I LOVE: July 2021

Saturday July 31 2021

Waking up sometime around 10 a.m. but the two hour difference really means it’s noon back home. Jimmy’s getting ready as I rise up out of bed.

Oatmeal Breakfast Bar. Tea.

Our van crew today: Debbie, Ron, Rebecca, and Casey. Bex takes the wheel with me at shotgun. Driving through some of the most beautiful Colorado mountain terrain – traversing through all types of weather (pouring down rain then sunshine) – none of it looks real. The steep slopes make it a challenge.

Idaho Springs for a pit stop. It’s a cute old western town with a lot of Gold Rush history.

After braving more steep grades of interstate we finally arrive in Beaver Creek, Colorado. On the resort there we’re performing at the Vilar Performing Arts Center. The high elevation and lack of oxygen wears us out as we march up and down steps.

Rebecca, Casey, and I grab a quick sandwich up the hill at a market/deli.

Setting up the stage.

They brought us dinner. I chow down on Mahi Fish Tacos with Fries.

The theater is absolutely packed! Great energy from the crowd. We had a few weird foul ups with the tracks but overall we put on a great show.

Afterwards we high tail it out of there because of the long drive. There was a disastrous mudslide that caused I-70 to be closed down through the weekend. So we’re forced to take a northern detour around it to get to Rifle, Colorado. Ron takes the wheel with me at shotgun – the girls in the back. Squiggly winding two lane roads the whole way – definitely not a boring drive. 3 deer sighted and then a pit stop in the middle of the road to look up at the stars. You feel like you’re in a planetarium. As Ron points out, “there are more stars than there are all the grains of sand on earth.” Really puts things into perspective.

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We continue on keeping ourselves busy with chatting. After 3 a.m. we finally arrive at the hotel. I crash hard.

Friday July 30 2021

Waking up around 11:30 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Raisins, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.

Hopping in a car with Mike and Rebecca headed to the airport. The ELO crew is spread out everywhere but we have a small group flying from Norfolk to Denver. We’re on Frontier Airlines, with a reputation to charge for everything from water to having a carry-on. But honestly, we make it on the plane and arrive in Denver with no problems. Rebecca and I literally talked the whole flight practically, which helped pass the time. I had a PB&J with Plantain Chips somewhere in there. We even managed to be seated away from all the screaming babies, although that doesn’t mean they weren’t audible.

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We link up with more of the group, grab a rental van, and check into an Econo Lodge.

With Ron, Jimmy, Debbie, and Rebecca – we go on an adventure locating a Texas Roadhouse down the road. It’s quite an experience there – they really know what they’re doing. Every now and then they bring out a saddle and announce someone’s birthday.

Salmon with Broccoli, Mashed Potatoes, and delicious Rolls.

At some point it starts lightening and pouring down rain causing the power to go out temporarily.

Back at the hotel I settle down in the dining room to catch up on computer stuff. Different people of our crew pop in at the table like a sitcom while I sip on green tea. I help Ryan troubleshoot some Google sign-in issues. Rebecca joins me at the table to hear Mike’s story about his date tonight. Then, her and I go on and on about all sorts of topics...

Insight into where you see yourself in 10 years – the layers of people – gaining independence on your own outside of relationships – cats. Honestly, it’s nice to just be able to sit down with her without any time limits – I consider her a good friend. She definitely has a unique perspective on the world.

Thursday July 29 2021

Waking up sometime before noon.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Raisins, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.

Addy called out sick today so I have to hammer at the phone and text/reschedule/cancel all her lessons. Luckily, it wasn’t Covid, just the regular flu but she’ll be out through the weekend.

Running errands – buying this Theradome laser hair helmet to help combat my hair loss – picking up pants/shirt at the tailor – adjustment at the chiro.

Scrambled Eggs. Kale and Beets. Toast with Butter and Jam. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.

Longtime friend, Becca, stops by with Chris and their newly born baby. With Ana and them in the dining room chatting – serenading the baby on piano.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Making some quick dinner for Ana and I after she gets home from band practice.

I organize my backpack and prepare for the trip this weekend.

Riding my bike to the oceanfront and back.

Wednesday July 28 2021

Waking up around noon.

Cereal with Blueberries, Banana, and Almond Milk. Tea.

Running errands.

Meeting with Mark, the landlord to Music Makers. He shows Rebecca and I the other units behind ours cause they’ll be available soon. One of them is a wide open room that could be useful for dance classes and Broadway rehearsals actually. The other is like an office space. So we’re looking into it if the budget makes sense for it.

Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Butter and Jam. Spinach Salad with Tomatoes. Coffee.

Teaching lessons.

Afterwards, doing a band jam with some of the Modern Day Warrior boys.

Back home. Warming up leftovers for dinner: Noodles, Sardines, Baby Broccoli, and Garlic Bread.

