My trip to Shiloh started the previous evening when I finished packing and repacking. You know, those things you think you OUGHT to have - just in case! LOL! I didn’t actually SLEEP that night as I had a taxi to get at 4.30am, I maybe catnapped for about an hour.
Got up about 3.30am, got dressed, got everything together, put the rubbish out in the bins (!), switched everything off, remembered crutches (thank GOD!), and went outside and waited. 4.30am came – no taxi! Our plane was at 6.40am, check in an hour earlier, and I said I’d meet Tracey, Lucy and Annette at 5.30. I rang them, they said they’d allocated me to someone but he might’ve fallen asleep – they’d ring him. Gave them five minutes and rang back. He HAD fallen asleep – they’d send someone else. Few minutes later this car came whizzing around the corner and I piled in! Well, guess what, I had another Hey Mr Taxi time – what is it about taxi drivers and me?! He drove like a loony tune. At least two birds (a pigeon and a blackbird) got it, I think, on the first road. We drove at LEAST 70mph towards Leeds, and then went via the back roads (and the speed cameras) mostly in North Yorkshire, only entering West Yorkshire (and speed camera country) at the last minute as we entered the airport! Five minutes to spare!
Leeds Bradford taxi dropping off point is WAY over the other side from the terminal, so Mr Taxi lugged my suitcase for me over to the building, where I met the gang. A very friendly gentleman made sure I was booked in for assistance (oh dearie me!) and then I checked in and Annette and I chatted for a bit, until Tracey and family came back. Went through customs with the minimum of fuss for a change and then waited a bit for boarding.
As for Ireland (which you’ll notice has not been blogged as it still makes me cry), I had to be carried on to the plane, but the guys doing it were extremely competent and I was soon on, and in my seat, buckled up and ready to go. I hate taking off so that was a bit of a chore, but I like looking through the clouds – go figure! We had just under an hour in the air, but managed to have a cheese and scrambled egg Panini – which sounds odd, but actually tasted quite nice – and a coffee. The plane was quite full – it only took about 40 people so…. LOL! I managed a little snooze, which was nice. Landed in Brussels – decent weather. Waited until everyone had got off, then I was taken off – again, with minimum of fuss – oh how I wish this had been the case later on – more of that later – MUCH later!
Anyway, we went through customs and got our luggage. Tracey had arranged with Jenny about our transportation to the hotel, and he was supposed to be waiting, with a card in his hand with Tracey’s surname on it. Could we find him? Could we heck as like! We spent a good 30 minutes surreptitiously going up to strange men with cards in their hands (OK, I did!), and casually pretending not to read what they said. Eventually, Tracey managed to ring Jenny to ask her what this guy looked like – there was then a three way conversation in two languages to find out where he was – having coffee, not too far away from where we were standing. We were late, so I can kind of understand it, but you’d have thought he’d come out a bit! And, he didn’t have a card with Tracey’s name in his hand, he had a card with his company’s name on – really helpful! LOL!Anyway, we then followed him to the van – and I nearly died. It was a 4 x 4 mini-van, and so I had to climb in! Got me into good practice for the weekend – little did I know – ha! Anyway, my second Mr Taxi of the day was as much help as a chocolate teapot, thank goodness I was with the others, otherwise I think he would’ve just tied a rope to my wheelchair and towed me – LOL!
The journey time to the hotel was about an hour (me ‘Are we there yet?’ when I first saw my first sign of Genk – others ‘NO!’) and when we were leaving Brussels Airport, I saw an airplane with ‘United States of America’ on it, are there more than one Air Force One’s? Anyway, that was the only bit of excitement, other than the anticipation of getting there. When we WERE nearly there, the driver took a wrong turning and WE had to tell him the right way (not bad, hey!!). Eventually, we came to this long drive up to the hotel, past the golf club (which we’d vaguely heard one or two stories about!) and arrived at the entrance to the hotel. It looked really nice from the outside, a little steepish ramp to get inside into a large, bright reception area, with a door off to the bar and restaurant and another to the rooms. Checked in, found out where our room was – downstairs. Went to lift – and was confronted with the tiniest hotel lift known to man, woman and child! …..). Couldn’t get wheelchair in it. Went BACK to reception –, receptionist came to lift tried just in case I was a bad driver (hmmm…..) - are there any rooms on THIS (ground) floor – no (wouldn’t have done any good anyway – read on! LOL!). Soooooo – I got out of my chair, got on my crutches, walked into lift, Annette and I folded the chair, I think our cases came up the slow way with the receptionist, and we got to our room. We had a junior suite – which is designated as a bedroom with a separate living area, but no door between the two. This was a double room, with another room off it, which Annette used as her room – there was a door. And there was a bathroom – which I couldn’t get into! Anyway, we unpacked a bit, and had a bit of a wash and then went downstairs again. I’m not mentioning it again, but you can imagine that it was a heck of a faff having to rely on people to help me get in and out all the time – one time I accidently (I PROMISE!) shoved the wheelchair out and it went out with a little more speed than I intended and nearly knocked a member of staff flying! I apologised profusely, and, to be fair, they were very, very helpful as well as everyone else.
Anyway, went downstairs, found an accessible loo which I claimed for my own for the weekend, and went down to wash in it a couple of times in the morning.
Anyway, eventually we went back up to the foyer, only to discover that we had to go even further upstairs to register. This hotel was bigger than it looked! LOL!
Anyway, we hung around for a bit, and then went in to get our stuff, a lovely folder FULL of stuff on the programme for the weekend, the food available, the treatments available, the rules of the weekend, and we were also given extra sheets on a chance to record with Merrill on his new CD – more later! And a chance to have a Reiki session – again, more later. I helped with giving the info out, just putting the two extra sheets together, so that Lucy didn’t have to waste time doing it herself – she did a great job. There were two wheelchair users at the weekend, and after a while we were escorted to where the next part of the weekend was, and ho hum, it was up two flights of stairs. Well, as there were several dozen people boiling in a room waiting to go to the same room, I felt I had no choice but to start walking. I walked slowly up the first flight, with help from a lovely person, who was a trained nurse so knew what she was doing – thank goodness! And then the second flight, I went on my bum! Eventually got to the top, to see Heather and Kade sitting at a table, watching rather incredulously as we came in. They did offer to help, but a) she’s a little bitty thing and b) she’s pregnant, except I didn’t know that at the time – LOL! I sat on a seat until my wheelchair came upstairs and then we went to our seats at the front, and waited (and rested for my part) for things to start. First of all Jay came in and joked around a bit, shook hands, was really lovely – more loveliness in a mo! Then Merrill came in – with his neck collar on – then he took it off! Heather told us of her and Kade’s horrendous plane ride – they had actually only arrived three hours before due to various delays with technical problems with planes – well, if you will fly Delta! HA!
Merrill spoke about the weekend – if you want it to be a fan gathering, that’s OK. He joked about Jay needing a lot of therapy (he got it). Not about Merrill, about us. What you put in, you will get out of it. It is his life’s dream coming true, and he wanted it to be a time that we would remember for a long, long time. Wanted to be free to be with us. Don’t fear failure, take up the opportunity to take issues away.
He then explained why we had M&Ms in our packages – all goes back to when he was little and wanted to be a doctor, and his parents used to give him packets of M&Ms to use as pills!
He explained about the stones – as opportunities to grow, decisions made about our lives. A Native American introduced Merrill to the idea. Don’t over analyse what happens to each of you, give each other space to be emotional, and he talked about his patriarchal blessing involving the gift of healing.
And, yes, I wrote notes (the only time).
Thanks were given to Jenny and Jay, to Heather and Kade, and we were introduced to Grietje, who talked a bit more about the weekend.
Then, everyone left, and we decided we’d wait until everyone had gone, so that we didn’t hold anyone up as we went down those stairs.
We're sitting there, trying to work out how we're going to go down (there is another girl in a wheelchair as well), and this very familiar voice says, 'Yes, how ARE we going to get you down?!' Well, bless him, he asked me what HE could do and I asked him to stand in front of me and basically walk down the stairs backwards (if he'd tripped, I would never have forgiven myself!). I joked that if I did I'd have a soft landing - LOL! He proceeded to walk slowly down, making sure that my crutch landed on the step safely on the first flight, and because I swapped round on the second, he held MY HAND in place on the railing to make sure it didn't slip - it makes my eyes water just thinking about it, he is a darling and I totally understand why you Jaygals love him so much - he's almost equal to Merrill now - and that's saying something – bless him, it wasn’t the first time he was so lovely to me over the weekend.
