Thanksgiving Day

I hope you all had a wonderful time with family and friends, or even if on your own you celebrated in your own personal way - even if it was a TV dinner and TV or shopping OR STITCHING!

I was at my sister's house with my Dad, she and her husband, and her 2 son's families making at total of 13. After some debate, I took mixed vegetables and added a package of frozen corn to them, and fruit salad. Since I only brought home a couple of servings of each, guess that was a good choice. Irritatingly, the beautiful red delicious apples I bought to include had almost no taste and had apparently been way too cold at one point as they were riddled with brown to the point I there was very little of it I could even use. My sister provided a quite scrumptiously tart Pink something apple to make up the difference and some blueberries. The other apples are going back to the store for $1.80 refund! The guys rushed through dinner so they could watch the Cowboys game, leaving my sister and I to do the clean-up. Her DIL might have helped had there been room, but did stay and chat. Dad wanted his pumpkin pie immediately following lunch (so he could eat it while watching the game), but she didn't even set the desert out until AFTER most everything else had been cleared and put away - to make room for the pie to BE set out. Good for her!  At her direction, Dad was first in line. She had made a him a separate no-sugar pumpkin pie, but I don't know why she bothers. He took an equally large slice of sugar-loaded cherry pie and drowned both with ReadyWhip. Her 5 grandsons, ages 12 thru 19 and have absolutely avoided all interaction with us since they were toddlers (a BIG bone of contention with Dad - I doubt any of them even know my name) rushed in immediately, jostling for position behind Dadm for more than their fair share of each pie with requisite heaps of ReadyWhip, and rushed out just as quickly. There turned out to be plenty of pie, but only because the women either didn't eat any or had much smaller pieces. I found the rush and pie-grab by her the non-interacting grandsons particularly irritating. Grandmother and and parents just brush it off as teenage male behavior. I call it totally spoiled, utterly undisciplined, and downright rude.  Because of the cinnamon and gingler, I couldn't eat any of the pies but did nibble what little cookie I could from around the embedded M&M's and added a dollop of ReadyWhip to a cup of coffee. My sister put together a couple of servings of turkey and dressing with some gravy for each of Dad and I. VERY APPRECIATED!! We left at half-time in order to be home before dark. It was still in the 3rd quarter when I dropped him off, and though by then definitely dark, the very last pink of  sunset was still on the low horizon as I turned in my drive.

Henna, who finally wandered out to see who had dared to enter her domain, was displeased I hadn't been home to feed her on demand and to use my lap as her favorite napping spot. She even turned her nose up at the bit of turkey I offered by way apology.

For anyone who read the originally posted version: the noisy motor on my fridge seems to have resolved itself. WHEW!!

Live moves on

As it always does. Thank you for your kind comments. The 2nd was another sad Anniversary - the last night I saw Brulet. I heard a cat meowing outside yesterday. I stuck my head out the window and called to him, then sat down and cried a while. Later I took Dad and met with my sister to visit a senior residence center much closer to her house than mine, and only 4 blocks from one her son's home.

I Miss Her

Today would have been Mother's 87th birthday.  My Dad's 89th was last week. We always celebrated them together over Labor Day Weekend. She's been gone 26 months and each day
 hurts just as much as that first one.

Dad to Receive 25-year Library Volunteer Recognition

 A few months ago Dad told me he'd been asked, along with a few other volunteers, to pose for photos to be used in Library posters. I've seen a couple at my local branch, but not him. Last week he learned he's to be recognized for his 25 years of volunteer service serving on boards, teaching computer and genealogy classes, etc. . BTW, he's 89! Please read the article to see what he's done over the years.

Rather than stitching the past couple of weeks I've been reading cozy mysteries (it's stitch or read - read or stitch), am working on certification in Auxiliary Emergency Communications (ham radio operators to assist in disaster situations where most or all public service, relief agency and general communications are down), working on a couple of FEMA Independent Study courses, and MAY be taking a 3-day Train the Trainer class the end of this month. By the time I found out the dates registration had closed, but there may still be a couple of openings.  I go from plenty of time to stitch or read to a LOT of things I need to get done in a short time frame, and back again! What I REALLY should be doing is cleaning house!

