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🌹 “Such a long, long time to be gone, and a short time to be there.”

~Box of Rain, Written by Phil Lesh and Robert Hunter, first debuted live on March 23, 1970, during a benefit concert at the Fillmore East in New York City.

🎤 Two Hearts, One Song: Todd & Michelle

Some stories are written in the stars. Ours? It was written in the setlists (and maybe in the stars as well). This issue, we're flipping the script and stepping into the spotlight ourselves — interviewing each other about our winding path through music, memory, and a reunion three decades in the making. From our first concerts to the moment we reconnected, it’s a love story set to the rhythm of the Grateful Dead. Come along as we swap stories and laughter in this special edition of China Cat Chat. And if you venture all the way to end of the newsletter, we have a special treat for you!

“It’s all a dream we dreamed one afternoon long ago…”​
​And now we’re living it — watch the dream on video.

Prefer to just listen?​
​Let the story roll on like a reel-to-reel...

🌊 Cancun, Covid, and a Box of Rain

We had big plans for Playing in the Sand 2022: sunshine, setlists, and 1,000 Box of Rain stickers ready to hand out. But just days before takeoff, Michelle and I got sidelined with Covid—and then the festival got canceled due to a band outbreak! Total chaos… unless you were already en route, in which case: surprise free vacation! Michelle's sister, Elizabeth and our good friend Alice were already there, so they made the most of it, turning our stickers into beachside tokens of Deadhead goodwill. No music, but plenty of magic. P.I.T.S. 2022: the fest that fizzled, but still found its vibe.

​[Read the full story →]​

🎨 From the Archives: Two Halves Make a Whole

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In the summer of 2022, the Dead & Company show at Folsom Field lit a spark that would change everything for us. The official poster from that show came as a two-parter—just like our own story. Michelle’s sister Elizabeth bought both halves, and when Todd moved from Colorado to Texas later that year, she had them framed side-by-side as one piece. It now hangs in our home office, a daily reminder of the music that played a part in bringing us back together. You can see it on the wall behind Michelle in the interview. Click either image below to play that show.

🎵 Box of Rain & Boulder Skies - Weekend Playlist

This issue is all about finding your way—into the music, onto the bus, and back to each other. These songs trace that journey, from first sparks to full-circle moments. You’ll hear some of our favorite Dead and Dead & Co tracks, along with a few handpicked tunes that echo the themes of memory, movement, and love rediscovered. Whether you’re walking the lot, cruising down the highway, or just watching the rain fall outside your window, we hope this mix brings a little light and connection to your day. Click the button below to listen to the playlist.

🌊 Ripple Moment: Give Your Time, And Some Love

Volunteer one hour this week to a local cause—help serve a meal, walk shelter dogs, read to kids, or organize donations. Don't know where to start? Try volunteermatch.org or a local food bank.

Love shows up when we show up and “love will see you through.” Even one hour can lift someone’s entire week. And if you want to give, here in Texas there are many ways to help after the floods. NFA 💫

1. Kerr County Flood Relief Fund

Local fund by the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country.​
​Supports rescue, relief, and recovery in Kerr, Hunt, Ingram, Center Point, Comfort, etc.

• 💻 Donate online: Supports relief and rebuilding efforts after the flood of July 4, 2025.

2. The Salvation Army – Texas Disaster Services

Providing meals, hydration, emotional and spiritual support via mobile kitchens in Hill Country.

• 💻 Donate online: Give through their Texas Disaster Services portal (select “Disaster Relief” or “Texas Flood Relief”).

3. World Central Kitchen

Chef-led organization serving hot, fresh meals to victims and first responders.

• 💻 Donate online: Central Texas Flooding relief

4. Mercy Chefs

On-site serving hot, chef-prepared meals in Kerr County and surrounding areas.

• 💻 Donate online: Your gift today provides hope and comfort to families impacted by this disaster.

You've made it this far down into our newsletter, so how about a little China Cat Chat swag? Here is our newest postcard to celebrate this "Box Of Rain" issue. Click the postcard to go to our Downloads Page...

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More soon. Stay kind...

Todd & Michelle

​China Cat Chat​

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💌 Got a Story to Share?

We want your tales from the trail! Whether it’s a recipe from Shakedown Street, a memory from the lot, your all-time favorite show, or just a lyric that’s stayed with you—we’d love to hear it. China Cat Chat is for Deadheads, by Deadheads, and your voice makes this community what it is.

We’re also always looking for folks to interview in upcoming issues. If the music has touched your life in a special way, or you’ve got a perspective to share, drop us a line!