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It’s been somewhat of a whirlwind o’er the past few weeks.

My pals, the Brechlin clan, served as gracious hosts for my Turkey Day visitation (which lasted nearly a week). Between Donna’s tasty cornbread stuffing (among many dishes), attending the Vikings/Cleveland game (first NFL visit since L.A. Rams back in the seventies), the Mall of America (conspicuous consumption headquarters), and the Walker Art Center, there was nary a dull moment. Jeff’s orchidistic obsession continues apace and it was great to hang with Matthew, Emma, Sarah, Joanne and friend Dawn among others.

Next, the last four concerts of Gov’t Mule’s “About to Rage” tour; flew to Ithaca, drove to Toronto, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati and then back home. Every night was a revelation with too many high points to mention.

Finally, this week saw the season’s first significant snowfall here in The Commonwealth; the flamingos were nicely dusted.

All of this is topped with the whipped cream of Chaz & Dave’s Moscow adventure and the first steps toward bringing Jason Sean Sergei Abel into the fold. He has no idea what he’s in for!

(Republished from November ‘05.)

Exactly one month to the day from my bypass procedure, with doctors’ approval, I was able to resume the Mule Trek. A short flight from Dulles to Birmingham to visit The Alabama Theatre. The concert was mellow Mule with some of my favorites; a double-take from Warren Haynes was a wonderful highlight.

Limousine service was provided by Michelle and Duane, and their lovely Chihuahua pupsters. The trip to Atlanta on a gorgeous autumnal day was quite enjoyable. The concert, at The Tabernacle (pictured above), was totally different than the night before…sophisticated and groovy. Gregg Allman sat in for four songs! After a night at Bobbie Jo’s home, Southern Living made manifest, we returned to the venue for yet another experience entirely. The show was sensory overload and rockin’ to the core.

Flight back to Dulles with my best mule pal and a return to my homeland, a somewhat quieter place now that Chaz has returned to Golden.