Haysville, Kansas

The last time I was here(2000), this town was literally devastated by a Category 2 tornado. So I had no idea what would/would not be left standing. To my amazement, it has been completely built back, and looks great...all things considered.
Haysville is capital to the Peach Capitol Rodeo; an event that has been going on for over 100 years. While living close to this town, I often went to the rodeo, and was it ever fun. I think I even dated a "cowgirl" for a while that rode barrel racing. That goes back a ways.
Well folks, today's show concludes our singing tour for now...and was it was it a great one. We san lots of the Beatles, Elvis, and etc. We even took request from the residents.
We found our afterwards that one of the residents actually sang country western for over twenty years. Had we known that, we would have handed her the mic.
From here we are heading to Lake Afton, where the water is clear, and the fishin is good. While in Kansas we did nine shows, so now it is time to have some real fun. We are doing this because the temperatures in this area are still in the 100's.
The plan is for us to leave out of here this Thursday (August 3rd) for New Mexico, and be there by the weekend. So the next time I blog, we should be at our destination.
Thanks so much for all who have shared in this journey with us, and I will keep blogging once we arrive.
God bless !

Haysville, Kansas

The last time I was here(2000), this town was literally devastated by a Category 2 tornado. So I had no idea what would/would not be left standing. To my amazement, it has been completely built back, and looks great...all things considered.
Haysville is capital to the Peach Capitol Rodeo; an event that has been going on for over 100 years. While living close to this town, I often went to the rodeo, and was it ever fun. I think I even dated a "cowgirl" for a while that rode barrel racing. That goes back a ways.
Well folks, today's show concludes our singing tour for now...and was it was it a great one. We san lots of the Beatles, Elvis, and etc. We even took request from the residents.
We found our afterwards that one of the residents actually sang country western for over twenty years. Had we known that, we would have handed her the mic.
From here we are head to Lake Afton, where the water is clear, and the fishin is good. While in Kansas we did nine shows, so now it is time to have some real fun. We are doing this because the temperatures in this area are still in the 100's.
The plan is for us to leave out of here this Thursday (August 3rd) for New Mexico, and be there by the weekend. So the next time I blog, we should be at our destination.
Thanks so much for all who have shared in this journey with us, and I will keep blogging once we arrive.
God bless !

Mulvane, Kansas

I lived and worked in this town between 1995 and 2000, and has it ever changed/grown. That is everything except the trailer that I lived in...it was actually empty.
I saw where Laurie's cafe was still open, which is where I ate biscuits and gravy many a time before hitting the road.
Mulvane is famous for its Old Settlers Day event, which has been going on now for more than 100 years. Complete with street dancing, yodeling contest, hog catchin', and just plain eatin' some great food.
They also have an antique car parade, and man do they ever bring 'em out of the garages for this event. Many come out only once a year, and I took lotsa' pictures.
Todays show was at The Villa...just one block down from the library on main street. While setting up, I looked out to see a few old friends I had not seen in over twenty years. They were not residents; rather they heard we were doing a show, so they came by for support.
Halfway into the show, one of the residents got real excited and began to sing right along with us...which is always good to see.
We have a weekend break, then our final Kansas show will be in Haysville next Monday. This show will be a 60's sockhop...how many of our readers remember those things?
Stay tuned!

Clearwater, Kansas

This small rural Kansas town has some of the greatest Quail hunting around. Some years back I raised German Shorthair Pointers, and would always take them to Clearwater with some of my buddies. On one particular outing we four of us bagged about 30 Quail, and one of my pointers retrieved every one of them.
Todays show was exceptional because we got to sing through our new system...hurrayyyy.
This is actually the first of two shows today...the next one is in Mulvane, Kansas.
Our camera is working again, but we are using the internet in a library in a small town. Once we get settled, I will go back and post some pics.
Stay tuned!

