harryc

BIRTHDAY BOY

It's always good to see Paul and the lovely 'C' (aka 'The Wife') and on 30th September (the nearest Sunday to his birthday) they came and had lunch at home with Joanski and me. His sister Emma and little niece Margot also came to help him celebrate

Joanski cooked his favourite lunch and also baked a chocolate cake, a lemon drizzle cake, and a huge apple pie (she's always spoiled that boy !!)

He's always prepared to help out though :

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He carved the lamb, assisted by 'C' - he said I should avoid sharp instruments !!

It was then that the 'Gin's Fork' incident took place. We replaced it, apologised and the whole business was forgotten

When lunch was over we had the ceremonial blowing out of the candles on the cake :

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He was genuinly touched when we gave  him his present :

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a pair of crocs in his favourite colour !!

We rounded off the day watching Ireland being hammered into oblivion by Argentina - but I still say that Ireland were the better dressed side.

Apologies btw for the terrible photography - I was using my phone camera and a non-techie with shakey hands is not the best combination !!!!!!

IF MUSIC BE THE FOOD OF LOVE...............

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It's been a while since I posted about how the revival of my saxophone career is going. 

I'm now into the second year with a local band and we have weekly rehearsals. I have continued to have weekly private lessons with a teacher in Amersham.

I supplement these sessions with daily practice at home (I haven't had any complaints from the neighbours - yet !!!!!!!!!)

I'm pleased with my progress and I've settled in to playing second alto in a section of 5 saxes. Sometimes when the lead alto player can't make it to rehearsal I get to have a bash at the first alto part - I love that - the pressure is on and there's no hiding place !

Our next gig is on 14th December in Chalfont and we will also be playing a number of Christmas carol sessions out and about locally as we did last year. All proceeds go to charity.

We are currently rehearsing :

'The Peanut Vendor' - made popular in the 50s by the Stan Kenton Band.

'What a Wonderful World' - the definitive version is the vocal by 'Satchmo'

'Peter Gunn' - my favourite version is this one : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xME2VC56ubA  .

Our version has been rearranged for a big band by our Musical Director and is great fun to play.

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'Blues Brothers Medley' - some of the numbers from the film and again great fun to play.

The year has gone much better than I had hoped for, and  I'm enjoying every musical moment of it !!