hi all; first off: tea tree oil (topic within the topic); this is great for any upper respiratory infection as well as holding off colds and flu if you catch 'em early. Just put a few drops in some warm water and gargle several times a day; also effective if you put a few drops into just-boiled water and inhale the steam...

as for 30-somethings: I am 36. Loved folkie-type music ever since 3rd grade when a scandalous divorced hippie teacher offered an after--school workshop in folksinging: Dylan, P P & M, Joni, you name it. I have sung all sorts of stuff, and studied classical voice and musical theatre and college. Found Celtic music sometime in my late 20s; and have never looked back, singing wise, though I do still love to sing torch songs and oldies by the likes of Cole Porter, etc. BlackCat: I sympathize with your not playing guitar: i only play a bit myself and can't accompany myself. I love to sing a cappella but of course can't do as many songs that way. I note you and IceWolf are both Florida critters.I will be coming down to the Clearwater area in March; maybe we can get together and make music at some point? Meanwhile I hope to put some sort of new band together here in the Boston area... peg