Getting closer to the chill…

I woke up Monday morning to a chill. Sunday was cooler than Saturday, so the AC was shut off and the windows opened. There’s a calming feeling that comes over me when the fall is just around the corner and the windows can be opened. The rustling sound of wind making its way through the living room window as I’m sitting on the couch writing, or just listening to a jazz record. Don’t get me wrong, I’m so very grateful for the magic that is AC. Not only for the increasingly hot summers, but also for our increasing seasonal allergies. My wife’s eyes were itching most of the weekend, so having AC at least gives her some relief.

But as the years move on the heat becomes more and more oppressive. What was typically a handful of unbearably hot days has become most of July and August, with some dipping into September as well. Going back to school in the 80s was the first week after Labor Day, and by then jeans and a sweatshirt were appropriate attire. But nowadays kids are returning to school within the first couple weeks of August, prime hot time. High school football players are running the fields in full attire in the mid-90s. The earth is cooking much hotter than its ever cooked. Glaciers are melting, causing nightmare situations like the horrific flooding in Nepal. And yet,…and yet a large chunk of the population doesn’t want to think there’s a problem.

But I digress.

Coming to work Monday morning in a sweatshirt was a comforting feeling. I’m already hearing people complain, “I’m not ready for this”, “It’s too cold”, “I don’t want the cold”,…well, I say to them, “Tough noogies.” I’ve had my fill of heat. Give me my chilly afternoon walks, overcast skies, and the changing leaves. Give me spooky season, horror movies, and The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! I’m ready for the seat warmers in my Honda Accord, and even for shopping for a new winter coat(mine is way too big on me now.) I’m ready for the quiet of the first snow fall. I’m not ready for winter storms, but give me a light coating any day of the season. Nature’s sound dampener, especially amongst the trees in my neighborhood.

I think more than anything I’m just ready for some quiet time, after what was admittedly a loud spring and summer. I’ve been enjoying deep diving into jazz records, morning coffee, and making music in my “new” music space upstairs. I made it work for nearly 30 years in the basement of our home, but I’m paring down what I need in order to make the music I make. I don’t need a big room in the basement. A desk, a digital recorder, a couple keyboards, guitars, bass, and an amp are all I need. Having a window open and light coming in as I write and record is a revelation for the creative process. And with that window open and the breeze making its way in? I can’t recommend creating that way enough.

I felt so lousy last late fall and winter that it’s as if I missed out on 1 1/2 seasons. Driving into town over the weekend my wife said to me that she missed the funny me. That I wasn’t funny back at the beginning of the year, and she was right. I wasn’t funny. I was looking down the barrel of a life where I was miserable and I didn’t want to do anything. I’ve never considered taking my life, even at my lowest. But if I’d kept on feeling the way I felt back then it would not have been out of the question. I was one miserable person at the beginning of the year, and no matter the reason it was for me getting there(lack of regular doc visits and work were primo factors) I will never get to that place again.

I’ve got a newfound zest for this thing called life, and I will NOT go back to that dark, horrible place. Regular doctor visits, stay up on my meds, everyday exercise, good eats, and if work gets even remotely close to where it was I’m out. I will not let a 9 to 5 put me in such a dire position again. No job is worth that. I’m in a good place work-wise now, so here’s to it staying that way.

There’s so much good music yet to come out and for me to discover. Lots of jazz to fall into. My wife and I are going on a two-day excursion to Ohio on December 3 and 4 to celebrate my 53 years on this rock. Hocking Hills. It’s called Box Hop, which this place converted semi trailers into posh rentals out in the middle of the woods. It looks immaculate. Two days alone with a hot tub on the deck and a fireplace inside. I cannot wait. Plus we have another concert in November, along with a David Cross comedy show. And in a couple weeks I’m going to a jazz concert with my son at The Jazz Kitchen. On a Friday, natch.

So yeah, the chill is in the air and I’m here for it. Ready to rock n roll the rest of 2026, and I think 2027 is gonna be something special. The most special part about it? I’ll be here to enjoy it; healthy, happy, and most importantly…funny.