Today is like New Years more than any other day of the year. We mark today, "Easter", I prefer "Resurrection Sunday" since it describes the day more correctly. One could even call it Salvation Sunday, for today is the anniversary celebration of the raising from the dead of Jesus, the Christ. God became human, took on all of our sin and took it to the cross where he was crucified and died. Three days later He rose again and the sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin was complete. No more animal sacrifices as was done by the Jews, THE Lamb of God took it upon Himself and now we have eternal salvation. So simple but scary enough to make the devil quake in his red boots and pitchfork.
So if you accept Jesus' gift today is New Years. It is a brand new life. And every year we are called on this date (according to the Jewish calendar) to celebrate this new covenant, this new year. God Bless.
Be blesses and go out and bless others. But most of all Bless God and thank Him for his gift.
As far as our day, we went to church, worshiped, came back supped together and relaxed and played. Sure the kids got candy. They hid eggs from each other, they played games, and we all watched an episode of Dr. Who.
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Saturday, April 19, 2014
World Circus Day Show Oodles of Poodles
Today was World Circus Day and circus' around the world celebrated by ding shows, demonstrations, teach-ins, and other programs to promote circus arts. For the past two years I did programs and shows in my home town. The year before that was in L.A. But this year we are in KY. We found a Library in the next town over to do the show. We performed an actual show while teaching circus history and allowing some kids to help out in the show, one even got to try the tight wire.
I gave everyone in the crowd a free clown nose so we could take a picture for the World Circus Day Photo gallery.
On the drive to the library we passed a big festival like event going on in a park. We were surprised because in our hunt for gigs we somehow missed this one. Well, it was a very short lived event, it was the helicopter egg drop. I lasted on a hour or two. Sorry we didn't get to see the drop, but we drove by a noon, about the time things were about to wrap up. The event reminded me of an episode of WKRP in Cincinatti from the 80s when the radio station did a Turkey drop from a helicopter. No one seemed to have thought it out and didn't realize farmed turkeys don't fly. It was a turkey blood bath (not shown just talked about).
Anywho. Once back at the RV Mami expressed how tired she was of cleaning and cooking the fish we caught and since the kids were catching a lot meant a lot of that work. So I suggested Victor should learn to clean and prep the fish. SO he did. He said he had a lot of fun doing it.
There were oodles of poodles at the RV park today. A breeder had a get together of a bunch of folks who had adopted poodles from her over the years. Most of them were standard sized, one was 72lbs. There were a few toys and teacups but no minis (Belle is a mini). The kids had met one of the ladies earlier and she friended us on Facebook. Later on as they took their pack for a group walk I brought Tator tot and Belle out to meet the other poodles. Poodles seem to know each other because they all just got along so well. It was fun meeting all these folks. We properly gave our cards to them in case any of them want a show or want to follow us on line. You see, that is what this life we live is all about; the neat people, and their animals, we meet.
Happy Easter everyone. I hope you all enjoy yourselves and joyfully celebrate the gift Jesus gave us over 2K years ago. The gift of eternal life and fellowship with God.
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| Olivia found a tiny cubby to contort into. |
Anywho. Once back at the RV Mami expressed how tired she was of cleaning and cooking the fish we caught and since the kids were catching a lot meant a lot of that work. So I suggested Victor should learn to clean and prep the fish. SO he did. He said he had a lot of fun doing it.
There were oodles of poodles at the RV park today. A breeder had a get together of a bunch of folks who had adopted poodles from her over the years. Most of them were standard sized, one was 72lbs. There were a few toys and teacups but no minis (Belle is a mini). The kids had met one of the ladies earlier and she friended us on Facebook. Later on as they took their pack for a group walk I brought Tator tot and Belle out to meet the other poodles. Poodles seem to know each other because they all just got along so well. It was fun meeting all these folks. We properly gave our cards to them in case any of them want a show or want to follow us on line. You see, that is what this life we live is all about; the neat people, and their animals, we meet.
Happy Easter everyone. I hope you all enjoy yourselves and joyfully celebrate the gift Jesus gave us over 2K years ago. The gift of eternal life and fellowship with God.
Friday, April 18, 2014
17 more Fish, Neighbors, and a lost gig.
Howdy, y'all.
