Friday night we drove out to Trumansburg so that Kelley could join her friend Adam in neighborhood trick-or-treating. The small-town aspect greatly resembles the one I grew up in. She and Adam did not stay out long, but I think they had fun with the experience and they each brought home a few treats. I believe they'll get much more out of it next year.

On Saturday our friends Bob and Helen introduced us to the Ludgates, who live about five miles away. The context: potluck dinner and musical jam session. Michael Ludgate's a real group-activity organizer. He leads weekly local mountain biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing outings as time permits. He also publishes a weekly listing of certain musical performances in the area and he hosts weekly jam sessions.

With respect to the music, I rather liked it: old-time stuff, consisting mostly of guitars and fiddles, but with accompaniment by basses, accordions, piano, spoons, harmonicas, etc. I would like to participate but I would feel totally intimidated by the whole idea (not being a good player, nor knowing the pieces by memory as everyone there seems to). As far as I know they welcome beginners, so maybe in another year or so I'll give it a try if I get can get copies of what they play and learn how to improvised and go along if not.




Ranger Kelley!