November, 2005 – Boo & Brew

Time to finish Carolina and finish out the seasons last 2 shows - First of all, once again I'm a little late with my journal. If you didn't know, we're supposed to get them in between the 20th and the 25th to be posted between the 28th and 30th [Well, posted by the 1st of the month... er, 'Around the st of the month' - AB]. So, many times they are missing the last week's events of each month. Not really a big deal, just my anal nature. (ha ha, I said anal) This months excuse is that I'm still moving into my new computer. I've got my email program and virus protection, etc. but I haven't installed office yet, so I'm typing this in windows notepad. (sorry andy) I'll tell ya, you really take programs for granted untill you lose them.

So, as we all know, October is my favorite month cuz it contains Halloween and Octoberfest (see my previous October journals). CRF does Boo and Brew every year now. It's a night event on the festival site that we do a couple of shows at. It's a blast 'cuz it's an adult event so we can be as naughty as we want. (like we don't usually anyway) They really kicked it up a notch this year with a new video system and expanded entertainment. It was a huge success although a little cold. But, we were in tuxes so it wasn't that bad.

 

Tuxed out at Boo and Brew

Me and my winnings!

I told Sharon we could take Halloween Horror nights off this year so she let me dress up as Jack Sparrow and hit some clubs the Saturday after boo and brew. I went to Club "NV" 'cuz I heard they had like a $1000 first prize. It was a tight competition but I edged out Elvis and won first place! Of course the $1000 turned into $1000 cash and prizes. ($400 cash and other crap) But I'm not complaining, it was still free money.

Anyway, as we approach the end of North Carolina's show, I had one last chance to drive to Ohio to see Sharon up there and visit our favorite vineyards. It was really spectacular! The leaves were changing and the weather was just beautiful! We bought like 6 cases of wine. Some for friends, some for gifts and a bunch for us! I also brought my costume with me 'cuz it was the 31st and I thought I might find one more place to hit a contest. Sharon was too tired, so I went to a local pub alone and hung out till midnight or so, when they were supposed to do the contest. It was supposed to be for $100 cash and of course I won but that $100 turned into a quick $100 gift card. What a scam these places have going on. But what the hell, Sharon now has a hundred bucks worth of meals and drinks while she's up there.

 

Hiding in the shadows

Fall at South River Vineyards

Sharon, waterside

When I did the contest in NC I wore my wedding ring on my right index finger. It fit fine but just a tiny bit tight. It fit the character well 'cuz he had several rings on his right hand. When I did the contest in Ohio I did the same thing, but when I got home I went to bed without taking the ring off. BIG MISTAKE! Over the course of the night my finger swelled to like twice the size. I tried everything to get it off and just succeeded in bruising and swelling it even more. I finally had to go to Sharon's office and have one of the guys use wire cutters to cut it off! It's really not that big a deal it's just like getting it re-sized but it does make for one silly story.

 

Jack Sparrow and a random bartender

I had to cut it off!

Jef and Ronn play dress-up

After Halloween it was time to focus on our last 'Palooza of the year. It's funny, after doing three of them in one year I wasn't nervous or stressed at all. It was a nice change. I'm not even including any more pictures. Obviously they're all the same as the others and besides if we show you too much you won't buy the DVD!

One of last couple of events worth mentioning in NC was our meet and greet for our fan club members. Our most well-attended one, I might add. It was great! All our new and old friends showed up. Frank and his gang, Angie and Sharyn our fan club presisdent all made it out. We did it at Jillian'sand everyone had a great time. We even did another interview. Hopefully I'll get those posted within the next few years.

 

Angie and me

More meet and greet crowd

Frank gets gang-Tortuga'ed

Finally in the new friend category was the gang from Pinocchio's restaurant. The son of the owner is a really big fan and it turns out the whole family are fans. They invited us to have dinner and it was awesome! Some of the best Italian food I've had in a while. At a restaurant at least. (Dinner at Frank's house excluded) We even had the most amazing balsamic vinegar ice cream! Yes, you heard me right... ice cream! Thanks for a wonderful evening.

After Charlotte it was off to Florida to spend a few days in my house and to do the Pirate fair in Clearwater. It's a quaint little show that has a lot of potential. Our good friends Fritz and Sara decided to tie the knot at the show pirate style. It was a fun ceremony and very fitting if you know the two of them. Also in attendance was our friend Steve who does a wicked Jack Sparrow himself! I hope the show continues to do well. I like having more shows in my back yard that I don't have to travel so far for.

 

Dinner at Pinocchio's

Fritz and Sara finally tie the knot, pirate-style

Cap'n Jack sat next to me

While I was in Florida I got a chance to hang out with all my really close FL friends. Howie, Bert, Earl, Therese, Anne, Amy, DJ and Fritz and Sara to name a few. We all went out to dinner at the Sushi place that sponsored our first Palooza and then went to The Lobby. It's a bar Sharon's best friend Anne works at. Good food, good drinks, and good friends. That's what it's all about. After finishing up here, I have to drive to North Carolina to get my trailer and then drive it to Louisaiana. Oh Joy! I hope it's an uneventful trip.

Finally, I'd like to send a big shout out to Frank and Kelly and family. You all welcomed us into your lives and families. Something I take very seriously. I just want you all to know how much I appreciate everything you all did for us while we were in town. We had a great time hanging out with you and hope we can hang out again soon.

 

The Sterncastle Stage at the Pirate Fair

Pirates in leather pants

Hangin' with the gang at The Lobby Bar

I'll tell ya, we've got a lot of close friends in NC now. Cory, Denise, Aldo, Robbie, April, EJ, Charity... you're all family now. I may just have to move up there!

Wish us luck in Louisiana. Who knows what this weather-beaten state has in store for us?