Bruce Springsteen @ Nationals Park

We went to the Bruce Springsteen show with my cousins Michael and Denise along with our significant others on Friday night. It was by far the best Springsteen show I've ever attended. 

Speaking of irony, Bruce plays a DC baseball stadium when the decades old axiom "Washington DC: First in War, First in Peace, Last in the American League" no longer applies, as the Nationals magic number to clinch the National League East, (The Senators were in the American League) was 11 when the concert started.Beforehand, the procedure for getting to seats down on the field was a Nationals Park failure of major proportions. It shouldn't take fans an hour to get to their seats, but by having only two access points for the field, it was one of the more chaotic concert situations I've ever been a part of. Taking 20 minutes to walk 50 yards, the backup was insane — but then, why should a baseball stadium be different than 495? since we were not on the floor we were able to walk around the corner and get in through one of the side entrances. Bruce hit the stage at 8:24 with a roaring version of "Prove It All Night '78." Call it "out of sight." Regardless, the opener sent a message that, this was going to be a special night indeed.

Next, Max took center stage and propelled "My Love Will Not Let you Down," one of the great Born in the U.S.A. outtakes, to new heights. While many in the crowd could be overheard asking what song it was, it didn't stop them from dancing with the ones they were with. And any show that features "The Ties That Bind" is a show that's going to work for me. I wish there were more opportunities to hear Steve Van Zandt play the 12-string guitar, but I'll take it with "Ties." "Hungry Heart" did something neither President Obama nor House Speaker John Boehner could do: Bruce got 39,000 Democrats, Republicans and Independents to sing along together in unison.

Of course it was during "My City of Ruins" that Bruce talked to us about ghosts, and old buildings. My god, how many ghosts must there be within miles of here, I thought. From the Lincoln Memorial to the Vietnam Veterans memorial to the Washington Monument to the John F Kennedy Center for the Arts to Ronald Reagan National Airport and Robert F Kennedy stadium, just about every building in DC is a reminder, a ghost, of those who have come before us and who walk alongside the living. For all of Bruce's observations on these matters, he sure hit the city that lives with those kinds of reminders daily.

An exorcising "Spirit in the Night" and a ragged-but-right "Blinded By the Light" were up next as the only representation of Bruce's first two records. And the four-pack of "Jackson Cage" right into "She's the One," "Johnny 99," and "Darlington County" made it clear that the E Street Band are worthy of the Congressional Medal of Rocking Out.

But by far, the high point of the evening came when Bruce dedicated a transcendent version of "Racing in the Street" to members of U.S. Troops currently residing at Walter Reed Hospital who were attending the show. Bruce thanked them and all veterans for their service and then played "Racing" as though it was going to be for the last time. "Racing in the Street" works on so many levels. It might be his finest, most reflective summer-themed song. The themes of loss, disillusionment and washing away of sins seemed appropriate and vital tonight. The instrumental coda at the end was breathtaking. To hear Roy Bittan build layer upon layer along with Garry Tallent's elegant bass lines rolling under the body of the song... by the time it was over, I was spent — I'm not sure how the band carried on.

Set-closer "Land of Hope and Dreams" was tight, compact, and did everything the ten-minute version used to do in about half the time. On one of DC's more beautiful nights, "We Are Alive" worked wonderfully. "Born to Run" is still the best crowd-watching song I've encountered. And the "Detroit Medley" through "Twist and Shout"? Well at this point they're just a blur. Max's daughter Ali playing the accordion on "American Land" is a keeper! Bruce breaking out into “Twist and Shout" is a total crowd pleaser. To keep coming back and to keep playing till the crowd is spent... yup, he surely does empty the tank every time.

