Music has always been and always will be a significant part of my life. It's roaming around in my head all the time, my subconscious always has a song playing in it, even when I'm asleep. It doesn't totally dominate my life, but it does make up a very large part of my being.

My OMB jobs/gigs have provided me with a good income for decades, it allows me to do all the things I want to do, it opened lots of doors to higher paying music jobs, but still allows me time to do other things such as travel and go sailing. Now, in my twilight years, my ability to perform has not diminished, at least that's what my audiences tell me. Unfortunately, I know those years of being a performer/entertainer are waning rapidly. In the not too distant future, I will no longer be physically able to do what I will do this afternoon, but I accept that as part of life.

In many ways, the Captain and I have led quite similar lives. I've been able to utilize my God given talents and vocal abilities to be a radio newscaster, a professional announcer, do voice-overs for some of the larger automotive dealerships in Maryland and other states, produced and directed my own cable TV shows, and yet still found time for my wife and children. There's not many things I have not done in this life, and by and large, nothing I would change if it were possible to go back in time. Well, maybe a few things.

Today, I'm going to drive to an assisted living center that is just a few miles from the marina where I keep my boat. I'll perform for a small crowd of mostly ladies, all of which, unfortunately, have outlived their body parts. They're in a place where they do not wish to be, but at least they are receiving some form of care they could not get at home. I'll only be there for an hour or so, during which time I hope to mentally take them to a place that is a lot more fun. Some will sing, some will tap their feet and clap their hands to the music. Some will close their eyes and dream of far off places they visited in years past. So, for them, music has a special meaning as well.

When the job ends, I'll shake hands with many of the residents, and tell them when I'll be back. Some of the ladies will get a bit teary eyed because I have to leave, but I assure them that I will come back soon. Then it's off to the boat to talk with the marina about borrowing their pressure washer to clean the winter grime off the boat so it can be painted next week. Without music, I wouldn't be able to afford a nice sailing yacht, or take the time off to sail to the islands.

In many ways music IS my life,

Gary