Since blogs are constructed in such a manner that the latest post is at the top of the page, I felt it would be useful to alert you to the fact that the beginnings of my blog are in chronological order. So, if you're interested in following this story line in proper sequence, please begin by reading the post titled An Unexpected Journey. Each subsequent post is dated by the actual date being recounted as well as the date it was posted to my blog.
Since I'm still recovering from the constant discomfort of Post-Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN), a very nasty byproduct of the shingles attack, I haven't felt up to writing or posting as often as originally hoped, thus the considerable time it has taken me to get to this point, with much-appreciated patience and assistance from Justin.
More remembrances and photos to come very soon.
-Ron
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Portland — Day Two - Blue Note Records Panel Discussion
Friday, February 13, 2009 - Afternoon
Justin and I returned to our hotel for a quick lunch before heading to our next event — a Blue Note Records panel discussion moderated by author Ashley Kahn.
Once again, The Heathman Hotel delivered what we had discovered was their usual customer satisfaction experience with prompt service and absolutely superb food. For me, a bowl of world-class bean soup with freshly baked bread was just right. As usual, the pepper grinder was never far from Peppercorn Thorne, as you can see in the photo below.
After lunch, we walked back to the Portland Center for the Performing Arts and entered Brunish Hall, the large space housing the upcoming discussion. The room was nearly full, so we felt very fortunate to find two seats in the front row, where we also had a great vantage point for photos.
The Blue Note panel was a distinguished one, to be sure ... with recording artists Joe Lovano and Diane Reeves alongside Blue Note executives Michael Cuscuna and Bruce Lundval. We experienced a wide-ranging discussion of the jazz music business, from Blue Note's perspective, including specific artist and recording date experiences , packaging, photography, graphic design, liner notes, etc. What a wonderful historical perspective was provided by Mssrs. Cuscuna and Lundval in this special year ... Blue Note's 70th Anniversary. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of current Blue Note president Bruce Lundval's re-launching of the label back in 1984 — another significant milestone.
After the discussion, moderator Ashley Kahn opened things up to the audience with a Q&A session where I seized the opportunity to ask Joe Lovano to share some insights into his history with the late saxophonist Jim Pepper. Joe's remembrances were warm and nostalgic, and his respect and appreciation for Pepper's music was evident.
It was a special treat to meet the panelists as well as moderator Ashley Kahn following the floor discussion. When I suggested to Bruce Lundval (in a teasing manner, of course) that he was costing me a lot of money with the Mosaic box set series, he smiled and said ... "Good!".
An unexpected bonus for Justin and me was meeting singer/composer Judi Silvano, Joe Lovano's wife. We were to experience some of her considerable talents later in the festival.
What a thrill it was to be in the midst of such a wonderfully approachable, friendly group of extraordinarily talented people. And, all of this pleasure and enjoyment before attending the 1st concert!
Justin and I returned to our hotel for a quick lunch before heading to our next event — a Blue Note Records panel discussion moderated by author Ashley Kahn.
Once again, The Heathman Hotel delivered what we had discovered was their usual customer satisfaction experience with prompt service and absolutely superb food. For me, a bowl of world-class bean soup with freshly baked bread was just right. As usual, the pepper grinder was never far from Peppercorn Thorne, as you can see in the photo below.
After lunch, we walked back to the Portland Center for the Performing Arts and entered Brunish Hall, the large space housing the upcoming discussion. The room was nearly full, so we felt very fortunate to find two seats in the front row, where we also had a great vantage point for photos.
The Blue Note panel was a distinguished one, to be sure ... with recording artists Joe Lovano and Diane Reeves alongside Blue Note executives Michael Cuscuna and Bruce Lundval. We experienced a wide-ranging discussion of the jazz music business, from Blue Note's perspective, including specific artist and recording date experiences , packaging, photography, graphic design, liner notes, etc. What a wonderful historical perspective was provided by Mssrs. Cuscuna and Lundval in this special year ... Blue Note's 70th Anniversary. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of current Blue Note president Bruce Lundval's re-launching of the label back in 1984 — another significant milestone.
After the discussion, moderator Ashley Kahn opened things up to the audience with a Q&A session where I seized the opportunity to ask Joe Lovano to share some insights into his history with the late saxophonist Jim Pepper. Joe's remembrances were warm and nostalgic, and his respect and appreciation for Pepper's music was evident.
It was a special treat to meet the panelists as well as moderator Ashley Kahn following the floor discussion. When I suggested to Bruce Lundval (in a teasing manner, of course) that he was costing me a lot of money with the Mosaic box set series, he smiled and said ... "Good!".
An unexpected bonus for Justin and me was meeting singer/composer Judi Silvano, Joe Lovano's wife. We were to experience some of her considerable talents later in the festival.
What a thrill it was to be in the midst of such a wonderfully approachable, friendly group of extraordinarily talented people. And, all of this pleasure and enjoyment before attending the 1st concert!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Portland — Day Two - The PDX Jazz Festival Begins
Friday, February 13, 2009 - Morning
Justin and I slept very well, and awoke with great anticipation for the actual beginning of the 2009 Portland Jazz Festival. First, we savored some Peet's coffee and a light breakfast, then headed to the 1st event, a Jazz Conversation — an interview with Terence Blanchard moderated by the Oregonian's Luciana Lopez, in a wonderful light-filled space at the Jazz Bar at the Portland Center for the Performing Arts. The event was only about one block away, so we walked, with my trusty R2O2 alongside.