Here is the Setlist:
1. Prove it All Night with ’78 intro.
2. My Love Will Not Let You Down
3. The Ties That Bind
4. Hungry Heart
5. We Take Care Of Our Own
6. Wrecking Ball
7. Death To My Hometown
8. My City Of Ruins
9. Spirit In The Night
10. Blinded By The Light
11. Jack Of All Trades
12. Jackson Cage
13. Shes The One
14. Johnny 99
15. Darlington County
16. Shackled and Drawn
17. Waitin’ On A Sunny Day
18. The Promised Land
19. Racing In the Street
20. The Rising
21. Badlands
22. Land Of Hope And Dreams
23. We Are Alive24. Thunder Road
25. Born To Run
26. Detroit Medley
27. Dancing In The Dark
28. Tenth Avenue Freeze Out
29. American Land (Ali Weinberg on accordion)
30. Twist And Shout
The Show ended at 11:54

Our Bermuda Cruise

Our entire family left from Baltimore on Friday June 8 for a 6 day cruise to the island of Bermuda. I had never been on a cruise before and had my doubts and concerns about the entire adventure. I've had issues with motions sickness and was quite concerned that may be an issue on the trip. Fortunately, we only had one day of rough seas and even then it never affected me. We sailed on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. From the moment we boarded the ship the staff were cheerful, helpful and a pleasure to be around. Our room attendant, Nelson was wonderful. He greeted us several times each day and did a super job attending to our quarters. His wife worked on the ship also as a nurse. They were from the Philippians and spent 6 months at a time on the ship and then return home for 3 months. Along with our family my Mother-in-law Joyce and a friend, Dan and Evelyn Maddox, the Stowell's and Buswell's all were on the cruses. There were 17 of us in total. We departed Baltimore at 4:30 and had our first dinner at 6pm. I liked that we had the early seating every evening. That way we could see the 8:30 show. Our gang wasn't much interested in doing the formal dinners so we ate at the buffet those nights. The dining options were awesome. 24 hour room service was offered. There were two separate dining areas along with the main dining room. The service int he dining room was wonderful. Each night there was a different menu and you could order multiple meals if you liked. The boys all seemed to eat steak each night.They even offered lobster tail one night. For the most part we ate at the buffet for breakfast and lunch there and then went to the dining room for dinner. The buffet had anything you could imagine and it was all delicious. Breakfast was wonderful with fancy Omelets and any other breakfast food your could think of. During the day most of us hung out around the pool deck. The weather was spectacular except for one day. There were all kinds of activities that the entertainment department put on to keep the guests entertained. I played in a Texas Holdem tournament. I had won $100 the night before so I figured what the heck spend the $100 an enter the tournament. I wound up getting a bad beat with pocket 10's and was knocked out. We cruised all day Saturday and Sunday and arrived in Bermuda around 4pm. We meet the family in the dining room for dinner and afterwards only Jenna and I went onto shore. We had a great time. We found a club and were a couple guys were playing music, then went to snorkel beach were a reggae band was playing. We saw an awesome sunset there. Later we went on a glass bottom boat ride out to the Bermuda triangle. We saw beautiful coral reef, fish and even a ship wreck. We got back to the ship sometime after midnight. I couldn't believe that no one else wanted to go out. Oh well, special time for Jenna and I. Monday after breakfast we all meet on the pier and purchased a daily transportation ticket. That allowed you to board any bus or ferry for the entire day. We decided to go Elbow Beach which was not the main beach area where most of the guest were being directed. It was about 45 minutes on the bus, which was OK because it gave you an opportunity to see some of the island. What strikes you is the cleanliness of the island.It's also odd that the drive on the left side of the road. The beach was spectacular. Beautiful blue crystal clear water. We rented snorkel gear and those that wanted to took turns snorkeling. There actually was a shipwreck not to far off shore that you could see.We stayed at the beach most the day and then got back on the bus to ride into Hamilton to catch a ferry back to the ship. We split up to do some shopping and were to meet for the 5:30 ferry. Well, Steve, Matt, Karen and I were at the end of the line and right as we're to board they lower the rope and no more on board. We have to wave good bye and wait an hour for the next ferry. Needless to say we were not that happy. Anyway, we got back to the ship around 7:30 and had a nice dinner. Later that evening they had a blow out deck party. Lot's of fun drinking and dancing. We were the last group to leave the deck. The older kids went on shore to a late night dance club and didn't get back until after 4. They ran into the juggler who had performed the night before and was out on the prowl with his wife. Tuesday morning we had a few hours until the ship set sail back to Baltimore. The girls and I went onto shore and walked around the dockyard mall and purchased t shirts and other souvenirs. The ship left around noon. Later that afternoon there was a sexiest man competition. My Brother-in-law Steve gave a valiant effort but in the end was beat out by a special needs kid. It was quite the event. Later there was a belly flop contest. Nice thing about the cruise was that there was always something to do. Each morning they would leave a flyer in your room outlining all the different entertainment options for reach day. We pretty much did dinner and the show each night and then went to the casino for a while. I played quite a bit of Texas hold em and made a number of friends at the tables. That evening we celebrated Ed Buswell's birthday. Wednesday was the first day we had any inclement weather. The seas were about 8-10 feet high. The boat was really rocking. We new there might be some trouble when the crew hung barf bags along the corridors and the stairways. Fortunately, for the most part, everyone was able to take some pills or put on a patch. The weather was crappy most of the day. We took in a movie, at lots of food and watch a couple shows. The ship put on a spectacular finale show with awesome singing and dancing. We arrived back in Baltimore at 7am the next morning. We quickly departed and were home by 9:30. All and all one of the best vacations our family has ever had. Royal Caribbean did a great job and for the cost it'd be hard to beat. `