What a fantastic day in Ky. Red buds and Bradford purs are in bloom. It si so beautiful out here. I sure hope the cold spells are over. But weather is cyclical and impossible to say what is going to happen.
We caught 17 more fish today, blue gills. All from the kids. I was after bass and catfish, no luck.
Jim and Amelia continued to work all day on the praise and worship aerial silk routine only to discover that at the end of the day the mega church in Atlanta canceled out. Thankfully, or maybe it was divine, but I never figured that money into the budget. They changed things up on us a couple of times and as an old timer at this I kinda stuff I was figuring it wasn't going to work out. SInce it was a church our contracts are not iron clad or tough so canceling is easy, but this church has made me change my mind about making the contracts, even for churches, stricter .But I praise God, nonetheless. because it forced Amelia into learning an awesome routine quickly. We will do it in IN next week.
Tomorrow is International Circus day (year 5) we are doing a circus themed show at Richmond, KY Library tomorrow to celebrate, after all we are member of the world circus federation.
One of our Rv neighbors is a long termer. That means she is part of the Obamaville group. She is the one I mentioned before who gave the girls presents. She has cancer and her ex husband of 18 years has come to help her out . I don't feel right sharing other people's trouble; her story is deep. Just keep her in your prayers. Due to complications she can't see here grand daughters and my girls remind her of the, so she tries to be a kind of second grand a to the kids.
Sorry to make this short but we have a show tomorrow in Richmond (16 minutes away) and I went fishing for 3 hours. My body says sleep.
I am sure there is more to report but the fishing tired me out and it is past 2AM. So cheerio.
What a fantastic day in Ky. Red buds and Bradford purs are in bloom. It si so beautiful out here. I sure hope the cold spells are over. But weather is cyclical and impossible to say what is going to happen.
We caught 17 more fish today, blue gills. All from the kids. I was after bass and catfish, no luck.
Jim and Amelia continued to work all day on the praise and worship aerial silk routine only to discover that at the end of the day the mega church in Atlanta canceled out. Thankfully, or maybe it was divine, but I never figured that money into the budget. They changed things up on us a couple of times and as an old timer at this I kinda stuff I was figuring it wasn't going to work out. SInce it was a church our contracts are not iron clad or tough so canceling is easy, but this church has made me change my mind about making the contracts, even for churches, stricter .But I praise God, nonetheless. because it forced Amelia into learning an awesome routine quickly. We will do it in IN next week.
Tomorrow is International Circus day (year 5) we are doing a circus themed show at Richmond, KY Library tomorrow to celebrate, after all we are member of the world circus federation.
One of our Rv neighbors is a long termer. That means she is part of the Obamaville group. She is the one I mentioned before who gave the girls presents. She has cancer and her ex husband of 18 years has come to help her out . I don't feel right sharing other people's trouble; her story is deep. Just keep her in your prayers. Due to complications she can't see here grand daughters and my girls remind her of the, so she tries to be a kind of second grand a to the kids.
Sorry to make this short but we have a show tomorrow in Richmond (16 minutes away) and I went fishing for 3 hours. My body says sleep.
I am sure there is more to report but the fishing tired me out and it is past 2AM. So cheerio.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Go Fish!
The thing about my family's choice of living is the flipping and flopping between time zones; we are still trying to get back to Eastern time after being on central time for just 4 days. Makes one sluggish.
Not much to report today. I mean the day was full of things that we all had to do. Jim and Amelia continued to work on her Aerial silk...amazing how they have gone from nothing to a fantastic routine in a week. She performs it as a praise and worship program at a church in Atlanta on Sunday (Easter). The cool thing is the church is 1 mile from hwy 75.....our rv is at a camp less than 200 yards from wy 75 here in ky so Jim hasn't a complicated drive this Saturday night.
Saturday afternoon we will perform for Richmond (KY) library. It was one of those shows we booked when we found out our March schedule was killed by Global warming, wait, I mean the arctic blast. I love library shows. My first paid professional show (beside b-day parties was a library.
Since Jim will be 5 hours away in Atlanta when Easter Sunday comes, it looks like the rest of us will be walking about a mile and a half to church this Sunday. He is taking our general transportation vehicle. But the weather is "supposed" to be fine so maybe the walk will be a good thing.
