Bon Annee! ...Happy New Year

Good Afternoon Garlic Fans, we hope you are having a most enjoyable Holiday season.

It's been some time since our last posting , and, unfortunately, we are still in the

throes of our troubles, namely, a Bulging/Herniated Disc

(L4 for any ambitious med students reading this), and it comes with the added sidebar of Numb Feet, which is stumping the Docs attending to me.

We did the three-injection program this past summer, and, after Shot #2, my symptoms escalated.

Physical Therapy offered some mitigation for a short period, and the various meds given haven't been much use (one of them, Vicodin, actually landed me in the hospital for two-days, with some unusual chest-tightening).

Currently, I am on Gabepentin, which is actually an anti-seizure med that they have had success with, off-label, for neurological issues.

An EMG test is next in order, a testing of the nerves by jolting me with electricity, to see that they are all firing properly, and, based on those results, the next course of action will be determined.

Our goal in the soon-to-arrive 2011, is to get back to writing daily, so, keep you eyes peeled, and bookmarks marked.

The Party-of-Noicans taking majority in the House is going to rival an unending Marx Brothers Film Festival ...

And Mommy Moose is still front-and-center, having feed an Alaskan-sized avalanche of quarters into that "15-Minutes-of-Fame" machine.

Yes, 2011 is going to be fun.

Happy New Year, once again!

With all the BS, and calamities we've had to endure, we'll let Joe Cocker, and The Crusaders, take us out with our nomination that this tune be the official New Years theme.

It's Been, Kind of, That St. James Feeling

Good Morning Garlic Fans

Once again, we have to apology, profusely, for our AWOL status.

It’s been a "when it rains, it pours" situation.

When we last surfaced, at the beginning of the month, we were talking about our ailing shoulder, the Rotator Cuff issue, and relief did come, by way of a Cortisone injection (it took a few days to start feeling better).

Ahhh, but that was only half the story.



We had a concurrent issue going on, with pain in the lower back, that included radiating down into the thigh, or hamstring (sometimes both), and causing numbing of the foot.

While pain, and the numbness, were consistent, their levels were not, ranging for low annoyance, to feeling like the Guerre de Cent Ans was reignited, with sharp, pulsating, crippling waves of pain.

So, off to the Doc's again, from there, an MRI and, I wasn't crazy, as results showed a Herniated Disc (in the L4 region), and we'll be off to another Doc in the coming week, for treatment, that, hopefully, will bring some relief (as "cramping" has entered into the picture over the last week-plus, including giving us a new experience - a foot cramp, while the foot was numb!).

We can't say for sure when we resume regular posting.

Being on the DL of so long, we're going to need some writing rehab, and we may attempt some softball satire in the coming days.

In the meantime, for the moment, we'll let the great Jack Teagarden sing our woes.


JACK TEAGARDEN St. James Infirmary

Stolen Moments

Good Evening Garlic Fans

Once again, a thousand-and-one apologies for our extended absence.

We have not been cleared off the DL just yet, as in the past week, we've had a few Doc appointments, one, with the Orthopedic, that has our ailing shoulder/Rotator Cuff feeling some better, but not all the way.



Between those, and a building, growing list of projects on the homefront, we sacrificed computer time (which included one day of some much needed maintenance).

It will still be a few days before we resume posting (more Doc appointments this week), however, we will endeavor to get back in the saddle at the earliest.

In the meantime, for tonight, groove on the great vocalist, Mark Murphy, who wrote the lyrics to this killer Oliver Nelson tune.

Mark Murphy - Stolen Moments.wmv

All The Things You Are

Sorry, once again, Garlic Fans, for our absence the past few days.

Despite some great PT sessions, the Rotator Cuff issue we are enduring has been kicking our ass, and knocking out our teeth for mumbling about it.



Additionally, the past two days, we've had mid-summer-dog-days heat and humidity, which has made sitting at the computer about as torturous as an infomercial full of insurance salesman.

So, another night off, and, hopefully (with another PT session under our belts), we'll be in the mood (and shape) to write again (notes and half-written posts are building up).

