loss and sadness

I found out that U Utah Phillips died yesterday. If you don't know who he was you don't know what you missed. A story teller and fine folk singer and song writer and a wonderful man. I remember when I was young at fox hollow 2 things he did. He wrote a song because he was playing on children's day one year called the child liberation song, I don't think he ever sang it except for at fox hollow, but I have made it part of my folk song list that I play from. the other thing he did that is forever in my mind is when from the stage at fox hollow folk fest he announced the resignation of Nixon as president. " this is the first time I have seen a sinking ship deserts the rat. I have the comment on tape if you don't believe me. I had the chance to hire him for the Hampshire college folk fest in the late 70's and have fond memories of him at other shows I did sound for. 73 is too young to die and we have lost so many of our great folk voices too young. If you remember their songs they can go on forever. The golden voice of the great southwest may be silent but in my heart he will live with me.

May how did it get to be May

Wow I cant believe that it is may already, Suzi just turned 12, and is quite the young lady, Hope is finally going to get into 1st grade next year and there are a lot of other changes too. With the Price of gas as it is I have decided not to go to Hampshire for the retirement party for my adviser, I am also going to skip the alumni function later this month. I miss going up there but the gas it would take in my truck is more then I am willing to spend now. I have been riding the motorcycle as much as I can and not going out if I don't have a few things I can do while I'm out.

My folks will be coming back from Florida and I am afraid that it might be the last trip home from there for my mother. Dad says her physical condition is getting worse and he doesn't know if she will be with us next Fall.I think that I am ready for that now too. Dad seems to have been ready for a while. Keep my mom in your prayers if you do that sort of thing, it is sad to see her as a shell of what she once was.

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