It's fun to watch your kids come into their own. Earlier this week, Charie' was awarded the "Presidential Scholarship" to Chesapeake College, and now gets a full ride (tuition and books) for 2 years. Yay (and whew!). This with 2 (p/t) jobs, dual enrollment (attending classes at both high school and college), All AP classes at the high school, a new boyfriend (hmmmm), and as much of a social life as she can manage. Sleep?

And, check out the handsome guy in the bottom photo. Robbie (now taller than me) and (long-standing) girlfriend (ouch, says the dad) Brandy, going to the Middle School (8th grade) "formal". Next year, high school for these two, F/T college (and who knows what else) for Charie', and more arts-related adventures for Joe, Jr (not pictured) in North Carolina. Very proud of my family.

A busy week and weekend, the focal point being Beth McDonald's concert at the Avalon Theatre on Saturday night. Shhhhh... don't tell Beth I posted this :) The "green room" is not exactly near the stage, and feels about 6 floors down. If you would have asked Beth a year ago if she had any plans of performing again, she would have said "no" - while smiling at you. Actually, I think she knew that she wasn't "finished", she just wasn't making plans. When the Avalon Theatre reached out to Beth for a return engagement (originally scheduled for February, and cancelled by the blizzard), she had no show, no band, and still no plans - but she did say yes. What followed was a roller coaster ride that resulted in Beth hiring my band (after she hired other musicians on her own, along with me, for the February show, and I was the only one “standing” on the new date after the cancellation), and then, in literally a number of weeks, putting a new CD together of all original material (some of it written during the process). Suffice to say, we've been busy (as life, and numerous other projects, continued while we all scurried around trying to nail this down). What emerged from all this was a solid camaraderie, a genuine team effort, a wonderful new CD ("Take it from Me"), and a performance that warmed the hearts of all who attended. Beth is back - but don't ask her about her plans. If you do, she'll probably smile at you...

PS - Beth - If you found this, take comfort in knowing that this blog is among the lesser travelled "Joe Holt" pages on-line, and be glad I didn't post the photo on Facebook :) Well, now that I think about it, I could post a link...

Yeah, today. It turns out that small town living made the cake more special. Apparantly no (anywhere nearby) bakery was to be found open on a Monday. Rather than start with a day old cake on my birthday, Charie' picked out a supermarket cake today. The only problem was the choice between a cake with a pink border, and (this) one with a "flower". With a little creative decorating (by Charie') around the flower, it turned out pretty well, don't you think?

Yesterday, at the brunch gig, I told Ron (innkeeper) that “restaurant gigs” are not what I’m interested in perusing (as a solo pianist). When it seemed appropriate, however, to consider such an ongoing presence (in my general area), I landed on “The Inn at 202 Dover” as the only destination (in my awareness) that worked for me (Dave Ross and I have played at the Inn for New Year's Eve the past couple of years - and some months ago, I approached the owners with my thoughts). Actually, it more than works - it’s perfect. The Inn is a beautifully restored mansion in Easton, MD, where Ron and Shelby Mitchell have channeled their love for art, beauty, and elegance, and share it (and themselves) with all who visit. The first floor contains the dining room (more spacious than you would think), kitchen, conservatory, and other “nooks and crannies”, including the parlor in the front corner of the Inn where Ron’s grand piano lives. On Sunday mornings, it becomes my “station”, where I now (also) have the opportunity (in the spirit of the Inn) to share my love for art and beauty, as best as I can express it. The music makes it’s way subtly (but noticeably) into the dining room. After a delightful meal, you can make your way (subtly or not; your choice) into the parlor, and relax for a while on the comfortable sofa (and stump me with all your requests I’ve never heard of - hopefully not). I’m sure you will find the Sunday Brunch a refreshing experience, the next time you find yourself in the neighborhood.