Fiddler’s was a blast as always.

Ali and I arrived in Birmingham around 11am and we drove over to Anniston. We told Granby and Aunt Leigh that we’d give them a ride up to Athens. It was Leigh’s first time; I hope she enjoyed herself. Since we were in Anniston around lunch time there was only one thing to do — Go to Mata’s for lunch. This is hands down the best pizza known to man, so if you find yourself in Atlanta, Birmingham, or within a few hours of Anniston and you don’t make a trip to Mata’s, your are really doing yourself a disservice.

In Athens all the usual suspects show. We were even graced with the presence of Will, Meghan, and Liam. They hadn’t been in quite a while. I usually try not to let things outside of my control affect my emotional state, but I must confess I take their absence hard every time it happens.

Kathy, Joe, and Will all entered Old Time Singing. Joe took 4th place; he sang Railroad Bill with Will backing him up on the guitar. Will has a very nice picking arrangement for that song. I backed Will up on guitar during his performance, and though we did not place, it is always a joy to be on the stage of Founders Hall.

Joey and Patrick came from Clarksville and only stayed for the Friday night activities. Joey picked up a very sweet Taylor Acoustic/Electric since last year. Playing it was like butter, there is nothing else to say except, I want one.

We did our usual jam session behind the house on Saturday, and capped Saturday off with a long enjoyable dinner at Logan’s. Maybe one of these years we’ll convince Joe and his lady to come with.

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