Stars and Bars

I've just put in about ten hours driving - two or three more before I pull off. Been a good day and I feel good - have spoken to a lot of friends today and it makes it easier. Been through a lot of rain since Gainesville but driving has been surprisingly pleasant. I am stopped at a pit barbecue eating local pulled chicken with a big variety of homemade sweet and smoky bar-b-q sauces. Pretty yummy.

Just heard on the local radio station in Blountsville that Billy Powell, the Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboardist has died so I imagine flags will be at half mast tomorrow throughout the south. i think that means one original member left and I wouldn't give you a plug nickel for his chances. You would not believe me if I told you that the family at the next table is shoeless but it's the god's honest. I gassed up a few miles back and struck up a conversation with a private detective from Georgia who was here to interview a meth head. He said that the litmus test for an attractive woman in the area was one whose two remaining teeth touched. Passed the Cafe Risque nude luncheonette again in Gainesville but never believed in mixin' pleasure with grub. Didn't stop for a picture once again being a respectful man.

Lots of prayer meetings and evangelical calls to faith on the local radio station. Passed one prolife march with grisly signs. Haven't really felt like taking any pictures, no inspiration but did see some beautiful mossy views of the everglades. Maybe I will get a spark tomorrow. Stopped at one large antique mall/old barn and it would have been really great if you collected star wars lunchboxes and dusty old bottles. Somehow don't think it will be a big buying trip. Actually feels real good to be driving alone - getting back in touch with my old road warrior. Been a couple years.

Had a beautiful dream last night. I was in a home that bore a remarkable resemblance to the late Tony Maguire's casa. Except that there were gargantuan black panthers roaming around the grounds. And the backyard was a thousand foot tall waterfall about three hundred feet wide and sixty foot deep that people were plunging off of and safely landing in the pools far below. I have always been agoraphobic so I never got past studying the situation but was prepared to go when I suddenly awoke... Don't know what it means - maybe you can look it up in your book, Nelson?

Peace.