Rose Hill, Kansas

Yes, that really is a name of the town we performed at today. Rose Hill is about twenty miles south east of Wichita, Kansas. For those of you who are reading our blog and following our trip (from out of state), that may not mean anything to you. For those of you who are reading our blog from other countries, Kansas is located in the midwest of the United States. It is also the state where the famous Wizard of Oz movie was made. No, Dorothy and Toto do not still live here, but the yellow brick road is close by.
From the last time I was here (1997) Rose Hill seems to have grown, and there are two things significant about this town. 1) My mom passed away (in 1997) at the very nursing home we performed at today, and 2) The Rose Hill Christian church is where I got "saved" (in 1983) after a marriage failure and a failed suicide attempt.
I honestly thought I would get a little emotional singing at the Carriage House today, but I kept it together just fine. Believe it or not, there were some residents (and staff) there that remembered my mom...amazing.
The facility was absolutely gorgeous and the acoustics were outstanding...which made for a great show. I am singing My Way just great Stefi tells me. We also sing a fantastic Crazy by Patsi Cline...a real crowd pleaser.
Oh, I just about forgot to tell you that I had a dance partner again today...Sheryl. She was wheel chair bound, but that did not keep us from twirling around the dining hall. All the while she was grinning from ear-to-ear. How good was that?
Tomorrow we again have two performances...one in Clearwater, Kansas, and the second is in Mulvane, Kansas...another town I lived in for many years. Afterward we have been invited to my brother's for a BBQ.
Stay tuned!

Andover, Kansas

As of yesterday we were undecided if we should pursue our goal and continue on to New Mexico, or remain in Kansas.
Today, after quite a talk with my dad, the decision has been made to go on to New Mexico in pursuit of our dreams and goals. Stefi and I are artist and musicians, and we have longed to live in an artist community. In addition to singing, Stefi is a professional psychic, and wants to set up a store front to do palm readings. As for me, I am a gifted leather crafter, and hope to be in the same store with her.
As for our shows, we performed at Sunflower Meadows today...our first house party. It was very small, and only a handful of residents, but a little over halfway through the program, two of them suddenly got up and started dancing. Cleo (a man) grabbed Stefi by the hand and they both kicked up their heels, all the while she was singing. I then grabbed Bessy's hands, and we started twirling around. How fun was that?
Tomorrow (for the first time) we have two shows in the same day...one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
On another note, after searching high and low at numerous Goodwill's, I finally found a new 8-track tape player. You see, Stefi and I grew up in that era, and I kept all my tapes. So flying down the road we go in Honey now with our old John Denver (Rocky Mountain High) tapes blaring out the windows.
Ohhhhh...I just about forgot a very important announcement...I got my camera back today.....YEAHHHHHHH !!!
Stay tuned!

Wichita, Kansas

It seems that our best laid plans may be taking a new direction.
This whole tour idea was a means to begin a new chapter in our lives. We have retired, bought the motor home, and wanted to pursue the American dream of traveling from coast to coast in it. After two weeks, we find ourselves stalled in Kansas...beeseeching the Lord what to do next. I (Terry) am from here, and have mentioned that I have family and friends here. My dad is 81 now, and his health is failing, so a decision needs to be made...do we stay, or do we go on?
Stefi has said she will be compliant to whatever decision I make, but I want what is best for her too. This particular part of the country is miserably hot, and the winters are bitterly cold. Unlike where would be living in New Mexico.
On the other hand, we can do what we do, wherever we are...spreading joy, love, peace and happiness.
Yesterday we performed at the Masonic Home, which is where my friend Birdie Martin has "existed" for over ten years.
Walking in, we passed by many folks sitting in wheel chairs, and I had no idea what she would look like. The director (Linda) came over and pointed Birdie out to me. Making my way over to her, I held her hand, looked directly into her eyes and re-introduced myself. Due to her having a stroke she could not verbally reply, but I could tell in her eyes she knew me.
We dedicated the entire program to her, and she nodded in and out while we sang. At the conclusion of the program, I went up and told her that I was going to her house to pet "Blackie," her favorite cat. At that, she began to cry, and said (somewhat) I love you...the connection had been made.
Tomorrow we are off to Sunflower Meadows for a show at a very beautiful facility.
Stay tuned!

