December 14, 2005

     I hope all of you who need to have your Christmas shopping done, or nearly so.  Jane and I are  almost finished and ordering some of the gifts online has made the process a bit easier.  It's wonderful, you click a button and a truck comes and delivers the package right to your door.

     Thanks to all of you who have inquired about my shoulder, the physical therapy is going well, I finish with that near the end of this month.

     Brent Taylor at the Joe Taylor Artist Agency and I are in negotiations with a music festival in Holland for a possible appearance there next August.  I'm really hoping we can work things out, as I'd really love to perform there again (I did a concert there back in the mid-80s).

     The Christmas decorations are so beautiful all over middle Tennessee, as I'm sure they are in your area.  Be careful out on the roads if it's snowing where you are.

     Until next time, take care.  --Jim Glaser

     November 17, 2005

     Today is the coldest day so far this year, tonight will be close to the teens.  That's nothing, of course, to you folks a little farther north.  My siblings in Nebraska inform me they've got about 2 inches of snow on the ground.

     I had physical therapy again this morning, then a visit with my surgeon.  I'm progressing well, he said, but prescribed 6 more weeks of therapy.  I'm actually glad of that as I don't have total use of my arm yet and I'm more likely to do the exercises at therapy than I am at home.  I've got the discipline (or obsession) when it comes to running/jogging, but lack it for other forms of training.  The doctor also had the report from the MRI we did on my left shoulder and confirmed my suspicions that there is now the beginnings of a rotator cuff tear on that side.  It hasn't torn completely and we've decided to wait until after the first of the year to go in for some preemptive surgery on that shoulder.

     I've had a real upsurge in orders for CDs in the last couple of weeks, perhaps Christmas presents for some folks?  Anyway, thanks to all of you who have ordered.  All orders have been filled.

     And thanks to all who have emailed me with good wishes for a speedy recovery from the surgery.  I really appreciate your thoughtfulness.

     The holidays are nearly upon us again.  Jane and I are having Thanksgiving dinner here.  It's hard to believe it's been a year since I moved here from across town.  I want to wish all of you the happiest Thanksgiving and, while I'm at it, I'll wish you all a wonderful Christmas as well.

     Take care until next time.  --Jim Glaser

     October 10, 2005

     The surgery is over and all seems to be well.  Physical therapy starts on the 26th.  Thanks to all of you who remembered me in your thoughts and prayers.

      Jessica Kinney, our granddaughter who appears in Terri Clark's new video, just starred in a movie shot in New Mexico.  It's a low-budget scary movie, but she's got the lead in two more movies as a result.  Our whole family is so very proud of you, Jessie!

     Fall has arrived here in middle Tennessee, it's a relief after the hot days we had this summer.

     Not much more to tell you at this time.  Oh, by the way, I had an MRI on my other shoulder this morning, we think the rotator cuff if failing on that side too.  Perhaps if we catch it early it won't be such a big deal to fix.  At least that's my hope.

     Until next time, take care.  --Jim Glaser

     September 18th, 2005

     Jane and I are back from out trip to Nebraska to attend my great-niece's wedding.  We had a great time in Lincoln - where the wedding was held - then drove on up to the middle of the state where my sister Eleanor and my oldest brother, Bob, live.  We stopped overnight in Omaha to visit with my brother John, then headed home.

     September 27th is the day I'm having my rotator cuff surgery re-done.  I'll appreciate all of the positive thoughts you can send my way, maybe this time it won't fail.

     I've heard from so many out there since the Dollywood shows, and Joe Taylor of the Joe Taylor Agency (they book me) tells me that the folks over there are talking of doing it again next year, so keep your fingers crossed.

     Until next time, take care.  --Jim Glaser

     September 7th, 2005

     My granddaughter, Jessica, (Connie's daughter) has the starring role in the new Terri Clark video, "She Didn't Have Time".   Jessica does such a wonderful job and, of course, is very beautiful, too.  She lives in Los Angeles and is studying acting.  My daughter, Lynn, was the casting director for the video and had Jessie try out for the part but, she insists, "She got the role all on her own.  The director didn't even know Jessica was my niece when she auditioned."  We're all so very proud of you, Jessica, and none of us can watch the video without crying with pride.

     Dollywood has come and gone for another year.  So many of you come every year while I'm there and I'm very grateful for that.  It always gives me a warm feeling in my tummy to look out across the foot lights and see familiar faces even though I'm not always sure of the names that go with them.  Thanks to all of you who came down to the edge of the stage after the shows to chat for a while and another thanks to those of you who bought a CD or two.  I hope they gave you some listening enjoyment on your trip home.