Thursday, 25 June 2009
Friday, 3 April 2009
Sheffield and Birmingham
I got up the following morning, had breakfast and asked reception to phone for a cab. However, there were some cars outside so I went to one of them. Journey doesn't take long to the station, but we chatted about the Osmonds and the taxi driver seemed interested that they were all touring again. Train journey was not memorable - thank goodness, as National Express EC have become really awful since they took over from GNER! I arrived back home, got a cab to my place, went to the loo, dumped my bag, and then went off to Sheffield. It took about an hour and a bit, as traffic was really light. Sheffield Arena is really easy to find (now!) and I found I was more or less first there - again! HA! Decided to sit in car and read a book for a bit, and then got out as people started coming. Had a really good chat with people as they arrived, as it got nearer and nearer to the gig starting time we started to get a sinking feeling that we weren't going to get anyone coming out. And - we didn't! Boooooo! It's not THAT far from Newcastle. Anyway, went in, seat was on the right hand side, looking from the stage, and I was sat near a lady and her daughter, and we had a great time. I leant her my binoculars (view was great, actually, but it stopped me ogling Merrill for a while - hehehe!). The show was fantastic again, but I decided that I would leave halfway through the last song and go to the gate - I knew how it ended - LOL!
So, I did, and there were a few people there as well, and we waited, and waited, and decided to do some noise (OK, I decided to lead some noise, I will admit it - I am a bad, bad Merrill fan!), but they went onto the bus and watched Jonathan Ross instead of meeting us (I STILL haven't seen that interview! HA!). After a bit of time, there was some movement, and eventually all of them except Wayne and Alan came out. Merrill had his Wales t-shirt on, he looked a bit tired and serious - so I decided he needed a kiss to cheer him up! He wasn't best pleased either when we told him 'someone' had said he wasn't feeling too well, voice-wise - whoops! (and I can genuinely say that I can't remember who said it, so I'm not giving anyone's name away!). Had a little chat with Marie again, and when Donny came along, I took the opportunity to say thank you for putting on such a wonderful show as a tribute to his brothers' careers in showbiz. He was genuinely moved to hear me say that - bless! And then Jimmy came along.................. the reason I've taken so long to update this blog is because of this incident. He came along, looked at me with my camera, and said 'Why are you taking a picture of me, you don't like me!' He had a small smile on his face, but I can't say it was all that brilliant. Well, cue one stunned and slightly hurt Gerry - sticks and stones and all that, but did he REALLY need to say that?! I have to say that, ever since then, I've not thought much of him, and have decided not to go to Chicago to see him, and was actually in two minds to go to Osmania because a trip to Grease was included - but I did, and we met and it was nice, but, still.......
Anyway, I tried to enjoy the rest of the time there, and did, with my friends, who tried to make light of it happening (it makes me well up still). I'm all for people saying what they think, but ...
Anyway, I travelled back to York and spent most of the next day in bed (tired, not because of JAO). On Bank Holiday Monday, I went to Birmingham as Jay, Jimmy and Merrill were due to do a DVD signing at HMV in the city. Left home quite early, train journey takes about two hours, station staff at both ends really helpful (specially New Street, as it is HUGE!). Taxi driver took me as far as he could go, as it's a pedestrianised area. There were already tons of people there, queuing behind barriers. I went up to security to ask them where the end of the line was, and they told me to go away!! Just kidding, they DID tell me to go away, but to come back nearer the time and then they would take those of us in wheelchairs up first - lahdidah!
Soooo, I did what I was told, went to the McDonalds down the road for breakfast, KJ, Wilma and Alison eventually came to, and then they went back up, and I went back up after a while and took some photos of the crowd. Lots of people going past wondering what was going on. Eventually it came time to go in and we were taken through the side entrance, and placed near a table with some chairs behind it - three of them. The crowd grew bigger and bigger, the press came and chatted with some of the local ladies, and pictures were taken, chants were chanted, songs were sung, excitement grew. And then.................... security came in and took one chair away - and my heart sank, as I kind've knew who might not be coming. Sure enough - I was told to pass on a message that Merrill wasn't feeling too well, was resting his voice, and WOULD be performing that night. Apparently, Chinese Whispers changed it slightly as it went along the line, but I passed it on correctly - so there! I was sad, but was determined to have a good time anyway (and you can't be too greedy about meeting your favourite Osmond - can you?! Who the heck am I kidding?!). Anyway, I was about third in line, we were told keep the chat to a minimum, keep the signing to a minimum. Jimmy and Jay were great - Jimmy said 'you come to everything!' Errrm - no! I think he was trying to make amends - but I'm not sure. I was so busy chatting I forgot to give them my DVD, Jay had to ASK for it! LOL! All too soon it was over, and we were escorted out of the building - and I hung around for a bit, waiting to see where some friends were in the queue so we could go to lunch together, but I missed them so went up to the food court, and had lunch with Jenny and Elinor - really great (got a tiny Merrill fix - with J as in between - ha!). Anyway, eventually they went off and I decided to hang about outside the shop a bit, and explain to passers-by what was going on, some were interested in a good way, some were not - numpties! After a bit, I decided that I would go to the arena - can't be that far - three quarters of a mile later, through the streets of Birmingham City Centre, in the drizzle, having been pushed up a very steep hill by a lovely man with his family, I arrived. Couldn't find anyone there (this was quite a bit after the signing, so I would've expected some to be there. Eventually, I found some friends, and we tried to find where the bus was - I can NEVER find that car park! LOL!
Eventually, we found a bus parked a bit further down the road - just happened to be outside the Hyatt Regency. Now, I've made comments in the past about hanging around outside hotels, and I apologise for being hypocritical about it now I've done it! LOL! It WAS outside, though, and we had no idea if we'd see anyone. Well, we did! HA! Wayne was one of the first out, and he nearly landed on my lap - he was signing stuff and posing for photos, turned his back on me (not deliberately), and walked backwards, I had to put my hand on his back to say 'whoa!' - he was soooo apologetic, bless him! Then Alan came out, and went very quickly onto the bus, then Donny, and I very nearly got pushed over by the rush - should've prepared better for that. Then I met Jimmy and Jay again - Jay smiled broadly at seeing me. It was nice to see them all, we waited a bit to see if a certain someone would come, but no, he was waiting until later to go - unless he was already on the bus, the sneaky rascal!
Anyway, we then went back to the gate, where there was a sneaky game of cat and mouse with the gateperson. Teasing was done - bad people! I spent most of the rest of the time in a pub having a drink with a friend, watching the world go by, talking about all sorts of things, we noticed particularly a homeless guy with a dog - poor loves, it was horrible weather by this time, people gave some food for the dog, and a bit of money. After a while, I decided to get something to eat, so went to the Jurys Inn and had another hamburger! Really nice - met up with a few friends though who were passing the time, some of them also disappointed at not seeing Merrill - ah well, (((((HUGS))))). I then got a cab to the station and went home, tired and a bit emotional. My 50th tour was over, but outside HMV I'd been given a flyer about a tour Merrill was doing of Ireland, but that is a WHOLE new story!
So, I did, and there were a few people there as well, and we waited, and waited, and decided to do some noise (OK, I decided to lead some noise, I will admit it - I am a bad, bad Merrill fan!), but they went onto the bus and watched Jonathan Ross instead of meeting us (I STILL haven't seen that interview! HA!). After a bit of time, there was some movement, and eventually all of them except Wayne and Alan came out. Merrill had his Wales t-shirt on, he looked a bit tired and serious - so I decided he needed a kiss to cheer him up! He wasn't best pleased either when we told him 'someone' had said he wasn't feeling too well, voice-wise - whoops! (and I can genuinely say that I can't remember who said it, so I'm not giving anyone's name away!). Had a little chat with Marie again, and when Donny came along, I took the opportunity to say thank you for putting on such a wonderful show as a tribute to his brothers' careers in showbiz. He was genuinely moved to hear me say that - bless! And then Jimmy came along.................. the reason I've taken so long to update this blog is because of this incident. He came along, looked at me with my camera, and said 'Why are you taking a picture of me, you don't like me!' He had a small smile on his face, but I can't say it was all that brilliant. Well, cue one stunned and slightly hurt Gerry - sticks and stones and all that, but did he REALLY need to say that?! I have to say that, ever since then, I've not thought much of him, and have decided not to go to Chicago to see him, and was actually in two minds to go to Osmania because a trip to Grease was included - but I did, and we met and it was nice, but, still.......
