Spring Has Arrived in Greenwood, California

Not everything about living in Greenwood is paradise. But spring is. Today was a Sunday to remember. It began with help from my close friend, Mike. Monica had given me permission to cut down the cedar tree that--thanks to plenty of water from our leech line--had grown to a majestic height. But it was also blocking all sun to our garden. Monica couldn't watch--not for sentimental reasons but because she feared the worst with my amateur chain saw skills and the narrow swath of our backyard that I had planned for the cedar to fall into. She said that it could fall onto the flower bed if necessary, but the unfortunate curve of the trunk and the lean of the tree had it heading straight for our back deck. Soon into the adventure, our friend (and bass player, and much younger) Jessee showed up in time to offer some sound advice on angles, depth of cuts, etc. The tree laid down just as we had planned, we retreated to the house for splendid mamosa's (orange juice and champagne) and Lucy's pancakes--nicely accompanied by strawberries and coffee. The temperature outside was perfect with an even more perfect light breeze. We then headed off to the studio for a couple hours of band practice. Oh what a day!