Winter 2005

Well, here we are again. Time for another fireside chat. I do in fact have a fire going and it's a good thing too since Mother Nature had decided to bring me memories of my childhood in Minnesota. It's cold. The kind of cold that brings out that primitive, instinctive fear and respect for the power of nature. I have to admit that it does bring back good memories. I had a great childhood and freezing my toes and fingers and nose was all part of it. You need something to trigger a memory so why not snow?

Okay, I know you are all wanting me to tell you about the new album. I'm sorry for the tease, but I still can't talk. I'm sworn to secrecy. All I can say is the same thing that I have been saying. It is a tribute album. I'm excited about it because I love the music and I think I am the right person for it. We have chosen all the material and the arrangements are being completed now. In March, we will record the big band sessions in New York and then in April we will go to London to record the orchestra. I haven't been to London in a while so it will be fun to go back. There are some new people working on this project along with some familiar faces. The release date is planned for September. Until then, well...

I have to tell you how amazed I am at the amount of money we have so far managed to collect for our animal shelter. What started with one little quarter and a joke has turned into something that we should all be proud of. It's the first time I have ever been so "hands on" involved with raising money for something, and it makes me feel very good about what we are doing. I love animals. I've had them, large and small, all my life and I know what taking care of them involves. I respect anyone who makes a commitment to help homeless animals. So thank you for your efforts to make a difference. A quarter can go a long way.

You may have heard or read that I have a TV show in development with Animal Planet. I guess my love of animals and horses in particular is paying off. This opportunity came out of the blue and I welcome it. I am having so much fun doing something that is creatively different from what I have been doing for so long. It has come along at the perfect time and I am grateful. Again, I can't go into the details of the show, but I think you will like it. I know I'll have a great time making it.

Again, as always, I want to thank you for coming to our shows. You've given me something that is priceless -- freedom from the fear that I have to walk out onto a stage and face an audience of strangers. What you give me during the two hours that I'm on stage is amazing but you don't stop there. Thank you for all the smiles, the handshakes, the hugs, the stories and the gifts. I can't believe all the gifts you give. It's too much and so not necessary. By the way, is there some plot to get me even fatter? The food!! I come home with cookies and candy and cheesecake. It's unbelievable. My friend and driver Mitch Garbo has reaped the rewards because I feel guilty if I don't share the bounty on our long drives home. He's partial to cheesecake!

Life is good. Jake continues to be the light of my life. He is in Kindergarten and I feel like I've gone back to school! School is so different now compared to my day. I feel like I ought to be able to help him up through third grade and then he's on his own! I can't wait to get his homework back the next day so that I can see what grade I got!

He's growing so fast. He makes me laugh. Missing him makes me cry. Loving him makes me alive.

Well, the fire is starting to burn low. I don't have much more that I can tell you right now. In many ways, 2005 is a new beginning for me and I look forward to what it has in store for me. I hope that it is a safe, healthy and wonderful year for all of you and I look forward to sharing it with you.

Take care,

(Photos by Kris Johnson)