Anyway, I tried to enjoy the rest of the time there, and did, with my friends, who tried to make light of it happening (it makes me well up still). I'm all for people saying what they think, but ...
Anyway, I travelled back to York and spent most of the next day in bed (tired, not because of JAO). On Bank Holiday Monday, I went to Birmingham as Jay, Jimmy and Merrill were due to do a DVD signing at HMV in the city. Left home quite early, train journey takes about two hours, station staff at both ends really helpful (specially New Street, as it is HUGE!). Taxi driver took me as far as he could go, as it's a pedestrianised area. There were already tons of people there, queuing behind barriers. I went up to security to ask them where the end of the line was, and they told me to go away!! Just kidding, they DID tell me to go away, but to come back nearer the time and then they would take those of us in wheelchairs up first - lahdidah!
Soooo, I did what I was told, went to the McDonalds down the road for breakfast, KJ, Wilma and Alison eventually came to, and then they went back up, and I went back up after a while and took some photos of the crowd. Lots of people going past wondering what was going on. Eventually it came time to go in and we were taken through the side entrance, and placed near a table with some chairs behind it - three of them. The crowd grew bigger and bigger, the press came and chatted with some of the local ladies, and pictures were taken, chants were chanted, songs were sung, excitement grew. And then.................... security came in and took one chair away - and my heart sank, as I kind've knew who might not be coming. Sure enough - I was told to pass on a message that Merrill wasn't feeling too well, was resting his voice, and WOULD be performing that night. Apparently, Chinese Whispers changed it slightly as it went along the line, but I passed it on correctly - so there! I was sad, but was determined to have a good time anyway (and you can't be too greedy about meeting your favourite Osmond - can you?! Who the heck am I kidding?!). Anyway, I was about third in line, we were told keep the chat to a minimum, keep the signing to a minimum. Jimmy and Jay were great - Jimmy said 'you come to everything!' Errrm - no! I think he was trying to make amends - but I'm not sure. I was so busy chatting I forgot to give them my DVD, Jay had to ASK for it! LOL! All too soon it was over, and we were escorted out of the building - and I hung around for a bit, waiting to see where some friends were in the queue so we could go to lunch together, but I missed them so went up to the food court, and had lunch with Jenny and Elinor - really great (got a tiny Merrill fix - with J as in between - ha!). Anyway, eventually they went off and I decided to hang about outside the shop a bit, and explain to passers-by what was going on, some were interested in a good way, some were not - numpties! After a bit, I decided that I would go to the arena - can't be that far - three quarters of a mile later, through the streets of Birmingham City Centre, in the drizzle, having been pushed up a very steep hill by a lovely man with his family, I arrived. Couldn't find anyone there (this was quite a bit after the signing, so I would've expected some to be there. Eventually, I found some friends, and we tried to find where the bus was - I can NEVER find that car park! LOL!
Eventually, we found a bus parked a bit further down the road - just happened to be outside the Hyatt Regency. Now, I've made comments in the past about hanging around outside hotels, and I apologise for being hypocritical about it now I've done it! LOL! It WAS outside, though, and we had no idea if we'd see anyone. Well, we did! HA! Wayne was one of the first out, and he nearly landed on my lap - he was signing stuff and posing for photos, turned his back on me (not deliberately), and walked backwards, I had to put my hand on his back to say 'whoa!' - he was soooo apologetic, bless him! Then Alan came out, and went very quickly onto the bus, then Donny, and I very nearly got pushed over by the rush - should've prepared better for that. Then I met Jimmy and Jay again - Jay smiled broadly at seeing me. It was nice to see them all, we waited a bit to see if a certain someone would come, but no, he was waiting until later to go - unless he was already on the bus, the sneaky rascal!
Anyway, we then went back to the gate, where there was a sneaky game of cat and mouse with the gateperson. Teasing was done - bad people! I spent most of the rest of the time in a pub having a drink with a friend, watching the world go by, talking about all sorts of things, we noticed particularly a homeless guy with a dog - poor loves, it was horrible weather by this time, people gave some food for the dog, and a bit of money. After a while, I decided to get something to eat, so went to the Jurys Inn and had another hamburger! Really nice - met up with a few friends though who were passing the time, some of them also disappointed at not seeing Merrill - ah well, (((((HUGS))))). I then got a cab to the station and went home, tired and a bit emotional. My 50th tour was over, but outside HMV I'd been given a flyer about a tour Merrill was doing of Ireland, but that is a WHOLE new story!
Wednesday, 9 July 2008
Newcastle 50th Anniversary Tour
I set off for Newcastle on the morning of the show on the train, it only takes about an hour. I'm really early but wanted to try and check in my hotel - luckily they let me for a change! I went up to my room, freshened up, and then went and talked to a friend for a bit in the lobby and then we walked to the arena. Quite a few people already at the gate, and after a bit there were a LOT of people there! We kept being told to get out of the way, because there was a public car park just around the corner, and some other big lorries were coming and going. When the time came for the meeting at the fence, I got left behind. That is the last time I let a security guard say that we are going to let you across in an orderly fashion! I'm there before then, whether they like it or not - LOL! I got left behind - it was like a mini-stampede - no hysteria but it was quick! Despite being at the back I managed to get a hand hold from several members of the family, and then gave it up as a bad job and remembered that I had a meet and greet to look forward to (I hoped, I'd heard rumours about earlier ones).
I had help pushing round and I queued a bit, eventually we were allowed in, our names were ticked off a list - no ID asked for though, I could've been anybody! LOL! There were a LOT of people at my M&G and we waited around for a bit, then someone from Live Nation came and told us the 'rules' - basically, we could take pictures at the Q&A and breathe, and that was about it! After a bit, we lined up outside one of the entrances to the arena and were told to walk down the right hand side, the Osmonds were standing (apart from Alan) in front of the first block of seats - Marie, Jay, Jimmy, Alan, Merrill, Donny, Wayne. They went through pretty quickly, you were not allowed to pose for pictures with them, but we had been told you could take pictures of them - but, they changed that rule when we went in - I was appalled at the way some people were chivvied along. I agreed with most of the time it was done, but sometimes it was done during a comment that the Osmond concerned had instigated themselves, so rude, rude and ruder! Two people were doing the chivvying (no names, no pack drill - ha!).
When it was nearly my turn, Marie secretly signed something for someone and made a joke about it - she's a hoot! When it got to my turn, she was so sweet, she asked me if we'd met before, as my face was familiar (ho hum!), I said no, but that it was very nice to meet you, she was SO sure! She was then told that my face was very familiar to a certain brother's (guess?!) and she said well, that's MERRILL for you! HA! I then moved on to Jay, asking him if he was having fun and he said that he was and we chatted a little bit more, before I moved on to Jimmy, got a hug (I got hugs from all seven!), had another little chat about the tour, then moved on to Alan, we had the most wonderful short chat about meeting in Vegas and about him being thankful for being here and trials and I was so moved by meeting him again - wonderful.
Then - Merrill! LOL! I actually didn't want to stop talking to Alan, but I had felt a hand on my shoulder, and ignored it for as long as I could, but then moved on, he finished talking to the person before me and looked and yelled 'Gerry!' and we had the biggest hug (not quite as big as that one in Wales but who's complaining!). He growled in my ear and we just had a good laugh! I can't actually remember what I said to him, but I ended it by telling him to be good! Then Donny - Donny actually looked at us as if to say 'what the heck is going on here?! Too funny! He then started talking to me in a British accent - and I told him off, then he did the fluffy one and I said 'and don't do that either!' We had a lot of fun! Wayne - he saw that I had no shoes on and asked after my health, bless him. Again, a little talk about trials and he ended up by telling me to take care, I was an inspiration! (who to, I have no idea, but what a sweet thing to say!).
