I'm sorry you're going through such an ordeal, black walnut. What prognosis are you given?

I'm currently going through a rather odd thing involving the ring finger of my left hand. (See 'Finger Pain in the Left Hand') I've resolved to not play any guitar for at least a week- haven't played since Friday night. I figure if it's better after resting a few days that I'm on the right track.

The guitarist son of a friend of mine is having a lot of trouble with his elbow. He's in the band of talented youngsters that call themselves 'Bearfoot Bluegrass'. (Took first at Telluride last year.) His mother moved back to Cordova Alaska for the winter so I don't have any further word on his condition. From the sound of it, it could be ulnar compression. I hope not. I once developed a bad shoulder from playing my big guitar. Eventually I learned that if I dropped my arm just below the big curve of its body I can play just as well and it doesn't hurt my shoulder.