September 28, 2006
 

I sure love this time of year. I love the temperatures in the 70's in the daytime and those cool nights when you can leave the window open. I love the leaves when they just start turning and falling to the ground. I love wearing shorts and a sweatshirt. I love a hooded sweatshirt that gives me that "bundled" feeling. I love hot apple cider, the smell of pumpkin pies and pumpkin cheesecake! Needless to say, I love autumn. Summer is officially over and now it’s getting a little cooler, what a great time to be in the Smoky Mountains!

I had a great time this past weekend in northern Indiana. It was great seeing a lot of friends in Amish country. Friday night I sang in Goshen at the Christian Church. Pastor Carl Adams opened his pulpit to me and I sang and had a good time. The Burgers, friends from Plymouth, Indiana were there so I had them sing a song. They weren't expecting me to call them but they sang a beautiful arrangement of "There Is A Fountain". Gary and Anita and Tammie sing all over the north and it was great to hear their family harmony again. I produced an album for them years and years ago. And it was on the way to their home that I wrote the song "Past Your Past" I remember going in their living room and saying " I just wrote this song on the way up here, see what you think".

It was also good to see Dick and Marge Brallier. Their real name is Charlie and Bonnie but I have called them Dick and Marge for many years. I have kidded Bonnie about being so short, and one time she came to a concert with her stacked up on her head so I told her it reminded me of Marge Simpson's hair, so I started calling her Marge. She fusses at me, of course, but I don't let up on her. I don't really know why I call Charlie "Dick", he just reminds me of someone that should be named Richard! After the concert in Goshen, Dick and Marge provided pizza and some snacks that Marge had made. Well, she said she made them, but really she just mixed them! There is a difference! Of course, I kidded her about this too!

On Saturday, I traveled to Middlebury to have lunch at the Essenhaus Restaurant with Dennis and Cherie Wagner. Oh my goodness, what a feast! Baked Chicken, steak, Amish noodles, corn, homemade peanut butter, fresh rolls, dressing, mashed potatoes, and red raspberry cream pie! Needless to say, when I sang that night in Lagrange, Indiana, I was miserable! This is definitely the MEAL OF THE WEEK!!!!!!

Saturday night in LaGrange was a great night. The First United Methodist was packed and the audience was sitting on ready! Being in Amish country, I should have expected to hear the clipity clop of horse’s feet on the street but when I actually heard it, it startled me and I had to ask the audience what that noise was. Everyone laughed and then I asked "well who cleans the streets"? After a great concert, it was fun to watch the Notre Dame/Michigan State game. Wow, what a game!

Sunday morning, I again sang at the United Methodist Church and we had such a sweet service. God really blessed us and at the end of the service, about 10 people had come to the altar to pray. I was especially blessed to see a Catholic woman began to weep and head for the altar. As she bowed at the altar, she was crying and she gave the liturgy of the word (sign of the cross) as she knelt. God spoke to me as I played the keyboard and watched people come to the altar, I heard him in my spirit say, "all are welcome, keep doing what you are doing". I couldn't help but cry as I saw God work in that room. After a great lunch (with fresh corn on the cob ordered especially for me) at the Brick House Bed and Breakfast with the Wagners, Dewey and Ella Hess and some friends, I headed to Muncie Indiana, for a night service at the Riverside Avenue Baptist Church. Barbara Wilson worked very hard to make this night possible and the church was filled. Paul White sang a few songs prior to my part of the program. We even sang a duet on an old Talleys song "Typical Day". That was fun to try and remember the words after 15 years!

While I was in Indiana, I found a DEAL!!!! Those of you who know me know that I love a deal! I have sold everything from folding bicycles, to used tennis shoes, to Noni Juice (still sell that) to Shampoo!! When I find a deal, I try to pass them along to my friends. Several weeks ago, I told you about playing the role of "the Royal Albert" at the Atlanta Gift Mart for my friend, Bruce Albert, who owns the lamp company. While I was in Indiana, I went over to see him and he showed me some lamps that were discontinued. Well, (here goes---are you ready????) one of those lamps was the cutest lamp I had ever seen. It's a Christmas lamp called "Snowman Love". It is designed by artist Pat Richter, and actually signed by Ms Richter. The lamp including the shade is 12 inches high and it shows a little child hugging a very cute snowman. The shade has the same design on it. Also included is a lapel pin of the little child hugging the snowman. Well, when I saw it I knew some people that would love it. I personally know some people who collect snowmen. So I started negotiating with Bruce. He loaded my car up with lamps! Dot talked me into putting one on the table in LaGrange, and people started asking about them. I sold almost everyone that Bruce put in my car! So I have another shipment on the way to me now!

These lamps retail for 39.99. but as long as they last, I have them at a great reduction. I decided to put together a Talley Ho Ho Ho special! The special includes a CD or Cassette of my Christmas Project, featuring the Fruitcake song, The Snowman Love Lamp, signed by the artist Pat Richter, and the Lapel Pin. All for $25.00 plus shipping. Shipping will vary from zip code to zip code. So you might as well start your Christmas shopping early! I am not sure how many more I will be receiving this weekend so go ahead and place your order and get your Christmas shopping started early. There is a picture of the lamp in the store so check it out and call the office. 865 933 2100. You can also order online-just look for the Talley Ho Ho Ho special.

Thanks for praying for all the things I continue to ask you to pray for. Last week, I reported that there was a contract on the Autolube business that we have been trying to sell, but this week, that deal fell through so we are back to square one on that. Please, please, please pray for a qualified buyer to come along with good credit! And thanks for praying for my mom and my concert schedule.

I love you all and hope to see you sometime soon.

Kapt Kirk