So I'm one week into this study on the Founding Fathers, and I find that I'm going in many more directions than I had previously thought. Reading a biography on Samuel Adams (a good book by Ira Stoll) made me realize that I would have to do some research and reading on the First Great Awakening, and also on the possible influence of Freemasonry on some of the Founding Fathers (thirteen of the 39 signers of the Constitution were Masons, including George Washington and Benjamin Franklin).

I read Richard Brookhiser's book on Gouverneur Morris - Gentleman Revolutionary: The Rake Who Wrote the Constitution - and while it is a comprehensive narrative on Morris' life, only one chapter was devoted to the Constitutional Convention and the writing of the Constitution. This from the man who spoke more than any other participant in the convention - James Wilson of PA was second, and James Madison, often referred to as the Father of the Constitution, was third.

Given what I read in Stoll's book, I got a copy of Bruce Feiler's America's Prophet: Moses and the American Story. It's a good book, and the first 100 pages very helpful for me. But in reading that I found some other books that I need to use, so I'm either going to purchase them or go to the downtown library. One of the books is an e-book, so I can do that on-line. I also printed an article from Martin Marty called "Religion and the Constitution: The Triumph of Practical Politics." One door into a new area leads to 2 or 3 more doors. But it's fun.

Just so you know that I'm not spending all my days with my nose in the books, I have been in the pool several days, did some yard work on Wednesday (boy was it hot!), and yesterday Donna and I went to Tropicana Field to see the Rays wear their new socks in beating the San Diego Padres 5-3. Let's hope that puts them on track for more W's!

Taylor/King concert

Last night we went to the James Taylor/Carole King (or is it Carole King/James Taylor) Troubadour reunion concert at the St. Pete Times Forum. What an exceptional concert. Taylor and King pretty much took turns singing some of their songs, and while the one was the lead, the other was support with instrument (piano or guitar) and backup vocals. So exciting, so vibrant, so filled with energy.

I think my favorite aspects of the evening, though, were those songs by Taylor when he just sat down, played the guitar, and sang such songs as Fire and Rain, or the duets such as You've Got a Friend. Both of the entertainers were great. Carole King seems more at home with the concert venue. While Taylor is also at home with that style, it appears he would just as soon be sitting with some friends in the living room, playing the guitar and singing.

Great concert.