     I have uploaded some photos from this year to the "Photos" page.   I finally bought a digital camera and that explains some of the shots.  A couple of the photos were sent along attached to emails, etc.  If any of you out there who read this have any shots you'd like to share on that page, please click on the "E-Mail Jim" button and attach them, along with a short tag line telling who is in the picture.  They don't have to be of Dollywood or include me, just something you'd like to share with others who read this page.

     Jane and I traveling to Nebraska this weekend to attend the wedding of one of my great-nieces (one of my sister Eleanor's granddaughters).  We'll stay on for a day or two to visit siblings and friends in the area while we're there.

     Until next time, take care.  --Jim Glaser

     August 12th, 2005

     Three days finished here at Dollywood.  They've been great as usual, though several of the cast and band members are out sick and lots of substitutes filling in.  I've been struggling with a little laryngitis myself but, thankfully, it's improving each day.  As they say, "The show must go on."

     My old friends, Ruth and Pauline, have come to some shows, it's always good to see them.  Also Janice, Carlton, Carla, Angela and Brian traveled over 5 hours to come to visit and see my shows.  The crowds at the Pine Theater have been great, and lots of folks come down to the edge of the stage after the shows to shake hands and chat a bit.  I really appreciate that.

     Well, I'm off to do my miles.  Until next time, take care.  --Jim Glaser

     August 5th, 2005

     Just a short note as I'm rushing to get ready for the Dollywood shows.  Vocal exercises, ugh!  Finger-tip toughening exercises, ouch!  Anyway, I'll be there on Tuesday the 9th ready to go at 2:00 PM.  The rest of the show times will be posted on the Show Dates page as soon as I get over there and get them.

     To all of you who are coming, I'll see you there.  To the rest of you, I'll catch you later.  Take care.  --Jim Glaser

     July 18th, 2005

     I've had a hard drive crash on  my computer.  Well, actually it didn't crash all the way but was in the process.  Fortunately, all of my data was backed up so I didn't lose anything.  I bought a new drive, installed it, and for the past few days I've been re-loading all the software, updates, and the myriad of things we accumulate on our computers as we go along that we find we really need once they're gone.  Thankfully, I'm nearly done with that process.

     My son, Jim II, and his whole family are in Nashville for a two-week visit.  He lives in Washington state, so this isn't exactly a common event.  This past weekend we all went to Gatlinburg and stayed at my son Jeff's house.  My daughter Lynn, her husband and children, my other daughter Connie and her children, were all there, too.

     My childhood Nebraska friend, Wayne, also was in Nashville for the yearly "Finger-picking Guitar" convention, seminars, workshops and jam-sessions.  I met up with him yesterday and we had a great visit.

     I'll finish physical therapy this week, and start my personal voice and guitar rehearsals for Dollywood next week.  Boring stuff, I can tell you.  But I'm really looking forward to the two-week stay over there, even though I'll only be doing 3 or 4 songs per show.

     Lila emailed me and told me that Johnny Duncan has released his new CD.  I did background vocals on some of the tunes.  His web site is: hhttp://www.johnnyduncanmusic.com

     Thanks to all of you who emailed me, and to those of you who ordered CDs.  I really appreciate it.  Until next time, take care.  --Jim Glaser     

     July 2nd, 2005

     It's hard to believe it's been nearly a month since I've updated this page.  Not much is new, I'm still in physical therapy for my shoulder.  It's going well, and I'll see the surgeon this week when we'll decide about whether or not we'll re-do the rotator cuff repair.

     Summer is here in full force in middle Tennessee, daytime temperatures in the 90s.  I like jogging in the heat, so that's going well.  I've only got another 12 miles to make up to be back on schedule.

     This is a big day, Jane has movers hired to bring the bulk of her furniture over to our house.  Little by little it's all coming together.  I finished setting up the library and today the movers will move in my desk and table which will complete that part of it.  All I'll have to do then is move my computer, etc., and the rest of the office files, etc., and it will be finished.

     Thanks to all of you who have ordered CDs, quite a few from the U.K., and to those of you who have emailed me.

     Until next time, take care.  --Jim Glaser

     June 9th, 2005

     I had a consultation with my doctor yesterday, recovery seems to be going very well.  Something did finally show up in the culture they were trying to grow to see what caused the infection, but they're not really sure if, at this late date, it came from the infection site or perhaps my skin.  As a precaution, I'm on antibiotics for another 2 weeks.

     Physical therapy will start Monday, June 13th, and we'll decide later whether or not we'll repeat the original operation.  I'm feeling well, jogging 3.2 miles a day again, and my energy is about 75% of what it was pre-surgery.

