Dec 5, 2004

Hello Everyone,

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving. I know I did. This past couple of weeks the band has been off of the road, it's been nice being home on weekends for a change. I find myself feeling a little restless though. We're in Lancaster, Pennsylvania this weekend. Come and see us if you can. Looking forward to picking and singing again. Check out our online schedule for more details. I've been busy as ever in the office over the past few weeks with band business surrounding the release of our new album, “Somewhere Between”.

I've really been enjoying the Christmas music on the radio. I'm listening to it as I write this. I love that music. I mean the real stuff, not this synthetic junk that's out there. I'm talking about Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, The Ray Conniff Singers, etc. Some other artists with great Christmas recordings are Glen Campbell and Vince Gill.

I really love this time of year but I've noticed over the past few years that radio and television and even Christmas cards are beginning to refer to Christmas as “holiday”.I watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and they were announcing that Santa was going to be on next, the announcer said “everybody's favorite holiday hero”. What other holiday is he a part of? This really burns me. Now, I'm fully aware that there are other holidays during this season. Fine, I have no problem with that but most Americans celebrate Christmas. Why take the word Christmas out of the picture? I get so tired of political correctness being crammed down my throat. Don't you? Enough venting.

Been listening to a lot of music lately, Alison Krauss & Union Station have a great new album out. Her singing is incredible and the bands' playing is awesome as usual. I highly recommend it! I recently bought a Dolly Parton album I've been hunting for now for about 3 yrs. It's “Heartsongs Live at Dollywood“. Dolly is at her best on this album.

I turned thirty-one on Fri. (Dec.3), my lovely wife took me to a five-star restaurant in downtown Cincinnati, The Maisonette. WOW! My body wanted to reject this perfectly fine food as its grown used to pizza and plenty of greasy fast foods. It was the nicest place I've ever been, perfect service and perfect food. I think it was the best birthday present I've ever gotten! Thank you Rachel!

That's all for now. Hope to see you soon, have a very Merry Christmas!

Take Care,
Tim S.