So Sorry! (Not the one by Brenda Lee)

When you're 76, you can expect to encounter physical problems along the way, but the four months between Thanksgiving of last year and today hit me pretty hard. The day after Thanksgiving I developed acute bronchitis that lasted for nearly five weeks. When my fever broke, I stumbled in the bathroom and hit my head on the tub. I could have used a couple stitches. Then the kidney stone, and I need not elaborate on that. This was followed by a root canal and minor surgery on the palate near the gum line. Did you know that the incisor is the longest tooth in your jaw?!
But the main culprit was the trigger finger on the middle finger of my fretting hand that I developed just before Christmas. I just can't shake it and will have to see a hand surgeon (next week, wish me luck). Anyway, I want to apologize for my prolonged absence, especially to my subscribers. I hope to be back in the saddle again soon, where we can continue our quest to become increasingly more confident and fluid when fingerpicking. See you soon.

[@wongahtai4537]

Glad to see you again Dennis 👍❤

[@DennisAnthonis]

Thanks my friend. So far so good; Hopefully, I won’t need surgery. Look for Lesson #6 and Exercise #6 soon. Thanks for your support, I really appreciate it.

[@valleybiomech]

Had me worried

[@carlyellison8498]

Hi, Dennis. Glad you are back!

[@DennisAnthonis]

Thanks Carly.

[@zepp2498]

Hello Dennis: It is us that are sorry to hear about this problem and I hope you can fixe it. Of course you HAVE TO see a doctor for this, absolutly. A 5 veeks bronchite....that's very long, glad this is over. As for the picking playing, there are different ones...remember , sometimes the simplier the better. I think it was a good idea that you did this video and encourage your friends to look over the first 5 tutorials.....so they stay in touch with you. Take care my friend. Joseph

[@DennisAnthonis]

Hey Zepp, it’s so good to hear from you! The bronchitis lasted an unusually longer period of time than normal, that’s for sure. Amoxicillin and prednisone finally stopped it. How are you my friend? I hope all is well with you and your family.

[@tlswing]

oh my poor Dennis, you are really in a period, but well, you are in good spirits, that's the main thing, take care of yourself and have a good song for this surgery

[@DennisAnthonis]

Thanks my friend. I appreciate your continued support.

[@mikevance3175]

Yep, me too! several trigger finger surgeries here also! Seems quite common actually nowadays. Wanted to ask if the Travis Picking technique you teach will also work for most of John Prines songs including "I Remember Everything"? Good luck with the hand procedure!

[@DennisAnthonis]

Hey Mike, thanks for watching. Fortunately I’ve never had any surgeries on my trigger finger or thumb; just cortisone injections. As to your other question, many of John Prine’s songs are Travis-picked. JP is the reason why I wanted to learn how to Travis pick. And yes, “I Remember Everything” utilizes this technique. I covered this song on my channel. Please check it out. Let me know what you think?! Also, look at my series of tutorials on how to Travis pick. Good luck with your hand issues. And again, thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@ivannovotny4552]

Nice to have you back Dennis after not so short hiatus. You got us all worried and concerned. What happened to your middle finger, same happened to me on (left hand) baby finger due to acute wrist arthritis. Looking forward to your continuing musical skills and tutoring. P. S. - Good luck with your next week's surgery.

[@DennisAnthonis]

Ivan, it looks like I may not be requiring surgery. The cortisone is holding up so far. Sorry to hear about your similar experience with your pinky finger. I’m 76 and realize that I may have hand issues from this point forward. Thanks for your kind words. I really appreciate your support. I’ve already begun working on Lesson 6: Stay tuned.

[@eatonjohnrobert]

Hi Dennis, nice to hear your deep, soothing voice. I’ve had two surgeries in the last 16 months due to trigger finger. Everything but the pinky on my right hand and thumb, index and middle finger on the left hand. Neither index finger turned out to be as “fixed“ post surgery as I’d hoped for. I haven’t been able to play the guitar for many months. Just got back into it a couple of weeks ago and it’s very frustrating. Not sure if I’ll ever be able to fret properly.

[@DennisAnthonis]

Wow, I hate to hear that about your own hand problems. It was very frustrating for me with just one finger. I remember you as being one of the first people I came to meet after I first started posting to KZbin. I remember how encouraging you were. These are things you never forget. I enjoyed your music. It must be very frustrating for you to be wondering if you’re going to ever be able to play again. It would be a loss to many of us. I’m praying for you and a speedy recovery.

[@waynecaswell5727]

Dennis, great to you back and looking strong. New patterns, bass runs and hammer ons all sound good. You are a great teacher and will help me improve. Thanks, Wayne

[@DennisAnthonis]

Thanks Wayne. It’s good to be back. The finger is coming along fine so far. May not need surgery. Here’s hoping.

[@kevinbodnar448]

Welcome back 👍

[@DennisAnthonis]

Thanks Kevin. Thanks for listening.

[@juanpelaez803]

Dennis. Me alegro mucho tu vuelta (I am so happy your back?... sorry for my english) I learn every song you show how. Un abrazo fuerte desde Madrid (España)

[@DennisAnthonis]

Thank you Juan. The finger feels pretty good now. Mary (my wife) and I flew into Madrid and took a train to Valencia for a wedding of a friend, back in 1995. It was a memorable trip, wonderful in every way. From Valencia, we took a train to Barcelona for a couple days before going to Monaco. Your English is fine. Cheers from St. Louis, Missouri USA.

[@juanpelaez803]

Me alegro! Valencia, Barcelona.... what about Madrid the best...🤨? Well, so happy you are back Dennis. 3 and 4 days a week i sing in street here in Madrid (my daughter doesn't allow me to sing at home...) and i play songs you teach and the way fingering. You have to come back Spain to visit MADRID. Nice to meet you again Dennis!