Woke up yesterday morning to 27° and no heater. Don't know when exactly it went out, but the inside of the house was still in the 50s, so fairly latent.
Thankfully, we have a airtight fireplace to fire up, and a couple of cords of maple firewood I've been saving just for this predicament.

Afternoon folks!

This week I was thinking about "Eyes of the World," and I think I've picked out a couple of good ones ...

Here's the first one:

Grateful Dead "Eyes of the World" Live 2/9/1973, Stanford U., Palo Alto, Ca

Game Changer

Many changes are afoot, but the title primarily refers to Russia's new hypersonic missile, Oreshnik or hazelnut. Many analysts suggest it is as significant a development as the atomic bombs of the 1940's. Will the incoming Trump administration be a game changer? Judging from the bulk of his nominees, I don't think so, but I'm willing to wait and see. Will BRICS+ change the world and financial order? They've certainly begun the process. All these changes and more below the fold...

(28 sec)

Afternoon folks!

We've got a bunch of good stuff for you this week. Starting off, we've got an album from Chicago blues guitarist Lonnie Brooks, followed by blues singer LaVern Baker with an album of Bessie Smith tunes. After that, we move on to an album of cajun music with Michael Doucet and Beausoleil. Then we've got a couple of blues-rock albums, a late 60's album from Lonnie Mack and an early 80's double album from The Nighthawks. We finish off with some Latin rock from Malo.

Enjoy the tunes and have a great weekend!

Good morning, good people!

I am back home, sounds of loud trucks rattling the walls, and hungry birds at the feeder that was put away for 3 days. The birds can't blame us. They must blame the squirrels.

It's Thanksgiving Day as I write this from a cabin in the Texas Hill Country. It's beautiful here, rolling and rocky hills full of cattle, wildlife, friendly people and great music. The Texas Hill Country (Central Texas), and especially Austin, have long been known as a hub for an eclectic blend of country, rock and folk music, best known as Cosmic Cowboy music, or more in modern terms, Americana Music. The Austin Music Scene, as it's also known, became a thing in the early 70s shaped by music greats, Jerry Jeff Walker, Gary P. Nunn, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Michael Martin Murphey and many more. Although the Austin Music Scene isn't as vibrant as it once was many of the progenitors are still with us and playing great music.

Last night we went to Luckenbach, just a few miles away from the cabin, and enjoyed a show by Dale Watson, another of the icons of the Austin Music Scene, at the Luckenbach Dance Hall for the annual Thanksgiving Day Ball. We had an absolute great night of dancing (if you can call what I do dancing), libations and fine company. This was the third time we've seen Dale Watson, and the second time we've been here for the Thanksgiving Day Ball featuring Mr. Watson and His Lone Stars. He and the band were on fire, we consider this the best show of the three that we've seen. We left at 11:00 PM full of memories, tee shirts, autographs and photos.

We're staying here through Thanksgiving Day and we'll head back to Southeast Texas tomorrow, Friday. We're forgoing the traditional turkey dinner for barbecued baby back ribs. Yesterday we saw a large rafter of turkeys pass close by the cabin, probably about 100 feet away. I joked with otc that she should have grabbed one for Thanksgiving dinner, but instead we opted for the delicious ribs, being the rebels that we are.

Photos from Outside the Cabin