I just checked out my Twitter analytics for the first time. Turns out my followers are interested in, above all other topics, dogs. So here you go. You're welcome.

RT @caslernoel: “Happiness is not simply material comfort, though access to basic necessities should be a right to all no matter where they…

A reader wrote to me and said that, ever since I posted a @slaidc song last year, she's gone down a rabbit hole of Slaid's music. She thanked me for posting the song. Aren't you soul gladdened, somehow, when something really speaks to you and you turn somebody else on to it and you may have completely forgotten that you ever even mentioned it but then later they thank you for it? You think "hey, somebody else out there gets it," like you have a new spiritual kinsman in the universe. It feels good. Shown here: A photo I took of Slaid onstage at Poodies Roadhouse in Spicewood back in 2017.

That’s Beatrice the duck. Guarding my gear, and a couple of eggs, at the entrance to the Holiday Inn in Tomball, Texas.

It "seems" lik a lot . . .

The Clash’s Paul Simonon, running into some young street musicians, will make your day. 💕🎸 @TheClash @FarOutMag

Been thinking about upgrading from the old minivan. This looks nice.

Y'all, I had a bunch of good content programmed for today but I just don't have the heart to let it post. The tragedy in the Hill Country makes what I do here feel so insignificant. To come to terms with the idea that the rivers we cherish ----- the rivers that give so much life to this place and nurtured the dreams of our ancestors and defined our geography and history --- that these same rivers have turned fierce, claiming lives and shattering communities ... it's too much for a poor old Texas heart. Each time one of these natural disasters --- be it hurricane, tornado or flood — happens, it is a reminder of nature’s power and our powerless. We mourn for those who are gone, for the families grappling with unimaginable grief, and for the places we hold dear, now scarred by this tragedy. In the sadness of this moment, I think of the stories that make the Hill Country so special: the laughter of folks swimming in those same rivers, the strum of guitars under oak trees, the resilience of neighbors who become family in times like these. And I am encouraged at least by the knowledge that those stories cannot be washed away. Because they live in us, in the courage of first responders wading through treacherous waters, in the hands of volunteers clearing debris, in the prayers whispered across county lines, in the memories of those left behind. God bless the souls of those who were lost. May their spirits roam these windswept prairies forever.

Problem solving flowchart thanks to the Texas Chili Parlor bathroom door. "Does the damn thing work? yes or no"

this makes me very happy

My goodness. I was just at my local H-E-B. It was an absolute madhouse. It's never a good sign when you have to park in the next parking lot over. Approaching the store, I felt a keen sense of dread, envisioning the sea of humanity, the carts blocking the aisles, the cacophony of sound. And for the first five minutes, it felt like a life and death struggle with forces of mighty chaos. But then I thought of @raywylie 's admonition: "the days in which I keep my gratitude higher than my expectations, I have good days." I realized that I was fighting the vibe, and it was so unnecessary. So I looked again. There was a kid, smiling at me, uncertain what to make of my tall, lanky body and catastrophic white hair. The shelves were full and people were talking about recipes and what they needed. I heard somebody say "we need to get the stuff for green bean casserole." And I thought of that dish, that wonderful dish that (blessedly) only appears once a year but, when it does appear, marks occasions filled with laughter and wine and, now, memories of friends and family long gone. Then I thought of the suffering in the world --- the real suffering --- and felt bad for having mentally complained, initially, about there being so many people in a place of such abundance. There are people on the planet facing desperate situations --- heck, people in North Carolina facing Thanksgiving without their homes --- and I'm frustrated because I can't find artichoke hearts? Then, when I checked out Robin, my checker, was wearing a pin indicating that she'd been at HEB for 37 years and my bagger had one on indicating that he'd been there for 16 years. I talked to Robin as she was whipping those groceries through the scanner and I said "37 years ... have you been a checker all that time?" She said that she'd worked in the bakery and also stocked shelves at night but that she likes being a checker because "that's where the action is" and because she "likes meeting the people." I smiled. She wished me a happy Thanksgiving, as did the bagger, James. I was halfway out the store when James tapped me on the shoulder and said "you almost left your jalapenos on the counter." Holy cow ... I'd have been mad if I'd got all the way home and realized that one of the key ingredients for my jalapeno-orange cranberry sauce was missing. But I didn't, because James noticed them still in the bagging area and tracked me down. As I was wheeling my cart out around and thought "You're with your people. There are your people." I got back to my car, loaded up nine bags of groceries, got in, noticed what a beautiful day it is, cranked up the Ray Wylie Hubbard, and drove away. It's all about perspective. Thank you Robin and thank you, James and H-E-B and Ray Wylie Hubbard and all of the wonderful Texans who've contributed so much to this page and ... well, y'all get the picture.

Singling along with @paigencfletcher to classic @slaidc music about the old Austin we lived and loved for so many years while drinking whiskey cocktails is pretty much the perfect 33rd anniversary-eve time…

Listening online, on I-40 today from Nashville to Knoxville.

Today is my 65th bday, and I am crossing the finish line into retirement! Deepest gratitude to the listeners musicians, colleagues, friends family who made my dreams come true. I’m on @KUTX today from 12n-4p CDT playing some favorites, with @IronAndWine live at 1:30 p.m!

Jeremy Tepper will be missed more than most. His support of important music can’t be overstated. @siriusxmoutlaw was the best friend a #countryoutlaw musician could ever have.

Some interesting facts about Maine here (and a great beach read as well):

Today’s grocery list. Guess what I forgot yesterday.

Great lineup:

Great interview:

One Good Year by @slaidc youtu.be/kbn4NJyifkA?si=FTJB…