Well, man, things are really rolling. Hardly any time to breathe- kids came in on Monday- wierd music schedules this year- seems our department, and every other special; music, art, PE, library, etc...is being shafted as actual subjects and looked at as "teacher prep time." Leave it to America- bomb our kids with the ultimate in consumer heaven, then wonder why they don't care about basic academics. Heh- but I stop there, because I really am lucky to have so many things taken care of in this place. And thank god for Labor Day holiday.

I'm a bit worried and scared. My cousin, Ray, is a Josephite priest down in New Orleans. (They are an order dedicated to working in impoverished areas.) He housed my old band during our tour last summer, and showed us around the Quarter- his parishes were right outside it. He is very cool, and never flashed his faith on people, or let it interfere with his love (lust) for life. Last anyone heard from him was Monday- and there's no way to get through- all the lines are down. I just know that if he is alive, he is probably spending every breath helping the people around him.

And a sad farewell to Jackson "Bubs"- the best pug in the world, who shared the tour with us this summer. I'll have to scan and try to get a picture of him up- one of the most loving dogs I ever knew.

So it goes...