How the time flies ! It's only been a few weeks since I moved to Asheville, and just about a week since I started The Morning Report here at WWNC. In that short time, I've been treated with respect, kindness and hospitality by everyone I've met... both here at Clear Channel Asheville and in my neighborhood, at the local hardware store, you name it. It's nice to see Southern Hospitality is alive and well. Short of making this sound like an acceptance speech, there are a number of people I'd like to shout out to, in appreciation. This may or may not be of interest to you, the listener, but it needs to be done. In the future, I'll be blogging about my explorations of the area, and most important, items of a newsworthy nature. For starters, I'd like to thank Brian Hall, Program Director here at WWNC without whom, I would not be here. Likewise and equal thanks to Jeff Davis, Operations Manager and Bill McMartin, General Manager. Without John Roten by my side each and every morning, I'd likely be singing my breakfast menu on the airwaves, and trust me, it would not sound good. Thank you John, and I look forward to our developing friendship at work and beyond. Thanks to Tank Spencer who knows the local news beat like the back of his hand, and is forever patient in teaching this Yankee transplant the ropes. John Anderson is the Creative Services Director at the station, and I thank him for his great tips on the "gazillion" computer programs we have here, not to mention great fishing hole tips, to be explored later. Our engineers, Mitch Ensley and Chris Karb have already walked me through a few difficulties as a new employee, and Mitch, your cell phone number is on the wall right next to Mom's. Jessica Lee, our local "webmistress" has made it possible for you to read this even now. Jessica has plants of every description decorating her office, and after I'm computer fluent and done asking her dumb questions, I'm going to try to find her some rare exotic species which bears golden fruit. To my old friend Pete Kaliner, with whom I worked 10 years ago, if only for a year, it's nice to see your familiar smiling face on the job, as always offering sharp expertise and that trademark sense of humor. Gee, this is sounding like an acceptance speech isn't it ? Just a few more, though there are many names I know I will forget. Thanks to Amy at the front desk, Toni in the front office, and Eddie, Sharon, and Josh; my fellow early morning crows. To the sales staff, thank you for your warm acceptance. In my personal life, my neighbors are great and have far better Christmas decorations than do I. I'm working on it ! From Jeffrey, who hooked up my propane heat, to Ann at the hardware store, everyone has gone out of their way to offer assistance. Especial thanks to my dear friend of 25 years Shelby Purdy, who lives in South Carolina. Shelby is basically "family" and had me down last week for a genuine Southern Thanksgiving. It was 72 degrees Thanksgiving Day south of the border and for a Yankee on Thanksgiving, that's a first. Thanks to all, each and everyone ! More to come