Virginia, Wammies, and Moving

So...here we are, in Virginia, still surrounded (somewhat) by boxes. Yes, I am being a slacker! I have half my office files unpacked, most of my clothes, and some of my books. The kitchen is pretty much done (one has to eat, after all). The movers, bless their aching backs, showed up a week after we moved with all our schtuff. The main thing I was looking forward to was my bed...sleeping on an air mattress is not conducive to good rest, I have to say. And, you know, the thing I love best about movers is that not only do they take everything apart to move it, but they put it back together! That meant that all I had to do at the end of the day was to throw a sheet on the bed and sink into it in unspeakable pleasure :).

It is good to be back up here. This is a cute little town with (so far) a very nice and welcoming community. The funny thing is, I haven't missed Florida one whit. Not even a speck. Not even (and this is saying a lot for me) the weather...whodathunkit?! Not that I don't love Florida, don't get me wrong. It just wasn't the right place or time, and it's almost a physical relief to be here and not there.

Granger's settling into his job and I'm looking for new web site clients and scoping out potential venues for us to play (of course...when am I not?!). Our son's high school turned out to be the Performing Arts high school. While I'm not sure if he'll pursue that option, it sure is nice to have it available. Our house is great, although I'm having to adjust to stairs again. Essentially, this is a four-level home, and I'm used to a one-level. Oops. Yes, these long legs are getting a workout! I'm not sure Jasper (our dog) is too thrilled with them, though. In case you haven't met Jasper, he's the sweetest Golden Retriever. The only problem is, he seems to be a *mutant* Golden....the poor pup weighs in at 111 pounds, and is currently resenting me because he's on a diet, AND he has to climb stairs just to piddle. Sorry, J-Bird!

The Wammies...well, the 2007 Wammie Awards are now over, as of Sunday evening at *precisely* 11:00 p.m. Yes, folks, we started exactly at 8:00 pm, and ended on time. Damn! The show was one of the best we've ever done, and I'm immensely proud not only of how hard everyone worked, but of what we all pulled off. The music was the best, including dynamite performances by Honky Tonk Confidential with Bob Schieffer (yes, *that* Bob, from CBS News) and Frederic Yonnet (backed by HTC and Jon Carroll). I was privileged to present the Wammie for Artist of the Year, which was shared (it was a tie) by The Grandsons and Chuck Brown. Pictures of the show will be available on the WAMA web site very soon, so be sure to visit.

In a surprise (and believe me, I wrote the script, it WAS a surprise!) move, Granger and I were presented with a Wammie for Distinguished Service for all the work we've done over the years on the show. Yes, it's been years...13 or 14 now, I've lost track. We were in the thick of things when the award was presented, me backstage coordinating our next presenters and Granger setting up for the next musical act. I missed what was said, unfortunately - I heard someone calling my name, and the next thing I knew Mike Schreibman was pulling me on stage and handing us an award. Huge megathanks and giant hugs go to Mike Schreibman and everyone at WAMA for being so sweet to think of us like that! You could have knocked both of us over with a feather, we were so stunned - but you know, we couldn't do what we do without the host of volunteers that all work so hard to make it happen. I'm especially grateful to those that work one-on-one with me, as they keep things going for me so that I can concentrate on the show. Diana Quinn is totally the bomb, and I love her to death - this year, she came to my rescue and really jumped in there in between her performances (she's the woman with a thousand bands, including Honky Tonk Confidential) and was my second self. Thank you so much, Diana!! Thanks also to Kevin and Janet who worked so diligently backstage keeping the actual awards lined up right, and to Melissa and Amber for being our gorgeous Wammie Grrls.

Always a highlight for us since we moved to Florida is seeing all of our friends at the show. This year, it was truly wonderful, knowing that we would all see each other again soon instead of having to wait another year. Heaven!

We got back from DC last night, and I have to say a two hour drive beats the hell out of a 6:00 am flight, a two hour layover, another flight, getting a rental, trying to get out of Dulles or National airport(s), and working nonstop until the Afterparty ends at 2:00 am, getting *another* 6:00 am flight, another two hour layover, another flight, finding the car, and driving an hour home. God, it's good to be back....!!!

XXOO,
Carey