Hey and howdy, friends and neighbors, salutations from the MoonHouse in beautiful Austin, Texas,

We've avoided the nasty heat and drought of last summer (knock on wood) so far, and Austin has been quite tolerable.  Our pear tree branches have been dripping to the ground with fruit, the tomatoes were still happening when we got back from our July trip, and our first tomatillo plant ever looks like it may give up a batch of salsa Verde after all.

Not much happening as far as August performances, although we have plenty to keep us busy.  Christine heads to LA for the never ending meetings and Chris performs at Donn's Depot every Monday.  Monday, August 13 just happens to be his birthday so it would be a good time to reconnect with Monday night at Donn's Depot if you haven't been in a while.  The special guests have been amazing this summer - Kym Warner from the Greencards has been showing up with his mandolin, Elizabeth Wills gave a couple incredible impromptu sessions, and Nakia has been teaming up with Troupe Gammage from time to time. 

The Albert and Gage Band will appear at Donn's Depot Saturday, August 25.  We're playing a few shows in September and then we're off to Europe with several of you for the Alpine Adventure Tour! 

The studio will be in full swing this month with final mixing for Carrington McDuffie and Sarah Smith.  We've also been commissioned to recreate an iconic Austin jingle for ABC Home and Commercial Services.  Austinites will remember the animated anteater and the clever jingle when it was ABC Pest and Lawn.  Check it out on youtube here. 

Chris is quick on the draw with the timer and tripod for his camera.  You can't get out of a gathering without the cry of "group photo!"  This month we share some of those moments with you. 

Chris and Christine

A note from Christine:     
      As you can see, Chris is the group photo king.  Sometimes we all grumble if folks are on their way out the door and we have to stop, put down the diaper bag, purses, keys, leftovers or whatever to gather for the family portrait.  But do I ever regret it later?  Not once.  I am grateful that he chronicles our celebrations and time we spend with the ones we love.  One year he did that at my parents' 60th wedding anniversary family reunion.  How were we to know that before we had a chance to get together again my brother-in-law Skip would be gone?  And all those group photos with my Dad have become even more precious now as well. 
     Last month I had the joy of spending a week with my Mom - just the two of us at the house in Florida while my sister and bro-in-law were out of town. Mom hardly needs taking care of, but I did do some cooking for her.  Not exactly Chris level of cuisine, but I tried.  And I also made it a priority to get one "group photo"! 
     Love, Christine