August 9, 2008
Altho’ the title of the blog is Earlene Travels, this episode took place right here in Bwd. I did, however, travel to the far side of our little town.
On Friday, I was requested to help others from Good Samaritan Ministries with a service project (for cash). We were being asked to serve food and drink at the 3M club family picnic Saturday from 9-3. I told Angelia I would help out and wondered just what we would be serving and to whom.
When I arrived at the “party building” at the 3M complex, it was already buzzing w/ folks pitching horseshoes, milling around and getting preparations made to serve a brisket dinner. I was assigned to the Dr. Pepper trailer outside of the building to serve those folks who were playing games outside. We got ice and cups and everything was hooked up to large canisters of soda. The available options were Dr. Pepper, Diet Dr. Pepper, Red Creme Soda and RC cola. (Many folks asked for bottled water, but there was none available). The refreshments were free to whoever wanted them, so I didn’t have to concern myself with collecting or counting money.
Lots of activities were available for families with children. It seemed that each hour a new activity began. There were prizes and medals for winners. Even the food was a part of the competition. 3M workers signed up for the brisket cook-off contest, the dessert contest (more about this later) and other food categories.
About 9:30 or so, one of the 3M “folk in charge” came by to ask me to be a dessert judge. As tempting as the idea was, I had to decline. I am trying to be really “good” these days by staying away from excess sugar and this project would have derailed the good intentions completely. I did look at the desserts later, and several looked like winners.
One of the more “colorful” cooks was set up just a few feet from my drink trailer. He had a cooker on a trailer, a tent looking thing, tables and a really comfy looking chair. He looked as if he had escaped from the Z Z Top country group from times past. His helper could have been from the group as well. When it was all over, he tried numerous times to hook his his cooker to the pickup but he kept bumping the cooker and nudging it a little farther away. It is a good thing it was on fairly level ground or it would have been nudged completely away. Finally a nice man went over and guided him and all was hooked up and pulled off.
A large group of motorcycle riders came in a herd and caused a bit of a rush at the drink stand. As one couple was ordering Dr. Peppers, the young woman just fell to the ground. Her guy finally got her up and inside and came back to ask for a cup of ice. I’m guessing she just had too much sun. She seemed just fine later, when she came by to get a refill.
Enough excitement!
Since I had been outside for hours, in the covered trailer, I was getting a little overheated, myself. Not wanting to have someone need to come pick ME up, I got a substitute and went inside for a 15 min. air conditioner break. It is a good thing I did, my face was getting rather red.
Even tho’ we were asked originally to be there from 9-3, we were given a check for $750 for Good Samaritan and the thanks of the 3M club and relieved of our duties about 1:45.
I’m glad to be back at home, with my shoes off, and my feet up. It wasn’t hard, but it was a little hot.
I’ll bet I saw more tattoos today ( sleeveless shirts and shorts, etc.) than I see in a week or two of my “regular life” One in particular comes to mind on a young attractive woman in her 30’s. Can’t tell you what it said, it was in a sort of Gothic script, and it stretched across her upper chest and I could see only part of it, but it was different.
Thanks 3M club, we made as much or more for 5 hours than from the entire Salsa Festival with it endless hours of preparation, planning and execution.
One more thing to mention---I had never heard of the Buckmasters before. -- they are a group of hunters who are working to procure “game” to be given out at the Good Samaritan food pantry. They were there working also and they donated some of their money to GSM The reason the name interested me is that, years ago- in my other life--I worked for a Superintendent of Schools with that last name.
All in all an interesting day of people-watching and pouring drinks.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Monday, August 4, 2008
The rest of the Nashville story
August 3, 2008
Printing the boarding passes was a snap, and catching the shuttle just as easy. Checking in for a flight has become so technological that we hardly need to speak to a human. ID's are scanned, boarding passes previously printed are scanned, town of destination inputted (is that a word?). Bags dropped off under a sign that says "Place bags to be checked here".
Security was normal--take off shoes and any metal--and hope you don't buzz or ding as you walk thru the scanner.
Flight very full--good seats--almost no service ( drinks about 3/4 of the way thru the flight). Lots of happy teenagers having loud fun. My book "The Memoirs of Cleopatra" is interesting (I'm about 200 pages into the 950+ page book)
We arrived at DFW-- AHEAD OF SCHEDULE! ! ! The pilot as he was making his ending remarks told us that we were 15 minutes early and added TELL YOUR FRIENDS. ---- so I am.