We managed to snag front row seats for what turned out to be a very informative and interesting session with a most creative, sensitive and insightful musician ... Terence Blanchard. Luciana Lopez proved to be a very capable interviewer, asking meaty and interesting questions, which both Blanchard and the audience appreciated. Terence talked at length about the impetus for the impressive work we were about to hear later that evening, A Tale of God's Will (A Requiem For Katrina) ... in its entirety. He told a very profound, personal story of visiting his Mother's house (where he grew up and learned to play trumpet) for the 1st time after hurricane Katrina struck and not hearing a sound. No birds — nothing but wind! It was beyond eery to him. He also provided a glimpse into his early life as a musician, recounting piano lessons, and the moment at which he was awestruck by the sound of a trumpet for the first time. Terence also introduced the man who designed and custom-built the trumpet he's been playing for the past 18 years or so ... a Portland resident, David Monette. Monette's trumpets are played by some of the world's leading trumpeters and command a very high price. Not only that, but the wait time is considerable ... a minimum of six months, and usually over a year. Dave appeared to be a very modest, unpretentious man, and was very friendly and approachable.
After her interview with Blanchard, Lopez opened the Jazz Conversation to questions from the audience, which included one from me — a question about the importance of breath and breathing as a musician — and not only for musicians who play wind instruments. I also asked if yoga was ever a part of his routine.
I told Terence that I was a drummer, and he was already aware of my breathing difficulties, having seen R2O2 with me on a couple of occasions. He told us of his connection with a yogi while with Art Blakey many years ago, and of his use of boxing for developing and maintaining his focus, breathing and stamina for the past 14 years or so. Meditation has also been part of his breathing regimen.
After this Jazz Conversation was concluded, I had a nice exchange with Luciana Lopez, who thanked me for my question and said we'd probably cross paths again during the festival. She was right.
At the point when just about everyone had cleared the room I was unexpectedly approached by a lady who extended her hand to me with what appeared to be a large business card. The card depicted several very small representations of wonderful paintings of musicians ... blues and jazz artists. She introduced herself — Diane Russell, a Portland artist. We had a nice chat,and I told her that I wanted to check out her website and see more of her work. She was very modest, to say the least. As far as I'm concerned, Diane's work is much like a category of some jazz artists ... Talent Deserving of Wider Recognition. We soon became friends, and had enjoyable conversations about art & jazz on several occasions.
Justin and I slept very well, and awoke with great anticipation for the actual beginning of the 2009 Portland Jazz Festival. First, we savored some Peet's coffee and a light breakfast, then headed to the 1st event, a Jazz Conversation — an interview with Terence Blanchard moderated by the Oregonian's Luciana Lopez, in a wonderful light-filled space at the Jazz Bar at the Portland Center for the Performing Arts. The event was only about one block away, so we walked, with my trusty R2O2 alongside.
We managed to snag front row seats for what turned out to be a very informative and interesting session with a most creative, sensitive and insightful musician ... Terence Blanchard. Luciana Lopez proved to be a very capable interviewer, asking meaty and interesting questions, which both Blanchard and the audience appreciated. Terence talked at length about the impetus for the impressive work we were about to hear later that evening, A Tale of God's Will (A Requiem For Katrina) ... in its entirety. He told a very profound, personal story of visiting his Mother's house (where he grew up and learned to play trumpet) for the 1st time after hurricane Katrina struck and not hearing a sound. No birds — nothing but wind! It was beyond eery to him. He also provided a glimpse into his early life as a musician, recounting piano lessons, and the moment at which he was awestruck by the sound of a trumpet for the first time. Terence also introduced the man who designed and custom-built the trumpet he's been playing for the past 18 years or so ... a Portland resident, David Monette. Monette's trumpets are played by some of the world's leading trumpeters and command a very high price. Not only that, but the wait time is considerable ... a minimum of six months, and usually over a year. Dave appeared to be a very modest, unpretentious man, and was very friendly and approachable.
After her interview with Blanchard, Lopez opened the Jazz Conversation to questions from the audience, which included one from me — a question about the importance of breath and breathing as a musician — and not only for musicians who play wind instruments. I also asked if yoga was ever a part of his routine.
I told Terence that I was a drummer, and he was already aware of my breathing difficulties, having seen R2O2 with me on a couple of occasions. He told us of his connection with a yogi while with Art Blakey many years ago, and of his use of boxing for developing and maintaining his focus, breathing and stamina for the past 14 years or so. Meditation has also been part of his breathing regimen.
After this Jazz Conversation was concluded, I had a nice exchange with Luciana Lopez, who thanked me for my question and said we'd probably cross paths again during the festival. She was right.
At the point when just about everyone had cleared the room I was unexpectedly approached by a lady who extended her hand to me with what appeared to be a large business card. The card depicted several very small representations of wonderful paintings of musicians ... blues and jazz artists. She introduced herself — Diane Russell, a Portland artist. We had a nice chat,and I told her that I wanted to check out her website and see more of her work. She was very modest, to say the least. As far as I'm concerned, Diane's work is much like a category of some jazz artists ... Talent Deserving of Wider Recognition. We soon became friends, and had enjoyable conversations about art & jazz on several occasions.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Portland — Day One (Membership Has Its Privileges)
Thursday, February 12, 2009
The very congenial doorman at Nordstrom called us a cab for our fairly short (3 block) ride to The Heathman Hotel. I was tired from the trip and not yet in shape for a slightly uphill 3 block walk, so a taxi seemed like a good call. Justin helped me load R2O2 into the taxi for our :30 sec. or so trip up the street.
