Big Update, Part 3 - Happy New Year

After much planning, hard work and anticipation, the Just Friends New Year's Eve celebration at the Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey was declared a success by the band. Kudos to the band management for all the negotiations and legwork needed for such an event.

Here at the front desk are Giovanni (yes, of Giovanni Live Productions), Manager Jack (keeping an eye on the list), Vince and his daughter Megan, and Pat Roth (keeping an eye on Jack).

I didn't take a lot of pictures, but here's a nice shot of the antipasto table. The Sheraton put out a first-class spread, and we were extremely pleased with everything.

Although Mary and John couldn't attend, my youngest daughter Andrea was able to be there, with her boyfriend Dan and, of course, the newest member of the Rat Pack, Theo (shown here rocking the tuxedo).

Here's Vince, celebrating his birthday, and Theodore, celebrating his first New Year's Eve. Is this the picture of class or what?

Many thanks to our friends and family who attended and celebrated with us. I want to especially thank Mr. and Mrs. McGovern, who spent their first New Year as husband and wife with us, and Rick and Irene Woodard, who came all the way from the West Coast by way of the West Shore to attend. Celebrating with our loved ones made this the best New Year's gig yet, and in the words of the prophet Sinatra, "The Best Is Yet To Come."

May we all be safe, sound and still around for New Year's Eve 2008. It's not too early to plan to celebrate with us next year....

Big Update, Part 2 - PK Has Left the Building

Friday, January 4th, Just Friends played for the Republican County Commissioners ball at the Hilton. This was the last official performance for our very own Parker Kenyon, who after twelve years with the band is moving on to pursue other musical interests. All the best, Hornboy. It's been a pleasure standing next to you for the last decade. I'm going to miss your horn parts...

... and the quiet, dignified air of sophistication you brought to the band.

The Kenyons will still be around, so it's not a real tearful farewell kind of thing. We'll stay in touch, and see what the future brings. Hopefully, more cowbell.

Big Update, Part 1- Farm Show

The Prince is sleeping, having just finished this bottle. I am doing child care today as Queen Andi begins her first week of work as a CNA. We both are enjoying what we're doing. Andi has a real gift for caregiving, and I get grins and chortles all morning long. Nice work if you can get it.

Last night, the long-awaited Feast: Supper at the Farm Show. I don't whose bright idea it was to put this event right after Christmas Cookie season. The only New Year's resolution I have in mind during Farm Show Week is not to get as chunky as the Governor of Philadelphia (as one of Joreen's students called him). Pictured here are the breaded mushrooms and apple cider. The roast beef with horseradish (damn, I'm getting hungry) and broccoli/cauliflower salad were also off the hook. Mary and I just had a potato doughnut. "It's a Beautiful Day in Pennsylvania" indeed.

How about this weather we're having?

Any warmer, and this thing might melt.

Last night was the Giant Chicken Dance/Polka 'Til You Drop event in the new arena, and there I was reunited with my long-lost twin brother, shown in this crappy photo playing bass.

Joreen took the opportunity to videotape the polkateers with her Christmas present, the Flip Ultra camcorder. When Hillary goes to reform health care, she should make sure that all maternity wards issue one of these dealies to every new grandmother in America.