I Only Took One Lousy Photo.

Like a dope, I left my camera in the car so i've asked around for a photo of yesterday's gig but more about that later. God, I felt like shit this weekend! Friday, I had the Dillengers' gig at Elwood's and I was deep in the sore back/sore throat thing so I was especially on edge about being able to play. My voice sounded like Kim Carnes and I had a few more gigs to go! We came out swinging like we were demolishing a skyscraper. Everybody was super-loud and that didn't help at all. The tip jar was fumes and we parted barely the winner. Very little sleep was clocked and the next afternoon was the Jetsetter. There wasn't many people there to hear us destroy the "Monkee's Theme". It was pretty hot and we were barely under a canopy. We did our best to play like nice boys and the little frog in my throat took five. My swimming cap made it's first appearance and went over as well as could be expected for the heat.
I had a bit of time off in-between so I did nothing as long as I could and headed off to O'Hara's. The gig was pretty good. I completely lost my voice and it still sounds pretty rough. My amp decided to fuck with me and do some weird shit. I cooled it off and it seemed to be okay. I got the fuck out of there as soon as I could to count sheep before St. Pete. Next morning, I picked up Rick and we headed out. The picture was from some gas station on the way. It looks like the Scion has a beard. Damn love bugs! I had to use some serious elbow grease to get those things off. We were a little early to St. P, so we found a manual car wash and Rick tutored me in the fine points of bug removal. I'm the first to tell you I don't know about anything that doesn't have music in it so this was interesting shit. Got to the gig and set up on the porch. The hosts were very kind and accommodating. The house was cool 'cause it reminded me of houses i've seen in Georgia...all wood floors, porch, small rooms. A few songs into the first set, Charlie was killing time talking and I ran in the house and had a hotdog before the song started. After the set, I made friends with a kiddie guitar they had lying around and that was one of the best parts of the trip. It's weird how easily you can lose yourself with a guitar in your hands. I tried to entertain, but my voice wasn't having it.
Second set started and we ran out of material quick. Charlie, being the showman, let the band play out and the folks were none the wiser. It was great seeing Karen and Jeff and getting to hang with Ed who is just a swell guy. We said our goodbyes and left St. Pete in a blur. We tanked up on iced coffee and 7-11 food (and i use that term loosely!) and we couldn't wait to hear the clunk of our brains hitting the pillow. Rick turned me on to some Sonny Rollins and I brought the new Mavis Staples. We hit town close to 2 a.m. and home has never looked so beautiful. Kissed Jojo on the forehead and El Kabong-ed the brain out. Today, I was reminded that Kris and I have been inseparable for 9 years today! Way to go, team! I can't believe it's been that long. This is easily the longest lucky streak i've ever had. How anyone can put up with my shit is a miracle and she does it with such grace and a wicked backhand. That's her new haircut. Love ya, babe! I'm so glad to be home! Next week: Marathon.