Absence diminishes mediocre passions and increases great ones, as the wind extinguishes candles and fans fires.

Francois de La Rochefoucauld

Where have I been and how could I abandon this blog?

I didn’t abandon it and I’m back.  Let me tell you what went on.

Last month was the busiest I’ve been since I retired from UPS.  I played in three championship poker tournaments and went to Maryland for a week to help teach banjo.   Plus my mother is taking up more and more of my time.  I’m not making excuses, instead giving reasons.

The trip to Maryland was exhausting.  It is a ten-hour drive and I did it in one shot.  Driving most of the way and napping at rest areas.  Once there I helped my friend, Patrick Costello (from The Daily Frail), teach beginners clawhammer banjo.

If you’d like to see more pictures from the trip go here.

I got very little sleep and worked my ass off, but it was worth it.  Everyone got better and had a better understanding of the music when we were done.  I’m glad I did it.

Now back to this blog and what it’s about.  I weighed myself when I got back and I actually gained two pounds!! This is the first time since I started that I’ve gained at a monthly weigh in.  This will not stand.

I immediately got back on the horse and it is coming off.

I’m back and in charge.  Expect my posts and expect a skinnier me.