Southern Cali

Friday morning we drove to California for a mini RH tour. We started in San Diego and played at a great acoustic venue called LeStat's West. It's right next to a great coffee shop called, LeStat's, (clever, eh?) and draws a very eclectic crowd of people, which we always love. Owen Plant drove down and sat in on some songs with RH.

We were able to spend the night and have quality time with Ryan's cousin, Traci and her husband Joe, who were married one month after us. It's so nice to be able to visit family and friends while we are out on the road and make it feel like a big friendship tour. :)

Saturday morning we had breakfast with some of Cameron's friends down near Mission Beach, and then drove to LA. The show that evening was at another great acoustic venue that we had never played in before called Genghis Cohen. At first it appeared rather interesting because its attached to an upscale Chinese restaurant, and the seating is old church pews. But, the feel of the room was very much like Club Passim...very folky, which we really appreciate. Norm from Cheers was even there!! Although, he was there for the food we think since we didn't see him at the show...then again, he is very short, so he could've been in there pretending to be a small child. :)

This morning at church we thought we felt an earthquake. But, not being from CA, we weren't positive if it was an earthquake or perhaps just the trash man hitting the dumpster really hard on the ground outside. But, sure enough we came home and checked on the internet to see that it as a 2.7 magnitude at 10:07 am just 1 mile southeast of Yorba Linda, CA!

Well, I'm off to make dinner for our friend Ken, whom we are staying with. And then I fly back to Tucson tonight while the guys stay in LA and record for the week.

Scrabba-dabba-doo!

Our (my) first 4th of July in Tucson was blisterly HOT! The recorded high for the day was 113, and we spent from about 9am-11pm out in the sun!....and then slept for the following two days because we were so sun-drained. :) We were at the Hilton El Conquistador, a swanky hotel/resort on the northwest side of Tucson that does a big 4th Festival put on by the radio station. RH opened for Rocco de Luca and Lifehouse. Due to 2 people putting on the event having to go to the hospital from heat stroke, there were some technical difficulties at the beginning of the concert, but it ended up being a great night of music (and sweat). :)

The beautiful natural backdrop...


I thought I'd show a shot that includes people...there were about 3,000 spectators!


Our friends Lori and Ryan at the event...


On Saturday, we hosted our first ever Scrabble Tournament! Growing up, I never remember loving this game, however since getting married, Ryan and I have become completely addicted! And watching the documentary, Word Wars, about the national Scrabble Tournament, only aided in our addiction.

We had 9 people competing in the tournament...but only Jen walked away as the official champion! She got a 84 point word in the final round (squats/zips on a triple word! for those of you scrabble lovers out there).

Heather, Chris, and Melissa during round 2



Jen and I in the final championship round (she whooped me)...


Ryan and Danny in the final consolation round...by Ryan's face, I'm sure you can determine the outcome...

Meredith Ryan Cameron!

Last weekend, I flew to Denver, met up with Janna and Kari, and drove to Winter Park, CO for Miss Meredith Ryan Hortop's wedding! It was such a quaint and beautiful outdoor wedding. The ceremony took place in a grassy meadow with wild flowers and a beautiful view of the mountains! And the reception was in a little barn that is normally used as a warming hut for cross country skiers in the winter. Each group of friends/family sat in their own little stall that was decorated with white christmas lights, tool, and purple flowers...it was gorgeous!

I must say that I'm quite intrigued by the culture of Winter Park. It's a very small community, population 800, but it doesn't feel like any other small town that I've been in. It actually feels more like a big college campus for people who are all majoring in outdoor activities. Everyone was always outdoors playing (mountain biking, running, etc), or talking about being outdoors...pretty cool.

Here are some photos from the weekend...

Meredith and I first seeing each other in the lodge where we were staying...and where Meredith spent the night before her wedding day.


The walk to the Hawaiian BBQ the night before the wedding...


A little Albion pride...


Meredith's husband (to-be at this point), Chris Cameron, in the grass skirt...


Meredith and Janna staking down the sign to direct people along the 2-track dirt road to get to the ceremony the morning of the wedding...


The ceremony location...






The reception...




Congratulations Meredith and Chris! And just as a fun side note, Meredith's full name is Meredith Ryan Cameron :)