Derby, Kansas

Another day we find ourselves in the town of my alma mater, and having a great time getting re-acquainted with both family and old friends.
As an example...I drove by Kountry Korner Kars, which is owned and operated by my old buddy Larry. While still living in Kansas, I bought several good (used) vehicles from Larry. He is an original midwesterner; complete with a cowboy hat and boots. His raspy voice also lends itself to this part of the country.
One thing I always liked about Larry was his calendars and a great looking ball point pen with his business name on them.
Sure enough, I barely sat down and Larry handed me one of each, along with a cold bottle of pop he keeps in a cooler.
He was glad to see me again, and very proud of the tour we are on. For certain, Larry is one of dem' good ol' boys you find in these parts...thanks Larry...happy trails.
Today's show was at the Vintage Place Assisted Living Center; and what a show it was. One nice thing is my dad is now going to all our shows while we are here, and he is loving all of them.
We started this show with Sentimental Journey, and ended it with Stevie Wonder's I Just Called To Say I Love You.
Did this place ever rock too, and most everyone sang every song right along with us...which always makes it an upbeat moment for Stefi and I.
Tomorrow we are going to Wichita, Kansas, and the Masonic Home. I am really excited about this show, because my old friend "Birdie" Martin has been a resident there for five years, and I know she will be glad to see/hear us.
Stay tuned!

Derby, Kansas

Eight days later, we finally arrived in Derby, Kansas...my alma mater.
It has been many years since I have been "back home." I plan on looking up some old buddies and maybe playin' some pool, and kickin' it at a Karaoke bar.
I don't know if any of you look at the weather map, but if not, it is 110 degrees in Kansas today. Geeesssshhhhh! That is like unbearable, and it makes Stefi very miserable.
This afternoon we did a show at the Alterra Sterling House, right next to the High School I graduated from. How cool was that?
Not only were the residents there, but some family members and a small group of friends. It was so nice to have so much support, and the show itself was a smash.
Due to the extreme heat, and some mechanical issues with Honey, we have decided to alter our tour some. In that we are staying in this area for a few weeks.
As of this morning, I have booked seven local shows, so we will be kept busy, and not just hittin' dad's refrigerator.
This trip has been very difficult for Queenie, our "Dogter." She is 70 now (in dog years) and she has diabetes. So we have to give her insulin twice a day. Every few days she gets lathargic, and we have to give her some Karo syrup, which seems to pick her right back up.
Tomorrow we have another program in Derby, at the Vintage Plaza assisted living center. In a few days we are doing a 50's - 60's sockhop. Anybody remember those days?
Stay tuned!

Kansas City, Missouri

We have found that spontaneity works best. Case in point! Before our trip began, we were given a gift card from Panera's Sandwich Shop.
Driving through Kansas City, we saw a Panera's sign, so we said "Let's do it!" The direction sign was a little confusing, and after driving for eight hours straight (in the heat) my brain was beginning to fry a lil'. In any event, I turned at the sign, only to realize two blocks later I turned the wrong way.
Turning down the next street, in the middle of the block was a Manor Care Facility. Stefi and I looked at each other and said, "Look's like a set up in the making."
Pulling into the parking lot, Stefi went in to talk to the Activity Director. Need I tell you the outcome. The Activity Director told Stefi that her entertainment for the day (3 Banjo players) had canceled. Woo hoooooo.
In about fifteen minutes we were set up and giving them the show of their lives. Honestly, the pay was not that great, but when you are doing things as unto the Lord, He meets all our needs...every time!
Next stop is Derby, Kansas, my home town. All of my family is there, and anxious to share some good times.
Stay tuned!

Clarksville, Tn.

HOME OF THE SCREAMING EAGLES 101ST AIRBORNE!!!
We have taken a break from our shows by going to my (Terry's) daughter's just outside Nashville for the weekend. Last night Mandi and I sang Karaoke, and literally brought the house down. It may be sometime before we see her and our grandchildren again, so we are making the most of every minute here.
It is Sunday morning; as I sit here and type, Stefi, Mandi, and the kids are making necklaces.
After breakfast, we headed to Lake Barkley, just outside Clarksville, where a very significant event took place...our five year old grand daughter (Ally) swam for the first time by herself. Both mom and grandparents were very proud, and Ally was beaming from ear to ear.
Our next show is in my (Terry's) hometown of Derby, Kansas, on July 19th at Sterling House. We are leaving tomorrow (Monday) morning for a 12 hour drive to Kansas, where we will have to purchase another amp before our next show.
I wanted to take a moment to personally thank all of you who have made muchly needed donations through our paypal account of raphapublishing@yahoo.com to offset our expenses.
Who knows, in our travels, we could be singing to one of your loved ones, and we express them love from you...our coveted followers.