Talking with Ana about everything.

Catching up on business – prepping for the trip this weekend.

Tuesday July 27 2021

Waking up just before noon. I didn’t get enough sleep.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.

Running all kinds of errands – at the studio cleaning up the A/C mess and putting in a new air filter – dropping off luggage at the space so the ELO van crew can pack it up tomorrow morning.

Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Butter and Jam. Spinach. Coffee. White Nectarine.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

I got off quite early so I take the opportunity to play some adult basketball at the Rec – it’s always invigorating running up and down the courts – making a few shots.

Back home. Ana and I warm up leftovers for dinner: Pad Thai Noodles with Peas, Kale, and Carrots.

After dinner we talk things out in regards to last night’s intense episode between us. She is way more level headed even though she’s still emotional about everything.

Earlier she texted me, “I do want us to work out, and I know I need to work on myself. You have always been good to me. I have and always been committed to you, and I act out because you know I’m just scared to lose you.”

Catching up on business.

Later on, at the studio playing guitar.

Monday July 26 2021

Waking up around noon.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.

Working out at the gym.

Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Butter and Jam. Popped Chips. Coffee.

Watching Woodstock 99: Peace, Love, and Rage (2021).

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Picking up some Pho Noodle Soup for Ana and I to enjoy together.

ELO band practice – there’s a lot of packing up to do there at the space.

Back at home.

Peanut Butter. Corn Tortilla Chips.

I notice Ana had left the house to go for a walk I suppose. While I’m packing up a suitcase for the trip this weekend she arrives with all kinds of interrogatory questions about this and that. I’m completely blindsided cause I thought everything was good but it really seems like we hit a last straw this time. There’s much to unfold and explain what the underlying reason behind her insecurity and fear that I’m developing some emotionally intimate connection with somebody else. It’s really hard to continue on like this.

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I don’t end up sleeping until 5 something in the morning.

Sunday July 25 2021

Waking up around 11:45 a.m.

Oatmeal Breakfast Bar. Tea.

Helping Rebecca set up the space for dance class and boot camp.

Running errands – meeting with Carol and Paul to put all the big Broadway set pieces in the storage unit.

Tuna Sandwich with Spinach, Avocado, and Tomato. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.

Watching a documentary on the making of Jurassic Park.

Catching up on business.

Back at the space helping Rebecca clean up – chatting with Mike Mosgrove who happens to be there.

Fixing some stuff at the studio.

Warming up leftovers for dinner: Vegan Sausage, Curry, Brown Rice, and Naan Bread.

When Ana gets off work I help set up her new iPhone 12 mini.

We get into some talks about her fears of Rebecca and I getting too close.

Playing guitar at the studio and writing songs.

Muffin.

Bike ride. Funny moment happens when I’m riding through a neighborhood a leaf falls at the exact time I’m passing and smacks me right in the face. Is it a sign?

Saturday July 24 2021

Waking up around noon.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.

Teaching a few afternoon lessons at Music Makers.

Picking up coffee from Three Ships.

Scrambled Eggs. Biscuit with Butter and Jam. Spinach. Coffee.

Watching a cheesy documentary about Back to the Future.

Running errands and doing chores throughout the house – cleaning up downstairs.

Picking up pizzas for tonight.

Ana and I invited Austin, James, and Allyson over to watch the new Space Jam movie with Lebron James – it’s for a new generation.

After everyone leaves her and I chill out on the couch – making fire.

Cleaning.

Friday July 23 2021

Waking up around noon.

Ana made us Blueberry Waffles with Coffee. Enjoying breakfast together before she heads off to work.

Having a consultation at The Carney Center to talk about options for treatment on my hair loss. I’m considering a hair transplant but maybe some non-invasive ways as well. I’m still not sure how I feel about whether to fix my balding or let it do it’s natural thing.

Taking care of chores around the house – watering the plants. Also, watering the plants at Music Makers and talking with Allyson about business things.

Running errands – Target and Whole Foods.

Back home. Cooking dinner: Vegan Burgers with Tomato, Roasted Asparagus, Carrots, and Corn on the Cob.

Ana and I finish Fire Walk With Me (1992).

Researching places to vacation with Ana. We’re in dire need of a trip out of here, even if it’s just for a couple days.

At the studio continuing to work on this song.

Thursday July 22 2021

Waking up just before noon.

Cereal with Banana, Strawberries, and Almond Milk. Tea.

Workout at the gym – lately, I’ve been finding myself really distracted even during times of pure focus – got a lot of things on my mind.

Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Butter and Jam. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Spinach. Coffee.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Leftovers for dinner.

Wes rides with me to Ladada practice in Norfolk. We work on a new jam and some other fun spontaneous things. Bobby’s hand has healed up nicely enough that he’s able to play hard.

Chatting with Ana.