Wednesday March 17 2021

 

Waking up at 10:30 a.m.

 

Ana and I are finally leaving the Super 8. Checking out The French Bakery for some Breakfast Bars, Croissants, and Coffee. It’s a perfect little spot – birds and lizards run around looking for crumbs.

 

Before we head out we go through West Palm Beach and drive by the Mar-a-Lago where Trump lives – lot of security but a lot of nothing going on. We scream out the window on our way out! While leaving I read about a disgruntled veteran who threw a smoke bomb over the fence just a few days ago – something about not getting his stimulus check yet.

 

Ana takes the wheel and drives us to Jacksonville. She points out how the skies are always clear – not one drop of rain has fallen since we’ve been here.

 

In the city checking into the Wyndham Hotel right in the middle of corporate center. Even though this is definitely an upgrade compared to the last hotel we find out the fitness center and pool are closed due to Covid.

 

Dying to move our legs we immediately drive towards the beach in search of a park. We find one with a basketball court and shoot around. Nearby, a boy’s soccer team is having practice. Another dude is shooting a ball around – he asks to borrow a hair tie (his hair is long like mine). Ana finds a blue scrunchie I kept in my backpack that belonged to my mom. We end up letting him keep it and I’m okay with that – a piece of my mom’s generosity given to a stranger.

 

Scoping out Jax Beach – it almost feels like Virginia Beach but more palm trees.

 

 

Showering up back at the hotel and heading out in search for dinner. We find a place called True Food Kitchen. Even though it’s in the middle of a maze of corporate development it turns out to be amazing. Edamame Dumplings are a hit along with other decent sides. Sipping on purple sparkling Yerba Mate’s.

 

Back at the hotel – doing some laundry and cleaning up.

 

I turn on a color screen for the computer to set the mood and she wears a nice black dress. Making fire, something we’ve been doing a lot of lately since we’ve been out of town.

 

Tuesday March 16 2021

 

Ana and I wake up around noon in the Super 8 hotel in Lantana, Florida.

 

Driving over to a vegan bakery she wanted to check out called Blondie’s. Enjoying an Empanada and some Donuts.

 

Checking out a Goodwill thrift store nearby. She gets super excited about buying these new black and red leather cowboy boots. At first I sway her not to buy them since they’re $50. But it’s apparent she truly needs them – her heart is set! In the end it was a good decision.

 

Then, checking out Palm Beach Zoo on a whim. We only have an hour and a half to kill before sound check. It was a perfect move. Strapping on our cowboy hats and strolling through the zoo – flamingos, ducks, egrets, black bears, koalas, tigers, panthers, etc. They have it all!

 

 

PB&J’s.

 

At the Duncan Theater in Palm Beach State College setting up the stage for sound check. It’s A New World Record’s second show of the week.

 

Ana and I go back and forth between here and the hotel. Eating some Black Bean Burgers the venue provided for us.

 

On with the show – things go pretty well. This time they didn’t want us to do any kind of intermission so we fly right through both sets. Sometimes the lyrics to these songs allude us tonight and we have a few hiccups but the more we play this week the more fine tuned we’re gonna be.

 

 

Afterwards, hanging out in the green room with the band/crew. Ana and I decide to hit up that Dada restaurant again and get some more of that hummus board and fries.

 

Back at the hotel settling down.

 

Monday March 15 2021

 

Ana and I wake up off and on throughout the morning to the sound of a rooster next door.

“He only knows one song,” Ana laughs.

It’s quite a different way to wake up than we’re used to.

 

Sipping on Tea and eating a breakfast bar.

 

Cleaning up our area in the Bartow house and gearing up to leave.

 

Ana takes the wheel and drives us down south towards to the Everglades. There are long stretches with no gas station in sight. We take advantage of one off the wall stop in the middle of a neighborhood. Fueling up the car – and then our bodies with PB&J’s, Chips, and Apples.

 

Driving east on highway 41, known as the original alligator alley. We take a detour through an unpaved loop road that turns out to be a perfect alternative to hiking (since we’re getting close to evening time). Right in the heart of Big Cypress National Preserve it almost feels like the Great Dismal Swamp except...there’re alligators! Almost every little break in the brush we’re able to spot a gator and about a thousand herons, egrets, and vultures. We constantly stop and try to capture it on our phones. I’ve never been that close to a gator before. They’re quite chill.

 

 

Driving more to the east side all the way up to West Palm Beach area.

