So much has happened

[Randy & Betty in Pa]

Good morning, so where to start... I think I'll pass on the regular order of events as they happened as some are far more impacting and leap to mind so much more then others...

It may have been noticed that I've not been signing on much of late and the reasons for that are that my computer which I have now named "Samuri" committed Hari kari during our recent trip to Nashville. The computer im's on now probably predates the dinosaurs and is nearly as old as the Saxman and I... So who's to blame... Well we all know the answer to that don't we... Now of course I would never blame the on the only anti-social Pirate from Pittsburgh... Yup that would be the one... Cap'n REDJACK! Oh well :(

Michael Jackson died, To me this is truely a tragidy, the man was a humanitarin, not to mention a superstar and a genius. Truely a loss to many, then listening to the coverage I get charged up listening to the many members of the media taking the cheap shots and filling the world with traditionalistic yellow journalism about a person with the capacity to create. No respect is shown to his children or friends by them or even so many others... Michael, Thank you for your gifts and talents....

Then of course was the trip to Nashville.... Well to me the best part of it for me was Betty and I getting to share time and enjoy the company with a somewhat eccentric hot dog person who has become a dear friend to us both... One welcome to visit whenever.... Mary, you made the trip even better for us and for that we thank you....

My other newest friend was a Virginia State Trooper that caught me dead to rites on Rte 83 in (Mile marker 70) Whythe County Virgina.... (Note* Next time you pass through there take a look an maybe, just maybe you will see the county improvements paid for by my $136.00 investment in Virginia and as travelers think of me... Yes I was clocked at 83 in a 65 and all in all I cannot nor blame the trooper.... I earned this ticket... Mine, mine, mine... and I wish very much to compliment the officer on his level of professionalism. These men and women have a difficult job to do but he certainly has my highest level of respect and I mean that sincerely....

At the Bluebird it was wonderful to see Janis and finally get to say hello to Pat though in a very unobtrussive way. Thank you Janis for the great seats... We sat with Barry Walsh (Gretchen Peters other half) a really nice guy that we will be going to see on August 6 locally here perfoming with the "BOXTOPS" in Deer Path Park, Flemmington...NJ.... The show at the Bluebird was fun and interesting and well we all had a good time...

While there we enjoyed meeting some additional rudies to add to the Klump we've already met... Darlene, from Oak Ridge, what a lovely rudie, a pleasure to meet... Actually though we felt like in her case and most of the others that we already knew them... Still, we had to know them all cause they just hugged so good... Wormwoman. another mystery of rudieland solved and a wondersful person, Bill from Chattanogga, The crazed headthunkin' Karensews was there being Karen, and finally we ran into Beth & Verlann and didn't find the time to meet them :) My bad.... We ran into Aspiemom and family all over the place...

The following day we took an air conditioned bus trip around town and sawthe stuff... The Rhyman and the Country Music Hall of Fame ( Not to mention that the "Goodguys Street Rod" show was in town and it was spectacular seeing so many great old cars cluttering the streets.... Janis thanks so much for the info you sent us.... Next time ICE CREAM!!!!

Lets see another important part of the trip was "MARY'S EDJUKASION" Yes over the course of the trip Mary was educated as to the difference between Krystal burgers (with mustard) and White Castles (with Catsup) well now shes a better person for it.

Anyways thats about it for now, the dinosaur computer is starting to smoke... Oh did I mention that I quit smoking cigarettes on April 15th and have only had two since then...

Saxman we missed you in Nashville...

Janis thank you so much.... See you next in North Carolina in November

Best to all

R & B:eek:

PS.... Betty and I miss you all...

PPS... Marcia & Bat, glad you got the kitten undercontrol...

[JoanM]

Randy thanks for the update and as exciting as it all is I have to say learning that the computer is the only thing smoking since April 15 is the best...I must admit when I got the CDs I won on the auction last fall they smelled like ashtrays so I'm sure stopping smoking is a huge event. Keep up the good work. I'm planning on seeing you and Betty and Suzzz in NC in November. jm

[KarenSews2]

Ummm, Randy, dear... that's JIM from Chattanooga! And it did not go unnoticed that you and Betty were not partaking in anything tobacco-related! Congratulations!

You did not mention the ride to the Bluebird, and the ramp that nearly had us on 2 wheels! I don't do well in a back seat, and had finally closed my eyes to avoid barfing all over dear Betty. I could only FEEL the momentum of that curve!! :eek:

It was a grand weekend, as are all Rudie gatherings.

[Marcia Drummergal]

"Oh did I mention that I quit smoking cigarettes on April 15th and have only had two since then..."

I enjoyed your update but THIS was the very best news in it, my friend! Trust me....you will be SO GLAD you quit. Hopefully, next time you post you will say you haven't had any more. As far as I'm concerned, you can't have "just one or 2." The consequences aren't worth it....it catches up with you sooner or later.

And by the way, was it YOU who threw that "White Castle Bag" in my front yard? Are you hiding in the bushes again?!?

Marcia :D

[RedjackRyan]

Far from anti-social, just coping with a multitude of new things these days. Glad you are having fun and they shoulda ticketed you additionally just for being a menace to society in general.:p

[dragonlady]

Great update Randy!!! Wonderful to hear about the stop smoking campaign! All the more power to you my friend!

Here's hoping Kat and I can get to North Carolina too...though Janis will be in our backyard a day or so before...we'll see how it goes.

-di

[sister rose]

Di, I am hoping to make the Glen Allen, VA show...any chance you guys might show up? :)

[dragonlady]

Yep...we can do the same thing we did for the McClean show if you like...Bring Dan along if you can. He's welcome to stay at the house too...

-di

[Bat]

Huge congrats on the non-smoking campaign, R&B!! I had to laugh when I found out how easy it actually was to quit...they try to tell you it's very hard so you get to believe it, but it's not! I think it's harder to start than to quit.
Of course, you have to believe you can, and know that you really want to and must and there's no alternative, that you simply cannot continue...then it is truly a snap. Every time the idea pops into your head, you simply say NO, it's not an option, and it goes away. Hard to believe, but true.
You will taste and smell better, food will have that lovely tang again, and the house will not reek...and you won't have to wash those yellow walls every year! Yep. All plusses in my book...and your health!! my goodness, no more hacky cough, increased lung capacity is amazing!
That's all I'll say about that...but I'm really happy to hear that you'll be around a bit longer than if you hadn't quit, m'friends.
Hugs,
Bat

[sister rose]

Yep...we can do the same thing we did for the McClean show if you like...Bring Dan along if you can. He's welcome to stay at the house too...

-di

That would be great, di. I'm always excited to see you and kat! :)