First Post: Ate, tzai me to kalon, pou tha elegen i yiayia mou

Summer is finally here.

The trees have their shadows back.

Winter's depression recedes all the way to Canada, then to the Arctic Circle, leaving behind its scars on our bodies:  extra weight, an inexplicably persistent yet mild malaise, and an itch to constantly be outside.  Souvla, here I come.  I bought a 7 foot long Smoker Foukou, outfitted with thermometers and heat deflectors, extra coal chambers, the works.   You could roast a whole pig in it.  (Once a Laistrigonas, always one)

Work is finished, finally.  A tough year.  No more driving 80 miles a day, teaching 47 students one by one at their house, no more talking about music for 10 hours a day---until September.....

12 weeks vacation (unpaid since it's my own business, but necessary)

First 3 weeks:  I am a vegetable, a combination lettuce/eggplant.

I have to shake off this laziness and immediately start composing a competent piece of music.

Everything gets in the way of inspiration, the upcoming trip to the Land of the Laistrigones, the kids, exhaustion.

The year's concerts were a success.  A piece for orchestra, a string quartet, a trio, piano music.

Not bad for a new father.

Welcome to my frustration outlet.