Well, I've been very remiss in updating this site. Of course, we've been very busy with the band, work, and life in general just trying to stay alive. We ran out of oil last night and I've got the kerosene heater going. $95 emergency delivery charge. Sheesh! I hope they decide they can get into the driveway this time. Last time the driver was squeemish and wouldn't go through the plow shoulder - in a big oil truck!

Let's see... since last I wrote I joined a part-time rock band - The Custodians of Rock n Roll. I'm playing lead guitar and singing. It's a lot of fun as the guys are like me: good-natured, only in it part-time for fun and to see how good we can become, and about the same age so we have a lot in common. Check out the web site for our next gig!

We haven't been feeding the local birds as much this year. I think it's not so much we haven't had time or seed as it is the snow is deep! Yeah, lots of snow this year. Of course, we've got the chickens and they are doing ok. I say "ok", but really they're not all ok. The black giants are losing feathers. We've treated for mites and such, but they are all still losing their feathers. However, the golden comets are fine. Go figure! Most are still laying. We just don't know why the black giants are losing feathers. I guess we'll have to get them checked.

On the health front, I'm still having issues with my throat closing up - or uvula swelling till it gags me. Joyce is having issues with her knees and arthritis. My back is also hurting from arthritis and the occasional over-doing it. Guess we both have to get in better shape or take it easier.

Friends and family are doing ok. We lost my uncle Lewis the first of February. His celebration of life was great, though, something I'm sure he enjoyed from up there.

I 'm getting a couple more packages of bees this spring, so I'm trying to gear up for that. The current hive is doing ok, but I'm thinking I'm going to have to start feeding them shortly.

I guess I'll say bye for now. I'll write again after I take my nap - just call me Rumpelstiltskin!