December 7 is..

the Senior's Christmas Dinner Night

I arrived at the Senior's home at about 5:00 pm to give me time to set up. I was carrying 3 heavy objects: a portable keyboard, a portable 60 wt sound system and the keyboard stand. Tonight, I am playing for money ( they promised to pay me. ) Well, while I was setting up my gadgets, Jennifer, the Recreations Director came to me and handed me my cheque.

When I started playing the blessed amp. did not work. So I played the Yamaha portable keyboard by itself..the sound was not that loud, and I got quite worried. But after 5 pieces, I heard no complaints, so the show did go on!

I was assigned to the 3rd floor. This is where the terminal cases are confined. The 2nd floor is for better residents than the 3rd, and the first floor is for Seniors who do not or can not maintain their houses anymore because they are sick or tired of maintaining s house. Which is not an easy thing to do, actually..

Each floor have its own dining hall and performing musician this night.

For the next hour or so, I played continuously, playing one Xmas carol after the other: SILVER BELLS, O CHRISTMAS TREE, SILENT NIGHT, O HOLY NIGHT..I do not keep a list or bring out a book to read, I play whatever tune that pops in my head..

Then a staff approached me.There is food for you too! Wowie, another good news I got on top of the envelope Jennifer gave me. She lead me to one of the close tables and I helped myself to a plate of  turkey,  stuffings, baked potatoes, veggies, fruit juice, coffee and the piece de resistance a slice of cheese cake with heavenly tasting icing..I did not clean my plate..too embarassing..I could have to tell you the truth but then I still have to continue my "mission."

Then I played  again, recycling the ones I played already..plus a few ones that I did not.  I played beyond the time I was supposed to stop, because some of the residents did not go to their rooms yet..IN FACT, two of them parked their wheel chairs in front of me to listen. The staff wanted to bring them in, but they said "No, not yet.."One of them is a regular customer in my Monday sing along session in the first floor..But good things have to end and the staff have to go home too..They had a hectic time sprucing up the dining hall and cleaning it up after...As one of my avid listener left, she said "see you again Monday  Night.." Then I stopped playing. I packed the Yamaha keyboard in its padded bag, strapped it  on my shoulder, dragged the Amplifier on its wheels, and carried the keyboard stand ( folded ) with my other hand..Felt so good walking towards home a few blocks away under a starless night .

God bless us all!

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%