Jerry,

I know what you mean about friends...I have had some similar experiences that put me to wondering...I have figured that it is sometimes a dang hard world out there and it amazes me when old friends just let the friendship pass away. It's hard to find those good friends and I never forget the value of them, yet some do. I wonder if it has been so easy for them that they don't see the diamonds around them and won't bother picking them up.

I decided long ago, that if a friend calls for me then I'm there...no cost to them. If some chose not the same for them towards me, then they have lost and that's a shame.

I had a great time just the other day at McCabes just talking to their luthier, Doug. He had placed a new tail piece on my Givens Mandolin and I was there to pick it up. He was busy and there were many folks there wanting things done, but he just politely asked if they'd mind to wait a moment and he came over and spent time just shooting the breeze about family, music, instruments and life...a moment of just being friendly...a nice time for me here in old LA.

Times like that just makes you quiet down a little bit in this busy life and just breathe...I tell my students about going out at night and observing the sky...it is wonderful and it makes you just stop and live. The breeze across your cheek, the quiet birdsong in the air, wonderful sights in the sky, and sweet company to share it with, this is what life should be like...

It is nice to sit here awhile and just chat, now I better put my shoes back on and go home...let your missus get some time without company...

astro strolling back out into the night...ahh, there is the last stars of summer....there's Jupiter...