We're gonna be famous................Ha, Ha,Ha, Ha

The lads from Iowa stayed busy this weekend being models for a photographer friend of the Gallery. She set up all the lights and strobes and brought lots of props and costumes. Interesting stuff!
And, a really fabulous drumming happened this last Sunday nite!! All of our friends from past showed, Chuck and Wil from Santa Cruz, Keio, Summer, and all the old core members creating the grooves and big beat that we have come to love. Dancers were out on every diddy and to top it all off......a film crew making a documentary for TV came and filmed us doing what we do best! Lights, camera, Action..........we even got interviewed and signed release forms for the movie called "Cowboy Up" a film about the Rodeo and Three Rivers. This might just be the one that makes us all famous, but I wouldn't quit your job just yet.................

The General Banter........

Hey, How's it going for you? Things have been moving along like the river here. We started the new sweat today. Had the Iowa lads learn bout indian lore and well basically things that are becoming a lost art. We better pay attention to this stuff because it could be handy if you have to live in them thar hills....
I'll tell you more next message, with pics of course. I've been using the last river picture as a screen saver and its taken me there already a few times. I"m putting these pictures I take of life as I see it, so you can use them for the same. Enjoy!

Character studies and river watching.........

Artists, Drifters, Loaners, Hitchhikers, Strays, Rainbow types, Hippies, Loafers, Wannabe’s, Soul searchers, Dead Heads, Players, Fringe elements………We get it all through the Gallery. You've probably entered with one of life's titles attached yourself, I know I'm one. We've had these two lads from Iowa hanging out and they sure do work! they are a nice and hopeful introduction to the new generation coming up. They were just back from a 6 day backpacking trip in Sequoia and lost in Visalia when Chase picked them up.......good catch to the tribe. They stayed for our Sunday night drumming of course!
So the river is sure letting its voice be known! Its up 1600 cfs and is being rafted and kayaked as it makes it way to the sea. The Kaweah Drainage here is 128% of its average snow. It looks like a good year for water, drink and be merry. The poison oak is out in bloom too so watch what your touching friends. I'll see you again soon...................

Missing you on a Friday Night.........

This was what we saw on the way to Nadines birthday drumming. Gary and I were going in the story laughing about that message that was being sent out to all the people shopping at the grocery store on a friday nite. Turns out inside there were alot of people from Three Rivers, and we were in Visalia! I didn't regonize them folks cuz they weren't wearing their UGGS.........
Nice little drum jamming at the party. Good to see Keio and Lawrence.

Thursday Thoughts........

Hello from the east side of the river where its just pretty nice today. Sunny and breezy is the way life is giving it. Its a good day to take it all in and plan for whats next. Get strong on your thoughts and free your mind from the stress....
I have to apologize to the beer drinkers reading and telling me my past post was alittle anti beer drinking......I love dark amber from the draft so there..... I think I might have had some callraphobia going, yea that was it....
It was alittle cool here this morning and now it'll warm back up. You know it'll get real hot soon so enjoy it while you can. Check out the earth around you and see nature at its best.......



So, Don't get too lazy today, its a power day, a day to get it done and get ready for the weekends fun in the sun.............

A word from the North.........

Well, its not been a bad Tuesday at all. It went by very quick really. Working on the ranch in the morning fixing fence lines and then in the afternoon up to the house way up on the hill to work. Jim an Inuit indian has been moved in up there and we have shared stories on life. He has told us how to hunt whale and how they wait in their boats out in the water for hours on end in the quite of the artic waters. Then up comes the whale and the quest begins. I'm not sure how I feel about whale hunting , but if anyone should do it at all it is the Inuits. They have been there a long time and they still do the hunt the old fashioned way with harpoons and paddle boats. As we worked during the day up there we kept hearing cat sounds. We were all pretty sure that a bobcat or mountain lion has a den somewhere close by and it was there babys playing..........cool! Since Jim is from far northern Alaska, where his village is, I asked him how the global warming was going. He said that the weather was already so harsh that it was hard to tell. The villages that are loosing their ground to the melting ice were late arrivals to the area and kept moving further out and now the water was taking it all back. So, thats the word from the north. I like hearing this kind of stuff and look forward to talking more with him while he care takes the place and builds his art that he is so good at. Tuesday for me......see you tommorow............

Monday, Monday............

