Well, I'm back in New York City once again. Ten days back in the Midwest was just what I needed. It was fantastic to see everyone and hang out with my friends for a while. Strangely, it was even nice to get a red-blooded dose of country music.

Not sure I ever shared this tidbit. . . There's a fabulous 100% pure-country bar down the hill from my house - the El Paso Bar & Grill. I went down a few days ago to pick up a burger and cheese curds and took great joy in a 2' x 3' sign on the inside door: "Fishermen - Please remove waders before entering the restaurant." Equally as good, restaurant is spelled wrong on the sign.

More from El Paso. . . This may be the worst corn harvest in years. It's been both dry and cool, just the opposite of what corn needs. In fact, there are several fields by my house that are completely worthless. They froze during a hard frost a few weeks back. Now they're burnt brown, wilted and rotting in the field.

More stories later.
Until next time. . .