Current Country

A lady who works with my wife Maureen invited us last evening to a local restaurant where her husband was playing banjo in a bluegrass band.
These guys were fantastic. Turns out her husband was Senior Chief Musician Keith Arneson from the Navy’s Current Country Bluegrass ensemble. The bass player from the Navy band was also in the group. He played some of the best a stand-up bass I’ve ever seen. The Front man was a 20 year retired Navy band Musician Wayne who has lived right here in Crofton only a couple blocks away since 1995. They also had a Mandolin player who was phenomenal. He however only did 6 years in the Navy.
At one point Maureen's friend got up on stage and played a couple tunes on the Bass. We had a good time.

Country Music

Recently I have been listening to more and more country music. When I was younger, I was a classic rock kind of guy. I still like the occasional jam band but for the most part I listen to country music frequently. The songs seem to have more meaning to my everyday life.

Most country music (not all) has lot of family values thrown in. So if you don't have children or a home of your own to protect, you might not like it. But as you mature, it will grow on you.

Country music is about family, God, love, children, and sacrifice…with a little bit of sin songs thrown in for spice. To each his own, but I just get really tired of people saying "I really don't like country music" but did you hear that one song?

Here's an example of one of my favorite's by Montgomery Gentry.



Here's What Jeff Foxworthy said about Country Music in 2007. Pretty Much nails it.

I like country music because it’s about the things in life that really matter. It ain’t about braggin about how your gonna mess somebody up or about how somebody ain’t respectin ya. It’s about love, family, friends, with a few beers…. With a cheap woman and two timin’ man thrown in for spice.

It doesn’t take political sides even on things as ugly as war. Instead it celebrates the men and women who go to fight em, the price they pay to do it, and the longing we have for them to return home to the ones that they love.

It’s about kids and how there ain’t nothing like em. I get tired of hearin about how bad kids are today because there are a lot of great kids out there that just need somebody to love em and believe in em. Country folks love their kids and they will jack you up if you try to mess with em.

People in country music don’t forget the people that allowed them to do what they do for a living. They sign autographs and they take pictures with the fans because they know without em, most of us entertainers would be getting a lot dirtier in the course of our workday. We are thankful that people want to hear the songs and the jokes that we write.

Country music doesn’t have to be politically correct. We sing about God because we believe in Him. We’re not trying to offend anybody, but the evidence that we have seen of him in our small little lives trumps your opinion about whether or not He exists.

We love country music because it touches us where we live. It’s about mammas. and when they were hot, and when they are unappreciated and when they were dying.

It’s about daddies and the difficulties they have telling the people they work so hard to protect and provide for how they feel about them.

Country music is about new love and it’s about old love. It’s about getting drunk and it’s about getting sober. It’s about leavin’ and it’s about comin’ home. It’s real music, sung by real people FOR real people. The people that make up the back bone of this country.

You can call us rednecks if you want, we’re not offended, ‘cause we know what we are all about. We get up and go to work, we get up and go to church and we get up and go to war when necessary.