Here we go with another week ahead and day 113 of the year. The big wedding happened this last weekend and now somebody has been married in the drum circle area. It was pretty posh as country weddings go and it all went off without a hitch. Thats saying alot! Past weddings have not faired to well on longevty unfortunatly, with only one that comes to mind that has lasted. Good Luck was our advice.
The new drum circle rules went into effect last nite, with all drums put away at ten. Other insruments and general hanging out still cool. We're just going on the aspect of caution since the county guy came last week and we haven't heard anything since. We are very lucky to do what we do and glad that all who came respected what was asked. That said, we had a great groove going for quite awhile and all who came went to bed with drums in their head!
It got really cold last nite, with frost showing up in the valley. The wind machines were spinning and the orange and grape growers were eating their rolaids.
Check in again soon and I'll tell you some more good news...............

Rolling and Controling........

Well here we are, the weekend! There's a big "private" wedding here at the gallery today. There's been crews of people coming in the last few days doing cleaning, and I mean cleaning! The rafters the floors and mowing the lawn even. Now there's tables everywhere and lites and all bells and whistles that come with weddings. Theres caterers and bartenders and a DJ. I"m stuck in my loft here with a front row seat. Just don't hang my laundry out just yet....okay. They are getting the vows in the drum circle hole, so this is a first.
We're still riding the bikes. I haven' been on my triathlonish push though since moving here and living a few lanes over from the fast lane. But, yesterday we rode from the mineral king fire station to Giant Forest in the park. A 30 miler. It was all up hill but it wasn't too bad. It took 1 1/2 hours to ride up and about 25 minutes to come down............fast!! I love tucking into those curves. We passed a few cars too. Well, don't come by today but don't forget about tommorow nites drumming and full moon festivities............

River Dogs and River Rats..............

That's Zia the river dog. He spends his time lying around playing ball and since last nite, catching and eating a big Raccoon. The buzzard's have been sitting around the carcass all day, what was left anyways. The river dogs around here also ride in the white water rafts and do class 5! There's also the river rats who lazily wake up around noon and moosy down to the edge of the best part of the river with their 12 packs and swill the day away. Not my style, just my friends. You gotta mingle with the locals to get along here. People don't lock their doors, but you have to be local to be able to do that. Our Drum Circle creedo,to trust all comers and so far its been working for us. they also watch our sunburned backs for us!
The rivers been steadily running up in height on its way to the ocean and soon again the white water boaters will be coming around with their wild yells as they go by and their big beer drinking parties at night around the wood fired BBQ's. River men and Women leading a nomadic life following rivers all across the country, a pretty healthy lifestyle really! You'll see them in their cars and trucks coming up the road with the boats on top. Right here at Drum Circle central in the exact center of Three Rivers and the exact middle of the river run is where it happens.
I'll keep you posted..................

Direct from the Sockmonkey.........

Well, we've had a major cool down here and its been very welcome after the few days fo summer past. The rivers pretty darn high too, 1400 cfs it went to last night, the highest its been in awhile. And, it looks like its been snowing....cottonwood fluff from the big Cottonwood tree by the river here. The white stuff is everywhere! There's some other stuff to report to you also.....They killed a big bear across the street at Marcie's Saturday. We heard the gunshots and thought, man, its a shoot out or something?? Then Marcie came by to tell us that a bear that was being bad got shot by the fish and game guy. Its a shame that it had to go that way! The guy cried when he did it, which says alot for the guntooting type. Also, after our great Drum Circle Sunday night, a county guy came by and said they had a complant and was sent to check things out. He took lots of pics of the drum circle area and asked Gary questions of the big brother type. We'll see where this takes us............

Feeling like Summer already........

Yea,Thats right, Its hot today and gonna get hotter for the weekend. The river is slowly coming up to speed with the temps running high all the way up into the snow areas still covered and we should see significant rise as that happens. Its really nice to sleep to a river that runs close by and dreams are easy to come. The hills that were recently covered in a flower display that rivaled all the locals has seen are now quickly turning there summer brown. And I mean quickly and since its hot it'll just be brown by next week I"m sure. Come on up and see the lupines give out their blue hues before they dissapear too.And oh yea, don't forget that we're still doing drumming sunday night too....................

Back at Last...............

