GREAT VISITING MUSICIANS PLUS GARRY BICHELMEYER'S "TONGANOXIE" MAKE THIS A FUN TUES. EVENING AT THE BK

We were just a tad late arriving at the BK tonight as the sticky, humid conditions today made it necessary we grab a shower and a change of clothes before heading out.  We did arrive, however just in time to hear David Purcell sing a song that Bonnie Owens & Merle Haggard wrote many years ago, "Today I Started Loving You Again," "Where Did Our Love Go?" (written by David himself) and a little later Jack Blanchard & Misty Morgan's "Tennessee Birdwalk" and Willie's "On The Road Again."  Gordon Riley, Lou Moore, and the rest of the band with the addition tonight of fiddle player David Hendrix sounded super as they played "Back Home In Indiana" and "Harbor Lights" among others. And speaking of David Hendrix, he gave everyone a good taste of his musical abilities as he fiddled "Columbus Stockade Blues," "Lost Indian" and sang Merle's "Tonight The Bottle Let Me Down."  The group's bass player, Mary Bichelmeyer used her soft, melodic voice to sing Hank Sr.'s "I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You," the Kathy Mattea hit "Walk The Way The Wind Blows" and "Bill Bailey" (with Lou Moore on the washboard & David Purcell on drums).  We love to hear Art Covey play that mandolin and tonight he picked a favorite, "Wildwood Flower" and sang & picked "Falling Leaves."

Emcee Larry Dean sounded so good tonight as he treated the big crowd to a Clay Walker tune "Rough Around The Edges," Travis Tritt's "Put Some Drive In Your Cowboy," for the line dancers - "Boot Scootin' Boogie," "Silver Wings" and "The Number He Gave Me Was Mine."  It was great to see little Sandy Barnett again and we really enjoyed "Okie From Muskogee" and Randy Travis' "Diggin' Up Bones."  Our very favorite singing engineer, Larry Keeler was on hand tonight and sang "Don't Be Angry" and Kris Kristofferson's "Sunday Morning Coming Down" for the appreciative crowd. 

Garry Bichelmeyer did a great job singing the old Hank Williams Sr. song, "Wedding Bells" and ditto with a couple of songs of his own, "Marie" and the hilarous "Half," but the one that really commanded our attention is a brand-new song entitled "Tonganoxie."  We tried to make a small movie here tonight, but due to adverse lighting conditions it didn't turn out.  However, we did manage to copy down a part of the lyrics (which may change later) and thought we might give everyone a sneak peek at a song in the works:

Tonganoxie

 

My home town has a Indian name,

It’s Tonganoxie

If you ever come here you’ll want to remain,

In Tonganoxie

 

We’ve got two stop lights and the county fair,

We’ve got churches cause we’re into prayers,

The best darn Opry anywhere,

In Tonganoxie

 

We’ve got a park for the kids to play,

In Tonganoxie

You ought to come here and spend the day,

In Tonganoxie,

 

We’ve got two stop lights and the county fair,

And we’ve got bars with ice-cold beer,

And a steakhouse that’s beyond compare,

In Tonganoxie

 

I’m talkin’ about my hometown Tonganoxie,

Where the guys are tough and the girls are foxy,

When I die send me to heaven by proxy,

I’d rather stay right here in Tonganoxie.

There are more words, etc., but you get the idea.  The crowd gave Garry a loooong ovation and we certainly enjoyed it as well.  Stay tuned.   Art Covey led the band and audience with "May The Circle Be Unbroken" as the evening came to a close.  (Below)  A great entertainer and songwriter, Garry Bichelmeyer

 

 

