" ABBA , the Concert "

"..... you can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life...."

Duncan and I were fortunate to experience  " ABBA, the Concert "  with friends Jane and Paul Hendrick on September 24 (I note the date because I am inserting this entry before other August events)...anyway what made it so special was that we met a member of the troop before the concert for dinner.  Conrad, brother of Caroline-the Hendricks exchange student in the mid-90's- is a professional guitarist from Sweden and is a part of the tribute band that was finishing it's USA tour with a stop in Greensboro.  Please note that two of the original ABBA band members were part of the tour:  Mike Watson (bass guitar) and Janne Kling (saxophone and flute).   JUST FABULOUS !  " Name of the Game " is FUN !!!

"Gimme, Gimme, Gimme" a chance to chaffeur everyone in our new Hyundai Sante Fe....once we figured out the navigation system.  Arriving at the venue, there was some mixup with "will call" tickets (compliments of the band)-more on that later-but we did meet Conrad after his sound check-and had a lovely dinner at a local restaurant " 1618 West Seafood Grill " (we recommend)..."Money, Money, Money" but what else do you expect for atmosphere and great food?...worth every penny !    An "S.O.S" from the band-the opening time was moved up 30 minutes due to impending weather-so the key lime everyone had their heart set on had to wait !  "Take a Chance On Me " to get you there, Conrad !!

"Mamma Mia"  !!!!!     Thirty minutes to showtime-thank heavens for the navigation!  Conrad jumped out of the car but we still had not picked up the tickets.  "Super Trouper" Paul sprinted across the concourse to "will call" and yes, the tickets were there-we were front and center!  Jane and I are "Dancing Queen"s- up and moving to a great evening !  "Thank You For The Music "

            http://gsmackeen.smugmug.com/Events/2011/ABBA-The-Concert/19203238_Z2LbB4/

ABBA fans, my tribute to the late 60's music and the current day revival through concerts, theater and movies !  Check out the photo montage-just like being there..........Enjoy !

" ENDINGS...BEGINNINGS "

The end of summer - the beginning of fall - where does the time go ?  Since last I blogged in addition to a seasonal change there are other happenings as well.  "Lite Fantastic" and Jimmy - the studio where Duncan and I dance and our instructor - celebrated 25 years !! He now begins the next 25....We have been a part of this for the last 12 years - a great time with new friends !  We also celebrated a special "beginning" with the Alm family in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Alms (Beth, Keith, Keith, Jr. and Michael) were our neighbors and friends when we first moved to Winston in the early '80's.  Keith2 married Beth2 (clever signatures for the newlyweds) and I have pictures!  http://gsmackeen.smugmug.com/Events/2011/The-Alm-Wedding/ .  Other neighbors (the Eglestons) were also there and a good time was had by all.  Such fun and joy is a wonderful reminder of how to begin and how to live life !  Sometimes I think we just go from day to day without truly appreciating the day we are in - I often find myself looking back or ahead instead of just enjoying the moment I am in.  A new resolution - make this the best day of my life !  Fall is a beginning - I resolve to start TODAY !