Our Radio Cab driver refused any payment, smiled and wished us a nice stay in Portland. He was the first of many in "The City of Roses" who treated us in such a kind, welcoming way. Needless to say, we utilized Radio Cab for the remainder of our stay.
We were greeted at the front door of The Heathman by a doorman in his signature Beefeater attire, then headed for registration which was handled in mere seconds. We arrived a few hours ahead of check in time, but that posed no problem whatsoever, allowing us relaxing, early enjoyment of our room. A bellman loaded our luggage onto his cart, held the elevator for us, and we headed for our upgraded room on the 9th floor. Let's just say that we were very pleased with every aspect of our room, including the smallest details, such as freshly-ground Peet's coffee/loose-leaf tea service and a Bodum French Press being provided, in addition to The Heathman exclusive “Art of Sleep Menu” where we could choose a TempurPedic, European Pillow-top or European Feather-top bed. We chose the latter. Fantastic!
Our room wasn't over-the-top or pretentious in any way, but was considerably larger than expected and sumptuous in its furnishings and appointments. Justin and I were clearly going to be properly spoiled by this 4-night stay at the venerable Heathman Hotel.
Membership Has Its Privileges!
We ordered a light meal from room service to tide us over until after we attended the VIP-Only rehearsal for Terence Blanchard's world premiere of a live performance of his new work A Tale of God's Will (A Requiem for Katrina), also the title of his current CD.
Justin ordered Croque Monsieur with Spinach Salad & Balsamic Vinaigrette, and I opted for Crab Cakes with Red Curry Fondue and Parsnip Crisps. Both were absolutely perfect, as expected from a kitchen with Culinary Director Phillipe Boulot at its helm.
Justin and I were very excited to be extended the opportunity to witness the rehearsal of Terence Blanchard and the 27-piece Portland Jazz Orchestra as the result of my membership in the Portland Jazz Festival. I joined for several reasons; to give some modest financial support to this young festival, save a few bucks on ticket fees, and enjoy some special perks such as the VIP-Only rehearsal.
Our information indicated that the evening rehearsal was being held "a short drive across the (Wilamette) river" from Portland at SEI (Self Enhancement, Inc.) who had donated rehearsal space at their facility to the PDX Jazz Festival.
We had our doorman call a cab and gave the driver that basic information, which proved to be woefully inadequate. He wasn't familiar with SEI so called his dispatcher for an address and we were on our way. Or so we thought. I asked our driver his name and he responded Jamal, my 2nd friendly encounter with a young man from Ethiopia. Remember Ahmad in Seattle earlier? Now it was all making sense. I was on a "jazz mission", and I'd just met Ahmad/Jamal. What are the chances of this happening? I couldn't help noting this and wondering if it was mere coincidence.
The problem was that SEI had two locations, one in an industrial park (our 1st dropoff) which also featured Dalo's Kitchen, an Ethiopian restaurant and not much else ... at least at night. It became painfully obvious that this was the wrong location and that no music was being rehearsed in this building, so I called the festival office on my cellular phone for clarification. They were mortified that we'd been on a wild goose chase, so dispatched a 2nd taxi to pick us up right away and whisk us a few blocks away to the proper location. Success at last!
As soon as Justin opened the door at SEI #2 we heard music, a really welcome sound, though we also knew we had missed some precious moments of the rehearsal. We immediately rode the elevator to the 2nd floor and found seats in the mezzanine overlooking a sizeable stage area for our bird's eye view.
What a unique thrill it was to watch and listen to something as complex as this 13-part work come together in such a short span of time. Terence and his quintet were obviously intimately familiar with the music, but the hand-picked orchestra had been going over their parts without the benefit of the composer and his ensemble — until now.
I got goose bumps several times listening to the melodic themes, harmonic voicings and dynamics of various sections of Blanchard's very passionate work.
Before taking a break, drummer Kendrick Scott energized us with some amazing drum set gymnastics which appeared to be a form of technical "reaching" for some very difficult passages he may have anticipated. Justin managed to get a few cool shots of Kendrick in action before we headed downstairs to meet Terence Blanchard.
A Nightcap —
A few months before planning my trip to Portland I discovered that Eric, a friend I had worked with at dB Music in Anchorage, was living in Portland. After arranging the trip to the PDX Jazz Festival we exchanged messages on Facebook with the hope of connecting.
I called Eric from our hotel and set up a meeting with him and his wife Carrie after the Terence Blanchard rehearsal. They had a fencing class which was getting over about the same time as our rehearsal so they said they would pick up Justin and me at our venue. It had been 15 years since we'd seen one another, and he was still working at a music store — Portland Music.
Eric and Carrie arrived at SEI, and after some warm hugs we headed for a drink and a late night dinner. After striking out at several restaurants which were closing early, we finally found a winner ... The Rose and Thistle Pub. We ordered some beer and wine along with some simple comfort food and enjoyed it while catching up on many years apart. There were some fun, spirited conversations, but our time together was far too limited. Our server was an unexpected bonus, a bright, friendly, efficient young lady ... one of those rare ones you hope for but rarely find.
This was a perfect ending to a very fine day.
Justin and I definitely felt privileged, and it was only Day One in Portland.
The very congenial doorman at Nordstrom called us a cab for our fairly short (3 block) ride to The Heathman Hotel. I was tired from the trip and not yet in shape for a slightly uphill 3 block walk, so a taxi seemed like a good call. Justin helped me load R2O2 into the taxi for our :30 sec. or so trip up the street.
