Now then, for all those who wrote concerned that I'd had part of my face removed, thanks, but settle down. Just a couple of teeth extracted. I've got more room in mouth now for food and stuff, so on the whole, it's been okay—especially since my daughters collected all that candy for me last month. Band-wide, the month was pretty good. After loading up on candy, I got in the van, drove to Knoxville, and met Michael at the airport. The next night we played in Hixson, Tennessee. At first I thought the hosts had misspelled the word "hengh" on their sign. Then we found out that the opening band was named "Heneh." They were really great, but were divided in their support of presidential candidates. (Hey, does that make them a microcosm or a metaphor?) Afterward, we drove back to Knoxville for sleepage.

Heneh rocks on!

"How many screens?"

Next day, we went to the Knoxville Civic Center, which is right next to the Women's College Basketball Hall of Fame--I mention that because you might need a landmark if you're looking for the Civic Center, and it goes without saying that you know where the Hall of Fame is. The event held there was the Tennessee Christian Teen Convention. (Long-time readers will recall that last year we thought TCTC was called "Teensy Weensy," but that's another newsletter.) We met lots of great folks, including Frank of Blue Camouflage, people who have their own county, and a future t-shirt designer. A great time was had by us, and we were well received by the TCTC folks once more.

After packing out of the building next to the Women's' College Basketball Hall of Fame, we crossed town to play a concert there in Knoxville. Nice room, nice people, nice time. The next day, we drove to Greeneville, TN to play for a fun crowd, some of whom were sitting upstairs behind bars, which reminded the band of Johnny Cash playing Folsom Prison. The opening band was a local choir, which rocked on. Frank from TCTC sent his friend to represent him that night, and (apparently) lent him some clothing.

Aqua camo

How would Pete spell M&M?

The next day, Michael and I both flew home to vote. We both live in Palm Beach County, Florida. (Just kidding.) We watched the returns, and I would comment on the election, except that I'm afraid I might end up in court with everyone else. Next up, Michael flew to Knoxville, got the van I left (ours), and drove on to meet me in St. Louis for the second National Youthworkers Convention of the year. I don't even have to tell you that we loved it. PLUS, unlike the Disneyland gathering, we didn't try to play any songs that we'd not yet written. The late-night event with CPR was in the coolest room ever! Well, not quite as cool as my high-school bedroom that I painted purple and then covered with pithy sayings, but pretty close. The youthworkers at the late night were as excitable as a republican mob in Dade County, and nearly trashed the place, but that's a story for another time. And speaking of rabid fans, we met a couple who were fellow travelers in this thing we call Being Bills Fans. I have to tell you, LOST AND FOUND definitely prefers the player who wears the number 7, but that also is a story for another time.

After St Louis, we both went home, regrouped, flew to Bart's beloved Philadelphia, rented a car, and drove to Ocean City, Maryland, which is really hard to find on a Hertz map. However, once we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by the folks hosting the YFC Alive event. We met bunches of enthusiastic Middle Schoolers from all over the northeast. We also met our new friends Craig and Jake. They're really fun, and if you get the chance to meet them you should do so. Then it was back to Bart's beloved Philadelphia to catch plane to Atlanta for the third and final National Youthworkers Convention.

Craig and Jake

"CPR rocks on"


"Uh, hey there."

I suppose by now you can guess that it rocked fiercely, as these events are wont to do. Our late night with CPR was awesome, and some animals showed up We met Tony Campolo (from Bart's Beloved Philadelphia) and he said nice things about our music.

Michael flew home to Los Angeles, and I took a short drive from Atlanta on up to Long Island to visit with the Vetranos for Thanksgiving. Had a great time, and were thankful for it. From there, we flew to The Metroplex (with apologies to those offended by that term) to meet with our fellow members of Churchnoise, where I now sit writing this note. The Churchnoise.com site is really cool and you should go check it out this very instant.

The kids' table