All we ask for is a few songs to carry us along the way and that’s why I love this show (the CMT music awards.) Because it ain’t some self-important Hollywood hype where the winners are determined by somebody else. On this show, YOU decide who goes home with the trophy and YOU get to dance and sing along with the people that bring you the songs of your life. – Jeff Foxworthy

10 Resolutions to Make in the New Year

Resolution, n – A commitment that an individual makes that brings positive benefits to his/her life

I love the new year, because it’s the time when we start everything on a fresh note. It’s when we set new resolutions, positive intentions of what we want to accomplish for the year. In today’s post, I’m going to share top 10 resolutions to set for the new year. These 10 resolutions cover important areas, and when accomplished, will bring about great benefits to your life.

1. Spend more time with family. How many of us often prioritize work over family? Our family is the closest kin we have in the world, so spend more time with them. Let go of work for just an hour a day, and swap that with some quality family time instead. Check with your family members how they are doing at work, in school, and in their relationships.
2. Get Fit / Exercise more. Do you know that over 60% of Americans are overweight or obese? A healthy body is the key to a healthy life. Very few of us exercise as frequently as we would like. When things get busy at work, our gym sessions are usually the first to go. Unfortunately, that also means an increasing waistline and wider hips as the years go by. I’m planning a 21-day healthy living challenge on my blog with the start of 2011, where I’ll be exercising regularly and eating healthily (resolution #3) for 21 days straight. Since it takes 21 days to make or break a habit, these 21 days will help to set the positive habits in place for the year and beyond.
3. Eat healthily. The modern lifestyle has become one that’s filled with fast food and junk food. Time to take these out and eat some healthy food. Recently I’ve taken a huge liking for salad bars. They’re amazingly filling, and extremely refreshing change.
4. Connect with friends. Make it a point to meet up with friends regularly. Remember at the end of the day, our relationships are what give us the biggest fulfillment in life. Go take your phone book and call up your good friends from the past. Or simply use Facebook and search for them. Arrange to meet-up and catch up over a cup of coffee. I recently met my good friend over dinner and it was great meeting her after a long time. We made the commitment to meet up at least once every month so we wouldn’t lose touch.
5. Learn something new. Learning never stops. Life is our school, and there are things to learn everywhere we go. Go learn a new language, take a new course, read new books, learn a sport, and more. Check out these 42 helpful tips on how to improve yourself.
6. Meet new people. A new year is a great time to forge new friendships, while maintaining old ones of course. We can never have too many friends. Get out there and meet new people! Venture out of your social groups. Meet people whose work inspire you. Network with the top people in your field. Get to know your friends’ friends.
7. Meditate. If there’s only one habit you’re going to pick to cultivate, I’ll recommend you pick meditation. Meditation calms your mind and quietens your soul. It’s where you connect with your subconsciousness and unleash that idea genius in you. I’ve gotten some very interesting ideas from my meditations. If you’re new to meditation, it’s very easy to get started. Read: How To Meditate in 5 Simple Steps. 
8. Do more kind deeds. I think there’s never an end to how much we can help others. The more we give, the happier we’ll be. I’ve dedicated my life to helping others grow, and every day I get more satisfaction from my work than the day before.
9. Get rid of clutter. New year is the perfect time to declutter your environment. Do a spring cleaning of your home, your wardrobe, your bedroom, your storeroom and your work desk. You’ll find that removing clutter has a therapeutic effect: As you clear the clutter, you’re inviting new things to enter your life.
10. Stop procrastinating. How much time have you wasted in your life procrastinating? Honestly, life’s too short to be procrastinating it away. Start 2011 on a high note – it’s time to cut off all the bad procrastination habits and do everything you’ve been putting off. If you need some help, check out: 11 Practical Ways To Stop Procrastination

Skins fall short Against Patriots 34-27

With no support of a chance to win against the New England Patriots, the Washington Redskins played with heart and nearly pulled off a major upset.  Near to the end of regulation with 29 seconds remaining from the Patriots’ 9, Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss bobbled a short pass from quarterback Rex Grossman into the arms of Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo to seal the victory, 34-27.

