Ah, Still, you should write a soap opera! And Beedub could play air guitar.

I have to say, after so many years in the driving, busy surround of a Southern California city, I am bemused and fondly struck by the slow but strong pulse of life in my small North Carolina town. It is monitored by the heartbeat of the meandering Eno River, and the beat of sap in the boundless forests that surround us. A pleasant valley, populated by writers, academics, and scores of other articulate and intelligent types. You never run out of interesting conversations and you could spend lifetimes looking into it all.

In April I plan on a five-hour drive up into the Allegheny mountains of West Virginia for a picking and singing weekend which I am sure will be stunningly pleasant. Meanwhile the dog, the wife, the son and I are just quite happy finding our way in this new environment. Also there are lots of fine beers to be had in walking distance from home!