71°f/21.7°C. I think Europe's heatwave is coming here to visit this week! Rained all day yesterday and most of last night, finally beginning to clear.
What a great trip that was to Pocahontas County. It was such a pleasure to see so many old friends...and I do mean old. We are all getting up there! And it was surprising to see how much everyone had aged since I last saw them 3 or 4 years ago. Well, I have too, and I am sure they noticed my many new wrinkles and abundant gray hair! Ah, we were so young when I first came to Allegheny Echoes. All in our 50s and full of sass and vinegar, staying up til the sun came up, sipping on 'shine, singing and laughing and listening or playing music!
Now the conversations are often about what joints have been replaced (used to be joints meant something entirely different to most of these folks!), what medications everyone is taking, where we hurt and why...and everyone is in bed before 2am. What changes time hath wrought.
Which is the reason I very much wanted to go. Time is passing quickly now and I don't want to miss chances to meet up with friends whenever I can. But did I take photos of everyone? Nope, completely forgot because I was too busy being in the moment.
But I did take some videos of the fine, fine music. So here's a taste. First, the Bing Brothers Band. Mike on mandolin, Dave on guitar, Tim on banjo, with Jake Kracke on fiddle and Tim Corbett on bass. These guys will be inducted into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame next April. The Bings, along with my writing mentor Kirk Judd, were the founders of Echoes.
The evening concert featured the teachers and visiting Masters in various instruments and creative writing.
And then later, jams back at the Marlinton Motor Inn, where most of the teachers and students stay, and where many of the classes are held. Classes are also held in various locations in town, as the community really supports this event, and has for the 30 years it has been held.
So I got my music fix, for now. It seems that as I get older I want to hear live music more and more often. That's a good thing, I think.
That old age thing sure has a way of creeping up on us fast. I enjoyed the videos very much.
ReplyDeleteGood day, hug and kiss, Andreja!
ReplyDeleteWell. joints, huh. I never had one. I am the most boring person in the world. Does a titanium plate in my arm bring a bit adventure? ;-)
ReplyDeleteBut I know what you mean. Over ten years ago, my Mom was still there and I was visiting. She pointed to a women, "recognize her?"
A 70+ lady? No. It was my kindy-friend. In her 40´s...
And no. I didn´t walk over. What to say? What did she do with her life??? She sung in church choir!
Glad your music experience was better!
I never tried pot either, Iris. I had my boys so young and back then you would go to jail for having even a tiny amount. Anyway, I can't handle smoke so I was never attracted!
DeleteI have to say, my life has not been boring, and neither has yours!
...keep the music playing.
ReplyDeleteDoing my best!
DeleteIt's shocking how quickly time is passing. You have so many interesting and fun things to be involved in.
ReplyDeleteIt can be an effort, but well worth it to me.
DeleteThis sound like the most wonderful weekend. I know what you mean about getting together with old (and I do mean old) friends. Who knows how many more times that will happen.
ReplyDeleteYes, it comes home to me often as I hear that yet another friend has traveled on.
DeleteI'm glad they had good weather and a nice turnout.
ReplyDeleteIt rained after the concert, not during, thank goodness! The later jams, everyone just crowded under the porches at the motel. Kinda cramped but it worked!
DeleteIt's always fun to spend time with old friends especially if it's been a while.
ReplyDeleteYes it is! And treasured too.
DeleteGetting with old friends is always such a good thing to do. You get to trade memories of previous times. I actually read an article not to long ago that talked about how it was healthy to re-connect with people from your past, so glad you made time to do that. My skin is where I feel old, when I look at skin that used to be smooth and now has age spots, lumps and bumps etc. But, it beats the alternative. I'm currently 75 and most days I don't feel old, but then I look at myself in the mirror and think...yeah you're looking old girl!
ReplyDeleteI admire your energy and spirit! Making it to midnight is a stretch for me at 57! lol
ReplyDelete