Hi to everyone,  I am writing this,  as promised from Sarasota,  Florida,  USA.  The weather has been co-operating wonderfully.  When I arrived on Tuesday last, it was 90f,  which suits me greatly,  thank you very much,  so my last two days were spent relaxing on the beach and swimming.   The ocean was hotter than my shower each morning………………HAPPY  DAYS.   The weather forecast says that there is a cold front coming in and the temperature will go down to 80f for a few days,  I am devastated, HA, HA.,  but will be back again to high 80s by Sunday.

I arrived on Friday last and spent my first 4 days in Maryland, (near Washington) with Kevin and Lolly Bennett.   They went above and beyond the call of duty.   I had a wonderful time there.   The big focus of my stay there was the Vic Heymen Celebration.   I sang a song for Vic and Reba on Sunday night.   What a day!!!!!!!

There were  some wonderful entertainers performing,  including Tom P – R,  Amy Speace,  Patti Larkin,  Kate McDonald,  Cosy Sheridan etc.  It was amazing.  I was so proud to be sharing the stage with such talented people.  I did get a huge dose of stage fright though.   I was never so afraid in my life.   I was shaking in my boots.   I had great support though from members of the Ish Tour, (Marl,  Kevin, Lolly, Scott, Paula,  Sheri, Steve, Russ)  They got me through it.   I must also mention Steve for his wonderful introduction from the stage and Kate for holding me up after singing my song.   To Reba,  I want to say that I was so proud to sing for you.  See you in December.

There was a really nice reception after the concert and I met  so many really nice people,  some of whom I hope to see in Ireland.   Kevin,  Lolly,  Scott,  Paula and their son,  Andy took me to see the Washington Capitals lose to New Jersey in a shootout on Monday night.  I really think Ice Hockey is a great game.

So then it was on to Florida.  I am really looking forward to seeing the Rowan Brothers play a gig tomorrow night. and we are going to a Rattlesnake Festival on Saturday in Dade City.

I got my US Cell phone and my number is:-  941 350 3421.   I will be doing a lot of driving before I leave the US at Christmas and while my schedule is pretty well planned,  please feel free to call me if you think I am in your area.  Maybe we could have even lunch together.  My schedule includes the following:-

Georgia,  South Carolina,  North Carolina, Virginia,  Wisconsin,  Chicago,  Toronto,  New York, (NERFA)  Louisiana,  Texas, (on tour with Butch Morgan) Oklahoma,  Colorado(on tour with Johnsmith)

So,  that’s all the news I have for the moment.   I will write in about two weeks time.  

TOM