     I really appreciate those of you who have emailed me during this  recovery period.  I've finally gotten around to answering all of you and even caught up with the mailing out of the CDs that were ordered.

     All else is well.  I'm really looking forward to Dollywood, although it was sad to hear that Randy Parton and the whole band I've enjoyed working with so much for the last few years won't be there this year.

     Until next time, take care.  --Jim Glaser

     June 2nd, 2005

     I was re-admitted to the hospital last Saturday morning (29th) and immediately went into surgery for an infection which had developed in my shoulder at the site of the operation.  The infection was flushed out and a sample put into culture to see what type of infection it was.  I was put on an intravenous broad-spectrum anti-biotic and we awaited the results of the culture.

     Oddly, the culture refused to indicate an infectious agent of any kind, no cause for the infection.  The doctor continually looked puzzled during our consultations and admitted he'd never seen anything like this before.  He said the infection was caused by a "sterile abscess" (oxymoron: a mutually exclusive term, as in "government intelligence"??) and looked puzzled again.

     To make matters worse, the original surgery failed and I'm left with an arm which is no better than it was before.  Except now I have weeks of physical therapy to do.  As to whether or not I'll have the surgery re-done, I just don't have enough information to make an intelligent decision at this time.

     Still, I'm alive, and life is good.  Really.

     I'm seriously behind in answering my emails having only gotten out of the hospital yesterday afternoon.  But I'll get to all of them over the next few days.

     I'll see you at Dollywood, if you can make it.  Until next time, take care.  --Jim Glaser

     May 24th, 2005

     The surgery is over, nearly a week now.  The recovery is going well.  The surgeon said he found more damage than was shown on the MRI, which made the operation more complex than he had anticipated at first.  Jane and my daughters, Lynn and Connie, are taking good care of me.

     Thanks to all of you who have emailed me and kept me in your  thoughts and prayers.  I truly appreciate it.

     Until next time, take care.  --Jim Glaser

     May 5th, 2005

     My rotator cuff surgery is scheduled for May 17th.  It's being done on an outpatient basis so I'll have no hospital stay.  They'll do it arthroscopically which means no large incision and a  faster recovery time.  I like the surgeon and have nothing but positive hopes for a quick recovery.  My biggest concern at this point is how much time I'll have to take off from jogging.

     Everything else is going great.  Thanks to all of you who have emailed me, those of you who regularly check my web site, and those who have ordered CDs.

     Happy Mother's Day to all of you ladies out there with children.  Until next time, take care.  --Jim Glaser

     April 23rd, 2005

     Thanks again to all of you who have emailed me this week.  Jack and Margie, Shirley from California, Ed from Mexico, Frank from Germany, old friend Wayne who grew up with me in Spalding, Nebraska, just to name a few.  

     Also chatted via email with Norma who has the wonderful linking site to mine with all of that extra info that so many of you have told me that you enjoy so much.  She's doing fine and sends her regards to everyone.

     Thanks for your concern about the upcoming rotator cuff surgery.  I see the surgeon in about a week and will know more details about the when and where.  I'm trying to get in some extra days jogging to make up for the days I'll miss while recuperating.

     It seems that spring has ended here in sunny Tennessee, at least for the moment.  Temperatures will only be in the low 50s for the next few days.  I guess I'm really spoiled by living down here all these years.

     Not much else is new here.  I hope you are all well.  Until next time, take care.  --Jim Glaser

     April 16th, 2005 

     I had an email from my old friends Dana and Charlie, who reminded me that I haven't updated this page in over a month.  My, time does fly these days.  It's so beautiful here this time of year, the Redbuds, the white and pink Dogwoods, all of the flowering bushes and trees, the Irises, and Tulips, all such a treat for the eyes.  And the weather this weekend is absolutely perfect.  Jane and I have lots of family around, lots of talking and laughing, and I'm very, very happy.

     A  couple of very dear friends whom I've known for many years, Ruth and Pauline, stopped by via email.  As I've probably mentioned before they've been to many of my shows over the years.  For most of the years I was on the road, if I was appearing anywhere east of the Rockies, I could always look across the footlights and see Ruth and Pauline in the front row.  Their niece, Debbie, dropped me a line as well.

     I want to thank all of you folks who have ordered CDs from the web site, and by mail.  I'm always amazed at orders which from all over the United States.  Actually, from many countries around the world.

    I do have a slight problem, I tore my right rotator cuff which will require surgery to correct.  I hope to be completely recovered by the time Dollywood rolls around.

     I'm re-doubling my efforts to get my novel published.  Sometimes I think it's harder to get something going in that line than it is in the music business!