We got our bags quickly and called our personal limousine service (son-in-law) and he was already waiting outside. As we got into his car, he handed each of us a bottle of water. Nice service! Nki was driving home from Celebration (the youth version of Cursillo) so we didn't see her, but I talked to her later. We went to Arlington, loaded the yellow Smart Car, and headed out. We were home by 6. Still have laundry to do, groceries to buy, and some unpacking, but it'll get done. A good trip. Thanks for enjoying it with us.
This is how our garage looks when both the Smarts are at home and Sara is out running around.
Printing the boarding passes was a snap, and catching the shuttle just as easy. Checking in for a flight has become so technological that we hardly need to speak to a human. ID's are scanned, boarding passes previously printed are scanned, town of destination inputted (is that a word?). Bags dropped off under a sign that says "Place bags to be checked here".
Security was normal--take off shoes and any metal--and hope you don't buzz or ding as you walk thru the scanner.
Flight very full--good seats--almost no service ( drinks about 3/4 of the way thru the flight). Lots of happy teenagers having loud fun. My book "The Memoirs of Cleopatra" is interesting (I'm about 200 pages into the 950+ page book)
We arrived at DFW-- AHEAD OF SCHEDULE! ! ! The pilot as he was making his ending remarks told us that we were 15 minutes early and added TELL YOUR FRIENDS. ---- so I am.
We got our bags quickly and called our personal limousine service (son-in-law) and he was already waiting outside. As we got into his car, he handed each of us a bottle of water. Nice service! Nki was driving home from Celebration (the youth version of Cursillo) so we didn't see her, but I talked to her later. We went to Arlington, loaded the yellow Smart Car, and headed out. We were home by 6. Still have laundry to do, groceries to buy, and some unpacking, but it'll get done. A good trip. Thanks for enjoying it with us.
This is how our garage looks when both the Smarts are at home and Sara is out running around.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
44 stringed instruments, 9 pianos, and three flutes
August 2, 2008
During our 2nd afternoon preview, we experienced 12 acts. During a lull in a program that I did not particularly appreciate, I looked back through the booklet and counted guitars, fiddles, cellos, bases and other stringed instruments. I didn't count pianos which should be in a category all their own. We had several stringed quartets, many guitar accompaniments and the family of fiddlers along w/ the Celtic group--Whoa! lots of strings and such talented folks. On Saturday, we also had 3 flute virtuosos. One in particular that was amazing.
I really enjoyed the "Black light" dance group, but I don't think we have the facilities for that particular performance. A couple in our group were thrilled with the jazz singer as well as the piano duo. Neither was my favorite today.
A special treat was to hear Daniel Rodriguez, the "singing policeman" who became well known after 9/11. I think he may be wasting his time w/ Live On Stage. WHAT A VOICE! AND AMAZING VOICE CONTROL. He should be doing leads at the Metropolitan Opera or on Broadway.
N won a CD from one of the groups- Project. the one w/ the FUNKY flute player. This group had so much fun. If you looked at them - bass, cello, and flute--what would come to mind? Well, they Rocked! I've never heard the sound that came from that flute before, and I've never seen anyone pluck and strum a cello like a guitar. (Not that I've had that much experience w/ cellos, but.............) It was fun. If you'd like to borrow the CD, let us know.
The Oriental string quartet (3 violins and a cello) were certainly talented, but I don't know that I could sit through 2 hours of their music. A matter of experience and personal taste.
Chapter 6 is an acapella group of 6 college friends (guys) who seem to be having as much fun as the audience. Their Wizard of Oz medley was priceless.
At this time, we've seen all 24 and viewed videos of other available groups who weren't able to perform for us live. Now each group must go back and make the difficult decisions of what would suit our community, and our theatre and the big question ---what can we afford. I sat next to a lady from California and they do not have to "market" their tickets at all because they are sold out for next year before the end of the current season. They sell about 1200 season tickets for an auditorium that seats 1180. Oh, ---to have their problem.
The end of the conference is generally marked by a dinner for all 485 delegates, all the entertainers and the Live On Stage staff. It was a well prepared meal and we were joined at our table by Njacko Backo and his ensemble. He is an African performer who plays instruments, sings and dances. Most of his group is from Canada.
We're packed and ready to get the shuttle, just need to go to the lobby to print boarding passes for the flight back to DFW.
A wrap-up when I get home.