In the meantime, let Paquito D'Rivera (and the great trumpet man, Diego Urcola) give you a wonderful treat.

Enjoy!

Paquito D'Rivera Quintet - All The Things You Are

Only Trust Your Heart

Sorry, Garlic Fans, for the lack-of-posting, yesterday.

We were jammed up on the homefront (as we will be, again, today), and, as a bonus, it as a spectacularly beautiful day ... An Ernie-Banks-Let's Play-Two-Today kind of day ...

There's a good a good Frank Rick column today, on our Ran Kan Kan man, the implications of the his, and the Teabaggers, warped views.

So, until later (either tonight, or tomorrow), here's a tune that will go with your morning coffee, and have you humming its' melody the rest of the day.

Enjoy!

Only Trust Your Heart - Astrud Gilberto & Stan Getz

Ran Kan Kan

Well, we've been trying.

Still hovering on the edge of the DL, it seems we were overly optimistic, after Monday's PT, feeling so good, we worked hard on the homefront on Tuesday, and paid the price for it.

Today's PT session did not give us the relief and comfort we were expecting, so we took it easy for most of the day/evening.

And so much happening, like BP (Better Profits) using the Coast Guard to chase away reporters to chase away reporters, to the crowning, last night, of Son of Paul, in Kentucky, a glowing candle in the Tea Party's "Take Back Our Country" cake.



It seems that Rand Paul is very much against racism, and is is using his 1st Amendment Right to say that while he likes elements of the Civil Rights Act, it really should be left to locals as to who they serve in their business, that they have 1st Amendment Rights as well, and Government shouldn't come in and tell them how to run their business.

Look for this to be a blazing billboard in the days-and-weeks ahead, so much so, likely the Flying Monkeys, of both the Right Wing Freak Show, and the Teabaggers, will be crying like that nerd whimpering about "Leave Britney Alone"

It's a toss-up, if it will be Michelle "Stalkin" Malkin, or Andrew Breitbart who first wails out "Leave Rand Alone!".

Now, if Rand only wants to let Wheel of Fortune drop one letter, he could run with this as a theme song, to show his love of diversity.

Hit it El Rey!

Tito Puente - Ran Kan Kan (HQ last recorded live performance)

My Song

Sorry folks, still on the DLtoday, and, rather uncomfortably so.

Last night we went with his younger brother, we thought we go with the elder this evening, Keith Jarrett



A wonderful song, a duo with the great Norwegian saxophonist, Jan Garbarek

Enjoy!

Keith Jarrett & Jan Garbarek "My Song"

The Image of You

Sorry, Garlic Fans, for your absence the past few days.

We ran into a buzz saw of activity, on the homefront.

And, additionally, we have been on the DL, having injured our shoulder (Rotator Cuff issue, at the moment, with a slate of PT on the schedule, the days and weeks ahead), so we just didn't get to spend much time at the ol' computer.



We are aiming to resume posting this weekend.

Which puts a bit of pressure on us.

What music do we leave you with, something to make up for the lack of posting, something that will have you sit up, and say WOW!

For that we tap Scott Jarrett, younger brother of Jazz legend Keith Jarrett, and a monster, monster ballad.

Sit back and enjoy!

Scott Jarrett - The Image of You

You Won't See Me Cry

It's another day off, Garlic Fans, least we go in the opposite direction, and unleash a full-scale, red-faced rant against the smegma that is Liz Cheney.

We already took one shower today.

And, since we alluded to, last evening, the group B-Tribe (or The Barcelona Tribe of Soulsters), we'll turn things over to them for the night (and highly recommend that you explore their music- kick-ass stuff)

Enjoy!

B-Tribe - You won't see me cry

Tamally Ma'ak (Always With You)

Sorry Garlic Fans, it was another wall-to-wall day, so no posting tonight.

I had, initially, thought of putting up some B-Tribe (also known as The Barcelona Tribe of Soulsters), when I stumbled on "Wonderful Arabic Chill Out Music" and, bust my buttons, it certainly was just that.

