Indianapolis, IN (home again)

Have I been hesitant to write a tour wrap-up because I didn't want it to end, or because of a few unpleasant events at the very end? It doesn't really matter now, I feel like enough time has gone by that I can wrap it up without dwelling too much on the negatives.

New Orleans is still a beautiful city, and the show at Carrollton Station was a blast. Our friend Tim was there with a camera crew and allegedly got some great footage (I don't know where it will end up). After the show we were hasseled by NOPD (probably recent transplant cops) for about an hour, ticketed for our broken taillight, and generally treated without mercy or respect. The following day, while walking around the French Quarter, the van window was smashed and a few items were taken, including Aaron's bag of guitar tools and my bag that contained my laptop, camera, and several other less valuable items. The real shame is that all of my photos from the tour were stored on my computer, so all that remain are the few I emailed to Sarah and the ones posted here.
I was disappointed, but it's hard to indulge in self-pity when surrounded by people who have lost everything.

I've been back home for a few days, it's been great to spend time with Sarah and the kid, who I lavished with gifts upon my return. I've been back to work at my day job (buying and selling books) and have played a couple of shows with Otis Gibbs.
Last night I had the pleasure of seeing the Mysteries of Life at a club near my home. The nucleus of the band is a married couple, Jake and Freda, who are moving to London at the end of the month. This was their last show in Indy, so I was glad to catch it. The only disappointment was the brevity of their set, owing to the fact that it was a multi-band extravaganza. In my opinion The Mysteries have been the best Indiana band around for the last decade or so. I'm sad to see them go, and the new CD I bought last night will be a poor substitute for their rare live performances, but it will have to do.

Tonight it's back to work with the Benders. I sort of miss those guys.

I guess I'll keep this journal thing going, but probably post less frequently. Thanks for reading, I welcome any input y'all might have.

Alpharetta, GA

One more show to go...
Aaron and I stayed with my dad, and Russ and Susan stayed with friends last night. Our party had a delicious Thai dinner, then came home and crashed.
We're all having breakfast at Dad's this morning, then making the long drive to New Orleans. I'm looking forward to the show at Carrollton Station, visiting New Orleans, and meeting the Broussards.
But not as much as I'm looking forward to going home.

Charlotte, NC

Good morning. As is often the case, I'm the first one up.
Great show last night at the Evening Muse in Charlotte. We may not have played our best (or maybe we did) but the sound was great, the audience was appreciative (and already knew most of Susan's material), and the staff was friendly and helpful. Kelly was hilarious blowing trumpet in the street after the show.
We're staying with friends Steven and Christopher again- the same place we stayed my first night out. It feels like a strange kind of homecoming. It's only been a month ago, but it seems like several.
Last night was the final road gig of the tour for Russ and Susan, tomorrow we play in New Orleans to wrap it up. Today we're heading to the Atlanta area to visit my dad and some friends.

Roanoke, VA

A brief stop on our way to Charlotte. It was hard to leave the farm, so we didn't leave until 7:30 last night. Aaron was a trooper and drove us this far. I was knocked out most of the way, I had taken a benadryl for my bee sting/swollen foot.
I spent my time at the farm relaxing, swimming and eating. We lit some fireworks, threw some late night illuminated frisbee, and spent Tuesday afternoon tubing down the Delaware river. Aaron and I also visited Guitar Villa in Quakertown. It's a cool store, but we didn't buy anything.
The farm was incredible, and I want to thank Johnny, Linda, and their kids, neighbors and friends for making us feel so welcome.