We left the litle yellow Smart Car w/ B and N in Arlington and I might have a story for you later about that. E
During our 2nd afternoon preview, we experienced 12 acts. During a lull in a program that I did not particularly appreciate, I looked back through the booklet and counted guitars, fiddles, cellos, bases and other stringed instruments. I didn't count pianos which should be in a category all their own. We had several stringed quartets, many guitar accompaniments and the family of fiddlers along w/ the Celtic group--Whoa! lots of strings and such talented folks. On Saturday, we also had 3 flute virtuosos. One in particular that was amazing.
I really enjoyed the "Black light" dance group, but I don't think we have the facilities for that particular performance. A couple in our group were thrilled with the jazz singer as well as the piano duo. Neither was my favorite today.
A special treat was to hear Daniel Rodriguez, the "singing policeman" who became well known after 9/11. I think he may be wasting his time w/ Live On Stage. WHAT A VOICE! AND AMAZING VOICE CONTROL. He should be doing leads at the Metropolitan Opera or on Broadway.
N won a CD from one of the groups- Project. the one w/ the FUNKY flute player. This group had so much fun. If you looked at them - bass, cello, and flute--what would come to mind? Well, they Rocked! I've never heard the sound that came from that flute before, and I've never seen anyone pluck and strum a cello like a guitar. (Not that I've had that much experience w/ cellos, but.............) It was fun. If you'd like to borrow the CD, let us know.
The Oriental string quartet (3 violins and a cello) were certainly talented, but I don't know that I could sit through 2 hours of their music. A matter of experience and personal taste.
Chapter 6 is an acapella group of 6 college friends (guys) who seem to be having as much fun as the audience. Their Wizard of Oz medley was priceless.
At this time, we've seen all 24 and viewed videos of other available groups who weren't able to perform for us live. Now each group must go back and make the difficult decisions of what would suit our community, and our theatre and the big question ---what can we afford. I sat next to a lady from California and they do not have to "market" their tickets at all because they are sold out for next year before the end of the current season. They sell about 1200 season tickets for an auditorium that seats 1180. Oh, ---to have their problem.
The end of the conference is generally marked by a dinner for all 485 delegates, all the entertainers and the Live On Stage staff. It was a well prepared meal and we were joined at our table by Njacko Backo and his ensemble. He is an African performer who plays instruments, sings and dances. Most of his group is from Canada.
We're packed and ready to get the shuttle, just need to go to the lobby to print boarding passes for the flight back to DFW.
A wrap-up when I get home.
We left the litle yellow Smart Car w/ B and N in Arlington and I might have a story for you later about that. E
Saturday, August 2, 2008
I Love Chocolate dipped strawberries.
August 2, 2008
>
Breakfast this morning was in 2 parts--early I had a cup of hot tea. Now how difficult is hot tea to make? A cup, hot water, a tea bag. Would you believe $3? Not even any lemon available. After awhile N and I had brunch and I had a really nice fruit plate for just a little more than the hot tea. After we finished eating, we ducked in to check out the "40% off" sale at Godiva Chocolate. Only certain items were on sale and I almost bought some til I remembered that when we get home tomorrow we are going back on the South Beach diet again. We did see a "vat" of warm milk chocolate for dipping strawberries. There were 4 prices and these prices are PER BERRY dipped in their special chocolate. $4 for a regular sized berry, $6 for a "large", $8 for an extra large and $10 for what they called a "premium". I can do that at home for the cost of the berries and it'll be dark chocolate (which is SO much better for me)
On the way to the theatre our driver pointed out the Tennessee Titan's stadium Taking pictures from a bus through a window which is covered w/ mesh doesn't produce a wonderful image, but this one is for Gail.
We also saw the Batman building. Not sure why they called it that the other day, but today when I saw it--Oh, Yeah, it looks like Batman's head gear. Strange shape for the top of a building. We heard all about the Wild Horse Saloon and Tootsie's Orchid Lounge (which is 42 steps from the Ryman Auditorium where the Grand Ole Opry used to be.) The driver also told us that performers made that trek more than once a night--people such as Ernest Tubb and Patsy Cline. That is also where Willie Nelson hawked his songs to other performers cuz he couldn't get anyone to hire him to sing.
I'll finish this tomorrow cuz it's WAY past my bedtime and I still have to pack for the ride back home tomorrow. Til then.....
