Dear Kendall,

Yes, I live in Blue Bell, outside of Philly, N of Norristown, near the point where the NE extension of the PA tpke meets the E-W part of the tpke. On your trip South, will you be coming down the tpke, or taking 81 to skip the Philly area? Do you have dates worked out yet? Are you thinking about possibly coming down when annap has her gathering in NJ, the 14 to 16 of Jan?

I live in a small "mother-in-law apartment" in the home of some friends of mine. Their house also has a guest room, and I have been able to have friends and singers stay there when they're passing through.

This area is about 6 or 7 hours from Boston, and about 3 hours from DC. There is a terrific open circle on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, and we are close to Mudcat Central, and can drop in for Weds. night mudcat radio when it resumes the 2nd Weds in Jan. I'm pretty well connected to the local folk scene, and know where there are open stages on various nights, etc.

Let me know if you might be passing this way, and might need somewhere to stay for a night or two, and/or a guide to the local folk scene. There is a maritime museum in Phila, which might interest you, also a restaurant on an old ship, and a WWII-era Navy ship one can tour. We also have a tall ship, and I know about 3 of the all-volunteer sailors on her. I would be happy to show you around if you came this way.

Best regards,

Mary