Talia would have turned 46 today. I started the day off by going to see my hospice family. It's a very weird confliction of emotions. Truly one of the hardest times of my life was spent here with Talia, yet at the same time there was so much love shown to us that it's good to see everyone when I go. I'm always received so warmly. I was able to get a memorial brick laid down in the path for Talia. I remember one day when I was wheeling her outside, she thought it was so nice that people could be remembered by family like that so I knew it was something I wanted to do. Me telling the story really epically fails to express how sweetly her spirit was about this sentiment. I've never met anyone sweeter than Talia. I'm bummed I didn't take a picture with Dr. LaBerge but he couldn't have been more kind! The turkey and deer came out to say hey also. Had a nice reflective walk. Then stopped and picked up some of her favorite flowers. Going to see the nephew play his first gig under his name tonight. Talia's Aunt Rita now celebrates Talia's birthday on the day she passed because that is the day she went to Heaven. It's a nice authentic spin on what should be a very sad day but think I may start adopting that tradition! 

I've always been blessed no matter where I live to find places to walk and observe God's creation! I kind of got a bucket list shot of the deer panteth for the water shot. 

Much of the time in my life, I feel I'm on a deserted island. It is always great when I have a visitor. So thankful for my brother Dr. Scott Cowan! What a great time of fellowship and inspiration. 

Kind of a weird gig. At the Amway downtown GR. Played a million gigs there but only a few in this room. After soundcheck, got the news President Trump had been shot which put me in kind of a funk. Then the gig had 3 very good friends on it but we are all past members of a church. I walked around for awhile and in the Amway and convention center there is definitely a river/wave theme as you can see. 

It was kind of funny because there were so many home fireworks going on me and this family that came down to watch thought maybe those were the city's. many drones from the capitol were watching us. 

I love going to see the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds. Most of the time I don't end up going to the viewing stand and just find a place I can park and watch. It was pretty overcast and did rain a few times but still so fun to see them in Battle Creek. Met this nice lady who kept me fed at her food truck! 

When I was a kid, I bought this foldout post card set. One of the pictures was the Jackson Cascades. After all these years, I finally went there. 

Right as fireworks started this lady came next to me and started to talk to the guy through the fence and did not watch one bit of the fireworks. Kind of annoying. lol

Today would have been 7 years for me and Talia! Last week this truck in front of me had this blue rose on it. That was Talia's favorite. 

This was as close as I've ever been to a bald eagle. I was a little scared with my history with birds. LOL 

This was a really super special concert as it was with the 3 people I have performed the longest with. Tim Froncek gave me my first gig in 11th grade, Xavier Davis I played with in jr. orchestra, and Rob Hartman I played with in HS. The crowd was very responsive and really enjoyed the evening! 

My good friend Ed Mallett invited me up for my 3rd time to be a part of his tuba Bach festival. Was great to play with old friends and some new ones. So proud of Ed and what he has brought to Big Rapids! 

My wedding band takes me all over MI. A good majority in northern MI. I love this area in Arcadia and Frankfort. Passed 2 years of Talia's transition on June 10th. She loved looking at water so I love that the last two years, my gigs around her passing anniversary are around water. On the way back stopped in Mt. Pleasant where I went to College. These ladies were closed but made me a malt because I helped them carry in groceries. Very nice! 

Traveled to Indy to see Jacob Collier. It was a very entertaining show and he is immensely talented. I was also very impressed with the sound and lights! Also good to hear Christian Euman again! Then headed to Nashville quick to take a lesson with Steve Patrick. 

Beautiful night for opening of jazz in the park. Sat in with Byron and was a nice way to close the year with them. Then went down and sat in on both drums and trumpet with John. Got my professional start on drums with John. Thankful for him. Thanks to Eddie Tadlock for the photos and video!