December 22, 2006

     Joe's funeral was in Jamestown, TN, on Saturday, December 16th and afterwards, Jane and I returned to our home in Murfreesboro.  I was playing with our little Pomeranian, Rocky, and he nipped me on the hand a little harder than he meant to, something that happens quite often.  But when I got up Sunday morning I noticed the area on my right hand was a little tender.  I didn't think anything of it and went out and jogged four miles.  Almost as soon as I got back home I noticed the pain was considerably worse and there was a larger area of redness.
     Over the next couple of hours the redness rapidly increased and my hand began to swell.  Red streaks were appearing, running from the site of the bite up my arm.  When they reached my elbow an hour or so later, Jane and I decided it was time I went to the emergency room.
     At the emergency room the doctor immediately put me in the hospital and started antibiotic IVs.  By then the streaks were up to my arm pit, where a lump had formed, and there were several more tender spots up and down my arm.
     I stayed in the hospital until Thursday, December 21st.  I lost count of the number of bags on antibiotics I received.  Gradually the infection retreated and the red streaks disappeared.  By the time I was released there was only some swelling and redness on my knuckle and I was given a prescription for more antibiotics.
     I went back to the doctor today and he seemed pleased with my progress.  We're still watching it, as its still very tender.  He said that it was most probably a strep infection, judging from how quickly and aggressively it spread.
    So, did my jogging make the problem worse?  Yes it did.  The old Runner's rule is that you should never run with a fever or an infection, as it speeds up the body's metabolism and therefore helps whatever bug is causing the problem to spread all through the body.  I'll certainly be more careful in the future.
     Anyway, all of my great intentions for Christmas preparations went out the window.  Jane took up the slack until she came down with a very bad cold, which she's still battling.
     I've received so many birthday cards and Christmas cards from so many of you.  And lots of emails, too, which I'm getting to as quickly as I can.  We appreciate so much all of your kind thoughts of condolence and good wishes for my birthday and the holiday season.  You're all so wonderful and I'm so very lucky to call you my friends.
    To all of you, Jane and I wish the best and most wonderful Holiday Season ever!  Until next time, take good care of yourselves and each other.  --Jim Glaser

     December 14, 2006

     Joe Evans died at his home in Pall Mall, Tennessee, on December 14, 2006, of complications from cancer.  Joe was born on September 8, 1946, to Bob and Grace Evans of Pall Mall, Tennessee.  Survivors include his daughters Sherry of Goodlettsville, TN, Sandra and Tim Rawls of Greenbrier, TN, Stephanie of Goodlettsville, TN, and Stacia of Indianapolis, IN, brother William and Catherine of Greenfield, IN., sisters Mary Jane and Jim Glaser of Murfreesboro, TN, and Sara and Elon Clark of Lebanon, TN.
     Joe had one granddaughter, Kallen, born to his daughter, Sherry.

     December 10, 2006
     (Excerpted from the Grand Island Independent newspaper, Grand Island, Nebraska)

Bob Glaser

     "Spalding, Nebraska -- Robert L. "Bob" Glaser, 80, died Sunday, December 3, 2006, at home.
     "Mr. Glaser was born November 26, 1926, at the farm home of Louis and Marie Glaser, near Spalding.  Survivors include his wife, Patt; five sons and daughters-in-law, Gary and Linda Glaser of Las Vegas, David and Shirley Glaser of Lisle, Illinois, Paul and Ginger Glaser of Bradenton, Florida, Joel and Ann Glaser of Spalding, and Shawn and Cathy Glaser of Pinckney, Michigan; eight daughters and three sons-in-law, Audrey Glaser of Cedar Creek, Texas, Cathy and David Larson, Sharon Glaser and Melanie Glaser, all of Grand Island, Nebraska,  Cyndee Schmeits of Disputanta, Virginia, Janet and Mike Lindley of Wahoo, Nebraska, Rachelle Glaser of Humphrey and Robyn and Chad Costello of Gainesville, Georgia; four brothers, John, Tompall, Chuck and Jim; and a sister, Eleanor Ryan.
     "Additional survivors include 40 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
     "Bob attended grade school at Pible Country School and graduated from Spalding Academy High School.  Bob entered the U.S. Army on September 15th, 1950.  He married Patricia Snodgrass on February 3, 1951, at Fort Mammoth, N.J.  After his honorable discharge from the service in September of 1952, he attended the Tri-State University in Angola, Indiana, and graduated with a degree in electrical engineering.  Bob worked in South Bend, Indiana, and Littleton, Colorado, before retuning to the Glaser family farm, west of Spalding, where they raised their 13 children.  Bob and Patt moved from the farm to Spalding in 2004."