Well here I go again, back at it here in my mountain dwelling among the birds, frogs and river running by my bed. Its been awhile I know,but its back to everyday entries and updates for your reading a viewing pleasures! Alot has happened in the last month and as we go along here I'll let you know the latest so you can see that my new life ain't too bad! How have you all been doing anyways? The drumcircle has been alive and well with the big spring crowds coming up every sunday now. The River has been coming up too and theres still alot of snow to come down. Its been an experience for sure..........I call it going back to the stone age, but don't let that throw you off cuz we're still alive and well and giving you the news and pics you've been waiting for. Thanks for all that and yes, stay tuned ............

Life's Sweetness...............

Yes, I’m still here and getting it slowly together. The internet here is coming soon so it’ll be blog city before you know it, with entries every day for awhile to catch you up and show you the way we do it with drumming and general nature studies.
Its been just blazing with flowers around here, so much that you just drive by and give it a quick glance now. Its soooo full of color around the lake! And, we’ve already seen a rattler too……….you know I like that.
The drumming last nite was good. We had a slower moving crowd due to the time change, but I’m sure as the rivers rising that soon there’ll be lots of attendees.
Well, I’m going back out to take more pics for you to see what we see and know that I’m thinking about it all and you too……………………….till next entry…………

Pictures taken today..................

Now here's some pics from today, taken around the lake. Its just fabulous!! It just so happened that Sunset Magazine left a message at the gallery about doing an article, and Gary asked me to call them and I did. We'll be looking for the May issue so hey. Go up and check out the flowers and then stop on by my friends.........to you..........

Getting Back to You................

Hello Friends, I'm sure glad Wil was watching our backs when these comments that carry a bad link came through! I've changed the settings and now that should be solved. Of course we always encourage your comments, but now it will be just alittle harder to put the bad on.
If I were you I would get in your car right now and head up to the lake for the flower display!! Its the most FABULOUS I"ve seen in years!! The poppies and fiddlenecks are everywhere and people are lining the side of the road to take pitures. I'm working on gettin some up to you so again Stay Tuned. Love to you all for checking in...............

Little by little will get me there....................

Hey You-all, How’s it all going for you? I’m living out a dream in Three Rivers, good friends and good feelings for the time I’ve been there so far. The frogs are still going strong and the river, well its moving along, though not too high yet. There is a lot of snow that’s waiting its turn to come down for sure!
We had a really nice drumming on Sunday night. It’s starting to get bigger again and it’s been good. We had a Belly Dance troupe join us Sunday nite and we all got involved in learning some new rhythms and making jazz out of old ones. Good brownies were brought by Carol as usual, Thanks for That, and of course a nice warm fire!
One day at a time is how things go. Trying to do the best and being productive has been my mantra these days. Trying to get some long needed repairs at the gallery done has also been happening so it’s all good as they say. Come on by and visit, you’ll notice the changes already. Stay in Touch my friends………………….

I get by with alittle help from my friends............

Well, got rid of those comments!! Sorry bout that folks…..hope you didn’t get into trouble. These things happen when your world wide I guess.
Baby was born on Saturday……….a baby Girl and her name is “River”. An appropriate name for a baby born at Slickee for sure! I’ll put up a pic as soon as I get one.
It’s been busy days up in Three Rivers, nice and sunny most days and flowers are starting to show………lupines and poppies mostly. I’m slowly getting into the swing of the new life I’m in and for sure I’ve had some really good help to make things a lot easier. Thanks to you all for that! I’m working on my internet connection up there so stay tuned and you’ll see that I’m going to be sending you stuff regularly very soon again. Stay Safe and stick to the good life of Love and Peace…………
PS.......Finally took the old head off of the Big Drum and we're looking for another skin.........

The Baby's coming.......................

When I went to the Slickee barn house this morning, there were cars and quiet. As I walked around looking at the job site, the midwife came out. Jaylene had some changes over night and she said it looked like the baby will be coming today!! Now that sent a flurry in our minds!
I’ll let you know how that goes, the first birth at the barn and maybe the first birth at Slickee…………..though I don’t know about that one. So, we’re all in a waiting pattern. Nice to see you last night!! Lets get together again soon eh……..Love to you…………

Frogs and a big River............

