Yesterday afternoon Fo Clifford and I had a great 4 mile walk around Durham . Miles didn't come because he had to good a skateboard session . Good doggie! The water in the River Wear looked stagnant because of the dry spell but the riverside plants and tree leaves have really got going so it looks quite fecund. Great word that. We went into the center from Shincliffe but doing a different route : we walked alongside the road! Who needs the countryside ! The good thing about that is the different views but when we got to Saint Oswalds Church we could cut down onto the riverside path which was all in the shade and very cool. Hardly a bird to be seen on the walk . Where have they all gone ?! When we got back after tea and Star Trek I went up to Butterknowle to have a play with the Button Hole Jam at their Open Mike Night . It was quiet but still a good night. Its a privilege to play with such good and very nice musicians . The sound problems are now cured and Klara Whileys fine alto is on top where it should be given a nice female melodic focus to the band . Whilst I can harmonize using my countertenor straight off I didn't sing last night because I was using the right harmonica amplification setup for the first time and it made a real difference so I was exploring that . I noticed that I need to practice again because on one song I could hear the solo I wanted to do but could not do it because I have got out of practice and cannot play that fast anymore . This will be put right for the next gig so I hope Butterknowle Village hall has plenty of fire extinguishers! I could hear myself properly for the first time ever with a band . I still have to make sure that it is loud enough at the PA end but I will sort that out next time. A very nice end to a great weekend !