 

Arriving at another Super 8 hotel – this one is a step down for sure. It almost reminds me of a dingy spot at the VB oceanfront. Grimy carpets and smelly rooms. But whatever – we can’t be picky on tour sometimes. Having a certain amount of tolerance is important when traveling.

 

Ana finds a cool spot for dinner on Google Maps called Dada, a Salvador Dali inspired Mediterranean restaurant. It’s absolutely perfect for us. Hummus plate, Crispy Cauliflower, Salmon, Tikki Masala, etc. This is a much needed gastronomical relief.

 

 

 

Later on, back at the hotel. Ana and I settle in. Making fire before we drift off into lalaland.

Sunday March 14 2021

Waking up just before check out time at 11 a.m.

 

Ana and I pack up our million things and lug it downstairs to the car. We make the mistake of grabbing some cold brews from Starbucks. I’m told they’re super busy down here in Florida. We actually end up waiting for 30 minutes essentially. The guy at the front warned us but we had no idea. We watch as disgruntled people wait patiently for their lattes.

 

Hitting the road east of Clearwater. Linking up with the band crew at Parkesdale Farm Market where they have world famous strawberry shortcakes. It’s also quite a big farmer’s market with people from all over visiting.

 

Then, driving to the Bartow house, my mom’s old house and currently belongs to me. Jimmy, my former stepdad and Grandma Carr, live here now. The cat, Baby, provides plenty of entertainment.

 

 

Out on the lanai we unearth Grandma Carr’s old acoustic Gibson guitar that was given to her in the 50’s. I spend some time getting it in tune again. She doesn’t even remember the last time she played it but we manage to get her to strum some chords while Ana and I jam along. It’s a good ole’ time and I know she enjoyed it.

 

 

Later, Ana and I drive out to downtown Bartow in search of a park to exercise in. We find one with a basketball court and playground. Shooting the ball around and swinging on the swing set. A few kids mingle with us. The Florida sun is not something we’re used to at all – feeling really exhausted the both of us.

 

 

Back at the Bartow house I cook a big one pot dish of Cabbage, Potatoes, and Onions – Chicken Sausage on the side. Enjoying it at the table with Ana, Jimmy, and Grandma Carr. Opening up a bottle of Red Wine too.

 

Settling in for the night I sit out on the lanai in the back of the house catching up on things on the computer. Also, thinking about my mom. When she lived here back in the early 2010’s I used to come visit many times and hang back here. Her and I would take walks around the neighborhood and talk about everything.

 

 

 

Ana and the cat, Baby, start snoozing. I decide to take a night walk around the neighborhood. I just wanna listen to Clair De Lune and try to tap into the little memories of mom. There’s a moment where I truly feel her wrapping her arms around me – it almost feels like it’s God’s arms also but more likely a composite of both cause that’s where she is now...with him. The love and tenderness is familiar. Over the past year I’ve, in a way, tried to avoid tapping into the memories too deeply – I guess cause I’m afraid it’ll all come flooding out. Even though I’ve always been at peace about her being gone it’s still a reality I have to acclimate to.

Saturday March 13 2021

Ana and I wake up around 10:40 a.m. to an unfamiliar room. A window AC unit blasts right above our heads. Swinging open the curtains letting in the hot bright Florida sun. Surrounded by an array of plants, some that can only be seen down south. This little bungalow in The Shamrock Historic Inn is the best first night we could ask for.

 

 

Eating some Protein Bars and grabbing cold brew coffees from Starbucks down the street. A comical moment happened as we were walking out. Ana’s holding both coffees and attempts to hand me mine at the same moment I raise my arm to pull my sunglasses down. We almost drop them but she manages to save them. At first we both get mad at each other but laugh hard about it later on.

 

Hitting the road – about a two hour trip from Ocala to Clearwater. It’s so beautiful here enough that the traffic isn’t as annoying.

 

 

Playing at the Ruth Eckerd Hall, the first of a week’s worth of shows for A New World Record. Setting up on the big stage – getting through sound check.

 

There’s a lot going on backstage. Nigel runs around organizing all the people to do certain tasks. Ana and Morgan, Ron’s daughter, help get all the food orders in.

 

Dinner: Grouper, Broccoli, Pasta, and Garlic Bread.

 

Hopping on the stage and doing our thing – two 45 minute sets of all ELO’s greatest hits. There’s always a few hiccups and foul ups here and there but overall we always manage to shine through!

