We had such a wonderful gathering of fine singers last last that I just have to share it. Stewie and Betty hosted it at the their Seattle home. Part of the enjoyment of this evening was the appearence of "Alaska Mike", AKA Mike Campbell. This was the first time we'd seen him since his close brush with the grim reaper this last Winter. And what a CHANGE!

If he hadn't called me first by name, I wouldn't have recognised him ... losing 110 pounds does that to you! We all went through the predictable jokes: "My GAWD. You're so skinny you have to stand twice to make a shodow!" And: "I'll bet you have to run around in the shower just to get wet!" He took it all in good stride and I'm thrilled to say that his verve and booming voice are back in full volume.

There were about ten of us, sitting around and sharing song after song. During the evening, I was struck by a frequant thought: just how many thousands upon thousands of hours have I enjoyed the company of grown people, just sitting round sharing music. Just as I thought that, Mike said it: "What a marvelous thing is this music. I run into people that are astounded when I tell them what we do ... just sit around and share our songs."

Just thought I share this story. CHEERS, Bob(deckman)Nelson