Sitting here in front of the computer. I have always loved this place,............still do.........but at this moment it seems like a very poor subsitute for the way I felt surrounded by my "extended musical family" (great characterization, Rick!)of Mudcatters and FSGW'ers at my favorite gathering. For those of you who haven't been, I would urge you to start planning now for next year. You will never regret it.

I really must start with Morticia. She absolutely charmed the hell out of everyone she with her smile, her humor, and her merciless wit. She sang "16 Stone" and I nearly wet meself. She also did a parody on the Friday Overnight Song Session that almost made me do the same. Having now met her and Micca, I can't wait to meet the rest of the 'catters from her neck of the woods. NOTE TO ALL BRITISH MUDCATTERS. The wee women dished about all of you, and she was merciless...............hahahahahaha................just kidding, well mostly kidding............heeheeheeheehee.

One of the things I love most is when I am leading a workshop and I play a song. I start out, then the miraculous sound of fiddles, harp, Willie's mando, and the wonderful Getaway voices, all start filtering in. So much talent!! I sang "Red is the Rose" and the chorus and supporting instrumentation sounded so good that I just quit singing on the choruses and listened while I played. Pure, unadulterated enjoyment.

Kendall.................wow. Such love and admiration expressed for him. The only time I saw anything like it was when they did a gathering for Sandy and Caroline. If I could have a tenth of that much respect before I die, I could cross over happy with what I had accomplished. Just goes to show that it isn't the singing that we all love about him, it is the man that he is.

Rick continues to challenge me to be a better musician. I was sitting in on the workshop that he and Bob Clayton did on accompanying music. Rick grabs me and tells me to play mando. I said "Rick, I have never played mando". He says, "You do now" and has Tim (Vixen's hubby" and teach me a couple of chords in the appropriate key and then we play. Rick is one of those natural teachers. I envy those of you close enough to him to take lessons from him. You are in the presence of a natural musician and a natural teacher. I am envious.

It was so great to see Bill Cameron (Willie O) again. And it looks like we might see him this summer at a Canadian Festival. And made a new friend in Wayne (known as Homeless here) and his lady.

Karen Kobela, my very special friend, why don't I get to hear more of your singing. You have such a beautiful voice to go with the beautiful personality of yours. Have I EVER seen a greater smile anywhere? I about lost it when you were playing the kazoo during a pickup session with Rick in the cafeteria area, he wanted you to do a kazoo break……….you should have seen that wonderful, impish smile you gave him over the top of the kazoo while you were shaking your head "no". I am chuckling as I write this just thinking about it………………LOL.

Each day there are workshops, and if I had one criticism it would be that they are ALL so damn good and valuable, that you can't get to them. Solution? Keep going every year until you get them all....which will be never. Will I ever get to Lisa Null's vocal workshop? I am going to next year, by golly.

You should have heard Annie, Dani, and Janie sing the shanty that Annie wrote. Priceless. I am truly in love with our North Carolina ladies. The Getaway would be a poorer place without them.

Tinker............what a pearl of great worth. She sings like an angel, her smile lights up the room, and a personality to match. And a wicked sense of humor as well.

A couple of questions. Is Alan C getting more talented every time I see him, or what? And he was good to begin with.   My buddy, Barry Finn…………..where the hell did that voice come from? It is just an amazing thing to listen to him sing. But I am going to kick him in his shanty Irish arse when I see him for leaving without saying goodbye. You owe me a hug, little brother, and anyone who knows me knows I take that debt seriously.

To those that didn't make it, let me tell you that you have missed something very special. These gatherings and the memories of them will survive us all. This event, the unique mix of personalities and talent, the workshops, the great love of our music and tunes, have all combined to create these events that will be talked about for a very long time. I remember standing in the corner of the room looking at all of these folks and the instruments, listening to the diversity of music, and thinking to meself that I am a very fortunate man to have friends and memories such as these. I get home and my wife and daughter want a minute by minute description.

I especially want to thank the FSGW and its officers and activists for welcoming and incorporating the Mudcatters into this event. Charley Baum, Lisa Null, Bob Clayton, Jennifer Woods, Lorraine, Mary and George, Kath Westra, Rita, Bill D………….damn, who am I forgetting?……….you are all wonderful I am going to join FSGW, if for no other reason than to be able to be in the company of such fine folks and folkies.

I must really say something special to Kath Westra. She is the one that really introduced me to all these wonderful people that I mentioned before. Thanks, my very dear friend. You are so special.
All the best,

Mick