The fat lady has sung

It's official...my vacation is over! I had an amazing and fun time the whole week I was off! Sunday was the last day of CMA Fest, and they really put on a show! I had a great time dancing, singing, and visiting with those sitting around me. As a side story, two younger guys sat in front of us. We learned a lot about them while chatting with them waiting on the concert to start. They had just gotten back from Iraq 3 weeks ago. Their job in the military is to clear buildings by going through each room that they enter....talk about scary! One guy had what appeared to be callused hands. I asked him what he did in the military because his hands looked like he was a hard worker. He told me that he had gotten burned in Iraq. The truck he was riding in caught on fire. He grabbed the hood of the car when he jumped out, and it burned both of his hands. The calluses were actually scars. I just have to say thank you to our armed forces out there! I don't think we realize what goes on day to day to protect our freedom!

On to the show...Jack Ingram opened the show on Sunday.


Heidi Newfield played an acoustic set.


Montgomery Gentry...who are slated to be the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry...played next.


Miranda Lambert followed. I like her. I don't think she gets as much recognition as she should, but she's good. I particularly like her song "Famous in a Small Town".


John Rich came out in a full length fur coat...did I mention that it was 90 degrees during the day?


Cowboy Troy and John Rich


Taylor Swift was the most popular of the night.


Ok..I admit...I'm not a big Taylor fan. I will say that she is an amazing songwriter, and is multi-talented with her instruments. However, I think she is dramatically awkward when she performs. I hope these next 2 pictures prove my point. Have you ever seen the classy ladies of country music like Faith Hill, Martina McBride or even Reba head bang?




Sugarland was the surprise guest of the night. I can't wait to see their full show at the end of the month!


Kenny Chesney closed out the show and CMA Fest. Speaking of Kenny...I got an email today that I won an autographed guitar signed by him from Musicians on Call...how cool is that?


So...it's over. I'm back to my daily routine. I had a wonderful time, and I can't wait until my next adventure!