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Topic: Deep South Steel |
Bill Stafford
From:
Gulfport,Ms. USA
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Posted 1 Jan 2006 7:38 am |
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Happy New year to ALL! And it is really shaping up like we will be off to a great start on Feb. 4th right here in the ravaged heart of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The ravaging has stopped and about an eighth of the ravaged stuff has been hauled away and piled up. Leaving enough room for some of hotels/motels to open up for paying visitors.
DSSGA already has a great line up of steel guitarists and when you add talent like Ben O'Dell, Bob Saxton to the likes of Ron Elliott, Joe Wright, James Shelton, Buck Grantham, and all our great local supporters this will be a great time for all. And again, Jr. Martin will have his Cajun Band back with us. Bo Thomas on violin-WOW! Gary Grainger is trying to get back down also. And if he does, we will give him and Bob Saxton a dual guitar show all their own - and that is a site to see and music to hear like you never expect at a steel guitar show..(Bob plays in the vein of Atkins, Les Paul; Craig is like any of the big time jazz players you ever heard or know about). Lets hope this comes to pass. And to top all these hairy legged musicians off, SERA will be on stage with her band. Joe Wright will have double duty -with his own show and then again with the SERA band. (SERA's talent, vocal and piano, matches the talent and showmanship of Joe). We are amazed at, and for, and with SERA every time we see and hear her. Her touring schedule could change, but currently she will be here with us if at all possible. Looking forward to seeing our stalwart Hal Higgins again also. Many more to mention later.
I will post the hotel/motel status and RV info later this week.
Thanks to all and Happy New Year Again, and Again.
Bill Stafford |
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Hal Higgins
From:
Denham Springs, LA
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Posted 1 Jan 2006 2:02 pm
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Bill......I'm looking forward to being there in Feb. We'll be all moved in to our new home in Denham Springs, LA. I know it's gonna be a great time for sure, and am looking forward to hearing Ron, Joe, Buck and Sera.....along with Bob S. (man what a guitar player).....Of course seeing you and Betty is gonna be a treat, too. 'til then, "keep the coast clear" lol......HAL
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Be Blessed........HAL
'85 Emmons LeGrande D-10,(8 & 5) 95 Carter 8 & 7 Hilton Vol. Pedal, BJS Birthstone bar, Rack w/Evans Pre-amp, Lexicon MPX500; (2)1501-4 BW's in custom built cabs by T.A. Gibson, & Sound Tech PL802 Digital Power Amp.
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Buck Grantham R.I.P.
From:
Denham Springs, LA. USA
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Posted 1 Jan 2006 5:05 pm
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| Yes , this is gonna be a great one. We'll all be rested up and ready to really put on a good show. Mitzi and I are looking forward to it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
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Bill Stafford
From:
Gulfport,Ms. USA
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Posted 1 Jan 2006 5:09 pm
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Thanks to all. And it looks like we will be graced with the presence of Ms Lana of Steel Radio dot com. Boy, with her and SERA on the same stage at the same time, beauty will reign in the New Year so good..
Bill Stafford |
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Lana Rosselli
From:
St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Posted 1 Jan 2006 8:25 pm
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Now Bill, you're making me blush! I must say, I am really excited about this show and being back in Gulfport. I had so much fun last time. There is no doubt this show will be just as fun if not more. I want to get plenty of pictures to put in the March issue of the Picker's Club Newsletter. I just wish I could stream audio into it - wouldn't that be something!?
Happy New Year to you all and see you in Gulfport!
Miss Lana |
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Bill Stafford
From:
Gulfport,Ms. USA
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Posted 6 Jan 2006 2:46 am
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Folks, please forgive me for getting Gary's name mixed up with another player (Gregg) in my earlier post. The musician I was doing my best to refer to is GARY, not Gregg. Sorry to have been so inconsiderate. Hope Gary understands. (Katrina and my added years are tolling).
Our show is really building with a lot of interest as there are not many places to play music here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, but folks are still here and keeping their thumb picks hot itching for a place to play. We will have lots of the famous R.J. catfish and gumbo too. Music will start at high noon. And don't forget that Ms Lana will be in the building to add much delight.
Thanks, and again, apology to GARY. Maybe Milton Guilbeau will insert a comment about how great a musician GARY really is so it will be inserted properly. (Hint, Milton). Our ICON, Ben O'Dell is out of the hospital after his successful surgery and is up and running again. Glad for that. Good health to Ben for the new year. Ran into Jerry Jaye at the post office this week. He will make an appearance. Anxious to hear him sing a few songs with Ron Elliott. That will be a big treat for all. For all of you that have not yet heard Jerry, he vocalizes in the style and taste of Wade Ray-so very good. Plays steel too. Thanks to all.
