March 13, 2026 - Friday
Went for my walk in spite of the fact that we were going to a full day Ukulele Festival. A couple of Sandhill Cranes crossed my path.
We arrived an hour before the doors opened, of course. There were already a few others there, too. We got great parking and hung out with the ukers, always asking “where are you from?” One of the couples is from Beverly, MA. Rich told them that he is the 14th generation of Balch’s from Beverly, MA! The husband said that he had 2 ancestors on the Mayflower. He also claimed that an ancestor of his was responsible for accusing the witches of Salem. 😳 Small world!
We had workshops from 12 to 5pm - all were great except for one that was way over our heads. He talked about playing Irish songs - appropriate for St. Patrick’s Day, but not up our alley. Alice and Bibi introduced him.
The Route 66 couple, Karen and Rick, taught us music theory and had a nice sound. She reminds me of our leader with the Berkshire Ukuele Band back home.
Them Uke Boys from Omaha, NE gave us a lesson on playing riffs and striking chords. We did a SLOW practice run of Tom Petty’s Runnin’ Down a Dream that we would play with them from our seats at the evening concert! After the workshops, we gathered in the concert hall for a group picture.
Rich won yet another raffle - Dunkin Donuts coffee mug. All proceeds from the raffles went to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. ❤️
The “lite bites” provided by Piccolo Restaurant were delicious.
Group photo in the concert hall…
A VIP Champagne Reception with a local uke band playing for our pleasure. They were terrific - one was a harmonica player. They had the group rocking.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/KNbYHz3DTKTDkggq9
The concert was amazing - all of the bands had their time on the stage which culminated in ALL of them playing together.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/uHVp7R3iTEXrAwMd8
Them Uke Boys had the place so revved up that they were dancing in their seats. Those that could get to the aisles, did. ❤️
https://photos.app.goo.gl/n35AqyzBWv4yE2WR7
The climax for me was when we got our ukes out to play Runnin’ Down a Dream with them - felt like being part of the band.
We didn’t get home until 9:30!!! We were exhausted from the 12-hour adventure, but totally thrilled. Neither of us has been to a concert in a very long time mainly avoiding big crowds, so we hope to do matinees in the amazing local theaters back home. One of our favorite budding starlets, Karmella, will be performing in Jack and the Giant Peach at the Colonial Theater. This will be her second stage appearance. She was in A Christmas Carol last year as Dorit Crotchit, tallest child in the front row - big bonnet.
March 14, 2026 - Saturday
Charlotte, Shotsy and I walked at 9. We did NOT do the loops as my body felt like it was hit by a truck after yesterday.
Went to Nokomis to pick up my newly cleaned, oiled, and strung Luna. It is sparkling and feels/sounds better than ever. Rich got me a new strap as well, so no excuses now.
Stopped at Acapulco on the way home for a taco salad. Rich had a Tijuana platter.
March 15, 2026 - Sunday
Sunday morning walk and church on-line to start the day. We are starting to get into the “going home mode” which basically means thinking of all the stuff we have to pack up. Little by little, bit by bit…
March 16, 2026 - Monday
Great day for water aerobics. Air ’n Heat came by for annual maintenance - Cha Ching! Replaced the Capacitor outside within a month of the warranty expiring. Also, need a new coil inside - there is leak of freon! Dang! $$$$
Went to line dancing - the substitute teacher, Holly, really helps us learn more and use different songs - it’s certainly a harder workout.
March 17, 2026 - Tuesday HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY
Terri and Jim were supposed to fly in today, but needed to change plans 😢. No worries - they postponed the trip to April in Lee so we will still have time with them there.
Had to bundle up for my walk at 10 - it was only 47 degrees with wind whipping. We leave one month from today, so we are checking off the To-Do list - everyday. Hopefully, if we manage it right, we won’t be exhausted for the drive home.
In spite of the list, we practiced on our instruments - Rich got out his harmonica for Danny Boy and I practiced my banjolele on the Irish songs.
March 18, 2026 - Wednesday
Temps are in the 40’s again this morning, so no swimming. Walked after a trip to Publix. Yesterday required more clothing due to wind - not that bad today. Just a sweatshirt and long sleeved shirt.
Cancelled our jam today - Jim and Cynthia went to Philadelphia for the birth of their second granddaughter. Laurie and the Art Club (including a few jammers) had a field trip to Sarasota Art District to visit the galleries and have lunch. We are waiting to hear from the Activity Committee and the Board regarding our proposal for an “official” jam session. Changed our name to Stoneybrook Strummers as we will have to limit our instruments to strings.
Did a few things that are on the To-Do list… I’m exhausted.
March 19, 2026 - Thursday
Took my banjolele to Sing and Strum today for a very Irish song list. Lots of fun! Good thing I brought it as I popped my A string on ukulele while tuning. So we have to go back to Jeff’s in Nokomis on Tuesday for a new string.
Started my walk at 1pm in 70 degree heat after 2 hours of playing and I decided to make a pit-stop at Charlotte’s, about a 1/4 mile down the road. I was trying to offer my services to pack up and load her car, but she is way ahead of me. She has a line-up of boxes (large and small) to be filled over the next week. She also has a friend who is a great packer to help load the car. So we visited for a while and she gave me a bag of frozen chicken legs from Costco. 😋 So I turned around and walked back home with the bag. Not much of a walk, but it was great to visit.
