Hey Howdy Hey: Drumming up cheer and donations

Well, here is a little follow up story on Jim and Trooper’s crusade of good cheer that started here in Lincoln on Dec. 6.

It was my very first show and it was great being able to see everyone and kick off the holiday season. The following Sunday I headed up to Phillipsburg to play at the nursing home. Trooper and I got set up outside in the garden area while the residents sat inside and listened. I was not sure if they could hear me, but I did see one of the gals inside flailing her arms around like she was playing the drums.When we were done I walked Trooper around by the windows so they could get a better look at him in his new Christmas sweater, the one lady who was whipping her arms around told me through the glass that she used to play the drums and that I had done a good job, so that made me feel good.

The next Sunday after that Trooper and myself set up across from the Canyon Bar in Drummond Mont. A young family with their newborn baby stopped by to get a picture with Santa and so did quite a few more families. It was nice to see them all. For many years I played Santa in Drummond and Hall for their Christmas plays and such.

The following Friday I played out in Gold Creek Mont., where I am living now. I set up out in front of the fire hall. It was darn cold with all that wind blowing, had a hard time keeping my drums set up. Just as I was set up, the Mennonite kids were getting out of their school, so they came over to have a listen and get some candy. Trooper stayed in the car; it was too dang cold for him. Anywho, those kids seemed to enjoy it and I let each one have a try at playing my little drum set. They were all smiling from ear to ear as they played.

The last little show I played (I played for a couple of hours) was just outside of Hall, Mont. If you’re heading south on Highway 1, there is that little pull out area there, so I set up in front of the sign there. I had many people driving by giving me thumbs-up and smiling. One lady pulled in with tears in her eyes said I really made her day. As I played away on my drums, across the road there were about 60 head of cows out in this field. They were quite a ways away. About 30 head broke off from the rest and started strolling my way. They all got right up to the fence and seemed to be enjoying the music. I think I even saw a couple of them with lighters up in the air as I played. I felt like I had me some groupies. I played until I broke a stick, then packed her up and headed for home.

I am very thankful to Rick and Patty Freeland for allowing me to use the suit, it brought much joy to many.

Through the weeks that I had played, I had a few folks who wanted to give me money, which I was hesitant to take, but then I came up with an idea. Why not try drumming up some food for the food bank? So, depending on the road conditions, this next Sunday on the 31st of January, I will do just that. I will set up once again out in front of Citizen’s Alliance Bank. I will play and have candy for any kids who stops by, and it would be great if folks could stop by with a can of food for the food bank. If folks want to drop off a couple bucks it all goes to help feed the community. I plan on continuing this crusade in other towns too, and to think it all started with a snare drum, bucket and a pan.

This is not so Tiny Jim saying “God Bless Us, Every One.”