There was a fantastic turnout for Al Turner's benefit at Redbud Friday night. I hope, from the majorly positive response, that Al knows now how much we all care about him and how important he is to Blanco.

“Dry River Gang” played from 6:30 until 9:00pm, offering an eclectic mix of tunes. Bobby Mack sat in to play lead riffs and sang during the second set.

Jan and Jon Brieger did the hosting and feeding and Alan Cooper et al organized the whole shindig. Rebecca Howerton was the official greeter and Wendy Smith, Connie Granberg, and Cyndy Hounsell were volunteer table bussers.

I know Jan and her crew were run off their feet that night, not having expected all the people who arrived. According to Redbud management, this was a bigger night for business than New Year's Eve, and exceeded only by a Lavender Festival night or two. The incoming line ran to the entry door until about 8:25pm.

Substantial donations were received and were still coming in on Tuesday, according to Alan Cooper. Anyone wishing to add to the fund for Al can mail checks, made out to Albert Turner, c/o Alan Cooper, to PO Box 758, Blanco, TX 78606.

The food was good, the beverages flowed, and the music was swell. Thus, "a good time was had by all!" Here's looking at you, Al!

The weather is lovely! Get out and enjoy it while it lasts.

A fond hello to Gladys Leatherwood, TD Smylie, and Dolores Cox – with hugs to go with it!

And to all of you who continue to enquire about my goats – the second go-round is doing well and they are much less inclined to roam than those pesky teenagers.