Settling in

Today is my 4th day back on board, and we are in Invergordon, Scotland. We had a crew drill this morning, so I couldn't get out until nearly noon. It being too late to go very far afield, I decided to wander around the small port of Invergordon, population 4,000. I visited the Maritime Museum, did some essentials shopping at a local pharmacy, and wandered the antique and thrift shoppes. Its raining out, and I've stopped to have an espresso at a local cafe called the Crazy Horse. So far it is very relaxed for its name. I've decided to stay for a pot of tea as well, always welcome on a rainy day and when you're fighting a bit of a cold as I am.

Yesterday Nick and I had a really great day in Edinburgh. We decided to make the trip out to see the Royal Yacht Britannia, which is docked in exhibition there. It was the personal Yacht of Queen Elizabeth for decades, and she and the royal family and countless dignitaries traveled on her, all around the world. It was really interesting to walk the decks, from the bridge to the engine room, and all the royal rooms in between. The Queen's room itself is quite modest, really, but so elegant and immaculately maintained. I found it interesting that she and Prince Philip slept in narrow single beds in adjoining cabins. The royal dining hall is the biggest room on the ship, and it is incredible to think about who has dined and been entertained there. I found it interesting that many aspects of our ship are inspired by the Royal Yacht, such as our officer bar being called the wardroom, and even the color and design on the ship. After our tour we had tea and scones on the upper deck now known as the Royal Tea room. It was a really lovely day out.

We had our first normal show night last night, our first real test as a band to perform together under pressure in the theatre for a full guest entertainer show. We did well, and I felt very proud to be playing with this band. After the show Tim said, "we've finally graduated, we are no longer a college at sea!" Which basically means no one is needing to learn as they go, everyone is pulling their weight and no one needs to be babysat. Its a great feeling, and so rare to have everyone come together and have each member be strong and reliable. We did it! I think its going to be a great contact. Both our new members are great. Manuel, on bass, from Argentina, is solid, intuitive and can really groove. He's happy playing upright bass as well, which is a bonus. He's very friendly, about my age, and often speaks in American slang which confuses me. Where he picked it up I have no idea. Films maybe?? Frank, on trumpet, is Czech, from Prague. He seems to be great all around, I've really noticed how musical he is. I love executing phrasing, dynamics, and articulations with him already. Apparently he runs a Cuban band back in Prague. He's a bit older, maybe 50, very friendly and easygoing. I think he's going to be great as he continues to settle in. So those two are our new members. As a reminder, the others are:
Tim: English, 40's, musical director, alto sax and doubles.
Bryan: American, 31, tenor sax and doubles
Gianni: Italian, 45, drums
Vlad: Ukranian, late 30's, guitar
Dusty: American, late 30's, piano
And me!

Here's to a great contract with all of you fantastic musicians!
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Back to Work!

I spent the last few weeks at home working on my new house in Running Springs. There was and is a lot of work to be done, and I have been lucky to have so much help with it from family and friends. Everyone has really come behind me to help me get the things I need. When I look around the house I marvel at how many things were graciously given to me by friends and family and people I've met. Its now just about ready to move into, but now my time is up, and I'm broke, so its back to work. Another reason I'm broke is that I invested in lasik surgery while I was home, and can now see without my glasses! Its amazing, I'm so happy with it.

While I was home I was also lucky enough to have some good family time with my Grandpa Kopecky before he passed away, and then was able to attend his memorial services up there in Grass Valley. I'm so glad to have been able to say my goodbyes and have some time with him and our whole family together before he went to be with the Lord. He was honored by a military service which was very moving.

So now I am back on the Queen Elizabeth, for my third contract. I was able to come out a few days early and spend some time with Nick's family. They spoiled me and took me sightseeing all around their area. I got to see Winchester Cathedral, Swanage, Corfe Castle, and Longleat. We stayed very busy! Nick's little niece Hope likes me much more than she likes him, which is very entertaining. I joined the ship yesterday, and had a pretty easy night, due to the timing of a live stream of the Opening Ceremonies of the London Olympics, which they showed in the theatre for the guests. So we only had time for one early half-hour Welcome show. Finished by 8:20pm, what a great deal! I got to relax in bed and watch the Opening Ceremonies, which were spectacular!

Also because of the Olympics, they've set aside one of the lounges for constant viewing of the events, which means its one less venue that needs to have music in it, resulting in less work for us over the next couple of weeks. Today we only had a 12:30 Dixieland set in the Garden Lounge. One hour's work and done! Its nice to be eased back into heavy playing this way. So far my chops are doing okay. I prepared enough in the weeks prior to coming back. Tomorrow will be our first normal night, with a full rehearsal and two late shows. But for now, I'm kicking back and getting all moved in to my cabin. I'll write another update soon about the changes here and new band members.
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