Country Throwdown!!

As soon as Cari saw that The Lost Trailers would be performing at Country Throwdown she simply had to go. Tickets had recently gone on sale so we got great seats - Orchestra Center Row E. We just had to wait for two months. The Lost Trailers opened for Phil Vassar about four years ago and Cari fell head over heels for Ryder Lee, the lead singer. They were scheduled as an opening act for someone else (can't remember who) in the fall, but the show was canceled because of a hurricane. Cari was extremely disappointed. It was more than a year later we finally got to see them again. That was over a year ago now. So come hell or high water, she was seeing them at Throwdown. It was only 95-97 degrees yesterday. I don't do heat - at least I don't do it well. Normally, I would've balked big time at going to a concert in nearly 100 degree weather, but since we're leaving for Nashville in three days I figured I may as well get used to it. It was bad, but not as bad as it could've been I guess. Part of the time there was a decent breeze and that helped. I also took my little spray water bottle fan thingy. It helped too. But honestly, the only thing that helps in that kind of heat and humidity is air-conditioning.

The Lost Trailers were scheduled to perform at 2:30, so we got there around 2:00. As we sat there, and sat there, and sat there some more we finally heard they were running an hour being - pretty unusual for a country concert. They're usually very punctual. And I was amazed at how empty the place was. I don't know if it was the heat that kept people away or what, but I don't think I've ever seen it that empty before. Finally at 3:30 they took the stage and they were, as always, fabulous!! We loved every minute of their set and were close enough to make eye contact. It was awesome! Cari, of course, knew every word to every song.

After their set Ryder announced they'd be signing autographs at the Merchandise Booth. Needless to say, we immediately got up and proceeded to find the Merchandise Booth and get in line. We each bought a group photo and got it personalized, then got our photos taken with Ryder and Stokes.

 

Walking back to our seats to wait for the next act, Cari was floating on clouds. Not only had she gotten Ryder's autograph yet again, but she got to hug him this time and get a picture with him too! She could've gone home right then and there and been perfectly happy.

As we found new seats (it was General Admission until 7pm) to wait for the next act, we melted - no literally. Good Gawd it was hot! Finally the next act came on. I didn't even know who they were, never heard of 'em. It was Ryan Bingham and the Dead Horses. ?? The first thing that really got to me was the volume on their amps was turned up WAY too high. They were twice as loud as anyone else. The base drum actually hurt my internal organs. It was crazy. I didn't care for the "music" either, but could've tolerated it much easier had the volume been at an acceptable level. I was never so glad to have a band get off the stage. I sure hope to never see them again. I have no idea why they were at a Country Throwdown. There was nothing country about this band. I may not have known who they were when they took the stage, but I certainly will never forget them now.

Finally, they quit and left the stage. Thank you God. Seriously, thank you. It was that bad. The Eli Young Band was next and we, at least, had heard of them and like a lot of their music. They were good and I'm sure we'll be getting more of their music. (Note: There's something about Eli Young that really reminds me of Wayne Newton.)

Jack Ingram was next. I've seen Jack before and he does a great show, so I was really looking forward to this. He did not disappoint. He was awesome!! Jack is so energetic and into audience participation the time just flies.

When he sang "Barefoot and Crazy" he took his boots off and put them on the mic. It was pretty damn cool to see him running around the stage singing his butt off barefoot.

Jack ended his set by coming down from the stage and getting in the audience for a little more up close and personal. We loved it. He really seems very gracious and humble about his success - and acknowledges that he wouldn't be where he is without the fans. It was cool. Next up, Eric Church ...

... not sure what we were expecting from Eric Church, but it wasn't what we got. He didn't do much for me or Cari. We had listened to his music on iTunes and liked a lot of it but after seeing him perform - not so much. His music and songs are still basically ok, but Eric himself has issues! He comes across as an angry man trying to get his point across and wanting approval for his views. There's a lot of pounding on his chest with his fists, shaking his hands, screaming at the end of a phrase, etc. Anyway, just a little over the top for me. Seeing this concert certainly wouldn't make me wanna go out and buy his CD.

Oh, I almost forgot ... in between bands they had new and upcoming singer/songwriters on the corner of the stage with just their guitars singing some of their songs. This one chick started singing and Cari and I immediately looked at each other with raised eyebrows. We thought it must be some kind of joke. After 20-30 seconds we started to realize that, no, this was just her. I tell you - honestly - the chick sounded like one of the Chipettes of Alvin and the Chipmunks!!! Seriously! It was CRAZY! I know we were rude because we couldn't help but laugh ... and you know my laugh. Enough said.

