You only get so many summers. It's true. Since I was a kid I've marked the passing of each summer with one or two highlights of the season. I recall, for example when I was in my early teens, the summer of the great Petty Harbour Softball victory over the powerful Kilbride squad in the Moss Tournament in St. John's. Then there was the summer when M***** B*** (name concealed to protect the innocent), who was two years my senior at 13 , gave me a big wet smooch on the Stand. My first real kiss.

As we approach the last days of Summer 2006, I'm sure that I've got my defining moment figured out for this year. The arrival of the Prince won't be topped any event occurring between now and Monday midnight. What about you? You've still got this weekend to make it special if you've not found that one grand event by which Summer 2007 will be forever defined.

Had a grand gig a few weeks back. I played with a bunch of other Doyles at a fundraiser for a Writers Conference. Damhnait sang a few tunes, John and Marjorie read from their latest works, but the showstopper was a few tunes with Tom. I call him Dad.

Dad has always been a grand singer and a good performer, and he was on the top of his game at the packed Masonic Temple in St. John's. We sang "The Dutchman" and "Berry Picking Time" and he rocked the house. Really cool night. Maybe we should do a CD.

We are just putting the finishing touches on the new DVD. It will feature the two full sets from "The Hard and the Easy" Tour making over two hours of live concert footage, as well as three or four music videos, and some behind the scenes foolishness that will amuse us all. Look for it to drop in the middle of the Fall.

I am currently looking over the buildings of downtown Van, and onto the hills and mountains that surround the beautiful harbour. Lovely.

Can't wait for the gig.

Cheers

Alan