I loved every minute of my M&G with them. We then were told where to sit, I was asked to sit behind the seats of the first block by arena staff, but then Live Nation staff told me to go a bit further up when everyone had gone through. I was happy to sit there for a time as it meant I could watch people come along the line and have their time with each one. After a bit, I went forward and sat next to Janette - I'd been encouraged to go to the front by the LN staff, but that would've ended with me having a stiff neck! Six rows back was fine! They all came on stage, Alan walked up the steps and got a round of applause (we'd been told no applause, so we said nana yah boo sucks to that one!). Jay came to the mike and asked us if we were ready for the show - erm, yes Jay! LOL! We then had a few questions asked - one of which are D&M bringing their show to the UK - errm, not as far as THEY know! LOL! A few more questions were asked, the subjects of which I can't remember at the moment, but I'll remember later.
Then the sound check started, and it was more like a mini-concert. The first song they did was Crazy Horses, and I've never not clapped or sang during CH in my LIFE, but we'd been told we couldn't. Jay obviously hadn't quite got the hang of these rules, because he encouraged us to do so after a bit - and we applauded at the end - ha! We had about six songs in the end. We nearly had Meet Me In Montana, but they changed their mind -shame! Donny wanted something changed during one song (Yo-Yo?) so that was dealt with for quite a few minutes, and whilst he was giving instructions out, he was behind us, so we all watched him (well, for a bit, my neck hurt!), and then at another time, Merrill wasn't doing anything sound-check wise, so did a little Irish jig whilst waiting - tooo cute, and it will stay in my memory for a long time (hopefully he'll do another one in a few months time and I can photo it this time - ha!). Anyway, it all ended very suddenly and we were asked to leave. We all left, and they were all still on stage, getting ready to do something else. Just before we left, one or two of us yelled 'Bye Merrill!' and he waved back. I think it was lovely, and well worth the money (£35 an Osmond!).
After the meet and greet, some of us went back to the hotel for something to eat. It was pretty busy so we had to go up some steps to a table, had a really good time and didn't have to wait long for my burger at all!
After a bit I wheeled back to the arena (except up the hill!). We were eventually let in and I went to find my seat. I like the MRA - the seats for wheelchair users are just above floor audience height level, so really good views. However, there are seats behind the wheelchair seats and a couple of people were moaning that their seats were rubbish. They then proceeded to stand in the eyeline of several of us! After some 'discussion' with a member of staff, they came back to their seat. The concert was excellent - highlights for me included Crazy Horses, at one point seeing the WHOLE of the arena clapping their hands in the air - fantastic, Let Me In - a WHOLE version - woohooo!, Merrill and Marie singing Meet Me In Montana - I'd requested this on Merrill's forum a few months ago, not sure if that's the reason they put it in but I am glad they did. It was really lovely - thank you for that. I loved The Plan medley, the video behind Last Days was very thought-provoking, but I did feel a bit uncomfortable clapping along to it - it's not exactly the most happy of songs any time of day, is it? Loved seeing Alan on stage for so long. I saw him at Birmingham during the Brothers tour in 2006, but this was extra special. He Ain't Heavy, whilst it was nice seeing all of them onstage doing this, I don't like the end speeded up! Loved Hey Girl, loved the new version of Yo-Yo (usually hate the song, but I'm a new convert now!), loved Soldier of Love, loved hearing Marie sing again, specially with the 'victim' from the audience! Very funny! He said he was tone deaf but I definately heard notes I recognise (and I can sing!). All in all, a wonderful show, and I will remember it for a long, LONG time! After the show, I went back to the hotel, had a bit of a chat with friends, before going to bed, getting up for a cab at 9am the following morning to go to the station, go home, dump my bag, get my car, and go on to the next one at Sheffield! It's all go on an Osmond tour!
I had help pushing round and I queued a bit, eventually we were allowed in, our names were ticked off a list - no ID asked for though, I could've been anybody! LOL! There were a LOT of people at my M&G and we waited around for a bit, then someone from Live Nation came and told us the 'rules' - basically, we could take pictures at the Q&A and breathe, and that was about it! After a bit, we lined up outside one of the entrances to the arena and were told to walk down the right hand side, the Osmonds were standing (apart from Alan) in front of the first block of seats - Marie, Jay, Jimmy, Alan, Merrill, Donny, Wayne. They went through pretty quickly, you were not allowed to pose for pictures with them, but we had been told you could take pictures of them - but, they changed that rule when we went in - I was appalled at the way some people were chivvied along. I agreed with most of the time it was done, but sometimes it was done during a comment that the Osmond concerned had instigated themselves, so rude, rude and ruder! Two people were doing the chivvying (no names, no pack drill - ha!).
When it was nearly my turn, Marie secretly signed something for someone and made a joke about it - she's a hoot! When it got to my turn, she was so sweet, she asked me if we'd met before, as my face was familiar (ho hum!), I said no, but that it was very nice to meet you, she was SO sure! She was then told that my face was very familiar to a certain brother's (guess?!) and she said well, that's MERRILL for you! HA! I then moved on to Jay, asking him if he was having fun and he said that he was and we chatted a little bit more, before I moved on to Jimmy, got a hug (I got hugs from all seven!), had another little chat about the tour, then moved on to Alan, we had the most wonderful short chat about meeting in Vegas and about him being thankful for being here and trials and I was so moved by meeting him again - wonderful.
Then - Merrill! LOL! I actually didn't want to stop talking to Alan, but I had felt a hand on my shoulder, and ignored it for as long as I could, but then moved on, he finished talking to the person before me and looked and yelled 'Gerry!' and we had the biggest hug (not quite as big as that one in Wales but who's complaining!). He growled in my ear and we just had a good laugh! I can't actually remember what I said to him, but I ended it by telling him to be good! Then Donny - Donny actually looked at us as if to say 'what the heck is going on here?! Too funny! He then started talking to me in a British accent - and I told him off, then he did the fluffy one and I said 'and don't do that either!' We had a lot of fun! Wayne - he saw that I had no shoes on and asked after my health, bless him. Again, a little talk about trials and he ended up by telling me to take care, I was an inspiration! (who to, I have no idea, but what a sweet thing to say!).
I loved every minute of my M&G with them. We then were told where to sit, I was asked to sit behind the seats of the first block by arena staff, but then Live Nation staff told me to go a bit further up when everyone had gone through. I was happy to sit there for a time as it meant I could watch people come along the line and have their time with each one. After a bit, I went forward and sat next to Janette - I'd been encouraged to go to the front by the LN staff, but that would've ended with me having a stiff neck! Six rows back was fine! They all came on stage, Alan walked up the steps and got a round of applause (we'd been told no applause, so we said nana yah boo sucks to that one!). Jay came to the mike and asked us if we were ready for the show - erm, yes Jay! LOL! We then had a few questions asked - one of which are D&M bringing their show to the UK - errm, not as far as THEY know! LOL! A few more questions were asked, the subjects of which I can't remember at the moment, but I'll remember later.
Then the sound check started, and it was more like a mini-concert. The first song they did was Crazy Horses, and I've never not clapped or sang during CH in my LIFE, but we'd been told we couldn't. Jay obviously hadn't quite got the hang of these rules, because he encouraged us to do so after a bit - and we applauded at the end - ha! We had about six songs in the end. We nearly had Meet Me In Montana, but they changed their mind -shame! Donny wanted something changed during one song (Yo-Yo?) so that was dealt with for quite a few minutes, and whilst he was giving instructions out, he was behind us, so we all watched him (well, for a bit, my neck hurt!), and then at another time, Merrill wasn't doing anything sound-check wise, so did a little Irish jig whilst waiting - tooo cute, and it will stay in my memory for a long time (hopefully he'll do another one in a few months time and I can photo it this time - ha!). Anyway, it all ended very suddenly and we were asked to leave. We all left, and they were all still on stage, getting ready to do something else. Just before we left, one or two of us yelled 'Bye Merrill!' and he waved back. I think it was lovely, and well worth the money (£35 an Osmond!).
After the meet and greet, some of us went back to the hotel for something to eat. It was pretty busy so we had to go up some steps to a table, had a really good time and didn't have to wait long for my burger at all!