>
Breakfast this morning was in 2 parts--early I had a cup of hot tea. Now how difficult is hot tea to make? A cup, hot water, a tea bag. Would you believe $3? Not even any lemon available. After awhile N and I had brunch and I had a really nice fruit plate for just a little more than the hot tea. After we finished eating, we ducked in to check out the "40% off" sale at Godiva Chocolate. Only certain items were on sale and I almost bought some til I remembered that when we get home tomorrow we are going back on the South Beach diet again. We did see a "vat" of warm milk chocolate for dipping strawberries. There were 4 prices and these prices are PER BERRY dipped in their special chocolate. $4 for a regular sized berry, $6 for a "large", $8 for an extra large and $10 for what they called a "premium". I can do that at home for the cost of the berries and it'll be dark chocolate (which is SO much better for me)
On the way to the theatre our driver pointed out the Tennessee Titan's stadium Taking pictures from a bus through a window which is covered w/ mesh doesn't produce a wonderful image, but this one is for Gail.
We also saw the Batman building. Not sure why they called it that the other day, but today when I saw it--Oh, Yeah, it looks like Batman's head gear. Strange shape for the top of a building. We heard all about the Wild Horse Saloon and Tootsie's Orchid Lounge (which is 42 steps from the Ryman Auditorium where the Grand Ole Opry used to be.) The driver also told us that performers made that trek more than once a night--people such as Ernest Tubb and Patsy Cline. That is also where Willie Nelson hawked his songs to other performers cuz he couldn't get anyone to hire him to sing.
I'll finish this tomorrow cuz it's WAY past my bedtime and I still have to pack for the ride back home tomorrow. Til then.....
Good Bye Gaylord!
Just an additional note to let those who might have attended the conference next year know, that it won't be held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort.
Nope, they are moving to the Downtown Hilton, which I'm sure is a LOVELY place, but without the ambiance and decor of this hotel/resort. At least N. and I had this opportunity.
No one has said WHY the move to another hotel, but my guess is that while the Gaylord gives us a really reasonable room rate, that the company has to pay a great deal for use of the convention facilities. (And there is that price of food, I have been mentioning--but it is available without going anywhere)
Oh, Well---nothing says we couldn't come back on our own.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Fiddles, Harmonicas, Cellos, and dancing feet
August 1, 2008
First full day of the Live On Stage conference--
We tried to get to the meeting room before the huge herd got there, so we parked outside the door. N decided he needed coffee, so he went around the corner, where all sorts of breakfast goodies were being offered. This was the hsopitality area for the ACADEMY FOR INSTRUCTIONAL EXCELLENCE. He felt enough at home w/ educators, that he just dived in and got what he wanted. Several of their "breakout sessions" were interesting---particularly the one concerned with "student persistence"
We got back to the meeting room as the door was opening and got settled. Way too many introductions of people in the Live On Stage company and their relatives. The new catalogue was unveiled with fanfare and the prices for each act were given. We saw video presentations for those groups who could not be here to preview.
Lunch was a quick sandwich, chips, a drink and a small gelato-- for 2 = $37.00 And we thought Ireland and Scotland were expensive.
Last year the previews were held very close to the Gaylord, where the Grand Ole Opry is held. We aren't there this year, because that is the theatre where Nashville Star is being filmed each week and it is not available to anyone else for use. So we traveled by bus to Vanderbilt University's performing arts center. A really lovely area w/ a good facility.
Last year when I blogged about this part of the conference, I mentioned some singers, some groups and a couple of piano players. I wasn't as impressed last year w/ the quality of the performances as I was today. We saw 12 acts this afternoon and I would heartily recommend 10 of them.
A couple of absolute highlights come to mind. The 9 young people who make up CELTIC CROSSROADS flew from Ireland yesterday to be here for a 15 minute presentation. They reminded me of a group we saw in Dublin called the Merry Plowboys At the break we have the opportunity to talk to the musicians and we talked to a young Irish lady in the group mentioning that we had been in Dublin and had enjoyed the Merry Plowboys at their Pub. Her face beamed and she said she lives around the corner from that Pub and one of her best friends is a dancer there. What a small world. I doubt if we will recommend the Celtic Crossroads because of their cost altho I loved their music and presentation.
In the category of wonderful music and presentation but too rich for our budget is the Hunt Family Fiddlers. A super show from a Mom and Dad and 7 kids-- all talented musicians and dancers. Their expenses are probably such touring the country that they HAVE to charge that much.
Generally I'm not a fan of classical piano, but the one we heard this afternoon was amazing and fun as well. And he is within our budget, soooo.....
The Nashville Ballet's presentation of Midsummer Night's Dream would take about half our yearly budget.
I loved BUFFALO ROME a country band that really rocked. I'm not sure this is exactly what Bwd needs, however ,since they have big name country artists for the Reunion every year.
Many of the audience stood in appreciation of the Canadian Tenors. They showed incredible voices and range, but I would have appreciated English.