WIP Update

Current status of Welcome Friends. I knew I wouldn't like stitching on the Aida 14, and I definitely do NOT,  but by the time I was hating it I just didn't want to start over. It's so stiff that in trying to "sew" a few of the stitches the needle bent. Ive decided to omit the top and bottom sections and just stitch the area including and between the horizontal vines above and below the grapes. I may leave out those horizontal vines as well and end up with an oval or circular design instead.

A very sad day for my family. Mother died two years ago today. I miss her more than ever. I remember clearly that last Sunday I visited her. If there is one day in my entire life I could do over it would be that one day. I would really LISTEN to what she was really trying to tell me then rather than being cheerily upbeat when she suddenly got uncharacteristically serious, only realizing in retrospect why she was being serious and loving her so much more for trying to make me understand. When I obviously didn't, she said nothing more. I so so wish she had. My failure to really listen and understand, and spend so much more time talking to and comforting her is a regret I will always carry with me.  I would give everything but my family  just to have a few more hours or days to be with and really listen to and talk with and hold my Mom.

My Dad tripped on the step of a porch and took a flying hard fall on to the driveway in mid-May. He claimed, only half in jest, that someone was trying to keep him from driving back to Kansas City (he's almost 89) the next day. How he did NOT break something even the doctor doesn't know, but he was badly skinned, bruised and swollen for over a month as a result and is still having some issues. Had he left when intended he'd have been in the middle of the Oklahoma/Kansas tornado outbreak, so I guess the fall was probably a good thing. However, he's decided he's healed enough and is once again driving over the objections of EVERYONE back to KC. My sister is trying to get him to promise this will be the last time. As he told me the trip last fall was the last time, I don't hold out much hope. If you can spare a prayer for his safe journey, it would be appreciated.

My Sister's Photo in the Paper

You may remember that my sister does volunteer work with Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas, an all volunteer non-profit which collects items from individuals, corporations and groups then packs and ships Care Packages to our troops in Middle East. The Dallas Morning News just published this article. That's my barely younger sister, Betty, in the center  We looks so much alike ... NOT. :D  Click to enlarge and read it. If you've a mind to, visit the Airborne Angel Cadets website and read more about the program, including letters and emails from our soldiers. They REALLY appreciate the necessities, goodies and children's cards and creations they receive. The ACT doesn't get free or reduced shipping rates and spent $52,000 in 2012 alone to do so. Donations in any amount are always welcome. But regardless, take a look at the site. The dedication, work and response is truly inspiring.

Dads

We all tried to talk him out of it, but my 88-year-old Dad INSISTED he was driving ALONE to eastern Kansas to visit an old friend. After putting 1100 miles on the car,  he got home safely a while ago. WHEW and THANK YOU to the Kind and Watchful Gentleman upstairs!

Good News - More Sad News

Alex April 2008

2004

April 2004

My son-in-law, Dan, called Tuesday to tell me he's been accepted into the M.Div. program at Brite Divinity School (TCU). I was unaware he had applied. However, I am very happy and excited as it is very meaningful to him. As he started to hang up he asked if I'd like to have the left over cat food from when they had a cat at the house.

Huh? WHAT??? I asked "Has something happened to ...." which is when I found out DD's 16-year-old Miss Chatty Cat (my name for her) had been missing for 3 or 4 weeks, since shortly after Brulet disappeared. I was disappointed they hadn't told me. Then last night at choir practice Dan told me that Alex, DD's almost 14-year-old Akita? mix had taken a turn for the worst, that they had put off the decision too long (they mentioned hard decisions in August when I last watched over DD's cat and dogs), and that they had asked a vet to come to their home. It turned out to be the same one that had done the emergency C-Section when Alex gave birth to her late-in-life, cruise-souvenir "Pups" in 2008.  Alex was gently released from her pain and the infirmaties of advanced age in her own back yard, with my DD holding her.

DD has never had to do this before and I know it was something she's been dreading for a long time. The decision was, as is usually for each of us pet owners, sadly inevitable. I've taken care of Alex and Miss CC off and on for the past 12 years (and more recently the Pups) when my DD was out-of-town - sometimes as often as twice a month for a week or more at a time. They have been as much part of my family and my heart as my own furbabies. I have been crying all morning. One of the reasons my DD kept 3 of the now 4-year-old Pups, was so that when Alex passed she would have something left of her. They are her solace. One looks so much like Alex we have all sometimes mistaken him for her. l can't find a picture of Miss Chatty Cat, a beautiful domestic long hair.

