Urban Experiment

My boss, Chuck, is in a partnership with a man, John, whose company is doing video and camera work for a lot of concerts. This company is doing all of Keith Urban's concerts. Chuck found this out and knowing what a BIG country music fan I am, he asked John if I could go to Nashville where they would be rehearsing with Keith Urban and do a meet and greet. OMG!! When Chuck and Jen told me, I was so excited and shocked and nervous. They told me on Thursday, April 16 and I was going to fly to Nashville on Monday, April 20. Chuck explained that the trip might not happen - he was going to talk to John on Sunday to make sure everything was ok and he said he'd call me Sunday night ONLY if the trip was off. I spent the week-end shopping for cute tops and accessories . . . my personal stylist, Michele, helped me pick out some cute stuff!

I never heard from Chuck on Sunday, so I headed to LAX early Monday morning. My plane took off 6:00am (there was actually a LOT of people traveling that time of day). I was flying from Los Angeles to Denver and on to Nashville, but by the time I landed in Denver, Chuck had left me a voicemail saying that the rehearsals had been closed to guests and he didn't think I'd be able to meet Keith Urban. What a bummer! Needless to say I was disappointed; but the trip ended up being awesome anyway. I had called my mom and sister to let them know I would be in Nashville and they drove up and stayed with me. We had the BEST time sight seeing and exploring Nashville.

I did end up getting to see about 30 minutes of Keith Urban's rehearsal. John called after I landed in Nashville and said he could sneak me into the rehearsal, but we had to keep it really low key. It was amazing even though I didn't get to experience the ultimate Urban experience of meeting him. I can't wait to see his concert in LA at Staples Center.



This is the back of the Sommet Center where Keith Urban was rehearsing - John snuck me in the back door.











The Ernest Tubb Record Shop on Broadway.

















The historic Ryman Auditorium. Mama, Donna and I went to a concert here - "Songs of Faith." This week is the Gospel Music Awards and several of the Christian bands played this concert - Point of Grace, The Whites, and Mercy Me. Also playing was Hal Katchum, John Conlee, Bill Anderson, and The Grascals. It was a great concert.











Me, Mama, and Donna before eating dinner at Demo's - a really good restaurant recommended by the bellman at the hotel.











Me posing by a big, red cowgirl boot!

This was on 2nd Avenue next to the Wildhorse Saloon - MTV was filming an episode of "Can You Duet" at the Wildhorse.











Me, Donna and Mama on the trolley tour. It was an hour tour that showed you the sights around Nashville. It was windy and a little chilly, but a really good tour. It took us by historic downtown, Fort Nashborough, the State Capitol (I thought about Glenn's dad - he visited the state capitols of every state he toured), the Parthenon, Music Row, Vanderbilt University, and by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.










Inside the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: this is one of Porter Wagoner's jackets and guitars. I used to watch Porter Wagoner with Mom-mom and Papa when I was at their house.
















Me, Mama and Donna at the Ryman Auditorium.













Me, Mama and Donna inside the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center - this hotel is HUGE, almost like it's own city. One day we would like to go back and stay here.

Easter

Easter Day was beautiful here in California - temps in the 80's. We were at Kim and Ron's house for dinner and Mexican Train. It was a very nice day spent with family.



Aiden had a blue ring pop - soon his tongue and teeth were blue, too!













Aiden sharing his garbage truck with Ashton.













Kim made a cute bunny cake. She's such a good cook!


















Ethan was busy taking photos!

















It wouldn't be a family dinner without a game of Mexican Train.

Jerry and Glenn choosing their tiles carefully!

She's Still My Baby!

Although she just turned 23, she will always be my baby! Michele is such a wonderful daughter, beautiful, smart, and doesn't take any crap from anybody! I love that about her. I'm very proud of her and all of the things she's accomplished and done in her life.

Mexican Fiesta at our house the night of her birthday! It was a lot of fun! Tyler grilled carne asada - delicious! Hope this year brings lots of joy, happy memories, and love in your life Michele - we love you!!!



Mandy, Nichole, and Michele













Can't have a Mexican Fiesta without the
sombreros!

Tyler and Michele

What a good brother - he's a sweetheart!











Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you . . .

Tyler, Baylee, Michele, and Maddy

More To Come

I'll be posting more photos the end of the week - lots to share!

Update? What's That???

Whoa! It's been a long time since I've updated - sorry about that. There's been a lot going on. Glenn's Dad passed away the end of February and we were gone for a week and a half to Oregon. Since then, I haven't uploaded any photos at all until this past week-end. Work has been really busy for me; Glenn's work may go out on strike (A T & T) - they are working without a contract right now while the company and union are at the bargaining table. I'm thankful they are still working. Michele turned 23 on April 2nd - she had a Mexican Fiesta at the house that night. Lot's of fun! Then there was Easter . . . then my boss surprised me with a trip to Nashville at the end of April - I called it my "Urban Experiment." I was supposed to meet Keith Urban, but it didn't quite work out :( But my mom and sister drove up from Georgia to hang out with me and we had a blast! None of us had been there and we did all the touristy stuff - trolly tour, Country Music Hall of Fame, walked a LOT, saw a concert at the Ryman Auditorium. I really had a good time being with my mom and sister.

