My mother often spoke of her grandfather Burcham who played fiddle. She was reminded of “Eighth of January” in 1994 when we visited The Hermitage, Andrew Jackson’s home outside Nashville. Not until that visit did she understand the significance of the name of the song. A couple years ago, I googled the song and learned it was the root-melody of the Johnny Horton pop hit “Battle of New Orleans.” I found the song in it’s primitive form on I-tunes, downloaded it, and played it for my mother on my IPOD as a surprise. Her eyes flew open, and she said “that sounds just like my grandpa!” It was great to bring to her a song she had not heard perhaps since she was about 12 years old.

It is good to know people like Suzy and your dad, Erwin, are working to save songs from the past. Music tells so much about a culture, and losing these songs would delete information that could not be replaced by any other medium.

Thank you. I assure you it was a pleasure.

You should also bring a piece of paper to the dealership and make sure you do all the math of the finance calculations yourself. The point is not that they will do the math wrong. The point is you will see exactly how the deal is structured. Do not be afraid to take the time to do this or look like a fool for mapping out your car deal in the dealership.

You appear very calm and centered, chere Janet.

xoxo, MaryAnn