After a bit I wheeled back to the arena (except up the hill!). We were eventually let in and I went to find my seat. I like the MRA - the seats for wheelchair users are just above floor audience height level, so really good views. However, there are seats behind the wheelchair seats and a couple of people were moaning that their seats were rubbish. They then proceeded to stand in the eyeline of several of us! After some 'discussion' with a member of staff, they came back to their seat. The concert was excellent - highlights for me included Crazy Horses, at one point seeing the WHOLE of the arena clapping their hands in the air - fantastic, Let Me In - a WHOLE version - woohooo!, Merrill and Marie singing Meet Me In Montana - I'd requested this on Merrill's forum a few months ago, not sure if that's the reason they put it in but I am glad they did. It was really lovely - thank you for that. I loved The Plan medley, the video behind Last Days was very thought-provoking, but I did feel a bit uncomfortable clapping along to it - it's not exactly the most happy of songs any time of day, is it? Loved seeing Alan on stage for so long. I saw him at Birmingham during the Brothers tour in 2006, but this was extra special. He Ain't Heavy, whilst it was nice seeing all of them onstage doing this, I don't like the end speeded up! Loved Hey Girl, loved the new version of Yo-Yo (usually hate the song, but I'm a new convert now!), loved Soldier of Love, loved hearing Marie sing again, specially with the 'victim' from the audience! Very funny! He said he was tone deaf but I definately heard notes I recognise (and I can sing!). All in all, a wonderful show, and I will remember it for a long, LONG time! After the show, I went back to the hotel, had a bit of a chat with friends, before going to bed, getting up for a cab at 9am the following morning to go to the station, go home, dump my bag, get my car, and go on to the next one at Sheffield! It's all go on an Osmond tour!
Monday, 19 May 2008
London 2008
OK - apologies that this is VERY late, but lots has been happening in my life, and quite frankly, that's more important - LOL! (Honest!).
Merrill had announced that he was going to do a THIRD get together, so that more people in England (and I use that word deliberately could go and see him! Honestly, you'd think there was a huge, unsurmountable wall between England and Wales the way people were whining! ANYWAY, I decided to be greedy and go to my second get together of the series - only for Merrill would I do this!
I had arranged to meet with friends in my building's car park the morning we were going, but hadn't heard from them in a bit, so was getting a bit panicky! Luckily they got in touch and we met up and got a taxi to the station together, which was great, as I am normally on my own! Whilst waiting for the train, I was looking in my purse and - couldn't find my train ticket down to London - I had grabbed everything else but my flipping tickets! Thank goodness for Fast Ticket machines - but not for my bank balance, my original ticket was less than £30, this one cost more than £50 - not doing THAT again!
Anyway, eventually Janette and Julie arrived and we all got on our train. Really uneventful journey, no bottles of wine being drunk (too early - even for....... not telling - ha!), we did have some cornflake crunchies though - yum!
Arrived at Kings Cross, and went out to get a cab. Fairly long line, but eventually got to a taxi. Now, normally I've found them really helpful, but this one was a really lazy so and so! He was reading a paper, we told him there was a person in a wheelchair, and his attitude was like, 'So!'. He didn't get out, he didn't get the ramp down, I had to struggle to get into the taxi, and we were not best pleased with him. Same when we got to the other end - all he was interested in was getting the fare! Luckily, I was helped out by my friends and others who had already arrived. We also found out there was a discrepancy in the fare as well, people who'd come the say way had differing amounts - naughty!
Anyway, we were there, that's all that mattered. We'd been told not to stick around until the time it started, but everyone still does - LOL! We went to the bar (!) for a drink (non-alcoholic thank YOU very much!), and I shared the rest of my cornflake crunchies around. Met up with friends who I hadn't seen for a while (or a couple of months since Cardiff!), lovely to see my London friends specially (even if they do have difficulty crossing borders - hehe!). Helped out a bit with the raffle tickets (I'd like to help out more with these, given my reception skills, but I'm never asked, so their loss is your gain - more time to do this - HA! Although you do see all sorts when you're doing that......!). Checked out the hotel facilities, if you know what I mean (!), went upstairs because I thought that's where they were - it was where M was, but that was NOT my intention - honest! Bumping into him again accidently would've been too much of a coincidence! Waited down in the lobby, people watching, hotel staff watching (I don't think they'd ever seen anything quite like it!). The main part of the GT was in the hotel's dining room. All the tables had been removed and it was set out theatre style. I was so busy helping with the raffle tickets, I was one of the last in, and Karen was ushering me quickly down the aisle - whoops! I took my seat and found I was opposite a speaker which was blocking my view a bit (whatever view that might have been - hehe!). Jenny came and asked me if I could see, and I was going to ask her if she could move it a bit (it wasn't THAT big) and she said I could move to the other end - on the aisle. So, as I always do as I'm told, I did - and, errrm, this caused all sorts of bother for me. A) I was near Jackie Gray, my fellow Vegas drinking partner, and a constant source of trouble with a capital T, and B) I was in someone's almost constant eyeline when he came on stage.......... oh dearie me!
Anyway, we waited for a bit, chatted with the people around us. And then one of the Karens came on stage and we did some audience participatory chants (you know, the Oggy one, and the Ooompah one!), she then asked if anyone had change for a fiver for some tablets! LOL! Whilst we waited, we listened to The Voice (get it, it's brill!). Well, I say we listened, we tried to, Osmond fans are incredibly noisy bunch when they get together! Anyway, eventually Mal Pope came on, he's really lovely. He told a bit of his life story again, he seems to have met quite a lot of famous people - the DJ John Peel invited him to come on his show, and he's done some stuff with Elton John. He told the story of his 'song for children - ha! And we eventually sang it together - the theme song to Fireman Sam! The things you do at an Osmond GT! BTW - I saw an episode the other day, the song has changed, same tune though - who the heck is Cameron Stewart anyway?! Mal talked about his work with Merrill over the past few months and he sang some songs, 'I Saw Her Standing There', 'Knock on Wood' and a couple of his own. I felt for him, I'm sure some people were thinking 'where the heck is Merrill?!' but I like Mal, he's very friendly, and very talented.
The introduction of Merrill had a bit of a false start which was really funny, but eventually Merrill appeared, to HUGE cheers, walking down the stairs to the side of the room, he came via the side of the room and I got a HUG hug! LOL!
He got to the front and 'Shake It Up' started - he forgot the words - ha! He then decided that he'd go down the centre aisle, closely followed by Heather, and was there so long I thought we'd never get him back! Seemed to be having a lot of fun though! We sang along to the Utah Saints version of CH whilst he was doing this (he was singing bits as he went along too).
When he came back, he asked how everyone was, and spoke of Mal (I LOVE the way he pronounced Mal - toooo funny!). He talked about being overwhelmed by the love shown, and that he'd already talked to a lot of people (some people had their meet and greets that morning). Happy to be here, and other such deep Merrill-like stuff!
He talked a lot about the 50th (and as I am writing this as the 50th Anniversary tour of the UK has started, you can compare what he said with what is actually happening - HA!). He said they were going to have fun, working with Donny on this has been therapeutic for him, exploring without any fear and doubts, there is a definate feeling of unity within the family. Songs we haven't heard for years, and the attitude of the brothers are pure and united. He talked about his parents and that he feels they are now giving blessing after blessing in their children's lives and that it had straightened up a few of them! He then asked if we had any questions for 'Uncle Merrill'(!). Someone asked where else they were going (I think some venues had appeared prematurely on the web). He didn't want to say as he thought that it should be announced on a united front, but then someone asked a specific question about Japan, and he said they should be excited (well, errm, unless I'm missing something, they aren't going there!). He said that there were fans calling out from all over the world (obviously not loud enough in the US then?!). Someone then said that they would like the songs to be sung by their original singer please - and whilst this got thunderous applause, Merrill said something like 'that's interesting', and 'I understand it's being designed like that', but also talked about pacing and production, and that each person would play their part. He talked specifically about Wayne being able to shine!
Talked of the closeness now between him and Donny, not that they didn't love each other, but that Donny had an independent way of living his life, he's very proud of him for doing that. Spoken to him a lot about the tour, wanting it to go right (Donny), talked of Jimmy's work ethic ('a genius'). Someone asked about Virl and Tom coming over, he didn't know, but he thought they should be.
