Mary and I recently visited Donnie Perkins in CVPH hospital where he has undergone extensive surgery and remains in the care of gastroenterologists and other specialists after having suffered all manner of medical emergencies caused by phosphate and urate mineral deposits forming stones that effectively blocked his kidneys from functioning and forced the emergency removal of his gall bladder. He will have to remain in the hospital for at least another month (possibly up to three months) as poisonous liver and renal fluids continue to drain.

He’s in great spirits and receiving a steady line of company and telephone calls attesting to his popularity. Donnie’s known far and wide for his tremendous fiddle-playing abilities. He's an inductee to the NYS Old-Time Fiddler's Hall of Fame, and he has many championship awards, several tapes and CDs and even a fiddle book to his credit. His loyal, loving wife, Pat, has been right by his side throughout this whole ordeal. It was great to see them both and wish them well before Mary and I part for Tennessee.

Donnie had to cancel his whole summer music schedule due to his health issues. We all look forward to his speedy return to good health and to resuming his playing schedule as soon as it is safe.

Be sure and check out the beautiful pictures taken by "Kamoshika" of Eastern Tennessee. I have used his photos by permission. They define the rural beauty of eastern Tennessee so well.