Learn to Burn Concert May 30, 2026

I finally did it.  My guitar teacher, Roy, has asked me several times to participate in the recital he has for all his students.  It was really a concert.  All these songs were played by bands that were put together from students Roy teaches.  The concert was held at my Roy's house.  It was so much fun.  I played Made in America by Toby Keith. 

We had a practice before everyone got to the concert. We estimated about 250 spectators. They are staring to file in.  

Can you see Mike?  Arms in the air.  I didn't invite anyone except Mike because I didn't know how it would go.  I will invite anyone who wants to come next time! 

The stage.

A pulled pork potluck before the music started.  So good! This was a big party. Lots of good conversations happening. 

Above are all the people that helped set this up.

Here we go! 

These girls were great singers! 

 

I was nervous driving to the house but once I got there I wasn't nervous at all.  It was so much fun. 

Here are a couple of videos Mike took of the band I played with.  This was the first time the singer had performed in front of a big crowd.  There were several first timers at this event. 

This was a such a good time and I look forward to doing this again.  Lots for great food, conversation and music.  

Bloomsday #45 2026

Sheila, my Bloomsday partner, and I couldn't coordinate going to pick up our numbers at the same time.  I thought I would get to the trade show early on Friday morning and beat the crowd.  That didn't happen.  I got there early but there was a huge line to get in all around the block.  I did not wait in the line. It took at least 20 minutes for the line of people to slow down so I could just walk in.  I sat and talked to a nice young lady until we could walk right in. 

First thing I did was get a new quilt picture. 1980 was my first Bloomsday. I did miss one for knee surgery and another for something I did with Mike.  I didn't live in Spokane for the first three. This is number 45 for me.  

This is the nice person that I hung out with before we entered. 

I don't know if the trade show has just gotten less interesting or if I am just used to it after all these years.  It just doesn't have the same things it used to.  I did buy licorice.  

Here we go! Bloomsday!

Such a beautiful park.

I always look for the helicopter. This year I got no picture of the helicopter close up.  It's there in the middle of the blue sky. 

Sheila and I were in the orange group this year.  

We are ready to wait to start! Always sporting Team Gleason. 

And the tradition continues. Not sure why anyone was wearing a sweatshirt this year.  It was sunny and warm.  Perhaps they just brought the sweatshirts to throw them in the trees at the start.  It's a real skill actually getting them in the trees.  I have tried with no luck. All clothing is gathered and donated. 

We are moving! 

And Bloomsday officially begins for Sheila and me. 

This is the one downhill it seems like.  Everything else seems to be uphill. 

Sheila knows one of these band members.  

Here we go.  Getting closer to Doomsday Hill! 

Look closely.  You can see the little figures climbing Doomsday Hill. 

And of course, the vulture at that top of Doomsday Hill. 

There are bands all along the course. 

Now we can say we are almost done.  .46 miles left. 

And Sheila and I did it again this year.  I'm already excited for next year. 

The one picture missing is the picture of the shirts at the end of the race.  We didn't take one so I just took a picture of the shirt at home. I totally missed that upside down on the bottom of the shirt was the year of the first Bloomsday, 1977.  It's a great shirt to commemorate the 50th Bloomsday. 

Camelback Ranch Friday night at Dodger Stadium

Take my out to the ball game!  Take me out with the crowd.  Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks.  I don't care if I ever get back.  There was some truth to that song on this night. A big adventure for sure. 

This is the line, or part of it, to get into the Dodger's stadium.  It looked like it would take a long time but it didn't. They rushed everyone through security quickly. 

The right place at the right time.  Alex Vesia was on a practice field to our left as we walked to the stadium. He was just finishing his practice and was headed back to the locker room just as we were passing by.  Keri asked if it was OK to take a picture and he had no problem saying yes.  Alex Vesia and Easton.  

Keri and Mark!

It was a sold out crowd!

I love watching baseball, especially in person.  What an exciting experience and it will probably be a once in a lifetime experience.  I am thankful I was invited!

We were in the second row right behind home plate.  This was our view. NICE!

Here he is Ohtani, the super star!  The netting was in the way of the pictures as you can see. 

Othani at bat!

The Dodgers first baseman.  Freddie Freeman.  I moved so no netting was in the way. I got right up next to the netting so I could put the camera (phone) in the gaps. 

The Dodger shortstop, Mookie Betts. 

Yamamoto was the starting pitcher. 

Andy Pages. 

Miguel Rojas

Even more superstars Keri, Easton and me! 

Just chilling watching the game. 

Time to head back to the house!  What a great experience. I loved being with my family and watching my favorite sport, baseball. 

The Dodgers won as you can see.  

I am very thankful that I was invited to join the Doolittles on this trip.  It was great to have a week full of baseball but even better was the time I spent with my family.  So glad Kristin, Layne and Lucy joined us.