So much has been transpiring the last couple of weeks and as I sit up here with my family on the beach in Maine I get to take a moment to look back a bit.
Jorma and Bruce
We hosted Bruce Cockburn at the Fur Peace Ranch and it was an honor and a pleasure. Bruce is an amazing artist… and a helluva guy personally. What a treat this night was. The following weekend was Founder’s Day in Akron. This is something I look forward to every year. I recharge my spiritual batteries with this one.
Packed and on the road...
I have been here many time... it is always powerful!
Were it not for this place and these people I would probably not be here today… and I’m not alone. Hanging out with like minded spirits for four days in a fellowship that earth people simply cannot grok. A miracle! On Sunday I rode in the motorcade to Dr. Bob and Annie’s grave in the Mt. Peace Cemetery. I have done this a number of times over the last twenty years, and when Joey plays Amazing Grace on he bagpipes at the end of the ceremony… my hanky is always ready!
How sweet the sound...
The language of the heart is spoken here… and all around the world for those who want it!
I got back from the run on Sunday afternoon. My son Zach showed up Sunday evening and Monday morning he and I drove 850 miles to Saco, Maine to meet Vanessa and Izze for a little family vacation.
Beauty and the Beach
Selfie by Vanessa
It was in the 90’s when we got up here. Two hot beach days and now it’s in the 60’s. Gotta love New England beaches!
Drone's eye view of Old Orchard Beach
Drone foto by Jorma
What a great calm before the storm of the Tedeschi/Trucks Wheels Of Soul Tour!
Drone shot of our home away from home
Drone foto by Jorma
To be with family in an utterly stress free environment… priceless!
Jorma, Zach and Izze breakfast selfie
Selfie by Izze Kaukonen
I see you
Drone selfie by Jorma
Today is the last day here. Zach and I will drive the 850 miles home tomorrow. Nice to able to share driving with my son.
Sunrise this morning...
Foto by Jorma
Nothing like taking a little time out to smell the coffee… or the roses… or whatever. Today we’re going to hit the Audubon nature water trail… hiking with canoes an kayaks, and tomorrow morning… home.
Onward indeed!
Prayers going out to Kofi Burbridge of The Tedeschi Trucks Band….(He suffered a heart attack)
Thanks for sharing.. proving that life is good.. and I find its really good on the beach when its mellow with family, and a few friends.. or a fishing pole and a kayak..best form of therapy I know of..
we hope you all enjoyed your vacation time up in Maine..a beautiful place indeed..
looking ahead to catching Hot Tuna out here in eastern long Island.My wife pulled a rabbit out of her hat and picked up a pair of real nice seats for the show in Westhampton.
And yes those long car rides with your son.Some of the best bonding my boys and I have had.. when its just one at a time..its amazing how much things open up on the road trip..
so be well. regards to the family.. and see you in a couple of weeks..
I only wish I could see you with the Tedeschi Trucks Band, they are my second favorite behind Hot Tuna these days! What an awesome group of people and what amazing music they are making and live it is off the scale, a safe trip to you -;0)
That’s so great Jorma – love Maine – those peaceful beaches – if you ever have time to drive a little further downeast theres a place called Schoodic Point up past Ellsworth – its part of Acadia Natl Park but its on the mainland – stunning, with or without the waves – Drove to Boston on Fri. to visit my younger bro’, wife and 3-yr old – then he took me surfing for the first time and it happened to be – International Surfing Day – Then saw Dead and Co. at Fenway – the green monster is all dinted and close up you can actually see the threads of the ball at the point of impact – Sun. drove to Philly and saw other bro’, wife and daughter and took my 20-yr old daughter to see U2 at the big stadium there – then got up at 6am Mon. drove to Albany and argued a case at 2pm in Albany Supreme Court -whew – good to be home now – working on some good stuff – some Blind Blake, the Rev., Scott Joplin – have a great summer tour – see you in Oct. – Hi to Vanessa, John and Brett –
HOT F’ING TUNA!
I think the greatest day in my life was the day my daughter was born. I remember going over to the cleaning table and saying the only thing I could think of; “Hi Taylor, this is your dad.’ She must have knew the sound of my voice, because her beautiful little eyes looked directly into mine. One of those moments in life that you just can’t put a price on.
I recall I wanted to tap dance – if I knew how, I would have.
Looking forward to a very happy night on August 6th in St. Charles. It’s supposed to be a great venue.
