It's been too long, y'all...
This is our third time in Vegas. Not a fan. The first time we went was quite an adventure, but the second time an 8 hour ride there turned into an 18 hour ride there because our bus broke down and a tire exploded (simultaneously). So this time around, after our bus getting a speeding ticket and me making Walter pull the bus over so I could take an emergency bathroom stop (something I ate?), I thought I'd stay in.
Let's back up. It's been almost a month since my last update, so I have a lot to cover. Yes, I take notes on the road so as to not forget anything.
Funny tidbit #1: we got stopped in New Mexico to make sure that we were all "U.S." and when we replied that we all were, he said to enjoy our "vacation." Had a good chuckle about that.
Then we made it to Montana, which was absolutely gorgeous! We stayed at the Dude Rancher in Billings twice throughout the week, which was quite a trip. There were cow branding symbols as the pattern on the wall-to-wall carpet throughout the hotel, if that gives you any indication.
After that, we went through Spokane, WA to get to Bellingham. I absolutely loved Spokane and I think when I get tired of the east coast, I'll move there. Anthony and I met 4 guys in a restaurant doing a Bible study, and we got to chat and pray with them, which was incredible, and totally what I needed! Such a great encouragement. The next morning, Laura Stracko (bus-buddy Laura, not roommate Laura) and I went to walk downtown. I had the best latte I've ever had in my life at the Rocket Bakery, and got to browse the sweetest bookstore called "Auntie's Books" and next door was "Uncle's Games"! Such an adorable little town. I got to see my Uncle Ted and Aunt Tonya and one of their daughters Jennifer in Bellingham after our show there. It's great to see family, and I'm glad that I had the freedom and time to get to see them, as that doesn't happen all the time.
Back through to Helena, MT (we don't exactly have a straight path around the country, we've covered lots of ground...twice) we had a half day. What a great adventure! The first night there, we played in the pool with some kid's swimmies, to be used as mini beach balls to keep off the water. It turned into quite an intense sport, very competitive. I think with the 8 or so of us in the pool, we hit it around 32 times without it hitting the water! It's the little things...The next morning Strack and I went to the "mall" (aka JCPenney and that's it) for a bit, and decided to go to the church that seemed a block away from the look of its' steeples. Thirty minutes later, we actually make it there and the sign says "weekday mass 9am and noon" and it was 12:30, so we thought we'd catch the second part of mass. It was such a beautiful church, famous in those parts, and we were excited to see the happenings there...however, it wasn't until they started praying for one person's soul and mentioning the luncheon afterwards in the fellowship hall to give condolences to the family, that was realized we crashed a funeral! Yikes. Definitely one for the books.
We also got to have lunch in Salt Lake City in the historic area of Sugar House. One of our reed players Jehiah grew up there and showed us around. I had a delicious spinach chicken alfredo bacon pizza at some little Italian place on the corner, and we got to take our first full group picture in front of some lady statue. That was of course the day that the bus broke down and we had to leave that bus, which my leftover pizza is still on. Gross. Oops!
The past few nights we've played in Arizona, and last night was amazing. Skip our music director from the NYC rehearsals came to visit and see the show, as well as Mama's friend Mary Jo from the good ole days of interpreting school, AND my costumer from Dirty Rotten Scoundrels! It was such a treat to see everyone and catch up with Mary Jo afterwards. We passed a "Hippie Cove" in Tempe whose music was blaring very loudly and she says "Hippies aren't loud!" She also wears dollar store reading glasses just like Mama does, which made me laugh. Miss you Mama!
And with this stop in Vegas and another stop back through Salt Lake City, we'll be on our way to a three show stint in Boise, Idaho on Tuesday. The craziness of the travel has taken it's toll on all of us, but what a great adventure to be on. I am so thankful for the awesome people I have met and the cool places I've been. 4 weeks left, and I'm gonna make 'em count!
