Well, the new year is starting off pretty good. I turned 40 last week. Everyone tries to make jokes about how old I must feel but I actually like the sound of 40. Feels like a good fit. Maybe it's going to be a good year.

Over Thanksgiving break, my buddy Jeff Burger's son was found to have a malignant brain tumor. His surgery was successful but now they face a 6+ week proton therapy radiation treatment in Boston. It's going to be tough for them. I pray God will comfort them and heal Will.

Saturday, January 14th, we held a benefit for them at The Ale House in Troy, NY. It was a smashing success by all measures. The place was crowded from start to finish. We had'em lined up on the sidewalks. Lots of stuff was raffled and lots of good music was played. Kevin Maul, knotworking, Leigh Gibson, and Lucky 57 volunteered their services. It was pretty awesome. Brian Gilchrist not only opened up his place to us but fed everyone all day for free! There were some of the best wings in town, pizza, miniature hot dogs, chili, and "garbage" bread hot and fresh at all times. It was amazing. 

The kids loved the magic show by Brisky the magician and Will got up to do a few tricks of his own with the magic kit he got for Christmas. It was a very heartwarming event. We were able to raise quite a bit more money than I'd even hoped for at my most optimistic. 

My recording is coming along quite well. I'll have 7 songs ready to go by the end of next month. I pretty much have the vocals done and I'll return to Boston to tweak the music before Trina Shoemaker comes in to gild the lily. I hope to have a full record out by the end of the year... one way or another. 

Thanks to everyone who contributed to the benefit. And a Special Thanks to those whose efforts made it happen: Nadine Wyant, Brian Gilchrist, Kathy Boyd, Jeff Sohn, Larry Winchester, and Don Ackerman. Of course, it wouldn't have happened without Kevin Maul, Ed Gorch (and Mike & Meg), Leigh Gibson, Red Beaumont, Sten Isachsen, and Lucky 57 (Kip, Sue, Hilary, Chris, and Malcolm).  Thanks to Howard Glassman (Kranepool Records), knotworking, Budweiser, Chez Sophie, The Zucchini Brothers, and Chameleon Salon for donating items to the raffle.

Thanks for stopping by. Don't forget to sign the guestbook.

Take care,

Hayseed