About three years ago at 50 I had a stroke -- one that did some real strange damage to my left hand in terms of rhythm and such. I didn't play for a year, then, one morning, woke up knowing I could play again. Sure enough, I could. Since then I've taken up the banjo but went with clawhammer rather than Scruggs as I kind of did before. Anyway, I have found that I have some real problems with words sometimes, not only drop off but they can get tangled a bit -- try the tongue twister (for me) Cripple Creek really fast! Sheesh!

I've never used cheats, but now I find I need them now and then. Not to read word for word, but they seem to kickstart a song, either instrumental or vocal. Also, my 18 year old son is playing drums with me now and it shifts my joy, as it were, in making music and is good medicine.

I suspect the alternative is to be dead, so I have little choice but to live with all this. Thanks for letting me sigh and vent a little. Don't get to do it much.

Mojo