The Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboard player, Billy Powell, died at home today, in Orange Park, Florida – a suburb of Jacksonville.

Billy played keyboards on the band’s hits such as “Sweet Home Alabama” and survived the 1977 plane crash that killed three of the band members, lead singer Ronnie Van Zant; guitarist Steve Gaines; and Gaines’ sister, vocalist Cassie Gaines, as well as the pilot and co-pilot.

Billy had a history of heart trouble and it is assumed unless proven otherwise that he died of a heart attack.

Thanks for the great tunes and many memories, Billy. Rest in Peace.

We have our new President Barack Obama, duly sworn in at noon, cheered throughout the day, and admired tonight for his dancing at the inaugural balls with his beautiful wife, Michelle.

They had a very long day of it and I’m sure they are both totally exhausted, but they were gracious and humble in every speech and even while taking the oath of office, he knew that the justice misspoke and he gave him the opportunity to save face and correct himself with millions of people watching and holding on to every word spoken.

I hope that this is the start of a lot of good, positive things for America. We are the greatest country in the world and we deserve to shine.

For some reason my grandson has decided that if it is new to him that it must be bad. He is refusing to try anything new. Of course, this means war. In my house, you try any and every thing at least once. And if you didn’t like it, you will probably have to try it again at some point when you are a little more mature and can appreciate the opportunity. There is a whole world of wonderous things to explore and he’s just going to have to get over this ridiculous philosophy, one taste at a time.

I can’t remember exactly how many times I’ve watched the ball drop in Time Square for New Year’s Eve. It’s been many years, but every once in a while I would miss it for one reason or another. Most f the times that I missed it was because I just couldn’t physically stay awake long enough to watch the TV show. I desperately needed the sleep. This year, I needed the sleep. I went to bed at 10:30 and trusted the ball to drop without me watching it this time. I’m sure it did. I do regret not seeing Dick Clark’s part of the show. I wonder how much longer we’ll have him with us? He went for years looking perpetually young – I think he was the most handsome TV host on the air for years, with a big smile and a sparkle in his eyes. What a man!

So here we are in the new year and at least I got 6 hours of sleep to start it off. Happy New Year to you and yours.