We have had some happy, mellow hours at Forestville's Hollydale Club - a community hub nestled in the woods above the river. Our annual gig there has an Italian flair to coordinate with pasta and antipasto plates served up by smiling chefs. Last year we started the evening doing our usual thing, playing tunes "for your listening and dancing pleasure," but we ended up all clustered around the big screen T.V. agonizing over the 18 inning Giant's playoff game. When our team finally won, everyone was too pooped to carry on - but it was a fantastic evening. This year, there was pasta and happy kids but no Giant's game. We played some Italian classics, and Mike tooted his horn with gusto. At evening's end (and after the long-winded raffle!) we met a fellow who lived up the road. He and his wife had been listening to the music come through the treetops - debating whether the music was live or came from some DJ's gear. He finally came to the club in person to find out and was so happy to find live musicians. He paid us a great compliment, and it felt good. So it was another happy Hollydale gig, and it gave us the boost we need to do our tribute to drummer "Doug the Thug" at the Blue this Thursday. Upward and onward. Take care. Love, Sylvia