Saint NIck

Hi Friends, went straight from work to the Palace, and after $ 25 of admission, popcorn, large Coke and nearly twenty minutes of trailers, the main event came on. I think it's TREMENDOUS, and the music certainly helps.

Hi Lucas & Friends,

Beginning in April of 1988, I started doing the yardwork at my grandparents home; granddad wasn't up to it anymore. I'd go through quite a few lawnmowers over the years; and weedeaters as well. It was a task I took pride in, in helping my grandmother & aunt ( the one who was placed into nursing home in 2016). Yep, so do the math; I worked that front & back yard for 25 + years. Until other relatives took over the house.

My yard is a work in progress; I mow it just-about weekly, and I know I need to do a lot more as for other weeds, tree branches & other debris; and I will.

Great topic of discussion Lucas !

The other day I started a topic of Hold Your Fire; mentioning that I think Tai Shan is a beautiful song. Albeit very unpopular with many, many fans, and from what I've read even Geddy and Alex don't like it. So I guess when the time came for the Hold Your Fire tour and they put a setlist together, this song about 'China' didn't stand a chance. I've been in a big-time HYF groove lately, and as I listen to Lock & Key, it's not only so cool it made the setlist, it also made it onto the laserdisc; but why not the VHS copy, which I actually still have. I may be beating a dead horse, but do you think one day we'll see the whole show on a dvd and/or blu-ray.!?

I've been listening to Hold Your Fire a whole lot lately; just about all the songs I consider ABSOLUTE TREMENDOUS MASTERPIECES including Tai Shan. I know a lot of Y'all are gonna bash me for it, but I think this 'China' song is beautiful.

I know I'm a couple months early for this, but what do y'all think are the chances of having a 40th anniversary edition of Hemispheres being released around the Thanksgiving -into-Christmas Holiday season.

I have this as well; I think it's TREMENDOUS !!!

As the Monday workday is coming to a close for me, I think what it must've been like for three young musicians named Geddy, Alex and Neil when on this date of June 11th, on a Friday night in 1976, they were preparing to take the stage; in their hometown of Toronto, at Massey Hall. This wouldn't be just another tour stop, this would be the first night of three, with Friday, Saturday & Sunday's performances being recorded for a double live concert album. From opening with Bastille Day to closing with What You're Doing, the musical talents of these three young men was on full display; stars were born those nights, and it was just the beginning of what would become legendary. What would come from this trio would be of SUPERB ABSOLUTE TREMENDOUS MASTERPIECE musicianship. Even better than that would be their friendship; their solid foundation of humbleness, loyalty & morality. '...They have assumed control...'; what a RUSH it would be for all of us; we are so blessed that Geddy, Alex and Neil have had such a major impact on our lives...brought us all together to become more than friends; we're talking Family. In a couple hours from now, I'll be sharing my drumming talents with two friends as we strive for personal / musical goals. Yes, Neil is a major inspiration in my passion for drumming; and my friends know, see & hear that. I'll be listening to the results of that 3 night-stand-recording called ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE on my way home, to practice and back home later tonight. Imagine a time, when it all began...would be changed forevermore !!!

Has Anyone seen this; it's been out for a few years; watched it for the first time last night; it is TREMENDOUS. I love drumming...but not that much. HONOR, PRIDE & LOVE !!!

Hello Everybody, got some great, and what could be exciting news yesterday evening. The other day I posted about playing drums with my friends for a one-show only reunion tour. While at our local five-blocks-away-from-my-house playground watching my nephew's baseball game, I received a text,'...Nick, can you talk a few minutes...'. My friend asked if I'd be interested in joining him & our friend in a side project of playing originals as a long-range goal to be recorded onto cd. I told him I'd be honored; that I love playing with them. As for the acoustic project, that's still up in the air; for some places don't want drums; I understand & respect that. Yet, I'm not the kind of drummer that beats the hell out the skins; for we all know that drums & cymbals are naturally a loud instrument. I find that my method of playing is within the context of the craft; the kind of music my friends play doesn't require hard hits. Yet, the mood I came into last night was like hitting a grand slam with bases loaded, down by three, with a full count & two outs in the bottom of the 9th. My friend told me they loved my stuff the other night; much better than I shown at practice. Speaking of practice, I'll be practicing my Catholic Faith in a few minutes at morning mass; a prayer has been answered. Thanks for Y'all's time...love Y'all. HONOR, PRIDE & LOVE !!!

