Donny, I've cut back by a substantial margin, but I still play just about every day of the week, every week of the year. And, on the days when I'm not performing, I'm trying to learn new songs - at least new for my song list.

Yes, I am thinking seriously about retirement, but for me that would be a 50 percent cutback from my current schedule. Tonight, I performed at an upscale retirement community, one that combined the staff Christmas Party with the residents party. The menu was absolutely incredible, the chef, a drop-dead gorgeous lady in her mid 30s, prepared some of the best food anyone could ask for. The opened Ruby Hall at 3 p.m., high school kids in tuxedos served the food to the crowd, and I fired up the keyboard, kicking off with Santa Claus Is Coming To Town using a rock style that is tailor made for the song. It was a 2-hour party, I never took a break, never slowed down, and kept the crowd, young and old, on the dance floor for the entire time. At the end of 2 hours, they asked if I could do another 30 minutes, to which I agreed. When the party finally ended, everyone was dancing, singing, and the wine flowed like water throughout the afternoon. The AD asked how much more that half hour was going to cost, and I told him, "Nothing - Merry Christmas," then handed him a miniature of Jim Beam Honey with a bow tied around the neck.

I guess when it stops being fun, I'll give it up, but at 74, I guess I'm still having fun and really don't want to stop. However, I know that with luck I may have another two years remaining, then my health will preclude the ability to perform. So, if you can keep on keeping on, why stop? I sure was I were 40 years younger, though.

Gary