The End of an Era

Yes, it's been a while since I last checked in, but I seem to finally have the time to do so.
    After a long and frustrating life in the cabinet industry, I have reached the end of that particular road. I turned 65 in September, signed up for Medicare, and have put my tools away. I have yet to figure out how to survive this new reality, but the physical wear and tear was more than this old body could tolerate. Not to mention the demoralizing strain on my mental faculties. Believe it or not, trying to make things perfect in a very imperfect environment is quite frustrating.
    So what's next? That is not an easy question to answer. But we are contemplating a move out of Florida, which is a scary proposition. We have lived in the sunshine state for over 50 years, and like the frog in the boiling water, you get comfortable with the discomfort. We have property in North Carolina, and the associated cost of living seems much lower there than in Florida. The hardest part of that formulation is leaving behind friends and family, I would take them all with me if possible, the easy part would be leaving behind this crazy state. If you live here, you know what I'm talking about.
     So I've been working in the studio lately with a great local singer/songwriter, we've gotten a handful of tunes recorded so far, and I'm enjoying the work. That's always good! I'll let you know when that project gets wrapped up. Maybe post some of the tunes here with her permission.
     In other news, the will McLean foundation has announced the winners of the 2023 "Best New Florida Song" Contest. Turns out a song I co-wrote with Paul Garfinkel, came in sixth place. Paul is an excellent songwriter in his own rite, and has won this contest a few times in the past.  Sorry Paul if I dragged you down in the ratings, but that's what friends are for. That festival is in March, so we have time for the rest of the band to get on board with the tune. Maybe we'll see you there!
     I hope you are all doing well, and staying healthy.
   Be good to each other, it's better than being an asshole! 
       Al