I've been playing in the sun, beneath the water and on the land for about 2 weeks. It's been a great break from the world of being on the road. We're packing up now for adventures farther west - coming right up. We're going about as far west as you can without beginning to come back the other way. They don't call it 'Down Under' for nothing.

I also get to spend some time back in Mokuleia, and Haleiwa Town on the north shore of Oahu. In fact, we're even playing in Honolulu on the return trip. I haven't had a chance to do that for years. Should be a good time!

Anyway, there's still a couple/few days here on the Indian River on the east coast of Florida. And I'm heading outside to grab another few moments of sun before it starts sinking over the horizon. This morning was a beautiful start to the day. Pix to follow...

For the last few days we’ve been trying to figure out all the stuff it takes to leave The CrabHouse and get ourselves to the west coast, Hawaii and Australia. Then creep through the Northwest before finally returning home in New England sometime in May. It’s more thinking than I’d normally want to be doing. But, here we go and come, ready spaghetti or not. At least there’s a few more days before it all starts up.

But, we're definitely taking a couple of weeks downtime. Getting through the last leg of the current tour was easy, and really fun, for the most part. We played in some gorgeous venues, and the road has been kind. The band and crew all sailed back to the northeast, and I will head to the southeast shortly after visiting family and friends in Austin, TX.

I'm looking at local temperatures on my cell phone, and thrilled to see that it'll be quite warm at my home in Florida. After almost 2 months of being cooped up in a 45' tin can, I'm ready for some hot sun, cool water, and ocean breezes. throw in a decent cup of coffee in the morning, and an iced drink in the afternoon... OMG yes.

I don't know about the band, but my voice can definitely use a break. I was getting a little raspy there for the last week or so, even though most people seemed to think I sounded that way to begin with. Whatever, it'll soon be restored to its normal familiarity. That and a few cameras to keep me busy will be the only work i have to do for 2 whole weeks. It's like Spring Break for old folksingers.

Look out world! We'll be back....

Last night in New Orleans at Tipitina's was pretty wild. Mardi Gras is still a little ways away, but that isn't stopping people from getting their party on early. We weren't even close to the French Quarter but there were revelers roaming the streets even in the Garden District (where we were). People seem to just love any excuse to have fun. I'm with them.

It also marked the end of our southeast run, as we trek over to Texas today. It was really nice to feel some moist warm air - Makes it much easier to sing. The cold air usually isn't just cold, it's also dry, and that makes it hard to sing, talk, or do anything with your voice. At least that's how it works for me.

Now we're looking at a few days in Houston to regroup, and get our act together before the final three shows of this leg. Houston, Austin and Dallas (Richardson) coming right up... Three is a row. And all in really nice venues. Pix to follow.

I'm not sure if any more than a half dozen folks actually read this stuff, but I like the idea of setting down the thoughts somewhere, and this seems like the best place to do it, with a couple of pictures included from time to time (now that I figured out how to do it). We're out of here (Louisiana) in less than an hour, then off to Houston some 300+ miles away. We'll get in sometime later this afternoon.

We haven't played Texas as much as I'd like recently, as we used to be all over the state years ago. But, we're making up for it now. And I'm looking forward to it. Lots of old friends and family that we'd love to catch up with. They've got me scheduled for a bunch of interviews and things like that also. So not much down time, still it'll be good.

Sarah Lee, me and Jackie's youngest - turns 40 today. That's a mile marker for ya. We surprised her last night with a New Orleans style birthday cake and some presents. Always a fun thing with our road family. But, now we're off and running... Texas - Here we come!

We’ve been out and about for a few weeks and aside from the usual nightmares it’s all going well. We have left the most northern part of this leg and are heading southwest back into warmer weather. Tennessee, Louisiana, and Texas coming right up.

Before we hit the left coast we’ve got a couple weeks to get restored. I’m taking that time back south on the Indian River while the band and crew head north into the hills. We’ll meet up in Cerritos, CA in March.

Meanwhile we’ve still got two weeks of fun shows, great towns, awesome venues and good times ahead. Can’t wait to get back into the hot sun and cool water. An afternoon drink during a day off in minimal attire. Gotta love it.