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.

My Conn C Soprano Saxophone

Posted on November 6, 2016 by Gandalfe

One day, over ten years ago, I purchased a Conn C soprano sax. My intent was to cover an oboe part in a local community band. Shortly after I purchased this instrument, the band found an oboe player. Sarge, the … Continue reading →

Posted in Music Instruments, My World, Saxophone | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Merlin Williams: Woodwind Doubling on a Cruise Ship

Posted on October 18, 2016 by Gandalfe

My good friend Merlin speaks with authority about being a musician on a cruise ship. This video is an excellent education tool for those considering their own qualifications and wanting to know tips and tricks. You are welcome.

Posted in Employment, Guides, Music, Tips and Tricks | Tagged | Leave a comment

Muddy Yards and Dirty Shoes

Posted on October 16, 2016 by Gandalfe

You pray for rain, you gotta deal with the mud too. That’s a part of it. ~ Denzel Washington Three storms have deposited their rain filling our streams, retention ponds, and yards. As I walked across the yard, checking the … Continue reading →

Posted in Guides, My World, Tips and Tricks | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Emergency Planning 2016

Posted on October 3, 2016 by Gandalfe

“Climate is what we expect, weather is what we get.” ~ Mark Twain Emergencies come in all forms from severe weather, earthquakes, volcano eruptions, and civil unrest. Most of us prioritize thusly: family, friends, work. So when the roads close, … Continue reading →

Posted in Bothell, Community, Education, Guides, Tips and Tricks | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Complaint Corner: Why do I have to Pay for Music?

Posted on September 13, 2016 by Gandalfe

From the Austin Music People page on Facebook: Someone complained about an experience they had at an Austin music venue last night, and the club owner responded this morning. Hello [Owner], I was here on Saturday night, and we specifically … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Entertainment, In the news..., Music, My World | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Spiders: Care and Feeding of your Roommates

Posted on September 12, 2016 by Gandalfe

“The bird a nest, the spider a web, man friendship.” ~ William Blake I posted a funny picture on FB regarding spiders and a friend of mine said, “Spiders looking to our homes for winter refuge is a misconception. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Facebook, Humor, Myths | Tagged | 2 Comments

The Politics of Friends

Posted on September 7, 2016 by Gandalfe

“Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future.” ~  John F. Kennedy I … Continue reading →

Posted in My World, Politics | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Glasses, the Bane of My Life

Posted on August 22, 2016 by Gandalfe

“I can honestly say I love getting older. Then again, I never put my glasses on before looking in the mirror.” ~ Cherie Lunghi I remember getting glasses in first grade. I had been chastised by my teacher because I … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor, My World | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Chickens, oh my …

Posted on July 22, 2016 by Gandalfe

I like chicken a lot because chicken is generous – that is to say, it’s obedient. It will do whatever you tell it to do.  ~ Maya Angelou This Spring we finally picked up four female chicken. There they are … Continue reading →

Posted in Hobbies, My World, Pets | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Revolution

Posted on July 8, 2016 by Gandalfe

Taken from a conversation on the senseless killings by the police of black people and the coming revolution … Tess: So Stanley, what’s next? I wasn’t around for the 60s but what is the final catalyst for a complete and … Continue reading →

Posted in Facebook, In the news..., Politics | Tagged , | Leave a comment