March 2008

This month we bring to an end the Arizona Show for 2008 and visit Sedona for the first time. We also visit the dentist for much needed check-ups and cleanings.

Let's start off with my dental cleaning. Every show I go to I try to do trades with local businesses for comp. tickets to the fair. I trade with restaurants mostly but also try with other business like gyms and fitness centers as well as movie theaters.

 

Making the dental mold

Futuristic torture device

UV light gun

My Dental Staff

For years I've been trying to find a dentist to do a trade for a dental whitening. Well, I finally found one! After five or six attempts, this dentist agreed. Wahoo!!! My teeth are gonna be beauteous! Yes, as if you didn't know... I am that vain. I just keep seeing these people with these unbelievably white teeth and want mine to look even half as good.

After getting my much-needed exam and cleaning I went in to get my whitening done. First, they did an impression of my teeth for trays I can wear after the whitening session is done. That way I can keep the whitening going on my own. After that the dental assistant put stuff on my gums to keep them from getting bleached. Once she got my mouth pried open she applied the bleach compound and it was time to sit still under the UV light for three fifteen minute sessions. She warned me that there might be some sensitivity after the bleaching but that's normal and will fade after a few days.

When the session was complete we were both very happy. My teeth had come up over seven shades whiter. And the best part was that I had very little sensitivity. Now came the hard part. I couldn't have any staining foods or drinks for 48 hours. That means no coffee, cokes, mustard or red wine. What?? No wine??? Damn! Oh well, I guess that's the price you pay for beauty.

Breakfast in the room

The other event of note was Sharon's visit. Last month I went home. This month she came here. Tuesday we had a little cook out on the festival site so everyone could visit with Sharon for a bit. Steve Cowan of the Hanlon-Leesjoust troupe was nice enough to offer up his camp for the gathering. I made a vat of my family's signature lasagna soup for the group. It's the perfect way to feed a big group and it's downright delicious. I actually made 426 meatballs for the soup. That's a new record for me. Steve also made some burgers and hot dogs. My god there was a lot of food! Everyone had a great time and got to get their hellos in with Sharon.

After the cook out we headed to Sedona. It's a couple hours south of the Grand Canyon and is known for its amazing red rocks. I used my travel agent ID to get a great price at the Hilton. We were just gonna stay for a night but the area was so beautiful and our room was so nice we decided stay two nights. We arrived just as the sun was setting so we really couldn't appreciate the view. We had dinner in the hotel that night. I had buffalo. It was a bit over-cooked but still enjoyable.

The next morning we got up early and ordered breakfast for the room. It was actually cheaper and better than the breakfast buffet in the restaurant. After that we decided to head out and drive around the area. The uptown section is where the Jeep Tours take off from, so that was our destination. We booked a 3pm tour to Old Bear Wallow. It's an area that has lots of really nice views and was reasonably priced.

 

Red Rocks

Surface of Mars

Panorama

It was only noon so we had some time to kill. We figured we'd do a little shopping and have a cocktail or two. While we were walking around we got cornered by a guy hustling vacation club memberships. We talked it over and since we had time to waste and he was offering a bunch of free swag to do the tour we figured "what the hell." We drove over to the resort and did the 90 minute presentation. It was the most attractive timeshare/vacation club I'd ever seen. It was really hard to say no. If I ever get one this is the one. I think it's called diamond resorts. In return for our time we received a two night vacation, a check for $100, and a photo coffee table book of Sedona. Basically, it paid for our Jeep Tour. The only problem was it took longer than expected for the whole tour. We had like ten minutes to get to our tour. I drove like a bat outta hell. I dropped Sharon off so she could let them know we were there. I walked up after parking the car at 3:01. We made it!!! The tour was great. We got lots of fun pictures and it was even fairly educational.

 

On our Jeep Tour

Sharon takes charge of the tour

Moonrise in Sedona

After the tour, we met Sarina who was visiting a friend in Sedona. We got an appetizer and some cocktails at The Cowboy Club. It's a very popular restaurant in the area. We ordered this appetizer combo that had Buffalo, Rattlesnake, and cactus fries. Yes, you heard me right. And let me say... Rattlesnake tastes like chicken! The cactus fries were awesome! They are made from the prickly pear cactus. I highly recommend them.

After we left the Cowboy Club, we hit a liquor store and headed up the mountain trail to watch the sunset. It was beautiful! We sat, chatted and watched the moon rise. It was a very magical trip. If you can ever make it out there, by all means go!

 

Tour on the rock face

Sharon at the Cowboy Club

Sunset Backdrop

Bachelorette with special shot glass

The next morning we drove back into town for Sharon's dental cleaning. After that I brought her back to the house so I could get ready for our gig that night. A bachelorette party Ronn booked in Phoenix.

Ronn booked this Bachelorette party in Phoenix for a girl that happens to be a huge fan of ours. Her friend actually booked it as a surprise. We showed up in Tuxes with candy, roses and champagne. We pampered her and lavished her with attention and even sang to her. She was very surprised and thrilled we came. We had a great time and even got a little buzz on. What else could you ask for?

Watch video as an WMV Watch video in RM

One last thing... the weekend before the show ends here in Arizona they do a talent show on site for anyone to perform in. About 12 years ago I sang a song with a musical act, but since then I haven't done anything and have only even attended a couple. Well, a couple weeks ago, José of Don Juan and Miguelsaid we should do a whip ballet. We were all intrigued. I'd describe it but I think I'll just let the video speak for itself. By the way, only Riki and I were in it. We're the two dancers in the back. Enjoy!

Next up... our return to the Tampa show. But of course I still have the 2-day drive to Florida. Wish me luc