In memory of Rhed's Virtuoso (Ozzie)
  
May 8, 1988 - October 5, 2009

Last week I attended the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, KY.  I drove to Sacramento late Tuesday night and stayed with Garrett and Sarah since they live about 20 minutes from the airport.  I had to be at the airport at 5:30am, so it was nice to be so close!  Garrett and Sarah took me to the airport, I checked in and got through security and was checking the monitors for my gate, when I heard someone say, "This isn't where you're supposed to be!".  I turned and saw it was the guys from Solid Ground giving me a hard time!  They were on their way to NQC also, but on a different flight.  I got myself a coffee and biscotti and started getting really excited! 

The first leg of my flight was definitely a deja'vu moment.  I remembered one of the first times I flew solo in December 2001.  I was going to visit my Grandpa David and Grandma Jane in Ohio and then planning to go with a friend to a wedding in Pennsylvania.  As I was in line to board in Sacramento, I got a call from my mom that my Grandma Jane had passed away.  I boarded the plane, stunned that I was only one day late from seeing my grandma one last time.  Wedding plans were changed to funeral arrangements.  As I thought about my grandparents, I was again reminded of how very blessed I am and how much I LOVE my family.  I have such a beautiful heritage.  I am amazed at the generosity of God in my life. 

I put Jason Crabb on my ipod and listened to "Ellsworth".  If you haven't listened to his recent solo project, you really must.  It is incredible! 

My first flight was delayed, and I made my connection with only five minutes to spare.  I sat down and caught my breath.  This stretch of travel wasn't nearly as contemplative.  I noticed the odd, middle-aged couple across the aisle from me were making out!  And then the lady would start crying.  It was just weird.  I tried looking out the window, but the girl sitting beside me pulled out her compact and tweezer and started plucking her eyebrows.  I stared at the seat-back in front of me and willed us to land sooner rather than later!

Finally, I arrived in Louisville.  I got my luggage and my Subaru rental car and about that time, my friend, Caron arrived from Florida, so we made our way to the hotel.  (Regarding the car rental, let me just say that my Infiniti has really spoiled me.)  I was SO thankful that Neil had loaned me his GPS.  I had to navigate several freeways and it was great to set it and go!  We hurried to unload the car and change clothes and then headed to Freedom Hall for a night with great friends and awesome music!  


Caron Weeks, my friend from Florida.


I loved being with Melissa Brady!  She is such a sweetheart!


It was an honor to meet the original Couriers - Dave, Duane and Neil.  They remembered having dinner at my Grandpa Wayne and Grandma Marcele's house back in the '70's! 


I enjoyed visiting with the Stevens family.  Here I am with Tami and Erin.


I was able to catch a few of the afternoon showcases. 
The Hunter family from Canada:


Guy Penrod:


The Cathedrals Remembered:

It was great to hear Danny Funderburk sing "I've Just Started Living"!

I loved getting to spend time with Wesley and Teresa Pritchard! 


Wesley ran the sound for the stage monitors, so he saved seats on the FRONT ROW for Teresa and I.  It was incredible! 


I was able to get some great pictures....


Robert Dixon, sound man for the Booth Brothers, worked sound for the stage all week, too.


Also helping at Melissa Brady's booth was Joe Ng and Sue Krawchuk.  It was so nice to make new friends!

There is just nothing like front row seats for the Gaither Vocal Band and Signature Sound!


The Singing News Fan Awards were held on Saturday night.  The evening started with an amazing performance of "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)" by Kim Hopper, Mitchell Jon, Karen Peck, Jim Brady, Joseph Habedank, and Taranda Greene. 

Jim Brady won Favorite Baritone of the Year.  He is an amazing singer and we were all so excited for him!
 
The Booth Brothers came away with 8 awards:  Favorite Baritone, Lead, Tenor, Male Vocalist, Trio, Artist, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year.  They are wonderful men and it was great to see them appreciated! 


After the concert on Saturday, I helped Melissa tear down her booth.  Like every other night, we got back to the hotel around 1:30AM.  Melissa and I stood in the hallway talking for a while -we didn't get to do nearly enough talking during the week!  I hated to say good-bye, but I had to leave for the airport at 5:45AM.  So, after 2 hours of sleep, I started the long day of traveling home.  It was pouring rain and the lightening was flashing as I drove to the airport.  Once again, I saw Solid Ground checking in.  I got myself a white chocolate mocha, boarded the plane and fell asleep.  I never even heard the drink carts go by. 

Now I'm home again, thankful for the great new CD's and a heart full of love and memories that I brought back with me!

My mom loves spontaneous parties.  She recently ordered new Tupperware and the day it arrived she was so excited that she decided to throw a party. 

It started with appetizers on the patio.  Cheeseball and crackers and fruit punch.




Dad and Stuart checking on the steaks:


We had cottage cheese jello and pasta salad - perfectly presented in Tupperware - along with salad and potatoes.




It was a beautiful evening in a beautiful back yard with my beautiful family!

Thanks, Mom!!!