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This was an unusual Winfield. Didnt make land rush and was not able to get there until Friday---I usually spend at least 6-7 days so arriving on Friday and leaving on Sunday makes for a short trip. In addition the camp ground was closed due to the flood so everyone was scattered all over 2 counties. Our main group was congregated in the little park at Oxford about 8 miles west of Winfield. The people that run the festival were just incredible. I had a motel room in the Sonner Inn---old but clean, with showers, A/C and quiet. I only worked a 1/2 day because I was on the scedule for Thursday and Friday and did not make it. My gate Pass and my parking permit were delivered to the motel so when I checked in I was ready to head for the Stages---it had fortunately dried out enough to allow for all 4 stages. This is the first time in the 37 yrs it has been going that the fairground camping areas were closed because of the flooding.

The other thing that was a constant was Bob Black was not there. He is a friend and bandmate and we have play music and been coming to Winfield togeather since 1990. Bob was diagnosed at stage 4 cancer just 3 weeks prior to my diagnosis and because of the chemo he just couldnt make it. I would be lieing if I tried to say that wasnt a downer---.

I am glad I was able to go down but the dust and the smoke were more than I care for at this time so I am really glad I had the motel instead of camping.

Well, it all starts Monday and I cant say I am looking forward to it----it was melancholy parting with my Windfield friends, but I have every intention of seeing them here next year.

Drove back to KC on Sunday---again unusual because we are usuallly tearing down the "Pickin Parlor"---the flood carried off our brand new 20x30 canopy and all the other stuff had been picked up and put in our utility trailer and so all I had to do was pack my bag and load my car and go---hmmm, might not be a bad way to do this is sure as hell is easier---but not as much fun