ANOTHER FUN NIGHT AT ANNIE'S COUNTRY JUBILEE WITH SHOWSTOPPER BETH HUNTER & FEATURED BAND MEMBER DAVID GEORGE

It was a super evening to get out and about in "Beautiful, Tropical, Downtown Tonganoxie, Kansas" and a big crowd greeted Annie Dunavin and the Country Jubilee band as she welcomed everyone with "Come On In, Sit Right Down & Make Yourself At Home!" Annie returned later in the program to sing a duet of Lee Ann Womack's "Make Memories With Me" with Jim Winters, A-11 (we remember Buck Owens singing this on Hee-Haw several years ago), Connie Smith's "Nobody But A Fool" and Glen Campbell's "By The Time I Get To Phoenix." Pretty Ronni Ward turned back the clock as well with Lefty Frazzell's "Always Late," "The Sweetest Thing," Highway 101's "The Bed You Made For Me" and Patty Loveless' "Nothing But The Wheel" while husband Ted Ward, the group's bass player showed his vocal skills with "Get Back My Heart."  The "Tonganoxie Troubadour" himself, emcee Jim Winters introduced the band after singing Charlie Pride's "Just Between You And Me," then it was Merle's "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" and a little later Waylon Jennings' "The Only Daddy That'll Walk The Line" and George Strait's "Don't Mind If I Do."  Fred Uzzell's triple neck Remington steel guitar was jumping tonight with the "Nashville Bounce" and "Harbour Lights" and ditto with "Marvelous" Marvin Bredemeier who fiddled "Silver Bells" and "Tennessee Wagner" much to the crowd's delight.  Cute-as-a-bug Haylie Walter stepped front and center to sing Dottie West's "Lesson In Leaving," Tammy Wynette's "D.I.V.O.R.C.E." and "You Win Again" while drummer Steve Straub reminded us of the great show we saw last night with Jack Greene's "Statue Of A Fool."  

Beth Hunter is what showmanship is all about.  As well as having her own show, Night Sky Opry up in Iowa, Beth always helps bring in the New Year here at Annie's as well as other numerous appearances throughout the year.  Always a huge crowd favorite, tonight Beth paid special homage to the wonderful voice and talents of singer Anne Murray with "Snowbird," "Save The Last Dance For Me," "Night Life," an upbeat version of "Your Cheating Heart," "Could I Have This Dance" and "You Needed Me."  It wouldn't have been a Beth Hunter visit of course without the finale with help from Annie, Ronni and the crew -- "The Washing Machine Song!"

This last Saturday of the month always features an individual band member and tonight it was Annie's musical director, lead guitarist and 2008 Kansas State Flatpicking Champion David George who stepped to the mike.  It was evident to this listener that David not only is a world-class guitarist but he has become such a great singer as well.  First it was John Conlee's "Rose Colored Glasses" then Alabama's "Lady Down On Love," "Poor Richard's Blues" (one of his selections at the flatpicking championships), Don Williams' "Tulsa Time," Roger Miller's "Husbands & Wives," "Moonlight Motor Inn" and Clayton Morgan's "I Was Almost Home."  Just a great performance!  The show closed as Steve Straub led the ACJ Quartet in the great gospel number "Beulah Land."  (Below) top --  Jim Winters, Marvin Bredemeier, David George & Fred Uzzell  bottom -- Beth Hunter with Ronni Ward

 

 

 

  

A COLOSSAL SHOW AT GENTRY THIS EVENING WITH JACK GREENE, BILL JORDAN AND ANNIE DUNAVIN!!!

Our pal Mike Duley invited us a couple of months ago to come up to Gentry, MO to his Ramblin Country Show and enjoy a special show he was putting together starring country music legend Jack Greene.  Jack, of course, appeared at Annie's Country Jubilee just this past fall and the more we thought about it the more we thought that Annie Dunavin and husband Terry might want to come along and enjoy the opportunity to visit with Jack and wife Leanne.  We were right and the four of us left Tonganoxie about 4 PM and headed out for Gentry, via I-29, US 169, etc.  Although we arrived somewhat early, we found the street outside Lion's Hall already packed with cars in anticipation of the great show which lay ahead.  It was a nice surprise when we discovered that Bill Jordan and Phil Coontz had come up from Branson to play bass and steel guitar along with Patrick Rooney from Richmond, MO on drums, Linda Adwell playing saxophone and of course, Mike Duley's super lead guitar work.

