Back down to earth......eventually.
Back down to earth......eventually.
Sunday 21st September
Hi Everybody
Sorry Hensylee that I was so long in posting, but I just got back to Ireland this morning. The reverse jet-lag is worse than the trip across, so I hope that I can stay awake long enough to get my views of Nashville into print........eventually.
Perry got on to the Tennessee by-ways for an hour last Sunday
morning.......well I got on them for a week and just got off of them on Friday. I knew it would take some time to get back down to earth after the re-union, so I decided to explore rural USA. After six previous trips across the wide pond, I realised that I had never really seen much past the city limits and that there would be a whole new world out there waiting to be explored. It's not for the faint hearted this beautiful country of y'all's (Is that the correct way y'all spell it?)
It was a wonderful experience seeing around tham thar hills and valleys, and trees, loads of trees and roads......jeeze what roads y'all have and the cost of 'gas' - 99 cents in places. In Northern Ireland we pay more for a litre than y'all pay for a gallon - Dunno what Tony Blair does with the money, certainly doesn't build roads with it.
Anyway back to last weekend and a 'unique' experience of a lifetime. I had a lotta time to think and ponder on the way out to Nashville. Time to really think about how I had become involved with this rather special group of very 'human' beings. It was a very sad event in my life that got me involved with all of you. When I joined VR.com, I was probably at my most desperate stage in my grieving process.
I thought of Myrtle and wondered if perhaps she was really there in spirit. I know if things had been different she would have really enjoyed making the trip to the re-union and I kinda felt that she was happy that I was going.
Many of you probably don't realise this, but for most of the last year, I have 'talked' more to all of you than I have to my neighbours or friends in Northern Ireland. You all became a very big part of my life, some more than others. I was always so happy to reply to posts on the forum, or to e-mail a reply to anyone who took the time to write personally to me. And I really appreciated every one of you for accepting me into your unique group.
You can therefore imagine how emotional I felt as I got closer to the actual meeting. It was an experience that I cannot put into words. I thought about who I most wanted to meet and although I didn't communicate a lot with them, I suddenly just wanted to hug Hank and Michelle first, even before I met anybody else. Without both of them none of us would have been there. God bless you both.
Well it didn't quite happen that way, I arrived at the Embassy suites and there y'all were, just a bunch of wonderful people who again made me feel so welcome. Folks I'd never met before who seemed like I'd known them all my life. Boy was I glad when somebody mentioned a 'Margarita.' If ever an Irishman needed a drink I needed one last Friday morning around 10.30am.
Even before the demon drink had time to take effect, it all became kinda 'blurry.' I have a vague recollection of a lotta hugs some from those with 'avatars' and some from completely new faces. I don't really know what would have happened if the 'Mandolin' Man hadn't appeared complete with instrument and settled me down. Thanks Dick Vincent for helping to bring
me back to reality. If you wanna settle Billy's nerves, get the 'jam' session going and that's just what you did. I thought we were gonna need Musician's 'union' cards to be allowed to use the piano, but I think the hotel Manager thought it would be better to let us play rather than face the consequences of refusing. The bar takings sure didn't suffer for us being there, the 'two drink' limit was quickly forgotten and I hope the music improved as the Margaritas and Bloody Mary's were lowered.
As the morning turned into afternoon I got to meet with each of you on a more personal level.
Hank and Michelle.........Better mention the Boss and Spouse first. Nothing I can say that hasn't already been said. Two very wonderful people who have affected all our lives and brought us together. Your efforts have blessed us all.
Janie.............is just Janie, same on the forum or in real life. A very wonderful, special Lady. Janie was the first person to reply to my first post on VR.com last October. She offered help and sympathy when I most needed these and a bond has developed and grown over the past twelve months. She is so special to me in so many ways, and despite her very youthful appearance, she remembered all the songs that Dick and I played, even some from the early fifties. Musicians the world over just love to have their efforts appreciated.
Bob Gleason......The Yankee Cowboy, right in the middle of real 'Cowboy' country. Thank you for your gift Bob and Happy Birthday once again. Bob you need a hat and boots if you're gonna come to Nashville. No problem with your accent, I understood everything you said. You're a very warm Guy and I'm so glad you were there. Please bring Mrs Gleason next time, you need all the moral support you can get in the sporting activities, I know these other Guys give you a real hard time. Perhaps I should apologise for their distasteful behaviour in this respect. Does that allow me to 'skip' confessions this time around?
Dick and Kay.........Dick must be the ideal husband. He is a man of few words. Even on the forum his posts are often 'one-liners.' How many Wives must yearn for a man who is so considerate in this respect. It was a pleasure to meet both of you and to share in the music with Dick. I also enjoyed Kay's company at dinner on Friday night and I'm grateful to both of you for providing my honorary 'plastic valve' which I wore at the official dinner.
Bob and Geri..........Great to meet both of you and thank you for your very thoughtful gift. I exchanged e-mails with Bob last December at a time when we were both having sad events in our lives. Thank you for your friendship over the last year.
Tammy and David........New faces to me although Tammy has been a member of the 'valve community' for a long time. It was so good to get to meet both of you also as previously our paths hadn't really crossed. Tammy, you're a bunch of 'fun.'
Lorraine/Sister/and Friend..........Two big events in one week Lorraine, birthday first and then the re-union. No wonder you were getting your drinks and your pasta's mixed up. It was good to meet you all.
Ben and Cindy...........The last of the early 'arrivers.' Now why did I leave these two to last? Ben Smith you are the cutest Guy I have ever met, but Cindy's much better looking...sorry Ben.
What a gentle Giant, and I mean Giant. Folks if you have any doubts about coming to the next re-union, believe me it will be worth the trip to meet our Ben Smith. Certainly one of nature's Gentlemen or should that read GentleBOY....Hell he's only a kid and a real big one at that. Ben I hope you've stopped growing....and the boots, I just loved them. Please get started right away if you want to have that pony-tail ready for next
October.
Well those were the 'Friday morning' people. We were joined later by a few others for the dinner on Friday night.............
Gina.............Now what a surprise, never trust an avatar. So good to meet you and get to know you Gina. Thanks for your company at the 'Palace' and for the ride to dinner on Saturday night. Glad you didn't lock ME in the car.
Perry...........Another surprise from the avatar. I thought you were about Ben's height. Enjoyed our photographic talk and I know that you will be a big asset to VR.com in the future. Your ideas and suggestions will make the site even better, if that's possible.
Rob That's Me and Cristi (Now also known as 'Rob That's She') Rob, we planned on drinking a lotta beers in Nashville and we never got round to it. Never mind, as we say in Ireland the 'crack' was good and there's always next time. Come join us for the jam session next year, Dick and I need the support. So pleased to meet you Cristi and to share our 'experiences.'
What a group!!! Those who didn't get to attend this time, please plan on making the trip to Vegas next October. The dinners both nights were good, so good on Saturday night that I think I missed a small part at the end, perhaps it was just a few 'senior moments.' Never mind, I had a real good time, with real good
people. Only three disappointments, that Rain, Mara and David didn't make it in the end. You were all greatly missed and I know that you will be there next time. Hopefully there will be many of the newer faces along too. Thank you all for accepting a valveless Irishman into your midst and making him feel so welcome.
And you know what...........Due to weather conditions, Golf, Toga Party and Scar Contest were postponed till next time and we got right thru the weekend without even a mention of Mexican food.
What a relief!!!...................I'm only kidding Janie.
God Bless y'all
P.S. Ben and Bob - Your new avatar's will be with you in the next few days.
