Bobbie Black and Bill Kirchen

I had the honor to be invited to a private party this past weekend out in Occidental where I got to hear music legends Bobbie Black and Bill Kirchen (founding member of Commander Cody & The Lost Planet Airmen) were playing.  If you don't know who these extremely talented, world-class musicians are, you better buy a clue - quickly.  We're talking about people with real talent that have withstood the test of time and don't rely on computer generated auto-tune and other artificially manufactured sorry-sound excuses being passed off as music.  We're talkin' the REAL DEAL. 

Wow.  What a musical treat that was and it was RIGHT there in front of my face.  Yes, I could reach out and touch it. 

It was the 40th wedding anniversary of a lady I work with who has become a friend over the years.  What was *really* cool was that they held the party at a ranch in a redwood grove that has been in the family since the 1880's.  What added even more coolness was that Bill Kirchen played at their wedding reception exactly 40 years ago to the DAY. 

Talk about coming full circle, and that was what their anniversary party was about.   They had pictures and mementos covering what they describe as their 'first' 40 years together.  They had a banner that read, "Where did the f***** time go?" 

It's obvious that their family and extended family is steeply rooted in tradition, commitment, and their community - no matter what.  I know personally that their 40 years of marriage is not one of every day being sheer bliss and paradise.  They've had their struggles and tests that many couples would not have withstood.  What impressed me was neither one of them did the 'cut and run' when the going got tough.  They don't believe in disposable spouses.  They honor and value family.  They took their commitment to each other seriously and actually meant it when they said "I do" as the cake they served at their anniversary party had a decoration on it that said "they STILL do".  They are in this together.  Forever.