Phil Coontz opened the show playing "Steel Guitar Rag" and later showed his vocal abilities as well with Porter Wagoner's "I Thought I Heard You Calling My Name," Hank Williams' "Your Cheating Heart," "Please Release Me," "Last Date" (Bill Jordan vocals) and "Panhandle Rag."  Phil, who at one time played with the house band at the Grand Ole Opry has a CD available, "Phil Coontz Plays & Sings His Grand Ole Opry Favorites," a must for steel guitar lovers.  Linda Adwell, who plays most Friday nights at Ravenwood's Barn Door Opry, was on hand tonight to play some great country saxophone with "Now And Then There's A Fool Such As I,"  "Down Yonder," "Danny Boy" and the Boots Randolph classic "Yakity Sax."  Drummer Patrick Ramsey showed his vocal talents as he sang George Strait's "The Chair" and "Blue Spanish Eyes" while Mike Duley, in spite of having to organize, manage, emcee the show and play lead, managed to sing a couple himself ("The Key's In The Mailbox," "Someone Had To Teach You"), much to the audience's delight. Bill Jordan never fails to amaze and excite anyone who loves traditional country music as we do.  Blind from birth, Bill plays a 6 string bass and his smooth, mellow vocals are infectious.  If you name a older country song, Bill probably knows it, can tell you who first sang it, when it was recorded, on what label, then sing it as good or better than the original.  Tonight, he began with "Little Ole Dime," Cal Smith's 1974 hit "Country Bumpkin," Josh Turner's "Long Black Train" and a medley of Johnny Cash tunes.  Bill returned later in the evening.

Once a member of Ernest Tubb's band, Grand Ole Opry member Jack Greene struck out on his own to become a country music legend.   Country Music Association's Male Artist Of The Year in 1967, he also had the CMA Album of the Year and the CMA Song of the Year!  Resplendent in his black Manuel rhinestone-studded jacket and black hat he began the set with "This One Belongs To Me," then it was "Try A Little Kindness," "The Last Letter," Ernest Tubb's "Walking The Floor Over You," "Don't You Ever Get Tired Of Hurting Me," "Walking On New Grass," "I Need Somebody Bad Tonight," "Follow Me," "There's A Whole Lot About A Woman That A Man Don't Know," "All The Time," "There Goes My Everything" and of course, the Jack Greene classic "Statue Of A Fool."  Jack was kind enough to stay around for a short while to take pictures with the band and finish signing autographs but had to leave as they had a two-show gig in Wisconsin Dells tomorrow. 

Shortly after the second half commenced, Mike Duley announced he had a surprise for everyone and asked Annie Dunavin to come up onstage.  Annie put on quite a performance of her own, singing Jeannie Pruett's "Satin Sheets," "Seven Lonely Days," Patsy Cline's "Sweet Dreams" and Porter Wagoner's "Slew Foot" to boisterous applause.  Then it was the Bill Jordan show and Bill was at his best with "She's Gone, Gone, Gone" (with some great steel work from Phil Coontz), "Heart Talk," Conway's "Hello Darlin'," "I've Been Everywhere," "I'll Love You For The Rest Of MIne," "Diane," "A-11," "Murder On Music Row," "Cab Driver" and "Kaw-Liga."  (Is there ANYTHING this man can't sing?)  Linda Adwell and Cheryl Porter closed the show with "Step Into The Water."  (Below)  top -- l. to r. Bill Jordan, Phil Coontz, Grand Ole Opry Star Jack Greene, Patrick Rooney, Linda Adwell, Mike Duley   bottom -- Annie Dunavin with Jack Greene

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEW FACES AND OLD CONTRIBUTE TO A FUN EVENING AT THE BK

We had just arrived at the BK when Larry Dean kicked off what turned out to be a fun evening with Billy Joe Shaver's "I'm Just An Old Chunk Of Coal," "Hiway 40 Blues" and Merle's "I'll Break Out Again Tonight."  Then it was line-dancing time as Larry sang "Boot Scootin' Boogie," "Stagger Lee," "I Believe In You," "I Can't Say The Same About You," "Blue Moon," "Silver Wings," and Garry Bichelmeyer's "The Winner."  After Gordon Riley, Lou Moore and the rest of the band played one of Gordon's compositions, "Boogie #1," Mary Bichelmeyer sang "Walk The Way The Wind Blows," "Don't Tell Me What To Do," "Make It Right" (written by Mary & Garry) & "Bill Bailey" much to the crowd's delight.  After husband Garry did a great job with the Johnny Russell classic "Catfish John," he sang three self-written songs, "Marie," "Half" and a new song he wrote about his hometown -- "Tonganoxie."   

