CAIN'S : I know it's been awhile since I wrote, but it's just hectic as hell trying to do anything on the road. Either you're working, drunk, or hung over. My main concern is making everybody happy first, and then writing (to make myself happy), so sorry for the delay.

I'll start with Tulsa. We pulled in three days before recording. We had to miss my nephew's, Bruce Bowen first birthday party, but that's how it goes, you know? Got all of our stuff set up the first day, while Wizzard set up lights for four days, but it paid off, they're bad ass. He's the shit, we stole him from Dierks. He's one of us, rude, crude, and tattooed.

Recorded on Thursday to friends and family, just to have one night of clean playing, it's hard to concentrate on recording when you're trying to put on a show, so one more night wouldn't hurt.

The first night was bad ass until the a/c went down, it was Africa hot in the Cain's. But it made me think of summer shows back in the day with Bob and the Playboys. If they did it, so could we. The crowd started to thin after awhile, kinda disheartening, but shit, it was really hot, and we had one more night.

The next day (afternoon) we went to an old staple for lunch, Hideaway Pizza, with Vinny the Shark and crew. We had pizza, Vinny had a cookie with ice cream. Made our way back to the Cain's, and things were all fucked up. The new a/c unit was expensive and heavy, the HDTV truck generator went out twice, we had family there that we had no time to talk to, interviews, hangovers, and the door got pushed back, which meant Wade and Stoney's set got chopped in half, and you guys had to wait outside in the heat. So, with that in mind, we said open the doors now, this is bullshit. Our fans and our friends don't deserve this. So the doors opened and away we went, round two.

I can't say enough how much you guys made that second night the best of both. The atmosphere was electric. We feed off of you guys so much, you make us do what we do. The songs flowed, the beer and scotch flowed. The end result was, the entire second night is the record.

You picked it, it made it. I am very self conscious about my vocals because it's hard to be on key all the time, so let me know what you think, but also, this is not a Nashville, L.A. live recording, no overdubs, live is live. I hope you dig it. Twenty-five songs on the record and 15 songs on the DVD, because of all the extra behind the scenes stuff. So, Oct. 31st, let us know what you think, and lets try to get a live record into the top five country charts, and prove them all wrong.

LIFE AFTER CAIN'S : We jumped back on the bus and headed off to everywhere under the sun, knowing that we wouldn't see our family for 6 more weeks. But as I said, that's how it goes, you know?

We got to see some family in California, so that helped out a lot. I told Stoney from the road that I would probably die in California one day. I think it's gorgeous out there. We got to see my father in law, mother in law, sister in law, Bert's family, Betsy's family, and old friends from Stillwater, and new friends (Carney Man Bitch), that was the best request for that song, ever. Started playing Jenny again, and got to see Velvet Revolver at the Paso Robles fair. That was a shot of adrenaline…..Scott Weiland is a rock God….so thanks to Cali for the love. On to Oregon, Washington, oh yeah, Seattle (sorry for partying). I did what I call a phone in gig, I had a bad day and got drunk before the show, and McCoy told me I was fragile looking. Sorry, but that hasn't happened in a while. Vegas baby! I got to see my wife in the city we were wed, and milked every second of the night, fifteen minutes late for bus call after Shan, Bert, Wizzard's and my Miller Lite and egg breakfast. It took me three days to get over that hangover.

Got to see our Ag teacher, Red Goodson, in Sturgis. That was a shock! Our partner in crime, Shooter Jenning's and his lovely girl, Drea, and last but not least, Keith Oliver with Bill Wall leather. Got to catch up with those cats without distraction, so that was good for the soul. Sturgis, on the other hand, is bad for the soul.

Good ole Idaho, never a bad time, thanks to the Reckless boys, they've spread our word, thanks bros. Boise was Shannon and my 8th anniversary, so I called her out, knowing she was gonna be there. With the other girls in tow, a good surprise.

I hung out with Chris from Atlanta, that was good for my soul, sometimes I feel like I don't get to know you guys like I should. To those like Chris that travel so far to see us, ya'll will never know how good that makes us feel. It ain't about radio, or T.V., it's about connecting through music, and the connection has been made, you make us feel like the Dead. And Hugh, Walls of Huntsville is on tap. We ended the run at the Braun Family Reunion with a bang. Reckless, Motorcars, Muzzy, The Green Cards, and the two performances of George Devore, the rock show and the lounge show…..you had to be there.

Idaho is one of the prettiest states ever. All night, meteor showers and all night music, good friends, and good whiskey. One thing that does stand out in the haze of Challis is Joseph Deeb, from Micky and the Motorcars, doing the caterpillar on the bar. He spilled everybody's drinks and pissed the bartender off, then paid the bartender, so she would let him do it again. There are so many things that happen on the road, I could write a book (I think I will).

It's good to be home to actually see my son walk, instead of hearing about it! So we're going to get some rest, and get geared up to do some shows with The Drive By Truckers. Finally, ya'll will love these guys.

Until then, see you out there.
Cody