While Jim and Amy practiced ALL day Kyle, Olivia, Vic and I went fishing. SInce the bait store was out of minnows (We were going for crappie and bass) we settled for worms and went after Bluegill and other fish in the same family. We came home with 20. None were over 7,5" they will make a great lunch tomorrow. We caught one Warmouth and 19 bluegill. I won for most fish, 7. I won for biggest fish, warmouth 7.5". And Olivia won for smallest fish, blue gill 4". But Mami has learned a trick for cooking tiny bluegill ...you gut them then deep fry them to a crisp, then you have a fish cracker (head, tail and all, the bones become like a cracker too.)
Everyone did their homeschool and show training today (Olivia and Miles are working on Unicycle tricks) first thing in the morning. That was our day.
Oh, one more thing. I love Boudan. MMMMM, MMMMM
The warhead is the one with the red tipped tail. Yummmy lunch coming.
Not much to report today. I mean the day was full of things that we all had to do. Jim and Amelia continued to work on her Aerial silk...amazing how they have gone from nothing to a fantastic routine in a week. She performs it as a praise and worship program at a church in Atlanta on Sunday (Easter). The cool thing is the church is 1 mile from hwy 75.....our rv is at a camp less than 200 yards from wy 75 here in ky so Jim hasn't a complicated drive this Saturday night.
Saturday afternoon we will perform for Richmond (KY) library. It was one of those shows we booked when we found out our March schedule was killed by Global warming, wait, I mean the arctic blast. I love library shows. My first paid professional show (beside b-day parties was a library.
Since Jim will be 5 hours away in Atlanta when Easter Sunday comes, it looks like the rest of us will be walking about a mile and a half to church this Sunday. He is taking our general transportation vehicle. But the weather is "supposed" to be fine so maybe the walk will be a good thing.
While Jim and Amy practiced ALL day Kyle, Olivia, Vic and I went fishing. SInce the bait store was out of minnows (We were going for crappie and bass) we settled for worms and went after Bluegill and other fish in the same family. We came home with 20. None were over 7,5" they will make a great lunch tomorrow. We caught one Warmouth and 19 bluegill. I won for most fish, 7. I won for biggest fish, warmouth 7.5". And Olivia won for smallest fish, blue gill 4". But Mami has learned a trick for cooking tiny bluegill ...you gut them then deep fry them to a crisp, then you have a fish cracker (head, tail and all, the bones become like a cracker too.)
Everyone did their homeschool and show training today (Olivia and Miles are working on Unicycle tricks) first thing in the morning. That was our day.
Oh, one more thing. I love Boudan. MMMMM, MMMMM
practicing dance moves. Amazingly she learned the routine in a week. It is all about worshipping God and I know HE has had a hand in the fast development of this routine.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
A Visit-Ale8 One-AWANA-Gifts
Slept late today. I was wakened by a phone call from a friend from London,
Kentucky. I met Tony a few years ago while performing at the Laurel County Fair in London, KY. He is the Fire Captain down there. Whenever we are nearby he tries to come over for a visit. Heck of nice guy. We hope to go fishing in the next couple of weeks if possible. I wonder if he could get the Fire Dept's boat....you know to test and make sure it works well, just in case.....LOL.
Long before I woke up Jim and Amelia were out practicing their new Aerial Silk routine on the trapeze rig. She will present it as part of a praise service in Atlanta on Easter morning. The music and dance and routine will tell the story of a lost soul resisting God's call to her. But finally realizing her sin and need for Him embraces him. The flowing red silk that she then performs on represents the blood of the lamb that takes away our sins. Once saved she rejoices in her salvation with a routine on the silk that fits the lyrics to the song the church sent her to use. They have been practicing all day.
Amelia did get a break when at 6pm I took her down to Berea Baptist Church for AWANA. The kids love it and have made a few friends there. They see them at church when we are in town on Sundays as well. Part of AWANA is the games time. Today for fun they one game they did is walk across the room with a spoon in your mouth scoop a jelly bean out of a bowl and walk back w/out dropping it. Then they get to eat it.
Earlier in the evening the old woman who is staying in the RV two spots down from us gave the girls a bunch of gifts because they remind her of her grand kids who she doesn't get to see often.