The concerts will be very different from what was seen in LV at the 50th (rehearsed for starters, MY comment - LOL!). And you will never see anything like it again from the Osmonds (except when they take it to the States, maybe - ha!). Are the Black Bear Band coming? No, the band will be mainly Donny's band (the fact that the BBB aren't coming was very disappointing to those present). They will be playing their instruments. We then got onto the thorny subject of what are they going to wear? Merrill was adamant 'I ain't gonna wear no jumpsuit!' I started to flap a paper in front of my face and he noticed and laughed sooooo loud! I also got told off - hehehe!
He said that Alan was energised, a real buzz. Members of the family always thought something like this would happen, it just needed something to set it all rolling, he remembered that we all talked about it with him and other members on various occasions. Someone asked whether Marie was prepared for the reaction of the crowd, and Merrill said he was convinced that she wasn't! The show reflects the history of the Osmond family, jam-packed two hours (we want three, we said!).
He talked about what he was doing with Mal - he introduced it by saying I don't know whether I should tell you this, but I'm gonna anyway!' Mal interjected by saying 'You tell me, you know I won't tell anyone!' Mal said that Shiloh had got out of hand and that a film was now in the offing! 'The monster is bigger than the both of us!' They then sang some songs together, after Merrill joked about having to have the words for some of them, so he doesn't have to look over the edge of his glasses (which looks rather sweet, if you want my opinion - ha!). After singing You Take My Breath Away, he talked about how he felt there were no coincidences in life, the opportunities taken whilst working with Mal, what they'd achieved. Mal told the story of the writing of Coming Home. Then sang Proud One. Lot of laughs in it (he went a bit deep!). After this, we talked again about the tour costumes and Merrill decided to have a vote on each suggestion - I voted for everything except them wearing 'their' colour - bit 70s and a bit twee. However, I was the only person who voted for this and I got a 'GERRY!' when mine was the only hand that went up - very, very funny! We voted on leather, casual shirts/jean, shirts that do, do not tuck in, tuxedos (WHAT?!), Levis and nothing else except boots!!! (I'm sure that was NOT the vote, but it sounded like that!).
He said that Marie was doing great, despite all the stuff going on - great attitude. More songs - sung by the MASTER (Darlin' - hence my comment - Donny singing it indeed.....!). Talked about Belgium. Someone complained (!) that they couldn't get to Belgium, can we have one in the UK. He's excited about the creational therapy aspect of the weekend (so am I, I can't find anything about it on the Net!). He led Happy Birthday to someone who'd said it was their birthday the day before ( (((((HUGS))))) to Jenny ))))))) - dearie me!
Sang One Bad Apple, Havin' A Party (funky!), Mal told us that the vocals had been done in Reno, the rest in the Mumbles (near Swansea!). Merrill said that he didn't want to be uptight anymore, people looking at him funny (?!), he grew up so tense, so perfect. He said he's starting to grow up now he's 45 (then laughed and said, no I'm 54!). Mal was asked whether he liked the Osmonds music as he was growing up, he talked about all the boys being into Led Zep, and said that he liked the Osmond harmonies, but that to actually admit you liked it, would probably result in a kicking! Merrill then said, rather dramatically (!) 'I don't know whether I should say this, but I will' - dramatic pause...... 'BUT, there was a collection of Osmond albums in Saddam Hussein's house! LOTS of laughter. We then had some more songs, LMFAR (with a rather strange key change!). He said that he wants us to go WILD on the tour - TOO wild - naughty fella! (Like we need any encouragement anyway - ha!). He was asked do you talk about us? All the time, apparently (how boring for them - LOL!). Is Mary coming? Yes. Talked about being a grandpa six times over (it was actually four at the time, but now........ ;-)). Sang Yo-Yo, then Let Me In. Now, remember, me in front row, LOTS of eye contact, I decided to just sit and listen, as I KNEW that if I started to sing along, I'd cry!).
He then talked about liking to go fish (I have no idea how these subjects all relate to each other, but it was fun!). Caught a big fish recently (hmmmmm, really?!). He then said that we'd have one more song because he wanted a lot of time to talk to us individually. Sang He Ain't Heavy (with no speeded up ended - bravo Merrill!). At one point during this he grinned at me singing, and I pretended to zip my lips saying I wasn't going to do it anymore - he grinned even bigger!
Tremendous applause and cheers, standing ovation, during which he said 'I don't deserve this!' Yes, you flipping well do, Mr Merrill! He then, I think, had an indication from the back that he could sing some more, so he did! The intro to 'Move A Mountain' started - no lyrics appeared on his screen (x 2!). The tech problems were really funny, at the time. Sang Friends with us, with no music. Didn't sing MAM in the end, but Shiloh - Mal told us the story of how that was written, more questions, about getting Osmond songs in the charts (they have to actually release something first!). Merrill then had a lightbulb time - after the tour maybe? He then said that he's decided to not take any poo from people (that's not actually what he said, but it's what he meant), it may not be PC but he's going to tell it how it is, take the attitude or tell you what I think of what you've said, apologies but I'm growing up and getting a lot tougher (hmmm......). We then had Pure Glory, where he made up the words - really, really funny, even had a Michael Jackson 'ow' in the middle - brilliant! HUGE cheers at the end. Thanks to Peter and Mario for all their hard work! Mario had an accident during the show, he slipped on the stairs - someone had spilt a drink, if I recall, and he fell down and hurt himself quite badly and had to go off to the Emergency Dept of St Thomas').
After I'd calmed down from the show (!), we had a bit of a gap, and then we had High Tea - very posh, scones and cake on china plates and tea or coffee. This was upstairs and it was a bit cramped, people were sitting or standing everywhere, and I christened the carpet with a bit of scone, but hey-ho!
After tea, we had the raffle, and the numbers were relayed up and down the stairs - like fishwives (sorry! LOL!), but it was fun to watch - didn't buy any, so didn't win anything!
Then, suddenly, this strange noise started to sound. Everyone wondered what it was - and then it suddenly dawned on us - FIRE ALARM! Everyone out! I watched everyone leave, and pretty soon, as the last people went downstairs, one of the staff came out from nowhere, and told me to follow him. So I did (I can follow orders occasionally!). We went down one corridor, and then another, to a lift! Well, duh, it wasn't working! Soooo, we went back to the main lift, and he tried that again - idiot! He then disappeared, leaving me and another lady on sticks with Jenny, who very kindly volunteered to stay with us until it was all over, or until a hunky firefighter came to take us out. We didn't see him again (the staff member, not the firefighter, I didn't see one at all - unfortunately!). Eventually, the fire alarm was over and everyone came back upstairs, including Merrill - talking on the phone (what a shock! LOL!). After I got back home, I wrote and complained to the hotel about this, as not only did this staff member do this, but staff members downstairs didn't seem to have a clue there was anyone still upstairs. Extremely bad practice, IMHO.
Eventually, we started to get ready for our meet and greets. I was no 80, so I thought I'd have to wait ages. After a little while, someone had the bright idea of, because we had a train to catch, asking if we could go in earlier, so we did. We sat and chatted as we waited, and then it was my turn. I was escorted to the room (notice TO, not from, thank you very much - LOL!), went in, and Merrill promptly picked up a chair and pretended to be a lion tamer! Cheeky so and so! We talked a little bit, but I didn't want to take up too much time (honest!), so we then posed for the picture, three times. He's a real gentleman, he's got the hang of helping me out of my chair when I want to stand to have my piccy taken, and helped me back in again - what a guy! We said our goodbyes, I did actually say 'see you in Vegas!' but, as you will see in a future blog, he was slightly gobsmacked to see me there as well! Anyway, I went back downstairs, spent a bit of time talking to friends, and then we went outside to wait for a cab (actually, we had plenty of time, we just thought we wouldn't! LOL!). Cab came, female driver, VERY helpful, had a bit of difficulty getting the ramp up, but did it with a bit of initiative, and we drove back to Kings Cross. Went to Burger King (or was it McDonalds?!) and had something to eat before our train set off. Went to Customer Services - closed! And it wasn't that late! So, we went to the train, there were staff members on it, but apparently it's more than their job is worth to help me on, eventually someone did offer to use their phone to call someone. Eventually they sauntered on to the platform like they had all the time in the world, and got me on. Train journey was uneventful, but at York there was no-one to help me OFF the train, for quite a bit. Luckily the train wasn't going anywhere else, but I didn't fancy sitting in sidings all night long, ta very much! Eventually someone came (again, like they didn't have a care in the world!) and got me off, but we had to make our own way to the taxi rank (thank you JULIE'S husband!). Got home, said goodbye to my friends, whose car was still there, and all in one piece! And then - went to bed! A lovely day was had by me!
