Goodbye July, Hello August
My, where has the summer gone. If it’s true that the older you get the faster time flies by, then maybe my friends are right about how old I am cause this summer surely is moving fast. Anyway, it’s been about two months since my last update and so I thought I’d better let you know what’s going on with the Patriots.
Like you, we’ve felt the pain when we go to bye fuel. It’s been hard on everyone and those of us who travel long distances have certainly had to do some adjusting. Our primary adjustments have been to (1) park the 4-5 mpg bus in favor of a small trailer, and (2) to concentrate harder on booking engagements closer to home. This certainly doesn’t mean that we aren’t going to do any overnight or multi-day trips, just that we may be doing fewer of them. This decision has its blessings and it’s drawbacks. The number one blessing is the fuel savings. Even though we’re traveling in two separate vehicles, our combined miles-per-gallon is still triple that of the bus alone while the price per gallon of gasoline is quite a bit less than diesel. Also, the smaller footprint of our vehicles, even with the trailer in tow, gives us more flexibility in congested areas, parking, etc. However, I truly do miss my “home away from home” with its closets, dressing room (air conditioned), storage for “whatever”, electricity for appliances and electronic gadgets, and all the other “home” comforts you just don’t get with a van. I mean there’s just no telling how many personal items this old forgetful man will be leaving in various Sunday school rooms, pastor’s offices, men’s rooms, or wherever we find a place to change before and after concerts this year. OK, that’s enough whining, even in jest, cause we actually feel blessed and very fortunate to have the means to go and do the work God has called us to do. We love Him and love singing for and about Him. We will do whatever it takes to make that possible.
All in all we’ve had a great summer. We’ve visited with many old friends and made new ones, as well. The Holy Spirit has been faithful in making his presence felt whether in a church, auditorium, outdoors event or whatever setting we might have been in. Although each concert was memorable and we love and appreciate the people who made them possible, for brevities sake I want to mention just a couple events that we were part of.
First, we were able to participate in a concert to benefit the “Meals on Wheels” charitable program in Danville, KY. This organization provides hot meals to the indigent and elderly in the community and is funded with thru donations and state assistance. Since the state aid was drastically reduced this year the folks chose to have an all day gospel singing event to raise money. The Patriot Quartet was privileged to be a part of the evening concert along with Allison Durham Speer, who grew up around Danville. Everyone had a great time and, hopefully we helped raise some of the needed funds. The other event I want to mention is the Cogers Singing Convention in Canton, Ohio. This was Wanda and Lawrence Coger’s 25th year to hold their three-day convention and it was their last year as sponsors. For the past several years the Patriot Quartet has been honored to be a part of this great event and have become very good friends with this hardworking and dedicated couple. We just want to add our congratulations to this wonderful couple and express our heartfelt love and appreciation to them for their kindness to the Patriot Quartet. May our Father richly bless you.
Well, that’s about all for this time. We look forward to seeing YOU down the road some time. We just can’t wait to see what the Lord has waiting for us this month!
dg.