Thanks, friends. We had a fine time. Sang a bunch of songs for Dad and his peers, which seemed to make 'em happy. Bob Zentz and Ken Hicks both showed up in time for the show and each offered a song of their own to the mix. Bob actually did a Stephen Foster medley followed by his own "Sweet Song from Yesterday." (Let a sweet song from yesterday wash over me.) We sang along and so did a number of the gentlefolk at the nursing home. Very gratifying.

As for Dad, he doesn't see very well, and doesn't hear too well, but his general health seems good and the residence is very nice. Clean, bright, and cheerful, with a lovely, caring staff. All this for about half of what one would have to pay up here in Yankeeland.

The sweet little woman who takes her meals at Dad's table seemed a little jealous of his hired "care-person," who came to help us celebrate and sat holding Dad's hand during the program. However, I was reminded of the song from Porgy and Bess: "But who calls it livin' when no gal will give in to no man who's nine hundred years!" Dad's primary goal now is to make it through December and into the year 2000. That way he'll be able to say he lived in three centuries! He was born in 1899, you see. I figure that's a pretty reasonable ambition. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks for asking!

Sandy