Our Radio Cab driver refused any payment, smiled and wished us a nice stay in Portland. He was the first of many in "The City of Roses" who treated us in such a kind, welcoming way. Needless to say, we utilized Radio Cab for the remainder of our stay.
We were greeted at the front door of The Heathman by a doorman in his signature Beefeater attire, then headed for registration which was handled in mere seconds. We arrived a few hours ahead of check in time, but that posed no problem whatsoever, allowing us relaxing, early enjoyment of our room. A bellman loaded our luggage onto his cart, held the elevator for us, and we headed for our upgraded room on the 9th floor. Let's just say that we were very pleased with every aspect of our room, including the smallest details, such as freshly-ground Peet's coffee/loose-leaf tea service and a Bodum French Press being provided, in addition to The Heathman exclusive “Art of Sleep Menu” where we could choose a TempurPedic, European Pillow-top or European Feather-top bed. We chose the latter. Fantastic!
Our room wasn't over-the-top or pretentious in any way, but was considerably larger than expected and sumptuous in its furnishings and appointments. Justin and I were clearly going to be properly spoiled by this 4-night stay at the venerable Heathman Hotel.
Membership Has Its Privileges!
We ordered a light meal from room service to tide us over until after we attended the VIP-Only rehearsal for Terence Blanchard's world premiere of a live performance of his new work A Tale of God's Will (A Requiem for Katrina), also the title of his current CD.
Justin ordered Croque Monsieur with Spinach Salad & Balsamic Vinaigrette, and I opted for Crab Cakes with Red Curry Fondue and Parsnip Crisps. Both were absolutely perfect, as expected from a kitchen with Culinary Director Phillipe Boulot at its helm.
Justin and I were very excited to be extended the opportunity to witness the rehearsal of Terence Blanchard and the 27-piece Portland Jazz Orchestra as the result of my membership in the Portland Jazz Festival. I joined for several reasons; to give some modest financial support to this young festival, save a few bucks on ticket fees, and enjoy some special perks such as the VIP-Only rehearsal.Our information indicated that the evening rehearsal was being held "a short drive across the (Wilamette) river" from Portland at SEI (Self Enhancement, Inc.) who had donated rehearsal space at their facility to the PDX Jazz Festival.
We had our doorman call a cab and gave the driver that basic information, which proved to be woefully inadequate. He wasn't familiar with SEI so called his dispatcher for an address and we were on our way. Or so we thought. I asked our driver his name and he responded Jamal, my 2nd friendly encounter with a young man from Ethiopia. Remember Ahmad in Seattle earlier? Now it was all making sense. I was on a "jazz mission", and I'd just met Ahmad/Jamal. What are the chances of this happening? I couldn't help noting this and wondering if it was mere coincidence.
The problem was that SEI had two locations, one in an industrial park (our 1st dropoff) which also featured Dalo's Kitchen, an Ethiopian restaurant and not much else ... at least at night. It became painfully obvious that this was the wrong location and that no music was being rehearsed in this building, so I called the festival office on my cellular phone for clarification. They were mortified that we'd been on a wild goose chase, so dispatched a 2nd taxi to pick us up right away and whisk us a few blocks away to the proper location. Success at last!
As soon as Justin opened the door at SEI #2 we heard music, a really welcome sound, though we also knew we had missed some precious moments of the rehearsal. We immediately rode the elevator to the 2nd floor and found seats in the mezzanine overlooking a sizeable stage area for our bird's eye view.What a unique thrill it was to watch and listen to something as complex as this 13-part work come together in such a short span of time. Terence and his quintet were obviously intimately familiar with the music, but the hand-picked orchestra had been going over their parts without the benefit of the composer and his ensemble — until now.
I got goose bumps several times listening to the melodic themes, harmonic voicings and dynamics of various sections of Blanchard's very passionate work.
Before taking a break, drummer Kendrick Scott energized us with some amazing drum set gymnastics which appeared to be a form of technical "reaching" for some very difficult passages he may have anticipated. Justin managed to get a few cool shots of Kendrick in action before we headed downstairs to meet Terence Blanchard.
A Nightcap —
A few months before planning my trip to Portland I discovered that Eric, a friend I had worked with at dB Music in Anchorage, was living in Portland. After arranging the trip to the PDX Jazz Festival we exchanged messages on Facebook with the hope of connecting.
I called Eric from our hotel and set up a meeting with him and his wife Carrie after the Terence Blanchard rehearsal. They had a fencing class which was getting over about the same time as our rehearsal so they said they would pick up Justin and me at our venue. It had been 15 years since we'd seen one another, and he was still working at a music store — Portland Music.
Eric and Carrie arrived at SEI, and after some warm hugs we headed for a drink and a late night dinner. After striking out at several restaurants which were closing early, we finally found a winner ... The Rose and Thistle Pub. We ordered some beer and wine along with some simple comfort food and enjoyed it while catching up on many years apart. There were some fun, spirited conversations, but our time together was far too limited. Our server was an unexpected bonus, a bright, friendly, efficient young lady ... one of those rare ones you hope for but rarely find.This was a perfect ending to a very fine day.
Justin and I definitely felt privileged, and it was only Day One in Portland.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Portland or Bust!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
— Part One —
Since Patti and I had planned this trip to Portland months before my illness, to celebrate the 38th birthday of our youngest child by attending the Portland Jazz Festival, I was determined to make it happen. Justin and I are both drummers/percussionists and avid jazz fans, so this was a perfect gift for each of us. Airline tickets had been arranged through the use of Frequent Flyer Miles, which we didn't want to lose, and the music and good vibes of the PDX Festival were certain to have a positive healing effect. An upgraded room in the historic Heathman Hotel immediately adjacent to the main venue for the festival had also been booked.
