Hmm ... it has been a while

This isn't a post just for the sake of posting. It's more like a news release into a black hole. I get the sense that the Waickmans don't check in much, nor share much. I do see Bethany's updates on Facebook, but they are, by nature, terse.

Anyway, here's a brief update from Montana. We are hosting the Notre Dame Summer Service student for eight weeks. Eddie Guilbeau is from Louisiana -- he's here to help with the Food Share summer feeding program for kids. He's an engineering student, player in the ND Band, and an outgoing sort.

This weekend, Ann and I will celebrate our 17th anniversary. I think we've beat all the bets in the pool among Ann's Ohio boating bunch. Also up this weekend -- happy fathers day to Tony, Mark, and Michael! Your fine children are testament to your wise choice of wives.

Just gotta say ...

For many years, I have been privileged to be part of the Waickman clan, slogging through the joys and sorrows that visit every family. I've enjoyed my association with all the Waickmans, often for reasons that remain inchoate even to me. So, I hope with all my heart that my adopted family will understand the import of this very personal announcement -- Ann and I have decided that, at this point in our lives, it would be best for each of us to face the truth and recognize that we should ... this is hard, I know ... that we should ... after so much time and effort that we have invested in our own lives and the lives of others ... that we should ... how does one say "I love you" in a language that speaks to the diversity of our common experience? ... that we should ... well, I'm sorry ... I just can't say.







Cheers.

And April Fool.

Back at the ranch ...

Things have been busy on our side of the Mississippi. In particular, Ann has been going great guns to get the Mardi Gras party going for Helena Food Share. Should any of you be in the neighborhood on the Saturday after Ash Wednesday (which is today), do drop in for a good time for a good cause! Meantime, keep those cards and letters comin' on in!

New Look for The Blog, New Digs for Bethany

Hello all (all...three of us?)

I am celebrating the two-week anniversary of my new apartment! I am based in Boston now (Brookline, to be specific). I flew out here the first week of Jan. and, between little tours and very hospitable friends, spent a merry month wandering address-less. Before coming to town, I sent a note to everyone I knew in the area letting them know I was looking for a place and to keep me in mind if they heard of anything. 

I got a response from a friend who heard about a place from one of the families she works with in an after-school program. Turns out this lady (and her son) had moved out of her apartment over the summer to her fiancé’s house, but because of how her mortgage is set-up couldn't legally rent it out. She mentioned to my friend that ideally she'd like to find someone who could watch her 8 year-old son after school in exchange for use of the apartment. That's me now!

I'm living rent-free in a private apartment in an up-scale Brookline neighborhood. I have room for guests, dinner parties, jam sessions, cooking, the works! I'm ideally nestled between two branches of the T and can walk to practically everything I need (grocery store, bank, cafe, park, my benefactors' house, etc.) I'm living more conveniently than I ever thought possible. My darling parents were even in town a few weekends ago (when I wasn't) and dropped off a lot of my belonging and instruments, so I'm feeling right at home. The people I work for are very sweet and understanding of my fluctuating schedule. Speaking of which...

Even though I'm not paying rent, I still need to buy food (and health insurance). That side of my income is coming entirely from gigs these days. I'm still in two contra dance bands, but have signed on with a more active touring musician. Most of my playing currently is with fiddler and singer Lissa Schneckenburger from Brattleboro, VT. She lives down the street from some musical heros of mine, where I spent many a weekend while I was in school near by. We've had a few mini-tours since Dec. and there are some exciting festivals and bigger trips coming up this summer. For the past few years I've played almost exclusively in dance bands, and it's been a little nerve wracking (but good) to now be in formal concert settings. So far it's just been the two of us traveling and playing, but for bigger venues we'll fill out the band with a bass player and an accordionist. You can get a sense of Lissa's music and see where we'll be in the future at: http://www.lissafiddle.com We were in Maine a few weeks ago and did a brief TV spot to promo the weekend of concerts. It's on-line now!: 

http://www.wcsh6.com/life/programming/local/207/story.aspx?storyid=99327&catid=50

This little update is turning into a novel, so that's all for now. Maybe next time I'll get some pictures together. Hope you're all well.

Take care,

Bethany

A New Look ...

The Waickman Blog has a new look, although I don't think many look at it. Maybe this comely photo will attract more participation. Meanwhile, we're still celebrating the Inauguration of ObamaNation!

Have a fine 2009

We had a fine time visiting in Akron. Many thanks to all the Waickmans, especially our hospitable hosts - Mike & Mary Beth, as well as Mark and Pat. We also enjoyed a fine brunch at the Petrarca home and good times at Marie's. Thanks again, and best wishes for the new year. John & Ann

Merry Christmas!

I'm hoping some of the Waickmans look at this blog now and then. If so, you'll know ... that Ann and I wish y'all the best of holidays. Have a great Christmas, and we'll see some of you in Ohio to help ring in the New Year.