"Yesterday"

Hey all! I hope everyone has a great weekend, even if it is in the rain. I realized after a relatively long day today that I have never written about one of the best loved Beatles songs of all time. What makes this song even more special is that it almost was not a Beatles song. "Yesterday" was written by Paul in 1964/1965.  It is a break-up song, at the time the Beatles recorded many love and break up songs but none were like this. For the first time in their recording history Yesterday was the first song featuring only one Beatle (the song did include a string quartet added by George Martin.)  Paul's band-mates did not want to release Yesterday as a single in the U.K., and in fact they didn't until after the break up (1976.) The Beatles did release the song as a single with Act Naturally in America where it went to number one shortly after release in 1965.  Paul stuck with his song eventually pushing his masterpiece to be included on the Help album in 1965.  The song ended up being the most covered song of all time, recorded over 3000 times by other artists.
We all have Yesterday moments, usually we come to be verified later. Keep at it, stay strong and when you know you are right- make it happen!

PS: I go in for an MRI on Monday to check out some back and neck issues that have cropped up. I will know more by November 1.  Happy the weekend is here- Greg

"Imagine"

Today is John Lennon's 70th birthday. Had he not been shot to death in front of his Dakota Apt. in 1980 who knows what kind of music and cultural change may have occurred since then. John was killed December 8th 1980, and coincidentally my Mother died on the same day, in 1992. If you go to Youtube or search with Google you already knew this was John's birthday. I can't remember if anyone has asked me who my favorite Beatle was, my answer is John. He is the most complex, was the early leader of the group, and I just happen to like more of his songs than those of Paul. (George is my favorite under utilized Beatle.) Check out the attached link or go to Youtube or Google yourself to check out some John videos. "Imagine" was written in 1971 just after the Beatles demise. It is an often covered and played song, full of interpretation and depth.

I had my Hickman catheter removed this past Wednesday, and am continuing to improve every day. After a few days of healing the hole that was in my chest, I plan on returning to water walking and eventually swimming. Have a great weekend!    Greg

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GAHFrLAxzM&a=GxdCwVVULXduHu2wZH9k8kwu8BX_q2EQ&list=ML&playnext=1

"Keep Yourself Alive"

The rock group Queen released their first album in 1973 after working together since 1971. The first single from the self titled album "Queen" was "Keep Yourself Alive." In later years Queen would release many more hits that became rock standards. The attached video is from 1977 and an American tour in Houston. Queen continued to be at the forefront of rock music until Freddie Mercury's early death in 1991 of Aids related pneumonia. I can remember a high school friend talking about Queen in 1975 or so, so off to the record store I went to buy a used copy of Queen.  I ended up buying many more albums throughout the years.

In this instance, I am using a title that has obvious connotations to every one of us. How we keep ourselves alive differs for everyone, but the words of wisdom are relative to everyone.
I have been back to work for two weeks now- so far there has been no physical downside, and I am improving every day. Sadie is also improving, although we still have to limit her walking and running. We did a Dewey Lakes (Chinook Pass, Mt. Rainier) trail hike a couple of weeks ago, and a three lap 4.2 mile hike at Deep Lake today. We are getting ready for the real Fall season now too. Live Happy, Greg