As hot as it was and as hungry as we were, we sort of considered leaving early. But after sitting through all of that and to be so close to Little Big Town performing, I was determined to make it. Let me just say it was worth it. The were SO, SO good. I'm glad we stayed - it was worth it. :)

So that was it - we were done. Tired, hot, hungry, thirsty and exhausted, we left early - before Montgomery Gentry came on. I would've liked to see them, but under the circumstances, going home sounded better.

All in all it was a good day. A couple of hiccups make it more interesting I guess but it was mostly good. Tomorrow Brooke comes in and the circus begins! LOL

Flowers

We're remodeling our half bath. Well, I guess I should say Bob is remodeling the half bath. He's doing the work but I did have input on the new fixtures and such. Can't wait 'til it's done. Having that little bathroom on the public end of the house out of commission is a huge PITA. It'll be awesome when it's done though. Anyway, I'm looking for some beautiful red flowers to shoot for wall focal point in there. I don't have any red flowers but I went out to shoot just because I've been itching to play with some new photographs. When I took the trash out I saw my next door neighbors Clematis and Hydrangeas. Immediately I went inside and grabbed my camera. I ended up walking around my front yard and deck too. Of course, I snapped way more than the following but these were some of my faves I played with:

Photoshop action:

turned red in Photoshop:

Not sure what I'm gonna do with any of these but I sure had fun with 'em!

tata for now,

QB

PS - Brooke will be here in THREE days and we leave for Nashville in SEVEN days!!

Big Band

Cari and I went out to the beach Saturday for a concert at the 17th street stage. Since it was the weekend for the Drum Line Competition we thought it would be more percussion - guess I didn't read closely enough. It was the Virginia Arts Festival Big Band playing - not a percussion band. Still, we enjoyed it - even though it was FREEZING!! You wouldn't think it would be so damn cold the end of May but the wind was whipping and everyone was wrapped up. I had fun shooting the stage and Dairy Queen beside us. Here's two of my faves:

When we came home, Cari discovered the lineup of artists for the CMA Festival and we were up until about 1:30am going through new artists and music on iTunes. Getting so excited!!

Fish Fry ...

A limo to Gloucester for the fish fry was the perfect idea. We loaded up and were off! Of course a little wine and beer for the ride made it even better. A fish fry isn't the healthiest food choice but since it isn't something we do on a consistent basis, we thoroughly enjoyed it. We started with some awesome steamed shrimp, then moved on to flounder, scallops, hush puppies, fries clam fritters (or whatever they're called), cake and ice cream. All of the food was incredible! I expected mediocre and was delightfully surprised.

I didn't have any of the sangria but it sure made for a fun photo!

... and last but not least, DESSERT!

Don't know this lady, but she passed us while standing in line for our cones. Ice cream and beer - I just couldn't resist taking her picture.

Love these fun "people" shots too:

 

Regina too this one of Bob and me. I call it Mutt and Jeff. :)

In the limo on the way home I played with some shots of all the glasses lined up. Really like the way this one came out.

What a wonderful way to spend hump day! Glad I didn't have to get up and go to work this morning after playing so hard yesterday!

(Note: the pedometer said about 13,000 steps today. Hopefully a little closer to removing some of the junk in my trunk.)

Spring ... here? / not here.

This has been a really weird spring, but it does follow on the heels of a pretty strange winter. My body doesn't know what to expect, the plants outside don't quite know what to do, hell even my Tranes keep switching back and from from a/c to heat. Bob comes home from work one night and all the fans are going (my power surges partly to blame) and the next night the heat's on. Crazy! In the middle of May last night, I, yes even I, wore a sweatshirt on our nightly walk!

More signs of spring: I've had hummingbirds on my feeder already! I'm always so excited to see the first little ones of the year. I just love to watch them. I also spotted a Rose Breasted Grosbeak on my feeder 2-3 weeks ago. I haven't seen one of those in years!! I've been thrilled to see quite a few on my feeder in the last few weeks. One night while eating dinner, I actually had THREE (2 males and a female) on it at one time! Bob and Cari think I'm nuts because I get so much enjoyment from my birds.

