Monday last 'seed banged on the door bearing beer, a huge platter of fresh veggies, his banjo, travel guitar (big sound, little frame), about a gross of harmonicas, and our friend Joy. The first of the folks arriving to swap songs, we took a minute to celebrate 'seed's new position with Starboard Watch, a local seafaring band. Some folks drove 90 minutes to be there, others ten. In the end a dozen folks showed up, one of whom we'd never met (he heard about it from a friend of ours), another a visitor from Toronto who knows Rick! Everyone lead songs, everyone sang along, many people played at one time or another. Instruments included a hammered dulcimer, whistles, guitars, banjos, fiddles, an accordion, and a mandolin. It was singer's choice, we heard from a huge variety of traditions, styles, and periods. Of course it isn't a successful party unless the cops know about it, and we had a call from the music police at about 9:00. Officer Patterson called to investigate reports of Mr. Kratz performing unnatural acts with a banjo. I wish all of you could have been there for 'seed's ventures into Flanders and Swann, he's a master. This was the first singer's circle we had hosted and long before things broke up about 11:00, we decided to do it again. Now we know why annap is so enthusiastic about the get-togethers she holds. What a priviledge to have that much talent and kindness in one's home. Y'all come to the next one.