Happy One Year!

It was one year ago today, August 28, 2005, that Rebecca gave to me "Ol' Smokey". Ol' Smokey is a 5-string open back banjo made by Morgan Monroe. I had been wanting a banjo for some time (actually off-and-on since childhood). My interest in the banjo peaked again last year as I became acquainted with Chris Foss who with his wife Melanie owns and operates The Jam Factory music store in Hannibal, Missouri.
It was "love at first sight" when Rebecca presented me with Ol' Smokey. I soon began to teach myself the Clawhammer/Frailing style of banjo playing. In February 2006, I made my "world premier" at the Monroe City Manor nursing home in Monroe City, Missouri. I have since become a "regular" on their entertainment schedule, performing usually twice a month. I have also performed in a variety of venues including Palmyra and Monroe City United Methodist Churches, the Monroe City Senior Center, and have joined in the Jam Session with the Black Hairy Possum.
I could go on and on, but we'll save that for a future post. In the meantime, join in me in giving thanks for one year of music and fun with Ol' Smokey!

Happy Birthday Braveheart!

Here is a picture of our "daughter": a domestic shorthair, tabby cat named "Braveheart". We don't know the exact day when she was born. But when we first took Braveheart to the vet, he estimated that she was born sometime in August 2000. So every August we celebrate as Braveheart's birthday month. This year she turns 6 years old. According to our IAMS "Complete Cat Care Book", a six year old cat is equivalent to a 40 year old human. That makes Braveheart older than either one of her human parents! ;-) For her birthday, we bought Braveheart a pack of her favorite treats and a new toy. Braveheart does not have her own email account. So if you would like to wish her a happy birthday, send them to us and then we'll forward them on to Braveheart.

A Picture of Rebecca

Here's a picture of Rebecca. She doesn't think it's a good picture of her, but I like it. And that fact that it's taken on a train makes it especially cool! Enjoy!

A Picture

I am trying to upload a picture of myself for my personal profile. However, the program is very persnickety about how large a file size I am allowed to upload. So until I can find a suitable photo of myself that fits within the guidelines, I'll leave you with this one. It's a picture of me riding on a train, one of my favorite things to do. Enjoy! And stay tuned. There's more to come.

Under Construction

This blog is currently under construction. As soon as we get fully situated, we'll tell you all about what we plan to do with this blog. Until then, stay tuned!