March 1st
Arriving home after a six week absence, spent mostly in warmer climates, I return to winter. It's a reacquaintance; a subtle event. Back to the ritual of monitoring the wood stove and bringing in armloads of wood. Back to the crunchy-snow walk to the outhouse where if it's day I can appreciate the view of the neglected apple orchard, and if it's dark I light the oil lamp and for five minutes look at the 1992 issue of The Farmers Almanac that's been there within reach, I suspect, since it was new. Here, in early March, the hilltowns of western Massachusetts still harbor snow. The night air is January cold, yet the day yields to sunshine and holds no secrets about spring coming. This is maple sugaring season. Snow lingers on the north side of houses, in the cool wooded hollows, and on path that descends down to the mill foundation where I take my walks with "Side", my dog, and get reacquainted with home.

March 3rd
After one day of rest I drove to Maine for three dates. I enjoyed the East Sangerville Grange immensely with it's 120 people crowding into the downstairs of this classic old New England Grange hall. Upstairs is a large and spacious room for the big concerts with a stage. The backdrop for this stage was a beautiful scenic landscape, hand painted on canvas. It must have been 6 by 10 feet in size and I figure it must have been made in the 30's or 40's. This estimate is based on a conversation I had with a man in Grand Junction, Colorado whom I stayed with in January. His father traveled all over the western states painting such canvases for grange halls. Since hearing his stories I've kept my eyes peeled. Here in Maine I am rewarded.

March 15th
Today I've been listening to Richard Shindell's new CD "Somewhere Near Paterson". I take it for granted that I'll always be moved by his voice, but here I'm captured again by his songwriting. This batch of songs is my favorite since Sparrows Point in 1993. I'm having a difficult time getting Wisteria out of my head. Such beauty.

One development of late is that I'll be releasing my new CD The Trade myself on my own Threshold Music label and I am estimating it will be available in late May or early June! That feels good to say. Lui Collins new CD Leaving Fort Knox, which I produced and nurtured along it's path, will be available at about the same time also.

As always I encourage you to leave a note in the guestbook. I appreciate your comments and insights. I'll also suggest that you take a look at the schedule page. I am always filling in concert dates up to the last minute. If you see a date I have not booked and I am touring within reasonable driving distance to your town please don't be shy to suggest a venue I might play at. Better yet, host a house concert. Take a look at www.houseconcerts.com for more information.

On that note I'll sign off.
Warm regards to you all,
Dana