"I just love being out talking to people."
He looks a little different these days, he's lost forty pounds since his stroke but he hasn't lost his spark.
And his wife says it's his colonial persona that has spurred him on these last few months.
"He's a whole different person when he's in front of people with costumes. He loves it!"
"I've been waiting, waiting. It's exciting. I really miss the things that I've done for so long," he said.
For 33 years actually time enough to not just teach others about Ben Franklin but live by the lessons himself when times get hard.
"Crosses and losses we are humbler and wiser and there are no gains without pains."
Back in his buckle shoes and overcoat, Ben feels at home. After two gigs Monday he has more bookings in the next few weeks. And in the next 6 months, his doctor tells him he'll be as good as new.
