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We got into Little Rock around 8:30 on Sunday night. I hadn't seen the Clinton Library after dark before. I won't get into politics, but I'll just say that the structure and it's lighting effects are really impressive.

A side note; Sunday was Ms. and my anniversary, the twenty-third...yes I remembered. After checking into our hotel, we got settled, had some drinks, and then ended up watching the top 40 fashion do's and dont's of the year. Amazing, but I didn't realize that tie dyed was out, what's with that? The bed in the hotel room was pure greatness! The only problem was that we didn't get enough sleep, and not because we were busy (hey, we've been married 23 years, we're boring), but because we stayed up way to late.

Monday morning in central Arkansas was absolutely gorgeous. No wind, 75 degrees and a sky as blue as the Lord made blue. We arrived ahead of time at the church building right along with the rest of the band. We then made our way to a back room to run over the three songs we were to perform. Our warm up was flawless. There's truly something magical that happens when we are together. The music is so full, the dynamics and timing are so strong, and the harmonies are so sharp that it makes you realize why our brand of new grass is so uncommon.

Around 200 people attended the funeral. Following the opening statement, we played a medley which was concieved by my friend during his long drive from Fayetteville. After the first song we all took a seat in the choir section. After the second preacher spoke, we played again. My friend who feels more like a brother to me spoke to the audience about his dad and shared some of his childhood memories. He got through it, but barely. The remainder of us sit misty eyed holding our instruments in anticipation of the next song. When prompted we again singled filed into the pulpit to perform the final song, "I'll Fly Away." Before we began everyone in the building was asked to stand and sing with us. Some did, but some wept. Overall, I thought it to be very inspirational. It was in fact the most uplifting funeral service I had ever attended.

We followed the precession to the National Cemetery just outside of North Little Rock. It was such a peaceful place, located among small hills with patches of gravesites located along a meandering road. Upon arrival, members of the U.S. Coast Guard stood at attention as the body was carried to it's final resting place. The U.S. flag was folded and taps were played. A few handshakes, hugs and words of thanks and wisdom were passed around among the many friends and family members. Soon after the service all of us departed in different cars, in different directions and headed back to life as usual.

Ms. and I on the other hand, bought bologna and cheese at the nearby Wal Mart Neighborhood Market. We then made our way onto Interstate 40 then south on to I-30. In just four hours we were back in Greenville, Texas, but instead of turning traveled straight into Dallas to the Lemmon Ave. Whole Foods Market for something to take home for dinner. We're now back safely.

I love Arkansas.