Hello my Friends, got a story for y'all; down here in NOLA, crawfish boils are a very popular get-together for so many...fairs, events, companies bringing friends together into family. The company I work for, for 23 years now, just turned 50, and we held a party in commemorating; and there was live music. The music was provided by a local duo who call themselves ASAP; they're an acoustic project with the lead singer playing an acoustic guitar and keys, with the backing vocals coming from a Rickenbacker bass player. I've been knowing the guitar player for over 20 years, being co-workers for a long time, and actually played at Catholic Church music ministry with him for a couple years. A few weeks ago he & his friend invited me to join them for a one-night-reunion tour at the company crawfish boil; I told him I'd be honored to play with them. He gave me their setlist and said to pick 10 songs. I chose the songs that I recognized, felt comfortable with, and we practiced for a few times over the past month. After all truck assignments on Friday, I return to the shop, and bring in my 5 piece black Pearls & cymbals. After they played for a while, they call me to my craft, and we play Brandy, Brown-eyed Girl, Cat's in the Cradle, Chicken Fried, Come Monday, Dock of the Bay, Here Comes the Sun, Don't Stop Believin', Can't You See, Hotel California, Margarittaville, Maggie Mae, Take it Easy, The Joker, Lala, and Ventura Highway. Being that they don't play with a drummer, their arrangements are set for just the two of them; yet they enjoyed and had fun. Friendships were made even better over the last few weeks. I really enjoyed playing, and kinda pray that they'll ask me to join them; heck, I'd even play for free. Most important, it was a fun & enjoyable time; thanks for your time & love Y'all. HONOR, PRIDE & LOVE !!!

Hey my RUSH Family, some of Y'all may remember a few months ago when I began some 'home'work projects; well, let's just say it's still a work in progress. I did a paint job in my Dad's room, and just over a month ago I did a paint job in my living room. This is where it gets maybe-kinda interesting; stay with me, I love The Flintstones, and though I have a couple big screens, and a blu-ray player, I still have some working vcr's...yep, I said video cassette recorders. I know you're gonna call me some crazy names in a friendly manner, but I love my video tape collection; and I have quite a few...hundred. My copies of RUSH...EXIT...STAGE LEFT, Through the Camera Eye, Grace Under Pressure, A Show of Hands and Chronicles come in at tape #'s 8, 18, 229, 300 & 325. Then, at around 492 come the video boots that I acquired during the early-to-mid '90's of Signals, 'Grace', 'Power', 'HYF', 'Presto', 'Bones', 'Parts' & 'Echo'. As well as Neil's "A Work in Progress" on VHS. The last tape I counted in my collection is at 895; and have so many, many more. That's a project that'll take some time to find out what's on those tapes; some of which is RUSH footage from CNN, Neil's performance on David Letterman and The Colbert Show. I know I may be ridiculous, and probably very slow in technology; but my machines still work, and it's a hobby that I love. Thanks & love Y'all.!

Hello my RUSH Family; haven't posted in a while; making some progress with 'homework' projects. As for my grieving, maybe "...time will do its healing...". Ok, so two quotes from Hold Your Fire; which I think is a TREMENDOUSLY great collection; though I prefer the live version of Turn the Page. So, as I turn the pages of my life, I have some things to look forward to; today I made my 23rd year at my current job, and come Friday of March 6, 2020, I'll reach 25 = earning a 5th week of vacation time; I'll reach the cap of vacation & already earned too much sick time. Adding to my Catholic Faith & Italian heritage, I'm a very loyal person and take great pride in doing my job. With that, I've earned the confidence & friendship of my workplace; they're very much like family, too. I love my co-workers. When I write on FB, I end my posts with "...HONOR, PRIDE & LOVE"; that's my way of keeping the spirits of my Dad, Aunt Maria & all my loved ones who've gone on before me alive & well forever. I've got a lot to look forward to; I'm so very BLESSED & full of love. Thanks & Love Y'all !