    I was out jogging last Sunday (December 3rd) when my cell phone rang and I received the news about my oldest brother's passing.  The jog back home was filled with a rush of memories and emotions from our childhood days back on the farm.  There are six of us siblings and Bob was the first to pass on.  Considering that I'll be sixty-nine this year and I'm the youngest, I guess you could say that on one level, we've been fortunate.  I spoke to Bob on the phone twice last week, the last time for nearly an hour on Saturday, the day before he died.  Later that day he sent me an email which I answered the following morning just before I went out jogging.  Of course, he never got that email.

     Jane and I, and Chuck and his wife, Bev, flew up to Spalding for Bob's funeral.  Chuck is confined to a wheelchair now and has very limited ability to move, so the trip was very tiring for him.  And for Bev, too, of course.

     A curious side note:  I phoned Northwest Airlines to inquire about their "bereavement" fare, which the airlines now refer to as a "compassion" fare.
     "Yes, I can give you our compassion fare," she said.  "That's $600 per person, round-trip to Omaha from Nashville."
     "I can get it from Travelocity for less than $200 per ticket," I told her.
     "Well," she said, obviously irritated, "I can compete with Travelocity, if that's what you want," and proceeded to sell me the tickets for the same price Travelocity had quoted.  So much for compassion, at least as far as the airlines is concerned.

     Merry Christmas, hold tightly to those you love and take good care of each other.  --Jim Glaser

     November 24, 2006

     Dana and Charlie emailed me to remind me that I hadn't updated this page in nearly two months.  Thanks for the reminder, guys.

     Jane's younger brother, Joe, has cancer and is in a serious and difficult struggle battling the disease.  He's moved down from his home in Jamestown, Tennessee, area and is staying with his sister, Sarah, and her husband, Elon.  He had a round of almost daily treatments at the Sarah Cannon Cancer Research Center in Nashville, (Sarah Cannon was the real name of Minnie Pearl, who donated much of the money for the facility in her will) and he is now is taking radiation treatments on most days.

     Still, he was able to attend Thanksgiving dinner here at our house yesterday.  Jeff drove in from Gatlinburg, daughters Lynn and Connie were here and other friends came by as well.  Our youngest, Jim II, who lives near Seattle, called and we all talked with him and his wife, Patty.

     Connie's daughter, Jessica, (the actress!) phoned and we all talked to her, too.  By the way, her first, full-length movie was released this past Tuesday, and is available in stores such as Wal-mart and also can be rented at some movie rental shops.  The movie is called, "Wedding Slasher's," and it's a horror film in which Jessie has the starring role.  It's aimed at that particular group of fans who love campy horror films.  There's none of the high-tech, special effects, the fans of this genre don't want that.  So the blood and gore looks as if the film were made in the 50s or 60s.  But it's her first starring role and we all watched the DVD yesterday and were all proud as peacocks!

     Thanks to all of you who have emailed expressing your concern and offering your prayers for Jane.  She's really doing very well now, but we're still monitoring her blood pressure, heart rate, etc, daily.  But she seems to be her old self again.

     And thanks to all of you who have been ordering CDs for Christmas, and also the Christmas book.