Hey, How’s it going there? I know, I’ve been out a lot and alittle interent deprived for sure, but, I will get the word out to you so please do check in. Things are going good up in Three Rivers. Cold nights, but the frogs are still croaking away and with that and the river flowing softly in the background, sleep is good! The Chateau of dreams!!
We did some really good music last night. Some surprise visitors who play came by and with that and what we already had going, it was a pretty good little jamming. Thanks to all who showed.
Jaylene is getting ready to have her baby any day now. As you all know, she lives with Scott and their baby Finn at the Barn house by Slickee, the river rapid that’s famous for the Slickee surfers. So, She is having the baby at the barn too! This should be interesting, we’ve been working on getting all the stuff going for her comfort, like hot water and such. I’ll be working on the shower and tub next. I’ll let you know how things are going along…………………….I love you and miss you all, so come on up to visit!

Hello to you.................

Hello my Friends, How have you all been doing?? Any big things happen over the weekend? I know yesterday was really stormy and cold and besides it was super bowl Sunday so I’m guessing that’s why you didn’t come up last night?? No problem, we had a small and intimate drumming up in Gary’s room. There’s always something going on Sunday night even though it’s only a small crowd.
A big weather weekend for us up in Three Rivers where I’m currently staying these days. At the Cort Gallery for now and who knows where next. It’s a life that’s got a lot in common with camping and sleeping outside, which I love!! On Saturday night it rained all night long, I’m glad I was nice and warm and fuzzy for that wet night. Then on Sunday it hailed like crazy for awhile! I love weather when it’s cozy and warm and so it was watched that way and to me that’s the only way!
Saturday night was kind of a wash out for the Mardi Gras celebrations downtown in Visalia, but several drum circle members did play in between sets before the rain totally made things wrap up. And, on Friday night several of us went to the Brazil, Brazil performance at the COS theater. It was an inspirational performance with lots of rhythm and percussive and cool Brazilian vocals and songs you would remember.
So, we did lots of fun stuff even though the weather has been holding us back. We rode the bikes on Saturday and did a sauna on Thursday night and yes, we are doing what we said we would be doing so please make plans to just come on up and join us………YOU are always welcome. Love to you………….

Last Wednesday in January............

Cold is the way it is this time of year. Its nice to be inside around a warm source like a heater or wood burning stove, but don’t take that stuff for always being there. I think you have to harden yourself to the cold to make it and live longer. Think about all the pioneers who made it through the cold winters. Well, it’s been really cold up in Three Rivers and it helps to have a warm down bag and a blanket or two,that defiantly takes the edge off! The frogs have been loud lately, I think it’s the spring thoughts that makes them croak. And, the rivers been up and down, with the trend now being down, but judging by all the snow it won’t be too long that way.

We’re doing music tonight so bring your quieter instruments and come on up. I’ll catch you up on some more premo news later so stay in touch my friends……….

Good Monday....................

The winds they did blow Saturday night and Sunday day and then again last night after drumming. I stayed up at the gallery and the place was swaying to the winds gusts several times! And, yes it rained both days a lot making the river start taking a rise that’s still rising as I write.
We drummed inside last night and it was a little group with a warm fire and some really good drumming grooves. Thanks to all of you who came up even though the weather was raining and it was cold.
We got a bike ride in on Saturday before the storm and went to the fire station in Yokohl for a 28miler. I’m starting to feel better at the plan to get in shape and now that I’ve stayed at the gallery for a few days I’m feeling more and more like a mountain man………..Ha Ha……………..Enjoy your day my friends…………

What are you Thinking??

Last week when I was in Yosemite I heard a story from some climbers who had just come from a climbing trip in Sonora Pass. It’s a funny sport in that you have to hike sometimes long distances through thick brush and up hillsides full of everything that can slow a human down, only to end up at a big rock formation somewhere. Most people don’t even really look at rocks let alone going all out to get to a rock to climb. It’s that way with Sonora Pass. It comes out of the gold rush country and goes over to the desert. Its remote and you have to go way down into it to climb. Nobody goes there but a few climbers cuz the rock is so good. But, these guys, hardened Alaska climbing veterans, got the holy moly scared out of them from some kind of creature they say made them leave in a big hurry their second night in. They quickly packed with their pocket knives drawn and split out of there!! It all started when after having a great day climbing, they went to camp and got ready for the evening. Their dog, a 120# pit bull who usually never barks started freaking out with its hair standing on end and barked and barked at something down the canyon. They could hear some really weird sounds as whatever it was moved through an area of heavy brush. It wasn’t a bear and could have been a cat but it was somehow different than all that and sounded bigger. It made a loud scream that sounded like a shriek…..loud, so loud it finally made them just leave. One guy had already gone to sleep when all this came down and was hastily woken up and told they were getting the hell out of there and he could tell by their looks they weren’t kidding. There was no one else anywhere near where they were and whatever this creature was didn’t want them in there. This all happened about two weeks ago.

