So September found LOST AND FOUND finding time off. I spent time at home, building a porch without a building permit. Michael spent time at home and traveled to Indonesia. (Boy, he sure knows when to go visit a place, doesn't he?) At some point we both flew to Philadelphia to meet up with our old pal, Bart Campolo (aka: Compolo, aka: Campala, aka: Compolla, aka: Late For Dinner). Bart runs an amazing program in Philadelphia, Chicago, and Oakland, called "Mission Year." If you'd like to go to their website, you can click here.

Bart and the troops

Bart talks, sometimes A regular Robin Hood

Bart showed us around the office and took us out for (what else?) a Philly cheesesteak. This would be a sandwich consisting of meat and cheese, almost like a cooked version of the German "Tray of Interesting Snacks." We drove with Bart out to New Jersey to a town called Ocean City, which is, not surprisingly, a city on the ocean. We played a really fun event at a place called "The Tabernacle." I found an unusual sign in the bathroom. It seems the folks who pulled off the infamous "Tom Heist," found themselves in a generous mood and left some of the loot in the men's bathroom.

From there we drove back to Philadelphia with Bart. In the morning we flew to (the) Metroplex—apologies to those offended by that term. Michael is working on getting his pilot's license, so he got in a little practice before we left. This is an activity that Michael really enjoys, so it made him go ahead and put on a happy face. When we arrived at (the) Metroplex—apologies to those offended by that term, Pete met us at the airport and drove us on over to Excelsior, where we played a little afternoon event. From there, we packed up and drove on over to Buffalo, where we played a few songs for a fine crowd.

The friendly skies! What troubles?

Always writing!

I went home and Michael began the aforementioned trip to Indonesia. He's working on writing a little something to describe his trip, so look for it next month. While he was there, my wife and I celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary. I also had the opportunity to meet my favorite writer, P.J. O'Rourke. (Ten points to the first person who can e-mail us and tell us where P.J. is from. I'll give you a few hints: swords, Cherokees, Section 8, glass, Mud Hens, Spain, All American City.)

Later in the month, Michael returned from his sojourn, and we met up in Washington, DC. The next day we drove to Arlington, where we played for a fine group of folks. Our first set was in the parking lot where we went by the moniker "Your Parking Lot Band." After that, we did a couple of small-group sessions where we promised the group we'd celebrate with a balloon drop, albeit a small one.

Party on!

Bart talks to Micah A real looker, eh?

From there we flew down to Atlanta, then drove over to Roswell—as in, all's well that Roswell. There we once more hooked up with our friend Bart Campolo Compolo Campala Compolla Late For Dinner for a couple of shows. Things went well in Roswell; all's well. The next morning, Michael flew home and I drove over to Asheville to visit relatives. I was able to snap a photo of the restaurant where I once worked while living there.

After that, we reunited in (the) Metroplex—apologies to those offended by that term. Pete picked us up and we drove to Prior Lake, where we had a fine time. The next day we spent some time with students at Concordia University, spent some time in the LAFOffice, and played a concert at Concordia University that evening. It was truly a marvelous experience for us that night; we played some unusual songs; the people heard them; then they clapped. What more could a band ask for?

The next morning we remembered we were in Minnesota (i.e. it was about 33 degrees and raining). We stopped back by the LAFOffice, then headed south. On the way we hit some serious snow. As Michael pointed out, we were already hours into October, so snow is to be expected. We were heading south to get to Austin, MN. (Ten points to the first person who can e-mail us and tell us what famous American food is made in Austin, MN.) When we got to the church, I noticed that they had left a memo for God, noting that they'd taken care of a little library-filing task for Him.

Driving in Minnesota Task DONE!

And with that, we finished September. Tomorrow, October 2nd, is a big day for LOST AND FOUND. Those in the know, know that October 2nd is Lunch With Joe Marting at Sal's Day, the first of all our holidays. In honor of that day, I leave you with two signs we saw along the highway in Iowa. We're not sure exactly what the writers were thinking, but here they are.

If you'd like to see the crowd shots from this month, click on the Photo Phrenzy. Until next month, try to stay warm, and don't get too depressed when we set the clocks forward. After all, fall forward and spring back only makes sense, right?

Steining auf, I remain,

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