Today would have been Talia's 47th Birthday. As I continue to sort out life, one thing is for sure, I do want to keep her memory alive and honor her for all she meant to me. I talked with her Mom today as we usually talk each year on her birthday in addition to much more than just this day. Most of the conversation is laughing. I of course miss her immensely, but am so glad for all the memories. She was one of the greatest blessings the Lord ever gave me. I continue to learn from her example. Talia's Mom always says how much she would hate all this attention to which I agree but then I say, Heavenly Talia, I don't think would care anymore. Any insecurity is now gone and I think she would just want me to communicate how good God is, and to make sure you know what Jesus did for us all, in the greatest act of love, paying the debt for sin so we don't have to say goodbye. I really am glad she is with Jesus and my love for her brings me such comfort knowing where she is at in her spirit now. Selfishly of course would do anything to have her back but  trying not to be selfish. So today, I celebrate 47 years ago, the day God gave Talia life and that God gave me a best friend to do life with for a season. 

I've been trying for years when I'm down here to come and see Paul, but just hasn't been in the cards. Well, it finally worked out and had such a great time reminiscing about the past and hearing about his journey over the years. Paul was just before my time at Northview but I remember listening to him as a kid play in the jazz band. He has had a storied career and worked very hard. He now has a successful backline business which was cool to learn about. I also got to meet his son who was very kind and we had a good day of fellowship. Thanks so much Paul for making the time!

My trip to Israel was such an amazing time with life long memories and friends. The last time I saw these two, was in the airport in Tel Aviv 2 1/2 years ago. The funny thing with Tim and Michelle is I didn't really get to know them until the last 1/2 hour of the tour. Since returning home, we have kept in contact but have never met up until now. 

They have been a real encouragement to me both in words but also in demonstrating their love of Christ and how they walk out their faith. 

We had great fellowship. The only distraction was the food was so incredible.  Next time we'll have Jeff and Sue Moore join us. Thank you for everything Tim and Michelle! Much love!

I headed over to the other side of the state. Forgot to get a picture with Jeff Uban but I'll be back over next week. On the way home stopped at this amazing Indian restaurant in Winter Park that I ate at with the MSU cats when we did the jazz camp down here, only to find out they close between Lunch and dinner! I hate that!!! So I missed out. 

First went to Pops in Nokomis. Didn't see any real dolphins! LOL then headed to what many call the most beautiful beach in America. Pure white sand. But man is it crowded. Glad to go but I think I'm good now!  Had a nice lunch at Pops! No Louis Armstrong found!

Got to go see James again but this time reunited with the great John Lamb. Ironically, I just watched a video of John with Duke the day before. Always great to see and hear him. I've also included a link to that video and my podcast I did with both of them. I see Branford is going to be here this year! 

Being from Michigan you see a lot of wildlife and water. It's very different however down here. I strictly go to the lake for sunsets but don't look for wildlife. In Michigan, despite my reputation, I do enjoy watching birds especially the bald eagles, but bird watching down here is really different. I also went to my namesakes restaurant and loved that it was on Holy Spirit Lane!

I have gotten hours of enjoyment with my piano but the time has come to say goodbye. It's not as mobile as I am! Please let me know if you are interested and I can get you the details. 

Favorite sunset of the year so far!

Love the Jetty! I get to see my dolphins and some amazing sunsets. Each one unique! Lighting was from my drive home the other night! 

Among the many things I love about FL, one is the amount of people I know down here. The first person I went to see is my old McDonalds Jazz Band Roomie Dwayne White. He has run a jam session at an airport hanger restaurant for like 15 years. I've been to it multiple times and was nice to hear and see him again! 

​Then I went to a great concert in Naples to see my former student James Suggs. He is doing such a great job down here and was so good to hear him again. Playing drums was a very dear friend Mike Harvey who was a student of my Dad's. He helped foster my love for drums both in his playing and by giving me my first drum set. Eternally grateful to him! 

Then a dear friend was the guest artist Kenny Washington. Kenny and I have been friends since we met when we brought him in at MSU. Kenny is a kind spirit and one of the baddest vocalist on the planet. 

Thankful to everyone that let me come to the hang after. Was a great night!

I was eating in a restaurant recently, and anyone that has eaten with me knows I'm easily distracted either positively or negatively based upon whatever music is playing overhead. I have left many establishments because I can't take the music they are playing overhead, most of the time Kenny G! LOL but in the very opposite manner, if the music is killin' I have to tune everything else out and focus on the music, usually Louis Armstrong. So the other day, this tune comes on and everything about it was great, but then this trombone player solos and I was like who in the heck is that. So I did the ask Siri on my phone who was playing and this is what it was. All of it great but man, Dick Nash, who I met here at Marcus Printup's wedding, was absolutely amazing, I'm assuming it was him as he was a soloist with Henry Mancini, and someone commented that it was, and it sounded like him. Maybe Ted can confirm. Thanks for making me stop in my tracks Mr. Nash! Mr. Nash is currently 97 years young I beleive! 

I love the Jetty here! Always have a great time. I will spend many a night here. 

Got word today that Mom Fisher has passed. I would love to go to their house and hear stories and see pictures. Mom Fisher is still one of my favorite vocalists of all time and I learned so much from her and Count playing at the Spinnaker Lounge with them. It was also tradition to go their house for thanksgiving dinner at night after the other celebrations and football and then eat another meal there. I was truly honored that she sang at my WMJS Jazz Musician of the year Banquet. I think she was 97. God Bless you Mom Fisher! 

Yup, I would make my stop on this trip just to see a Louis Armstrong Mural. It looks great and is also with Billie Holiday. I had no address but was able to contact a gentlemen who I saw did an article on it and he got right back with me to tell me where to look. I included some other pictures from over the years. And of course had to include a few with Talia! 

July 1 would have been our 8th year anniversary. I am truly thankful to God for the time He gave me with Talia. I miss her every day but so glad I will see her again. There were many reminders of her, seeing this coca-cola sign, a portable library, my hotel was next to the ice machine which was her way of having fun. Eating in a hotel room next to the ice machine so she wouldn't have to walk to far and watching a movie and reading her books lol. She was pretty simple to please. I arrived in FL and typically I would get food from Red Lobster for her birthday and our anniversary. She also loved water so I have been able to be by water each year she has been gone. Found a seafood place on this canal and then went to see the sunset on the Gulf. 

It's a lot of work and commitment to do a gig on the island but I had a great time on a beautiful day!

I'm so blessed to call so many Mom! Mom Froncek passed to Heaven. She was good at calling me to check in, she was always there for me through life moments as I was for her. I would usually get a call on Sunday mornings before football for my lions and her bears and a spartan recap from the previous day. I'm glad this isn't good bye but see you in Heaven. Love you Mom Froncek. 

No matter how many sunsets I've seen, I'm still amazed at each one. Just like every person has their own fingerprint, each sunset has its unique quality. God is truly a creative God! 

It's been a hard year for my Dad with many health issues. So it was very nice to be able to celebrate both Fathers Day and my Dad's birthday this year. Grateful for each day. 

I had such a good time hearing some of my favorite musicians on the planet play a tribute to Oscar Peterson!