“I was just thrilled that the defense made a huge play,” Grossman said about the final drive. “They kick a field goal and it is pretty tough to score twice. I was just pumped up that we had an opportunity. And then [we] converted some big third downs and kept moving the ball, and all of a sudden, we are in the position to tie the game, or go for two to win it.

“It’s just frustrating to play well and move the ball and then be in the position to win the game. To have it go the other way is frustrating.”  

The Redskins' (4-9) affair with the Patriots was back and forth, as it appeared that the team who had the ball last was going win as they matched touchdowns with touchdowns and field goals with field goals.

Despite outstanding numbers, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who finished 22-of-37 for 357 yards, three touchdowns and an interception, struggled to complete passes to his pass-catchers throughout the contest, especially in the red zone.  Brady’s passes were either too high or behind his targets.  If Brady was at his normal best, the Patriots would have had scored close to 50.

“We are always trying to score. We moved the ball pretty well,” Brady said. “We just didn’t necessarily get it in the end zone when we needed to get in the end zone. The frustrating part about today is that we left a lot of points on the board. The defense finished the game well and made a great play at the end to really save us.”

Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

However, the Redskins were moving the ball as well.  Grossman was making his normal bad passes mixed with timely, clutch attempts to his receivers.  Grossman finished 19-of-32 for 252 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

Clearly, the best aspect of the game concerning the Redskins was how balanced their offense was for the first time this season, but it is all about finishing.

“I don’t think there’s any question about it,” Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan said. “We made some plays. Unfortunately, we had a few penalties late in the game that really cost us. That holding down there on the 10-yard line, the one they called on [Maurice] Hurt.  We had a couple mistakes down there—pass interference.

“We had a chance to finish a couple drives and we didn’t. We set ourselves back a little bit. Overall, I was pleased with the effort, displeased not being able to finish it and do what you need to do to win.”

The Redskins’ rookie running backs carried the load for Washington. Roy Helu finished with 126 yards on 27 carries and Evan Royster contributed with 44 yards off six carries.  Helu became the first rookie running back to host three consecutive 100-plus-yard games.  The Redskins were fluent in their offense, in dramatic fashion converting on big third-down plays.

“It’s huge (the running game). Unless you have a one-dimensional offense, you have to have a balance,” Grossman said. “The runs have to put you in good positions to throw the ball, put you in third and manageable, getting first downs on first down, or getting first downs on second downs to keep you out of third downs.  Or getting big chunks helps open up the play-action pass. 

Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

“It’s everything to this type of offense and it was a pretty special today.  Every time I’d come out of my fake, [Roy] Helu was running down the field making guys miss, stiff-arming guys, and running through some wide open holes and making some plays.  It was good to see.”

The Redskins defense struggled to tackle Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski as he over-powered, carried and dodged defenders all afternoon for 160 yards on six catches and two touchdowns (a career high).

Nevertheless, when it was time to make a play, the defense responded.

On 3rd-and-4 at the Redskins’ 4, Brady targeted wide receiver Tiquan Underwood for the touchdown.  Redskins cornerback Josh Wilson played the ball and got the interception at the back end zone to give Grossman and the offense an opportunity to win or force overtime.

After the interception, Brady and offensive coordinator/quarterback coach Bill O’Brien got into a nasty shouting match from the sideline.  About two minutes after argument, Brady and O’Brien were going over game notes.

“I made a terrible play, so he just let me know I made a terrible play,” Brady said. “It’s football man, it’s a game of emotion. It’s athletics…I was looking there and then I was trying to throw to Tiquan [Underwood] in the back and was trying to get it over [tight end Rob Gronkowski] and there were two other guys on him and I put too much air on it. I gave the DB a chance to make a play.”

Grossman orchestrated a 13-play drive, which could have ended with a touchdown to set up extend play.  Moss caught an apparent touchdown with 1:15 remaining in the contest, but the play was called back due to his "questionable" offensive pass interference penalty. Instead, the drive ended with the ball bobbling off Moss’ hands into Mayo’s arms.

Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

“[I] didn’t make the play, plain and simple,” Moss said. “I didn’t make the play but, you know, it’s football.”