UPDATE: A night or so later, Heather got up in the middle of the night and was shocked to see Alex asleep in her dog bed. It was only when she reached down to see if she could pat her that she realized it was the look-alike Pup, who had never before slept in it. He continues to do so.

Videos of Endeavor Landing at LAX - with Music!

NASA TV's edited video:

The 24-piece brass/percussion ensemble, in which my brother plays trombone,  sounded the first trumpet note exactly when the 747's wheels hit the runway. They timed Copland's "Fanfare to the Common Man" to end as the 747 and Shuttle came to a stop directly behind them. The video and sound are excellent!

Vocalist's unedited video of landing and taxi with full version of Fanfare, wind, cheering and jet noises - also excellent! Like and leave a comment for Steve.

FOX News video of the event.

http://www.myfoxla.com/video?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=7752536

Commentary over "Fanfare," then you can hear the stirring version of "America the Beautiful" sung by Steve Amerson, who captured the above on his IPad, accompanied by the ensemble starting at 4:15. Very moving. All of it.

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As for my volunteering at Cowboys Stadium: I had to leave home just before the Shuttle landed in LA, sat around and did NOTHING for the next 2 hours, then folded over the tops of hot dogs in sleeve and stacked them on a tray. (I have a post grad so it was relatively simple to learn and do.) Thursday I volunteered with a different group preparing 3,000 sacks with chips, condiments and napkins for the Staff Rally on Friday - only about 1/3 to 1/2 of which were necessary/used. A LARGE group of 20-something stadium employees (I assume being paid) dropped hot dogs into a sacks just before handing them out as other employees walked past. I sat around and did little or nothing for another hour or two, then helped take the 120 or so left over dogs down to the field. I was pretty sure I'd get lost trying to find my way back to the freight elevator, so I was told I could climb what turned out to be more than a couple of flights of stairs through the lower section of seats to where I could exit out and find an elevator to take me back to street level. Instead I had to climb yet another 3 extra long flights, by which time my legs were rubber. To my surprise, I didn't drop dead before I got to the car.

Brother to Play at LAX Space Shuttle Endeavour Landing!

Endeavour Space Shuttle is scheduled to land about 12:45 PT (2:45 CT) at LAX, and should be broadcast LIVE on some stations. The brass and percussion ensemble Jim will be playing with will perform "Fanfare to the Common Man" by Aaron Copland with the first note at "wheels down" and "America the Beautiful" as dignitaries disembark at the hanger. Aaron Copeland's classic "Fanfare" is recognizable and  very moving. It was featured in "Saving Private Ryan," and other films and on TV. You can hear the Marine Band version here: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib /ihas/loc.natlib.ihas.100010429/default.html

 
I'd already volunteered to assist at a Cowboys Stadium Staff Kick-Off Rally today from 2:50 to 10pm and won't be home. Given my druthers, I'd be in LA with Jim!  SO WISH I COULD BE THERE (or at least see it on TV! - maybe the landing WITH MUSIC will be repeated later on the news.)

Still sad news & Exciting News re Brother

Sad: I have not found Brulee and am trying to accept I will never see him again. I still call when I'm outside or driving down the street and check the Strays list at Animal Services daily. I just keep really expecting him to show up.

Exciting: My brother, Jim, did some or all of the arrangements and will be part of the brass ensemble that is to play at the official welcome at LAX when Space Shuttle Endeavour lands in LA on Friday!! Way to go, Jim!!

Disappointing: But unless it lands before 10am there, I won't be able to see it as I'm scheduled to volunteer at Cowboy Stadium for some sort of Cowboy Stadium Staff Kick-Off Rally. I hope someone records the Shuttle Landing and Welcome!! That's soooo much more exciting! Maybe I can talk Jerry into showing it on the JumboTron?

