Sun - Jan 14/18

The day started as usual with CBS Sunday Morning (watched in bed).

We then got up for brunch. Charlotte made our usual weekend McD egg muffins. Always good.

We departed at 1:30 p.m. for the Orange Blossom Opry in Weirsdale, FL for the 2:30 p.m. show. It is about a half hour drive from OMS. Despite being "Cold" by Florida standards (low 60's F) we left with the top off the Del Sol to enjoy the sunny day. The car's design allows travel with the side windows up, rear window down and the top off without having the wind whipping around and entering from the back. It was a perfectly enjoyable ride to the Opry.

Today the featured act was "The Association". It was exactly 1 year ago to the day that we last saw "The Association" perform right here. They are one of our favourite groups and are worth the redo.

The first hour was the "OBO's House Band". They are always excellent.

Then, after a short intermission, The Association started with a Media Show of past TV appearances from when they originated in 1965 to the present day. They also, anecdotally throughout the show, gave snippets of their history. In 1967 they were the first band (EVER) to open a rock festival (Monterey Pop Festival). The opened for "The Mamas and The Papas" more than any other group. They played alongside (on tour) "Gary Puckett and The Union Gap", "The Grass Roots", "The Cowsills", "Mark Lindsay", "The Buckinghams" and "The Turtles" (and others). They also have 3 songs on the TOP 100 Most Played Songs of All Time.  #2 on the list is there hit "Never My Love".

They are also members of the "Pop Music Hall of Fame" and the "Vocal Hall of Fame".

They sang many of their hits (and our favourites) which, along with "Never My Love" included: "Cherish"; "Windy"; "Along Comes Mary", "Six Man Band" to mention just a few. They all sang and all played guitar (except the drummer - who can?). A few play a number of instruments as well. Despite their musicianship, it is the full sound of their voices that predominates. This is the very reason I have been a fan since the beginning.

It is not often that members of a band are together for 52 years (Jim Yester and Jules Alexander). Various other members came and went over the years. Of the present group, the keyboard player Jordan Cole is the son of an original bassist Brian Cole. Del Ramos is the brother of original member Larry Ramos and has been a member since the late 80's. Bruce Pictor has been the drummer since the early 80's. The newest member is Paul Holland (since 2014).

Once again, we thoroughly enjoyed their show which finished around 4:30 p.m. It was still nice enough out to travel with the top off the car. Ten minutes later we arrived at Texas Roadhouse in Lady Lake, FL.It was time to eat.

Being creatures of habit, we each ordered Filet Medallions. We each choose a Ceasar Salad as one of our three "sides". For the other two sides Charlotte added Applesauce and Sweet Potato while I ordered Chili and a Loaded Baked Potato. Also, as usual, we took half of our meal home (tomorrow's lunch).

It was just approaching sunset so we decided to return to OMS by the "Back Roads". We knew we would arrive before the twilight turned into darkness.

We then watched the evening news before I departed to the MPR to do today's blog. Tonight was a variety game night with 4 active tables. Only one other person arrived to use the Wi-Fi while I was there working on the blog. Charlotte stayed in the motorhome watching TV and knitting more of her new quilt.

Tomorrow's schedule will be light. Charlotte has an appointment at "Sew What" in Umatilla, FL to use the Long-Arm Quilting Machine.