Most Americans consider it another patriotic holiday but according to Wikipedia it’s actually a celebration of the America labor movement. “It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of their country.”
Since I’m not gainfully employed, I should probably skip the celebrating. But I’ll probably hang the American flag in front of the house and get Terry to throw some burgers on the grill to eat with Publix potato salad.
Although it’s still 92 degrees in Florida, I’ll take a few minutes to pull all of my white shorts and jeans out the closet and pack them away. Because you’re just not supposed to wear white botoms after Labor Day. (Just an excuse to rotate the wardrobe until next Memorial Day.)
So what ever it means to you, enjoy your day off, it’s the last national holiday until Columbus day on October 13th and Veterans Day on November 11th–and who actually gets those days off? So your next long weekend is actually Thanksgiving on November 27th. Sorry to depress you. But, if you’re like me, everyday is a holiday!
Why do I even get my white pants out in the spring? Not the most flattering style for me!
I haven’t put much up on Fridays recently. Guess I haven’t had much to say. I know, strange for me!
Wondering how much dirty politics played in J.J. Kenney’s losing his commission seat on Tuesday. No matter if I agreed with Kenney or not, doesn’t seem fair that someone would lose because of a campaign of lies and innuendos financed by a person that seems to be determined to control Citrus County’s BOCC. I’m hoping that Kenney lost his office because concerned citizens disagreed with his political views.
Marian MacRae has been the driving force behind the “Save Our Tower” group in Old Homosassa. This week she announced on Facebook that the group is now the Old Homosassa Heritage Council under the Citrus County Historical Society. Next step is to begin a membership drive. If you are interested, do a search on FB for “Save Homosassa Water Tower” for more info.
Thought I’d remind you of a few events occurring next weekend in Homosassa.
On Saturday , September 6th, “Speak Up Homosassa Springs” event takes place at the Homosassa Wildlife Park. Senator Bob Graham will be one of the noted speakers and will discuss ways to clean up the damage and find methods to preserve and maintain clean water. There will be no admission charge to the park that day.
For $10, you can attend a day of music at the Homosassa Museum Cafe on Sunday, September 7th. The money will benefit Susan Mitchell, the founder of the Nature Coast Friends of the Blues. She was a community volunteer for several years and developed ALS. All funds raised will go to the Mitchells to help defray bills. So instead of dumping ice buckets, here’s a chance to help a local person that has ALS.
That’s me on the banjo in a few years. Except I’m wearing a shirt under my overalls.
Yeah.
I’ve always been a hard rock lover which still makes me wonder how in the world I bought a banjo. (Possibly the influence of Mumford & Sons more than Earl Scruggs) But thanks to this video, it’s all clear. Now I’ve gotta vision.
Once in awhile I like to get into my own personal WABAC machine and remember all those music lessons and practicing I had to endure as a small child. I liked the idea of playing but hated spending that loathsome half hour every day sitting at the keyboard or in front of a music stand. I just wanted to hang out in front of that black and white TV and watch Gilligan’s Island. Why were my parents so cruel?
Fast forward several decades, and here I am happily spending hours trying to master my new instrument. Not crazy about all the jokes I get to hear about being a banjo player but I’m able to get beyond that. (What’s the difference between a banjo and a Harley? You can tune a Harley!)
I took lessons for almost a year which really helped me get started but now I think I just need to practice more and play with other like-minded people. Since March I’ve joined up with several other locals in an “acoustic meetup” at the Coastal Library in Crystal River. I’ve learned so much from playing with this group of acoustical musicians.
From left, Paula Bateman, Bob Richard, and Dennis Marshall. There are more in our group but these are the only three that I could coerce into having their photo taken.
Paula Bateman organized the group and continues planning the meetups. I still have trouble “hearing” the chords and I’m not quite fast enough on my picking but Paula is always encouraging. I have not only gained experience–when I leave my confidence is soaring.
Paula Bateman, Organizer
The meetup is open to all acoustic players at any level. There are very serious musicians that have played most of their lives and then there are newbies like me that just want to learn. We have a few things in common—we love music and love to have fun. We’ve had ukuleles, guitars, mandolins, dulcimers, fiddles, banjos and even a dobro. Everyone takes a turn choosing a song. We have some members that email the songs that they like, others print them and pass them out, but more commonly the song and the chords are just called out before we start playing.
We usually get together every other Monday but have some scheduling issues with the library for the next few months. So I thought I’d let everyone know the new agenda. The next meetup will be August 25 followed by September 22 –both of these dates are Mondays. In October we will be changing to Fridays and those dates are the October 3 and 24. Then we’ll get together on November 7 and December 1. Sounds confusing but the plan is to have a regular schedule in the new year.
I’m inviting anyone that loves music to come by the library during one of our meetups. Even if you don’t play an instrument, you are invited to come along and listen. You’ll see how much fun we are having, and you too, will want to join in. (denim overalls are optional)
