ukulele

Lauren’s ukulele group didn’t get together over the summer. So, for their first Fall get-together, they had a luau. It was a blast. In addition to the ubiquitous ukuleles there were also guitars, bongo drums and a trumpet. It was a unique sound. The trumpet player was from Boston, and he said that word on the streets in Boston was that ukes were “a wicked pisser.” We all laughed at that, but Lauren and I didn’t really know if that was good or bad.

We didn’t want to drive all the was back to Seward after the luau, so we pricelined a room in Omaha, and that’s where we are now. If you need anything from Omaha, leave a comment. (Lauren has some good pictures, but I can’t post them from here. I’m sure she’ll add them later.)

Lauren’s Update: Just so Annette doesn’t get too jealous, this luau didn’t touch yours. It had less of the ‘Hawaiian’ stuff, and much more of the ukulele stuff. Plus, it was pretty dang cold! The food was incredible, though, and the company was great. The guy with the bongo caters for different parties, so he made kabobs and pineapple chicken. As we played, it grew darker and darker outside. People broke out flashlights and such, but Lloyd saved our table with the power of his iPod!! Yes, folks, bright enough to read by!

Peggy, we didn’t drink too much, we’re just lazy. It takes about an hour and a half to drive to Omaha, and Lloyd had choir practice in Lincoln the next day. So it was a matter of driving less. Do you buy that?

We spoke of having a bacon mat gallery, but here is one that I’m even prouder of. Lloyd’s Cousin Sam borrowed my red Fluke when his family went out west on vacation. My instructions were that he should take pictures of it when he took it somewhere interesting. He did not disappoint! Behold:

Now, for an offer that I will only extend to Sam. I know how you crave a Fluke of your own. (Sam has a case of UAS – Ukulele Acquisition Syndrome.) Since I am a silly person and support your illness, I will set aside one dollar every day that you comment on this site, Sam. Not one dollar per comment, one dollar a day. You think I’m kidding? I am not. In a mere seven months you could have a Fluke. (Note: This offer only good for one Cousin Sam, True Blue Uke Disciple. When the rest of you have shown your mad song memorization skills and chord knowledge, I’ll think about it.)

(Happy Birthday, Christina!) 

We’ve got a write-up!  Our little ukulele group that meets once a month got a write-up in a little newspaper.  You can read it here:

http://www.bellevueleader.com/site/tab3.cfm?newsid=17874170&BRD=2712&PAG=461&dept_id=559850&rfi=6

The man in the picture is Mark Guiterrez.  He is actually a very talented mariachi guitar player who can make the ukulele sound like a….well, a mariachi guitar – or a harp – or a mandolin – or anything!  (Not a bird, though, because that would be weird.) While Lloyd and I are slightly disappointed that our picture didn’t make it in the article, I’m pretty sure that Warren Buffet is going to read this and join our little ensemble.  Don’t you think that would make a pretty good post?