Bill Stafford
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Lana Rosselli
From:
St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Posted 9 Jan 2006 3:35 am
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Hey Bill - 25 days and a wake up til the big day. We're all going to be in for a treat with the line up on this show. I hope I remember to get me some of that catfish. Last time I was down I enjoyed the show so much I forgot to get some of that great chow ya'll had. I was a hungry puppy come Sunday morning! But hey, the music will fill me up!
Miss Lana |
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Bill Stafford
From:
Gulfport,Ms. USA
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Posted 9 Jan 2006 11:38 pm
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And now, our post Katrina celebration has really been enhanced with the addition of the great Don Helms. Will be like old times when Hank Williams visited and played here on the coast all those years ago.
We will have to increase our supply of boiled shrimp for sure. Thanks to all for your support.
Bill Stafford |
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Bill Stafford
From:
Gulfport,Ms. USA
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Posted 12 Jan 2006 3:33 am
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Just some news about the Hotel/Motel room availability here on the coast.
What few places open are jammed full of hurricane relief workers and are only taking reservations on a day by day basis-should a vacancy occur. I am so sorry about this situation. Later today I will visit the three casinos that have opened for their status but I suspect it is the same situation. Also going to the RV camp that is close by for their information and will post the RV hook up status this evening.
Our coast looks like the aftermath of an atomic bomb and much, much work is yet to be done. The complete devastation brings tears to eyes when seen in person.
Music on the fourth of Feb. will certainely be appreciated. DSSGA is so thankful for all this support.
Good news to report in that our member Hal Higgins just moved into a new home in Denham Springs after his home was destroyed in Buras, La. Also, Tommy Moran of the Moe Bandy band will be in house. Tommy also lost everything he had there in Waveland, Ms. We are so thankful they survived and both will be on stage.
Bill Stafford |
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Howard Tate
From:
Leesville, Louisiana, USA, R.I.P.
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Posted 12 Jan 2006 12:10 pm
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Bill, or anyone, do you know the status of highway ten along that area? This sounds like a good show, of course there hasn't been a bad one yet, there are always great pickers there.
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Howard, 'Les Paul Recording, Zum SD12U, Carter D10 8/8, Vegas 400, Boss ME-5, Boss DM-3, DD-3, Fender Steel King, Understanding wife. http://www.Charmedmusic.com
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Bill Stafford
From:
Gulfport,Ms. USA
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Posted 12 Jan 2006 12:16 pm
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Howard, I-10 is open all the way. No problems there. Have you one the program and looking forward to seeing and hearing you. Thanks so very much for your quality support.
Bill Stafford |
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Ben ODell
From:
Agricola, Mississippi, USA
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Posted 13 Jan 2006 8:26 am
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Jest hold on here Bill !!!!!
I just went through all this cuttin and sewing stuff, and you want to run all this great stuff in here on the forum.
I'm liables to blow up !!!!!
First I read about our big buddy, Ron Elliot being with us, Lana making the trip, Jr. Martin and his great band, Joe Wright and Sera, Then James, and Now you chunk the fantastic, "DON HELMS" in the show. I thought you had the mix all mixed down, then you come in here tellin me Bo Thomas gonna be there with that unbelievable fiddle.
My ole gizzard was already thumping good to know all that, then I find out that Buck Grantham (and of course Ms Mitzi) gonna be here.
It ain't just me. Brother Hal is almost in the same boat. He is also recovering from a major whacking.
And then,,,,,, you tell me that R.J gonna be cooking for the show. That did it !!!!!
WHAT A SHOW !!!!! Now,,,,,, I didn't say I couldn't stand it, I just said I couldn't hardly stand it.
I'm gonna have to have a little talk with Uncle Don about one of our buddies when I see him down here. No doubt, we'll have a hugh conversation about the "SPUR SUPPER CLUB", in Montgomery, and I'm gonna remind him of some Curly Williams rantings. Might even want to sang "Half As Much" with him. What and honor that would be.
You just keep piling it on big boy. The ole man can handle the pressure. I'm really looking forward to this one, and your nimbly, phone dialing fingers ain't got nuttin wrong with them.
Shoot,,,,,,,, I may even brang that ole Gibson of mine and play Don some of that good ole thump Rythum you'sa talking bout. That is if you'll hold my old buddy, Ed (ole joe) Clark's feet to the far about playing that big ole bull while I do dat.