Brûlée has been missing for a week

Brûlée is 16 or 17 years old. He is tall, very long and very lean. I adopted him in 1999. The vet said he was around 4 at the time. He'd been found wandering around a super market parking lot. He kept Maahing and reaching through the cage door trying to snag anyone who walked by to love and pet him. An Animal Services volunteer kept changing the euthanasia date hoping someone would adopt him, and persuaded me to take him. He's been an interesting and wonderful cat. Neurotic and needy, quirky and I would call him God's way of teaching me patience. He'd Maaah so loudly and so often that I converted a classical tune that I would sing and his MAAHS would fit in as part of. Until recently, he wanted / had lay between my knees if I was sitting in bed, on my shoulder and sometimes on my face if I was asleep. I thought his recently less dramatic behavior was him giving up after I forced him to stay inside when he desperately wanted out combined with all the chaos next door with new owners, new roof, city tree trimmers in our yards for 4 days, renovations with lots of people he didn't know. But I realized he might be ill. I'd planned to take him to the vet last Tuesday. I last saw him Sunday night. I had to go looking, but not necessarily unusual. He appeared from the bushes up the street, not unusual, but rather than let me get near to herd him toward home he ambled into the neighbor's back yard. I figured he'd be home in a few minutes. Hour at most. I thought I'd let the window open enough for him to push it open if he showed up while I was gone on Monday. I got home after dark and discovered I'd closed it too tight. I called and called and walked up and down the street. My neighbor insists he saw Brulee Monday headed home after I'd been out. Somehow he disappeared in that 50 or 75'. Did the possum I discovered eating the food I'd put on the window sill for Brulee frighten him off. Did someone manage to catch him? (I find that hard to believe). Did another wild animal get him? Was he scared so far away he can't find his way home? Did he wander away to die? I don't know. I've walked up and down the street dozens of times calling. Driving the neighborhood. Talked to anyone who was out, but no one has seen him. My neighbors, who all know him, can't figure it out either. I've been watching the Animals Services Strays list. I've listed him on their Lost & Found. I've called or dropped flyers to nearby vets. I have new flyers to put in mail boxes. I don't know what else to do. I feel so guilty not realizing he might have been ill and needed to see a vet sooner than I realized. I should have tried to get in Saturday morning rather than think it could wait until Tuesday. Have I done enough to try to find him? I just know IF he could come home he would have before now. Now he's gone. I don't know where. I don't know why.

My heart is breaking.

New Project

I originally blogged the following on February 23rd but somehow never posted it: This explains the Sunflower project that still languishes. I'm having a lot of problems with my eyes and hunting down small sections and confetti stitches to complete is more than they want to handle.

Last spring I discovered Mom trying to stitch a pillow kit from the photo graph as she'd misplaced the chart. She'd just started. I told her I'd bring the picture home to see if I could rechart it on PM. Noooo way, I quickly discovered. So I emailed Janlyn asking if there was someone just to purchase the chart. I got a kind email saying they would mail one to me, free. I called to let her know, but she'd had a bad reaction to a medication that never should have been prescribed for her in the first place. A couple of days later Dad found her unconscious ... Sadly, the chart was mailed the day my Mother passed away. I brought the kit, minus charts, home with me with the intent to finish it for her. After deciding my next project, I came across it instead. So far I've got the center of the center sunflower stitched. I had to start over. First the fabric was too small for the entire pillow and obviously did not come with the kit. It looks like linen aida and is a natural rather than the kit's white. And, to my dismay, I simply could not figure out which section of the chart mother had started on.  I now realize it was foolish to cut the fabric into a square. I kept her start on the fabric, but now it's on the edge, when I should have left that long and included it at the bottom of the design in her memory. I need to find a creative way to still display it when I finish the center part of the chart.

New Freebie Bookmark

In Honor of my Mother and in Appreciation for over 20,000 Hits on my Blog

My Mother made hundreds of bookmarks for church bazaars, family reunions, and other occasions during her lifetime, often designing as she stitched along.  I've attached many to my bedroom walls (needless to say an eclectic assortment of photos, cross stitch, and original art) with a push pin rather than use for the purpose intended. This verse was particularly meaningful to her, as it is to me, and this holds place of honor on the wall right next to my bed.  Provided you include the copyright information, the chart is yours to share without restriction.

• Stitched on white 14ct Aida, stitched area 92w x 18h 
• Finished size of fabric (stitching plus necessary extra rows) apx 7' wide by 1-1/8" high
• DMC colors used:  907 (light green), 905 (darker green), 725 (topaz) and 315 (deep mauve). Or chose your own.
• 9" length of 1-3/8 grosgrain ribbon, burgundy or your choice
• Lightweight fusible webbing just one row smaller than fabric
• Center stitched piece with webbing on ribbon. Iron. Notch ends of ribbon.
• Be sure to add a French knot above the "i" in "with." Just realized I missed it.