Many people in the rv parks across America have made the parks their homes. Talking with various owners of these parks I am finding out that the RV parks are becoming the equivalent of Hoovervilles. I suppose we can call these Obamavilles. These folks have lost their homes in the bubble, lost their jobs, lost their credit rating, and have to live somewhere. Monthly rates are considerably cheaper than apartment rent and it comes with all the utilities. Often many of these RV trailer or motor homes are immobile, broken, would otherwise be junked somewhere. On an encouraging note many long termers are staying here or there because they are chasing the work, like the woman next door to us. They go from state to state chasing the jobs. A little of that old American spirit is still out there.
Everyone knows that each region or state in the country has its own food, traditions, etc. Many also have their own soda pops. In Maine its Moxie. In Kentucky it is "Ale8 One"....hard to describe the taste. It is one of those you either like it or you don't. I don't. The kids and Kyle like it. A couple of years ago we did a fair in the town the stuff is made. I am sure they use a witches cauldron. (Kidding)
Cynthia has been job hunting since she is graduating on the 4th of May. Well, a company in Washington DC has already given here a phone interview and today she found out they want to do a face to face or Skype interview. She is very excited. We all just pray whatever comes of this that she listen to where God wants her to be. Congrats CC.
Jim in his Uncle Si shirt he got at the Duck Dynasty place last week....he kept saying "hey" to folks today.
The gifts I mentioned.
Its non-alcholic but the camera got him in mid blink making it look like Ale8 One has more than meets the eye.
Kentucky. I met Tony a few years ago while performing at the Laurel County Fair in London, KY. He is the Fire Captain down there. Whenever we are nearby he tries to come over for a visit. Heck of nice guy. We hope to go fishing in the next couple of weeks if possible. I wonder if he could get the Fire Dept's boat....you know to test and make sure it works well, just in case.....LOL.
Long before I woke up Jim and Amelia were out practicing their new Aerial Silk routine on the trapeze rig. She will present it as part of a praise service in Atlanta on Easter morning. The music and dance and routine will tell the story of a lost soul resisting God's call to her. But finally realizing her sin and need for Him embraces him. The flowing red silk that she then performs on represents the blood of the lamb that takes away our sins. Once saved she rejoices in her salvation with a routine on the silk that fits the lyrics to the song the church sent her to use. They have been practicing all day.
Amelia did get a break when at 6pm I took her down to Berea Baptist Church for AWANA. The kids love it and have made a few friends there. They see them at church when we are in town on Sundays as well. Part of AWANA is the games time. Today for fun they one game they did is walk across the room with a spoon in your mouth scoop a jelly bean out of a bowl and walk back w/out dropping it. Then they get to eat it.
Earlier in the evening the old woman who is staying in the RV two spots down from us gave the girls a bunch of gifts because they remind her of her grand kids who she doesn't get to see often.
Many people in the rv parks across America have made the parks their homes. Talking with various owners of these parks I am finding out that the RV parks are becoming the equivalent of Hoovervilles. I suppose we can call these Obamavilles. These folks have lost their homes in the bubble, lost their jobs, lost their credit rating, and have to live somewhere. Monthly rates are considerably cheaper than apartment rent and it comes with all the utilities. Often many of these RV trailer or motor homes are immobile, broken, would otherwise be junked somewhere. On an encouraging note many long termers are staying here or there because they are chasing the work, like the woman next door to us. They go from state to state chasing the jobs. A little of that old American spirit is still out there.
Everyone knows that each region or state in the country has its own food, traditions, etc. Many also have their own soda pops. In Maine its Moxie. In Kentucky it is "Ale8 One"....hard to describe the taste. It is one of those you either like it or you don't. I don't. The kids and Kyle like it. A couple of years ago we did a fair in the town the stuff is made. I am sure they use a witches cauldron. (Kidding)
Cynthia has been job hunting since she is graduating on the 4th of May. Well, a company in Washington DC has already given here a phone interview and today she found out they want to do a face to face or Skype interview. She is very excited. We all just pray whatever comes of this that she listen to where God wants her to be. Congrats CC.