     Jane and I want to extend to all of you and your families our most heartfelt wishes for the Holiday Season.  Until next time (which will be sooner this time) please take good care of yourselves and each other.  --Jim Glaser

     October 1, 2006

     "October's bright, blue weather," has arrived here in middle Tennessee and Fall is knocking on our doors.  Soon the trees will be decked out in their gorgeous, pre-winter attire.  I'd say that Fall is my favorite season of the year but, at this point in my life, every season is my favorite.
     Granddaughter, Jessica Kinney, sent along the revised schedule of her appearances on, "Desire," the series showing on, "MyNetworkTV," on which she is appearing.  The folks at the show decided to devote last Wednesday's show entirely to recapping the series up to that point, so the dates on which Jessica appears are all moved back a day from what I had listed below.  Here's the dates and episode numbers of her appearances, at least at this point.

Jessica Kinney's TV Appearances on, DESIRE

Episode # 24, Oct. 10th
Episode # 25, Oct. 11th
Episode # 27, Oct. 13th
Episode # 29, Oct. 17th
Episode # 30, Oct. 18th (This is a BIG one)
Episode # 37, Oct. 27th (This is another BIG one)

     Jane and I went to a taping of, "Cross Country," which featured Vince Gill and Alison Crouse.  Our daughter, Lynn, is Production Coordinator with the company that produces those shows as well as a lot of other TV shows, Country Music videos, etc.  Vince sounded as great as he always does and Alison has one of the sweetest voices in the business today.  Good for them.
     Thanks to all of you who have emailed me and, as always, I answer each of your correspondences personally.  Thanks, too, to all of you who have ordered one or both of my CDs.  I really appreciate it, and I'm still able to package up and send out each order personally.
     Until next time, take good care of yourselves and each other.  --Jim Glaser

     September 22, 2006

     Many Hollywood stars have started their careers acting in a horror movie, and Jessica Kinney is no exception.  Her first starring role is in the soon-to-be-released movie, "Wedding Slashers."  There's lots of blood and gore (well, after all, it is a horror movie) but she does a terrific job and, of course, is stunningly beautiful at the same time.
      My daughter, Connie, is building a new web site with news about Jessica's career, news about her son, Cameron, movie trivia questions, etc.  The link is shown on my home page, but I'll include it here as well:

                                        http://home.comcast.net/~kneecaps33/index.htm

     Until next time, take care of yourselves and each other.  --Jim Glaser

    September 17, 2006

     Fox TV's new network, myNetworkTV, is showing the series, "Desire," in which our granddaughter, Jessica Kinney, (Connie's daughter) is appearing.  To find out which TV station in your area is showing this series, go to this web site:     http://www.mynetworktv.com/archive_desire.html     and click on, Local Stations.
     Jessica can also be seen in 3 of the Prequels on the web site.  Here's how to watch those:  Right under the words, Show Me on the left, click on Daily Recaps  then click on Prequels.  Jessica's character is named Simona, and she appears in Prequels #19, #64, and #78. Choose the range of Prequels on the left side of your screen, and scroll to the specific Prequel on the right side of your screen. Click on the Prequel to play it.
     Jessie's next appearance on the show will be in episode # 12, which runs this coming Wednesday, September  20th.  Then she appears in episode # 12 on Wednesday, September 27th, # 22 on Wednesday, October 4th, # 23 on Thursday, October 5th, # 24 on Friday, October 6th, # 25 on Monday, October 9th, # 27 on Wednesday, October 11th,  # 29 on Friday, October 13th,  # 30 on Monday, October 16th, and # 37 on Wednesday, October 25th (Jessica tells us that this is the BIG one).
     The weather is beautiful here in middle Tennessee, maybe fall has arrived early.  I hope all of you are well.  Please take care of yourselves and each other.  --Jim Glaser

     September 3, 2006

     Life is getting back to normal here in middle Tennessee.  Jane continues to improve daily and is now able to walk 20 minutes a day, and do so many things she couldn't do during the last couple of months.  The weather has cooled down this past week to highs in low 80s and Jane and I, as well as people all over town, are doing yard work we've been putting off during the hot weather.

     Repairs on our house from the hailstorm back in April are still ongoing.  We have a new roof and new gutters but there's still some siding, trim, etc. to do.  The company who's doing the work told me it will be more than a year from now before they complete all of the repairs in this area caused by the storm.

