0035--Skiffle in the Rain

The Skiffle Minstrels opened for Big Leg Emma (a great band from the Ithaca area) at a housewarming party for our friend Jeff. Jeff lost his house in a fire a year ago, so it was a very celebratory event.

Jeff had constructed a dance floor in the backyard, covered with tarps. As the rain and wind kicked up (and the Skiffle Minstrels finished their very last song--seen the background of this photo) the show structure started to topple and a bunch of guys rushed in to support it while others grabbed lumber and tools to reinforce the roofing. It was a dramatic end to the set for sure.

034--Grassroots Music Festival

Doing a little catching up here, but Grassroots was a great time--despite some intense downpours when we were camped out on the road Wednesday night (in line for the opening of the gates on Thursday at noon). Had lots of good friends stop by the hang out, talk, play music, strategize, mix drinks, complain about the heat, rave about the bands, etc.

The Thursday lineup was particularly incredible this year (and kind of exhausting, since we also had to set up the entire camp that afternoon). Highlights were Eilen Jewell, Rockridge Brothers, Lucinda Williams, Preston Frank--and too many more to name.

I'm posting a lot of photos to Facebook now, so you can check out more of this event using the following two links:
http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=28071&l=c6a13&id=750297565

http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=29649&l=9c5e8&id=750297565

033--The Garden

Since I purchased a copy of "Gardening by the Square Foot," Ron has been working obsessively on transforming our former hopelessly-horizontal garden into a vertical wonderland. It's a sight to behold and definitely a much better use of space. Tomatoes, beans, four kins of squash (summer and winter), sweet potatoes, honeydews, peppers, eggplants, onions, and more are all growing happily. More transformations are sure to come--including a major overhaul in the spring (which he's doubtless spend all winter planning . . . he even mentioned a potential garden diorama!).

032--Great Blue Heron Music Festival

Spent last weekend camping with about thirty old friends, family, friends of friends, new friends and assorted other folks in Sherman, NY, at the Great Blue Heron Music Festival. (Our friends Rick and Jamie brought their four kids, including Trinity, who is seen here with Ron's accordion.)

The camping was great--the same nice, shady, parklike area where we have camped the past couple of years. We set up two canopies in the center of the "community" and put up our many tents all around the perimeter.

Saw some amazing bands (Avett Brothers, Donna the Buffalo, etc.) and really enjoyed watching all of the kids running around and having a great time.

030--The World's Finest Purveyor of Juke Joint Swing

On Monday night (May 19), we went to the Sportsmens tavern to check out Wayne "The Train" Hancock--one of our favorites. The shows was incredible; Wayne's the real deal and his band was top notch (the bass player was particularly awe-inspiring). Naturally, Ron took the opportunity to chat up Wayne and give him a tour of the SKRRAM club (six doors down). Those of you who know Ron's proclivities will appreciate the fact that he also managed to steal Wayne's lighter. Carey came along with us to the show, and Lisa Forrest made an appearance--as did the guys from 40 Rod Lightning (a band from Rochester the Skiffle Minstrels have played with a few times).

030--Hanging Out with Brian and Cody

Brian (Michelle's brother) came up with Cody (our nephew) came up for Brian to install our new flat screen television--which is reallllly cool. Cody got bored with the whole process, though, so Michelle ended up taking him to the park for a while. They also did a couple of cool paintings and decorated his new T-ball helmet with flames, so he can terrify the competition.

029--Dos de Mayo Party

Had a bunch of friends and family over for our second annual Cinco de Mayo party--a few days early, thus "Dos de Mayo." Lots of good food and Ron's incredible margaritas were enjoyed by all (especially when he made them while wearing a sombrero). Rain hit early in the evening, but we were able to keep a bonfire going to enjoy later in the evening. The night concluded with espresso and a little live music by Ron, Ben, Joe, Patsy, and Michelle. In attendance: Tom and Maggie, Carey, Joe and Patsy, Rick and Diana, Kathy, Brian and Margaret, Mary and Mark, Cousin Art, Roberta (who brought flan--yum!), Barbara, Randy and Shira, Chuck and Beth (with new baby Alexander), Dan, Drummer Joe, Nicole, Ben, Stevo, and probably and bunch more folks that I'm forgetting off the top of my head. (Mr. Columbo also dressed to impress his guests, as seen above.)