This morning is freezing.  Here I sit with a comforter on my lap and just picking some notes on the old banjer.  Working on "Down in the Willow Gardens."  This is my first foray into 3/4 time.

I remember when I had my first apartment.  I was 23 and not yet suffering from OCD.  Just about to.  Well, I have suffered all my life but it hadn't quite eeked into my professional life just yet.  I was working 60 hours a week and making hand over fist.  My apartment cost nothing and we would turn that heat up on the cold New England mornings with little worry about our wallets or the environment.

Oh, how things have changed in my life.

Not working for such a long stretch has made me appreciate things.  The old New England addage of "use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without," rings true during these times.  I have found myself doing that more with clothes and left-overs, etc.  I think in some ways it is positive.  I think in some ways it is starting to drive all of us a little nuts.

The constant has been my banjo, and soon mountain dulcimer.  In the spirit of Frank Proffitt I am adding another tool to the woodshed.  Again, an instrument that I can play melodies on.  That seems to be my niche.

Well of to play some tunes (a good friend of mine was kind enough to explain that tunes were songs without the words) and see if I can't outlast this chilly New England morning frost.

Looks like we have a Pilgrim Killing Winter ahead.