Merrill had announced that he was going to do a THIRD get together, so that more people in England (and I use that word deliberately could go and see him! Honestly, you'd think there was a huge, unsurmountable wall between England and Wales the way people were whining! ANYWAY, I decided to be greedy and go to my second get together of the series - only for Merrill would I do this!
I had arranged to meet with friends in my building's car park the morning we were going, but hadn't heard from them in a bit, so was getting a bit panicky! Luckily they got in touch and we met up and got a taxi to the station together, which was great, as I am normally on my own! Whilst waiting for the train, I was looking in my purse and - couldn't find my train ticket down to London - I had grabbed everything else but my flipping tickets! Thank goodness for Fast Ticket machines - but not for my bank balance, my original ticket was less than £30, this one cost more than £50 - not doing THAT again!
Anyway, eventually Janette and Julie arrived and we all got on our train. Really uneventful journey, no bottles of wine being drunk (too early - even for....... not telling - ha!), we did have some cornflake crunchies though - yum!
Arrived at Kings Cross, and went out to get a cab. Fairly long line, but eventually got to a taxi. Now, normally I've found them really helpful, but this one was a really lazy so and so! He was reading a paper, we told him there was a person in a wheelchair, and his attitude was like, 'So!'. He didn't get out, he didn't get the ramp down, I had to struggle to get into the taxi, and we were not best pleased with him. Same when we got to the other end - all he was interested in was getting the fare! Luckily, I was helped out by my friends and others who had already arrived. We also found out there was a discrepancy in the fare as well, people who'd come the say way had differing amounts - naughty!
Anyway, we were there, that's all that mattered. We'd been told not to stick around until the time it started, but everyone still does - LOL! We went to the bar (!) for a drink (non-alcoholic thank YOU very much!), and I shared the rest of my cornflake crunchies around. Met up with friends who I hadn't seen for a while (or a couple of months since Cardiff!), lovely to see my London friends specially (even if they do have difficulty crossing borders - hehe!). Helped out a bit with the raffle tickets (I'd like to help out more with these, given my reception skills, but I'm never asked, so their loss is your gain - more time to do this - HA! Although you do see all sorts when you're doing that......!). Checked out the hotel facilities, if you know what I mean (!), went upstairs because I thought that's where they were - it was where M was, but that was NOT my intention - honest! Bumping into him again accidently would've been too much of a coincidence! Waited down in the lobby, people watching, hotel staff watching (I don't think they'd ever seen anything quite like it!). The main part of the GT was in the hotel's dining room. All the tables had been removed and it was set out theatre style. I was so busy helping with the raffle tickets, I was one of the last in, and Karen was ushering me quickly down the aisle - whoops! I took my seat and found I was opposite a speaker which was blocking my view a bit (whatever view that might have been - hehe!). Jenny came and asked me if I could see, and I was going to ask her if she could move it a bit (it wasn't THAT big) and she said I could move to the other end - on the aisle. So, as I always do as I'm told, I did - and, errrm, this caused all sorts of bother for me. A) I was near Jackie Gray, my fellow Vegas drinking partner, and a constant source of trouble with a capital T, and B) I was in someone's almost constant eyeline when he came on stage.......... oh dearie me!
Anyway, we waited for a bit, chatted with the people around us. And then one of the Karens came on stage and we did some audience participatory chants (you know, the Oggy one, and the Ooompah one!), she then asked if anyone had change for a fiver for some tablets! LOL! Whilst we waited, we listened to The Voice (get it, it's brill!). Well, I say we listened, we tried to, Osmond fans are incredibly noisy bunch when they get together! Anyway, eventually Mal Pope came on, he's really lovely. He told a bit of his life story again, he seems to have met quite a lot of famous people - the DJ John Peel invited him to come on his show, and he's done some stuff with Elton John. He told the story of his 'song for children - ha! And we eventually sang it together - the theme song to Fireman Sam! The things you do at an Osmond GT! BTW - I saw an episode the other day, the song has changed, same tune though - who the heck is Cameron Stewart anyway?! Mal talked about his work with Merrill over the past few months and he sang some songs, 'I Saw Her Standing There', 'Knock on Wood' and a couple of his own. I felt for him, I'm sure some people were thinking 'where the heck is Merrill?!' but I like Mal, he's very friendly, and very talented.
The introduction of Merrill had a bit of a false start which was really funny, but eventually Merrill appeared, to HUGE cheers, walking down the stairs to the side of the room, he came via the side of the room and I got a HUG hug! LOL!
He got to the front and 'Shake It Up' started - he forgot the words - ha! He then decided that he'd go down the centre aisle, closely followed by Heather, and was there so long I thought we'd never get him back! Seemed to be having a lot of fun though! We sang along to the Utah Saints version of CH whilst he was doing this (he was singing bits as he went along too).
When he came back, he asked how everyone was, and spoke of Mal (I LOVE the way he pronounced Mal - toooo funny!). He talked about being overwhelmed by the love shown, and that he'd already talked to a lot of people (some people had their meet and greets that morning). Happy to be here, and other such deep Merrill-like stuff!
He talked a lot about the 50th (and as I am writing this as the 50th Anniversary tour of the UK has started, you can compare what he said with what is actually happening - HA!). He said they were going to have fun, working with Donny on this has been therapeutic for him, exploring without any fear and doubts, there is a definate feeling of unity within the family. Songs we haven't heard for years, and the attitude of the brothers are pure and united. He talked about his parents and that he feels they are now giving blessing after blessing in their children's lives and that it had straightened up a few of them! He then asked if we had any questions for 'Uncle Merrill'(!). Someone asked where else they were going (I think some venues had appeared prematurely on the web). He didn't want to say as he thought that it should be announced on a united front, but then someone asked a specific question about Japan, and he said they should be excited (well, errm, unless I'm missing something, they aren't going there!). He said that there were fans calling out from all over the world (obviously not loud enough in the US then?!). Someone then said that they would like the songs to be sung by their original singer please - and whilst this got thunderous applause, Merrill said something like 'that's interesting', and 'I understand it's being designed like that', but also talked about pacing and production, and that each person would play their part. He talked specifically about Wayne being able to shine!
Talked of the closeness now between him and Donny, not that they didn't love each other, but that Donny had an independent way of living his life, he's very proud of him for doing that. Spoken to him a lot about the tour, wanting it to go right (Donny), talked of Jimmy's work ethic ('a genius'). Someone asked about Virl and Tom coming over, he didn't know, but he thought they should be.
The concerts will be very different from what was seen in LV at the 50th (rehearsed for starters, MY comment - LOL!). And you will never see anything like it again from the Osmonds (except when they take it to the States, maybe - ha!). Are the Black Bear Band coming? No, the band will be mainly Donny's band (the fact that the BBB aren't coming was very disappointing to those present). They will be playing their instruments. We then got onto the thorny subject of what are they going to wear? Merrill was adamant 'I ain't gonna wear no jumpsuit!' I started to flap a paper in front of my face and he noticed and laughed sooooo loud! I also got told off - hehehe!
He said that Alan was energised, a real buzz. Members of the family always thought something like this would happen, it just needed something to set it all rolling, he remembered that we all talked about it with him and other members on various occasions. Someone asked whether Marie was prepared for the reaction of the crowd, and Merrill said he was convinced that she wasn't! The show reflects the history of the Osmond family, jam-packed two hours (we want three, we said!).
