Patty Griffin At The Belly Up

Patty Griffin played at the Belly Up this evening. Sold out, but I got a strategic spot at the bar. Patty came on stage earlier than expected; usually, artists make the crowd wait way too long. Thanks, Patty. A great performance. I expected to hear more of her more popular songs but the Ray Charles song Lonesome Me was worth the price of admission. Obviously, Patty had run out of songs by the second encore so she came out for a solo piece. Great tune but did not get the name.

Visiting Leah

I traveled to visit Leah in Oakland this past weekend. As usual, Leah never fails to challenge me, question me, and tire me out. I got to meet Finley, her new Westie. The 3 of us visited some of Leah’s friends Saturday morning. Patrick and Susanne had a larger dog, Roxy, and a cement pond in the backyard. Finley and Roxy played, with Finley having to work really hard to jump over the 3+-inch grass. The dogs stopped for a drink in the pond, and Finley misjudging and ending up with a swim instead! Everyone laughed except Finley. Then it was time to shop and prep for the evening parties. Groceries, then to a specialty cheese shop. Lots of samples. Party #1 began at 4pm for family and close friends. Leah’s parents, Mr. & Mrs. Tang, always make me feel welcome. I remembered a few of the guests from the 2000 millennium party. Great spring rolls. Yum. Part #2 began at 8pm with Finley going home with Mr. & Mrs. Tang. The little tike was worn out – guess that happens when your legs are 4 inches long. Great conversation and stories throughout the evening. First question: how do you know Leah? (Trick answer haha). Philippe and Hanna remembered me from an earlier Leah visit. Philippe has been up Half Dome 15-20 times with an ascent of 4 hours, on pace with a jog. We won’t ever hike together. I felt so bad when at the end of the evening Philippe gave me a hug goodnight and I said ‘good evening, Miguel’. I had just said good evening to Miguel 5 minutes ago! Ever wish you could reverse time? I also had a great conversation with Pat. The conversation covered several topics: Vancouver, dreams (the sleeping kind), travel, and growth. Pat is working on a book destined to be a best seller. I cannot divulge the topics, but as Pat was describing it I was remembering my past relationships. Everyone will relate to it. Pat will be on Oprah. Sunday was a walk to the farmers market, with a breakfast crepe. Yum. We then looked at a highly priced home in a desirable neighborhood called RockRidge. Back to Leah’s for a late lunch and then off to the airport.

BoDeans Concert

I just got back from a BoDeans concert. These guys have been together for 25 years – this was the fourth time I have seen them. Still great. I forget how good their Love&Hope&Sea&Dreams CD is. And their Outside Looking In CD. I got a cell call from Leah while waiting for the concert to begin. How fitting – I took Leah to a BoDeans concert in 1998(?) at the Coachouse (SJC). I am flying to Oakland this weekend for a Leah party. Always a good time. Some ass was calling for Freebird. That was funny for the first 500 times I heard it. Not so funny anymore.

New Ride - Part 2

Feeling a need to treat me and not liking my current new surfboard, last Saturday I drove to Redondo beach and picked up a Donald Takayama In The Pink 9’6” yellow beauty. The surf shop, Just Longboards, also had used 9’4” for $425 less but again, I felt a need to treat myself. The long drive was worth it, in that I got to see my old Orange County haunts: Redondo Beach, Belmont Shore, Seal Beach, and Huntington Beach. Worth Every Penny! I have had Big Yellow several times in small (up to waist) waves. We haven’t agreed on some takeoffs but the turning in coming around. AND I got a few cross-steps last evening!