Arctic Blast
If you read our blog regularly then you know we held back from returning to our tour HQ in Berea due to foul weather; thunderstorms, snow, and freezing temps. We left Memphis this morning and it was cold, biting cold. And while we drove and saw sunshine and beautiful cululous cloulds when we stepped out to fuel up we were bit by sub freezing cold. It was insane how cold it was. As we reached the Appalachians and reached the town of Somerset, just a little over an hour from Summer home of Berea, KY snow was falling....not the heavy stuff just gentle snowflakes that melted as they landed. We went from summer to winter in two days. Summer, thunderstorms, freeze.
But we made it OK. We met up with our two kids who ran away from the circus to join a college (Miles and CC) and picked up mail and got hugs. But even then it was bite your butt cold.
When we arrived back in Berea, and as Mami prepared a great meatball potato soup Olivia and I rode our bicycle made for two down to the local Lee's and picked up a large order of fried chicken gizzards. Man, I have become an addict. Cheap protein, but delish!!!!
The drive out was great. I love this part of the country. Louisiana has the feel of on old wise man. Tennessee has the feeling of dreams and poverty (sadly), and Kentucky is just beautiful. Crossing the border into KY is a comforting, easy feeling for me. Like I was made for the state....I am Kent....But not sure if I am "ucky".
We are to expect a freeze tonight (Al Gore....Kisss my feet!) Talked with a friend from MI today, they had record snow last night.
But tomorrow is supposed to start a warming trend...heard that a few times. Might get some more gizzards too. You can't beat the price....meets a poor man's budget. But,man, are they good. Mami cooks them up Japanese style and WOW!
Thank you all or your blessings. We need them. I announced yesterday that we had a gig at the end of May in MI. But got a call and apparently the sponsor is tied up deciding to use us or a run of the mill magic show. So I was requested to send an email pleading our case and listing why we would be the better choice. So I did it. Man I hate doing that. No one does what we do....we are far from a magic show. And Hell, most magic shows on the fair circuit all do the same thing. You hire one, you have hired them all, and I am not exaggerating.
But that is the biz. You have a unique show that no one has ever seen and they can only base things on what they have seen so you have to try and convince folks that you are unique. But people are cynical and don't buy it. Then some sap comes in and under sells you. Customers and audience get mediocrity and we get left out in the cold. Having an unique show sucks sometimes. The booker likes us, the sponsor is the one having the problem deciding. I wish sponsors would leave it up to the pros. Well, your prayers for the MI gig would be appreciated.
Nothing more to report today.
God bess.
But we made it OK. We met up with our two kids who ran away from the circus to join a college (Miles and CC) and picked up mail and got hugs. But even then it was bite your butt cold.
When we arrived back in Berea, and as Mami prepared a great meatball potato soup Olivia and I rode our bicycle made for two down to the local Lee's and picked up a large order of fried chicken gizzards. Man, I have become an addict. Cheap protein, but delish!!!!
The drive out was great. I love this part of the country. Louisiana has the feel of on old wise man. Tennessee has the feeling of dreams and poverty (sadly), and Kentucky is just beautiful. Crossing the border into KY is a comforting, easy feeling for me. Like I was made for the state....I am Kent....But not sure if I am "ucky".
We are to expect a freeze tonight (Al Gore....Kisss my feet!) Talked with a friend from MI today, they had record snow last night.
But tomorrow is supposed to start a warming trend...heard that a few times. Might get some more gizzards too. You can't beat the price....meets a poor man's budget. But,man, are they good. Mami cooks them up Japanese style and WOW!
Thank you all or your blessings. We need them. I announced yesterday that we had a gig at the end of May in MI. But got a call and apparently the sponsor is tied up deciding to use us or a run of the mill magic show. So I was requested to send an email pleading our case and listing why we would be the better choice. So I did it. Man I hate doing that. No one does what we do....we are far from a magic show. And Hell, most magic shows on the fair circuit all do the same thing. You hire one, you have hired them all, and I am not exaggerating.
But that is the biz. You have a unique show that no one has ever seen and they can only base things on what they have seen so you have to try and convince folks that you are unique. But people are cynical and don't buy it. Then some sap comes in and under sells you. Customers and audience get mediocrity and we get left out in the cold. Having an unique show sucks sometimes. The booker likes us, the sponsor is the one having the problem deciding. I wish sponsors would leave it up to the pros. Well, your prayers for the MI gig would be appreciated.
