Aug 2007

Well, we've solved some of our technical problems. Here's a few videos from our first night. We also have a bunch of still photos which you can see at this site. CLICK HERE.

After getting checked in we got into the beer (just a tad) and hit the rooftop pool with great views of the river and Downtown Memphis. Man did that pool feel good - the heat down here is so thick you can cut it with a knife. Strolled toward Autozone Park, home of the AAA Memphis Redbirds and had a sandwich along the way at Huey's which was highly recommended by the locals (OK, by one guy standing in the street). The food was good, the beer cold, and the park nearby. Got there just in time for the first pitch, with great seats behind home plate. Saw a home run! Denny and I left in the 7th with the home team leading the Iowa Cubs, 2-0. We figured they didn't need us anymore. Turns out they did (they lost 5-2). Man.

Beale Street was an easy walk away. Live music poured from every open door, and all the neon lights hurt your eyes! Tuesday Night, so it wasn't pack, and we got around great. Hit three clubs: BB Kings, Juke Joint, and the best of all, Rum Boogie's. The band, led by a buxom female with a booming voice, was terrific. Dennie got autographed CDs at two of the clubs. Had to ask directions on walking back to the hotel, but we found it OK and got a good nights sleep. Great first day!

Arrived safely. Man is it hot! Had the top down on the convertible for most of the way, but then we wimped out, put the top up, and cranked up the AC! Checked into the Comfort Inn in downtown Memphis, a stone's throw from the Mississippi River. We have a great room. Gotta go - swimming pools, bars, and baseball games await!

Here's a shot of Dennie and his beautiful gold convertible. Keep an eye on his wide-brimmed hat -- it will probably turn up often on the upcoming trip.

After doing a trial run to make sure our luggage would fit in the trunk, we retired to Dennie's basement for a couple of cold ones..
After that, Dennie entertained with a little guitar and a little harmonica action. Ain't he talented?

Tuesday is just around the corner......stay tuned!

It was Dennie's idea to tour the Mississippi Delta region, birthplace of the blues, to see the old juke joints before they faded into history. What's a juke joint? Click here and educate yourself a bit. Don't feel bad - until a few months ago I didn't know what they were either. But Dennie did, and has always had a hankerin' to pay them a visit. I'm a newcomer to the blues, but they've grown on me. Dennie's got some time on his hands right now while recovering from some shoulder problems, so this seemed like as good a time as any to make his dream come true. It wasn't hard to convince me to tag along. The lure of blues, beer, Dennie's convertible, and the open highway was all it took.