The program is called South of 45 (Like us on Facebook!), and we got our posse together for a final gig at the now-closed Dexter Lake Club (which I wrote about here).
The shoot was dope, as in really good! As Production Assistant, I was in charge of catering, supplying Coke (with a capital C), and generally running around and finding the gaffer tape. My fabulous niece Lisa took photos (she shoots her husband Kenji's blog, which is one of the best men's blogs I've seen).
Here are the bands we worked with.
![]() |
| Hyding Jekyll - funk metal grunge |
![]() |
| REFA - upbeat, complex, really really tight |
![]() |
| Alexander DiGrazia - poetic lyrics and gentle guitar |
Then Monday I started working full time again. It's gainful employment and a total shock to the system. I've got a temporary job, about 4 or 5 months, but at least it's steady money. I'll be editing, proofreading and blah, blah, blah. I wasn't getting much traction as a freelancer but, of course, I'm getting inquiries now. Typical. I may soon be really busy working days and evenings, and Mr. S has also got some paying work coming up. We may have a few bucks yet for retirement someday.
The new job is near the university, and there are some nice walks for my break times.
And the weather here is ridiculously mild - look at this:
If you live in the northeast of North America, you might want to consider moving to western Oregon!
Val










