Back in Greenville today, and sure did miss getting Jackson out of his crib this morning. Gosh, what a terrific treat this past week has been, seeing him every day, seeing the routine, getting to know what great parents Cristin and Joe are.

Cristin’s really done some great stuff, not the least of which is training him to get to sleep on his own. None of this “rocking him to sleep” I used to do with Joe. She just takes him into his crib, lies him down with a kiss and a back-pat, and he generally just goes to sleep. Perhaps a minute or two of crying, but that’s it. So, so nice. Also nice that they have a great baby monitor–these are video enabled now, which is so cool.

Now, though, back in Gvl and needing to take care of some business–lawn ...

Two highlights from yesterday on the deck in Surf City

A wonderfully relaxing day here yesterday. Each of these days sends me back 30+ years to a similar routine of getting the baby out of his crib, mellow wake-ups, and ramping up play sessions. Just such a magical way to start the day, and feel so lucky to have these moments again. For sure, Jackson is a happy and easy little guy, just as his dad was; and so lucky that he’s healthy, happy, and has a great disposition. He eats and sleeps well, has great energy and curiosity, and gets wonderful attention and love from his parents (and grandparents). The definition of privilege, and so nice to see him thrive. I wish every child, parent and grandparent had this.

Now to get Jo...

So very happy to spend a day attending to this little guy and putting the news on the back burner. From the portfolio of Jackson in Surf City, 2020:

Best Father’s Day ever soon to kick into gear, as I hear Jackson in the next room, making the first sounds of waking up. I got this.

A great day ahead.

One of the sweetest things about Jackson is the connection he clearly feels with Pattie. He and I spent two wonderful hours together this morning, then Pattie came down at 8:30, and within a few minutes, this (which went on for about 10 minutes, in complete silence:

and since we are unlikely to be with him for his first birthday (July 28), we decided to have a pre-11-month birthday party instead...

The best way to wake up, with Jackson here:

Up too early this morning, but getting some work done in the hours pre-dawn is always peaceful and relaxing. A little writing, then when dawn broke got to a few outside plumbing matters, and was delighted to see the sights above as the job finished.

Joe, Cristin, and Jackson will arrive very late tonight (more likely early tomorrow a.m.), and I think we’ve got the place ready for them. We’ll clean up the deck today, get cable service turned on, hang a few more pix…all easily accomplished with the full day ahead.

Yesterday’s drive here was surprisingly pleasant. Wanting to stop by a Home Depot in Jacksonville, the GPS led us on a very different, backroad route...

Police reform, confronting American racism, rising covid-spread numbers, pessimistic economic/unemployment news, looming election…what a stew.

My nephew’s 38th birthday today, he the eldest of his generation in our family. We really left him and his cohorts a mess; though at this point i imagine the generation that’s 20ish is blaming his generation.

Feeling old.

Cannot wait to see this little guy in a few days!

Back in Greenville for appointments. Will return to the beach on Wednesday, eagerly awaiting our NYers arrival at some point on Thursday. The place is certainly ready for living, but the extra 24 hours will let us get a few more things ready–the one remaining room (my office/spare bdrm), outside faucets, a few more leaky-plumbing spots, set up a tv and get service turned on, etc. Hoping the weather’s nice enough on Wednesday for me to ride my bike down there but we’ll see..

Covid numbers keep rising her ein NC, and in many other places. Yet people seem intent on making precaution-taking into a political issue. I just don’t see the logic in anyone’s arguments about this...

Yesterday was a wonderful day.

Anton Miller, the violinist preparing Six Humors for an ACA Shelter Recording, had sent questions which indicated he was really getting down to the fine details. The questions he asked will help me, alot, in preparing an undated edition for ACA. He has also been very positive in his comments about the piece, which he clearly likes, and is enjoying getting to know. I will save his emails to look at when I’m feeling unsure, as they’re more than encouraging.

After a few productive hours of work on the living space here–slowly but surely checking chores off the list (which is still quite long)–I connected with Chris Nappi...

We enjoyed a fabulous day of distraction yesterday. I spent the early morning doing some comp-work, responding to questions from performers preparing recordings of Anima/Animus (Chris Nappi, the marimbist it’s written for), and Six Humors for Shelter Recordings. The violinist working on Six Humors was someone I’d not known and, like Eliot and Ran who recorded On Balance, he’s just wonderful to work with.

When working with a performer on a project, it’s always via close contact. Together in a practice room or office; at the very least, phone conversations. But given that these are really introductions at a time of pandemic–‘shelter’ being the operative word in this project–the primary mode of connection is written via email...