My Cousin's Obituary

William "Bill" Anthony Hensley 
(July 15, 1945 - February 8, 2012)

William "Bill" Anthony Hensley, 66 of Mounds. OK, passed away on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at his home. He was born on July 15, 1945 in Burnet, TX. to Marion and Earlene Hensley. He was grounds keeper for Greenwood Cemetery. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era. He was of the Baptist faith. He enjoyed camping, fishing, and spending time with family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Earlene Hensley. He is survived by his wife Beverly (Tyler) Hensley of the home; children, Robert Jones of the home, Janet Smith of Sapulpa, OK., Tracie Miller of Ravia, OK., Kimberly Parizon of Decatur, TX., Jonathan Jones and Jamie Jones both of Mounds, OK., and James Hensley of Ramona, OK. ; 21 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and sister, Janet Nunez of Erath, LA. Visitation will be held from 6-8:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 12, 2012 at the Smith Funeral Chapel, Sapulpa, OK. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 13, 2012 at Smith Funeral Chapel, Sapulpa, OK. Officiating will be the Reverend Stephanie Sargent. Bearers will be Chester White, Danny White (Rossie), Mark Roberts, Tony Roberts, Curtis Parker, Billy Smith, John Brooks, Billy Raye Young. Honorary Bearers will be Wade Jones, Marcus Tarter, Thomas Miller, Cody Jones, Angel Garcia, Clyde Smith, Sean Keen, Lance Keen, Joshua Hensley, Colby Jones, and Jonathan Jones, II. Interment to follow at Mounds Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Smith Funeral Home, Sapulpa, OK.
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His mother was my mother's sister. I had no idea he had so many grandchildren or great-grandchildren. The long drive and wintry weather prevent some of us from attending the funeral today.

Shipping GS Cookies to Troops, New Stitching Project, etc.

http://airborneangelcadets.weebly.com/cookies.html  A wonderful volunteer organization my sister actively participates with. If for no other reason, you might read about their endeavors and the appreciation they receive in return.

I've been under the weather for some time. After 2 rounds of antibiotics, I've got a specialist appt next week. And in testing for this one, something else showed up. Unless told otherwise, I'm putting that one off for now..

Stitching: I just picked up the ABC's of Aging by LK from my LNS. Anyone stitched this already?  I didn't realize it was a "kit" so a LOT more expensive than I expected since I thought it was just the chart. But at least it'll have fabric with it, right?. WRONG. Instead Weeks and CC threads and some DMC I have no need or want of.  Since I ordered it without asking enough questions up front, I felt obligated to plunk down $34 (including tax) for it. Most I've ever spent for any needlecraft project. And I STILL have to decide what I have around here to stitch it on as fabric was going to be another $15. Good grief! I finally started stitching a Columbine bookmark I received quite a while back as a PIF. I'll PIF, well worn chart and some of the DMC theads, as soon as the stitching is complete. I'll post that separately later for those interested. I'm stitching on 28ct natural linen banding as all I received was the chart and some threads as well. It's lovely, but I don't look forward to all that backstitching, 

Sad family news: My just-older first cousin passed away this week after a long battle with cancer. His funeral is scheduled on Monday in Oklahoma, a 5-hour drive. Some of the Texas family may go, and I should, but predicted wintry weather may preclude anyone from here from attending. Though very ill, he insisted on coming to Mother's visitation and funeral last June. He should never have made the trip and could not make the funeral after all. He's the first one of my generation to pass - a very sobering and sombering reality. His sister has been battling breast cancer at the same time. She is not well either. RIP, cousin Bill. Prayers and good thoughts for their family are much appreciated.

