Ospel and RAH

Sorry for being late..d#@n computer!!!

Anyway....Landed in Amsterdam in time to experience my first Queen's Day. Masses of people, dressed in Orange, celebrating in the streets. I imagine I would have been much better at this in my youth. So, no wild stories.

Dressed in orange, examining a mountain of shoes and boots - http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/7312/p4160015.jpg

On May 1st George and I headed to Ospel to meet Bonabuddies for the band's first pre-RAH show with Anton and the horn section. There was a large , and I mean LARGE, tent with a stage at one end. All standing...very popular in Europe....which means hordes of people all pressing forward!! Met Geko, Rudy, Eva, Marianne, Marco (talked to Andre on Marco's phone..tic..tic..tic). Got to say a quick hello to Rick and Carmine before the show. It was obvious that the pressure for the RAH, touring with double the number of folks, etc, was wearing on everybody.

Outside the gate at Ospel with Eva- http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/3729/p4170025.jpg

Inside with Geko - http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/3663/p4170026.jpg

The assembled Bonamasses pointing the way - http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/3306/p4170029.jpg

With Carmine and Rick - http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/5941/p4170036.jpg

Squashed in at the front of the tent - http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/7260/p4170039.jpg

And there he was... http://img2.imageshack.us/img2/5526/p4170051.jpg

We first saw James Hunter and Watermelon Slim, then Joe&Co....No need to worry. The show was great and well received. The addition of "Further on up the Road" confirmed rumors of an appearance by E.C. at the RAH. Saw "The Boss" briefly after the show and the weight of it all was apparent. He looked exhausted, but he was pleasant as ever, of course!!! So, we kidnapped Eva and headed back to Amsterdam. In bed by 2:30 a.m.

Showing Joe the way to England - http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/3952/p4170060.jpg

Saturday we were up and out early. We drove to Dunkirk on the coast of France (Eva and I got to add France to our list of countries visited) from where we then took the ferry to Dover. Yes, I wanted to see the white cliffs. I'm such a tourist! I did get a kick out of it I admit.

Enjoying the sea air on the crossing - http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/8394/p4170072.jpg

Our unbelievable find on the ferry - http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/3889/p4170074.jpg

The white cliffs at last - http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/4982/p4170078.jpg

I love England! I was happy to see hills!! Holland is so flat! But, it took Eva and I a little time to not freak out when we looked to our right, and instead of seeing the driver of that car we were looking at the passenger. Believe me, it is odd to see the seat reclined and the person asleep! London traffic was a nightmare, but soon the car was parked for the duration at George's friend's house in South London. Right by a tube station..yeah! Eva went off to meet her Mom while we went to eat fish and chips.

Sunday the real fun began. I can't stress enough how wonderful it was to meet so many Bonabuddies. I liked everybody!!!! Wonderful people, all thanks to J.B. and this place!!! Magic!!!  Anyway, the meet and greet before the Aynsley show, walking across the lock to Dingwall's, the show, mishaps on the journey home...all part of a memorable night/morning!

Waiting for the tube to Camden - http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/3053/p4180084.jpg

Hoaxed at last! - http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/6343/p4190098.jpg

Two happy ladies - http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/4936/p4190122.jpg

Telling Aynsley what to write - http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/4971/p4190130.jpg

Monday arrives!! I was really hoping time would slow down. I didn't want it to end! George and I had lunch with his youngest son, before heading back to get all spiffied up! We headed to the meeting place in Hyde Park. Job well done Michael!! What a lovely place. More faces to forum names!! More wonderful people. ALL so excited about the show. Before we knew it..time to head to the RAH!!!!

The cabby who took us to the Lido showing us his newest acquisition and asking 'do you know this band'?  He also told us that he has all Joe's CDs and thinks he rocks! He was very envious of our evening to come. - http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/4852/p4190153.jpg

The Bonabuddy meet-up, at last!

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http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/3163/p4200156.jpg

Our seats were to the right of the stage, 2nd balcony, front row. I kept telling myself "You're in the RAH", and I still couldn't believe it! My heart was full. Looking down, we watched the front row fill with "our friends" and a strong feeling of family pride welled inside me. I know we all felt like we were sharing a milestone event with "our boy".( While I understand complaints about the quality of sound, it did seem too loud to me, I knew I'd get the best sound from the DVD).

Our view - http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9690/p4200159.jpg

http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/156/p4200160.jpg

I won't go song by song, but I will say that front row should have had rocking chairs, because Patty, Michael, Shred, Roy and the rest were doing some serious chair dancing and rocking. It was wonderful! Then "Sloe Gin" and I got teary. My maternal instincts were in full force and I felt such pride! (Joe's Mom told me she cried thru the entire rehearsal..lol)

It was over in what felt like minutes. Not a hitch in the performance. Joe owned the stage!
We poured onto buses..(all with our name tags thanks to Wooders). Cocoon was a very classy place. Again, so many names to match faces, so many truly kind and bright folks. I really wish we could have had one more gathering, in a quiet place, where we could have talked....next time!

Cocoon (before the battery went dead) - Shreddy at last! - http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/4246/p4200162.jpg

Three beauties and a lurking Duncan -

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/3989/p4200163.jpg

Joe arrives - http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/512/p4200164.jpg

Well, at least two people look decent in this shot -

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/3456/dsc00051q.jpg

Joe and family were received by a grateful group. He was spent. I can only imagine. But, as is his way, he took time to speak to everybody. His sister said she had to book him far in advance for her upcoming wedding, I assured her he would have worked her in..lol...It was great to see his parents again. They really deserve honors for the fine young man they raised!

And, just like that, it was over. BOO!!! G and I dragged our old bones back to his friend's, but the smiles lasted for days!! Thanks to you all!! I love each of you and thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything. My house is open to any of you that cross the pond. I hope I can be half the host you all were. (Sorry, this was as brief as I could make it)   Cathy

(first edit for paragraphs, pics to follow.....the editor)

(second edit, lots of pics, more to come....the editor)

(final edit, more pics added - all the text with the pics is mine - ed.)