All I got was a couple pictures.

It's A Story As Old As Time Itself

Actually, we're not quite there yet but I wanted to get this out in case I didn't feel like drawing with tampons stuffed my nose.

Cut Ups

I have surgery planned for August first. I've been having this dream ever since it was scheduled.

Last Minute Visit To See The Grandmothers

This has been a busy month already and we're just a week into it. It began with my 50th, then the July 4th celebration (more on that later) and Sunday night I went to see a last minute show at the Ramshead On Stage.

First I'd like to thank everyone who remembered me on the first and/or sent cards and emails to drive home the fact that I'm old. On the plus side, when I told someone at work how old I was he said he would not have guessed I was older that 38. I admit I'm immature but he may need to get his glasses checked. Either way I'll take it.

Our annual Fourth of July party went off without a problem and was the first chance we've had to entertain on our new deck and even newer patio.I'll give a full review of it soon with pictures, videos and police reports.

On to Sunday night, July 7th., I was dog sitting for a few days for the woman I usually do dog walking for. She's only gone for a few days and she has a pool so I'm willing to make the sacrifice. She lives just outside of Annapolis and the Grandmothers of Invention show was downtown Annapolis. I didn't have anyone to go with but I figured I fit right in with all the other old guys in the crowd so I'd be okay. In fact I may have been one of the youngest members of the audience (being 38 and all). Sunday night shows at the end of holiday weekends may not be the best draw.The crowd was thin (although most of it's members were fat) but we were an enthusiastic bunch.

Like the last time I saw this band, it features players who originally played with Frank Zappa, some going back as far as the min 1960s. Unlike last time there were only two members who had played with Frank instead of 4. Don Preston was an original Mother in the sixties and Napoleon Murphy Brock, was a member of Franks band in the early seventies, which is one of the eras I like best. Don is 80 and still playing well and seemingly having fun. Napoleon has to be in his mid sixties at least but still puts on an energetic show.

Like last time, the band was filled out with very talented younger players who brought a fresh passion to Frank's music. They played the entire "One Size Fits All" album as well as a number of other well selected gems from Frank's vast catalogue. You can't really have a Zappa tribute band without a killer guitar player and they chose well when they picked young Max Kutner. The combo was filled out with an excellent drummer/singer and a base player who had served some time in another Zappa tribute band, Project/Object.

They did a meet and greet after the show but I didn't stay behind for that since I had an early morning Monday, but I'm glad I went even if I had to fly solo that evening. The guy who I shared the table with was actually recording the show (with the bands permission, but not the permission of the ZFT). He said he was planning to put it up on musicarchives.org. I gave him my email and asked if he'd let me know when it was up there because this was a show well worth reliving time and time again.

It's All Fun And Games Until Someone Gets Naked

Yes, Fred's chest is really that hairy.

Falling behind. Again.

I may be behind, but there's always time for a bike ride.