Good morning! It's 10:40 on this Black Friday. I hope people won't be packing themselves into all the retail outlets in town like they usually do on this day. The term 'black Friday' actually refers to profitability- being "in the black". Might just end up being more of a Red Friday. Interesting that Thanksgiving was originally intended as a day of quiet reflection. Yesterday was a solo day, which I'd guess came close to the original intent--but I'd rather have had an "Americanized" Thanksgiving: stuffing my face and enjoying some good company. I had that last Thanksgiving and I'll have it next year...
Music news. The top headline is still my new album Near-Miracle on 33rd Street All straight-ahead jazz and all originals(though there are a few tunes based on standards). It was released, formally, on November 1st, less than a month ago, so no returns as yet. With the Christmas season approaching, they'll be showing Miracle on 34th Street on TV(along with It's a Wonderful Life), and maybe people will see my title and get a chuckle- and then buy it of course.
As far as current music news, still trying to make some for you. I've been practicing every day, and taping a few things as I go. Some contenders but no winners. Sorry, Charlie. Might have to dig in the archives for now. Realizing, though, that these slow periods are necessary. The old mountains and valleys idea.. I should be back to my usual crazy-prolific self before too long.
Otherwise, just waiting for this year to end. Thankful--speaking of thanks--for a roof over my head, my feline housemate, decent overall health(almost getting used to sugar-free coffee creamer..)and for staying friends with people on both sides of the Great Divide. Remembering remarks made about Ruth Bader Ginsburg after her death, how she and Antonin Scalia were great friends, despite(or maybe because of)what were usually opposite stances..
Well so much for my two cents. Thanks as ever for stopping in and reading. Happy Black Friday to you! For now, I'm outa here. More later. 
PS Today's pic was taken at the Carriage House on south 8th Street, near Lincoln's Home. Johnny Owens, Mark Russillo, Ben Taylor, me, Frank Parker. I remember feeling crowded, but would actually welcome that about now.