Category Archives: Music

Wood or Metal Clarinet Prediction – 1920

Posted on December 16, 2022 by Gandalfe

Although the prediction that metal clarinets would become de rigueur proved to be false, this is an interesting read. Note, it was written in The Melody Maker in the late 1920’s by a well-known clarinet player, Ralph Dunbar.

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Last GOLD Big Band concert of the Year

Posted on October 6, 2022 by Gandalfe

As is my custom for this band, this was the last concert for 2022. I like to take November and December off to enjoy the holiday season. The rest of October we will be sightreading some charts to pick new … Continue reading →

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Ring Security

Posted on October 1, 2022 by Gandalfe

We have installed two (of three) cameras from Ring. We are impressed with the simplicity of the installation, the crisp and clear videos and pictures, and the immediate ability to share the streams with the neighborhood and police. I have … Continue reading →

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The Summer of Music 2022

Posted on August 26, 2022 by Gandalfe

As we exit the pandemic constraints and start performing again, there is a collective sigh of relief from the band and the audience. We happened upon a pro photographer, Brian Fioca who took some pictures this year. Life is good. … Continue reading →

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Tips on Making your House Safe from Burglaries

Posted on June 2, 2022 by Gandalfe

Originally posted on The Bis Key Chronicles:
Making your house safe from burglaries is something that I have preached to my family and friends. The trick is to make your house the hardest one to break into on your street.…

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Roof Replacement Trials and Tribulations

Posted on June 1, 2022 by Gandalfe

Our house had a 25-year roof put on by the builder in 2007. Last year we discovered some serious leaks in the roof. Sadly we had just put in a solar panel system that had to be removed first. It … Continue reading →

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Solar Power Project 2020

Posted on December 1, 2021 by Gandalfe

“We are star stuff harvesting sunlight.” ~ Carl Sagan After charting solar panel savings for 20 years, we finally decided to bite the bullet with our house. We spent the summer reviewing contracts, starting the build, and finally in November … Continue reading →

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Project Du Jour: Learn to Play Bass

Posted on November 23, 2021 by Gandalfe

It turns out the jazz ensemble in the community band my wife and I play in needs a bass player. The group isn’t very accomplished (yet) and in four years they have never been able to attract a bass player. … Continue reading →

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Gettin’ Stuff Done

Posted on September 16, 2021 by Gandalfe

I like having projects, lots of them. But some sit on the whiteboard as a ToDo list thang for *way* too long. So what kind of things are on my whiteboard today. Here’s a snapshot in the life of me. … Continue reading →

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Meet Abby, a Sweet Collie

Posted on July 12, 2021 by Gandalfe

Abby was born on 31 March 2021 and named after Abigail “Abby” Sciuto of NCIS. She is a rough collie with a merle blue coat. We got her at SnoValley Collies in Issaquah, WA. Within a week of joining the … Continue reading →

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