Nothing new to report yet, except what a boost it has been to hear your stories and encouragement while I'm sorting it all out...

Bill, the picture you posted is indeed the drum in question. I didn't know you had taken that! Folks have actually been sending me some very sweet pics of my instruments they had taken at concerts, sessions, workshops, camps, etc. I posted them here along with your FSGW photo. Some show the purple heartwood stick from the ship, some show Steve Forman's handmade stick and there's one with the low whistle. It's nice to get a last look at my old stuff. By the way Bill, I've seen your woodwork and it's gorgeous! I would love to buy a stick made by you. I'll PM you for details.

Guest, you wanted to know how the street search was going... Dave called from work to check on me yesterday. I told him about the thread and my plans to go downtown and talk to folks, but he had a bad feeling about the idea and asked me to wait until he got off duty so he could go with me. Unfortunately, that won't be until Friday, and I'm really worried that's going to be too late.

It's really frustrating to feel like I'm losing time-- the advice to move quickly makes sense, and I'd really like to get out there. I want to be doing SOMETHING. If I wind up going between now and then I'll let you know what happens.

Meanwhile, thank you all for your support and kind words. I knew I came to the right place...

p.j.