You guys are great! I am safely back, though there were interesting complications w/ both of my flights yesterday. Although I had limited access to email, I was essentially Internet-less for the entire 8 days (1 quick look on a free, text-only version--blah!)&, believe me, I was counting those days! Missouri was fine (loved that song, Big RiB!), as were my folks. I was in Nixa, close to Branson, & all the relatives are in Springfield. I had a fair amount of contact w/ music while I was there--mostly gospel--& was able to pass on some lyrics to a group there. One evening, 4 of my cousins (all self-taught) were playing bluegrass on 2 guitars, a banjo, & a mandolin--really wonderful! BTW, Rick, when can we get that new cd? Spaw, if I'd been driving, a stop in Ohio would have been great; as it was, the time was bad enough w/ flying! Neil, I notice that the Tavern turned into a Pub in my absence. Something I said? I think we could have beaten those pesky 'possum aliens, don't you? Ah, well, it's good to be home. Those of you who've sent photos, I will work through my 32 email messages as soon as I'm able (although school starts in 2 weeks & I'm starting to feel the stress!). Please do read the guidelines for the Resources site. We have chosen to limit what we will put up, because of time & space constraints. I will be happy to look at whatever you chose to send me, but will not just put up a photo because it is sent. No offense intended. Well, I'd better get to it! Glad to be home & back in contact w/ you all!

best,

bbc