The happening happened, and, for my part, shall be placed very near the top of the list of experiences that I consider cherished. One of the contributing factors was that it wasn't a grand event, but rather gained its granduer from its relative simplicity. As should be the case with the RGNC, it was just neighbors gathering for some fellowship and socializing. Interstingly enough, several of the "neighbors" hadn't met before that night. And a better setting would be hard to imagine. Behind the scenes, Lady Linda created as relaxed and inviting an atmosphere as a body could hope for. We walked in the door, and immediately felt as if we were home. She and her army of assistants worked diligently to lay out a feast fit for royalty. And she welcomed my wife into the fray as if they had been fast friends for years. This is without a doubt the most comfortable I have ever seen Dianna at any type of social gathering with a group of folks she didn't know. Cudos to Linda, and thanks from the bottom of my heart.

I had every intention of enjoying an evening of listening to some folks do some picking, emphasis being on the word "listening". I expected, of course, Dave and Mark. Dave and I go back a ways, so I knew that his contribution would be first rate, and I expected the same from Mark, having heard from the David of his talents. Icing on the cake in the form of Bob and Dudley rounded out a powerful circle of performers and/or artists, depending on your interpretation of those terms. I'm not sure but what Clarence White may have slipped in for a couple of numbers, too. I knew from the very beginning, that this was no usual picking session. Mark tuned in open D, Bob and Dudley on the SCGs and Dave doing his double magic on the fiddle and mando. In short, I was in awe. I have had a few chances in my life to jam with some fairly good pickers, but this was beyond anything this ole boy had ever seen. When Dudley asked if I was going to play the bass, I was struggling to find an excuse to sit out and just be an observer. I guess that wasn't meant to be. To all who attended, let me take this opportunity to express my appreciation for being able to participate. Much of what was going on was way over my head, and I certainly hope that I didn't compromise the creative flow. The group did justice to every piece played, and probably should have been recorded. And the stories that were told....my land! And the coffee was good and the pie plentiful. What a tremdous group of people was assembled. I was truly blessed. For good reason, a couple of folks were unable to attend. Fear not, I believe this was the launchpad for future gatherings. It would be a downright shame not to let this blossom again.

Thanks again to all.

Be happy and careful, and do some bloggin' for cryin' out loud.