Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Showdown at the Back Porch Door!

The famous “ Docklines …” opening:  “It’s been a while …,”  or, “I can’t believe it’s been so long since my last post.”  Take your pick; these lines seem to have become interchangeable for this journal in recent years.   I almost always have good reasons.  Never excuses, mind you, but reasons.  This time is no different.

Since my last post I have been very busy.  I lost one of my full-time employees, (my Assistant Dock Master joined the U.S. Coast Guard and gave his notice), and I hired a new hand and worked many overtime hours because I wanted to train this one myself.  I have also been attending concerts.  Yes, I said concerts, LOL.

The Savannah Music Festival kicked off on Thursday March 20th at the brand new Charles H. Morris Center with a concert by Brazilian Jazz musicians Daniel Santiago and Gabriel Grossi.  Santiago’s fluid fretwork on the guitar was matched by Grossi’s masterful technique on the chromatic harmonica.  It was a brilliant performance and, because it was the first concert ever at this new venue as well as the first event of the festival, it was heavily covered by the local media.  My picture was on the front page of the Savannah Morning News the next day as I was sitting front and center at the performance.  That’s me sitting there in the middle of the photo wearing the red and black jacket.

The next concert I attended was the following Wednesday night, also at the Charles H. Morris Center.  The first concert was by the blues trio of Eric Culbertson, followed by a concert by another blues trio fronted by Sean Costello.  Each artist was masterful in their own right, each with their different styles of the blues.  The blues doesn’t get any better than it did that night!

I was fortunate on Friday night to have the pleasure of seeing Bruce Hornsby and Ricky Skaggs in concert.  These two recorded an album together a while back and have performed together many times since the release of the CD.  I thought it was an unusual pairing, but was not prepared for the shear mastery and perfect blending of these two talents.  Ricky had his Kentucky Thunder Band on stage with him and Bruce Hornsby’s piano was another addition to the band for the evening.  They played some of Bruce’s hits and some of Ricky’s hits and some hits they did together.  Then Ricky did some of Bruce’s songs and Bruce sang some of Ricky’s songs.  The way these two voices blended you would have thought they were brothers.

Tomorrow night after work, I get to see The Derek Trucks Band.  Derek is one of today’s foremost guitar players and just got back from his tour with Eric Clapton.  He is also married to Blues guitar artist and star, Susan Tedeshi.  It promises to be one heck of a concert.  Thursday night I will see a performance by slide guitarists from around the world.  Derek Trucks will be one of the four performing artists in that show; he is one of the most respected slide guitarists in our nation.

So, there you have it.  The stress of losing an employee, the hiring and training of a new one, the burning the candle at both ends by indulging my passion for music at night, and reporting to a regular job by day.   Oh, and add to that the fact I had to go in on my day off yesterday due to the fact that it was the last day of the month and I had to do the month end inventory for the Ship’s Store and the monthly walk-through of my wet and dry boat storage areas.

When I got home from work yesterday, I was in my bedroom changing back into shorts and tee shirt to kick around the house in and I noticed some activity out on the porch.  I did a double take when I peeked out there.  There was a full grown peacock staring at little Miss Emmie through the glass door on the other end of the porch.  I quickly made my way out there with camera in hand.  The peacock, a female, was not fazed by my presence and continued to examine Emmie as though she might be a future meal, LOL.

Emmie held her ground and did some championship staring right back:

I went into the kitchen to get a shot of the bird from a different angle and was able to catch a shot of the only time the peacock spread her tail feathers:

After a while, the peacock wandered around the yard a bit and then just moseyed on off:

In what spare time I have had, I have also been practicing my guitar and trying to do the extra credit Photo Challenge presented by Marie last month.  The challenge was to do a photo project that you had never tried before and, after learning how to do it, present a tutorial on what you started with, what you ended up with, and what you did to get that result.  I have finished my project, now I just have to figure out how to present the tutorial.  I’ll get back to Ya’ll on that one.

I’m sorry I have not been around to read journal these past two weeks, but my whole sleep schedule has been thrown off and I find myself over sleeping in the mornings and I have not been home a lot at night.  I usually don’t get out much, so these night time forays are taking their toll on me.  I hope to get back to normal by the end of this week.  Until next time, take care!

37 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you have been very resourceful and very busy!!

Anonymous said...

Awww, I am glad you are still working on the Creative Challenge Extra....I know people have been busy, so I decided to post it on the side-bar & when everyone completes their project they can access it anytime. I think it will be a good sharing project..Ü
I just want you to know you were missed! Once things settle down at work, we hope you join us...Ü
I am glad you are enjoying your passion for music, just wish you posted a bigger image of the newpaper....I can make out anything!!!  Sheeesh!
Don't forget our new challenge this week, AGING....it's due on Friday!
Ü
Marie

Anonymous said...