First Christmas Without Mom

Of course brought aching hearts and many tears. She passed 6 months ago yesterday. My DD, her DH and I attended Christmas Eve services then went to Dad's close-by house to enjoy what's become a traditional lasagna dinner my DD had made. I took a loaf of  tasty Asiago cheese bread that was made even better with butter and garlic salt. The combination was really good with lasagna! Then Dad decided to try it with peanut butter, and declared it yummy as well. Christmas morning it was back to church. Then afterwards to my DD's where she served BBQ brisket and cheese potatoes, my sister brought cole slaw, rolls and wine. Dad brought his French beans and stewed tomatoes mixture along with the traditional family "float" - one that began at least as far back as his mother in the 20's and 30's - likely passed down to her as well. It's similar to Eggnog but without the nog and a billion times better. By request, I took Velveeta (for Rotel dip) and some chips. DD had also made a pumpkin cheesecake of her own concoction and gluten-free chocolate cookies for herself and flourless peanut butter cookies for me, who is allergic to chocolate and most spices and thus couldn't eat the pumpkin cheesecake - though I did try a teeny nibble. It was delicious. As strange as it may seem, as we got in the car to leave I turned to my Dad and said something like, all things considered "It was a good day."  He thought a moment then agreed. We managed warm and cozy despite Mom's keenly and deeply missed absence. Sadly, in our own continuing grief, we keep forgetting my SIL lost his mother only 4 months ago as well. She lived in Florida and I had only met her briefly twice. I hope both mothers were looking down and feeling very proud of us all. A Blessed and Happy Christmas, Mom and Barbara!

Progress on PS 1993 Santa

I made these two on the left into very small ornies to go on the 18" Christmas tree I'd given my DD back in college that I had made other small cross stitch ornies for years ago, only to discover that this year, for the first time in 20, she'd used little store bought ornaments instead.  I gave Dad the Bah Humbug ornie I'd initially intended for myself. Thankfully, he chuckled when he saw it. I'll make myself another. No photos. I didn't like the way they turned out, even pulling one apart and starting over on Christmas Eve, so I'm going to have to come up with a better way to make them.

Stitched for hours today

but got no where. I haven stitched a thing since May. I'm trying to finish up a PS Santa I started last spring. Apparently absence destroys one's ability to count. I had to start over twice. Then I did not like the contrast of the pineapple colors against the Fiddler's lite and took out all of what little I had stitched. In the end I spent 4 hours stitching and frogging (watching several TV episodes on On Demand) in the process, and am back to where I started. At least I picked up the needle.

Photos of my brother at the recent UT Arlington Jazz Band Alumni Concert.

Photos of My Brother - the musician

I added some additional photos of my brother in my Webshots album. One his his recent gigs was the Kim & Kris wedding. I suggested perhaps the K's would invite the orchestra back for "I'm Divorced & Available" party. Did anyone even think that one would work? I gave it 3 months. And I don't even watch the show!

My Brother Gets His Pick of Mom's Humpties

My little brother, Jim

Picked up Jim at DFW this morning with Dad and visited briefly. When we had gotten back to Dad's house, I spread Mom's Humpty Dumpties across the bed for him to choose from (see previous blog posts). He remembered them being bigger. I told him indeed they used to be at least half again as big and stuffed a lot full and didn't know why or when Mom had started making them smaller. I've promised myself I'll make some that are bigger and stuffedier, more like my grandmother made them when I was little. Without any prospect of grandchildren and the great-neices and nephews already supplied and having outgrown them, I don't know for whom, but I may just for myself. We'll see. But for now, Jim has his pick between 9 of Mom's Humpties.

Because he's only home usually once a year, his schedule of visiting and family and friends is crowded - particularly this time since his visit coincides with the Alumni Jazz Band Concert at UT Arlington - the first time he'll be participating since he graduated and moved to LA in 1981.  My sister has already taken off tomorrow so she can spend the day with him, and he has other activities already planned as well. He'd suggested we get together tonight, but having overheard the plans and after Jim konked out from exhaustion, Dad commented to me that everyone was going to get to visit with Jim except him - despite the fact Jim is staying with Dad and they'll likely spend late into the night talking. But Jim's the son and Dad is 87. He only gets to see him when Jim comes home as well.  So I told Dad to visit with Jim tonight instead, that Jim and I would find some other time to get together before he leaves. I hate that he lives so very far away, will never move back, and is so busy he rarely gets to stay more than a few days - and we're very lucky he does come to our back home to visit. It's not been "home" for him in 30 years. When he does, he has to decline performance and recording gigs as well as some quick-turnaround arranging jobs to do so. Because of his schedule, trying to visit him in LA is, therefore, just as problematic. Can you tell? I miss being around my little brother so very very much.

The UTA campus newspaper published a brief article about Jim and the concert yesterday.