Orel Family

Blossom, June 16, 2006: My mind is still a bit jumbled after finally getting home from Blossom at 4:30am, so I will just say this: Great, great show in Blossom last night. The new band just cooks, right from the start, and for 2 and a half hours without stop. Some highlights: Long Time Comin'. This was soundchecked over and over, though from the box office it was hard to make out over the unfortunate blaring of the local dinosaur rock station that was broadcasting there -- having to endure Supertramp while Bruce was playing live was distressing. Fortunately, Bruce liked it enough to play during the set, dedicating it to Evan ("lock up you daughters!," he advised to parents). Unlike other Springsteen-penned songs played on this tour, this one was played straight. A debut full-band live arrangement, since all performances on Joad and D&D were solo. Beautiful interplay between Bruce and the band, especially with drummer Larry Eagle and with the violins. Eag...

Sometimes we can have fun and do some good at the same time. Tour de Cure is one of those times. Aaron and I will be riding in the American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure fund-raising event in Brighton, Michigan, on Sunday (June 11). This is our 2nd year riding together. Last year we combined to raise more than $2400 for a 7 mile ride; this year we will attempt a 15-mile ride. Aaron is 9 years old, but he can do it -- we've completed a 14-mile practice ride last weekend, and other than ending up with some soreness he made it through ok. Our fundraising goal is also higher. Aaron is very excited about the ride. The Tour de Cure is a series of cycling events held in over 80 cities nationwide. Thousands of riders pedal in support of the Association's mission: to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. I am asking you to help by supporting my fund-raising efforts with a donation. Your tax-deductible gift will make a dif...

Aaron, convincing Elianna not to be scared of something: "It was just a dream." Elianna, remembering a little too much: "But he said dreams sometimes come true!"