The tune, Tamally Ma'ak (Always With You) is from Amr Diab, which Wikipedia says is "known as the Father of Mediterranean Music. He has created his own style which is often termed "Mediterranean Music" or "Mediterranean Sound", a blend of Western and Arabic rhythms."

Enjoy!

Wonderful Arabic Chill Out Music

Milonga Del Ángel

Sorry, Garlic Fans, we be workin' it today, and a wee bit too tired to fire up the creative juices, so, rather than force anything, and it being a overcast, gloomy day (some snow a'comin'), we'll give it up to the legendary bandoneonist (not an accordion!), Astor Piazzolla, and his New Tango Sextet, on a monster riff (you really owe it to yourselves to give a listen);

Astor Piazzolla (1921 - 1992) "Milonga Del Ángel"

Open Doors, But Blocked Sinuses

Good Evening Garlic Fans

Sorry, for the lack-of-posts the past few days.

The relentless cold weather has been playing havoc with our sinuses, to the point it is extremely difficult to feel good, let alone, creative.

So we have just tanked it, staying off the computer, and attempting to medicate, and chill out.

Today, we interrupted our plan, with the need of getting our front door fixed, by a Master Locksmith.

We are planning to be back on duty tomorrow

In the meantime, we start pining, for warmer weather;

Astrud Gilberto - It Might as Well Be Spring

Here's to Life

Good Evening Garlic Fans

We are going to defer posting today, as, for one reason, we be bone tired.

Another is, for today, there was big celebration on the homefront .... A very big day on the homefront ...

As regular readers know, we refer to The Aunt, that we have been caretaker too for these many years, and have had our trials-and-tribulations, ups-and-downs, especially so, most recently.

This past Wednesday, The Aunt reached the age of 97, and today, to accommodate more family members, we had a birthday soirée for her, complete with a custom-made cake, singing (of course) and a birthday tiara for the lady of honor.

Included among the nieces, nephews and grandchildren, were, one great niece, two great nephews, and one great-great-grandchild.

That be some longevity.

It was a marvelous, wonderfully nice day, and she was quite happy.

So, we'll let this gem from Shirley Horn bring this wonderful, marvelous day to a close.

Enjoy!

Shirley Horn - Here's to Life

Caravan

So sorry Garlic fans, we're out-of-gas this evening, and, possibly, coming to be under-the-weather (the relentless cold weather has been playing havoc with the sinuses).

So, rather then force anything, we're kicking back until (hopefully) tomorrow.

We don't leave you empty though ...

Monster track here, from Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers (circa 1962 - Curtis Fuller/Trombone, Freddie Hubbard/Trumpet, Wayne Shorter/Tenor Saxophone, Cedar Walton/Piano and Reggie Workman/Bass).

And, of course, Master Drummer Blakey, who is absolutely smokin' on this cut ...

Enjoy!

Art blakey: Caravan

Jasmine Breeze

Well, Happy New Year, for starters.

At the last minute, we decided to to take the day off, being, well, it was a holiday, and, we had other festivities, namely a family member's birthday to celebrate, and, being here in Boston, we would have broken the law if we didn't sit and watch the NHL's over-produced, over-hyped Winter Classic, at legendary Fenway Park.

As for today, there was nine-inches of snow to shovel, and, after hitting it twice, we were left in a very un-creative mood.

So, we ring in the New Year with a gem-of-a-gem for you.

The YouTube title credits it as "The Crusaders", when, actually, it is Crusader drummer Stix Hooper (who we got to sit behind, and talk with, at a Sonny Rollins concert in Los Angeles, back in the early 1980's), from his album, 'The World Within'.

Enjoy!

Jasmine Breeze / THE CRUSADERS

Where Flamingos Fly

Ah, no posts today, as we ran out of gas.

Better said, we got "froze" out of gas, as it was a bitter, bitter cold a day around these parts, with single digit/low teens for temps, and below-zero windchills, thanks to 26+ MPH winds, gusting into the 40's.

Rest Of Tonight - Mostly clear and windy. Colder. Near steady temperature around 8 above. Northwest winds 20 to 30 mph. Gusts up to 45 mph...decreasing to 35 mph.

