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I used to really enjoy NPR, before it changed. We not only had our local station but most days WNCW from Spindale NC could be heard. I always thought Spindale was the perfect name for a town that hosted basically an unknown underground radio station. Between the two you could listen to The Carter Family, a plethora of long forgotten mountain music, obscure bluegrass, jazz, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Rachmaninov, Mussgorsky, APHC, and yes Caah Taak, no matter how noxious those accents are to my hillbilly ears. I listened to the brothers to laugh as well as learn a bit.

I've tried a few times but just can't take the new NPR. I do miss the old one terribly though.

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I couldn't agree more! I gave up on NPR too, probably before 2020, but I have fond memories like you. Spindale NC sounded awesome! John would LOVE that with bluegrass and jazz! Those brothers from Caah Taak were the best right? Even a hillbilly liked them! Too funny! I'm sorry for not checking in with you. I get overwhelmed and behind, but no excuse. How are you? Are you enjoying your summer doing anything special with your wife? I keep you in my prayers along with this entire community. It's a special place if you stay away from the same old hate! God Bless you. ox

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Thank you for your prayers, for everything, it means a lot to the both of us. I certainly understand about getting overwhelmed and falling behind, it seems there's always something else that needs attention and you have to take breaks. My health has been in the tank for a little over a month now, but we finally got an answer to why and I'm going back in the hospital Wednesday for a couple of days to get it taken care of. We also have a second opinion scheduled with another oncologist who has a great reputation and track record so we're looking forward to seeing what he says. We were able to go to a concert, at a former prison no less 😆 It took a week of rest before and after but it was a great experience. We reached out to the venue owner beforehand and explained our situation, as the parking is some distance from the actual entrance and they rolled out the red carpet, it was unexpected and unbelievable but greatly appreciated. They saved us a parking spot closer than the tour bus and then put us on a side by side and drove us right into the crowd to a prime place to see the show. The staff was very helpful, friendly and attentive, it was a great experience but also humbling to have them make such a fuss. All we'd asked for was to allow me to be dropped off at the entrance before Kris parked the car but they went way above and beyond. It was nice, if you ever want to read about Brushy Mountain Penitentiary and the people who lease it from the state and operate it, it's an interesting story.

Hadn't intended to write a book but there it is, we hope y'all have a safe trip to see your mother and enjoy yourselves. It's great hearing from you and we'll keep you in our prayers friend. God bless you both.

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Hi Joe, We're on the second leg to Oregon finally as we left a day late due to John having to bid for work. The mouse wheel of keeping our electrical small business going. All good. How did your hospital stay go? Really praying for a miracle Joe. Your concert story brought me tears. I wrote down Brushy Mountain Penitentiary and will read about the people who lease the place. God Bless and keep you and Kristin from the windy hills of the 5 frwy in Northern California! 🚐💨🐶🐶

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Hello Deborah, hoping you and John have reached your destination by now. Unfortunate your departure was postponed by work but such is the self employed life. People think you're just instantly rich when you're self employed, they've no idea the hours and sacrifices that go into it but it's so rewarding. Estimating jobs was one of my favorite aspects of self employment.

The hospital stay was a fiasco, I wrote a little bit about it here, not my best writing at all but it helped just getting it out. Went for an outpatient procedure today that totally refuses everything that was reported during the hospital stay and my surgeon emphasized the need to see another oncologist. Spoke with them today and they supposed to schedule an appointment and let us know something this week. God has us and is in control. I have faith in Him.

Kristin thanks you for everything, we're planning to come to Willits in Mendocino county in the next couple months to hopefully see our daughter and grandsons. We're looking forward to the trip, neither of us have been to California before.

We hope y'all have a safe trip and enjoy your time with your mother. Best wishes from East Tennessee.

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Hi Joe, I must have missed this on my phone during the road trip! Not the easiest through the mountain driving! lol. I am really sorry you were given the run around at the hospital. The state of healthcare is honestly shocking (but not shocking right?). I can't believe they set you up for outpatient and then refused to acknowledge your reported health condition. That's just terrible. I hope you get it sorted. I also hope you get to see your family in Mendocino. NorCal has it's areas - so I hope you don't have to see the terrible homeless areas. I think that area is nice still. It can be quite shocking.

You're so right about small business. It's really hard. But John chose this life too and it's because he's got this extreme independent nature. He fights for everything. California hates (hate the word hate!) the small business owner. period. But then. The grandkids. It's a hard one. Just wish he could retire by 65. We have 2.5 years - but I will bet 70. He is also very sick right now and that is very rare. Unfortunate he's had vacation let down at my mom's :(. He's been laid up since we got here on Tuesday. Poor guy. Completely overworked. I think he like the art of bidding too. It keeps him in the shop and that's a relief from the hot sun and pulling wire.

Please give my love to Kristin and hug each other for me. Much love from small-town Oregon, near Stayton. oxox

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Hi Joe, We're on the second leg to Oregon finally as we left a day late due to John having to bid for work. The mouse wheel of keeping our electrical small business going. All good. How did your hospital stay go? Really praying for a miracle Joe. Your concert story brought me tears. I wrote down Brushy Mountain Penitentiary and will read about the people who lease the place. God Bless and keep you and Kristin from the windy hills of the 5 frwy in Northern California! 🚐💨🐶🐶

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Just realized I had somehow been unsubscribed from your page and rectified that. I recently trimmed my reading list and fat thumbed yours in the process. My apologies.

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Caaa Tauk! Love that show every Sat morning. Brought to you by, Dewey Cheatum and Howe!

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ha ha! You got it down! We were in tears laughing every single show with the ending! The never-ending “brought to you by” was hilarious! I discovered I could snort-laugh!

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😅😁

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Loved A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison K!!

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Wasn't it so much fun to listen to it?! Thank you for reading Susie!❤️

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Indeed fun, Deborah! We also got the movie with Meryl Streep and Lindsay Lohan and Maya Rudolph. Great movie! Love the sound effects people! They're a hoot! ☺️

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For those who want to stop and feel something…❤️. How many of us are too busy to really stop and feel anything these days. And with an ever present screen, escape is just a tap away. The story of you and your mum each feeling the same thing and running for each other is so beautiful. Thank you for this beautiful, reflective, and musical post. Have a most beautiful Friday!

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Thank you Jenn! I will never forget the days when public radio felt free and easy ☀️ It was an impactful part of our life. ox

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Bluegrass definitely meets in that space between spirit and skin! I’ll dance to that! Thanks Deb 🙏❤️

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Yesss dance to that! Those were special days on public radio. So blessed to have experienced an old fashioned radio show - like what my granddad did, with comedy, on a BBC show during the war! Thank you Jamie 😘

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Apr 21
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100% agree with you Jenni 😕 It's very sad to see what's happening. I hope you're doing well! Happy week ahead to you 😘

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