The Coast is gonna come back to life, (as they say) but DSSGA never died. It has really been tough since the storm for us all. However,,,,, Steel guitar and Country is stronger than any storm there is out there.
Looking forward to seeing you all there. Brang-um by the bus loads and come to stay with us and enjoy what it's all about !!! Come early and watch me and ole Buck drooling over that first batch of R.J.'s catfish coming off the fire. Buck you hold Ron Elliot back till I get mine. DEAL ?????
Ben O'Dell
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If it ain't got steel in it, It Ain't |
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Buck Grantham R.I.P.
From:
Denham Springs, LA. USA
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Posted 13 Jan 2006 8:38 am
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That Elliott feller is some great picker. If he eats as good as he picks there won't be enough cat fish to go around!!!! Can't wait to see youall,,. Buck and Mitzi  |
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Charlie Moore
From:
Deville, Louisiana, USA
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Posted 13 Jan 2006 2:51 pm
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| Bill Sam and Dorthy,myself and Sue will be there for sure...I'm like Buck i'm rested and ready..Will there be anything going on fri.nite?..if not c ya sat...Charlie.... |
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Lana Rosselli
From:
St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Posted 13 Jan 2006 10:33 pm
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Hey Ben, You can sit with me and I'll share my oxygen tank with ya. Along with the air conditioner and IV of water. You know I'm gonna need all that at this show. What's Bill tryin' to do to us? I hope he doesn't stop!!!
As for Mr. Elliott - I just want to make sure I eat before he starts telling his jokes. It wouldn't be lady like to spit my food out in a burst of laughter!
What a way to spend my birthday? (It's really the 17th but I'm gonna celebrate early!) Great music shared with great people. Fun, Family, and Friends - just can't beat it!!
20 days and a wake up!!!
Miss Lana |
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Jack Goodson
From:
new brockton,alabama (deceased)
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Posted 15 Jan 2006 7:41 am
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| Bill: i would appreciate it if you could give directions to the jam (we live in georgetown georgia)......thanks jack |
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Ben ODell
From:
Agricola, Mississippi, USA
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Posted 15 Jan 2006 4:33 pm
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What a kind generous offer Lana !! With all this activity, MAY NEED IT !!!!
I truly understand the jokes from Ron. Probably ain't no joke but I heard Ron say, (in Dallas), that he and Buddy Emmons painted his pickup camo and ain't found it since.
I was still rollin when he came with the "PARTY AT MICHAEL JACKSON'S" house. Thought I was gonna have to have a rib transplant.
Oh yeah,,,,, Ron can do some eating. He ain't figured out how to match Herby at the Bar-B-Q house but he's working on it.
I'll kinda nudge you this time Lana when it comes time to eat. Shore wouldn't want you leaving this time with the "MISSED MEAL COLLIC".
Ms Mickey's broke leg is getting better, and since she can get that right foot up like she used to, I've been getting plenty of exercise, and probably won't be needing the Oxy. She'll more than likely be with me on the 4th. That way she can keep me in shape through the day.
Really looking forward to the show. Some kinda great talent lined up for all to hear and see, on the show.
Ben O'Dell
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If it ain't got steel in it, It Ain't |
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Ben ODell
From:
Agricola, Mississippi, USA
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Posted 16 Jan 2006 5:53 pm
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Hey Bill, and all !!!
Spoke to my Bud,,, VAN ZIRKLE today. He said he was gonna be there for the show. Gonna take a little break from the hustle and bustle to be with us. WHAT A PIE-NANNER PICKER !!!
Also talked to Jerry Jaye and he's gettin his little bells on. Our show just ain't right if J.J is not there.
Haven't heard back from Ricky Barnes yet. He has been a little puny lately but I'm sure trying to get him committed.
Uncle Bill Stafford has really pulled the stops out for this one and really starting to look like a real barn stormer.
Ben O'Dell
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Lana Rosselli
From:
St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Posted 17 Jan 2006 3:38 am
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Keep it up boys, just keep it up. This is going to be a show of shows this year!
And talk about getting away from the hustle and bustle...I'm looking forward to it myself.
If ya'll can make it, do it. We'll see you there... |
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John Heinrich
From:
Whites Creek, TN, USA
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Posted 17 Jan 2006 6:21 am
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Hey Bill, I know you guys are going to have sometime down there in Feb! Wish I could be there and enjoy it with you. Gene Breeden and I will have to try and make it down this year sometime.
