Greetings from the A-O Ranch,

The seasons change, but mostly "WE NEVER DO". It has cooled off now. Football season is in full swing. The Texas Longhorns lost to Oklahoma in the Red River Shoot-out. I was hoping this would be the Longhorn's year for bragging rights.

It has been very dry here at the ranch. We've had some nice showers which has helped the grass, but the stock ponds are drying up. Fortunately, we've had enough grass to get us through the summer. Next week, we are gathering the whole herd of cattle and sending them to market. No more putting out hay in freezing weather. It's sad and a relief at the same time. I enjoy the cowboy life but "there's only so much fun a cowboy can have by himself."

I have finally had enough of the 1000 miles a weekend drive. It's really starting to wear and tear on me particularly as our performance schedule has picked up considerably which leaves me so little time at home. I've been giving up two days a week driving for 18 years. That's two days a week I could be practicing, or writing, or rehearsing with the band. Utilizing time in a manner that will contribute positively to improving our situation has become my new priority. I need desperately to get into the studio. There are so many songs that I need to and want to record. Simply put, I need to really focus on the music. I've been spread too thin-too many irons in the fire.Reminds me of the song Bob Livingston and I wrote back in the 70's. "Got my irons in the fire down in Texas-Got a toehold in Tennessee-Got my foot in the door of that California store-But I'm still up to my ears in me!" It's still true after all these years but things are going to change. For example:

FOR SALE: 480 ACRES ONE MILE RIVERFRONT ON THE SOUTH CANADIAN RIVER IN SW MCINTOSH CO. OKLA. DEER, TURKEY, WATERFOWL AND OTHER WILDLIFE ABUNDANT. PERFECT SETTING AND HABITAT FOR HUNTING RESORT, CAMPING, TRAILRIDING. OR RANCHING. CALL RUTHIE P. NUNN AT 918-657-2432

Yes, we are definitely moving back to Texas. Someone said, "It's about damn time. What are you doing in Oklahoma anyway?" That's a good question, and it has something to do with family obligations. Something had to be done, and I was the one who could do it. Ruthie, as she always does, in her wisdom, explained it to me, and suddenly it was all very clear. She has her very practical, commonsense, Swiss way of analyzing a problem and coming up with a sensible solution. Most of the mistakes I have made since we married were made because I ignored her advice. Anyhow, we are resolved as soon as Julian finishes high school. Yes, major changes are in the wind.

Julian, is 17, a senior in high school, a good student and a starter on the Eufaula High School football team. They were 6 - 0 until last Thursday night when they came up short against their district rival. They have made it to the state semifinals the last two years and are still very much in contention for the playoffs and have the state championship as their goal. I have been fortunate to see two games this season, which I love. I'm one of those hollering, cheering parents in the stands, just like my dad was when I was playing for the Brownfield Cubs in high school. And just like my mom, Ruthie has to quiet me down because I'm embarrassing her. But heck, hollering for my kid's football team is one of the best feelings I have, and I wish I could see every game.

However, in this business we only have two days a week to make a living. During this past summer, that has picked up considerably, and we have been playing 3-4, and even 5 shows a week. The band personnel situation has finally stabilized and we have made great progress. Steve Layne has been with me over a year now and really is the foundation of the band that I have been able to build upon. Emmitt Roach came on to fill the steel slot, but he also brings dobro, mandolin, fiddle, and guitar sounds to the band, and is doing a great job. Michael Christian was the 8th drummer I auditioned this past summer. Several were excellent, but for various reasons were unable to make the commitment necessary to do this gig. Michael has made the commitment and is doing an excellent job. Since this group has come together we have made progress by leaps and bounds, and I would say this is one of the primary reasons our business has picked up so dramatically. Another reason is, the very excellent job that our booking agent, Chad Kudelka at Austin Universal Entertainment, has been doing for us. He and Ruth working together has proved to be a excellent combination.

We have some great opportunities this fall that I am particularly excited about. On Nov. 8, we travel to Washington D.C. to perform for the annual Texas State Society's annual fall bash, when most of the Texans working in D. C. get together and celebrate all things Texan. Traditionally they hire their favorite Texas band to provide the music and this year we are honored and thrilled they have chosen Gary P. Nunn and the Sons of the Bunkhouse. I'm really looking forward to this trip. It will be fun to play some good old Texas music that they can two-step to. There are not that many good dance bands playing original Texas music around any more. The weekend after, we get to perform for an event honoring President George Herbert Walker Bush! It was humorous when they sent back the contract, they made a point of emphasizing that it was President Bush who had top billing!
Hey, I've got no problem with that.

All in all, we're happy to report that things are going pretty well. The family is doing good and enjoying good health. Son Lukin is still living in Nashville, holding down a day job and pursuing a career in music. He has been writing a doing some recording and playing in two or three bands. His wife, Mandy, and son, Silas are getting along well by all reports. Silas is in the 1st grade and an excellent student I am told. They would make my dad William real proud. "I don't want any dumb grandkids running around here," he would always say.

Well, I didn't intend to make this a novel, so I had better wrap it up and get it to the webmaster. A lot of folks have mentioned that they miss not getting the mail out newsletter. It seems they really enjoyed reading it and putting our schedule on the 'fridge' so they could catch us when we come to their area. But this Internet thing has made that costly and time consuming exercise obsolete. So I encourage all of you to visit our web site for family news, band information, show dates, contests, and such and mention it to your friends. Our products are available on-line and can be conveniently purchased with credit cards through the Pay Pal system. We are enjoying a tremendous response with this system and we thank you all who have used it to order Gary P. Nunn products! Until the next time, we will be busy winding down our ranching operation and preparing for the challenges that lie ahead. We thank you all for your continuing support and will look forward to our next get together down the road. All the best to you and yours, Gary P. Nunn and Family

Gary P.