taz_39 | Circus Xtreme Miami, FL - Feels like home (Reply)

Visiting with Jeremy and Charlie was nice. We didn't do a whole lot because I was just passing through, they had work, and it was freezing out. So we just ate out and chilled out!

It's been about two years since I was last at their house. They've been flipping it, and much amazing progress has been made. Here are some before & after photos, with the "before" on the left or top and the "after" on the right or bottom.

I also got to see another house they've bought a few blocks away that's being totally gutted and remodeled. Don't know how these guys do it, but the results are always fabulous :)

I decided to begin driving that evening to make some headway, rather than drive for 9-10 hours straight the next day. I stayed at a little highway hotel, then continued on my journey the next day. I reached Orlando late afternoon and returned my rental car. Little did I know that I didn't have unlimited miles on this trip. What an unpleasant surprise...ouch.

But I was happy to see Jameson finally after a month apart!!! He took me to his apartment to drop off my stuff, then we went out for sushi!

Then we went home, relaxed, played Guitar Hero, and caught up on all our doings over the holiday break. Gosh I've missed my sweetie!!!

The next day after a wonderful breakfast at Keke's, we drove to Miami and found the train. After a quick inventory we hit the grocery, then returned to unpack and enjoy the rest of the day.

Thursday was a day off. I spent most of it catching up on computer work and running a few small errands.

Friday was opening day! It was a little strange to be back at work "already" haha. The big excitement for me was finally getting to play my new trombone! I was very out of practice, having not played the entire month off, but I think I wasn't alone. The rehearsal was a little awkward as we all got our bearings back. But the first show of the year went very smoothly and we had a great crowd. The new trombone is AWESOME. I don't want to geek out all over this blog, you've seen enough on my facebook I'm sure, so if you're interested in the details CLICK HERE to see my first impressions on playing the new horn, and how it compares to Brett's Minick.

Both trombones are beautifully made. For those out of the loop, these trombones are special because they were made by Larry Minick, a master craftsman who specialized in mods and repairs on brass instruments. Larry was well known for making improvements on existing instruments, and when he decided to make his own trombones...well, the results were magical. These horns were made by hand, one at a time. They are a joy to play. And they are extremely rare (there are maybe 20 in the whole world).
Few people are lucky enough to play ONE of these horns, never mind TWO. And finding one in mint condition is just mind-blowing. I am extremely fortunate.

Anyway, Saturday went by quickly. All three shows went well, and we had great crowds. The talk of the day was of course the Powerball jackpot. We saw the broken billboards on our way to work. Sheesh! I wonder who (if anyone) will win!

Sunday, two shows. As of today it's Jameson's fifth year in the circus. Wow! He says it feels like it's been two :) Now we get three whole days off, then get slammed with a whopping eleven shows! Time to rest up!

Other stuff:

The scenic waterfront view at the arena this week.

(photo courtesy Chaz C.)

I STILL have not seen manatees in the waterway next to the train! But Nikki (train crew) caught some grazing this week!

(photo courtesy Nikki)

Meanwhile on the Blue Unit (currently in Tampa) Fathers Jerry and Dick bless the Blue Unit company bus, train, and other vehicles before the tour begins. This tradition has been going on since the 1920s.

Here's a picture of Assan (right) at the Center for Elephant Conservation. We miss you Assan (but she does look happy to be home!).