God Bless

Cleveland, Ohio

After a grueling 8 hour trip. we pulled into the parking lot of the Euclid Beach Assisted Living Center. Map quest did us bad, and it underestimated the traveling time, so we were late.
Walking in, we could tell the folks were restless, and anxious to hear our program. After about a ten minute setup, we began this program with Manyana. This is always a great opener, and it gets the folks right into the spirit of our show.
After driving so long, Terry was quite tired, so we cut the program a little short...only a couple songs.
Leaving there we took in the grand shores of Erie Lake...which borders all of Cleveland. This was the first time either of us had been to Lake Erie.
We then took in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame...what an experience. We didn't realize it, but this was the weekend that the tall ships were due in. Apparently, every four years, a group of twelve ships come to Cleveland. If you have never been up close to a tall ship, you have not lived.
While sitting at the park, we got an unexpected phone call from the Activity Director of Green Valley nudist camp; inviting us to give a program.
They were located in Bath, Ohio, just outside Akron, and an hour from the nursing home. We arrived around 7pm, checked in, and it took us about an hour to set up Honey...then we headed directly for the pool.
After laying low for a couple days, we began our show around 6 on Friday evening. A downpour forced everyone into the clubhouse, rather than a poolside event.
Some four hours later, one of the "campers" was singing along, and our amp blew...OH NO!!!
This was the first time we had "technical difficulties," and the folks were understanding.
Tomorrow morning (Saturday) we are heading out early for Clarksville, Tn., to visit family for a few days.

East Stroudsburg, Pa

Sorry for not posting for some time, but we have not had the convenience of WIFI.
The next several posts are being written at my daughter's home in Nashville, so I'll try and catch everyone up.
Driving through the Poconos was a most thrilling experience. It seemed as if the Hawks soared over us the entire way. providing traveling safety.
Along the way we drove right into the Delaware Water Gap National Forest. Taking a driving break, we took in the beautiful sight of the Dingman Falls...a 200 foot cascading water falls...truly stunning.
We made it to the Pocono Valley Lutheran Assisted Living Center with time to spare, and what a great crowd greeted us. The place will filled with loving folks, and they were so appreciative of our program.
In times past, Stefi has performed professionally at night clubs and bars, but NOTHING compares with the love and appreciation of the folks at nursing homes. We always leave feeling uplifted...like we have had a spiritual experience.

Many Thanks

Stefi and I are so thrilled over the recent influx of visitors to our blog. We want to thank each and every one of you, and we welcome your comments about our blog. I am always open to suggestions and ways to improve it, because it is not only our blog...we feel it belongs to you too.
Not surprising that the word got out about us performing at nudist camps, because today we got a call from Green Valley, which is outside Akron, Ohio. Seems the folks from Juniper Woods called them, so they invited us to their annual Bastille Day ...complete with French wine and cheese.
We will be performing there on July 14th, so look for the post.
We are like totally thrilled to be livng out our dreams of blessing folks in nursing homes...our first love.
There are lovely flowers like this all over Juniper Woods.

Juniper Woods

Nestled deep within the Catskills you'll find heaven on earth, in the form of a "clothing optional camp" called Juniper Woods. In layman's terms, this is called a nudist camp.
We checked in Friday evening, and Honey got settled right into her weekend parking spot.
The first place we hit was the wonderful outdoor swimming pool, which was frequented by about twenty other "campers." The pool's temerature was about 85, and it was so relaxing. Plus, Terry's favorite activity was playing volleyball.
After a dip in the pool, Stefi and I went straight to the hot tub which was about 105 degrees, and there were six other "campers" already in.
We made it to bed a little early because Saturday was going to be a very busy day for us.
We had arranged to exchange our camp fees for a program and Karaoke...a nice trade-off.
We were set up by 1 pm, and we opened our program with Kenny Chesney's " When The Sun Goes Down." An hour later we concluded our program and opened it up for Karaoke.
There was a wine and cheese party going on, and lotsa' "campers" showed up for the gig.
We closed down the singing around 4, and got some fixin's ready for a six o'clock potluck.
Back to the poolside for a second round of Karaoke and general fun. I tried my hand at some Larry The Cable Guy "Git R Done" comedic stuff, and had everybody rollin'. In fact, it got so outrageous that Stefi couldn't even sing.
We had to forcibly close the singing down around 11pm, cause the wine was hittin' the party folks real good by then. Up by ten, and one more dip in the pool...how refreshing. Then we were out the gate by noon.
In retrospect, we can sum this adventure up with one word...LOVE!
Never before have we felt so accepted and loved by a group of folks...it was simply awesome.
Even though I can't post any pics, if you go to www.juniperwoods.com, you can get at least a snippet of the grounds.
We would like to give a big kudos to Jim and Peg Kirschner for their invitation, and for making us feel so welcomed.
Our next show at a nursing home is in East Stroudsburg on July 11th...stay tuned.

