Question Forum Mid-Summer check in!

[DrKev]

GOOOOD MOOOOOOOOOORNING!!

This week is climatologically the middle of summer (historically average maximum temperatures start dropping from this week on), and lordy we sure hope they drop for a lot of forumites around the world!

So I thought we'd have a mid-summercheck-in/roll call.

How's the summer going for you? Heatwaves, fires, floods? Are you getting as much guitar time in as you'd like? Gigs? Vacation? How’s the family?
Tell us about it, and tell your dog I said hi!

K

 

[beej]

Dog says hi back. (Could have been "feed me" but I'm an optimist.)

Summer's been amazing so far. Aside from the week of smoke in the air from the forest fires in northern Ontario, the weather here (Toronto) has generally been great. We're used to hot summers and most places have air conditioning, but it's actually been on the cooler side of normal.

Still gigging regularly- once a month at local bars plus other gigs (the odd corporate event, private party, etc.). Enough to keep it fun without being a grind.

These days I'm gigging my Luke IIIs (Starry Night or Fuchsia Sparkle), plus my Guytron head + 2x12 (and a shield in front so I can crank it). Decently loud stage volume

 

[dibart77]

Guys. it's been a rough summer for me. My wife was diagnosed with bile duct cancer in March and has since had a major surgery and is now in 4 months of chemo followed by 4 months of radiation+chemo. Not sure if I'm going to be able to do NYNGD after all - priorities...

 

[Vito Porkleone]

Guys. it's been a rough summer for me. My wife was diagnosed with bile duct cancer in March and has since had a major surgery and is now in 4 months of chemo followed by 4 months of radiation+chemo. Not sure if I'm going to be able to do NYNGD after all - priorities...

Prayers up for you guys, and hoping for the best for you. Also hoping you have the emotional support around you that you need. The mental side can be just as hard as the physical. Find the humor in life, laugh at the stupid things - it helps more than people realize.

 

[Vito Porkleone]

Unfortunately less guitar and more work this summer. Just super busy, not stressful. Family is good.

I do cherish the couple of hours a week I get with my Silo - still love it! Once Labor Day hits, things will calm down and I'll have the energy to get back to recording and playing more.

 

[DrKev]

@dibart77 Jeff, sending you and your family my very best wishes and hoping for a speedy recovery.

Kev.

 

[beej]

Jeff, likewise. I am so sorry to hear this. Thinking of you guys.

 

[GWDavis28]

Wow Jeff, sorry to hear this hope things get better.

Glenn |B)

 

[Pott]

Well I finished 6 rounds of chemo and I'm now on immunotherapy which is working (liver functions improving and no-longer in immediate danger, though my cancer isn't curable so it's all temporary), and my kid is on vacation in China meaning I am getting a LOT of epic rest and getting a ton of socializing done. It's a good summer and with my current treatment, hopefully not the last.

@dibart77 thoughts for you and your family man. I wonder if we're still colleagues? I work for the big-A; I don't recall if I ever saw you post on our guitar Slack channel!

 

[GWDavis28]

Wow Pott, so sorry to hear man. Hang in there.

Glenn |B)

 

[dibart77]

Thanks for the kind words, guys.

 

[Sweat]

dibart77 and Pott , so sorry to hear this, I know Cancer sucks lost my Dad to it after a courageous battle, praying for positive outcomes

 

[Sweat]

So far not enough playing and practicing though trying to get my mojo back, other than that just trying to survive the Texas summer, I hate extreme heat and wind, got back from Colorado yesterday seeing my best friend, hot as hell for Colorado but we did get very, very wet from an unexpected T Storm at Redrocks, did not even get to finish the concert

 

[banjoplayer]

Dr. Kev: I told my cat, your dog said hi. She was not interested

had a few gigs so far this year and used the time to work on new songs with the band.
guitar time is always a bit short as there are stupid things like work...
vacation is coming at the end of August with a bit of travelling to Italy and the south of France.
good idea to make a thread like this.

All the best to dibart and Pott!

 

[DrKev]

I'm spending my summer in Buffalo, NY (where my wife is from). We do this for 6-8 weeks every summer, call it our "summer migration". I am so glad to get out of Paris this year. The first two heatwaves were BRUTAL, just punishingly exhausting, and I'm already exhausted much of the time. No change in the Long Covid, 4 1/2 years now. I don't know anybody who had it more than 18 months and recovered enough to ever work again, so I'm probably done. I've applied for disability in France.

Buffalo is having a beautiful summer, just delightful weather. I'm spending my time resting, sitting under the maple tree in the backyard, noodling on guitar (I brought my Cutlass and pedal board), and I'm learning to drive (at the grand old age of 53).

Today is my 10th wedding anniversary. We are driving to Corning, NY, for a short getaway, see some museums, eat some good food, spend some good time with my favorite person. Nothing is more important than each other.

K.

 

[PeteDuBaldo]

Jeff and Pott, very sorry to hear! Hopefully things improve for you and your families.


Summer here has been hot and wet, and busy. Some great news @DuBaldoMusic in that our Magliano Majesty will soon be available in the new “Premium Select” wood cocktail. It is being offered in both translucent quilt and opaque finish options, and 6 & 7 string configurations —- this is the first time we are offering a 7-string in one of our exclusive colors! The first 6-string quilt top has been painted, and I look forward to receiving it in a few more weeks.

 

[mikeller]

Guys. it's been a rough summer for me. My wife was diagnosed with bile duct cancer in March and has since had a major surgery and is now in 4 months of chemo followed by 4 months of radiation+chemo. Not sure if I'm going to be able to do NYNGD after all - priorities...

Very sorry to hear. Best wishes to you both

 

[mikeller]

All going good here - band is busy with gigs most weekends now thru the end of September when it will slow down. Central Ohio had a beautiful spring, then it got really hot and humid, but has backed off for the past week. Did have a few days of air quality issues due to wildfires in Canada. No new EBMM guitars to report however.

 

[nervous]

My sincerest prayers for those going through some very difficult situations, and that things may turn in your favor ASAP.

For me, I retired exactly one month ago and haven't had a moments peace since! Guitar work has been steady but I am growing wear of the business, booking and bar owners. Haven't had anything exciting to report on the EBMM guitar side but I am always out here lurking. On the up side I have been presented with an opportunity to play bass (my first preference) with a great female lead in a 70's through today girl-country band with a very talented drummer and guitarist. I like being a bit of the weakest link as it pushes me to be better. Learning 45 songs in 2-3 weeks and playing two really decent large, don't "F" this up, jobs was a thrill and it looks like that will continue to develop, at least for now. It allows me to stop thinking about the guitar band and ride that one out. And there is a third project planned for Sept where the guitar band will be doing a collaboration with a group of local, also very talented, vocal performance in a unique single date show, for which I will also provide sound support... So, the timing has been rather good for just about everything musical in my life so far. In fact I am headed out now for jobs tonight and tomorrow night. Be well all.

 

[JasonT]

Jeff and Pott - prayers and best wishes to you both.

I obviously haven’t been around much. Between work and family, just been busy like most of you, I’m sure. With two teenagers now, I joined a cover band for some fun. It’s been good so far. Currently, learning a bunch of new songs for an upcoming gig. Still rocking my LIIIs and Reflex guitars. Recently picked up a pretty cool Reflex but haven’t even had time to clean it up and restring it. Anyway, rock on!