We arrived at Anchorage International Airport at about 11:00pm for my "redeye" flight to Seattle and beyond. Things went smoothly at check-in, and they had a wheelchair awaiting, as requested.
After a thorough pat down by a very pleasant TSA agent, Patti pushed me to my gate. She was also allowed to board the aircraft to help get me situated in my seat and make sure that my oxygen was flowing properly. A very rude, impatient airline employee barked at Patti that she had to de-plane within seconds of me sitting down, the only negative encounter of the entire trip.
Before the majority of passengers had even boarded the plane, a flight attendant approached me and said that she would assist me in any way I needed during the flight. She informed me that she had just completed training regarding portable oxygen devices on aircraft, but was unfamiliar with my particular machine, so asked for some particulars. I showed her the controls and described the process for changing batteries, which she offered to assist with if needed.
Just after reaching cruising altitude, I asked for some water which I promptly spilled all over my lap and into the depression of my seat. My two fellow passengers and a flight attendant came to my rescue, getting some paper towels and helping to soak up as much water as possible. This was not a good start to my trip, but things smoothed out nicely as I had a bite to eat and closely monitored R2 O2 for battery life, making adjustments in air flow to help compensate for higher altitudes.
The flight crew on my Alaska Airlines flight to Seattle could not have been nicer or more helpful, even assisting with a battery change prior to arriving at SeaTac. They also made certain that there was a wheelchair to meet me at the jetway and take me to the gate for my Horizon Air commuter flight to Portland. This flight crew was not only extremely professional and pleasant, they were genuinely concerned with my well-being. My hat is off to them, and I made sure they knew how appreciative I was of their kindness and personal attention as we parted.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
— Part Two —
I was wheeled to my new gate by a very gentle, soft-spoken young man from Ethiopia ... Ahmad (remember his name for future reference).
Ahmad turned me over to an absolutely incredible Alaska Airlines flight line crew who specialize in handling situations such as mine. First, I met Marlene, a very special lady who told me that she would soon place me in the hands of Joe, "the best in the business!"
She didn't overstate Joe's credentials. They were both incredibly caring and determined, with Joe delivering me right to my seat on the Horizon Air commuter jet while Marlene helped guide Joe — all the while carrying my rather hefty carry on luggage. Alaska Airlines has many remarkably sensitive employees, but these two are very special in my experience.
I had a pretty uneventful flight to Portland, chatting with a very bright high school student named Makayla, who was headed to a Tai Kwon Do tournament in Las Vegas.
Upon arrival in Portland I was met with a wheelchair by a man who simply called himself "Brown" who had worked at PDX for 18 years and who happily announced that he was retiring in 2 months. After a silly mixup with TSA (long story involving "Brown") centered around a dinky Swiss Army knife and wine cork puller in my checked luggage (which I was able to explain and rectify), I was taken to the spacious, newly completed Alaska Airlines Board Room to wait for Justin to arrive from California. I had called Alaska Airlines days earlier and explained my medical situation and the difference in flight arrival times of me and Justin. I didn't want to sit in the baggage claim area or main concourse for 3 hours awaiting Justin's flight. I also needed a place to plug in R2O2 and charge its batteries.
We had received a complimentary one day pass to Alaska Airlines Board Room which Patti and I couldn't locate, but Carolyn, an administrator in Seattle, kindly added me to their guest list without hesitation. This allowed me to relax, have some breakfast and plug in my oxygen machine in a very comfortable setting for me to wait for Justin's arrival. The concierge and staff were extremely helpful and gracious — providing a perfect early morning experience. This was the beginning of what became a wonderful daily feeling of being embraced by a city ... the lovely city of Portland, Oregon.
When Justin appeared in the Board Room, everything seemed to be clicking just the way I had hoped for this special weekend in Portland. It was still quite early in the morning, so we hung around for another hour or so and enjoyed some coffee, bagels and juice together before asking the concierge to request a wheelchair for me.
A very friendly, feisty veteran of PDX named Donna appeared to take us to get our luggage and purchase tickets for our trip via TriMet's MAX Red Line (light rail) into downtown Portland. We got off at Pioneer Square, only a few blocks from our hotel and headed straight for Nordstrom, mere steps away, where I promptly took advantage of their upscale men's room facilities.
— Part One —
Since Patti and I had planned this trip to Portland months before my illness, to celebrate the 38th birthday of our youngest child by attending the Portland Jazz Festival, I was determined to make it happen. Justin and I are both drummers/percussionists and avid jazz fans, so this was a perfect gift for each of us. Airline tickets had been arranged through the use of Frequent Flyer Miles, which we didn't want to lose, and the music and good vibes of the PDX Festival were certain to have a positive healing effect. An upgraded room in the historic Heathman Hotel immediately adjacent to the main venue for the festival had also been booked.We arrived at Anchorage International Airport at about 11:00pm for my "redeye" flight to Seattle and beyond. Things went smoothly at check-in, and they had a wheelchair awaiting, as requested.
After a thorough pat down by a very pleasant TSA agent, Patti pushed me to my gate. She was also allowed to board the aircraft to help get me situated in my seat and make sure that my oxygen was flowing properly. A very rude, impatient airline employee barked at Patti that she had to de-plane within seconds of me sitting down, the only negative encounter of the entire trip.