    I think that most of you already know I'm an old runner/jogger.  I started running on January 1st, 1979 (yes, a New Year's resolution) and have kept at it all these years.  In the 1980s I was running 4 miles a day 5 days a week at a pace of 8 1/2 minutes per mile.  Then in the mid-1990s arthritis took the cartilage in both my knees leaving bone on bone.  I couldn't run and could barely walk.  Going up and down stairs was a one-step-at-a-time affair.  X-rays showed the abysmal conditions of my knees and my doctor told me I would have to have knee replacements, beginning with my right knee.

     Well, as stupid as it sounds, I rebelled against the knee replacement, probably because I was told I would no longer be able to run.  Or jog, or even walk long enough distances to get any aerobic effect.  I made a decision to start walking regardless of the pain, gradually working up to a couple of miles a day.  As badly as it hurt while I was doing it, I was surprised to find the pain was no worse after the walk.  In fact, the pain gradually began to lessen.  I began jogging part of the distance and continued until I was doing 3 miles a day.  I had to learn a completely new style of walking and jogging which took a year or so, but I was really surprised at how much less pain I was experiencing, and this continues to be the case today.  Of course, it takes me longer to do a mile now, usually from 12 1/2 to 14 minutes.

     Last year when I was hospitalized because my first rotator cuff surgery had failed, my knees swelled so much they were huge and extremely painful.  My orthopedic surgeon x-rayed them again and confirmed what the x-rays had shown a decade earlier:  I had no cartilage in my knees, both were bone on bone.  I asked him if my years of running/jogging may have contributed to my arthritic condition and was told: "Exercise doesn't cause arthritis, GENES cause arthritis."  When I asked him why it was that, not only was I able to jog 3 miles a day but that my knees actually felt better when I did, he had no answer.

     Anyway, a couple of months ago I noticed that my blood pressure was a bit higher than it should be, so I decided to see if my knees would let me increase my daily mileage from 3.2 miles -- the distance I'd been doing for several years and which my body had apparently adjusted to) to a 4 miles a day or so.  I found no problem with 4 miles and actually now I'll do 4 or more miles a day, with no problems, at least not so far.  I've done my first 10 K (6.2 miles) in 2 decades and last month I jogged 100 miles, the most I've ever done in a month.

     And now the disclaimer:  What I've written here should in no way be construed as a prescription or a suggestion for anyone with arthritis.  Never start or increase any exercise program without consulting with your doctor first.

     But, if there is anyone out there who has found that any type of continued exercise helps the pain and symptoms of their arthritis, I'd really like to hear from you.  When I asked my doctor why no one was doing research into this phenomenon to see if something along this line may help sufferers of arthritis, he told me that pharmaceutical companies surely wouldn't research something that may help people do without their drugs.  Isn't that something!

     I'll step down off my high horse now, I've preached enough for today.  I hope all of you are well.  As for me, I'm going out for my jog.  I think I'll try 5 miles today.  Or 5 1/2...

     Please take good care of yourselves.  --Jim Glaser

     August 15th, 2006

     I got back from Holland last night around 6:00 PM.  The flights over and back were normal, slightly more security than usual, which one would expect with recent events.

     Floralia Festival was a wonderful experience.  It was held in the city of Oosterhout, about an hour and a half from the airport at Amsterdam.  I arrived there Friday morning after flying all night and, after checking into the hotel near the festival site, we drove another 2 hours to where I rehearsed for 3 hours or so with the Johnny Bernard Band.  Johnny played lead guitar, Stefan Schaminée was on the bass, John Burgers played keyboards, Ben Jansen was the drummer and Waylon Young was on rhythm guitar and sang harmony.  These guys worked very hard to learn my material and play my sets and I really appreciate them for all their efforts.

     Rineke -- who was responsible for getting me booked on the festival -- and her husband, Leo, took very good care of me while I was there.  Rineke writes for a Dutch Country Music magazine, Country Gazette, which features a big spread on me and my career in their current issue.

     I did take some pictures and will try to get them up on the Photos page soon.

