Wow, what a week. I am sorry that I have not had a chance to write here yet, but its been one thing after the other (NMPA, car accidents, etc.).

I just want to say that I had a fanfawckingtastic time at the Getaway. I think it was the best display of music and fine folk that I have ever experienced. I can't say enough about how great it was. If I were to sit and imagine an ideal way to spend a weekend, my imagination would describe very closely the Getaway.

Bert and I came in Friday afternoon, very nearly the first there. It was a joy to stand our front watching folks arrive, and meeting them for the first time, or seeing them again. Sandy and Caroline show up soon after we, and I got to finally meet them. As delightful as I thought and have been told. It was as if I've always known them. Jeri comes in, Alan C., Barry Finn. Barry's been around the Cat a long time, so it was a grand pleasure to meeting him. Jeri and Alan, I met a annap's gathering, wonderful folk, Alan comes in with a lovely wig.

Several of us dig into the Pot Luck while catching up on things. Bert and I change strings on our guitars to get ready for the Friday night open sing. That was amazing. 30 or 40 folks, all wonderful musicians, sharing songs all night. Nothing like a 35 part harmony. I swear the sounds you hear at these sings are thought to only be mythical. The acoustics of the cabin and the combination of ranges and styles, the sheer number of folks in the room that know the words or melodies (or at least can fake it) just can't exist anywhere else. Wow.

Saturday the workshops start, as does my head a spinning. One great after the other, bouncing from cabin to cabin, trying in vain to see and hear it all. Songs from the Mudcat Café was wonderful. I think there should be a law about having that many Mudcatters in one place though. The cosmic positive energy in that room was uplifting to say the least. I grasped a little more reality of what I have done that day. Every time I meet another Mudcatter, I realize what I am doing is good, and worth it no matter what. You all make sure I know that too, and let me tell you I do.

I did a blues workshop in the afternoon, that was fun. I'll take any chance I can get to talk about that, so I probably had more fun that anyone else in the room. I finally got to here Roger in Baltimore sing the blues, which was amazing. I gotta learn some of those tunes. Truly amazing Roger. And Duane D. floored me with San Fran Bay. I've heard him play a few tunes before, but never could I imagine that he had that inside of him.

Sunday was more of the same. Lots o' Workshops, one to the next, trying to ignore the effects of sleep deprivation. I got a chance to have some quality time with some Mudcatters, sharing more of myself, and learning more of them. That was very special for me. No matter where I go to see Mudcatters, I am as happy playing and listening to music as I am just chatting about life and love and everything. It helps me make sense of what I am doing. Very much of a reason why I am interested in traditional music is the people associated with it. A demographic that must include just the most righteous of folk. I am constantly amazed at the wonderful nature of a Mudcatter.

Well, I am forgetting a lot as well as rambling, so let me close with some Thank You's. Thank You to the FSGW for welcoming us in. You are a wonderful organization made up of wonderful people. Thank You to you Mudcatters that came, you brightened my year with your warmth. It was an honor to meet all of you. And thanks to everyone else. This really give my life meaning.