Campbell Hall, New York

Blink your eyes and you have driven right through this country-side town. Most towns at least have a post office...I saw none. I even asked the staff if they could enlighten me about the town. They all just looked at each other, with no answer.
Kristy Kramer, the activity coordinator met us, offered us refreshments, and then took us to the (rather large) music room.
After about a twenty minute set-up, all the residents were present.
We opened again with Manyana...fastly becoming our signature opening tune.
This program was a full hour long, and Terry begain complaining he got hot and his feet hurt...poor guy.
About fifteen minutes down the road after the performance we past a hot dog stand, and Stefi (being from New York) asked..."ya' want a Sabrett." "A what," I said. "A Sabrett!" "Okay, I'll play along...what is a Sabrett." "A great tasteing all beef (skinless) hot dog." Hitting the brakes, I made a quick turn-around. A few minutes later I was enjoying a mouth watering Sabrett, loaded with onions, relish, peppers, and honey mustard...swallowed down with a Diet Pepsi. The best part about it was there was no heavy salt taste like most of the hotdogs you buy at Walmart. (no offense Sam)
After a few days off, our next stop is Juniper Woods nudist camp. That's right...we have become so popular that we are singing (au' naturale) this weekend...by invitation. Terry has "been there done that," but it will be Stefi's first "camp" visit. The location is somewhere in the Catskills.
Sorry...no pics will be posted y'all.

Warwick, New York

Come to find out, Warwick is an award winning town. It has achieved the well-earned status of a "Quality Community" through the office of New York's Governor Pataki.
Unfortunately we just missed A Taste of Warwick event. This is where you walk down the street, stepping in and out of local dining establishments, sampling their menu's. Terry was very sorry to have missed this special event.
Arriving at the facility, we were greeted by Kari, and then taken directly to the music room. Shortly afterward, the residents began filing in as Stefi and I were setting up for the program. We began this show with Sentimental Journey, and it brought many sighs of joy. About halfway through, Stefi sang Who's Sorry Now, and the entire female residency seemed to join in.
Terry belted out My Way again, and Stefi commented (to Terry) after the show that "Your singing is really improving honey."
We are off to Campbell Hall Rehab tomorrow. Thanks to all those who are following our tour.

Goshen, New York

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!

It is July 4th, and we performed at the Valley View Assisted Living Center in Goshen, New York today. We were met by the activity director, Amy Fye. It took about half an hour to get the folks gathered in the activity room...about fifty strong.

Stefi started the program off with Manyana...one of her favorites. We have new "props" for this tune...maraccas, a tamborine, and two huge colorful sombreros. At the conclusion we received a resounding applause.

Then it was Terry's turn to bring the house down with My Way by Frank Sinatra, and then Mack The Knife by Bobby Darrin.

We concluded the 45 minute program with It's So Nice To Be With You...a wonderful tune to end with.

Drivng into Goshen, we were greeted with one-hundred year old colonial type mansions lining the streets...very pristine. The flower gardens were bursting with various hues and fragrances. Turning the corner we passed an open air market loaded with fruits and vegetables. Continuing on we passed an old railroad car that was transformed into a small diner...how quaint.

WE MISS OUR CAMERA SO MUCH!

Tomorrow we are back to Schervier Pavillion in Warwick, New York...one of our favorite stops.

Happy 4th of July everyone.

PLEASE DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!!!