I went on two short trips in the past 10 or so days. The first was to New Jersey to visit my brother, Art. He had invited me to a folk festival at Appel Farm (spelling is correct) and I got to see some good acts. I was immediately drawn to Cheryl Wheeler's performance because I had seen her in Sturbridge years ago. I love the quality of her voice. She's funny and an terrific songwriter. Unfortunately, there were problems with the sound system and I think it affected her a bit. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed her music.
Later on in the afternoon, I got to hear Dawes and then the Tedeschi and Trucks Band. Both acts were top notch. I really like the songwriting of the Dawes band. One of their songs I have heard before, so I liked that because of familiarity. But all of the songs were good. Then, TTB started playing and all I can say is, WOW! The musicians were so good, and Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi sure could sing and play. I'm a fan for sure. FWIW, they won a Grammy for best blues album from 2010. Sweet.
Art drove me home a couple days after that so I could then lead a three day photo excursion up to Vermont. He and I and three other friends, Steve, Richie, and Bob, wanted to hang together for a while as photographers. So, we picked Vermont because they hadn't really explored it before. It was quite nice. For sure, Fall is the season to consider going there, but I felt this Springtime adventure could serve as recon. As it turns out, we got some really nice photos.
But, the big deal for me was that I must have gotten exposed to poison ivy - lots of it. The only place where I can think that this happened was at a covered bridge in Thetford, VT. I was the only one wearing shorts and I did lay on what I thought was just grass to get a closeup shot of something. I'm pretty sure my camera bag got some of the oils on it because I now have itchy areas on my neck, arms, leg. I think there was transfer going on because of how I carry the bag.
Live and learn.
I have posted my images along with a story about our trip on my Images by Casey website.
