Killing time on the road can often be a problem, as we’re usually at the mercy of other peoples’ schedules. Still, there’s worse things than having to check out the Lego displays at Target… seriously, how did I not know this existed?!

Eastbound and down… I65 just gave us a little adrenaline rush with a trailer hauling a motorcycle coming unhitched in front of us and careening into the median. Thank you IDOT for not being interested in concrete barriers here – as it was, the trailer just skidded down into the grassy ditch and kicked up a lot of dust. Kristen didn’t even cuss much!

We’re headed through Illinois past green fields and brown fields and golden fields – but definitely not much but fields. Might have to get off the highway in a bit just for a change of scenery.

ilyAIMY playing our little hearts out!

Thursday night we drove to Belleville to meet up with Susan and just had a Lovely night off and in. We listened to some music, watched some television, played with some animals and went to bed! I know – we’re naught but high octane excitement round here! Friday it was back to gigging and though the owner was worried about ANYONE coming to see us during the 4th of July weekend we pretty much had a full house at Evangeline’s. That weary feeling hasn’t left me and though the crowd definitely didn’t seem to notice I felt like I was dragging a little bit. Food was stunning as always – and may I recommend the pork chops? Because holy crap!

I recommend the pork chops.

 beautiful sunflowers at Susan’s house in Belleville, IL. 

We had a good time though and Justin McMahon, our opening act and Heather’s ride on to Reno, NV, packed up our Lloyd and jetted west* as we packed up to head east and home. More late night snacking and animal affections and a dream-filled sleep involving bomb shelters and social media…

The 4th of July would normally find us watching fireworks in Takoma Park or at home in Catonsville, but being away from home we were at the mercy of benefactors and though we actually DIDN’T set out to see fireworks, we did gather with friends for an afternoon of jamming, feasting and watching the Grateful Dead 50th

Anniversary webcast. We eventually settled out on the porch watching fireflies, bats and a low-swooping owl while LISTENING to fireworks displays in the distance… I can only imagine how THAT screwed with the bats’ sonar…

On the drive back home we did pull off and watch some fireworks, but then it was back to the house for cat molestation, custard and Princess Bride. Truly – this part of the tour has fallen into vacation and I take no issue with it at ALL.

And so it’s Sunday. Driving to Louisville, KY after bidding our farewells to Belleville, IL. I’m eyeballing Points of Interest along the way and we’ll probably hit a couple of open mics here and there – but mostly we’re just eastbound and down, homeward headed and enjoying the drive.

Huh – just passed a car spun out into the median ditch… Illinoisians are having trouble with this whole clear visibility clear roadway beautiful day thing….

As opposed to fireworks for the 4th of July we watched bats instead! I didn’t get ANY good shots because… bats. It was fun to watch them go nuts with every sonic shock from the celebrations in the distance… below… we got to just hang out with friends on the Fourth of July and jam! Joyous musical sharing! Whee!

Kristen and I playing at the New Vintage open mic. Killer house band which unfortunately didn’t then get to play again for the rest of the night! What’s up with that! I’d wanted to invite the drummer up but he ended up running sound during our set (July 5th in Louisville, KY)

upComing & inComing

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