One act that I thought was peculiar was a harpist who also danced the tango. Not at the same time, but it seemed that she was having trouble deciding whether to dance or play. Not my favorite. There was another act that was musically good, but had a rather unexciting presentation. I guess just being an impressive musician doesn't cut it any more, I need to be engaged.
And speaking of ENGAGED! Nearly Neil and the Solitary Band did just that! WOW! He had the audience singing and participating. This is a gentleman who BECOMES Neil Diamond. He looks like him, he sounds like him, this is the closest I'll ever get to Neil Diamond.
And of course, he isn't cheap. I do think Bwd would enjoy this concert, but......... we'll have to count our pennies.
After returning to the hotel by bus we found a supper place that coincidentally was front row for the fountain / light show. We watched dancing waters for about 15-20 minutes. We have video that we may put here.
Then a boat ride along the little 1/4 mile river in the hotel and to the room to begin writing about the day.
More tomorrow!
First full day of the Live On Stage conference--
We tried to get to the meeting room before the huge herd got there, so we parked outside the door. N decided he needed coffee, so he went around the corner, where all sorts of breakfast goodies were being offered. This was the hsopitality area for the ACADEMY FOR INSTRUCTIONAL EXCELLENCE. He felt enough at home w/ educators, that he just dived in and got what he wanted. Several of their "breakout sessions" were interesting---particularly the one concerned with "student persistence"
We got back to the meeting room as the door was opening and got settled. Way too many introductions of people in the Live On Stage company and their relatives. The new catalogue was unveiled with fanfare and the prices for each act were given. We saw video presentations for those groups who could not be here to preview.
Lunch was a quick sandwich, chips, a drink and a small gelato-- for 2 = $37.00 And we thought Ireland and Scotland were expensive.
Last year the previews were held very close to the Gaylord, where the Grand Ole Opry is held. We aren't there this year, because that is the theatre where Nashville Star is being filmed each week and it is not available to anyone else for use. So we traveled by bus to Vanderbilt University's performing arts center. A really lovely area w/ a good facility.
Last year when I blogged about this part of the conference, I mentioned some singers, some groups and a couple of piano players. I wasn't as impressed last year w/ the quality of the performances as I was today. We saw 12 acts this afternoon and I would heartily recommend 10 of them.
A couple of absolute highlights come to mind. The 9 young people who make up CELTIC CROSSROADS flew from Ireland yesterday to be here for a 15 minute presentation. They reminded me of a group we saw in Dublin called the Merry Plowboys At the break we have the opportunity to talk to the musicians and we talked to a young Irish lady in the group mentioning that we had been in Dublin and had enjoyed the Merry Plowboys at their Pub. Her face beamed and she said she lives around the corner from that Pub and one of her best friends is a dancer there. What a small world. I doubt if we will recommend the Celtic Crossroads because of their cost altho I loved their music and presentation.
In the category of wonderful music and presentation but too rich for our budget is the Hunt Family Fiddlers. A super show from a Mom and Dad and 7 kids-- all talented musicians and dancers. Their expenses are probably such touring the country that they HAVE to charge that much.
Generally I'm not a fan of classical piano, but the one we heard this afternoon was amazing and fun as well. And he is within our budget, soooo.....
The Nashville Ballet's presentation of Midsummer Night's Dream would take about half our yearly budget.
I loved BUFFALO ROME a country band that really rocked. I'm not sure this is exactly what Bwd needs, however ,since they have big name country artists for the Reunion every year.
Many of the audience stood in appreciation of the Canadian Tenors. They showed incredible voices and range, but I would have appreciated English.
One act that I thought was peculiar was a harpist who also danced the tango. Not at the same time, but it seemed that she was having trouble deciding whether to dance or play. Not my favorite. There was another act that was musically good, but had a rather unexciting presentation. I guess just being an impressive musician doesn't cut it any more, I need to be engaged.
And speaking of ENGAGED! Nearly Neil and the Solitary Band did just that! WOW! He had the audience singing and participating. This is a gentleman who BECOMES Neil Diamond. He looks like him, he sounds like him, this is the closest I'll ever get to Neil Diamond.
And of course, he isn't cheap. I do think Bwd would enjoy this concert, but......... we'll have to count our pennies.
After returning to the hotel by bus we found a supper place that coincidentally was front row for the fountain / light show. We watched dancing waters for about 15-20 minutes. We have video that we may put here.
Then a boat ride along the little 1/4 mile river in the hotel and to the room to begin writing about the day.
More tomorrow!
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