Before the majority of passengers had even boarded the plane, a flight attendant approached me and said that she would assist me in any way I needed during the flight. She informed me that she had just completed training regarding portable oxygen devices on aircraft, but was unfamiliar with my particular machine, so asked for some particulars. I showed her the controls and described the process for changing batteries, which she offered to assist with if needed.
Just after reaching cruising altitude, I asked for some water which I promptly spilled all over my lap and into the depression of my seat. My two fellow passengers and a flight attendant came to my rescue, getting some paper towels and helping to soak up as much water as possible. This was not a good start to my trip, but things smoothed out nicely as I had a bite to eat and closely monitored R2 O2 for battery life, making adjustments in air flow to help compensate for higher altitudes.
The flight crew on my Alaska Airlines flight to Seattle could not have been nicer or more helpful, even assisting with a battery change prior to arriving at SeaTac. They also made certain that there was a wheelchair to meet me at the jetway and take me to the gate for my Horizon Air commuter flight to Portland. This flight crew was not only extremely professional and pleasant, they were genuinely concerned with my well-being. My hat is off to them, and I made sure they knew how appreciative I was of their kindness and personal attention as we parted.Thursday, February 12, 2009
— Part Two —
I was wheeled to my new gate by a very gentle, soft-spoken young man from Ethiopia ... Ahmad (remember his name for future reference).
Ahmad turned me over to an absolutely incredible Alaska Airlines flight line crew who specialize in handling situations such as mine. First, I met Marlene, a very special lady who told me that she would soon place me in the hands of Joe, "the best in the business!"She didn't overstate Joe's credentials. They were both incredibly caring and determined, with Joe delivering me right to my seat on the Horizon Air commuter jet while Marlene helped guide Joe — all the while carrying my rather hefty carry on luggage. Alaska Airlines has many remarkably sensitive employees, but these two are very special in my experience.I had a pretty uneventful flight to Portland, chatting with a very bright high school student named Makayla, who was headed to a Tai Kwon Do tournament in Las Vegas.
Upon arrival in Portland I was met with a wheelchair by a man who simply called himself "Brown" who had worked at PDX for 18 years and who happily announced that he was retiring in 2 months. After a silly mixup with TSA (long story involving "Brown") centered around a dinky Swiss Army knife and wine cork puller in my checked luggage (which I was able to explain and rectify), I was taken to the spacious, newly completed Alaska Airlines Board Room to wait for Justin to arrive from California. I had called Alaska Airlines days earlier and explained my medical situation and the difference in flight arrival times of me and Justin. I didn't want to sit in the baggage claim area or main concourse for 3 hours awaiting Justin's flight. I also needed a place to plug in R2O2 and charge its batteries.
We had received a complimentary one day pass to Alaska Airlines Board Room which Patti and I couldn't locate, but Carolyn, an administrator in Seattle, kindly added me to their guest list without hesitation. This allowed me to relax, have some breakfast and plug in my oxygen machine in a very comfortable setting for me to wait for Justin's arrival. The concierge and staff were extremely helpful and gracious — providing a perfect early morning experience. This was the beginning of what became a wonderful daily feeling of being embraced by a city ... the lovely city of Portland, Oregon.
When Justin appeared in the Board Room, everything seemed to be clicking just the way I had hoped for this special weekend in Portland. It was still quite early in the morning, so we hung around for another hour or so and enjoyed some coffee, bagels and juice together before asking the concierge to request a wheelchair for me.
A very friendly, feisty veteran of PDX named Donna appeared to take us to get our luggage and purchase tickets for our trip via TriMet's MAX Red Line (light rail) into downtown Portland. We got off at Pioneer Square, only a few blocks from our hotel and headed straight for Nordstrom, mere steps away, where I promptly took advantage of their upscale men's room facilities.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Jumping Through Hoops
Monday, February 9, 2009
My doctor released me from the hospital on the condition that I receive 24-hour oxygen due to my recent bout of pneumonia and history of bronchitis. My wife and I were delighted to learn that we could get set up with a portable oxygen concentrator, a state-of-the-art device which is portable and rated for use on aircraft. We were even more delighted to learn that Medicare would cover the cost of this very expensive device ... and through a local provider. This machine, the SeQual Eclipse 2, was affectionately dubbed R2O2 because of its appearance, and operates on AC, DC and battery.
Before flying to Portland, however, we needed to prove to the airlines that I had sufficient batteries for the length of my flights, based upon my specific oxygen flow rate requirements. So, Patti initiated a phone call to Alaska Airlines to determine what their policy was with respect to portable oxygen devices onboard their aircraft. She also arranged for a wheelchair to meet me at each airport, since I was changing planes in Seattle for a commuter flight to Portland.
After speaking with a specialist at Alaska Airlines, it was suggested that I might need as many as five (5) batteries, based upon the (incorrect) information they had received regarding my oxygen needs. Bear in mind that each of these batteries weigh about 4 lbs. and cost nearly $400.00 each. The additional weight I might be forced to lug around was almost as daunting as the $1600.00 loan we might need if they persisted with this unnecessary requirement. Based upon calculations from a table provided by the maker of my oxygen concentrator, we were certain that one (1) extra battery would be sufficient. After phoning Alaska Airlines again, we managed to convince them of my true flow rate needs which reduced the number of extra batteries to one (1), as originally thought.
