Friday, November 17, 2006

Daily Doins

When you think of it, a lot of little things go in life. I guess they're the stuff of life. After all, how often do we get to do those big, exciting things? No, you'd better enjoy your daily doings because they are the stuff of life. So, here are things that we've been up to lately.


On Sunday, we went up to Almonte to see a performance ofCape Breton Live. For those south of the 49 th, Cape Breton is an island that is the northern part of Nova Scotia. Apparently, there are still a few people there who can speak Gaelic, and some groups still sings some traditional Gaelic tunes. It's rather famous for music, particularly fiddling. That's what these people brought to Almonte, and their performance was quite awesome. For $15/ticket, you can't beat it.



Then, on Wednesday night, we went to a local pub with some neighbours to hear the musicians of Celtic Jam. I've heard them before and blogged about them before, and like before, there were more musicians than audience. Fourteen of them sat around and jammed. This is the group that I would like to join if I ever get to their level with the fiddle. However, after hearing them the other night, I hae me douts that I'll ever get that far. They place pretty darn fast for this novice. However, I downloaded their tune book from their website for potential practice purposes.


Along those lines, I am so pumped that The Rankins are getting back together to produce another CD and go on tour. I was lucky enough to attend one of their final concerts in 1999 before they disbanded. Although the new album will have less of a Celtic sound than some of their others, I'm sure it will be very good. Their last album was beginning to ease into other areas too, and it was just fine thank you very much.


We got the latest pictures of Smudge yesterday; you can see can see them and read about it on Sha's blog. There is still some concern about Down Syndrome, but most indicators seem positive.


However, when scanning and printing the pictures for Sha, my printer decided to act out. I have a 6-tank printer, and one of the tanks (magenta) isn't printing, pictures come out with a decided green cast. Obviously, the printer head is clogged, and I've just spent about $75 on ink. I have contacted Canon about getting a new printer head. The printer is several years old, so if the new piece is very expensive, I might be forced to get a new one although this printer does (or did) a fine job.


Finally: after seeing the documentary, The Journey of Man, on PBS, I am reading the companion book by Spencer Wells. While I don't pretend to get the more scientific material, the subject of our origin and roots fascinates me. It seems that DNA and genetics pretty well concludes that we have our origin in Africa about 150 000 years BP. You can probably get the DVD at your library (we did); it's very interesting. I also have two Photoshop books that I wade through a bit of from time to time … when I'm not blogging or fiddling … or Christmas shopping which we began in earnest with a trip into Ottawa last Monday.

11 comments:

Gina said...

I don't know why it is so exciting when a favorite band gets back together. But it is, isn't it?

I have a couple of groups that I wish would get back together. Sigh.

Anonymous said...

"The Journey of Man" was an awesome series! :) The only series I recall being better is Joseph Campbell's "The Power of Myth".

Probably these days, the only performer I might pay to see is Van Morrison ~ but I appreciate the CD referral for the Rankins. I might just have to pick it up. :)

Peace,

-chani

Anonymous said...

Christmas shopping - done. Online. Whew.

Anonymous said...

Your life appears full of daily doins.. and that is a good thing. :-)

Sarah Elaine said...

Wise words, as usual, AC.

A friend of mine offered me a ticket to the Rankins' concert in January. To say I jumped at the offer might be just a WEE bit of an understatement...!

I belive the words, "Hell, yeah!" tumbled out of my mouth in a heck of a hurry.

Anonymous said...

My great great grandfather hailed from Cape Breton Island.

From all indications, it seems he came to the states to fight in the Civil War.

Judy - www.judyh58.blogspot.com

Ginnie said...

Sounds like a busy day to me! I passed along your idea of down loading the tune book to my kids who play the fiddle. Thanks.

Heather Plett said...

I hadn't heard that about the Rankins yet. Cool! I've heard them in concert a couple of times too and always enjoy their music.

mreddie said...

You folks have really been busy - and Christmas shopping too. I usually wait until the last minute for that latter adventure. ec

karla said...

Oh my goodness. Little Smudge is sucking his/her thumb! And that foot! Makes you want to tickle it doesn't it?

We haven't had a printer for a while now. Mine is about 8 years old (crazy for computers stuff these days I know), but the ink replacements are $50 for black and $60 for colour. I've considered buying a whole new printer in that price range that comes with a pack of ink in it already.

Valerie - Still Riding Forward said...

a lot of little things go in life -
If we don't enjoy doing the everyday things we are miserable all the time...

Not good.

I heart the days and hours.