When asked if Grossman played better without suspended tight end Fred Davis, knowing he could not rely on his tight end, Redskins wide receiver Donte Stallworth suggested otherwise.

“It was difficult to tell because I was focusing on getting away from my man to get open,” Stallworth said with laughter, who led the team in receiving yards with 96.  “After I review some game tape, then I will know how Rex performed.  But Rex don’t get enough credit.  He’s a solid quarterback who knows how to get the job done and he did everything he could to help get us a win. 

Creating a Memorable Christmas

Focus on Fun

Rather than focusing on giving the perfect gift and making sure your house looks just so before guests arrive, lighten up and focus on making the day fun. If you are hosting a holiday party or meal, this applies to both you and your guests. Bring out some old family photos, give some gifts with a sense of humor, or set up a game. Rather than thinking of the holidays as some of kind of precious moment, consider it a party; whether you’re throwing it or attending it, do your best to make sure it adheres to the #1 tenet of any good party — it’s fun.

Toast to Traditions

Traditions help make the holidays memorable and give everyone something to look forward to every year. Whether it's making gingerbread cookies or engaging in some winter sports before dinner, this is a great way to put the focus on people rather than presents. If you don’t have a tradition yet, start one.

Forget Perfect

Martha Stewart may lay a beautiful table, but rumor has it she sleeps only a few hours each night! Perfection comes at a cost, both to you and your wallet. Focus on the things that are really important, recruit your family members for help, and accept that life is not a magazine; in many ways, it's better.

Give Great Gifts

An amazing gift isn't one that costs a fortune, but one that makes you truly excited about bringing it to the recipient on the big day. Don't trudge to the store and buy things because you feel you have to. Instead, find or make gifts that have meaning for you and those who receive them. Most importantly, forget about cost and worry about choosingsmall gifts your family and friends will truly use and enjoy. This is definitely more work than buying big, flashy presents, but you’re likely to feel better about thoughtful gifts you can really afford. Chances are, those who receive them will too.

Be Realistic

Problems and conflict with family often weigh on us during the holidays because we think it's a time when those issues should just disappear and be replaced by love and goodwill (like on TV!). It's not gonna happen, and you're likely to enjoy your holidays a lot more if you adjust your expectations accordingly.

by Tara Struyk  Wise Bread 

Happy ThanksgivingI

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, rather than feeling gloomy and blue as I have for most of this week I thought I would make and effort to see If I could list some things that I am truly thankful for.

1. My wife: She's my best friend and her love and support is always there for me. I probably don't show and tell her that enough but after 23 years I think she knows it.

2. My children: Watching my kids grow up. There have been so many special times I couldn't even list them all. With all the ups and downs that parenthood brings I'm so thankful to have them.

3. My parents: I'm thankful for the support and love they have shown me in trying times and in good times. They have always been there.

4. My friends: Even though I don't have many close friends I do have quite a few what I'd call acquaintances. These along with my true few friends a am thankful for.

5. My siblings: It was a blessing to grow up with brothers and sisters. Even though we've grown apart over the years, I know they all still care about our well being and would be there in a pinch.

6. My health: I thankful that I am healthy. Through age 52 I really haven't had any health issues. I put my body through hell from time to time but everything checks out good. Good genes I guess. Thanks to Mom and Dad again.

7. My job: With so many Americans unemployed I am thankful that both Maureen and I have jobs.

8. eBay and the Internet: This is something I truly enjoy doing. Saturday mornings looking for bargains and then listing and reselling these things on eBay. We've almost hit 2000 feedback. The Internet has opened so many other doors for us.

9. Golf: Nothing like an enjoyable round of golf. If I get to walk the 18 holes it's even that much better. I sure wish I could do it more.

10: The Teamsters: The Teamsters have done so much for me. They have accounted for my job security, good health care and benefits. My position as president of Local 67 has given me the ability to help save jobs, negotiate good wages and keep local employers in check.

11. Travel: I've been fortunate over the past 8 years to travel on business 2-3 times per year. Our trip to Hawaii last November was full of special memories.