Well, will be going to stay at the gallery for the weekend. It snowed all the way around Three Rivers last night and everything stayed white most of the day. It should be a nice stay for a couple of days as the weather changes will make for some good river watching! Do come on up to Drumming Sunday night or check on us during the weekend. You know we’re always getting something going! Love to you and see you soon………….

Its for You.................

Lots of fun stuff has been going on over here. The sweat Friday night was fabulous. It was a pretty cold night already, and then after we were all thoroughly heated to the core, we took the long cold walk to the river and jumped into the really bone chilling fresh snow melted water. BRRRRRRRRRR!! It felt good after getting out though and it sealed our pores and bumped up our mental fitness level.



Saturday it was off to Auberry to see our other drumming friends. We ate a great potluck assembled by some fine cooks and then went out and drummed the groove out to the hills close by. We stayed up very late and I slept outside to hear the coyotes howling in the moon lit night. Next day we helped balance rocks and take pictures. Good friends for sure!


Sunday night drumming and it was getting pretty stormy looking outside with the wind gusting up and making the trees sway. Gary and Lorissa had trimmed all the grape vines and now they filled the entire bottom of the drumming circle for the 8 o’clock fire show. I was against the fire because of the sparks it would make but we compromised and Jimson got the hose ready. Well 8 came up and it was lit. It started pretty slow and we drummed along as some cardboard caught fire. All the while the wind joined in the groove too. Pretty soon it was going pretty good! It got bigger and bigger and the wind came up and it went nuclear! We all were thinking we better drop our drums and run like hell to the river or go get the hose! All the neighbors had all come over by now and it was a dumbfounded look of wonderment for sure! This is going to be an annual event now I just know it.. Come on up and join us! Happy Tuesday Baby…………………..

Your the one.......................

I know for a fact that I’ve been being a lazy donkey. Haven’t rode my bike, haven’t really done much to further my New Years resolution for getting in the best shape of my life. So that came to an end yesterday, the end of being a lazy donkey and moving on with the things that will make me a strong drummer. Went to Yosemite and did some more climbing yesterday. It was a beautiful day with dark blue Sierra sky and fairly warm temps all day. It got alittle breezy as we climbed higher but it was just really nice! We went higher than we had on our last trip and climbing harder stuff too. Check…. on the first day of fun, then today I finally rode the bike 20 miles. Man, it’s really gorgeous out there in the green zone, the hills all green now and that’s happened since I’ve last been riding, about three weeks.
Alrite, so we’re doing a sweat tonight……….go in around 7. I know its short notice, but that’s how these kinds of things go. If you really want to join us, and you are welcome to, you just have to see how the plans for it are going. We usually start talking about doing one and then, bingo, we make plans. Its time to do these kind of things now that it’s green out and the first rains have come.
We’ll be heading up to Auberry for the drumming up there tomorrow, so yes, a big few days of Mucho Gusto!! What are you doing?? Its going by pretty darn fast, you better get out there before you get too old. Love to you…………….

Its gonna be alrite........................

Yes, Wednesday night music is on tonight. We’ve got 2 accordions , keyboards, guitars, flutes and drums coming so you may want to change those plans and come on up. We’ll start around 7pm. Bring goodies…………

It’s been another cloudy kind of foggy day here again. Yesterday was like living on Pluto with all the dense fog and very cool temps swirling around in a steady breeze. The Sun is trying to break through and it might soon. Of course yesterday in Three Rivers it was sunny all day, though hazy and still it was pretty cool.

Well, that’s the latest, but not everything yet. I’m going to Yosemite tomorrow for another climbing trip so stay tuned for that. And, hope to see you tonight………..Peace and Love…………………

Good week a coming............