     Jane is doing much better.  We're still doing some corrections in her meds, etc., some more tests and such over the next few weeks, but we feel she's definitely on the road to recovery.  Thanks again to all of you for your prayers and positive thoughts.

     Until next time, take good care of yourselves and those you love.  --Jim Glaser

     August 8, 2006

     First of all, thanks again to all of you who have remembered Jane in your prayers and positive thoughts.  She's doing better, gradually building back her strength.  She still goes in and out of atrial fibrillation and the doctors are still adjusting and re-adjusting her meds.  Yesterday they changed the program on her pacemaker to help the situation.  These new pacemakers are very small but have powerful computer chips in them and  it's really amazing what they can do.

     I leave for Holland the day after tomorrow.  Jane and I are so sad she's not going with me, but we'll plan another "honeymoon" trip when she's well.

     Well, I've got lots to do to get ready for the trip and not much time to do it, so I guess I'd better run.  Well, I guess should say I'd better "jog," as that's what I'm going to do right now.  I'm doing 4 to 5 miles a day now and it's only 87 degrees out there so I'd better get to it before it gets any hotter.

     Until next time, take care.  --Jim Glaser

     July 31, 2006

     Jane and I want to thank all of you who have emailed us or sent cards to Jane wishing her a speedy return to good health.  Also a warm thanks to all of you who have remembered her in your prayers.

     Jane had to go back into the hospital this past Thursday (July 27th).  She wasn't doing well and the doctor re-admitted her so she could be closely monitored as they changed her medication.  The good news is that she responded well, and came home Saturday.  We hope this time she will be able to stay at home where she can rest and get stronger again. 

     I was asked to write something for a new book Charlie Daniels is releasing.  I'm not sure what the title of his book will be, but the theme is, "Growing Up Country."  Several Country Music artists are contributing to the book, which should make for some interesting reading.  I'll let you know when it's actually released.

     Until next time, take good care of yourselves and each other.  --Jim Glaser

     July 26, 2006

     Jane came home from the hospital this past Monday.  She's doing well here at home but still has problems with the atrial fibrillation.  The doctor tells us it will take time for her to adjust to her meds, etc.  Our doctor is also setting up an appointment with a specialist at Vanderbilt Hospital and we'll have a better idea of her long-term prognosis at that time.

     Of course, she won't be able to go to Holland with me, which is a giant disappointment to both of us.  We were looking forward to it so much, and had planned to stay a week after the show to hop around Europe a bit.  We'll do the trip later, when Jane is feeling better.

     That's about it for now. Take good care of yourselves.  --Jim Glaser

     July 23, 2006

     Well, I haven't kept up with this page lately.  Jane went into the hospital on July 14th and is still there.  She has atrial fibrillation and the doctors have been trying to do what is needed, medicine to slow down the heartbeat, a pacemaker to keep it from beating too slowly, a couple of shocks to try to make her heart convert back into its regular rhythm (sinus rhythm) blood thinner to keep blood from pooling in the atria of the heart and potentially clotting--which could lead to a stroke.  I did work Dollywood on July 21st and 22nd and had a great time as always, but I hated to leave Jane.  However, my daughters, Lynn and Connie, and Jane's sister, Sara, took care of things while I was away.

     This is also the reason I haven't posted our wedding pictures yet, I'll do so as soon as I have time.  I've been spending as much time as I can in the hospital room with Jane, nights included, and that doesn't leave much time for anything else , except for going by our house and feeding the cats and Jane's Pomeranian, Rocky.

     I'll close for now and update this page as soon as I have some more news.  The doctor said he thought Jane could come home tomorrow, and we're hoping that's true.

     Take care of yourselves, and check back here in a few days.  --Jim Glaser

     July 2, 2006

     Just a quick note:  there's a good chance that I'll be back at The Pines Theater in Dollywood this year.  Margo Smith has had to cancel her dates and it looks as if T. Graham Brown will replace her -- with the exception of the last two days -- which would be July 21st and 22nd.  Keep watching the "Personal Appearances" page for updates.

