Well, I was content to sit back and enjoy the conversation going on around me, until I read Wolfgang's comments. A German-Irish folk group?! You mean there's hope for me yet? I have such a background, and have always loved music. I find it wherever I can, sing my heart out and play percussion on anything available - except a drum, since I have not ever learned 'how'. Am drawn to African and Latin rhythms and music styles - always have been. Don't ask me why - maybe it's the old Black Irish legend. This, obviously, led me down a winding path to owning a lovely old banjo, which I aspire to play. Life always gets in the way of the sitting down, though. Any suggestions for carving out time when you're not surrounded by musicians?

Anyway, I am by birth a Southern Californian, but travelled back and forth between the oceans for a bunch of years until settling with my love and two little girls in a small town near Chapel Hill, North Carolina. We essentially chose this area blindly, but it is home now, and we wouldn't trade it. Have discovered that the area is a hotbed of all KINDS of wonderful music, and am beginning to meet people and explore.

Weather? Today brilliantly sunny with Carolina blue skies and a crispy breeze. Leaves beginning to fall, but colors not very impressive due to extended drought this summer. Is that redundant? Anyway, the season still is lovely and all creatures seem to be getting ready for winter. I find myself with overpowering urges to make stews and fry apples and rake leaves!

My feelings about the Mudcat have been ably expressed by others here. All I can say is thank you, all. What a treat it is to get to know you.