Item 1: Welcome back Mr. Cornish! I know why you never lie and always tell the truth but…. You tell me your heart doctor is Dr. Gerry Actrick and his surgical team is called “the Pacemakers?” C’mon Rick that sounds like something I would manufacture in my seriously warped mind. Nevertheless welcome back to the healthy zone.
It is indeed times like this when we reflect on our lives journey and begin to ponder what lies behind the great beyond. Realizing that life is indeed precious it does make one want to squeeze the most out of what is left of our time on earth.I believe that Mr. Cornish has embraced this and cannot wait to lift his fiddle up to the heavens and state, “I still have a ton of fiddling to do so let me at it!” When that happens the devil will have his due to pay in Georgia.
Item 2: My sister, Maria Nadauld, (Above the Bay Booking) asked me to come by and check out the CBA Board meeting at the Turlock Fair Grounds a couple of weeks ago.I live in Turlock and since Maria was going to spend the night with Sheila and me it sounded like a good idea.
I drove the three miles to the fairgrounds and parked the blue Matrix machine. I thought it would be nice to stroll around the grounds a bit before going to the meeting. As usual there were groups of smiling pickers having a joyful time at all the campsites.The music was lifted by a gentle breeze then filtered its way throughout the fairgrounds.
I heard a familiar voice and was drawn to a jam that was featuring the bearded marvel Mr. Cliff Compton. Cliff was leading the group in a rousing spiritual. I watched Cliff and was amazed by his vitality and youthful energy as he belted out the lyrics to the song. His body seemed to levitate a few inches above his chair as he strummed his axe and sang. Cliff, the song, and the rest of the pickers were one magical entity. Watching this take place is what makes bluegrass jams so fulfilling and rewarding.
As I slowly walked around the fairgrounds I was struck by the size and opulence of the motor homes that were displayed in various colors and styles on the fairgrounds. Some of these homes on wheels would dwarf my tiny rustic abode in Turlock.
I made my way to the meeting site and walked inside.The meeting was in progress and I made eye contact with Maria. She motioned for me to sit down at one of the tables.I did and observed.Those at the table were serious and caring.The CBA is in good hands.
Watching the CBA Board members sitting at the tables had a biblical, “Last Supper” aura to it.In fact I thought that this would make a great portrait. We just need someone to paint it, then it could be auctioned off and the CBA would have money to put into the children’s program.
After the meeting my sister took me around the campsite and we chatted with all those wonderful folks that make up the CBA. Many of you I haven’t seen for a long time. Talking with you and seeing your smiling faces made my weekend.
Item 3: 2015 seems to be the year of “The Band Reunions” at the Father’s Day Festival. Here’s a thought. The Grass Menagerie… Bill and Rick, the ball is in your court.
Item 4: It is hot here in Turlock, the pool beckons and then time for a nap.
Until Friday, June 5: Read a book, hug a child, pet a dog, stroke a cat, eat a bar of chocolate and smile.