May 18, 2000

Greetings from the A-O Ranch,

I realize this is at least 6 months late, and I have no excuse except to say that things have been so up in the air and unsettled that I didn't want to put out news that was obsolete or incorrect by the time you received it. I have been trying for more than a year to get into the studio and record a new CD and finally it looks as though it might happen. It is very difficult to coordinate everyone's calendar while I am maintaining a full performing schedule, which is the good news.

Meanwhile, back on the ranch, we've had a good year. Good rains made good hay last year so we had plenty to get through the winter. About a 95% calf crop so ole "Columbus", the bull, gets to keep his job. You have to be productive around here or your hiney is hamburger!

Speaking of being productive, Ruthie P. Nunn, "boss lady" of this outfit, improves the quality of this country life with her creativity, boundless energy, and determination to complete a job once it's started. She's doing a great job keeping us booked, and we've been fortunate to open up some new markets which, we are excited about.

The kids are doing well. Julian just graduated with honors from Eufaula Jr. High. He's into football and weight training is and growing like a weed. He comes home wanting to arm wrestle. The old bull, young bull thing. He has a way to go yet, but it won't be long. Lukin is still in Nashville with his family, Mandy and Silas. There are making their own way and he's moving up in his company, a natural foods grocery chain. We boys went skiing together at Wolf Creek and Taos Ski Valley and that was good.

I have been thinking about what I can do with myself when I can't hit the road anymore. Actually, a few opportunities have come my way, which are certainly worth considering. I've been thinking about running for the Senate from the state of New York. Hell, I'm twice as big a Yankees fan as Hillary ever will be and I care about kids just as much as she does. Apparently it's not required that you be a resident of New York or actually ever have accomplished anything. Besides I need something to do when I retire from the job I was never elected to either. My campaign slogan will be, "IT'S THE MEDIA, STUPID", or, "IF I CHOOSE NOT TO REMEMBER IT, IT NEVER HAPPENED" .

Seriously, folks, I don't intend to give up music any time soon. I'm just now starting to have fun and it's all because of the response and support I receive from all of you. I look forward to going out every weekend and sharing our music with you, and it is so gratifying that you seem to enjoy it as much as I do. I can't neglect to recognize and thank our friends in radio who include our music on your play lists. I apologize to you all right now for not having called or dropped by to tell you how much you are appreciated.

You realize that Ruth, Julian, and I not only do all the office work it takes to keep the BUNKHOUSE BAND on the road, accounting, secretarial work, etc., but we do all the ranch work, working cattle and goats, breeding and training horses, as well. I spend two full workdays on the road to and from our shows; about 1000 miles a week and still try to find time to help others get a leg up. So you can see we have a full pan, but sometimes, some things get put on the back burner. When we get wealthy we're gonna fix all that.

Please note that in the future we would ask that you visit our web site at www.garypnunn.com for information regarding our performance schedule, news from the A-O Ranch, milestones, horses and goats for sale, and general fits of bragging. This internet and e-mail thang has made it so much more economical and time efficient to get the word out and have people contact you, that it's just not feasible to print newsletters, put the labels on, and lick the stamps, when so many people have access to the internet. Besides it breaks my heart to see Ruthie doing all that work! I plan to write at least one a year mainly because so many people have expressed how much they enjoy getting it.

So, Dillo-Heads, it's that time. Look for our new CD later this fall. You can order our products by mail from us here at BUNKHOUSE PRODUCTS and we'll get them out to you promptly. The "BEST OF" CD is flying out the door, but don't forget there are lots of great tunes on our other CD's as well. Put our schedule on the "fridge", check out the web site, and stay in touch about the prospect of bringing back TERLINGUA NORTH. Till then, may we all remain, FRIENDS FOR LIFE!

LOTS OF LOVE,

GARY P. NUNN AND FAMILY