12. Cancun: My trip to Cancun, Mexico last spring with Jamie was just as special. Fond memories.

13. American: I'm thankful to be an American. Even with all our faults it's still the best country in the world and I get to vote.

14: Quitting: I'm glad I was able to quit smoking cigarettes, even though I'll occasionally enjoy a good cigar.

15: Gadgets: Computers, Laptops, iPad, iPhone, iPad. All have made me learn and communicate better. I could do without TV because of all the crap they show.

16: Digital Cameras: Made it so easy for me to record special occasssions and other cool things.

16: Music: I'm thankful for my ability to play rhythm guitar. I truly enjoy strumming chords to background music.

17: The seasons: Even though I hate this season becasue of all the work it creates, I am thankful that our weather changes 4 times a year.

18: Mistakes: I'm thankful for the mistakes I've made. They've given me the chance to learn from them and get better.

19: My Home: Even with a mortgage, I'm thankful that I have a place to hang my hat and call home.

20: Simple Things: All the Beautiful and simple things that I take for granted. Sunshine, rain, snow, smells, flowers, trees, animals, newspapers and on and on.

There you have it 20 things I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving. Have a great Holiday.

Our Trip to New Orleans

We traveled to New Orleans because of the Annual Employee Benefit Conference I attend every year around this time. We arrived around noon and after checking into the Hotel we ventured out for lunch. I can't recall the name of the restaurant but it featured Cajun food. I had cup of Gumbo which was delicious, then we both tried Po-Boy sandwiches, Maureen with shrimp and I had the fish. They too were very good.


After a short walk we came upon the Mississippi River and decided to take a ride on a Steamboat. It was a two hour cruise up and down the river. It was nice seeing the port of New Orleans from the river. The narrator did a good job explaining the sites along the shore. There was a jazz band inside playing typical New Orleans jazz. It was a sunny afternoon and a very pleasant boat ride. The picture is at the back of the boat. Notice the huge red paddle, which powered the ship through the water.

Later that evening we walked about 5 blocks and found ourselves on Bourbon Street for the first time. It was Saturday Night of Halloween weekend and it was crazy. Wall to wall people. You could barely get down the street it was so packed. Many were dressed in costume but we had decided earlier we would dress up on Halloween night. It made the streets of Vegas look tame. All kinds of strip clubs, queers and pornography. I did not care for all the Homosexuals. Way to many of them and they were right out there. The group of 12 dressed as the Christmas reindeer took the cake. There were plenty of young people having a good time and we did too.

Monday was Halloween. We dressed up to attend some parties that were being sponsored by some of the vendors at the conference. This picture was taken on a balcony at the first party we attended. That was fun being up on a balcony watching the folks parade down Bourbon street. We had plenty of beads to toss their way. We stayed there a couple hours and then went further down Bourbon Street to another event which was being sponsored by Aetna. They had the entire club rented out and once inside everything was provided they even had dancing upstairs. We had a good time there. Next we headed to the last party which was another block down the street at club 51. There was a line outside because they were at capacity so as 2 came out they let 2 in. We only waited about 10 minutes and decide that was enough let's head back. Good thing we did because about a half hour later there was a shooting right there outside of club 51. the news account the next morning said there were 3 separate shooting Halloween night on Bourbon street 2 people killed 16 injured, 1 conference attendee had be hit in the arm. As we were walking back to the hotel you could tell it was a whole different type of folks coming in, thug types from the inner city. It didn't look good. Glad we got out of there. That was our last at Bourbon street.

Tuesday while I was at the conference and before her flight home Maureen signed up with the Concierge at the hotel for a swamp tour. Here is a picture of her with the tour guide. It sounded like a fun. They picked her up at the hotel and took them right to the marina where they got onto one of those airboats and were taken out into the Louisiana swamps in search of alligators. They saw a bunch of them and in fact some pretty close up to the boat.

Wednesday, the conference was over adn I had the entire day to go sightseeing. I spent the morning at the National World War II Museum. Then I walked through the warehouse district and made my way to the french quarter. Many street musicians and artists along the way. The weather was perfect that day. Sunny and in the low 70's. Once in the French quarter I walked through the St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest in the US. Beautiful inside. This is a picture from across the street.