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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