My RUSH Family, I attended the Saints' playoff game this afternoon with an EXTREMELY heavy heart; my dear Aunt Maria passed away early yesterday afternoon. Some of Y'all may remember my posts from a while back in regards to her; with never being married, and no children, she was under our care until her siblings thought it best to be put into a nursing home. She went in for then-short-term-physical rehab, and dementia was already settling in, and Alzheimer's took full control over the last feeling-like 12 months. Aunt Maria was best friend; she was there the morning I was born, and we've always been close. When Mom got sick, and especially after she died 25 years ago, Aunt Maria & I got even closer; I'd visit her & my Grandmom every day, twice a day. When Grandmom passed on that Tuesday afternoon of June 17, 2003, the bond that we already had formed became even tighter...NEVER, EVER TO BE BROKEN. We did everything together; as a matter of fact, she used to take me to get a few RUSH albums many, many years ago. Even moreso, she came with me to my first-ever concert...RUSH...PRESTO here in New Orleans back-back-back on that Sunday night of Mardi Gras weekend in 1990. The first evening she went into the nursing home, I was talking with her in her room, and I told her, bawling in tears, "...You're not in this alone, I'll be here for you...you gotta meet me half way...". You know I was telling her, '...you gotta work with me, get back into shape...'. It wasn't happening; but beating my drum, I kept up my end...morning & evening visits, and I'm guessing over the last maybe 6 + months or more, help feed her; she couldn't. But she could hear, and I'd talk to her and try to make her laugh, even show her some, what we thought, were funny scenes from our favorite movies. I could write so much more about her, but I'm gonna be heading to morning mass soon on this rainy Monday in suburbia New Orleans. Yet, the sun is shining as our Saints advanced in the playoffs yesterday evening, and I have another very special guardian angel in Aunt Maria. Thanks & Love Y'all !!!

We all have our struggles in life; be it physical / mental health, financial or whatever may be hurting. Yet, when you're able to give of yourself, it may be the greatest feeling in the world. For some of us, it may be of our time, and sometimes with that a bit of our finances. I've been so very BLESSED to be able to continue a personal Christmas tradition since 1997; visiting Children's Hospital of New Orleans. I had an idea inspired by my Mom; when I'd see her go to chemotherapy treatments with a cassette walkman radio. The techs' would let her listen to her favorite music; it helped Mom deal with the medication. Thus, so many years later I made a call to get a person of contact, let them know what I'd like to do and the seeds were planted. It started with cassette walkman radios, then transitioned into cd walkmans' and for the last few years it's been gift cards to Toys r Us. There were a few years when I was able to personally distribute the gifts; as of late, the new contact personnel have accepted and will give to the children in the cancer unit. It does help me sleep better at night; I'm not a miracle worker; I'm a far cry from being anything special; I try to do nice things for the less fortunate = offer help, visit the sick, suffering & bound-in-nursing homes...where a very dear aunt has taken up residence; the same one Y'all may have read about in past posts. Again, the greatest RUSH of a feeling is the feeling you get when you help someone; though not just at Christmas, but Everyday Glory.

Hi RUSH Family, THANKS FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT. It took me some time, but I began working on some 'homework projects'. I had a vacation day from work yesterday, so in the afternoon I began a new paint job in Dad's room; and this evening was some more progress. I'm not striving for perfection; I'm ok with it looking nice, and most important COMFORTABLE enough for me. Family & Friends have asked what I was gonna do with Dad's room. I'm gonna make it a room of / for reflection, and I'm hoping to have it ready within a couple weeks as the Thanksgiving Holiday season-into-CHRISTMAS season will be upon us. Once the room is complete, I'm gonna have a chair by the window, and a bucket next to it. The bucket will be for my tears; they haven't been flowing-into-pouring; maybe they will be. I never know when these attack waves are gonna hit me. Again, THANKS SO MUCH and "...LOVE REMAINS...".

Hi RUSH Family, the weather down here in New Orleans has been kinda cool over the last few days; and yesterday's was almost too good for a Halloween weekend. After some tears at mass, letting out at 10:30, I headed downtown to the Superdome and the five block walk was wonderful; drinking a Pepsi and having so much on my mind...so much of Dad. About 3 1/2 hours later when the Saints intercepted securing the win, I lost it a bit. Yes, I was crying more at this game than at the Detroit game ( the first after Dad ); the emotions were going through me. A dear friendly-fan came to me just as Brees was going into victory formation gave me a hug of both happiness & consoling, telling me "...you're grieving, it's ok...". Yes, I was happy we won, but just knowing my reality. Even one of the very many Chicago fans in my row, ( I'm the first seat on the end....9 seats to my left ), understood how I was; for he & I talked a bit during the game. I especially always tell visiting fans, "...I don't drink, not gonna get rowdy, but I do say the safe curse words = shit, dammit, son of a bitch...". All was good, and if the final score could've been 21 to 12 it would've been even better. I guess you can say best of all is that I'm doing my Dad proud by going ahead with my life, and trying to have fun. With that, always & forever with honor, pride & love for Dad. Thanks & I love Y'all !!!

