My Visit to Southern California... (Forewarning, this will be long. I need to catch you up.)

Since, I'm only taking two classes at the moment; I had a few days during fall break to go with my friend Melanie to see The Wilde's & The Meldrum's. I always enjoy the small amount of time I get to see them. This time, there was two more on the way. Alas, one Meldrum, Alice, has made it safely. The other, a Wilde, will soon join us. an't wait.

Here's my itinerary of fun:

Day 1: Mel & I flew out early Thursday morning. We made it into LA around 1030 am PST. Everything was smooth from getting to the airport, through security, on the plane, the flight, off the plane, getting out bags, flagging down the rental car shuttle, choosing our rental car, and making it to Kelsi & John's house with little traffic. Melanie Wilde (I'll try to keep both of them straight.) was at work; so, Kelsi was tending Mel's kids. That sure was nice of her. Replaying that moment in my mind's eye brings happy tears to my eyes, steaming up the ol' eyeglasses.

After many hours catching up with Melanie, Melanie, & Kelsi; & a nap, I got one of my wishes for this trip granted. Melanie, John, & I headed into Hollywood to see Maria Taylor with Melanie's husband, Lin. We got there a few minutes ahead of Lin. My eyes aren't what they used to be, but I thought I could see Lin. As he got closer, he had a beard. It wasn't a 4 month long grow-a-thon as mine is. (Happy 5Now, I put 1+1 together. Norah, Melanie & Lin's daughter, told me Daddy was going to be Van Gogh. She even whispered secrets to Melanie telling her about the beard. I thought she was great, but the opener, Big Harp, stole it for me. I didn't have any expectations, & they were throurghly blown. See for yourself..

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I bought their album.  It hasn't left the car in a month.  The CD came with a comp (Punk term for compilation of various artists.) that had this...



I listen to this daily if not multiple times during my jaunts around Logan.  If you don't listen to any of my video's, please do yourself a favor & try this on for size.  This song gives me hope.

Day 2: Uncle Walt's! Sadly The Meldrum's couldn't join; Kelsi was 9+ months pregnant. I'm surprised Melanie made it being 8+ months along.  Bless her heart.  Here's the few pictures:

 The Girls (Melanie W., Norah, & Melanie L.)

 The Boys (Me, Tommy, & Lin)

Damned Teacups (NEVER again. Sorry, Norah.)

Day 3: Recovery & Amoeba.  After 2 days of running non stop, my body shut down.  I'm like a toddler meaning I need copious amounts of sleep.  I don't function without it.  I become my most vulnerable to things around me.  The Wilde's had a ward party; I stayed behind to play some Wii basketball with John & Jake. It was a lot of fun.  Kinda like the real thing.  Amoeba is my mecca. I've been collecting records for the better part of my life; most of you know that.  This place I can pretty much find anything I ever wanted or needed in one store.  It's truly amazing.

Day 4: Melanie was sick.  It's not a trip to Southern California without a sick body. I feel horrible. Melanie, Lin, & I packed up the kids and met The Meldrums at the park.  It was a great way to end our trip.  I hate to see them end.  I dread it before I even leave Utah.  The pull of Logan is too great right now.  I've got things to finish up here. I miss them all daily & can't wait till our next adventure.  (March.)

Last, one of my favorite bands of all time reunited, ROCKET FROM THE CRYPT!!! I am overly exstatic about this.  When I found this, I wanted to shout an emphatic "HELL YES!" from the mountain tops. Alas, it was this one time.  If any of you see this episode, I need to know ASAP.  I NEED to see it.  There are also rumblings of a tour next year.  I'm saying my prayers & crossing my fingers this happens.

See you in the future...

(Next time...  San Francisco.)