Wow! I would have never believed this would happen to me again. It has been over a week since I sat at any of my keyboards and I don't miss it at all! This morning I tried again with the same results -boooing! After 2 songs I turned it off and went walking. I'm not sure I will continue with my live gigs or not. Only time will tell.

In the 1960's through the 1970's I played with many major big bands, was a studio musician, played with the Dallas and Ft. Worth symphonies. Was on call for urgent fast fill-ins for big time traveling bands. Then one New Years Eve I told the band leader I was playing with at the time that it would be my last time to play. I was just tired of all the travel and responsibility that went with it. Plus, I also had a main job. Well, that was 1978 and I did not play a single note of music again until 2006 when I bought a Yamaha PSR3000. That happened after my wife and I came home from a cruise on which we saw a guy playing a Kurzwiel 88 and I was fascinated with all the sounds being produced.

I have had a great run since 2006 fully enjoying and being very proud to bring some great music to the residents of over 130 senior living venues. It was always inspiring and humbling when someone approached me and commented about a song that I played that they danced to at their wedding or on a first date or that was a favorite of a deceased spouse or when they talked about the memories my music brought back to them. You see, that is what made it worth while.

It is strange that being at home with absolutely nothing to do or places to be would cause someone to rethink the way you want to lead the rest of your life. Many factors enter into all of this. Funny, but the last 2 months I have felt better than I have for 3 years. Never exhausted - never anxious - never worried about anything. You all have heard the expression "be careful what you ask for". Well, I got what I thought I wanted - gigs nearly every day, new equipment anytime I wanted, not needed, it - all paid for from my gigs. But I never realized the over-all effect this was having on my life. You see, I still have my wonderful wife of 57 years. We have been together since 1959. It has been wonderful to be with her every day all day and remember the things that brought us together 60 years ago. At the tender age of 80 I intend to live a full blessed life doing nothing I don't want to do - just for money or any other reason.

I have notified my clients I would honor all my scheduled dates with them in 2020, provided the places even open in 2020, but don't know if I will return in 2021. We will see.

Deane