One wonders why one year… one birthday is more important than another. Why should 75 be a more emotional milestone the 74? I guess the key work here is ‘milestone.’ We measure our lives by so many things. Births, deaths… accomplishments… setbacks. Yeah… it’s all in the mix.
My nine year old daughter sits next to me as I write this. Our dog Maverick is on the floor at my feet. My son Zach is getting up and wants to take us to breakfast. Vanessa is somewhere in the house… We’re all here and it couldn’t be much better.
Jerry Sullivan, Wally Himmelman, Vanessa, Izze, Zach and John Hurlbut all took me out to dinner at the OU Inn in Athens last night. Breaking bread with friends and family… good times. Jerry noted that I was fifty years old when we came to Southeast Ohio… That’s a quarter of a century ago. We have made our home here… and here is where we are.
Last night a huge rainstorm came through and the bottom land flooded as it does.
The family manse in the misty morning
Maverick and I walked down the old road to the A-frame… The little Shade river smiled up at us.
The Shade in morning mist
Mav and I walk together… the sun peeks through the remnants of last night’s storm.
It's not always like this...
This is my home… I feel good here. The world is my home so much of the time… being on the road and all, that to actually be home is such a blessing.
Culvert world...
Culverts that rarely see water… are still running this morning.
Well…
I made it this far… I’d like to make it a little farther…
Christmas is tomorrow. Merry Christmas everyone…
More will be revealed…
Happy Birthday! 25 years ago I was living in Columbus and expanding my music collection by finally breaking down and buying CDs. I would shop at a neat store on the east end of town. One of my early CD purchases was “Pair A Dice Found.” In fact, Hurl was behind the counter that day and informed me that you might actually be re-locating to SE Ohio. Really ironic, because I first got turned on to Hot Tuna as a freshman at Ohio University in 1980. “Double Dose” was my initiation and it is still one of my favorites. I’ve been in Virginia for the past 23 years and get back to SE Ohio several times a year…mostly for FPR shows. Again, Happy Birthday and many blessings!
LOL!!!@jim hitchcock
Happy belated birthday Jorma!
Happy Birthday Jorma. Beautiful words. The Chicago show last week was wonderful. Wishing you and your family a great year ahead!
Jorma
Like your songs your words on your blog has always touched my heart. You are a free spirit yet grounded by heart, family, & home. No it doesn’t get much better than that. It gets scary “getting old”. no? lol but beats the alternative. You’re a good egg Jorma. Happy Birthday and much blessings. Be proud you certainly deserve it <3
Trisha
Some things in life are bad
They can really make you mad
Other things just make you swear and curse
When you’re chewing on life’s gristle
Don’t grumble, give a whistle
And this’ll help things turn out for the best…
And…
…always look on the bright side
of life…
(Whistle)
Always look on the light side
of life…
(Whistle)
If life seems jolly rotten
There’s something you’ve forgotten
And that’s to laugh and smile and dance and sing
When you’re feeling in the dumps
Don’t be silly chumps
Just purse your lips and whistle
– that’s the thing.
And…always look on the bright
side of life…
(Whistle)
Come on.
Always look on the right side
of life…
(Whistle)
For life is quite absurd
And death’s the final word
You must always face the curtain
with a bow
Forget about your sin – give the
audience a grin
Enjoy it – it’s your last chance
anyhow.
Read more: Monty Python – Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life Lyrics | MetroLyrics
Bask in the blessings, you’ve truly earned them. Many happy returns, and here’s to many more !
^^Looks like Santa left a piece of coal in the troll’s Christmas stocking!^^
Who the hell cares about run dmc or tony bourdain – I don’t give a rat’s ass about either – I thought this was Jorma’s website. Have you ever been to a Hot Tuna show?
Just curios Barbara are you related to HT road manager Phil Jacobs?
Joseph “Run” grew up in Queens, N.Y.
He made something from nothing.
He’s now a real Reverend (although he moved his family to a suburb in New Jersey.)
When he’s packing his suitcases for this adventure, he includes his signature
track-suits.
It’s comical and fun for all.
(I think that The Travel Channel never quite got over Tony Bourdain.
In the past couple of years since he went to CNN; The Travel Channel has continued to produce interesting programming — but nothing like “No Reservations”. Rev Run doesn’t run that deep.)@jim hitchcock
Oh, and to Joey and Doug Mlyn, my West Coast brethren, as well as you Eastern US settlers, merry Xmas to you all.
Having fun, here.
You’re a cool cat, Barbara, I like that you, Jorma’s music and blog, and real world shows like this make me feel less insular in my small space in the universe 🙂@Barbara Jacobs
75 years? I’ve been following your career for 48 of them. I can’t remember exactly when and where I first heard Somebody To Love but I was hooked on all things Jefferson and Tuna from then until now. May Providence provide you many more healthy and happy years and may I be around to hear you. Happy birthday and Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Jim
The Travel Channel produces great programs and series.
Tony Bourdain is on CNN now and is still writing his show.(he’s sort of like
“the Jorma Kaukonen of chefs/authors/travel show hosts”, all settled down with his wife and little daughter.)
Rev Run and his wife and two of their kids travel to countries around the world, where his wife and kids want to go out and do things and Rev Run just wants to “chill”. It’s fun viewing for the whole family. The best parts are when Rev Run throws in some of his rap moves and sayings. He reacts to various situations, by throwing “face”. I’m laughing now, just thinking about it.@jim hitchcock
Set to dvr, Barbara…sounds offbeat, kind of like Anthony Bourdain. Looking forward to it.
Peace, health and happiness to you and the family my friend. Let Gods light shine on us all!
Happy Birthday Jorma,
Merry Christmas to the entire FPR/HT family!
Be well, see you in the new year.
Jim, I can only hope so!
Happy Holidays.
(really, check out that funny new T.V. series on the Travel Channel:
“Rev Run Around The World”.)@jim hitchcock
It was in the 20’s here today, dropped about 4″ of white fluffy stuff this morning, Barbara.You’ll get yours 🙂
10 years now in Carson City, and I made it home unscathed! I’ve graduated from bein a California driver (I hope)!
Happy Birthday, Jorma.
It’s always good to be back home again.
Merry Christmas to all of you who celebrate tonight and The Day, tomorrow.
For us Jewish people, it was up in the 70+ temps. today here on Long Island.
A bissel rain and then the sky parted to a sunny day and currently, a spectacular
sunset.
We are outside celebrating “The Feast Of The Seven Knishes”.
Bake them in the oven and finish them on the grill. On December 24th !
Follow that with watching my newest, fave T.V. show:
“Rev Run Around The World”, on the Travel Channel.
Rev Run (from RunDMC) is so hilarious on this show. No matter what holiday you celebrate, it’s a laugh-fest!
Happy Birthday, Jorma. I’m on the other side of the mountain too at this point, and your music has made my life immeasurably richer. And while I haven’t been a complete success as a father, at least I did turn on one of my sons to old-time blues – a torch I first got from you. He’s carrying it real well.
sorry I missed your birthday wishes yesterday been working my you now what off…happy belated note the heavy rains that passed thru and culverts running.um I think that’s much better than snow.now back to my heavily stuffed turkey in roasting bag…one must keep close eye on this fare for fear of possible overcook/dryout happy new year… Richu
Thanks for all you do, Jorma. It really has rippled around the planet and made it a more fun place for us all. No ribbon or bow on it, but one of the greatest gifts…alongside being home.
What a wonderful time and place…. thanks for all you share with us…. 75 years of thoughts and experiences. peace, love, and happiness to you, yours, and everyone all around the world.
Beautiful…