I'm warming to the Stratocaster. Over the weekend, I learned the fine points of intonation, after a panic trip to Guitar Center to try to figure out why one string was not producing the correct pitch at the octave. The Stratocaster has a unique system of string adjustment which is unlike any other guitar I have seen. It allows precise control of string height -- the tiniest Allen wrench I have ever seen is provided with the guitar specifically for this purpose. Over the years, many of my friends have owned Strats, but I never played one myself. Better late than never!

Plans for the Pilgrimage to the King continue. We're now sorting through the options, deciding how much of Memphis we can see in 3-1/2 days. I am particularly curious about my old neighborhood, Highland Heights. I wonder if Frank Jackson and Enos Evans are still discussing the weather and sports out in front of Mr. Goodwin's house. When I was last in town in 1990, they were standing there talking just as they had in the 1960's. Ah, tradition!