     Nothing else new for right now.  Take care.  --Jim Glaser

     June 29, 2006

     Jane and I are back from Seattle and a wonderful visit with our youngest, Jim II, his wife Patty, and the kids.  We stayed a Jim's house for a few days, then all went down to The Dalles, Oregon, where Jim II, our son Jeff, daughter Connie, and Jane's brother-in-law, Elon (my brother in law, too, after a few more days) all went fishing for sturgeon in the beautiful Columbia River.  They caught some, too!  That area is so beautiful I couldn't lay my camera down.  When I have a chance I may put a few of the photos on the Photos page.

     And, speaking of the Photos page, I've put lots of Dollywood pictures up in the last few days, in case any of you are interested.

     And, speaking of Dollywood, we're talking now about me doing a couple of days there in July, the 21st and 22nd.  That will be great, I love working there.

     Jane and I will be getting re-married on July 9th.  We're very excited, and so are our children.

     Until next time, take care of yourselves.  --Jim Glaser 

     June 10, 2006

     This was to be my last day here at Dollywood but I was asked if they could hold me over for an additional show on Monday.  I agreed, of course, as this is such a wonderful venue to work.  I've taken several pictures and will post them on the Photos page as soon as I can, though I'm not sure if I'll be able to do it until I return from Seattle near the end of the month.  Jane and I are going out there next week to visit our youngest, Jim II and his family.  Daughter Connie will join us there as well.  She's in Los Angeles now visiting her daughter, Jessica (the actress!).  The movie Jessie appears in is being released, a horror film called, "The Wedding Slashers."  She's also in a new series starting this fall on FOX-TV, but the name eludes me at the moment.  I'll post it when my brain kicks in or when Jane reminds me.

     I've already seen so many friends and fans at the Dollywood shows this year and I'm awed by how many of you have planned your vacations around my time here.  The show in which I'm appearing is called, "Back Where I Came From," and the cast is wonderfully talented.

     There is a web site with info about the festival in Holland I'll be doing in August:  http://www.floraliacountry.nl  Better brush up on your Dutch!

      I was also sent these links on CMT's web site.  This one is the bio they have on me:  http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/glaser_jim/bio.jhtml and this one is for the message board they have on me, though I've yet to go there so I don't know what's on it:  http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/glaser_jim/message_board.jhtml  

     That's about it for now.  Please take good care of yourselves.  --Jim Glaser

     June 6, 2006

     The first week is completed here at Dollywood and it's been great. The band and singers I work with this year are all terrific, as usual, and all of the backstage folks who keep things running smoothly are friendly and very good at their jobs.

     I've seen lots of old friends this week.  Ruth and Pauline, those wonderful ladies who have traveled to so many of my shows over the years, have been to several performances.  Dana and Charlie were back again from Virginia, as well as many who have told me they returned to Dollywood and the Pines Theater again this year but whose names didn't stick in this old brain.  Thanks to all of you.

     I'll be taking a few pictures again this year will post them on the Photos page.  If any of you have pictures you'd like to share, please email them to me and I'll post them as well.

     Until next time, take good care of yourselves and your loved ones.  --Jim Glaser

     April 29, 2006

     I've posted the dates for Dollywood though I still don't know the times of the shows.

     And speaking of shows, I've actually heard from a few of you requesting information for the show in Holland in case they decide to attend.  Wow, wouldn't that be something?

     Not much other news, I'm rehearsing to get my voice in shape for the shows.  I'll be working with musicians from Holland on that show, a group known as the Johnny Bernard band, so I've been busy making chord charts and lyrics sheets for them.  It's a much bigger job than one might imagine.

     We're still waiting for the insurance adjuster to check out our house for hail damage.  They've been busy trying to get to folks whose houses are severely damaged and asked if we could wait a few days for our inspection, so we agreed.  Our daughter Connie's house was quite heavily damaged and her car was totaled.  Jane's car was also totaled by the insurance company.  Fortunately, my car was in the garage.

     Until next time, take care of yourselves.  --Jim Glaser

     April 8, 2006

     Mother Nature displayed her vengeful side here in Tennessee yesterday.  Tornadoes tore through several areas doing tremendous damage.  Our thoughts are with those who lost family members and neighbors.  Also to those who lost their homes.