I did find some plants that called to me yesterday at Walmart though. Had to come right home and plant them all! I've had these square wire baskets for a couple of years now and needed new coconut liners for them. I guess square is out these days because all I could find were round baskets and round liners. I thought it was stupid to have to throw these away and buy new round baskets, so in the spirit of recycling I bought the round ones anyway. They were a PITA to try and make fit into my round baskets, but I did it. Probably ruined a pair of scissors in the process. (note to self - buy the round ones pre-cut with slits next time!) I ended up putting some beautiful light green lined, purple leaf Coleus with some variegated Vinca in them. They look ok for now - will have to see how they fare this summer. Also bought some day lilies and pretty purple Delphinium to plant together in my big pots. The Hostas sitting in from of them should be perfect!

I also just had to have a pot of gorgeous Cala Lilies and a trailing vine on a trellis with beautiful red flowers ... and I can't for the life of me remember right now what it's called. UGH!!

Cari and I went to Baybreeze yesterday! I love getting my fresh stuff from them - so glad they're open again! We do so miss that little stand when they close at the end of the summer. We bought fresh strawberries (just picked), tomatoes, sweet potatoes, baby red potatoes, some free reign eggs and I found chives!!! Have been looking for chives for a couple of weeks now. Will cut some of those to have on those baby red potatoes when we fix them! :)

Love my herb garden!

On another note, I don't think Cari and I have even come up for air since she's been home. Today makes two weeks. She's not even completely unpacked yet. Honestly, I don't think she's been home long enough to unpack. Bob and I are going to a fish fry with a group of friends this afternoon and she's looking forward to having the afternoon to herself just vegging - after we go to the gym this morning of course. We have been on the go non-stop.

Speaking of the gym, I had started going back before she came home, but she really started cracking the whip! We have gone nearly daily since she's been back. And most of those days we haven't been to the gym, we've walked or biked instead. Next will be some tennis rackets for something a little different. Have I lost any weight? Me? Not much. I walked with ankle weights last night. I told both Bob and Cari if my ass didn't shrink after all this I really was gonna start sitting on the couch watching soaps and eating bon bons.

OK, enough for now ...
QB

Almost 11 months!

Cari and I went to see Morgan yesterday. :) I guess I should say we went to see Heidi and Morgan, but since Heidi took Peanut to the shop to groom him we didn't really see her. Missy came by and had lunch with us and played. Morgan is such a TV nut we literally had to turn it off so she would pay some attention to us.

I took some Broccoli Salad and fresh fruit for lunch. Morgan had already eaten her lunch but was still in her seat so Missy cut up some cantaloupe, strawberries and pineapple and put it on her tray. It was quite entertaining watching those chubby little fingers chase the slippery fruit around. So I got a spoon and gave her little bites with it in between her chasing it around with her chubby little fingers. I ended up giving her the spoon - oh the fun she had banging it! So I got her little fork out that her MaMaw (Missy) gave her for Easter. She LOVED having a utensil for both hands! :) We were amazed at how quickly she figured out what to do with that fork. I'd stab a piece of fruit and it didn't take her long to get it in her mouth. What a little genius we have on our hands! And what a gorgeous little genius!

This picture slideshow personalized with Smilebox

Til next time ...
QB

Happy Mother's Day!

Cari found the PERFECT t-shirt for me! I LOVE it!! And Bob got me another bead for my bracelet - "GRANDMOTHER." :D How can I not smile

It's always a good day when you're with family. Cari being home made it that much more wonderful. Our day started out with breakfast at Rock-a-fellers. Yummmm! The omelet was ok, nothing to write home about (even though I'm writing about it - hmmm), but the pomegranate mimosa was divine! :) And their cornbread is always so good I had to have a piece.

 

We came home and did a 4-mile walk around the neighborhood - had to burn off some of those calories dontchaknow! Cari and I went shopping for dinner. Tried a new recipe for salmon (it was good but we're still looking for that awesome one), had baked sweet potatoes and peas to go with it. Tried some new organic wine with dinner too - I think it gave me a headache, well something did. About an hour or so after dinner we tried to go to Cold Stone for dessert. None of us had been there in ages. The line was almost out the door so we left and went to Handel's. Bob got a simple double dip (strawberry & chocolate), I got a Reese Cup Hurricane and Cari got nothing. She didn't see anything she wanted to waste the calories on. We sat down and watched some DVR'd shows and I finished a knitting project, then headed to bed.

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful mothers in my life!