 

 

Finally checking into the hotel for the night – Super 8, a bit of a step down in some ways compared to last night. It almost feels like Virginia Beach vibes. Ana and I settle into our own room. Meanwhile, some of the crew is getting hammered down the hall. Catching up on the footage we got for the day. We’re able to make fire for a long while – very much needed.

 

 

 

Losing an hour of sleep cause of daylight savings but enjoying our big king size bed.

Friday March 12 2021

 

Waking up off and on from Elvis nuzzling his head on my hand expecting morning affection.

 

At 10:30 a.m. I walk to Enterprise off Laskin to retrieve our rental car for the trip.

 

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. Coffee.

 

Ana and I finish packing up and loading the car. We’re over prepared and have plenty to snack on. We feel bad leaving Elvis behind but he wouldn’t do well on the road. Instead, we have Rebecca look out after him and make sure he gets fed.

 

Hitting the road around noon in the newly acquired Kia. The sun is shining and the drive is pleasant.

 

Listening to music and talking. We take turns at the wheel throughout the 10 hour drive. Stopping here and there along the way. Enjoying Spinach, Egg, Beet, and Tomato Salads with Chips.

 

 

Crossing 3 states, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and finally into Florida late at night.

 

Ana takes the steering wheel to our destination: Ocala. We decided to stop a few hours before Clearwater so we can rest up then take a relaxing drive the next afternoon.

 

Here at the Shamrock Historic Inn, a dainty and quaint little spot, family run. Our tiny bungalow reminds me of an extension of mom with all these old decorative things.

 

 

 

Sleep around 3 a.m.

Thursday March 11 2021

Waking up around 11:40 a.m.

 

Cereal with Blueberries, Banana, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.

 

Catching up on business and packing.

 

Running errands. It’s a bright and beautiful sunny day!

 

Getting my haircut by Logan out in Norfolk. I never drive out to this side of town during the day like this. There’s much more traffic and business.

 

Teaching a couple lessons at Music Makers.

 

Shooting the basketball around.

 

Cooking up some serious leftovers for dinner for Ana and I: Peas with Potatoes, Veggies, and Falafel.

 

The both of us finish up our packing – we are heading down south to Florida tomorrow! It’s always a bit stressful figuring out what to bring and how to pack it but I’ll be relieved once we hit the road.

 

Wednesday March 10 2021

Waking up around 11:40 a.m.

 

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.

 

Catching up on business and cleaning.

 

Scrambled Eggs. Spinach. Toast with Butter and Jam. Coffee.

 

Teaching at Music Makers – a nice full Wednesday of lessons.

 

Back home. Warming up leftover Pizza and Kale for dinner.

 

Catching up on business and planning.

 

Green Tea.

 

Cleaning.

 

Pineapple. Grapefruit.

 

Night errands.

 

Tuesday March 9 2021

Waking up around 11:40 a.m.

 

Cereal with Banana, Blueberries, and Almond Milk.

 

It’s a beautiful 60 degree weather day!

 

Running and working out at the gym.

 

Scrambled Eggs. Spinach. Toast with Butter and Jam. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Back home. Ana cooked dinner: Falafels with Roasted Veggies and Quinoa. Meanwhile, Roland and Jenna warm up a pizza – talking about what makes a great pizza.

 

Catching up on business.

 

Cleaning things – doing chores – taking recycle out.

 

Monday March 8 2021

Waking up feeling like it’s a hangover, only true cause of the heavy and busy weekend it’s been.

 

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.

 

Catching up on business. Getting groceries.

 

Scrambled Eggs. Spinach. Toast. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Back home. Cooking up some dinner: Tomato Soup with Dumplings, Peas, Lentils, and Zucchini.

Watching a Netflix documentary about the bombings in the 80’s related to the Mormon church.

 

Green Tea.

 

Finally getting around to finishing the business taxes!

 

Pineapple and Yogurt.

 

Sunday March 7 2021

 

Waking up around noon. Not feeling 100%, kind of achy throughout my body. It’s weird cause it seems like I always get like this the same time every year. I pop a few pain relievers and power through cause the show must go on.

 

Ana made us Blueberry Waffles and Tea.

 

Catching up on business and things.

 

Today’s the big day for the MMLIVE show – at Elevation 27 Ana helps me load in the gear. They’re just finishing up EDM brunch. Later on, Devon helps me set up the stage – there’s always so much to do and 2 hours goes by like that before its show time.

