Juilliard

In the last 24 hours, two things have happened. One is heartwarming and the other was extremely surprising. At present I am reading a brilliant book entitled 'Diary of a Young Musician' ( Final Day's of the Big Band Era) by Felix Mayerhofer. Now to describe this book as fascinating, would be a great understatement. I can't put it down. In fact, I am staying awake in bed reading it and it's getting later and later before I put the light out to try and sleep. hence I have bags bigger than Katy Price's fun bags, under my eyes. It tells the story of a young Trombonist who during the 40's worked his way up to play in the named Big Bands in the USA. He entered the world of Drug's, Drinking and Women whilst on the road (See how life has got boring for me, as all I have experienced is Vick's Nasal spray, Tonic Water and OAP's) and also had a stint in an Air Force Band. Even if you are not a Trombone player. Even if you are not a musician. I urge you to buy this book as it is a superb read and it will stay in my collection forever. You can check out details by clicking the title above. The heartwarming part is, that I found an e mail address for Mr Mayerhofer and he sent a lovely e mail of which I have had permission to print below.

'When you’re tired at work from reading my book, why not take a nap in one of your comfortable caskets? You should take advantage of the opportunity! You really are a creative undertaker who is truly an author. I read all your blogs and they had me in stitches. I’d buy your humorous books immediately. Humor is humor no matter what country it’s from, and yours is FUNNY! A couple of questions: How did you happen to find out about my book? And where did you purchase it? I gather you played trombone in the service. By coincidence the only other undertaker I’ve ever know was also a trombonist. He dropped out of college where I knew him. A few years later I was playing in Florida when this same trombonist, wearing a black suit, saw me in a restaurant as I was sitting next to a window. He rushed in and hugged me like he was measuring me for a casket. He told me he was now an undertaker attending a convention in Florida. I swear he looked like Boris Karloff., with even a slight speech impediment. My whole body sort of shivered that entire evening during the gig. I also played “Song of India” with my high school jazz band. The mention of that song brought back good memories. Thanks for writing me, I really appreciated it. Check out my website, Felix Children Stories You’re a funny man. Take care, Felix'

How nice is that.

Now the spooky surprising thing that happened today. I was tasked to work with another Funeral Company today. I did not want to go, as it meant an early start and no overtime pay. However something made me decide to take it. I noticed the surname of the deceased and realised that I recognised it?. I also saw a face I recognised and asked one of the mourners the chaps first name. It turns out that it was a long lost cousin who I had not seen for 35 years!!! When he found out, most of the Family came across and kissed me (the women not the men). In fact I have never had so many kisses in one day. I was embarrassed but delighted as this means I can make a start on my family history. But what were the chances of me being in the right place at the right time????

I read in the paper today, that a local MP has swore to get prostitution off the streets and drive it underground.
Great news for the Miners me thinks?