Archie Kobain

I was petrified.

I thought for sure that I hadn’t even averaged one blog post per month in 2013.
As it turns out, I did 13 blog posts in 2013.  Isn’t that pathetic?

But where was I when I first heard that sweet sound of humility?
It came to my ears in the God damned loveliest melody…

Well, for sure, there will be at least two in 2014. This one and next week’s.
After that, we’ll see what happens. Archie may be going on a little trip…a journey.
And let the scenery sweeping by easily enter my body.

But enough about the future.  Let’s recap 2013.
Maybe we can do somewhat of a pictorial recap…Yes?

Let’s see, I got to hang with some protesters in Greece…

Student Protesters in Greece

You know how I love protesters.

I got to The Vatican the day after they installed the new Pope.
Just think.  One day before, there were like a million people here.
This day, they were just taking down the TV cameras and putting the chairs away…

The Vatican

I made it to Turkey.  Loved Turkey, particularly Izmir.  I could live there.
Istanbul was awesome but just too much of a busy crazy city…

Turkey

Did I mention that Greece was awesome?

Greece

Finally made it to Napa Valley. Drank my fair share of wine…

Napa Valley

Hey, is that a Robert Graham shirt?  I love those.

One of my favorite days of 2013 was lunch with Adelaide Clemons at Willy Nick’s…

Don’t take that picture, Archie.

OK, well…sometimes I get my facts mixed up.  Let’s not dwell on that.

At some point, I revived my patriotism…

And spent some time in our nation’s capital.
They even let me this close to the White House…

And they let me get this  close to Senator Marco Rubio…

Senator Marco Rubio

 Actually, I got to meet with a number of Republicans & Democrats.
The other people in the room couldn’t figure me out. I hammered them both.  Ha, ha!!!

Then, on advise from Barnsley and his favorite waitress…

I went home with a waitress, the way I always do.

I got rid of the BMW and returned to my cowboy roots…

Archie + Cowboy Hat

That is Cowboy roots…and Cowboy boots…

Cowboy Boots

Hadn’t worn those puppies in like 30 years.

Now, I can sense a pickup truck in my near future. Giddy up!

But enough about that. 2013 was also a harsh year and I must mention…
A lot of cool people died in 2013.  I had one friend who died way too young and I wish I could have gotten to know her better. Just recently, one of my oldest friends and partner-in-crime from way back, back when the Mustang was white, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. You will be missed, Wayne.

So I raise a glass to all those who left us in 2013.
Wherever you are…don’t drink all the wine before I get there.

And to all us who are still among the living…
May you have a happy, prosperous, and stimulating 2014.

Stay tuned.  I feel a big blog post coming on for next week.
Of course, it could be the last one for a while…
So, Barnsley says I have to make it a good one.

Barns…  Have you seen Maria?

Barns?

OK, well.  I have to run for now.

Be good.  Be safe.

Be stiff… Oh, baby, be stiff.

WTF?

Peace out, dawgz!

– Arch