 

We got 4 bands total and one solo act. I’m of course running around making sure cords and mics are in place. And as always I’m very proud of everyone’s performance. We got a lot of feedback pointing out how tight this show in particular was – all the bands really stepped up to the plate. One of the bands even used fake blood pills for their KISS cover. Ana lead sang on a few songs with the band jam boys, Modern Day Warrior. The whole thing was a success I’d say. Not to mention we sold out (Covid restrictions and all).

 

Afterwards, Devon and Ana help me load the gear back to the studio, which is conveniently located a couple blocks away.

 

Back home Ana and I warm up a hodge podge of leftovers for dinner. Meanwhile, Roland and Jenna pop in to discuss David Lynch films.

 

Later on, I’m back at the studio organizing all the music gear back in place.

 

Saturday March 6 2021

Waking up around 11:15 a.m.

 

Cereal with Blueberries and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.

 

Today is the final rehearsals for MMLIVE bands. First two go very well – as usual the bands always step up to the plate and impress me.

 

PB&J, Apple, and Coffee break in between.

 

More band rehearsals.

 

A little break back home then we rehearse with the band jam boys. Ana joins straight outta work. I brought Pizza Chapel for dinner. Modern Day Warrior they call themselves. These ones are definitely gonna blow everyone out of the water tomorrow.

 

Sticking around late packing up all the music gear.

 

Back home. Enjoying some chocolate and tea.

 

Relaxing as best I can.

 

Friday March 5 2021

Waking up late around 12:30 p.m.

 

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.

 

Catching up on business.

 

At the gym running on the treadmill.

 

Scooping up Ana to grab some quick lunch at Prosperity Kitchen – Pizza and an Egg Tart.

 

Friday traffic is horrendous, and doubly terrible cause of construction in Hilltop – basically you have to double the travel time wherever you go.

 

Later on, I’m at Elevation 27 for the A New World Record show. It’s sold out (cause of Covid restrictions and limited capacity of course). It’s always a bit of work and technical difficulties to get through but in the end we put on a powerhouse show of all the ELO hits.

 

Chowing down on a Vegan Taco and Fries as a reward afterwards.

 

Back home. Reconvening with Ana about our days over Cinnamon Buns and Green Tea.

 

Thursday March 4 2021

Waking up around 11:40 a.m.

 

Cereal with Blueberries, Bananas, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.

 

Workout with Vlad.

 

Raspberries. Scrambled Eggs. Kale with Beets. Toast with Butter and Jam. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Back home. Ana made us dinner: Vegan Burgers with Roasted Potatoes, Kale, and Carrots.

She describes an uncomfortable situation she experienced at a thrift store today where a strange guy asked her to take off her shoe.

 

Green Tea.

 

Catching up on business.

 

Talk with Ana about empowering her to do things with her band and music. I always try to encourage her to take responsibility (as well as myself) over her life and make the dream happen, whatever that may be.

 

Wednesday March 3 2021

Waking up around 11:40 a.m.

 

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.

 

Catching up on business.

 

Getting groceries.

 

Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Butter and Jam. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Ana brings a nice dinner for us to chow down on at the studio right at 8 p.m.

Peas with Kale, Carrots, Onions, and Quinoa.

 

Then, we have the band jam with Billy, Luke, Thomas, and Merrill. This band has really come a long way – so much young natural talent.

 

Back home Settling down and catching up on life.

 

Green Tea and Chocolates.

 

Tuesday March 2 2021

Waking up around 11:37 a.m.

 

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.

 

Workout at the gym.

 

Grilled PB&J. Grapefruit. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Japanese Style Fried Rice with Salmon and Kale.

Watching Operation Finale (2018).

 

Catching up on business.

 

Green Tea.

 

Doing the accounting for Music Makers.

 

Oranges, Banana, and Yogurt.

 

Monday March 1 2021

Waking up around 11:37 a.m.

 

Cereal with Blueberries, Banana, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.

 

It being the 1^st of the month there’s much business to deal with – communications with Music Makers people (emails, texts, phone calls). I’m getting a headache just trying to deal with it all before lunch time.

 

Scrambled Eggs. Kale with Beets. Toast with Butter and Jam. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons.

 

Leftover Chicken Pad Thai with Kale and Bread.

 

ELO rehearsal – we’re lubing up the gears before our gig this Friday and a tour the following week.

 

Apples and Yogurt.