Hi All,

Tonight, Don and I shared another great moment in the enjoyment of seeing Jim Berkland in the role as The Old Man in Jack London's play, The Acorn Planter. Outstanding is just one of the many superlatives I can use in describing Jim's performance.

We had such a time of enjoyment, outside on the campus of Sonoma State University, under the tall pine trees with nearby lakes with many geese, to see a performance that was highly unusual and very thought provoking. Jim did his best as always with a commanding voice as well as all of the other players where microphones were not in use. I heard every word and the singing was exceptional.

As Jim lives in the Valley of The Moon, Jack London's old stomping grounds, how poignant it was for him to have a role in this play. London wrote it in 1916 for the Bohemian Club on the verge of World War I and the focus of the story was on war versus peace. Though it was set in a time when the American Indians ruled this country, the message given in that form is as viable today as when London wrote it.

Oddly enough there was even a line remarking on the ground shaking and large noise coming at some time in the future.

After the event Don and I visited with Jim for a few minutes and I could see his smiling joyous face seeing two dear friends. I gave him my usual hug. (I'm very big on the hug.) I'm just sorry the rest of you couldn't have joined us. What a fine way to enjoy a mid summers eve.

Petra