October 30, 2026 · Peachbark Winery (the Peach Barn), Alto Pass, Illinois

I made it to the winery, and yes, it is as good as I had hoped. After all the anticipation, it feels good simply to be here.

I’ve just finished playing. It was a small audience—a table, then another—but they were listening. There is something lovely about that, even when the room is far from full.

I almost feel bad being paid and fed in a place like this. The welcome has been generous, and I want to give something back. I suspect I’ll be having dinner here every night.

Now the plan for Saturday and Sunday is very simple: relax, take it easy, and take it all in. Stay in one place for a little while. Make some room for myself and see whether I can actually settle into it.

I’m excited about that. Let’s see if I can do it.