Archive for the 'General' Category

A Phil’s Phiasco

Our friends Billy and Sarah of Bean Creek called us a few weeks ago saying they needed someone to fill in at their regular bi-monthly gig at Phil’s Fish Market while they went back east to visit relatives. Abbott Family Band to the rescue! We’ve played Phil’s once or twice before as a family, and I’ve played there many times as a substitute banjo/fiddle/mandolin/guitar player. It’s a nice gig, and the food’s really good, which satisfies Kyle’s criteria.

So yesterday, we loaded up all the sound equipment we were borrowing along with our instruments. It barely fit in our Mazda MPV! The speakers, especially, were huge. That, and… Continue reading ‘A Phil’s Phiasco’

Bathtub Thoughts

While sitting in the tub, (with water in it) I had a tub inspired thought (in the tub, the mind simmers as well as the water). We all know that hubby=husband. Well, what’s the wife equivilent? Wubby?

What Would I Rather Be Doing?

Soaking in my think tank (I.e, hot bath) today I wondered about what I’d rather be doing these days than what I’m actually doing… and why aren’t I? First, what would I rather be doing? Well, spending more time  gardening, cooking, and playing music came to mind immediately. Instead, I… Continue reading ‘What Would I Rather Be Doing?’

Poker Night with the O’Briens

Notice the Blog Board behind Janette!

Notice the Blog Board behind Janette! - Kyle

In early July, our whole family was treated to a visit by  the wonderful O’Brien family. We first connected after we were on Trading Spouses. They too were on the show (a different episode). They emailed us and we stayed in contact. This was our first time meeting. We connected so well. It is so … Continue reading ‘Poker Night with the O’Briens’

The Scene of the Rubber Ducky

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Last year, Luke took an improv course at cabrillo college to, you know, meet babes. Anyway, he enjoyed that and so did his fellow students. So much so, that during the summer, they held improv “training” at our house. It was a little odd hearing all the loud screams, elephant imitations, and thumps emanating from downstairs. The neighbors didn’t … Continue reading ‘The Scene of the Rubber Ducky’

Special Delivery!

Yesterday the mail guy handed us a bulging Priority Mail box from Houston, Texas…

What could it be?

What could it be?

Continue reading ‘Special Delivery!’

I Forget to Remember to Forget to Remember

That sounds a little silly on the face of it; let’s see. First, I notice that when thinking ceases, I see things I’ve not seen previously. Thinking requires memory. The advantages of a child’s point of view may stem, in part, from their inexperience, i.e. less stuff to remember. Without some intentional mindfulness, I forget to remember to forget memory. It is fascinating how magical consciousness can be without preconceptions. It is fascinating how easy it is to access this moment to moment wonder.

It is fascinating how easy it is to forget to remember to forget to remember to forget to remember… now this is getting silly.

Luke sings bass in a tux on the risers

Last week (oops, actually two months ago, as it took a while to get this posted) I sang bass in a performance of Franz Schubert’s Mass in G at First Congregational Church:

Can’t see the video below? You’re probably reading through email or a feed reader. Go to the web site to see the video!

Click play to listen. Photos and story after the jump. … Continue reading ‘Luke sings bass in a tux on the risers’

Springtime At the Beach

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These are a tenacious bunch of snap dragon type flowers clinging to the cliffs at the beach. It is a pleasant sight to look up from yoga and see their smiley faces.

Here’s a tiny little one off to the side:… Continue reading ‘Springtime At the Beach’