Happy Mother's Day to everyone! Today is also Ben and Maeve's 7th anniversary. Happy Anniversary and many more to them! They came to Shamrock Jack's last night to have a bite to eat and celebrate. Ben is looking well and is feeling better day by day. As soon as he can have the hip replacement, there is no doubt that his recuperation will move much more swiftly and then it will be a matter of building muscle and stamina.

I posted two new pictures taken last night at SJ's and some of you may notice that Ben is sporting a new haircut. Yes, Ben's famous locks are gone, but he is enjoying the carefree lifestyle of his new, short hair. He did sing a song for us, as Trace, of Everheart, played guitar. It was truly "a moment" as those of us present heard that resonant, baritone singing once again with all the strength and passion that we've come to know and love. What a great evening and special. Ben hopes to play and sing a couple songs at the benefit, but that decision still goes day by day, as some days are better than others and he still tires quickly from pain.

Speaking of the benefit, there are still tickets available and so many have stepped forward with donations of things to be auctioned. We have some really wonderful gifts for silent and live auction. There will be food and drinks available as well. For more information, call the Rochester Irish Festival Hotline at 585-627-3312. My last posting from about a week ago also lists much of the information. You can find that just below this posting.

Thanks again for all your continued messages of encouragement and good wishes. Rest assured they are read and appreciated and looked for. Ben and Maeve hope to be in the "home stretch" of this long detour in their lives by fall.

Peg