As Barry Crimmins would say, it was "colder than Dick Cheney's heart" out there today.



So, rather than grunt, and struggle, to come up with something, we set our minds to a better place, a much warmer place, with the help of the legendary Gil Evans ...

The kind of place ...

Gil Evans - Where Flamingos Fly

Transitions

Good Evening Garlic Fans

Yes, we're popping up for air, this evening, with a few words about our extended absence.

It has been an extremely cumbersome time, here on the homefront, the past week (and more), as the Aunt (soon to be 97-years-old) we have been caretaker to has taken another downturn.

When we last appeared, she had been admitted to the hospital, but only held overnight, as she had been experiencing an increase in her dementia, as well as experiencing a small TIA episode.



She was released from the hospital last Sunday, and, in truth, should not have been.

Overnight, either from the dementia, or, the drugs given to her in the hospital, she lost her ability to stand up, and walk, which, as you can quite imagine, it was a heavy-duty task attending to her, without her walking, and still, heavily, in her dementia cloud.

The situation turned again, very early Monday morning, though in a better mental mood, less dementia, she experienced two additional TIA's in a short span of time, so it was off to the hospital again, and she was admitted, for the second time in two days.

A long talk with her primary doctor (who has been tremendous throughout our journey) that she may be entering her final phase of life and, certainly, more and more incidents are happening, the dementia has been increasing throughout the year, and due to her age, and overall condition, she is not a candidate for surgeries, or major, invasive treatments.

The decision was made to move her into a Rehab/Nursing Home facility (one that we had her in just a little over six-weeks ago).

As you can appreciate, I had more than a full-plate to deal with, and jumping on the computer to post was well down the list.

It is, likely, to be erratic this week, as more tasks regarding the above are already lined up, however, we will endeavor to attempt to put our glove on, and get in the game.

Many thanks to those who passed along good wishes, and vibes, as well as those who visit and read The Garlic regularly, or in passing.

Chase The Clouds Away

Sorry Garlic Fans, our best laid plans gave way to the Homefront, and it may be another day, or two, before we get some posts up.

We had another situation yesterday (Friday, as well) that required getting The Aunt to the hospital, and she was admitted.

It is a dementia-related incident, and the big question that looms is if it is something that further degrades her baseline, or, if it is more of an "episodic" event.

Either case, it is not a positive development, so bare with us here, as to fresh material.

In the meantime, we have a good tune for a Sunday (or, any other day) ... It's Esther Satterfield's monster turn on the Chuck Mangione tune, 'Chase The Clouds Away'

Enjoy!

Esther Satterfield - Chase The Clouds Away (1976)

Wild Is the Wind

Well, as we wrote earlier this week, it's been a rough month on this end, taking us completely out of our game, and posting a lot of goose-eggs.

We hope to begin getting back on track, right after the holiday, with a few new posts (already partially composed - Hint, we'll be inducting a few new Ignorant Dolts into the ranks).

So, on this damp, cool, holiday eve, we've got a tune you can unwind to, perhaps a cocktail in hand, after a night of preparation for the big day tomorrow.

It comes from under-heralded vibraphonist, Dave Pike.

Enjoy!

Dave Pike Quartet - Wild Is the Wind

How Are Things in Glocca Morra

Might as well ask, about there, since there hasn't been much going on here, on The Garlic, of recent times.

So sorry, Garlic Fans, as we have been flat out, jammin' with a multitude of things on the homefront.

When The Aunt was released from short-term Rehab, nearly a month ago, we implemented a Hospice here at home (not that she is terminal for anything other than her age, a few weakening parts, and the advancement of dementia), and that has had us hopping.

In the past week (through today), we've had two, separate, unrelated incidents to deal with that required our full, constant attention, leaving us little in the gas tank to be anything but dog-tired.

We are well-aware of our scant posting, and endeavoring to summon back the mojo, to get back in-the-groove of riffing on some of the juicy happenings going on.

So, indulgence is asked, respectfully.

In the meantime, something to go with your Sunday morning coffee, from Sonny Rollins.

Enjoy!

Sonny Rollins - How Are Things in Glocca Morra