The Crew

On the last night of camp at Kefana, most of us had been up until 3 a.m. every night throughout the week, and even some of the performers were getting a little silly. Tired, a little drunk and not wanting to miss out on a moment of anything, we all gathered at the last kefana. (L to R) Matt, along with his wife Joan (who was smartly asleep at this point), were our "camp angels" who were charged with guiding is through camp all week. Ms. Jay, from NYC is a Greek dancer with tons of good energy, and good taste. Alla, a conductor, was fast friends with us; insisting that there must be a common ancestor among her and Jerry back in Yugoslavia. Jerry the bug player and myself the fumbling musician next to Rachel, the accordion player who is not afraid of giant brass bands.

J and B survive Balkan Camp. Film at 11

How do you explain Balkan Camp? I shall try in a later post earlier in the day. Stay tuned.

More Balkan Camp

***DISCLAIMER: Our digital camera sulked all weekend and wouldn't turn on. The disposables I bought late in the week were crap, a problem compounded, I suspect, by a Walgreen's employee who exposed half our pictures. >:I ***

We all had to find pockets of solitude throughout the campground to try and practice. Rachel was practicing all week. She liked to sit by the tree near her cabin and try to confuse the advanced accordion class that met nearby.

At the auction, a newlywed couple won a 20-minute Macedonian serenade while lounging in the private gypsy caravan that some Balkan Campers designed themselves and towed to camp. A furious accordion storm ensued, and there was much rejoicing.

Everyone has to choose a volunteer job for the week. Jerry and I worked Kefana on Thursday night. Jerry caught me in my apron here asthe party went on behind me.

Friday before the performances begin.

My supportive and talented fellow accordion students Shel and Rachel after cramming on the Macedonian tune in preparation for student performances.

Balkan Camp

Jerry brought an entire tamburica orchestra with him, including his upright bass.

Our cabin, which we shared with four other couples, was easily identified by lanterns and rope lights, a slivovica dispenser and continuous jamming.

This picture does not do justice to Kefana, but it was one of the more packed nights of dancing.

An impromptu gypsy jam with Kalman and Joe.

Practice for singing Ladarke, a multi-part traditional Croation song.

August, new worlds

1 August Mom would have turned 69.
Early-mid August, family get togethers at Cape Hedge Beach in Rockport are bittersweet as Will and Sara prepare to leave for vet school in Minnesota.
11 August Will and Dad embark for Maryland. Jerry and I leave for Balkan Camp in Rock Hill, NY.
12 August Will and Sara, Dad and Al and Maggie kiss Barbro goodbye and embark on a 15 hour convoy of Element and Volvo (does that sound like a cartoon duo to you?) to Indiana, where Jerry's parents are awaiting the weary travelers.
13 August Convoy leaves Indiana for Minnesota.
15 August Jerry's birthday. Dad returns to Massachusetts.
18 August Return from Balkan Camp to see the world in a whole new way, which seems to offer no reason whatsoever to go to work.
24 August Jerry and I sit in as special guests at our new friend Rachel's birthday party concert where she played accordion with a brass band, upright bass, vibe player, drummer and guitarist.
and the month isn't over yet.

July 15

The next day, we went to Wingarsheek Beach. Annoyed that they were still charging to park at 4 p.m. with rain immenent, we waited in the parking lot chatting insider beach knowledge with the other determined locals. The next hour was a grey and drizzly wade into the knee-deep creek of Wingearsheek, and somehow completely satisfying nonetheless. Then we met Dad for dinner. Truly a lovely birthday.

Most romantic birthday eve dinner ever

When I arrived home from work, I stepped through the gate into the backyard where a canopy with lights is set up over the picnic table on the patio. Pre-war swing is the soundtrack. The table set by candle light. Menu: Grilled carrots and parsnips, grilled lamb with a salad of baby spinach, bleu cheese and cranberries. To drink, red wine over grilled peaches. Dessert he refused to identify but it as an entirely too fashionable looking chocolate torte. THEN came the gifts. All my favorite candies (cordials, grapefruit slices, marzipan...) but most of all, a new flute. Don't get any ideas ladies.