Funny/Fascinating

Funny


Fascinating

Interesting read on Hidden Track

here is an interesting interview of Buddy Cage from New Riders of the Purple Sage done by none other than Ryan Dembinsky: Hidden Track

Derek Trucks Band - Meijer Gardens

Frederik Meijer Gardens is one of my favorite places to catch some summer music. It's a very laid back venue nestled in the center of a huge sculpture garden. Last week Todd, Kim, Laura and I returned to see the Derek Trucks Band there for the second time.

The views are great no matter where you sit.  This year we were up near the top of the small stepped hill, but we could have plopped ourselves right in front of the stage if we wanted to sit on concrete.

Todd, Kim, JP and Laura in Laura's first attempt at a self portrait.  Pretty good!

This is the view from the bathroom and concession area.  The walkway leads you right in front of the stage as you walk back to your seat.  A few years ago, I wore a skin tight lavender Willie Nelson t-shirt from the 80's to see Willie.  As I walked right past the stage, Willie noticed my fantastic old shirt and gave me a point in the middle of a song.  I raised my beer to him and continued on.  

Laura and I watched from the front for a few songs.

the view from the stage

Here is a vid of me waking pas the stage.

vid from up front, unfortunately my battery ran out in the middle.

Andrew's Birthday was a week ago...

He accepted applause from atop of the dugout at the Whitecaps game.

Ellie searched for some peanuts

Doodle's had his favorite birthday cake.

Uncle Jon balanced Ellie

Ellie started the wave in the third inning which is tough to do so early in a game.

Dad crushed a Huge beer as Andrew polished off the Huge burger.

Laura finally got Myron Noodleman's attention for a photo.

R.T. Brown and Rich Rodriguez

Tonight Dr. Dave and I joined Dr. Davidson and many others for a University of Michigan Alumni function at Kent Country Club.  It was a great night culminating in a fine speech by head football coach Rich Rodriquez.  However, the best moment came a bit earlier as local legend R.T. Brown was accepted an award for his lifelong dedication to Michigan.   As his good friend introduced him, telling stories of his years as Hockey manager of the 1955 national champions, one of the stars of that team came forward for a special reunion.  The two had not seen each other since 1955 and exchanged a long embrace.  Later the former player produced his jersey from that season which was torn and tattered and asked R.T. how he could let that happen.  That would be like me bumping into someone I hadn't seen since 22 years before my birth and exchanging stories.  

Here is a brief clip of Coach Rodriquez.  I thought he did a great job and seems like a good guy, but I am pretty sure he gives this speech about 50 times a year.

The Avett Brothers

I learned of this band recently while checking the summer concert line-up at Fred Meijer Gardens. I kind of dig their traditional Appalachian arrangements, but it's kind of hard to get an overall feel for them based on Youtube. It seems they are quite versatile.

This next clip reminds me a bit of NDI at times. It might just be the bass drum halfway through.

I think I may have to get to the gardens for these guys.  

Gardening Again

After a year off, flowers and veggies have been planted on the deck.  Laura, Jimmy and I spent the afternoon planting and even expanded to the small strip of yard between the deck and the alley.  We planted tomatoes, various peppers, cucumbers, spaghetti squash, herbs, onions and a few varieties of annuals.  We shall see what comes of this.