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first time opry time

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After years of consideration, it was finally settled and, in no time, we were standing in front of the latest rendition of the "Home of Country Music" in Nashville, Tennesse.  The original home still stands over at Ryman Auditorium, though not quite as accessible as this more recent location from 1974.   Or is it? Availability, more so accessibility of parking, in this general area is not amusing, at the very least.  Generally, it is a test of will and patience.  Leaving the vicinity is just as, if not more, awful.  After 50 years at this location, it may be time for a new location, far away from the mall. The event itself proved every bit as fun and worthwhile a journey as anticipated.  Relatively inexpensive seats offered a great view of the stage.  Indeed, the entire venue seems structured with that in mind.  Nothing is too far away, unless you are still trying to find parking, and there were a few that seemed to arrive later than expec

karen & the music meister

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While waiting to begin the adventure known as Saturday Night at the Grand Ole Opry, we stopped in on this amusing little cultural feature at the Bavarian Bierhaus. Thinking of nothing more than a little food before the show,  Karen & The Music Meister  surprised us with a little cultural indulgence.  

a rock show turns 62

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Other plans delayed an outing to the annual rock show until afternoon on Saturday, which turned out to be an advantage over most.  Another visiting earlier told of a line stretching out of the entrance nearly a kilometer and spending 45 minutes locating a place to park.  On arrival around 4 pm, it appeared most had given up their effort and retreated.  Parking appeared in the lot, near the entrance, with no wait at all. Entry to the event proved equally simplified, walking right up to the ticket counter and progressing in without obstacle.  Evidence of the throngs of people that had gone before greeted the senses upon entry though.  The entire place smelled of a well-used locker room. Undeterred and forging ahead offered a view of the typical over-priced gems, minerals, and fossils that dominate these affairs.  Quite a few more were selling jewelry than usual, and an entire section stood ready for the glass and plastic bead lovers.   A few other amusements at the  KC Gem & Mine

western farm show 62

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  The Western Farm Show returned to the American Royal Center in the West Bottoms of Kansas City, consuming all areas with a variety of implements to climb on, kick the tires, and learn a little bit about the latest technology.   All the usual equipment turned out, along with a puppy or two, and a few other unique pieces here and there.  The entire complex offered a variety of machinery and steel constructions options to satisfy any curiosity and generate a bit more.  The visit also enabled a stop in on the American Royal Museum before it settles into its new home on the other side of the state line in Wyandotte County .  The displays have seen better days though, and most of the interactive portions do not work any longer. One the more interesting highlights included a live performance by small group of heifers showing off how they were more eager to work with someone not scaring them at every opportunity. Their partner, Dr. Ron Gill, Professor & Extension Livestock Specialist w

rolling on the river

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Quite a lot of time has passed since rolling along to tunes at a skating party, but that is exactly how the evening turned out.  In particular, at what is now River Roll , but used to be Coachlight, a million years ago. The floor has taken quite a beating since our last visit, and danger lurked at every turn. Tiny humans crisscrossed the floor in nearly every direction, defying the most basic pattern.  The more inexperienced crashed ceremoniously all around in a near domino effect, making very little progress. No injuries were reported, and everyone enjoyed a few games along the way, to include the ever -popular Chubby Checker Limbo Rock.  The entire situation proved itself quite an amusing affair and worth of repeating again.