Thanks to those of you who checked with me to be sure I am still around. I am definitely safely parked in Benson, AZ. Between music and RV repairs I haven’t had a chance to report though. I’ll try and rectify that now.
On Halloween, I won $20 in the costume contest here at the park. Guess I make a pretty good scarecrow although I think many of us including me were surprised that I actually won money.

As you can see from the photo to the left, Connie had the more creative and better inflated costume. But she did not show up at the party to compete so I collected the third place prize.

Wickenburg Bluegrass Festival

The weather at this jam was sunny during the day, but cold and dark very early at night. There were no heated indoor places to jam at night, so we set up a couple of LP firepits and sang outside around these limited heat sources. We played until our fingers got too cold to pick a tune anymore. I will pass along these tips for jamming on a cold, dark night:
- Memorize as much music as you can as here is no light source that seems to work to allow the use of sheet music.
- Definitely arrange to have some sort of heat source (like the fire pits we used).
- You may want to practice in the dark (or with your eyes closed) at home so you get used to feeling where your fingers go and not being able to see what you are playing.
The best jam that I joined was the one at my rig right after breakfast on the first day before the show officially started. Folks heard us and came over to sit in with us. New people bring new ideas and we had a blast!



I am planning to caravan with my friends to Arizona Bluegrass festivals which are scheduled almost every weekend beginning after the holidays. Until then, I will keep you posted on any exciting developments out here in Arizona. In the meantime, please stay in touch. I hope you have the happiest of holidays!!

Good to hear from you again, LOVEEEEE THAT BLUE GRASS and wish we were their, its been so long that I have played not sure I even know how anymore. Keep up the good work and you can be our “Scarecrow anytime. MERRY CHRISTMAS stay in touch. GOD BLESS
JD/SD
Jim & Sandy
I would sure love to play some music with you too! Hope you have a very Merry Christmas, love to your family!
Loved your update….great costume! Is there an address we can send a Christmas card to?
Here in Delaware the leaves are almost off the trees. Weird weather…but not complaining….we have it good here, we know. Always nice to read your posts…
Miss your smiling face and glad to see you are well. Depending on your plans my hope is that we can hang out together again soon.
Michele
Miss you too! I have a new microwave now – is that enough temptation to get a visit from you?
Maybe we can work it out after the holidays, I sure hope so!
Hi Deb,
As always, rv repairs happen. Glad your music brings joy and friends. You and your friend had great costumes! Feel free to stop by if you travel in Florida. Merry Christmas and keep the adventures happening!
Tim and Diane Stephens
Thanks, I will definitely stop by if I get through Florida. Thanks for the offer. Merry Christmas to you too!
Now that’s more like it!
There’s more than a few of us out here who depend on hearing from you to mash on our starters, get us cranked and keep us going back here. And even a few of those listen to watch out for whether you have been detained, arrested, accused or got picked up by some passing circus, as we need the excuse to take to the road and find you.
So keep on keeping on, and reporting about it.
N. Clement Weathers
Joining a passing circus sounds like fun! If I do that you will be the first to know.
Some where in the archives is a some what similar picture,
The tall and short. How much did the short ‘lady’ get
Excellent,
The short one stayed home and did not compete. I won by default ?
Thanks for your comment!
Love the costumes?! Are you spending Christmas in Arizona?
I thoroughly enjoy your post?
Thank you! Yes, Christmas in Arizona this year. Hope you guys are living it up!!
Thanks for following me.
Happy to see you are still jamming and enjoying life. Saw some of the halloween pictures from Deb. Enjoy your AZ Bluegrass festivals. If I know your friends, please tell them hello. Spending Christmas in Alabama but heading to Florida for few weeks in January/ February. Look forward to your next post.
I will definitely say hello to friends for you. Safe travels and Happy Holidays!