Greetings from the A-O Ranch

I have some time on my hands, so I thought I would write a bit and get y'all caught up. We're still trying to recover from the incredible "Ice Storm" that hit us on Christmas night. We were without power and water for 2 weeks! Every tree in the country suffered broken limbs. It looked like a tornado had been through here. It took us several days to chainsaw paths just to get out of our driveway. My old tractor blew a fuel injector and I had to beg, borrow and steal, well not steal, my neighbor's help to feed my poor cows. Thankfully, they were generous and merciful and helped us out.

During all this I was working every weekend on the road with the band while nursing a bad case of upper respiratory gunk that was going around. Ruth and Julian somehow managed to exist with a generator for minimum electricity, and hauling water for themselves and animals. It was an exercise in survival, and they did survive just great. I just had a spring break week off and spent it repairing fences flattened by fallen tree and limbs. I admit I'm way out of shape. Nearly killed me, but we are slowly getting straighten up around the old A-O. Still lots to do.

Back to somewhat normal routine, Ruthy P. continues to occupy herself with caretaking of a managerie of animals, domestic, stray and orphaned. Right now she is bottle feeding 7 goat kids! Now that's a sight to behold. She has tilled her garden and waiting for warmer weather. The martin scouts have arrived so it won't be long. Good thing cause I'm just about out of hay.

Son Julian is a full-time jock. He's playing football for the Eufaula Ironheads, is powerlifting runs track, and he now belongs to the coach. I have thought about telling the coach that he can feed, clothe, and put a roof over his head, as he is always too tired to do anything around here when he gets home. What's the use of having kids if you can't get any use out of them? Naw, he's a great kid. Grown a good six inches the past year. Pushing 6 feet and 155 lbs.

Son Lukin and his family are still in Nashville and doing well. Lukin has been spending more time with his music having found some guys to play and write with, while holding down a full-time job at a organic foods supermarket. They seem happy and I can't ask for more than that. Just wish I could spent more time with them. They're coming for a visit in May, can't wait.

I guess I better get moving. Have to put out hay for the cows. Thank you all for being such good friends and so supportive. We couldn't do anything without it. May the Good Lord continue to bless us with health and happiness,

Gary P.

MILESTONES

I am pleased to inform you of honors that I have been fortunate to receive of late. I was inducted into the TEXAS HALL OF FAME at the Texas Country Music Association Awards Ceremony last October, joining the ranks in honor with such great artists as BOB WILLS, WILLIE NELSON, FLOYD TILLMAN, and a host of other notables who are legends in country music. It is hard for me to imagine that I belong in such company, I am humbled and sincerely grateful to those in the TCMA who have honored me so.

More recently I was informed that I had been voted into "HALL OF FAME" by the Austin Chronicle Reader's Poll, presented at the annual Austin Music Awards Ceremony held during the SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE. This award was totally unexpected as I was unaware that I was on any list for consideration. It is gratifying to be recognized in Austin where I have had, as many of you know, a long history of performing as well as involvement in careers of other artists and promoting the Texas Music Industry which is beginning to flourish. It has always been my firm belief that we in Texas didn't require the okay of someone in LA or New York or Nashville to make a living in the music business. Thank you Austin Chronicle Readers for this honor.