My trip actually started by going to church. My 7 yo daughter was having her "solo debut" that morning with the adult choir, and of course, I was not going to miss that, not even for the E-train. So we took 2 cars; listened to her solo during the offering; and then did one of those "keep-on-walking" after communion. Time to for a spiritual feeding of another kind! It was one of the few times I was happy that my church's only morning service is at 9:00.

The trip took about 4 hours. I never knew that so much cotton grew in SE VA -- it almost looked like snow with all the cotton blowing. I found the Tazewell easily and as I walked in, I immediately recognized E-trainers. After introducing myself, I went ahead to check-in. Staff was great! I dropped my stuff in my room, called my dh to let him know I arrived safely, and then left my room in search of adventure.

Immediately on entering the hallway, I heard sounds of laughter. Knowing that e-train had pretty much taken over the floor (thank you, again, Tazewell staff for providing that useful piece of information!) I followed the noise to a dead end alcove and right up to a door with the distinct sounds of a party behind it. I boldly knocked and instantly realized I hit pay dirt! Inside, Harley, Pdlvne, AMom, etc.... had already begun the jello shot party. I quickly grabbed my cooler and joined in.

There are several pictures from the party that have already been posted, but here are a few of mine.

AMom


Notice Lu's "stacked" technique. Obviously she has done this before


The "infamous" closet photo. Why? I have no idea, but it seemed funny at the time...


The one photo I wish I had taken was of Pdlvne chasing us all down with her "Bad Girl" mascara (yes, there really is a brand called that). Before we went to Kelly's we all had on our Bad Girl mascara and did our Donna Summer's Bad Girls dance.

Kelly’s was fun and y’all have already heard how we dropped our food to stampede onto the sound check and meet & greet. Well, I guess it would be redundant to say E-trainers love Elliott, but I’m gonna try to create a visual for all y’all. Have any of you ever watched 3 – 5 year olds play soccer? Locally, we call it “buffalo ball” because all the kids crowd around the ball frantically trying to kick it. While the game is being “played” the actual soccer ball is rarely seen – just this one giant herd wondering aimlessly on the field. In the beginning, that’s what the meet and greet seemed like to me and as much as I wanted my xmas cd signed and picture with Elliott with my eyes open, I just couldn’t bring myself to join the group.

It was a great decision because instead I visited with Josh a little bit. I had already enjoyed his set from the last show and had decided to buy his cd at this one, but after a brief conversation (and a couple of jello shots) I am now a *fan*. When recapping “Hmmm’s Excellent Adventure” to Mr. Hmmm, we concluded his mama must have raised him right to be so darn nice to 40something women – gifts of alcohol not withstanding.

Here’s a picture of our jello shots. Amom already posted a better picture, but I like this “action shot” even if it is incredibly blurry.


Here’s a picture of Pdlvne & Josh after their jello



About this time the crowd around Elliott subsided greatly so I plunged it with Amom appointed official photographer.

Here’s a picture Amom took of Elliott and Linda


With Amom’s encouragement to be a bit more aggressive, finally it was my turn.


I must admit it has bit of a “deer in the headlights” quality to it. I blame it on my “eyes-open! Eyes-open!” mantra while Amom manned the camera

Y’all have already heard great re-caps about the actual concert so there is very little to add except what was happening in my little corner – which happened to be 1st and 2nd row smack dab in front of Aaron and Ollie. Here’s a little pre-concert mayhem



A most excellent jello finger photo


Lu having a good time during somebody’s set


One of Josh


Another of Josh, perhaps when he gave his “jello shot” shout out?


We all really took “Work That Body” to heart during Josh’s set and my cohorts flirted shamelessly with Ely during TLG’s set and then it was time for the man of hour.





There is absolutely no need to say that Elliott was incredible. However, I must admit to feeling a little disappointment once he started singing Movin’ On. Not because it wasn’t great, but because I knew the night was almost over.

I’m home now with my post-concert souvenir, a lung-retching cough and trying to find the motivation and energy to right the kid-produced shambles of my home which occurred during my brief 28 hour absence. I so wish I could join y’all at the 9:30, but I fear neither my budget, my home, nor my health (cough, cough, cough) could handle yet another e-train weekend.

Just so ya'll know I was in the closet looking for jello! :rotfl: :rotfl:

:rotfl: :rotfl: love it!!!

Great memories Hmmm! Thanks for another photo!

HMMM..NOT THE BEST PICS OF MYSELF I WILL SAY...BUT...WHO CARES?!?!?! WE HAD FUN AND THAT'S ALL THAT MATTERS TO ME! GREAT RECAP!

Hey girl! So that is your screename! LOL I was trying to figure it out. I was standing behind you at the show - i thought your screenname was HELLO. LOLOL