The first full week of this month my wife and I were blessed to get away on a much-needed time of refreshment and relaxation. We splurged on a cruise to Alaska. Departing from Seattle on the biggest ship we have ever seen up close – let alone actually be on was quite an adventure. I soon coined three words that pretty much described every aspect of the trip – “over the top”. From the inspirational messages of long-time pastor Chuck Swindoll (a man who is finishing well), the music of a Christian standard in Gospel Music – Sandi Patti, to seeing landscapes never viewed in this part of the world, and being part of a floating city of 3,000 persons was an on-going amazement each day. We also met new folks that became good friends during the journey and hopefully we’ll meet up with some of them again down the road (or on the water). We stayed a couple of extra nights in Seattle upon our disembarking and took in some “must sees” while there.

The adjustment upon returning to Omaha was more of a shock than I anticipated, but we’re pretty much back into our daily lives and responsibilities. I know we’re better for the experience and in some ways forever changed by it.

Long-time song writer and musician, Kirby Wendt from the Blair, NE area has begun another recording project. So far the acoustic rhythm guitar and primary vocal parts have been recorded on 13 originals, and 1 more is planned this week. The tunes cover a wide range of topics from fun tunes about his “yard contest” and fishin’, to majestic observations in the natural world around us and our interaction with its Creator, personal relationships and a few other topics in there for good measure.

There’s plans to add more guitar work, bass, some harmony vocals and a few other enhancements to various songs. My good friend and wonderful musician Keith Wilson will be doing a lot of the honors in the guitar and bass categories.

For the 2nd year Tesco Productions has had the privilege of recording the Vivace’ Select Choir as they prepared for their annual music video. The song chosen was an arrangement of “Give Me Jesus”. The pre-recording of the audio was done on location where MKS Studio conducts their classes. The space proved to be quite ambient, but that also lent a natural live space to the sound and enhanced the choral presentation. The new video can be found here. Thank you for having Tesco Productions again be a part of this special presentation.