Annie Little will be leaving for a two week vacation soon, but tonight she dropped in to sing some cuts from her new CDs, "I Love You Honey," "Remember Me (I'm The One Who Loves You") and "Let's All Go Down To The River."  It was the first time for John Hendershot from Raymore, MO to sing at the BK and we sure enjoyed hearing him sing "Don't Worry 'Bout Me," the Marty Robbins standard, Leroy Van Dyke's "Auctioneer Song," "Most Of All" and Hank Snow's "Golden Rocket."  Come back, John!  It's always a gas to see and hear Scott Lane sing those great classic hits he always comes up with and tonight it was "Killin' Time," "Hot Rod Lincoln" and "Whiskey Bent & Hell Bound."  Larry Dean closed the evening with "God Must Be A Cowboy."  (Below) John Hendershot with Larry Dean & Gordon Riley sings "Golden Rocket"

 

 

 

JACK & RACHEL WICKER PLUS THE SINGING BUS DRIVER DAVID WELCH AT LELAND JONES' COUNTRY PICKIN OPRY TONITE

We've been trying to work out our schedule to allow us to visit Leland & Carole Jones and their Country Pickin Opry near Richmond, MO and as things turned out, we couldn't have picked a more entertaining evening.  Leland and the Country Pickers (Ron Lana, Donnie Pitts, Richard Jewell, Bob Smith, Harvey Hayseed and Kenny Buford) kicked the show off with the Ray Price hit "I Don't Believe I'll Fall In Love Today," Merle Haggard's "The Fugitive," Sonny James' "Is It Wrong" and a blockbuster hit of Jim Reeves, "Four Walls."  Later it was "Two Dollars In The Jukebox." "Don't Be Angry" and a song Leland wrote & recorded about back when he and Carole were dating entitled "Down That Old Dirt Road." (Check out the link at the bottom of the Country Pickin Opry page to watch this.) 

Fonda Bennett used her great vocal talents to sing Hank Williams' "I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You," Jeannie Pruett's "Satin Sheets" and a little later "Hangin Round The Blue Side Of Town" and Charley McClain's "Dancing Your Memory Away."  Donnie Pitts gave us a great sample of his singing abilities as well as he tickled those ivories and sang Johnny Tillotson's "It Keeps Right On A'Hurtin" and Richard Jewell sounded super playing "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" on his electric banjo.  Harvey Hayseed, bass player and resident character, let everyone in on the fact that when a man buys his wife flowers for no apparent reason----there IS a reason.  Harv was in the hospital awhile back and the doctor told his wife, "I don't like the way he looks."  "Well, I don't either," the wife told him, "But he's good to the kids." "Making dog biscuits that are supposed to help sweeten thier breath is the biggest crock I ever heard of," he continued.  "I saw a bunch of dogs out in the front yard awhile back and they wasn't smelling each other's breath!"

We always enjoy seeing David Welch, the singing bus driver perform.  Tonight he brought a busload of country music fans from Topeka, KS who watched him do an incredible job as he picked and sang the Chuck Berry/Elvis hit "The Promised Land," Jack Greene's "There Goes My Everything," Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues" and later did a marvelous job with John Anderson's "When You Get On The Whiskey," Kris Kristofferson written/Johnny Cash standard "Sunday Morning Coming Down," Eddie Arnold's "Make The World Go Away" and the upbeat "All Shook Up."  Next up was the father/daughter team of Jack and Rachel Wicker who we could personally watch all night long, given the opportunity.  Jack, of course is known far and wide for his unmatched "hot" piano playing and smooth vocal work.  Rachel was an American Idol contestant and has appeared on millions of TV sets across the land and after hearing her sing, it's hard for one to imagine why she didn't win it all.  Every note seemed perfect as she sang Loretta's "You Ain't Woman Enough," Elvis' "You Were Always On My Mind," "Every Day I Live," Connie Smith's "Once A Day," "You Don't Know Me" and the beautiful "Praise The Hurt Away." 

