Just back from a loverly birthday gathering on honor of the Godfather Skipper Kendall Morse, who is now eighty-something. He and Jacqui flew into town yesterday and we spent a lovely afternoon wandering around Hillsborough. Tonight we drove out to Janie's where she and Dani laid on roast chicken, salad, home-made bread, baby potato salad, and all good things to drink. Plus a real humdinger of a cake for the Skipper, and ice cream and single malt to boot. Songs and misty sentiments alla round. Good times, good times. Kendall and Jacqui did "Carrying Nelson Home" which reduced us to tears.

Tomorrow we head west to Asheville where Chance and Suzetter Shiver are hosting a house concert for my buckaroo pal, Steve Cormier, which should be a grand old kick.

Who knew retirement could be so much fun? Don't tell Trump! He'd figure out a way to ruin it.