Maggie and Bruce knew Warren back in Wisconsin when he played in a band with many of the same people he is playing with today! We had a number of friends in common. Warren and Betty moved north while Bruce and Maggie were in Madison and we went to visit them once before the kids were born. Warren always was a poet and a minstral and he has gone on to do great things and has a big tent (Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua) that he takes around with him putting on shows of historical importance and evenings of songs he has written about places. He just finished one about Lake Okoboji in Iowa, where my family used to go before I was born.

We haven't seen or heard from Warren since we left Wisconsin. He's probably way to busy - but he's made a wonderful little bit of history up there in the north woods and we drink a schlog of brandy (Wisconsin's state liquor) to old friends, great ideas, and living forever.

By the way, if you ever see Warren, we have completely lost touch with our good friend Olga and I would give anything to find out where she is.

Anyway, Bruce and I had this on a vinyl record and when Scott heard it - well you know the rest of the story.

Whiskey Before Breakfast - traditional song

Words by Warren Nelson

Pick a fiddle tune, the October penny moon

The wind and the sweep of the leaves by the woodshed

Pumpkin in the pie and the goose goes high

thistle, thistle, penny whistle play a jig quick

There's a dance at the town hall later on tonight

There's a band from the big city come to play for money

Have you ever heard them play, you ought to hear them play

They've got a banjo, a flute, and a fiddle in the middle.

Whiskey in the jar and beer in the keg

Oh it looks like rain, no work tomorrow anyway

chance to wear your suit and your new brown shoes

The ladies will be waiting for a man who can dance.

I'll be by to pick you up, we'll take the motor car

Ought to leave soon, be in town a little early

Have dinner at the hotel before the dance

Take a bath, get a shave and a shoeshine.