Jack Wicker literally had his keyboard jumping as he tore into some 50's era R&R with JLL's "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," Fats Domino's "Blueberry Hill" and Marty Robbins' "White Sport Coat."  Then it was a change of pace as Jack fullfilled many requests for his signature gospel songs with "I'll Fly Away," "How Great Thou Art" and our personal favorite "I Know A Man Who Can."  Leland closed the show with "I Feel Like I've Gotta Travel On."  (Below)  top - David Welch "The Singing Bus Driver" bottom - Jack & Rachel Wicker

 

 

 

FOR OLD TIME COUNTRY MUSIC, YOU CAN'T BEAT THE FILLMORE OPRY

Ron Holmes' Fillmore Opry is where it's always been:  Just take the Fillmore exit off I-29, just north of St. Joseph, MO, follow the arrows and there it is -  right at the crossroads in downtown Fillmore, right next to the pop machine!  John & Mary Pettersch offered to drive and it was a good thing we left early, as we ran into construction delays after construction delays all the way from KC to St. Joe.  We arrived in plenty of time, however to visit with Ron and admire all the work he's done to the opry building; a dandy new dance floor and the replacement of many of the old theatre seats with tables & chairs.  This more intimate and comfortable arrangement, along with a full service snack bar and restroom facilities make the Fillmore Opry a real steal: a great evening's entertainment still costs only $4! 

Ron himself kicked the evening off with "Take These Chains From My Heart," then it was George Strait's "All My Exs Live In Texas," Charlie Pride's "All I Have To Offer You Is Me,"  Don Gibson's "Sea Of Heartbreak," "You Can Have Her" and the saddest song ever written: "Where Am I Gonna Live When I Get Home?" <wink>.  Jim Williams is always a great performer.  We haven't decided whether we like the old time cheatin' songs he sings so beautifully or the great blues harmonica he plays, the best.  But then, why choose when you can hear the best of both anytime you visit the Fillmore Opry!  Jim did a great job on the old Faron Young hit, "Pick Me Up On Your Way Down," then it was Hank Thompson's "Teach Me How To Lie," "Until The Neon Sun Goes Down," Faron's "Face To The Wall," "If I Ever Need A Lady," "When She Does Me Right, She Does You Wrong," "Call Me Some Day" and "1-800-Do You Care."  Caryl Walker started his portion of the evening off with the 50's era "Won't You Wear My Ring Around Your Neck," Fats Domino's "Blueberry Hill," "Fillmore Friday Night (actually Louisiana Saturday Night), "Take My Hand," the mellow "Blue Spanish Eyes," then had the audience roaring with the mirthful "Why Paddy's Not At Work Today."  Ron, Jim and Caryl also threw in a little Hee-Haw schnick - Where, Oh Where, etc. to the crowd's delight. 

Norma Radmer, the little lady who resides behind the keyboard here every Friday night, showed her vocal skills off as she sang/played "Today I Started Loving You Again," "My Happiness," the funny "I Didn't Know The Gun Was Loaded," Patsy Cline's "I Love You Honey," "I'm A Little Bit Lonesome" and the eternal question "Have You Kissed Any Frogs Today."  Both Terry Durfee on bass and Dick Swalls on drums are top-notch musicians and did a super job keeping up the beat.  Although the featured guest tonight didn't show up, there were plenty of talented folks in the audience to fill in.  Our friend Mike Hughes & his wife Beth of nearby Oregon, MO were in the house, so Mike took over the singing chores and entertained all of us with George Strait's "The Cowboy Rides Away," Carl Perkins' "Blue Suede Shoes," the Bellamy's "Margaritaville," Hag's "Working Man Blues" and "Swinging Doors."  It was super seeing Ruth Haynes again and hearing her sing "Pretty Words," Willy's "Blue Eyes Cryin In The Rain," "Silver-Haired Daddy Of Mine" and "God On A Mountain."  Debbie Shirley put her great vocal talents to work with "No One Will Ever Know," a duet with Ron of George & Tammy's "Golden Ring," Barbara Fairchild's "Teddy Bear Song" and Kathy Mattea's "455 Rocket."

As time ran out, Caryl sang the Gene Watson hit "14 Carat Mind," Ron, another of Gene's songs, "If I'm A Fool For Leavin,' I'd Be Twice The Fool To Stay" then Jim Williams with "I'm Gonna Stroll Over Heaven With You" and "Milk Cow Blues" - singin', pickin' and blowin' some hot licks on that blues harmonica!   Great stuff!!   The Fillmore Band will be featured at a concert July 5th at Civic Center Park in St. Joseph, MO.  The concert lasts from 10 AM - 11 PM, but they will be onstage about 3 PM.  (Below) Jim Williams not only is a fantastic picker and singer, but blows a great blues harmonica!