GeddyRulz, thoughts, love & prayers to you & your family. As you know my father died a few weeks ago, and I included a few words from THE GARDEN in his eulogy. When my time comes, THE GARDEN will be played.

Hello my RUSH Family, it's only been three weeks, yet it seems like three months, since Dad died; so hard for me to say that...but it's real. Tuesday afternoon after finishing lunch at Chick-fil-A, someone tugged at the back of my shirt, and the man asked, "Did your dad die recently", and I replied "yes sir, three weeks ago today". This gentleman worked for the Archdiocese of New Orleans' Cemetery division; he offered his condolences, and continued, "Yeah, I thought that was you; I was out there and the other guys were telling me, 'you know the guy who comes in the Silverado on Saturdays to visit his mom, we buried his dad a few days ago'". I thanked him, and mentioned "yeah, I always go out to visit Mom, now it's gonna be Mom & Dad". I don't know if their office gets any complimentary phone calls, but they did that day. Their personnel are always friendly when I see them out there. I haven't had cry downs lately but they're coming; I've got a lot of time. Again, it's only been three weeks but I'm just trying to accept, adapt & adjust to this new beginning; lots of things to do, and I'd like to get some done before the Thanksgiving-into-CHRISTMAS Holiday season comes. Yet, all that I do from here till when my time comes is of HONOR, PRIDE & LOVE FOR DAD. Thanks so much for Y'all's support, and I love Y'all !!!

Hi my RUSH Family, a little something funny for Y'all; yesterday morning I arrived very early at the Superdome for the Saints game. I'm sitting on a bench right near the Pelicans pick-up-shoot-around court, and couple of kids are playing one-on-one. The kid on defense says, "...I'm gonna bust the shit out of you..." to the other; I like to spit out my Pepsi, and just got a giggle out of it. No, they didn't fight; but you should've seen the look on the kids' face...he was ticked about something. Yesterday's game was the first without Dad...being home to talk about it; he'd sometimes tell me, "...they played like shit..." and many times he was right. Dad & I only went to one Saints game...a pre-season game here at Dome against Cleveland back-back-back in 1982. He never really shown any interest in going to the games; just the comfort of watching from home...not having to stand in line for the bathroom and / or for food & drinks. Dad was a smoker, but never drank any kind of alcohol. Me, the same, I may be in the minority here of never drinking ( except for a few sips of a strawberry daquari when I was 15 in 1984 ), never smoking ( except too much second-hand ) and attending mass every day. Yet, I do say some bad words, especially at Saints games when they on the verge of blowing a 35 point lead. I had tears at the game yesterday, and have cried some everyday; and / but I'm trying to have some fun; Dad would want me to. Love Y'all.

My RUSH Family, a new chapter begins now in Life After Dad. I am so overwhelmed right now, and have been for a few days, by the tremendous outpouring of the support of love & care by You, family & friends. I was able to get through a 10 page ( just front side of loose-leaf paper ) eulogy without losing it; though I didn't use those lyrics. I used a couple words from Limelight, a couple lines from Time Stand Still and a few more line from perfection = THE GARDEN. I had a cough going for a bit, but nothing too bad. A family friend played the violin for a few songs in Be Not Afraid, On Eagles' Wings and Wind Beneath my Wings. The memorial mass was very well attended, including practically Everyone from my workplace location here in suburbia New Orleans. Y'all are gonna love this; I just got home from having lunch with my youngest sister & her family at...Bubba Gump's, on the perimeter of New Orleans' infamous French Quarter only a block away from the Mississippi River. Late this morning at the cemetery, I had the honor of placing my Dad's urn into the velvet bag that was put into the plot where Mom is; which is 10 feet off the ground in a mausoleum. My Dad served for the Marines in the Vietnam War, and was given a Military funeral; a 3 gun salute & TAPS; which enforced our tears. I'm not crying right now, but I will be; I'm hurting right now...exhausted, drained, no energy, got a bit of a headache going & a kinda sore throat. I do have bowling league night tonight; not sure if I'm going...and my Friends already understand. I thank you all for your understanding. I love Y'all.

