Despite all Bill's problems (and he had many), he was my friend. He was plagued with health issues, and went thru an unbelievable maze of health care related disasters, so that his passing was somewhat not unexpected. Still, to lose a friend under any circumstances is sad. As I don't have any knowledge as of this moment as to what actually happened, all I can say with any certainty was, that he was a good guy, and I will miss him very much.

It is not my intention to write a fitting obituary here, as I'm hopeful someone more capable will do, but it's just to let our friends around the world know that another good guy has left us to carry on.

Maybe the thing I'll remember most was his sense of humor. As I'd be tramping around the world on tours, Bill would show up at the pepper patch at my home in Sebastian each day. And because we both had the same white hair, many visitors would stop by my house and mistake him for me. And even though he would say "I'm not Arlo - I'm Bill" many people would refuse to believe him, and he would end up having to sign autographs and pose for pictures as if he were me. We both would laugh a lot about stuff like that. I was happy he was there. I'm going to miss the guy very much.

More later... adg

https://www.flickr.com/…/folkslin…/28706275235/in/datetaken/

The town is completely filled with families walking around - It's summer after all. There's also something special about the light around here. I often wish we'd get to spend more time without having to work, just to walk along a little streets where people have preserved the historic nature of their homes and shops. It's like what fantasy theme parks try to copy (usually without success).

I stood behind the theater on a rise above the beach and rock strewn shore line, listening to the sounds of kids playing in the water.
I remember being one of those kids, growing up in Coney Island. It's something you don't forget even if it was over 60 years ago.

The sounds of happy kids playing near the water is one of the joys of this world. Little kids don't know what a president is, much less who's trying to get elected. They're just running around and having fun. There are places in this world where the beaches are empty, where everyone has fled, where no one is safe to yell and laugh out loud.

If you've ever been on the sandy shore line and seen storm clouds coming, you see how quickly the scene changes as everyone grabs their kids and heads for higher ground. Sometimes the world feels like it's getting dark quickly, as if a storm in coming in. And your instinct is to pack up and leave. I just have to keep reminding myself that it's temporary, like the weather - It will change.

There are those selling doom and gloom, and others selling bright sunny days - I am not in the mood for shopping. But, I have my sleeves rolled up - there's a lot of work to do. There's always stuff to do. But, we do it so we can get a few days off, grab the kids and head to the beach.

Last time I was up here, Hurricane Irene washed out all the small roads, so I was essentially stranded here for days afterward. Finally I decided to try to get home to the Berkshires, and had to stay on the Interstate Highways and drive thru Boston - way out of the way. It should have taken me about 3 hours, instead it took twice that long. But it was exciting, and we're still talking about it.

I walked in this afternoon, and the crew at the venue were saying 'Hey, Arlo! Remember the last time you were here...' Maybe that's what I love most about what we do. Returning to places and seeing friends who have tales to tell, stories to share, and things worth remembering. Onward!

Last Friday, Annie performed many of the songs at The Church (stealing my band for the occasion). It was so much fun! Thanks to all who came in support.

For those who were too far away, or couldn't get there, here's a taste of what's on the record. Much thanks to Bobby Sweet for the great production. Anyway, have a listen and enjoy:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4y9N0xBcNg