 

 

A FUN TIME WITH "SPECIAL" FRIENDS AT THE BK TONITE

Although we had expected Miss Jean to be in the hospital tonight, we decided to make the best of the circumstances and show up at the BK and put these problems aside, if only for awhile.  We're sure glad we did as it was a wonderful evening with friends Marvin & Sug Bredemeier, David Purcell, Annie Little and Sandy Barnett as well as regulars Larry Dean, Garry & Mary Bichelmeyer, Lou Moore, Gordon Riley and Art Covey. 

Emcee Larry Dean started the evening off singing a Billy Joe Shaver tune, "I'm Just An Old Chunk Of Coal," then it was "I'm A Little Rough Around The Edges" and later Merle Haggard's "I Had A Beautiful Time," "Boot Scootin Boogie" for the line dancers and "Silver Wings."  David Purcell is another of those multi-talented individuals who not only sings a great song, but writes them as well.  Tonight it was his "Where Did Our Love Go," "You're A Once In A Lifetime Thing," and great impressions of Willy ("On The Road Again") and Waylon/Jesse ("Storms Never Last").  It was a pleasure to once again see and hear Art Covey work that mandolin and sing.  Tonight, it was "Golden Slippers," "Rebel Soldier," "Red Wing" and the beautiful "Kentucky Waltz."  Our pal Marvin Bredemeier of course, plays fiddle every Saturday night at Annie's Country Jubilee and at one time was a member of Hank Thompson's Brazos Valley Boys, so he is always a welcome sight and adds so much to the evening's enjoyment.  Tonight he played (by request) our personal favorite fiddle tune, "Ragtime Annie," "The Waltz You Saved For Me" and "Rubber Dolly" (also known as "Back Up And Push").  

Mary Bichelmeyer, the group's bass player, sang a song written by her and husband Garry entitled "I'll Make It Right," "Don't Tell Me What To Do," then it was Garry & Mary singing duets of "Black Coffee" and Johnny Cash's "Ring Of Fire."  Mary returned later with "Bill Bailey" and Garry with two songs he created, "Marie" and "Nodaway River."  Gordon Riley, Lou Moore and the rest of the band sounded so good as they played "Buckaroo" and with Lou on the washboard and David Purcell behind the drums, "Wash Board Rag." 

Annie Little was on hand tonight and sang "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" and "Could I Have This Dance," a couple of cuts from her album, "A Little Country,"  beautifully.  Ditto for little Sandy Barnett, who has battled back from some severe illness lately.  Tonight she sang Little Jimmy Dickens' "I'm Little But I'm Loud" and "Don't Be Angry."  (We took this last song as a message that included insurance companies.  This musical evening improved our attitudes tremendously.)  (Below) Carl Calcara (extreme right) from Overland Park who brought one of our "special kids," Colin Couch (seated) from Olathe to the session tonight, pose with the band at intermission.

 

UPDATE*****UPDATE*****UPDATE*****UPDATE*****UPDATE
Here's an update on Jean's condition.  The insurance company has decided at the very last minute not to allow the surgery to proceed without more documentation from the doctor, even though they have been provided with such on three occasions by fax.  At this juncture, we are not exactly big fans of Anthum Health, but we hope to get this situation resolved and Jean can have this surgery done sometime in July.  We will keep everyone posted.  Thanks for your calls and e-mails.........

WATCH A PHIL HILTON PERFORMANCE ON U-TUBE
The following link is a good example of a Phil Hilton performance.  Phil is a top-notch performer who plays awesome keyboard both at his show at The Farm near Garden City, MO and most Saturday nights at the Big Creek Country Show in Pleasant Hill, MO.    http://www.michellelea.net/Farm%20show%20-%20June%202008.htm

SPECIAL NOTICE ********** SPECIAL NOTICE ********** SPECIAL NOTICE **********
We will not be adding any new entries to this space for a short while (not exactly sure how long). Miss Jean is undergoing some emergency surgery on her throat (tonsils, surgery on back of throat & tongue as well as some work inside her nose) that will keep her laid up for a spell. She has a restricted airway and is finding it more difficult to breathe as time goes on.  We hope to be back to business as usual in a couple of weeks, so keep your fingers crossed. Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.