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John
www.johnheinrich.com
10 2001 Excel,
Double 10 1974 MSA
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Ben ODell
From:
Agricola, Mississippi, USA
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Posted 17 Jan 2006 4:31 pm
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See there Bill !!!!! You done and shook brother John out of the bushes. Sure wish you could be here for this one John, but if you can't, we will most certainly be looking forward to when you can.
It is always a pleasure to see and hear John. It kinda messes up my balance to watch him play though. Such a great steel and horn player!!!!
Ben O'Dell |
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Jeff Blackwell
From:
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
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Posted 18 Jan 2006 4:41 am
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Looks like Bill Stafford has done it again! What a fantastic line-up for February 4th. The Gulf Coast needs some STEEL GUITAR MUSIC bad. I look forward to seeing y'all.
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Jeff Blackwell
Emmons D-10 LeGrande - Nashville 400
Having a steel guitar show you want to promote? Add it to the calendar at www.steelguitarshows.com
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Bill Stafford
From:
Gulfport,Ms. USA
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Posted 19 Jan 2006 6:04 am
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Things are looking better all the time! WOW, with Jeff and Ms Lana on the MC duties-just doesn't get any better or more professional than that.
I apoligize for not having an input sooner but Katrina left us scrambling in about seventeen or more different directions to get things covered up, fastened down, hauled away or forgot about-maybe.
The VFW Post 4526. 15206 Dedeaux Rd. Gulfport, Ms., 39503 will have electricty(110vac only) and water hook ups for RV. Just call 228 832 0017 and inform them of your requirements. There is an RV campsite not too far from the VFW and I will get their information today and post it later.
The interest in live music on the coast is highly desired now. And with Ben O'Dell and his crew of outstanding musicians and friends we will have the best talent anywhere on our band stand. Wait until you hear the band Ben will provide for the Don Helms show. I am anxious to hear the talent of James Shelton. Ms Lana sent me a clip of his steel playing-have to find new words to describe this talent. And SERA will again be on stage with her group-including Joe Wright.
SERA and Joe are like two peas in a pod with their talent and ability to excite any audience. SERA sings and plays piano with the same musicianship and showmanship that Joe exudes. Being one of the lucky ones who first experienced these two on the bandstand together was a miracle to behold. Watching them react to each other with their music was so exciting and unforgettable. DSSGA is most fortunate to have them and all the other great artists here-Ron Elliott, Buck Grantham, Will Stewart and just too many to name here again. Come see and hear for yourself.
The hotel/motel situation here is still deplorable. They only take reservations on a day by day basis. If someone checks out, a telephone call on that same day will be the only way to luck up on a room. Please bear with us in this time of Katrina.
More later.
Thanks again for all this wonderful support.
Bill Stafford
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Ben ODell
From:
Agricola, Mississippi, USA
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Posted 19 Jan 2006 4:00 pm
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Ms Bette done and woke Bill up.
Just kiddin of course. Bill, we well understand what you are going through. We didn't take quite the hit you did this time but we know the drill. We are just praising your ability to put a show togheter like this through all the grief that ole storm dealt us all. You hang in there big buddy.
We know it is gonna be one of the best !!!
Don't know if this is of interest to our out of town visitors, "RV'ers", But I have plenty of room here to park,,,,,(ONLY) NO HOOKUPS. Of course still 60 miles plus from my place to the show.
Ben O'Dell
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If it ain't got steel in it, It Ain't |
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Bill Stafford
From:
Gulfport,Ms. USA
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Posted 20 Jan 2006 3:12 am
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Hey Ben, I am awake early this morning!
I managed to visit that RV site yesterday afternoon, and can not recommend it for any type of accomodations. It is currently full of Hurricane campers/workers. Went to a meeting last night that was held in one of the churches and even this late after the storm, the aisles between the pews of this church was covered with blankets/pillows for folks to sleep on. It was dark and these volunteer workers were repairing the cement walk ways etc. My pasture area is full of 18 wheeler debris hauling trucks and those large moving cranes etc. Lots of comradship goes on in the evenings when they knock off with the campfires etc. These workers are from Idaho, Florida, Wyoming, etc. We will get to meet some of them at our DSSGA show and hopefully, we can show them some great appreciation. They sleep in tents, back seats of their trucks, out in the open , etc. All are really helping out so very much.
We will have a house full of great talent at my home on Friday night so our Friday nite frolic will be a good-un, as ole Ben says.
Bill Stafford |
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