"Here We Are" - Jimmy Buffett

I love this song, and video. It really gives you a glimpse of how devoted Jimmy's fans are. Parrotheads really know how to have fun! Check it out, and listen to the lyrics...

Jet Skiing

We spent the weekend at Maple Lake, and did a lot of Jet Skiing. Here's a shot of Willow fooling around. (She wasn't really driving!)

She really does love to ride. She has a life vest, and likes to ride between us when we ride with three. She sits perfectly still, and always wants to go faster.

Willow loves going to the lake, and we love having her there. Summers are short, aren't they? Enjoy it while you can!

Hastings - Larson Wedding

Brandi Larson and Brandon Hastings together with their parents, Cindy and Peter Larson and Dawn Hastings and Donald Hastings, of Grand Forks, ND, are pleased to announce their engagement.

Brandi is a 2000 graduate of Red River High School and a 2006 graduate of the University of North Dakota with a Sociology degree. She is currently employed at Koochiching County Community Services, International Falls, MN, as a Children's Mental Health Social Worker.

Brandon is a 2001 graduate of Red River High School and a 2006 graduate of the University of North Dakota with a Chemical Engineering degree. He is currently employed at Boise Paper Company, International Falls, MN, as a Production Engineer.

An August 23rd, 2008 wedding is planned at Sharon Lutheran Church, Grand Forks, ND. A reception and dance will follow at the Holiday Inn, Grand Forks, ND.

The couple will reside in International Falls, MN.

(This is the ad that ran in the Grand Forks Herald Newspaper this Sunday)

The Margaritaville Express Returns!

The above photo is not me...just some cool Parrotheads chillin'.

Jimmy Buffett played Alpine Valley Music Theatre in East Troy, Wisconsin this weekend...and we were there!

THE ROADTRIP:
Our roadtrip took us 1,500 miles across 3 states to see Jimmy in concert. We stopped along the way to pick up friends, (Tammy & Marty) to join us. They are what Parrotheads call, "Buffett Virgins" (first live show) Now that they have studied at "The University of Margaritaville", they are no longer BV's.

THE TAILGATE MADNESS:
Alpine Valley is THE KING of Buffett Parties! The display of loyalty is written everywhere. Literally. Trucks with giant shark fins, flags, palm trees, sand, music, and of course...plenty of liquor. In fact, liquor dispensed in ways even I, have never seen before. Parrotheads are just about the friendliest people you will run across. It was a Carnival...on steroids! You just can't believe it...until you experience it for yourself! Next year!

THE CONCERT:
Jimmy took the stage in front of nearly 40,000 die hard fans for a sold out show. We had lawn area tickets, which are interesting in itself. Seems the tailgate party simply moves to the lawn area for the concert. People in the crowd were still doing Limbo right next to us. Next to that, two girls were passed out for nearly the entire show. Then, a guy come rolling down the hill and 'bowls' over a couple people in chairs. The Carnival continued. The sky was clear, the moon full, and stars were shining...and rain didn't spoil the fun. (as predicted it would...a bonus for us!)
Jimmy opened the show with WDWGDAS. (appropriate after an 8 hour tailgate session)
Our only complaint was, the stage is a loooooong way away...and it could have been louder. Sound doesn't quite make it to the back very well there (outdoors), and 40,000 people are talking/singing the whole time. Anyway, the concert was great. It was a treat to see Jimmy's long time (gone) harmonica player make a guest appearance..."Fingers Taylor". Very cool!

All in all, I think this may become an annual pilgrimage for us. Next time, it's pavillion seats, however.

4 -Lawn Tickets to Alpine - $200.
Gas bill for 1,500 mile journey - $400.
Tailgating supplies, t-shirts, beer, hotel - $300.
The Buffett/Alpine Experience....Priceless.

Testing....

Testing my group notifications...

Google Group

I've made a list under GoogleGroups so I can automatically notify you of updates and posts on my blog.

Pre-cruise Hotel

This is our Pre-cruise hotel in Ft. Lauderdale. It's the Hyatt Regency Pier 66, and it's located right next to Port Everglades. It's only 3 blocks from the beach, on a marina. You can see the ships in the harbor from the hotel. Very nice pool area as well.

Their website is: Pier 66 Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa

Willow Slides