Author Archives: Gandalfe

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About Gandalfe

Just an itinerant saxophonist trying to find life between the changes. I have retired from the Corps of Engineers and Microsoft. I am an admin on the Woodwind Forum, run the Pacifica Big Band (formerly the Microsoft Jumpin' Jive Orchestra) and participate in other ensembles. Mostly enjoy time with family and friends.

Linda Ronstadt, sometimes it’s the simple thangs in life

Posted on July 20, 2008 by Gandalfe

Having done a tribute to one of Mom’s fav singers, I thought I would highlight one of mine. A long time favorite of Suzy and me is Linda Ronstadt. This picture is from her Hasten Down the Wind album. Yes, … Continue reading →

Posted in Female vocalists, Music, romantic, Video, Vocalist, YouTube | Tagged | 7 Comments

Soprano mod to Low A

Posted on July 20, 2008 by Gandalfe

I was talking to Stephen Page about his soprano that he had Benedikt Eppelsheim modify to play to low A. You might remember that Benedikt built me a custom bass sax that plays to low A. Stephen sez: “For a … Continue reading →

Posted in Collectable, Eppelsheim, Music Instruments, Saxophone | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

For Mom: A Tribute to Jo Stafford

Posted on July 19, 2008 by Gandalfe

Mom, Jo Stafford died this week. I know you two were Long Beach girls. Let’s remember her with this song and here are the lyrics so you can sing along with me.  :o) Dream, when you’re feeling blueDream, that’s the … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | 5 Comments

Front Yard – Advice on beauty without watering and fertilizing

Posted on July 18, 2008 by Gandalfe

“Americans have long treasured a well-tended lawn. But a small, if determined, movement would replace vistas of unrelentingly green front lawns with at least pockets of exotic flower and vegetable gardens that not only are feasts for the eyes but … Continue reading →

Posted in Ecology, Everyday Science, Pagan | 9 Comments

Talking about I Just Can’t Wait To Be King

Posted on July 15, 2008 by Gandalfe

  From Gerg’s collection, the WJE does "I Just Can’t Wait To Be King". I’m the guy in the funny hat in the front row and that’s Suzy to the left of the girl in the santa hat.   http://images.video.msn.com/flash/soapbox1_1.swf Just havin’ … Continue reading →

Posted in Jazz | 9 Comments

PCMAG: 8 Geeky Ways to Save Gas

Posted on July 15, 2008 by Gandalfe

From PC Mag: "Yes, we know—if you only had a nickel for every "save money on gas" article you’ve read or seen in the past year. And to add to the confusion, many of the tips in these stories are … Continue reading →

Posted in Technology | 5 Comments

DoshDosh: How to Say Nothing in 500 Words (A Lesson on Writing)

Posted on July 14, 2008 by Gandalfe

This is a good read on a number of levels. I started out reading this thinking, “Yes, why don’t more bloggers know this!” I ended up realizing I’d slid into some of the traps that come from being a lazy … Continue reading →

Posted in Language, Writing | 3 Comments

Sara Gazarek – Local Girl Makes it Big

Posted on July 13, 2008 by Gandalfe

Sara went to high school in Seattle. She is a very good singer, don’t you think? Just enjoying some jazzy vocals today.

Posted in Jazz | 4 Comments

Houston Food and the ride home

Posted on July 11, 2008 by Gandalfe

Some of us at the convention spent most of the trip asking around for authentic food joints. The recommendations were mostly for national chains like Chili’s and Cracker Barrel. We finally got an endorsement for Papa’s BBQ and headed over … Continue reading →

Posted in Travel | 11 Comments

At the Houston Aquarium

Posted on July 9, 2008 by Gandalfe

We were treated to a trip to the Houston aquarium on Wednesday night. The food was excellent and our tables faced a huge tank full of fish. The water was pristine and the fish exotic.   Walking around after the … Continue reading →

Posted in Travel | 3 Comments