     Here in our part of middle Tennessee we escaped the tornados.  We had hail the size of golf balls, as shown in this picture I took on my cell phone:

     We had some damage to Jane's car and my daughter Lynn's husband, Jeffrey, had damage to his truck.  Their daughter Keri's new car also sustained some damage (she just turned 16 and this is her first car).  Monday we'll have our house inspected to see if there is any damage.

     This morning folks in middle Tennessee are feeling a little closer to their loved ones and to each other as we realize once again just how tenuous and precious life is.

     Take good care of yourselves.  --Jim Glaser

     March 30, 2006

     Spring has finally come to middle Tennessee.  Even though our winter was quite mild the chilly temperatures (for us) seemed to hang on, along with the clouds and dreary weather.  My sister, Eleanor, who with her husband, Pat, still live on their Nebraska farm, told me they received 30 inches of snow.  Despite the inconvenience they welcomed it as they were very much in need of moisture for the spring planting.

     Thanks again to all of you who have emailed me with well-wishes following my recent surgery.  I'm doing very well and, as the rotator cuff was not completely torn, I'm recovering nicely.  I'll start rehab on April 10th and should be in fine shape by May 30th when I'm scheduled to start my Dollywood stay.

    Thanks to Brandon and Irene from Ireland who sent me photos for the Photos page.  Anyone who wants to share a photo or two are welcome to send them in.

     Until next time, take good care of yourselves.  --Jim Glaser

     March 14, 2006

     The surgery is over and all went great.  Thanks to all of you for your emails wishing me well, I really appreciate it.

     The contract is signed for the Floralia Festival in Holland August 13th, and I'm really looking forward to it.  I wish you all could go, too.

     That's all for now, this typing with one hand is no fun for a guy who's used to typing 60 words a minute (brag, brag).

     Take care of yourselves.  --Jim Glaser

     March 1, 2006

     February has come and gone and I'm finally getting the hang of writing, "2006".  Yesterday was brother Chuck's birthday and thanks to many of you who asked me to convey your birthday wishes to him.  I did convey them and he really appreciated your thoughtfulness.  (Chuck doesn't have a computer.)

     This is beginning to sound like a broken record but I'm going in (again) for rotator cuff surgery.  The date is March 14th and it will be on the other shoulder (the left one).  This time we're catching it before it's torn completely so the recovery shouldn't take as long.  And speaking of recovery time, I'm still in physical therapy for the right shoulder.  I'm starting to really get hooked on it, sort of like an intense gym class three times a week.

     Joe Taylor called to tell me that the folks at Dollywood have finally set the dates and artists for this summer's shows at the Pine's Theater (see "Show Dates" page).  I'm scheduled for 10 working days, the same as last year.  Many of you have been emailing me and waiting patiently to find out when I would be there to schedule your own visit to the Gatlinburg area, so keep checking the "Show Dates" page.  The contract isn't back yet, but that's normal for a big company like Dollywood, these things take time to finalize.

     I'm so excited about going to Holland in August for the Floralia Festival. You can see info by going to their web site: http://www.floraliacountry.nl/

     That's about it for now.  Please take care of yourselves.  --Jim Glaser

     February 15, 2006

     It's been a great week, my sister Eleanor, her husband Pat, and one of their sons, Lee, were here for a visit.  We had a great time, and I was able to pick Lee's brain on several computer issues I was working on.  Lee's older brother, Jerry--also a computer guru--was the one who helped me buy my first computer back in 1986.  And then he spent hours on the phone teaching me how to use this wonderful new device and generally solving any problem that came up.  I've tried to keep up on the technology over the years but I don't realize just how much I don't know until I have the chance to talk with one of my nephew gurus.

     Dale tells me that CMT now has the latest release of Glaser Brothers' music, "Lovin' Her Was Easier/After All These Years," CD for $13.49.  Dale's review of the CD is shown on the same page at CMT's web site.  That link is:

http://shop.cmt.com/viewproduct.htm?productId=4139652 

     I hope things are going well with all of you, wherever you live, and that your winter weather has been as good overall as ours here in middle Tennessee.

