Hello Friends!

I regret the absence of news since the previous newsletter, due to the fact it has taken about two months for Richard and Karen to prepare their television Special just recently aired.

After much thought, Karen has decided not to release a solo album. Scheduling difficulties between producer and artist has resulted in the album still not being completed. Finishing the project would delay the Carpenters new album and next Special, both of which the duo is delighted to be working on.

As you will have noticed from the Special, Richard is in great form and "raring to go" with his music again! their studio sessions and work on the next Special later this year, will keep them fully occupied for some time.

Mom and Dad enjoyed their 45th wedding anniversary celebration with family and close friends at their favorite seafood restaurant. Bouquets galore were indeed a magnificent spectacle at the family homestead, and the numerous congratulatory tributes seemed so appropriate for such a rare feat in today's society.

Dad has not been feeling too well lately, after sustaining wrist and arm fractures when he fell from a step-ladder at home. It has been very painful, but is responding to treatment now.

I relate with sadness the loss of two faithful canine friends. The family's German shepherd Lady, after a long period of deteriorating heal and Ev's cockerpoo Buttons, succumbed to old age recently. Both pets had reached the ripe old age of fifteen, which compares to a hundred and five in the life of a human. Mush is recovering from the loss of her companion thanks to the extra attention she's enjoying. Ev's grief was evaporated into joy with the acquisition of an adorable Lhasa Apso puppy she has named Muffy.

Richard and Karen have enjoyed reading many of your enthusiastic letters of support and appreciation for their anniversary gift book. Thank you on their behalf.

Richard has been very involved with one of his favorite hobbies, preparing a number of his classic cars for auction. He also purchased two 1980 Mustangs.

A REMINDER: Please remember to write your address on the outside of your envelope when mailing letters to the fan club. Failure to do this may result in your letter being directed to the 'dead letter' office, and may never reach us.

Your cooperation in giving your previous address also when advising us of your change of address, would eliminate time in file searching, and would be much appreciated, thank you.

I have a few questions I'll be happy to answer now:

Q. Since Sweet, Sweet Smile was a successful hit single on the Country charts, has A & M Records released it on their "Forget Me Nots" series?

A. Not up to the present time.

Q. Are there any domestic or overseas Carpenters tours scheduled for the current year?

A. Unfortunately no. They will be committed to making more music.

Q. On what tracks of the following albums did Karen play drums; Close To You , Carpenters, A Song For You, Now And Then?

A. Close To You - Love Is Surrender, Mr. Guder, Another Song, I'll Never Fall In Love Again.
Carpenters - Bacharach/David Medley.
A Song For You - Flat Baroque.
Now And Then - Every track except Jambalaya.

Q. Has progress been made on a Carpenters LP?

A. Yes.

Q. Did Karen and Richard attend the premiere of the film Bless The Beasts And The Children?

A No, they did not attend the premiere, but did attend a screening of same in New York.

Q. Will the Carpenters appear on the "Tonight" show soon?

A. They have no plans to appear in the immediate future.

Q. Have Richard and Karen seen the stage show Evita, and the film The Rose, and what were their reactions?

A. Richard did not see either, but Karen saw The Rose and said she enjoyed it.

Q. Did Richard enjoy Monty Python's Life of Brian?

A. Yes, he enjoys all Monty Python's work.

Q. Other than the award for "Best Group" in the 1974 American Music Awards, have the Carpenters been nominated or received any other American Music Awards?

A. No.

Q. Have the Carpenters ever met Lucille Ball?

A. Yes. They have also met Desi Jr. and Lucie.

Q. Will new pictures be available from the Carpenters latest Special?

A. Yes, we expect to have a set available very soon now.

Richard and Karen greatly enjoyed participating in the Disneyland 25th anniversary celebrations recently, and received a warm welcome from Mickey and friends, as featured in the May 6th issue of The Star.

We have appreciated your cooperation in enclosing stamped envelope and International Reply Coupons with your many questions, but we regret we can no longer continue this service, except for a limited amount of reasonable questions which will be selected for publication in future "question and answer" segments of future newsletters, so please, no more stamped addressed envelopes, thank you.

Everyone connected with the Carpenters wishes you all a very happy and safe summer, and extends congratulations to all graduates. Until next time, take care, Rosina.

Last changed: Tue Sep 6 15:15:33 EDT 2005