I surprised Nicole with pit passes for The Avett Brothers New Years Eve show in Raleigh, N.C. and dinner inside the arena overlooking the stage for Christmas. It was quite an event. Delaware Ag Week started on the 8th and ran to the 11th. My brother and I covered the show as my niece was giving birth to her first child at the time. We had a great turnout and talked with a lot of potential and existing customers. Just a few days after on Sunday the 14th our lives were shook up when we found out about Eddie Baker passing away suddenly and unexpectedly. Eddie was our parts department manager for the last few years since Bob retired. This thrust me into the parts department to keep the department running. It was quite an undertaking.

First thing this month we had Gutters 4 Less out installing new gutters on our house. They did a wonderful job as they always do. I recommend their services. Elks had their Christmas Bazaar on the 9th. Mom, Nicole and I attended. I bought a new cutting board and we all picked up some Christmas gifts for our loved ones. On the 13th A co-worker and I got recertified in CPR, AED, and Basic First Aid. It’s good training to have and it gets our company a better insurance rate. On Saturday the 16th we took a friend to National Harbor/D.C. for their birthday. We had quite a time. I won enough money at slots to pay for dinner at Voltaggio’s Steakhouse, fund my companions gambling, drinking, etc. MGM sponsored our weekend. We also saw Cirque du Soleil’s Holidaze stage show. We wound up the month with several Christmas parties and a special NYE trip I will talk about in my next post.  What a wild 2023!

Our home improvements are coming along. Some slow like our front walks, some fast like our fireplace conversions. One thing is for certain we both love our new home and neighborhood.

Our weekend in Philadelphia had its fair share of highs and unexpected lows, with two nights of My Morning Jacket at the Met Theatre. Let’s recap my memorable but challenging experience.

The anticipation leading up to the concerts was palpable, especially with VIP pit tickets. Friday night was a blast, filled with the joy of connecting with fellow fans and enjoying the music of My Morning Jacket. The pit experience is always thrilling, with the band performing just a few feet away, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

Saturday night, however, took an unexpected turn when I suddenly fell ill between sets and passed out not once, but twice. The panic and uncertainty of such an incident was incredibly unsettling. It was a scary time.

I awoke to a medic getting me up off the floor and guiding me to the medical station by the box office. Unfortunately, my experience resulted in not being able to return for the show. Missing out on a performance is disappointing, but it’s essential to prioritize my health and safety.

Breaking my glasses in the process added an extra layer of inconvenience to an already challenging situation.

I am quite sore today and I’m sure I’ll be seeing some bruises in a few days. I am grateful to those in the pit that got me medical help.

As for my future concert experiences, it’s reasonable to reconsider being in the pit since it raises concerns about my safety. There are various ways to enjoy live music, and I can still have incredible experiences from different vantage points within the venue, such as seating areas.

Despite the unexpected challenges, my weekend in Philadelphia was still filled with moments of joy, connection with fellow fans, and the magic of live music. It’s also an opportunity to prioritize self-care and ensure that I’m in the best condition to enjoy future concerts, regardless of where I choose to watch from.

Nicole and I had an amazing birthday celebration that stretched across the bay, full of exciting activities and a dash of unexpected luck! Let’s dive into our thrilling weekend.

First, on Friday night, we kicked off my birthday celebration by attending First Friday in Manassas, VA. This monthly event is known for its vibrant and lively atmosphere, with streets filled with art, live music, and an array of delicious food options. Nicole and I strolled through the charming streets, enjoying the local culture and savoring the various treats available. First Fridays offer a fantastic opportunity to immerse ourselves in the community and take in the local arts scene.

Then, on Saturday night, my birthday celebration continued with a visit to National Harbor. This waterfront destination is known for its entertainment options, including restaurants, shops, and, of course, the MGM National Harbor Casino. The highlight of the evening was catching a performance by Mike Epps, a renowned comedian who’s guaranteed to have the audience in stitches. His stand-up routines are known for their humor and wit, providing a night filled with laughter and entertainment.

But the most surprising and thrilling part of my birthday weekend was my win at the casino. Hitting a slot machine for $4,000 is undoubtedly a stroke of good luck and an unexpected birthday gift. The jingling and the flashing lights of the machine added to the excitement of the moment. It’s moments like these that make trips to the casino even more memorable, creating an unexpected windfall that can be used to celebrate my birthday even further.

My birthday weekend was a fantastic blend of culture, entertainment, and a touch of luck, making it an unforgettable celebration. It’s a story to cherish and share with friends and family, and it’s a reminder of how special occasions can lead to incredible experiences and surprises. Here’s to more birthdays filled with joy, adventure, and maybe a few more lucky moments!