My RUSH Family, as some of Y'all know it's been a rough time as of late; and tomorrow is gonna rougher. For tomorrow at 10 am central we will have a visitation leading into the 11 o'clock memorial service / mass for Dad. Over the past few days I've been working on a eulogy that Father Bob will let me read after Communion. Yes, I'm nervous; not for emotions 'cause that's expected / appropriate. Yet, 'cause I have a cough-thing going; it's just nerves. I'm very proud of my finished product, and it will take a bunch of minutes to read. The way I look at it, if I grab the congregation's attention, then I'm good. Kinda like if a speaker puts his audiene to sleep, then no good. Anyhow, this is for honor & love for Dad; the service / mass celebration of life will be over by noon. Our lives without Dad will go on; all of our memories of Dad will last forever...forever dwells in the moment. Thanks & Love to Y'all.

My RUSH Family, it's nearly 4:30 in the morning and I've been up for over an hour. For those who keep up with my recent posts Y'all are aware of what's been going on in my life. I've been trying to prepare for this for some time; my Dad, sisters & I made some financial preps beginning in very early August; the house is mine. I'll be in the home that my Mom & Dad provided and made out of so much love all our lives. Within the last few weeks, my Dad's health was declining and even moreso these last few days. My manager at work let me leave early on Monday, and on Tuesday we only had one scheduled assignment = a road trip that would take up the whole work day. I wasn't up to par yesterday morning, and yes, I didn't want to be far from Dad knowing his condition. After morning mass and a visit with my aunt in the nursing home, I called in a sick / personal day; and a couple hours afterwards I went outside to say my PRAYERS. Upon returning inside, I checked on Dad...no response; I called "Dad, Dad, oh no, Dad" as I was nudging, tucking, tapping just trying to get a response...nothing. "...OH JESUS..."as I grabbed for my phone, through my teary eyes trying to push the right buttons to call my sisters & relatives; trying to keep myself intact. Later today my sisters & I will make the funeral arrangements; prepping for our immediate future. Our emotions may be understandably hard to keep intact. THANKS for your time...LOVE Y'all !!!

My RUSH FAMILY, my Dad died this morning; I'll write to Y'all later. In the words of our beloved BRAVADO, "...LOVE REMAINS...". Love Y'all !!!

Thank you Lorraine & Lucas, I took a sick / personal day off from work today to be at home with Dad, and to maybe think some things over. In a way I feel some guilt not going into work, yet I feel like I need to be here. I attended morning mass, and had a good talk with Father Chris afterwards. Before leaving church, Fr. Chris gave me a prayerful blessing, then I prayed to MOTHER MARY. What a RUSH of a feeling. Thanks again for your support.

My Friends, nearly a couple months ago I wrote in regards to my Dad's situation "Should I feel guilty?". Well, respecting his wish / request not to receive any kind of medical treatment / help, we, my sisters, family & I, feel like his days are numbered. He lays in bed 'cause he has no strength...he can't walk; and another big factor is that he hasn't eaten & drank anything for a week now. We have food & drink by his bedside, and have even tried helping, but he refuses. He's probably big time dehydrated, and is sometimes breathing heavy. Yet, he shows no sign of pain and / or discomfort. When we check in on him, he makes the notion for us to leave the room = he cannot get the words out. Yesterday, our parish priest came by to perform the Catholic Sacrament Annointing of the Sick...Last Rites. When I leave his room, I tell him, "Dad, I love you, thank you so much, sorry if I let you down, we're gonna be ok and I'm so proud to be your son". When I say my prayers, I have a segment I call "Healthy Miracles"; Dad is beyond that point. GOD called my Mom home on my parents' 25 anniversary back on Wednesday, September 9, 1992. Obviously, what would've been their 50th has come & gone, and Dad made it thus far. Yet, he's given up on life, and just waiting for GOD to call him home. It's raining right now, and earlier it was pouring; kinda like the tears that will be pouring from our eyes. Thanks for your time...love you RUSH fans...we're Family.