     Until next time, take care.  And don't forget the sunscreen.  --Jim

     March 2nd, 2005

     It's cold here in Nashville, for an old Nebraska boy whose blood has thickened from 47 years of living in the sunny South.  Well, I mean, it is only 22 degrees this morning!

     The renovations on my office/library are complete.  Now I'll resize and install the bookshelves I've built over the years and possibly add a couple more.  After that  I'll get some of my strong, muscular friends to help move in the large, oak desk, etc., and all will be complete.  It's such a beautiful room and I can't wait to get moved into it.  I'm sure Jane will be happy when I get my computer and office stuff out of the dining room.

     Until next time, take care.  --Jim Glaser

    February 14th, 2005

     Happy Valentine's Day to all of you!

     I hope you've all avoided the flu bug.  My daughter Lynn has been down for a week now and she's going stir crazy.  But every time she tries to get up she gets weak again.

     The Dollywood dates have changed again.  It's tough for them to work out a schedule for the whole summer, some of the artists always wind up changing their dates around, or sometimes they have something come up which they can't change.

     This past week has seen the passing of three of my show business friends: Merle Kilgore, Sammi Smith, and Captain Midnight (Roger Schutt),  legendary disk jockey in this area from a few years ago and friend and confidante to many Nashville Country Music folks.  We miss you guys.

     Until next time, take care.  Jim Glaser

     February 12th, 2005

     The Dollywood dates have changed (note Show Dates page).  I will be working 11 days, with 2 days off.  This is 1 more working day than on the original contract.  Still, until the contracts are signed and returned by Dollywood, the dates may change again.

     It's a beautiful day here in sunny Tennessee, with high temperatures in the 60s.  The workmen who are working on my library/office will finish early next week.  After 2 weeks of listening to hammering and having that patina of dust building up on everything in the house it will all be over.  Then comes the customizing of the shelves which will cover most of the walls for my books, which I'll do myself, as I build them in the first place.  Needless to say, I'll be glad when it's all finished.

     That's it for this time.  Take care.  --Jim Glaser

     February 10th, 2005

     Another report from Bill Wence, our promotion man for, "Me and My Dream," we're hanging on at the stations where we're being played, and another new station has added us.  Bill called me and said he had re-listened to the CD and has decided to push harder for the song he believes has the best chance right now, "If I Had You To Love Over Again."  Keep your fingers crossed.

     It's a cold day here in Tennessee and there's a skiff of snow on the deck outside my window.  We've had a couple of days in the 60s, so it feels even colder today.  Still, the sun has broken through and they're predicting a high of 37 degrees!  I've gotten so spoiled living here in the South, I talked to my brother John in Omaha last night and he said their weather was great, sunshine and daytime highs in the 20s!  Okay, so I'll stop complaining.  Still, I hate jogging when the temperature is below 40, I get along much better in the heat.  I remember running 4 miles in Yuma, Arizona, once when the temperature was 109 and another time in northern California when the temperature was 114 degrees.  For me, sweating is good, shivering is bad.

     Until next time, take care.  --Jim Glaser

     January 29th, 2005

     Good news!  The Dollywood contracts have been issued by the Joe Taylor Agency and the tentative dates are on the Show Dates page.  It won't be 100% positive until the contracts are signed and returned by Dollywood, but I don't expect any major problems.

    Nothing much else is new, remodeling on the new home continues, Bill Wence is still working hard promoting, "Me and My Dream," cold and wet here in Music City.  Still, we don't have the icing problems they have east and south.

     Until next time, take care.  --Jim Glaser

     January 12th, 2005

     Bill Wence, our great promotion man, has turned in another good-looking week on the new CD.  Great job, Bill, we're still hanging in there!

     Nothing else new here at the new place.  Until next time, take care.  --Jim Glaser

     January 8th, 2005

     Here we go into another year.  I wonder how many weeks it will take me to learn to write "2005" instead of "2004"?  Every year it seems to take me longer.

     My promotion guy, Bill Wence, tells me that the New Year's reporting should fire up soon.  My big concern is that the play lists we were on will continue into this new year, and that more will be added.

     Beth Brown, a disk jockey from Florey, Australia, emailed me that she previewed "Me and My Dream" on her show and had great response to it.  Even the station manager called her and asked that she play another track, something he has never done before.  All in all, she played 6 songs from the CD, which is now being loaded into the station's computers so that it will be available to all of the jockeys.  Thanks, Beth, I really appreciate your efforts.

     Life continues to be good here in the new house.  All four of my cats have adapted well and seem to really enjoy the extra space, as this house is considerably larger than my old one.  Jane is continuing to move things here and having work done on her place in preparation to selling it.

     That's it for now.  Take care.  --Jim Glaser