Wow, Mudlark, what great responses you've received! I feel I've just been listening to my mom and dad when I was a little girl, again, they sang so many of the songs listed.

Jerry, your song is beautiful. I used to work in a nursing home and I know what you mean about being able to look into their eyes and know that they are still in there and are touched by your words and music.

When I told Mudlark, by PM, that my dad plays just about anything with no censuring, I should have said that he does gear it towards is audience. He is 84 and last year I had the pleasure of going with him to watch as he played one of his weekly venues, a nursing home for women only. He is a raconteur, with a great smile which naturally lights up his eyes and I think every women in there thought he was singing just to her. It was so gratifying to see him doing what he loves best and to see their great appreciation. There is one woman in particular who sings along to every song he plays. Others can't do much but just sit, but you know there is a connection. I had a hard time not crying I was so touched and proud of my dad.

When I worked in the home, hardly anyone ever came to visit and pets were not allowed. Things have improved somewhat in what is allowed now, but they are still very lonely people and it takes such little effort to bring some brightness into their lives. I applaud all of you who are able to do this.

Out here, I've found they enjoy some of the old cowboy songs, too: Desert Silvery Blue; Old Chisolm Trail; Rosin the Beau; Goodbye, Old Paint; and a few others such as Country Roads; the Seine; The Old Apple Tree; did somebody already mention Red River Valley?; the Wayward Wind; Mariah; Tattooed Lady; Colorado Trail; and they love Art Thieme's cowboy version of Barbara Allen, as do I!

Let us know how it goes, okay?

kat