I just realized that it was fifty years ago that I had my first piano recital. Since then I have played in all states east of the Mississippi except 2, and a few states west of the Mississippi. I have played in more denomination than I can count, and a few more bars on the weekend. I have played for Weddings and funerals, baptism, confirmations, and last requests for dying people. I have played organs, all kind of pianos, mogue synthesizer and many electric keyboards. The only organ I haven't played is a Wurlitzer. This is the one with all the drums etc...
I'm writing about this for a good reason. My grandfather, whom I got the music gene from, never told me anything about the piano. He never taught me to play, never told stories of his playing history, nothing at all. I have heard second hand stories, but that was it. He died when I was very young. My father and mother did not have musical ability. My mother felt that if I were young enough to go to school, I could start learning to play the piano. My oldest sisters, and older brother were also taking lesson at this time. My oldest sister and I would would continue with lessons. Every morning,starting at 6am, you could hear my sister and I practicing the piano. I still have my first piano, waiting in the garage to be refinished. For the next 10 years I would take lesson, and once a year participate in a piano recital. The early years were mainly a lot of practice and occasional performance. With all that practice you would think I would have been better. Piano was the starting point for instrumental and vocal training and performing.

I'd like to bash on our medical system once again. For those who work in our medical system this is not aimed at you. The doctors, nurses,aids, and those who work hard in our system are in most cases under appreciated and under paid. These professionals should be paid for what they do, and paid well. It's the system that is broke, not the people. Most hospitals have systems in place to help those who are poor and can't afford medical care. Many doctors contribute to organizations that will help people out. These people are not the problem. There are even some doctor who work their practice like a production line, and as long as they do their job well, they can get a rich as they want. When that doctors level of care diminishes because he is too busy for his patients, then I have a problem. Insurance companies are not the major problem, but do contribute in a major way. I do not bash on them for wanting to make money and a profit for their shareholders. In most cases they are following the law and guidelines set for them. There are those who abuse the system, and they should be held responsible. Then there is our political system where most of our problems are. Our congressman and senators were originally part time, true public servants. Now they are full time, and receiving money from so many resources that money, not intellect runs government. Bridges to nowhere, million dollar toilet seats, and government backed studies in to watching mold grow are the problems. Doctor afraid of being sued for "whatever", when a medical board could determine if there is a problem. Doctors then run tests to make sure they are not going to get sued. Insurance companies paying more in doctor and legal expenses, and on and on...........
In our case, we have had major medical problems and now have insurance, but what insurance doesn't cover is astronomical. It will take a long time to catch up since due to these medical problems my wife and I cannot work. When I look at the bill from her last surgery, the waste is unbelievable. Maybe it is not waste, but I see doctor billing multiple times, and some doctors I don't remember even seeing. If I were to pay cash instead of insurance, my cost would be 50% lower, and discounts to insurance providers make those who have no insurance cost much higher. It's called, "The system", and the system is broke. We need to keep it simple. The procedure done in Maine should be the same price as that procedure done in Michigan. The Cost of tongue depressors are the same, etc....... Companies have the right to make a profit, not to gouge or cheat.

I fixed the lawnmower. To some that might not be a big deal, but to me it is in the miracle department. I was able to get the grass cut before the rain.
One of our local police departments are being investigated by the State Police for a poorly managed evidence room. There is supposedly missing money, drugs etc.... Police being investigated by Police sounds troubling to me. That is like big business writing it's own rules.
Scientist for BP gas are saying that only 3% of the worlds oil pollution is from disasters like those in the Gulf. What they don't say is that 100% of the area is polluted and that is what the locals are concerned about. No matter how much you fine the oil companies, they will just recoup with higher prices to the people they damage. Since there is a cap on how much the companies can be fined, our government will be picking up the tab, as well as lost businesses, lost because of this spill.Once again big business will win and the people will lose.

Monday morning and the lawn mower breaks. Ahhhhhhhh Mondays............What next?