Thank You For Reading This

I spent another day at home. The worst part is that I didn’t get my phone fixed. I’ve been editing and posting pictures fromNERFA and impressed at how well the pictures came out before I damaged the camera lens. My phone camera does something my real camera doesn’t do, give me continuous control of white balance, that makes a huge difference. I’ve gotten better at using the photo editing software. I’m ashamed to say that I didn’t understand what the shadow slide did for a long time.

I’m going out tonight to see Jean Rohe’s album release show at Littlefield. If you are anywhere near Brooklyn, near meaning within two hours, you should go. I changed my Thanksgiving travel plans to be there. Now I have time pressure. I have to catch a 9 o’clock train from Penn Station tomorrow morning. That means I have to get up early after being out late tonight. If I can stay awake I’ll be able to update from the train so you’ll get your Thanksgiving Day edition of Wise Madness.

I just had an aha! Tomorrow I want to write about Jean’s show so today I should write my Thanksgiving entry. I will refrain from curmudging and focusing on the things that depress me; this will be good for my mental health. But I have to do one curmudge first, sorry. I’m listening to the opera station on Amazon Music and they just played Elton John. I’ll switch to Operavore on WQXR.org. That’s better.

Now for things I’m thankful for. I’ll start with the most basic. I have a place to live, a roof over my head. That is something that I have not been able to take for granted. The fact that I can sit in a super comfy recliner writing this a blessing. When I’m finished writing I’ll go into the kitchen and cook breakfast. Most of my life that would have been as unnoteworthy as the air I breathe. I should spend more time appreciating the air.

I not only have a place to celebrate Thanksgiving, but it’s a place that’s become tradition. The best part is that Joe and Emily and the kids want me there. I’m also grateful that I just fought off doubts.

I have remarkable friends, many of them. My therapists said that I have more friends than anyone she knows. My friends are accomplished, I often get to kvell for them.

I have community. When I go to Falcon Ridge and NERFA I can’t walk a minute without being greeted by someone I know. People would feel bad if I weren’t there.

I have medical insurance and I’m seeing doctors! That’s a biggie. Now I just have to get myself together enough to get my eyes taken care of. I have an appointment for a colonoscopy. If that comes out clean I dodged a bullet. It’s been way too long since I had one. The preliminary tests look good, there are no signs of inflammation.

As always I have great music to look forward to, Jean tonight, Sam Reider following Michael Daves’ usual Rockwood show, and Anaïs doing Hadestown, in a few weeks, and ending the month with Deni Bonet. One sad note, I have to miss Nathans & Ronstadt with EFRAT.

I’m back to going to sporting events with Alan. I’m going to see the Knicks play the Wizards next. I have to admit that I’m looking forward to telling Alan “I told you so” about deGrom not just winning the Cy Young Award, but running away with it. He’s stuck in the stone age and thinks Wins are important.

One more thing, I’m thankful that I get to write down my thoughts in a place where others can read them, and that they actually do.

I’m not a Pollyanna, I don’t think we live in the best of all possible worlds or that everything happens for a reason. There are plenty of things I’m unhappy about but it’s good to have a day to focus on the good. I’m thankful for Thanksgiving. Hell it gave me something to write about.

Now I have to get it together enough to pack my bags before I go out tonight. I already printed my train ticket and put it in the bag I always carry with me. I resigned myself to not getting my phone fixed till I get back from Massachusetts. The next time I write I should be on a train to Boston. It’s been ages since I took a long-distance train. I love traveling by rail, something else to be thankful for.