Byron called the other day. Taylor has been deployed and is shipped out overseas. They are currently Skyping daily from him in Arkansas to her in Kazakstan. He seems OK and she is happy and comfortable in her current surroundings. I keep them both in my prayers.

I got a particular warm feeling when he told me his band played last weekend and they sounded terriffic! (He's as grim a critic as I am so, I'm sure the band was excellent!) and he said the stage setup was the best he'd experienced - he could hear himself sing and play and the rest of the band too!

That is an ideal situation and very rare in real experience. I reflected his glowing description as a grateful memory of similar experiences. Felt good. He's a fine musician and is going to have some grand times on stage. I hope he and pal Mark have a chance to play together this year, they live pretty close to each other.

Dear friends - Dave and Petra are doing better - here's a link to one of his most recent posts. Thank You all again for your prayers and kind thoughts.

Ben is busy as can be at Chapel Hill and recently called and asked for my birth stats - he's renewing his passport. I bet he goes back to Russia - he was an exchange student there in high School and totally loved his experience.

No matter where he's going it will be great. Ben is a good traveler and an all around personable guy - not at all the "ugly merkin" type so he will do fine anywhere he goes. What a great life he's making for himself and his loves. I am so very pleased.

Camille!! Got married! It's wonderful event beyond description - but I have pictures. Here's is a link to a page of general Camille photo memories. I made some comments on these. and another to some wedding pics. Aren't they (the kids and the photographs) absolutely beautiful??!!

Minimal commentary on the wedding shots - the beauty shows through each one. Through the photographs you can easily see the joy and revereance of their great event. The studio shots are by Bole'. Totally wonderful! (OK, possibly some daddy prejudice)

I'm doing well post holiday. It was a good one and as they all do, it passed too quickly. Back to "normal" (ha!) life. My music is good. The Remnants played last Saturday night and we had a great time. We'll be at the same room again Feb 2. (they keep asking us back! I love it!) Real Rock & Roll!

Joe Pye has a job in April for a Civil War Re-enactment group. We're learning all period songs from those days or songs about the conflict. There will be a dinner and dance. I think we're obliged to dress formally or in era. (not error)

Ubuntu is in recess until April while our director is out of state for the season. Those of us who cannot survive without a weekly dose of ensemble vocalizin' continue to meet on Wednesdays (gets me through the week).

There is always a wonderful feeling - a peaceful encouraging vibe from the gang. I have never known such a diverse group to be so kind and loving - the Spirit part of this music is so very strong - I get an afterglow like church - no wonder I'm hooked.

We have unseasonably warm weather, at least for the upcoming weekend. Hope we get some sun time. I don't mind the lack of Winter - it's way less expensive (heat) and I'm pretty sure we'll get some regular cold stuff before Spring.

I'll close for now - Happy New Year 2013 to all.






More Later
Big Love