Catching up online

I've been spending some time on this holiday season getting caught up with some online things. I did a year end wrap up podcast, indulged my passion for vintage clips on YouTube (everything from rock TV clips to soap operas) and some archived audio sites and message boards. Doing the latter, I caught wind of some items from the Twin Cities way that I want to acknowledge.

-Big congrats to my dear friends Tim and Paul, the Frantzich Brothers, for appearing on A Prairie Home Companion in November. I am so proud of these guys. I go way back in their history when they were making the gals swoon as part of the rock band Ride Ruby Ride at the old Music City Cafe in St. Paul. Their spiritual and musical growth has been remarkable to witness. This was exciting as when TD Mischke and Michael Loonan appeared on APHC a couple of years ago at the show's MN State Fair broadcast.

- Speaking of TD Mischke, I also learned of the passing of a frequent caller to his radio show. "Undertaker Fred" was a delightful personality, always with a song on his lips and his faith on his sleeve and in his heart. He will be missed. (By the way TD, a shout out to you, keep being as creative as you are. And please make a new CD one of these days.)

Season's Greetings...

Having done my Christmas celebrating with friends and work family, I'm getting ready to enjoy a couple of days off from driving and the rush hour mess here in Nashville. My Christmas gift happened in April this year, when I moved into town. I'm just happy to be living here and grateful the adjustment to a new home went smoothly on so many fronts.

I'm thinking about the first Christmas I had in Minnesota 18 years ago. Things were especially challenging and I decided it wasn't a good time to fly back East for the holidays. The weather was kind of gray and depressing (well, it actually is here now, too, but it's about 40 degrees milder, so what the hey). A lift would have been good. I was volunteering for a Minnesota Public Radio production at the time, and out of the blue, the host of the show called me to say hi. It was totally unexpected, and I didn't even know he had my phone number. It was such a sweet gesture, and exactly what I needed. Dan, whereever you are, your kindness has never been forgotten after all these years.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays, everyone. May you celebrate in a way that suits you and not what someone else tells you how you are supposed to.

Another Senior Trip

I'm getting ready for yet another Mark Lowry Senior Trip...this one being the Christmas Celebration at Gaylord Opryland. Once again, I will be doing a report on the three day events and I've set up a blog.

Watch this space for the updates.

Icing On The Cake

Well, of all the wonderful things that have happened since my move to Nashville, tonight was the icing on the cake. But, I'm not gonna tell you about it on this blog. You need to click here.