Well, every suspicion I had about the Paton's was answered today. I met them in Kalamazoo, Michigan for lunch at the Cracker Barrel at 12:20 PM and left them at 4:00 PM. The waitress announced to us that she was going to charge us rent. This was after she got her tip. Every last thing that you might imagine about these two is absolutely true. The are lovely, funny, opinionated and absolutely devoted to one another. We talked about everything you could imagine. The only thing missing was a chance to sing together, and we will accomplish that at the Folk Getaway this fall.
You have often heard me say in these precincts that this is a very special community made up of special people. I am also fond of saying that we get to be friends in a very intimate way here, free of visual constraints, status, etc. I have always felt that it allows us to come to know one another in a very personal way. When I walked up to Sandy we hugged one another like we had known one another a long time, like true friends would. It happened because we do know each other as friends. This was not like meeting someone for the first time, but rather like renewing an old friendship. And Caroline................well, I am just flat out in love with the woman, what can I say.
And when I meet some of you, it will be the same. So get ready to get hugged by a very big Mick, and then warm up the pipes cause the craic will be fierce.