     Take care of yourselves and your loved ones.  --Jim Glaser

     January 21, 2006

     Thanks to Ruth who was cleaning out her house getting ready to move and ran across some old pictures which she sent along.  They appear on the Photos page.

     I finally got my order for the new Glaser Brothers CD from Collector's Choice to go through.  I've heard from many of you out there who have had some problems ordering it, but most of the problems seem to be ironed out now.  I heard from Sheila from the U.K. who says that she can't order the CD from Collector's Choice as they do not ship overseas.  However, she informed me that Amazon in the U.K. tells her that the CD will be available from their web site in June.

     That's about all of the news for now.  Take care of yourselves.  --Jim Glaser

     January 15, 2006

     Even though the new Glaser Brothers CD, "Lovin' Her Was Easier/After All These Years," is #8 on Collector's Choice Home Page,   http://www.ccmusic.com/ , and even though I received emails from people who have already received their copies, once again I've received an email from Collector's Choice informing me that my order has been canceled because the item "...has been discontinued."  I've emailed them again and even informed them that I'm one of the Glasers on the CD but I've not yet received a reply.  Ah, these little mysteries help to keep life interesting...

     I hope all of you out there have little mysteries of your own to keep your lives interesting.

     Thanks to Dale for her lovely review of the Brothers CD (see link on my Home Page).

     Until next time, take care of yourselves.  --Jim Glaser

     January 9, 2006

     I received an email from Dale who included a copy of a receipt that Collector's Choice had sent her for the new Glaser Brothers CD.  The receipt stated that the CD had been sent to her.  So I guess it really is released.  I don't know why they told me it had been discontinued and canceled my order, but I'm going to try again.  Thanks, Dale.

     Have you heard who bought the Johnny Cash and June Carter 14,000 square foot house out on Old Hickory Lake near Nashville?  Barry Gibb, of the Bee Gees.  He said that he intends to use it as, "... a writing retreat."  Wow, I wonder if I could be more productive in an environment like that??!!

     A beautiful day here in middle Tennessee, I hope it's good where you are.  Until next time, take care.  --Jim Glaser

     January 5, 2006

     Well, you guys out there have been busy in regards to release of the new Glaser Brothers CD.  And I appreciate that.

     Jan emailed me that she, "went directly to the Collector's Choice site and found where it stated that the CD will be released Jan 9th."

     Audrey emailed me that, "Amazon.com has it listed, but has a June 6, 2006, release date."

     So, the actual release date?  Who knows?  I emailed Collector's Choice directly and asked them but have heard nothing back from them.

     Anyway, the small mystery and intrigue have helped pass a bit of the time on this chilly, Tennessee afternoon.

     Stay warm, and take care of yourselves.  --Jim Glaser

     January 4, 2006

     I ordered a copy of the new Glaser Brothers CD from Collector's Choice and just received an email telling me that the, "...product has been discontinued."  Gee, discontinued before it even sold 1 copy.  Go figure.  If any of you get any information about it being re-offered or re-released, please let me know.

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

     January 2, 2006

     The New Year has arrived and it's time for all of us to practice writing 2006 instead of 2005.   I hope each of you had a really warm and fuzzy Holiday Season.  Jane and I celebrated our second Christmas in our new home with lots of family and friends.  Our youngest son, Jim II and his family ,were greatly missed  here in Middle Tennessee but lots of passing around the cell phones helped to give us a sense of being together.

     Thanks to Sheila who emailed to inform me that Collector's Choice has issued another Glaser Brothers CD entitled, "Lovin' Her/After All These Years."  As the title suggests, it contains all the songs from both of those Electra albums from the early 80s.  Click on this link:  

http://www.ccmusic.com/item.cfm?itemid=CCM06492

     We're all well here.   I have had a case of that harsh head/throat/chest cold that's going around but I'm nearly over it now.  It has curtailed my jogging for the last few days but I did manage to complete my 17,000th mile before I had to give in to the old bug.

     Take care of yourselves and your loved ones.  --Jim Glaser