Nothing more to report today.
God bess.
Monday, April 14, 2014
Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men
Well, we are spending a second day in memphis on our flip-flop (return) from Louisiana. We intentionally made it so that we had a day to play with and I am glad we did. It was a night full of thunderstorms. It cleared up enough for those of us that did not get the chance to visit Elvis' meditation garden (his grave site) last week to do so this week; it is only open free to the public from 7:30AM to 8:30AM each day.
That meant we had to wake up early. 7:15 hurts! But we did and we awoke to o power other than the batteries and then the generator. Graceland area of Memphis had lost power just ate 7AM. As we approached the crosswalk in front of Elvis' old home, now his grave site, we saw an older couple standing there for a long time pushing the crosswalk button. The Aussie couple didn't know the power was out and when we told them then turned and started crossing they ran to stay up with us as a group just in case a wayward crazy driving Yank (Aussie term for Americans, also we are called Septics over there) might run them down.
On going in I was told I could not take my coffee in so I hid it behind a light post near the guard house.
You walk up the driveway and continue right past the stained glassed pool house, then the pool to the circular fountain area (no fountain on at the time due to the power outage). Four graves, his fraternal grandma, Elvis, his father, and his mom, plus a marker for elvis' stillborn twin brother are laid to rest there. His father had the first three moved there a year after Elvis' death in worry of the security at the public cemetery they were buried at (one of the plaques photographed below explains it).
On our walk back we talked with the guard and read the plaque at the guard house. Turns out Elvis' first guard was his very on Uncle Vester. He was a popular fellow in the area and came to be know as Uncle Vester to everyone. I recovered my coffee an we started our trek back.
On the way our pace brought us along a Brit who was there as a birthday present to himself. He is a big Elvis fan and promised that he would go to visit Graceland on his birthday. We chit-chatted a bit and wished him a good day.
Most of the day the kids got good and muddy playing around the rv park. Though this wasn't our original plan. But an arctic blast was due tonight up in Ky and a preceding big wind (up to 60mph gusts) was not a driving situation I wanted to participate in. We are even expected to get into the high 30s tonight here in southern TN. So the best laid plans have been altered.
We will make the drive back to Berea to prepare for the Richmond show on Saturday and the Sunday show in Atlanta. Busy weekend.
I must apologize to mom again tonight, I won't be proofing this blog....I can barely keep my eyes open as it is.
By the way power was restored while we were here at the meditation garden....we knew because the fountains came on.
That meant we had to wake up early. 7:15 hurts! But we did and we awoke to o power other than the batteries and then the generator. Graceland area of Memphis had lost power just ate 7AM. As we approached the crosswalk in front of Elvis' old home, now his grave site, we saw an older couple standing there for a long time pushing the crosswalk button. The Aussie couple didn't know the power was out and when we told them then turned and started crossing they ran to stay up with us as a group just in case a wayward crazy driving Yank (Aussie term for Americans, also we are called Septics over there) might run them down.
On going in I was told I could not take my coffee in so I hid it behind a light post near the guard house.
You walk up the driveway and continue right past the stained glassed pool house, then the pool to the circular fountain area (no fountain on at the time due to the power outage). Four graves, his fraternal grandma, Elvis, his father, and his mom, plus a marker for elvis' stillborn twin brother are laid to rest there. His father had the first three moved there a year after Elvis' death in worry of the security at the public cemetery they were buried at (one of the plaques photographed below explains it).
On our walk back we talked with the guard and read the plaque at the guard house. Turns out Elvis' first guard was his very on Uncle Vester. He was a popular fellow in the area and came to be know as Uncle Vester to everyone. I recovered my coffee an we started our trek back.
On the way our pace brought us along a Brit who was there as a birthday present to himself. He is a big Elvis fan and promised that he would go to visit Graceland on his birthday. We chit-chatted a bit and wished him a good day.
Most of the day the kids got good and muddy playing around the rv park. Though this wasn't our original plan. But an arctic blast was due tonight up in Ky and a preceding big wind (up to 60mph gusts) was not a driving situation I wanted to participate in. We are even expected to get into the high 30s tonight here in southern TN. So the best laid plans have been altered.