One more dad story; you know you’re getting old when…
one of your children says they are taking you to you’re favorite pizza joint. (Dues on Wabash and Ontario in Chicago is mine. They got an old picture of Muddy Waters and Jagger, Richards and Wyman on the wall entitled, “Father and Sons.” That’s a whole nother story.)
anyway, Greg and I get to Dues and the waitress sits us down on the side of the place that has no TV. Normally, I much prefer no TV in a restaurant or saloon. But my favorite golf tournament, The US Open was on. I told greg I would be right back and went to scout the other side where they have a TV.
Lo and behold, there was a small table positioned perfectly to catch the action. I asked the waitress if we could sit there and she said, “Let me clean the table off first.” While she did that, I went and got G-dawg and told him we were moving. He asked why, and when I said, “So ‘we’ can watch the uS Open,” he said, “No! You’re going to sit down and talk to your son!”
I made an uneasy compromise with him, promising to talk to him during the commercials. As we went to the table, he was laying a humorous guilt trip on his dad, mumbling stuff about his alcoholic dad and me wanting to watch golf rather than talk to him. (I only had two beers by the way.)
We had a great time though, lots of laughs. And he paid the bill! as he was paying it, he sent a snapchat to his sister, explaining that this is why he is the number one child. Good Lord I love being a dad!
Happy Father’s Day Jorma…
🙂
Happy Fathers Day Jorma. I recall your words in Imola some ten years ago (2008), when You said that Zack will be taller than you.
We are truly blessed,those of who “trudge the road of happy destiny.’ Carry the message.
Jorma: Hope you have a real happy fathers day! m
50 years ago tonight:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWM_fmB0Of0
I can remember driving up to Orchard Beach in the 90’s to see Hot Tuna open for George Thorogood.. Tuna was great as usual and I overheard him just before his set angrily complaining to one of his band mates that “those guys are too f….n good and need to tone it down”. As if!
So good to see you at Founders Day again…. haven’t been able to coordinate our schedules to match yours at Fur Peace (yet)… Happy trails and a tip of the coffee cup to you!
50 years ago today the first night of Monterey Pop opened. The concert would introduce the electric storm thunder cloud full of bursting psychedelic fire colors known as Jorma Kaukonen. A storm cloud you could see, hear, and feel in its extradimensional fury…
A heck of a picture: The Beauty, the beach, the sky and a star….
Check this out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiwJwtlGrWg Is the future really now, or what? Get your drone shoes ready, Jorma, they’ll be here before we know it.
Just another hot day in the city working with the Outpatient clients. AC is out, supervisors [don’t ask], clients whining, too much paperwork, not enough pay, bills due, feeling stressed, health problems, but then I took a short break in my office and read your comments in regards to Founders Day which reminded me why I do what I do and how it keeps it Green for me. “It is One of the Most Beautiful Compensations of This life That No Man Can sincerely Try to Help Others without Helping Himself” [Ralph Waldo Emerson]. Suddenly I feel a lot better and grateful for though things that I do have… and hey there’s still the Music
Drones eye view: Old Orchard Beach
Ripple on still water…
Nice.
I did a little search, and figure it must be the Scarborough Marsh Audubon Preserve you’re canoeing/kayaking today. Damn, what a way to top off some down time! Nothing like protected lands. So little left, what we do get to see is so special. Batteries recharged, sounds like the ever-ready Jorma’s gettin’ ready to hit the road in a big way. Onwards, I say!
I wish you and Jack great success in your upcoming tour. I have spent the last couple of days listening to my Hot Tuna, Jorma K. and Jack C. music library while working away at my desk; the music makes the work go much more smoothly. Oh, and if you could pass on my respect, kind regards and a message to Jack: he needs to get back into his studio and gives us another album. Dream Factor is real good listening, and a follow-on is overdue!
My best wishes to you and your family.
Amazing Grace
John 9:24-25 are probably my favorite verses in the Bible
“A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling the truth,” they said,. “We know this man is a sinner.”
He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see.”
Beautiful post Jorma .So glad your having time with your family .Enjoy the summer and as always “Keep your lamps trimmed & burning .Peace
That is a great picture of Vanessa and you…and aptly titled!
I just read a great piece written by Scott Darling, who the Blackhawks just traded to the Carolina Hurricanes due to salary cap issues. It was all about him chasing his dreams while battling alcoholism. He finally reached rock bottom and decided to check himself into rehab. The first person he saw in the hallway was another hockey player – go figure.
That was 6 years ago. He said in the article that over his time in the minors, he played for like 13 or 14 different teams. The low point came when he begged his mom for $200.00 so he could fly to Louisiana to play for the Ice Gators.
Fortunately, the Blackhawks gave him a shot and he made the most of it. I’m pretty sure he will flourish in Carolina.
“Bacchus has drowned more men than Neptune.” – Giuseppe Garibaldi Fortunately, someone threw Designated Darl’s a life preserver.