PS....Do Peacocks normally run wild down there?

Anonymous said...

Great picture of Emmie and Ms. Peahen.   It sounds like you're getting a good dose of your favorite music.  I like Ricky Skaggs as well as Bruce Hornsby.  And then to have to loose one employee and then hire and train someone new.  WOW....No wonder you haven't posted for awhile.    Linda in Washington state  

Anonymous said...

Cool!  Skaggs and Hornsby are going to be in Tampa soon!

Anonymous said...

I used to love going to country music concerts. I do see the red and black jacketed person. Those are great pictures you made. The second one of Miss Emmie is so funny. She was really getting an eyefull of that strange creature LOL. Helen

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you have been busy and having fun!! Do you know our fellow J-Lander Kat (http://journals.aol.com/sunflowerkat321/in-my-dreams-i-can-fly.../)? You have to go over to visit her, she is the biggest Hornsby Fan on the planet!
Martha ~

Anonymous said...

I was just thinking of you this very afternoon!  In fact, I was going to drop you an Email after I came to your journal to see if I missed an Alert.  WoW, fantastic concerts!  That's amazing, a peacock.  Did you know you had a peacock in the neighborhood?  They tell me there are flocks of peacocks at the Dunedin Cemetary.  I haven't done that excursion yet.  Welcome Back GA Boy : )
hugs,  Bethe

Anonymous said...

First off, Martha took the words outta my mouth about Kat.   In fact, she invited us to that very same Bruce/Ricky concert and we all went together in NYC.  You sure have had some wonderful concerts!    I can't wait to hit a few too.   We have a classical one this weekend and then "Jesse Cook"...fabulous guitarist the following weekend.  
I hope work calms down for you soon.   Looking forward to more of your photos.  LOVE those peacock/cat ones!   Take good care now, ya hear?

Nancy

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you have been leading a very busy and pretty fun at times, life these days.  Love the photo's of your kitty and the peacock.
Hugs, Joyce

Anonymous said...

wow..a peacock in your neighborhood....cool!
enjoy all the concerts you can go to....you'll look back and say no regrets..you lived the time of your life!

keep living,
Gem :-)

Anonymous said...

I'm as guilty as you are, not writing too often either. But rest assured if you come and write we will definitely read.  If you have a peacock hen the males are not far behind. We have an invasion here in Pinellas County, they roost on my roof eat the tiles, go all over my hubby's big red truck. It's so funny the red truck is like a magnet for them, every morning..there are three or four of the birds riding in the back and perched on the sides Lol..only hubby is not laughing. I'm afraid he might declare war....take care, Sandi

Anonymous said...

Awwwww Sam dont worry its just great to see you! Really enjoyed your entry! I hope your new guy is good - well he will be if you are training him! I only knew Bruce Hornsby in those musicians you saw - I like him! Sounds like you have had a great time! Good for you!

Love the pictures - your cat was brave bless her!

Take care and dont worry about visiting journals! Laine xxx

Anonymous said...

Hi Sam! I'm so glad you enjoyed the concerts. I loved Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby. Funny you should be going to concerts because I went to one on Monday night to see Kris Kristofferson ~ I did an entry with pics last night! I loved the pics of little Emmie standing her ground with the peahen! I seem to remember she was the bravest one of all your cats when I came to visit, she was the one who dared to approach me and have a sniff! I hope your new employee turns out well for you. Enjoy the performance on Thursday. Jeannette xx  

Anonymous said...

I'm thrilled to read a rave review of Bruce and Ricky!  I see Bruce any chance I get and I saw the two of them together three times last year.  It's been awhile....but I have tickets to see them in Princeton, NJ at the end of the month. YAY!!!!!

I've got lots of Hornsby pics here:  http://primalucephotos.com/layout/0001/gallery.cfm?startrow=10

The festival sounds excellent.  I would have loved to be in the audience at all of those shows.

Anonymous said...

They are fencing in the field beside my house. They will fill it with cows. My food will be watching me!!!!! Tammy

Anonymous said...

I have not seen a peacock in years! You have been busy. I know now astarts busy season for you too. HUmmmm. maybe a laptop to use at work? Just to keep up at times like lunch break>?

Anonymous said...

I once had a peacock flying round my neighbourhood, and quite a stir it caused too. Pleased you've enjoyed the music circuit. Well done training up your new right-hand man.

Guido
http://journals.aol.co.uk/pharmolo/NorthernTrip/

Anonymous said...

So jealous of all your great concerts.  Wilmington is so boring when it comes to things like that.   Love Emmie's neck extension in that pic....she's out to keep her homeland secure for sure!!
Take care my Ga friend!
Sharon

Anonymous said...

