Quiet Sunday Morning and a Fire in The Fireplace

I had to break down and start a fire in the fireplace this morning.  Though it is really not that cold, it still feels good to have a little warmth coming out.  I'll have to keep plenty of kindling around for we will probably see the fire go nearly out during the day, before rebuilding it at night.

After a raucous night last night, it feels good to take it a little easier this morning.  Well, maybe raucous is a bit harsh, considering it all.  An unexpected, last-minute loan-signing job, a dash home then leave for Eagle Mountain Casino not long after getting back, pick up our tickets to Randy Travis, go to dinner (thank goodness we had reservations), then off to the 8:00 p.m. concert.

The new sit-down restaurant at the casino, The River Room,  did not have one of their better nights. The front desk was turning away walk-up diners, explaining to us they wanted to be sure they could get all of us fed and on our way to the concert in a timely fashion.  Since our reservation was for 6:00 p.m. we thought we had more than plenty of time. Actually, we did, but it was nearly 7:25 before we paid the bill and headed for our seats.

Delivery of food from the kitchen was both slow, and not always as ordered.  Even the General Manager got into the act, bringing out plates and bussing a table or two.  Wait staff was trying hard, but it was a rough night in the kitchen.

The food was excellent, and our steaks were done perfectly. But cold potatoes and not-well-done-enough steaks were sent back by other tables. However, I suspect if you went on a night other than a concert night, it would be fine. We will definitely go back.

Of course, the highlight of the evening was the concert by Randy Travis.  He is a consummate professional and very accomplished. So much of the music he performed is so well known we could all sing along. And most of us did.

His backup band is comprised of 8 men, 3 of which provide vocal backup for him. When he went through introduction of the band, we were struck by the length of time they have worked together.  The newest member of the group has been with him 7 years, the fiddle-player for 32 years.  Sharon and I commented, "You don't keep band members traveling on the road with you for 7 years, much less 32 years, if you're not treating them right."

I noticed the Sycamore leaves in the river bottom are finally beginning to show color, but not in the usual "one here - one there" manner.  Rather the entire tree is slowly changing hue.  Most trees are still basically a dull green, but a few are beginning to look a bit more yellow throughout the canopy.