Patti was then informed that we would need to speak with MedAir, a firm which handles and approves such requests on behalf of the airline. After paying a screening fee and providing my doctor's name, my date of birth, current medical condition, etc., they faxed a form to my doctor for his signature. We then picked up this all-important form to provide proper medical proof to Alaska Airlines at the time of my flight from Anchorage and all future flights. Without this form — no trip, and no Portland Jazz Festival.
We had no idea that we'd be jumping through so many hoops, and within such a short (3 day) time frame, immediately before my scheduled trip to Portland.
My doctor released me from the hospital on the condition that I receive 24-hour oxygen due to my recent bout of pneumonia and history of bronchitis. My wife and I were delighted to learn that we could get set up with a portable oxygen concentrator, a state-of-the-art device which is portable and rated for use on aircraft. We were even more delighted to learn that Medicare would cover the cost of this very expensive device ... and through a local provider. This machine, the SeQual Eclipse 2, was affectionately dubbed R2O2 because of its appearance, and operates on AC, DC and battery.Before flying to Portland, however, we needed to prove to the airlines that I had sufficient batteries for the length of my flights, based upon my specific oxygen flow rate requirements. So, Patti initiated a phone call to Alaska Airlines to determine what their policy was with respect to portable oxygen devices onboard their aircraft. She also arranged for a wheelchair to meet me at each airport, since I was changing planes in Seattle for a commuter flight to Portland.
After speaking with a specialist at Alaska Airlines, it was suggested that I might need as many as five (5) batteries, based upon the (incorrect) information they had received regarding my oxygen needs. Bear in mind that each of these batteries weigh about 4 lbs. and cost nearly $400.00 each. The additional weight I might be forced to lug around was almost as daunting as the $1600.00 loan we might need if they persisted with this unnecessary requirement. Based upon calculations from a table provided by the maker of my oxygen concentrator, we were certain that one (1) extra battery would be sufficient. After phoning Alaska Airlines again, we managed to convince them of my true flow rate needs which reduced the number of extra batteries to one (1), as originally thought.
Patti was then informed that we would need to speak with MedAir, a firm which handles and approves such requests on behalf of the airline. After paying a screening fee and providing my doctor's name, my date of birth, current medical condition, etc., they faxed a form to my doctor for his signature. We then picked up this all-important form to provide proper medical proof to Alaska Airlines at the time of my flight from Anchorage and all future flights. Without this form — no trip, and no Portland Jazz Festival.
We had no idea that we'd be jumping through so many hoops, and within such a short (3 day) time frame, immediately before my scheduled trip to Portland.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
An Unexpected Journey
Friday, February 4, 2009 (Written from my hospital bed)
Patti (my wife) and I have been on an intense, unexpected journey for the past few days ... a very complex and life-changing one.
Patti had fought a very nasty cold for 3 weeks, one I seriously wanted to avoid, for many reasons, including my planned trip next Wednesday to meet son Justin in Portland to celebrate his 38th birthday and attend the first weekend of the Portland Jazz Festival.
Last Friday, I noticed what seemed like typical flu symptoms invading me, and since I had neglected to get my annual flu shot, thought ... aha!
For the next two nights I pounded down vitamins, etc. to fight it, but wasn't sleeping well. Then, Sunday night I had a terrific night's sleep and enjoyed Monday as if I were winning a short war waged against a bad cold or the flu. Wrong! Monday was probably the worst night of my life, not being able to sleep for 13 straight hours. Things got even worse, and now some skin lesions appeared out-of-the-blue.
Late Wednesday afternoon, a physician we visited urged us to head to the Emergency Room for a deeper evaluation, which we did.
Bottom line: Pneumonia, shingles and extreme shortness of breath, from past years of smoking, made far worse by this Pneumonia.
I've been in the hospital since 5:30 that night with 24-hour oxygen, antibiotics, antivirals, and a new inhaler system. This is the first time that I've been hospitalized since I was an infant. I'm much improved now and expect to be discharged sometime tomorrow.
The Portland trip is still on, with portable oxygen added to the "baggage".
Patti and a health care provider named Kathy probably saved my life two days ago. I am humbled, and will be forever grateful.
(Continued February 7, 2009)
The care and compassion I received while hospitalized was truly remarkable, and the food was considerably beyond tolerable ... considering.
Patti and I are still reeling from the positivity we experienced from the entire staff at Providence Alaska Medical Center, just five minutes from our home. We've driven by it for over 20 years, and now it has a whole new significance. If I could single out two people among my many favorites, one of them would be my ER Physician, Dr. Hanley (no photo, unfortunately), who wished me well to continue healing, and to enjoy the Jazz Festival in Portland as I was wheeled upstairs to my room. Also, my final nurse, Nan, a free spirit, originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, who locked-in to Patti and me within seconds of her 1st visit, and was with us until my wheelchair went down the hallway when I was discharged. She's an extraordinary lady — an artist/illustrator, liberal thinker, activist and health care provider for over 25 years.
Now, on to Portland, Oregon, the hometown of one of my soulmates, Jim Pepper.
"... makes me feel glad that I'm not dead"
(from Witchi Tai To)
Patti (my wife) and I have been on an intense, unexpected journey for the past few days ... a very complex and life-changing one.
Patti had fought a very nasty cold for 3 weeks, one I seriously wanted to avoid, for many reasons, including my planned trip next Wednesday to meet son Justin in Portland to celebrate his 38th birthday and attend the first weekend of the Portland Jazz Festival.
Last Friday, I noticed what seemed like typical flu symptoms invading me, and since I had neglected to get my annual flu shot, thought ... aha!
