After being re-instated I have re-structured my privacy settings on Facebook so that only friends can see and comment on my posts. Friends of friends can no longer see or comment on my posts. I have also delete more than half of my previous friends. Before the suspension I had 1,086 friends, after the purge I have 489 and may end up purging even more. I am also not as active on Facebook and have been a little more active on Twitter. One thing I have learned is that when it comes to social media, free speech only applies if the liberals agree with you.
Now that I got that little rant over, let me catch up on what has been going on.
A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend a couple of events over two nights at The Harvester Performance Center in Rocky Mount, Virginia. The first night I got to see Earls of Leicester, who are a bluegrass band that is keeping the music of Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys alive. This is the third time I have seen them and they Never disappoint.
The next night I returned to Rocky Mount to see Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel. They play a variety of music including western swing made famous by the late great Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys. They also put on a great show and I was not disappointed.
Before I move on, let me tell you a little about the Harvester. It is a very small venue, seating only about 400 people at the most but don't let the small size fool you, they attract big name stars. The seating area is divided into two price ranges, "Gold Seating" and "General Seating" the Gold seats are slightly higher in price and allow you to enter first and sit closest to the stage. General Seats are behind the Gold section usually behind the people running the lights and sound boards. Don't let that worry your as they do not impair your view of the performers. My personal opinion is there is no need to spend the extra money on the Gold Seats. Seating in both sections are General Admission, meaning, seats are first come, first serve. So get in line early. As I said this is a small venue and there is no a bad seat in the house. You can actually see and enjoy the performance no need for video monitors or TV Screens like some of the large venues. I visited the Harvester on two consecutive nights seeing first the Earls of Leicester and on the Second Night, Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel. Both shows were totally awesome. Both night the performers seemed to enjoy performing in such an intimate setting. A number of businesses around the Harvester Center allows you to park in their lots for free after there business close for the day. You can also park across the street at the farmers market when the market area is not being used. Street Parking is also free and available. The staff and volunteers are are exceptional and got way above and beyond to ensure you have a great time. I totally enjoyed my visits and plan on returning often.
Yesterday, my friend Bob Snider and I made a short day Trip down to Mount Airy, North Carolina and visited the Andy Griffith Museum. I had been to the museum several years ago, but I recently read that they had receive a grant or some ear marked fund and had made extensive renovations.
Anyway we made the trip down the mountain and stopped at the museum. To tell you the truth, I really couldn't tell a lot of difference, other than the addition of TV screens that have been mounted that play popular episodes of the show. It costs $8.00 and as a fan of the show, I still enjoyed my visit.
After leaving the Museum we rode down to Wally's service station just south of downtown. Here they have a couple of Ford Squad Cars that they use to give tours of the town along with vintage Acme Gas Pumps and an old truck made to look like the one Brisco Darlin drove to town.
They have fixed up one of the buildings to look like the inside of the Mayberry Courthouse, with jail cells, Andy's Desk and Barney's Chair. Visitors can have their photos taken in the cell or behind the desk. All in all it was a fun day
I am just a little over 5 weeks way from my Amtrak Trip to Arizona. I am really getting excited about it and looking forward to beginning this adventure. I have been reading a lot about traveling by train and have taken heed of several suggestions including traveling light. Right now I have my luggage confined to One larger backpack that will have all of my clothes, computer, and personal stuff. I will also take a smaller backpack that will have my carmea's and electronic chargers, batteries and a few other odds and ends.
Another suggestion is to tip the train staff. Even though my meals in the dining car are included in the price of my sleeper, I am expected to tip both the dining car and the sleeping car attendants. So I have save up some "Tip Cash" for not only the Amtrak Staff but for the Uber drivers that I will be using once I arrive in Arizona.
To save space I have downloaded some books onto my computers to read during the times that I don't have Internet and cell service. I can use my phone as a hot spot but from what I am told cell service is not an options several places during the trip. I do know for a fact that once I leave San Antonio, Cell and Internet is scarce in west Texas and along the Rio Grand.
Tomorrow is the start of the Wake Forest Home Football season. This is the first of 5-straight weeks that Wake will play at home. So for the next 5-weeks I will be heading down the mountain before heading out to Arizona.
I am behind on Videos and hope to have a couple ready to upload in the next day or two. Until then, I'll catch you later.