We will make the drive back to Berea to prepare for the Richmond show on Saturday and the Sunday show in Atlanta. Busy weekend.
I must apologize to mom again tonight, I won't be proofing this blog....I can barely keep my eyes open as it is.
eternal flame
 |
| view from Elvis's home |
By the way power was restored while we were here at the meditation garden....we knew because the fountains came on.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Catfish-Gator-Elvis Again
The Catfish Festival gig went exceedingly well. So well that we have the invite to come back next year. Imagine the old town district of a Louisiana town, six square blocks fenced off and putting 20,000 people plus vendors, musicians, and our show, and you have a little idea of the gig. We tried the catfish fry that a few booths had going on and we had gator on a stick. It's a festival so you need to have something on a stick and since we are in LA it has to be gator, shrimp or crawfish.
One problem with the whole weekend is that even though they had one whole street lined with porta potties they all ran out of paper and most were in petty gross shape by days end.
The fest ended at 5pm and by 6pm almost all the vendors were gone and only the litter and memories, and us, remained. We spent the night in the park where we set up. Of course we tore down the show the night before. By 9am we were on the road and since it was Sunday we decided to keep the drive simple and went to Memphis. Just in Memphis we decided to gas up and true to form we were hit up by two pan handlers. And they are always a bit scary looking. There is not s single time I have gassed up in Memphis that I wasn't hit up by at least two of them.
The shows at the festival, as I said went really well. Titus was bang on perfect and gave a hardy laugh that got the audience laughing when the balloon he chose for me to use in his trick blew up in my face when I was filling it. You have to understand most people are a bit uncomfortable when a special person like Titus comes out on stage. Sometimes a baby might cry and set Tius to crying. But when he gives and smile and acts excited it relaxes the crowd about him.
On the drive to Memphis at a gas station in MS we bought some deep fried potato wedges. (crazy inexpensive and saved Mami from cooking). Southerners know how to eat. They were fantastic. We noticed that most of the gas stations were equally deep fried food stands or crawfish boil stands as well.
We made it to Graceland around 1pm so we had time to relax, play, etc. We watched Lilies of the Field as a family (I brought the DVD). One of the best movies ever.
I went for a good old fashion stroll and while walking I got a call from an old client. We have been invited back to the Swartz Creek Hometown Days in Michigan at the end of May. That helps to fill one of those Swiss Cheese holes. PTL.
Those of you keeping score Mami took the title from Amy in Ladder Ball.
Below are various pix including some from Jim and some from CC.
One problem with the whole weekend is that even though they had one whole street lined with porta potties they all ran out of paper and most were in petty gross shape by days end.
The fest ended at 5pm and by 6pm almost all the vendors were gone and only the litter and memories, and us, remained. We spent the night in the park where we set up. Of course we tore down the show the night before. By 9am we were on the road and since it was Sunday we decided to keep the drive simple and went to Memphis. Just in Memphis we decided to gas up and true to form we were hit up by two pan handlers. And they are always a bit scary looking. There is not s single time I have gassed up in Memphis that I wasn't hit up by at least two of them.
The shows at the festival, as I said went really well. Titus was bang on perfect and gave a hardy laugh that got the audience laughing when the balloon he chose for me to use in his trick blew up in my face when I was filling it. You have to understand most people are a bit uncomfortable when a special person like Titus comes out on stage. Sometimes a baby might cry and set Tius to crying. But when he gives and smile and acts excited it relaxes the crowd about him.
On the drive to Memphis at a gas station in MS we bought some deep fried potato wedges. (crazy inexpensive and saved Mami from cooking). Southerners know how to eat. They were fantastic. We noticed that most of the gas stations were equally deep fried food stands or crawfish boil stands as well.
We made it to Graceland around 1pm so we had time to relax, play, etc. We watched Lilies of the Field as a family (I brought the DVD). One of the best movies ever.
I went for a good old fashion stroll and while walking I got a call from an old client. We have been invited back to the Swartz Creek Hometown Days in Michigan at the end of May. That helps to fill one of those Swiss Cheese holes. PTL.
Those of you keeping score Mami took the title from Amy in Ladder Ball.
Below are various pix including some from Jim and some from CC.
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