For the next two nights I pounded down vitamins, etc. to fight it, but wasn't sleeping well. Then, Sunday night I had a terrific night's sleep and enjoyed Monday as if I were winning a short war waged against a bad cold or the flu. Wrong! Monday was probably the worst night of my life, not being able to sleep for 13 straight hours. Things got even worse, and now some skin lesions appeared out-of-the-blue.
Late Wednesday afternoon, a physician we visited urged us to head to the Emergency Room for a deeper evaluation, which we did.
Bottom line: Pneumonia, shingles and extreme shortness of breath, from past years of smoking, made far worse by this Pneumonia.
I've been in the hospital since 5:30 that night with 24-hour oxygen, antibiotics, antivirals, and a new inhaler system. This is the first time that I've been hospitalized since I was an infant. I'm much improved now and expect to be discharged sometime tomorrow.The Portland trip is still on, with portable oxygen added to the "baggage".
Patti and a health care provider named Kathy probably saved my life two days ago. I am humbled, and will be forever grateful.
(Continued February 7, 2009)
The care and compassion I received while hospitalized was truly remarkable, and the food was considerably beyond tolerable ... considering.
Patti and I are still reeling from the positivity we experienced from the entire staff at Providence Alaska Medical Center, just five minutes from our home. We've driven by it for over 20 years, and now it has a whole new significance. If I could single out two people among my many favorites, one of them would be my ER Physician, Dr. Hanley (no photo, unfortunately), who wished me well to continue healing, and to enjoy the Jazz Festival in Portland as I was wheeled upstairs to my room. Also, my final nurse, Nan, a free spirit, originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, who locked-in to Patti and me within seconds of her 1st visit, and was with us until my wheelchair went down the hallway when I was discharged. She's an extraordinary lady — an artist/illustrator, liberal thinker, activist and health care provider for over 25 years.Now, on to Portland, Oregon, the hometown of one of my soulmates, Jim Pepper.
"... makes me feel glad that I'm not dead"
(from Witchi Tai To)
Monday, February 16, 2009
Why a Blog?
After unexpectedly being hospitalized for 3½ days with Pneumonia and Shingles, then traveling to Portland by myself with an oxygen machine to enjoy the Portland Jazz Festival with my son, Justin, I repeatedly thought and said out loud, "I could write a book" about these experiences.
The positivity I experienced during my days in the hospital, while traveling to Portland, and from the people of Portland, from taxi drivers to festival workers was truly extraordinary, and unlike anything I'd experienced ... ever. Soon, that phrase became "I should write a book", which morphed into "that book could be a blog". So here we are.
Of course, there were several subjects which came to mind that I thought I'd like to focus on in a blog — among them, art, music, fly fishing, gardening, photography and travel.
Why The Peppercorn Project for my blog name?
Ben, a co-worker of mine at a music store in Anchorage gave me the nickname "Peppercorn Thorne" years ago and it stuck. He knew of my passion for food and freshly ground pepper instead of the stale, boring "dust" often disguised as pepper. Many know me as "Peppercorn" or "Peppercorn Thorne", so when my son and I were in Portland recently and were about to launch this blog, I suggested the use of "Peppercorn" and he immediately came up with the title The Peppercorn Project. It seemed perfect ... curious, provocative, open-ended and fun.
The positivity I experienced during my days in the hospital, while traveling to Portland, and from the people of Portland, from taxi drivers to festival workers was truly extraordinary, and unlike anything I'd experienced ... ever. Soon, that phrase became "I should write a book", which morphed into "that book could be a blog". So here we are.
Of course, there were several subjects which came to mind that I thought I'd like to focus on in a blog — among them, art, music, fly fishing, gardening, photography and travel.
Why The Peppercorn Project for my blog name?
Ben, a co-worker of mine at a music store in Anchorage gave me the nickname "Peppercorn Thorne" years ago and it stuck. He knew of my passion for food and freshly ground pepper instead of the stale, boring "dust" often disguised as pepper. Many know me as "Peppercorn" or "Peppercorn Thorne", so when my son and I were in Portland recently and were about to launch this blog, I suggested the use of "Peppercorn" and he immediately came up with the title The Peppercorn Project. It seemed perfect ... curious, provocative, open-ended and fun.
About Me
I left my home in Coconut Grove, Florida (Miami) with my Mother, Father and Aunt in the fall of 1956, headed for a new life in Alaska.We drove the entire distance in my Aunt's brand new maroon 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-door sedan. She had lived and worked in Alaska, and had finally convinced my parents that there were tremendous opportunities and untold beauty in Alaska.
I've lived in Anchorage since September 5, 1956.
I entered 8th grade in Anchorage & graduated from Anchorage High School in 1961. After high school, I attended Berklee School of Music in Boston and studied drumming with Alan Dawson. I later attended Alaska Methodist University in Anchorage.
Yes, I was in Anchorage for the Good Friday earthquake in 1964 … downtown, two blocks from the fault line!
I married Patti on March 7, 1965 ... the smartest thing I’ve ever done. We have three grown children, a daughter and two sons. We also have three grandchildren, two grandsons and one granddaughter.
I have a tremendous passion for art, music (especially jazz), food, gardening, fly fishing, photography and travel.
I thoroughly enjoyed my nearly decade-long stint in jazz radio in the 70s-80s, as an announcer/producer, and in management at KJZZ-FM in Anchorage, Alaska's Jazz Giant.
I’ve been a professional drummer/percussionist for 50 years and a drum set teacher/clinician for over 25 years.
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