That is really interesting! I never knew the female peacock did a spread tail display like that...I thought it was only the males.

ryanagi.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I haven't been around much lately either.  I'm trying to get by to visit everyone and get caught up.  Wow!  Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornesby!  What an interesting combination -- one I'd like to hear (and see).  I think it's great that you've been able to get to so many wonderful concerts.  Love the picture of the peahen and your cat in their stare-off.  Wonder where the hen came from?  You take care, and I hope you are getting some much-needed rest now.
Lori

Anonymous said...

Sam I am so pleased that you are able to indulge in your love of music ~ those concerts sound wonderful ~ glad you have been able to train your right hand man yourself ~ but sorry your last "Assistant Dock Master" left you for the U.S.Coast Guards ~ what a nice surprise for you seeing your picture in the paper that will be a good reminder of happy times ~ what a beautiful peahen visited your garden and I loved the pictures of Emmie ~ hope you will soon get back to normal and catch up on some of that well deserved sleep ~ Ally x

Anonymous said...

hi sam, sorry to hear things have been hetic and the odd sleep pattern i hope that things are getting back to normal now. i know how you feel, not enough hours in the day! it would be so much easier if we didn't need to sleep!LOL great shot of the peacock, beautiful bird, little emmie is lovely, my cats would run and hide! LOL I had two ducks visit my garden a couple of weeks ago, i managed to get pics but haven't had time to put them on my journal yet. take care mrs t xx
http://journals.aol.co.uk/mleppard06/eternity/

Anonymous said...

You have been busy with work and a lot of fun thrown in....
How funny is that peacock and Emma is like 'what the heck', lol...
Have a great weekend!
Linda :)

Anonymous said...

I`m glad you`ve been having a great time at the concerts Sam, they sound really good, no wonder you enjoyed them. I love the photos of Emmie and the peacock, she looked as though she couldn`t decide what to do. (Emmie that is!)  Where did the peacock come from ?  :o)

Love Sandra xxxx

Anonymous said...

So pleased you enjoyed the concerts you had a good seat at the first one didnt you ? loved your pictures of Emmie and the peacock ,(sounds like a book title lol)Iunderstand perfectly about time slipping away ,between entrys ,....love Jan xx

Anonymous said...

Most excellent...great photo shots.  

Anonymous said...

Welcome back, and that seems like a fine set of reasons for the delay. Glad you enjoyed the concerts. Heck of a pic (cat staring down the peacock).

Thanks


Dan

http://journals.aol.com/slapinions/Slap-Inionscom

Anonymous said...

Welcome back, you busy guy, you! Looks like you enjoyed yourself at those concerts. Bruce Hornsby - my that sure does bring back memories. Spring most certainly is in full force with the abundance of wild life that are visiting people in J-land. That peacock looks likes he's met his match with your lovely cat. Lucky she is behind the safety of the glass door. Enjoyed your entry!
Always, Rose~*

Anonymous said...

Laughing !! Those are great captures..just great!!
TJ

Anonymous said...

Hey Mon, LTNS. My brother and I are driving down to St. Mary's, GA to fish for reds in two weeks. Any tips? (I'll check back).

Susan Tedeschi got her start in a little club called the Yard Rock up here in Quincy, MA.
Paul (Belfast)

Anonymous said...

nice to see you again.
I saw Bruce Hornsby   playing with the Dead adn in a concert on the beach in Pensacola FL. I love "That's Just the Way It IS"
Marti

Anonymous said...

I really wanted to see Bruce Hornsby but between work and kids just couldn't go. That is cool that you were in the paper :) I'm glad you enjoyed it!

Gretchen

Anonymous said...

Oh goodness Sam!  I remember visiting here right after you made this post and I just now realized I never commented!

Better late than never, I guess!

Love the photos of Emmie and the visitor.  Hmmm.  Peacock for dinner?  Not much meat!

Anonymous said...

I have always loved music too.  I would have loved to attend the Skaggs/Hornsby concert especially.  I have been working a lot of 3rd shift hours even though it has been from home.  I, too, have been sleeping in for that reason.  Early mornings is usually when I have time to journal and read journals.  Love the pic of Emmie staring down the peacock.  Too cute.

Have a blessed week!~

Susan

Anonymous said...

Well, I was late to the party as usual, my friend, but as always, it's great to hear from you.

Great shot of the cat and the peacock, lol. Kitty held its ground for sure! Tough guy!


Hope you get back to post again soon

Jimmy

Anonymous said...

where the heck did that peacock come from?
maybe Emmie was the one thinking
about a Thanksgiving meal
cool that you had front row seats
and got your picture in the paper