Two performances with the GCNE (recently renamed). The first was at an Early Childhood Learning Center (alternately, a daycare center at one of the GCNE members work place. Or, as we took to calling it "toddler town" or "baby jail"). This was so much fun, I can't begin to express. Mistakes were made in performance, but the energy was palpable and fun. FUN! Hard to believe I can have fun performing, but there you go. The kids ranged anywhere from 1 or 2 years old to 9 or 10. During the performance, there were three basic groups of kids:

- Those that were focused on us playing, some with quite serious looks on their faces, others slightly dumbstruck.
- Those that were really into the music, bobbing and bopping along (even some dancing!)
- Those that were running around, sometimes listening, but otherwise having a grand old time.

There was one child who was crying and miserable on the way in, but as soon as we started playing, he was with us all the way. And when we payed Thrak, we really had them. One of the ladies who works there thanked us on the way out for understanding that the children weren't going to sit still. I thought that was half the fun of it.

The second gig was at Martin's annual Luau. Hot, hot, hot, as it was the last time I was there. And again, a lot of fun. So much available in this team. I noticed that, unlike some times in the heat and humidity when it tends to drag you, this time felt much freer. I was practicing some things at home beforehand, and they were just flying and crisp. The show had its share of gaffes, but overall, good quality.

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Getting more things arranged for the next week. I may need to take an emergency trip to Pittsburgh for a separation project.

Reasonably good weekend. Friday was a long workday, followed by a trip down to see my sister before she left for Colorado. Fun catching up with some friends of my sister around the campfire. Lisa was wiped out, so she stayed home. Missed the YGP meeting Saturday for my niece's birthday party. Nice liesurely day with family, friends, and about a million kids. Both Lisa and I were pretty lethargic. Sunday had us do a bit of gardening, and a trip out for Tibetan. Unfortunately, the tibetans were at a Tibetan festival, and so were closed. The next option, pho, was closed as well. Third option was a sushi place that had garnered all sorts of "Best of Connecticut" awards, that was decidedly average. We'll try it again, just to see. After a nap, I was off to Boston for the NEGC meeting. I left a little early, so got there 45 minutes early. Warmed up with Hammerhead variations, some Askesis, and B2E. Martin arrives, and we chat for a bit. Eventually, to the practice room, where we work on Third Relation, Calliope, Eye of the Needle. Some quality circulation work - how to bring this quality to the YGP? Playing the intro to Third Relation & Calliope "perfectly" - more really good work, I know how to apply this to the YGP :). Work on Askesis - I have no clue yet how to play this in context, but it is available. Work on Hope as well. We end up the meeting at around 11:40 PM. Long drive home at that hour.

Monday was getting back into the swing at work. Dragged in at 1:15 AM and up at 5:15, 6:00, and 7:00. Dragged all day. Went to our usual sushi place to wash away the memory of the one in Middletown. The dog is still pretty bad with itching. We need to look at things like laundry detergent and see if changing to a different one helps him.