I have to admit, this was almost an intimidating day for a couple reasons. First, I was warned of a grumpy southern Papa that may or may not like me. Southern dads carry weapons, I know, I am one. Secondly, this was @d-vine! I've been in awe of her work since I first came across her on the legacy chain and have always marveled at the sounds she has produced. Guess I was a bit of a nervous fanboy 🤣

Back when I was growing up and chivalry was still in existence, meeting the parents was not only expected to take a relationship seriously, but an honor if you actually did get invited to make it that far. So, I really was honored to come out and share some quality country time with her and her family. It was really nice getting back outside of the grid.

Literally! Google maps stopped and it was just a blank graph I had to negotiate to find the place. Loved the adventure part of that. Luckily, she had told me which way to go before I lost service and had to use my homing beacon to hone in on the @d-vine signal.

The dogs loved me, that was a plus. I think her mom and dad both approved, which really felt good. I hopefully made a good impression as she is, after all, kind of here at my behest and request. Some of the stories they told though!

I love listening to generations before us tell their tales. Their lives were more interesting and filled with less of the world. There was more to explore! By less, I mean, there was no Google maps or cell phones or any of the technology that we have come so reliable upon. If you were taking a trip, you used an actual paper map and planned a route with the hopes that there was a gas station or hotel near a certain location.

One of the stories I heard, got me shivering and cackling about a trip they took through the Rockies. See, they wanted a way to make money and be able to travel at the same time, so, they opted to drive a semi and haul some loads while checking out the sights. Genius, really.

Their inexperience plus the terrain proved to be quite the travel that time. Once they had gotten up the mountain, and the signs warned to have chained tires, and the snow began to come down, is when it got really interesting. Joyce was driving while Gary slept and she says - "I think we're being passed!" So as he almost stepped out off of the mountain while they stopped, he realized they weren't. The trailer was jack knifing and He quickly switched seats with her and corrected the situation. On a mountain with no surrender over the edge. It was probably an 85 degree angle pretty much straight down had they lost control completely and rolled over!

So many stories. They took over the encounter. There were several times I wanted to just grab @d-vine by the hand and say "take me on a walk and show me the property!" But, I also did not want to be rude to the Southern Hospitality I was being shown. Now, I'm super excited to see her again - and everyone - on Friday as we kick off The Block Party II! It felt great as we all parted with hugs instead of handshakes. So I have to ask all of you, did you REMEMBER TO BE YOU? I always am, even while playing with ARs and Rvs.