Monday, Monday. How’s it been lately? Great weekend to report here. Kinda couldy on Saturday night around the fire with good friends, and last night at Drumming it was real starry out with a sliver of moon showing, it was pretty darn chilly! Orion was swinging by in the sky.
The river has gone back down some, but it sure left its calling card along the edge. Driftwood everywhere, all laying in a washed up fashion. There’s stuff hanging high in the bushes which shows the high point that happened on a recent Friday night. River art for sure, and drum circle fire wood last night. The stuff will burn, but don’t try it till you run out of everything else because it’s basically soggy or has been. And, yea it burns but its smokey. So, that said, we need firewood folks and I’m putting the word out to you to bring anything you have, as long as its not painted, treated or particle board. Thanks for that ahead!! Orlando and Victor and friends helped get the river wood up in flames last nite and it took some work! Low light and warm coals all night and even though it was smokey, we all huddled around as it got cooler.
A good group of us too. Its always a surprise to see who shows. Its asking a lot to think people will drive up and join us in the winter time when the shows on TV are coming up big Sunday nights. Leaving the warm house to stand in the dirt with smoke getting in your eyes and the sounds of the river and frogs going at it. Surrounded by friends who make us laugh and see the lighter side of it all and a call of the wild later on from the coyotes nearby. Us beating the skins of our drums together and thinking about our lives and what’s next. You know you’ll be the first one I tell……………………See you tomorrow…………

Lets jump in....................

Happy Friday to you my friends. Its coming up the weekend and I hope you have big plans for some relaxations. There’s always Sunday nite Drumming.
Cool and chilly work pretty good as a description of the weather here. The rivers running pretty good and the mountains and some hills have snow. It’s going to be a good year for all of us in nature for sure! I hope alls well and that we can hook up sometime this weekend my friends. TGIF……………..

Happy Wednesday to you................

Hello Wednesday. This weeks going pretty fast and now its already time to think about how its going to go with the weekend, and yes……Wednesday night. Are any of you interested in getting together for music tonite?? If so, please let me know.
It rained a lot last night and snow was falling up high. Its shaping up to be a great water year for us…….unless of course a pineapple express comes through……you know, one of those warm tropical storms that makes it rain up high and melts the snow all at once. That’s always a good photo op! I noticed yesterday that the lake is filling up nicely too.
Lots of emotional changes going on here. The only way I could tell you about it in truth would be to play my guitar for you…………………………Some really good feelings too……..Thanks for checking in as always. Love to you and your day……….

Whats on your mind??

We ended up drumming inside last night. The drum area was under water and the wood was wet. So, in the boom room we went. We got a fire going in the stove and opened the area up to make room for all the drummers. There was a few of us, around 15 and we jammed !! We surprised ourselves and there was a giddy laugh amongst us. Chase ended the session with a Native American flute tune which we promptly joined in on. It was inspiring to get on the beat when we all were together. Good job folks!
I am adding a picture of the inside of the Gallery showing the decorations still hanging from New Years. The aluminum foil icicles…………….

Work those resolutions...........

It’s still been really nice and rainy here. I’m heading up to the drumming grounds a little early to see how the place looks. We might have to play inside, but that’s if we really have to of course. We love it outside…….fresh air, good stars and now…….the sound of the river! Yes, the river is back and it really came up on Friday night…..I mean WAY up! Twice as high as the seasonal runoff which is usually around 3500 cfs…..Friday night from around midnight till 2 am it got up to 7000 cfs! Lots of wet rain and we’re still getting it. Lots of snow too! Well, what the heck, come on up and check it all out with us tonight…….and as always….bring goodies! Love to You……………..

Enjoying the Change..........

Saturday morning here and its pretty wet outside. We had a major rainmaker come through last nite and its was needed and good! A big soaker making the ground muddy again. Had a nice dinner with Gary and Lorissa at the Chinese food place here. We looked through the window at the main street of town where the rain was coming down as we sipped our hot tea.
The New Year feels different huh? I just feel a change and it’s for the good. Don’t you feel it too??
I went on a climbing trip to Yosemite on Thursday. It’s only about 3 hours away and my friend goes every week from here. So, I’ll be hitching a ride to get in climbing shape again. Let’s get together tonight for some music…………call me. And Enjoy!

Climbing in Yosemite on Thursday.............

Time to get it done............

I haven’t talked to you since last year…..and there’s a lot to tell. The New Years Gallery Party was excellent of course! The place was decorated from top to bottom with lights and lots of aluminum foil. Outside was a ball of Mistletoe 5 foot square in diameter with lights all inside of it making the poisonous plant look edible and luminous! Lots of people trickled in and enjoyed the live band, which really played some good music. Since their lead singer broke his leg and couldn’t come, some local musicians stepped up and helped the cause. Lots of Champagne was there at the last hour and it ended up being around the fire outside where we bid farewell to the old and brought in the new the way we know how. A beautiful clear night with the millions of stars as the only witness to another really great memory!!