Over and over I marvel at the blessings of my life: Each year has grown better than the last.

I expected to be a farmer like my father and brothers. Life seemed pleasant and orderly.

I knew nothing of the life of a real musician, of course, but somehow I seemed to see myself standing in front of great crowds of people, playing my accordion.

I played a Spaniard. I looked about as Spanish as any other fair-skinned German.

Over and over I marvel at the blessings of my life: Each year has grown better than the last.

Sounds always fascinated me.

There are good days and there are bad days, and this is one of them.