These next few months are going to be busy as well - camping mother's day week-end and Hawaii in June! BUSY!!!

Here are some photos from Oregon. Glenn's dad was cremated and had a military service. It was awesome to see and experience - the servicemen snapping open the American Flag and then folding it, and the 21 gun salute.

Morgan, Nate, and Joan were there; Duane, Peggy, Kristy, Dakota, and Elizabeth drove there with Robin, Brittney, Ashley, and Adele; Melody and Jerry drove up with Michele and Tyler; Valerie flew in from Michigan; and Marie and Brian flew in from New York. Tim, Kia and family were so welcoming to everyone. Kate and Zack were not feeling well - they were sick and went back to their home early.

Of course, Aunt Val and I found where the closest casino was located and off we went. Called Seven Feathers Casino, it was an hours drive away on a curvy back road. On the way back, a deer ran right in front of the car and I had to slam on the brakes! It was a heart thumper!


Glenn and Tyler in "Peggy Sue" with Glenn's dads ashes. "Peggy Sue" is Rick's car - Rick was one of Glenn's Dad's best friends.









Aunt Melody and Aunt Val













Glenn, Morgan, Duane and Robin - after all these years . . . still goofing off and rough housing! Woo Hoo!












Michele and Elizabeth (Duane and Peggy's granddaughter - Kristy's daughter). Elizabeth was full of smiles for everyone. Beautiful little girl.











Tyler, Duane, and Brittney














Patricia with Pops ashes.
















Dakota - handsome, huh?















Kia with Erica and Emily.













Glenn and Nate - playing cards or playing a trick or someone?













Kristy, Peggy and Elizabeth














Robin and Glenn

Best Strawberry Shortcake EVER!

Several of us rode our motorcycles out to Ojai to a place called Buccoli's. The day was a little overcast, but not cold - it was comfortable enough to ride without chaps. Buccoli's has the best strawberry shortcake this side of the Mississippi! Well, the best of anywhere around here. They make a sweet biscuit, top it with loads of fresh strawberries, and then pile homemade whipped cream on top. If you eat lunch there - they have really good pizza and bruchetta - you might not have room for the strawberry shortcake. Glenn and I usually order just the shortcake.
This is Jim and Glenn. Tyler gave Glenn these face masks - one looks like Hulk Hogan and the other like Mr. T - Glenn loves them!
We had a great ride today. Met 2 other couples who love to ride. One of the couples did the ride from Ontario, CA to Washington, DC for the Ride to the Wall (the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall). He's a Vietnam Vet. They said it was a 10 day trip across the US and worth every day.

Double Happy Week-end

This past week-end was double happy for Glenn and I. Friday the 13th (no superstitions here) was our 27th wedding anniversary (whew - can you believe it?!?) and then Valentines Day on the 14th. Here's the story behind us getting married the day before Valentines Day:
We were going to get married in Savannah, GA by the justice of the peace at the courthouse. My grandmother, Mom-mom, and my mom were not thrilled about that. They wanted family to be present at our wedding. So, we said we would drive up to mama and daddy's house outside Macon, GA in 2 weeks and get married at their house. I don't think it crossed either of our minds that 2 weeks on Saturday was the day before Valentine's Day.
My Uncle Lamar (Daddy's brother) is a preacher and he presided over the wedding. Donna was my matron of honor; Duane was going to be Glenn's best man, but he got lost driving up from FL where he was stationed at the Navy base. Rick, Donna's husband, stepped in and was best man. There was about 35 people at the house looking on as we exchanged vows. It was a beautiful day even though it was February in Georgia. Sun was shining and it was not very cold.
It seems like such a long time ago, yet at the same time, I feel like time has flown by so quickly.
The wedding was perfect for Glenn and I. I appreciate my mom and mom-mom putting the wedding together for us and all the cooking and baking they did. Glenn and I really left all the details to them. I bought my wedding dress the night before the wedding at a store called Lerner's at the Macon Mall (I think it cost all of $20!).
Back to the present - Friday night for our anniversary, Glenn and I went to Eric Erricsons at the Ventura Pier for dinner. Good grubs!
Valentine's Day, we hopped on the Harley's and rode down to Third Street in Santa Monica. The sun was out, but we still wore our chaps. Believe it or not, it was a little warmer down by the beach than in Thousand Oaks. We stayed out about 6 hours and had a great day.

Santa Monica, Third Street













Happy Valentines Day
from Third Street in
Santa Monica, CA