By Juan C. Ayllon It's official: I suck. Well, not really, but I'm a tad tiffed that two of this week's planned activities fell through: an in-store review of the Perlisten Audio S7t loudspeakers and a tour of Taliesin Wisconsin slated for today. In the first case, the store got super busy preparing for AXPONA (Audio Expo North America) and, in the second, I didn't sleep well last night, which isn't a good thing when facing a two and a half hour drive both ways. The risk is real; years ago a car's blaring horn honks jostled me from the nods while returning from an ocean trip. There's that, and the batteries for my Canon EOS 30D camera were dead (a battery is charging right now, and two backups await their turn). Somehow, as Belle reminded me, it wouldn't look very impressive impressive taking photos with my iPhone, having been vetted and approved for press privileges for this two and a half hour tour by the media liaison at Taliesin. I am planning on rescheduling both appointments -- the former in coming weeks, and the latter, later this summer. Still, it's disappointing. I was looking forward to both -- especially the Taliesin Wisconsin trip. For those who aren't familiar, the Taliesin Wisconsin is a mega Frank Lloyd Wright treasure trove. Located near Spring Green, Wisconsin, it is the home, studio, school, and 800-acre estate of the world famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959). The site includes Wright’s 37,000 square foot home and buildings from virtually every decade of Wright’s career spanning the 1890s to the 1950s. As such, Taliesin Wisconsin remains a National Historic Landmark. On the bright side, this gives me something to look forward to this summer. And, this time, I may be able to bring Belle along for the ride (as a teacher on spring break, I had the day off, but she didn't). On the downside, these events were highlights in an unusually low key spring break for me. Normally on spring breaks, I try to schedule trips or activities with Belle, but this time around, I've been spending a lot of "me" time, alone with our Goldendoodle, Liam, as she's been unable to get the time off from work. Well, that's not entirely true; Belle managed to get Tuesday off, when we spent the day with our grandson, Kieran, while his father interviewed for a new position. That's him pictured with me in the lead photo. We had a great time playing with the little guy. I also got a lot accomplished in my job search for next year (my current teaching position includes a daily, three hour round trip commute). During the course of the week, I revamped my resume and cover letter, and managed to fill out a lot of online applications for jobs located closer to home. I feel good about that! Then, there was last night, when I scored major points with Belle in making shish kabob for two. Sun splashed, sipping Sauvignon Blanc and noshing on brie and fresh baked baguette drizzled in olive oil in the sun room while I grilled skewered steak and veggies feet away on the deck side Weber, Belle soaked up the pampering after her hectic workday. And she let me know that as we enjoyed a romantic evening at home! And then, of course, there's been music listening! Over the course of the week, I had an opportunity to listen to a lot of albums and, in the process, discovered some new artists! I'm actually enjoying a softer alternative pop/rock album entitled, None of This Matters Now by Papooz. The vocals are airy and the tunes downbeat and catchy. Another is a downtempo electronica album entitled Matahari by L'Imperatrice. At times, it's perky, other times contemplative, instrumental on some tracks, and others featuring sultry vocals.
Both albums join a handful that I discovered when Roon, my music player software, ran songs based on their algorithms after my selected music ended. Some of them are now saved to playlists. And, then, this weekend there's AXPONA! Audio Expo North America is quite the experience for audio and AV aficionados! It's a celebration of all things audio with 26,000 of your best friends. Need I say more? That will be great fun! It's a terrific way to cap off my spring break. Come to think of it, despite the cancellations, it's been a pretty good spring break. Cheers!
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Juan C. AyllonA writer, artist, educator and owner of Prairie Audio Man Cave, he lives with his wife, Isabel (AKA Belle), and their Goldendoodle, Liam, enjoys listening to high fidelity music and all things hi-fi at their home in the greater Chicagoland area.. Archives
March 2024
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