He talked about what he was doing with Mal - he introduced it by saying I don't know whether I should tell you this, but I'm gonna anyway!' Mal interjected by saying 'You tell me, you know I won't tell anyone!' Mal said that Shiloh had got out of hand and that a film was now in the offing! 'The monster is bigger than the both of us!' They then sang some songs together, after Merrill joked about having to have the words for some of them, so he doesn't have to look over the edge of his glasses (which looks rather sweet, if you want my opinion - ha!). After singing You Take My Breath Away, he talked about how he felt there were no coincidences in life, the opportunities taken whilst working with Mal, what they'd achieved. Mal told the story of the writing of Coming Home. Then sang Proud One. Lot of laughs in it (he went a bit deep!). After this, we talked again about the tour costumes and Merrill decided to have a vote on each suggestion - I voted for everything except them wearing 'their' colour - bit 70s and a bit twee. However, I was the only person who voted for this and I got a 'GERRY!' when mine was the only hand that went up - very, very funny! We voted on leather, casual shirts/jean, shirts that do, do not tuck in, tuxedos (WHAT?!), Levis and nothing else except boots!!! (I'm sure that was NOT the vote, but it sounded like that!).
He said that Marie was doing great, despite all the stuff going on - great attitude. More songs - sung by the MASTER (Darlin' - hence my comment - Donny singing it indeed.....!). Talked about Belgium. Someone complained (!) that they couldn't get to Belgium, can we have one in the UK. He's excited about the creational therapy aspect of the weekend (so am I, I can't find anything about it on the Net!). He led Happy Birthday to someone who'd said it was their birthday the day before ( (((((HUGS))))) to Jenny ))))))) - dearie me!
Sang One Bad Apple, Havin' A Party (funky!), Mal told us that the vocals had been done in Reno, the rest in the Mumbles (near Swansea!). Merrill said that he didn't want to be uptight anymore, people looking at him funny (?!), he grew up so tense, so perfect. He said he's starting to grow up now he's 45 (then laughed and said, no I'm 54!). Mal was asked whether he liked the Osmonds music as he was growing up, he talked about all the boys being into Led Zep, and said that he liked the Osmond harmonies, but that to actually admit you liked it, would probably result in a kicking! Merrill then said, rather dramatically (!) 'I don't know whether I should say this, but I will' - dramatic pause...... 'BUT, there was a collection of Osmond albums in Saddam Hussein's house! LOTS of laughter. We then had some more songs, LMFAR (with a rather strange key change!). He said that he wants us to go WILD on the tour - TOO wild - naughty fella! (Like we need any encouragement anyway - ha!). He was asked do you talk about us? All the time, apparently (how boring for them - LOL!). Is Mary coming? Yes. Talked about being a grandpa six times over (it was actually four at the time, but now........ ;-)). Sang Yo-Yo, then Let Me In. Now, remember, me in front row, LOTS of eye contact, I decided to just sit and listen, as I KNEW that if I started to sing along, I'd cry!).
He then talked about liking to go fish (I have no idea how these subjects all relate to each other, but it was fun!). Caught a big fish recently (hmmmmm, really?!). He then said that we'd have one more song because he wanted a lot of time to talk to us individually. Sang He Ain't Heavy (with no speeded up ended - bravo Merrill!). At one point during this he grinned at me singing, and I pretended to zip my lips saying I wasn't going to do it anymore - he grinned even bigger!
Tremendous applause and cheers, standing ovation, during which he said 'I don't deserve this!' Yes, you flipping well do, Mr Merrill! He then, I think, had an indication from the back that he could sing some more, so he did! The intro to 'Move A Mountain' started - no lyrics appeared on his screen (x 2!). The tech problems were really funny, at the time. Sang Friends with us, with no music. Didn't sing MAM in the end, but Shiloh - Mal told us the story of how that was written, more questions, about getting Osmond songs in the charts (they have to actually release something first!). Merrill then had a lightbulb time - after the tour maybe? He then said that he's decided to not take any poo from people (that's not actually what he said, but it's what he meant), it may not be PC but he's going to tell it how it is, take the attitude or tell you what I think of what you've said, apologies but I'm growing up and getting a lot tougher (hmmm......). We then had Pure Glory, where he made up the words - really, really funny, even had a Michael Jackson 'ow' in the middle - brilliant! HUGE cheers at the end. Thanks to Peter and Mario for all their hard work! Mario had an accident during the show, he slipped on the stairs - someone had spilt a drink, if I recall, and he fell down and hurt himself quite badly and had to go off to the Emergency Dept of St Thomas').
After I'd calmed down from the show (!), we had a bit of a gap, and then we had High Tea - very posh, scones and cake on china plates and tea or coffee. This was upstairs and it was a bit cramped, people were sitting or standing everywhere, and I christened the carpet with a bit of scone, but hey-ho!
After tea, we had the raffle, and the numbers were relayed up and down the stairs - like fishwives (sorry! LOL!), but it was fun to watch - didn't buy any, so didn't win anything!
Then, suddenly, this strange noise started to sound. Everyone wondered what it was - and then it suddenly dawned on us - FIRE ALARM! Everyone out! I watched everyone leave, and pretty soon, as the last people went downstairs, one of the staff came out from nowhere, and told me to follow him. So I did (I can follow orders occasionally!). We went down one corridor, and then another, to a lift! Well, duh, it wasn't working! Soooo, we went back to the main lift, and he tried that again - idiot! He then disappeared, leaving me and another lady on sticks with Jenny, who very kindly volunteered to stay with us until it was all over, or until a hunky firefighter came to take us out. We didn't see him again (the staff member, not the firefighter, I didn't see one at all - unfortunately!). Eventually, the fire alarm was over and everyone came back upstairs, including Merrill - talking on the phone (what a shock! LOL!). After I got back home, I wrote and complained to the hotel about this, as not only did this staff member do this, but staff members downstairs didn't seem to have a clue there was anyone still upstairs. Extremely bad practice, IMHO.
Eventually, we started to get ready for our meet and greets. I was no 80, so I thought I'd have to wait ages. After a little while, someone had the bright idea of, because we had a train to catch, asking if we could go in earlier, so we did. We sat and chatted as we waited, and then it was my turn. I was escorted to the room (notice TO, not from, thank you very much - LOL!), went in, and Merrill promptly picked up a chair and pretended to be a lion tamer! Cheeky so and so! We talked a little bit, but I didn't want to take up too much time (honest!), so we then posed for the picture, three times. He's a real gentleman, he's got the hang of helping me out of my chair when I want to stand to have my piccy taken, and helped me back in again - what a guy! We said our goodbyes, I did actually say 'see you in Vegas!' but, as you will see in a future blog, he was slightly gobsmacked to see me there as well! Anyway, I went back downstairs, spent a bit of time talking to friends, and then we went outside to wait for a cab (actually, we had plenty of time, we just thought we wouldn't! LOL!). Cab came, female driver, VERY helpful, had a bit of difficulty getting the ramp up, but did it with a bit of initiative, and we drove back to Kings Cross. Went to Burger King (or was it McDonalds?!) and had something to eat before our train set off. Went to Customer Services - closed! And it wasn't that late! So, we went to the train, there were staff members on it, but apparently it's more than their job is worth to help me on, eventually someone did offer to use their phone to call someone. Eventually they sauntered on to the platform like they had all the time in the world, and got me on. Train journey was uneventful, but at York there was no-one to help me OFF the train, for quite a bit. Luckily the train wasn't going anywhere else, but I didn't fancy sitting in sidings all night long, ta very much! Eventually someone came (again, like they didn't have a care in the world!) and got me off, but we had to make our own way to the taxi rank (thank you JULIE'S husband!). Got home, said goodbye to my friends, whose car was still there, and all in one piece! And then - went to bed! A lovely day was had by me!
Wednesday, 21 November 2007
Cardiff and then home (sniff!)
So, I got out of the car, only to be told Merrill had just gone in - rats! However, I got more than my fair share of him later on, so all was not lost. A few weeks earlier Jenny, Merrill's European assistant, had announced that if it was your birthday at an event, then you'd have a little surprise - it was Janette and Shelley's that day and I saw them go in as I arrived. When they came back out again, after watching a bit of Merrill's sound check, we shared chocolate cornflake cakes which I'd bought with me (not made myself!). YUM! We all waited outside for ages, but it was very pleasant. The Point is in a very quiet (on a Sunday) part of Cardiff Bay and is a former church, decommissioned in the early 1990s, having been built at the turn of the 20th century. After a while, security came out and, given my tendency to not like being called names like 'love', 'dear', 'sweetheart' and stuff like that, when he asked me to wait at the other side 'my lovely', I was tempted for a second to deck him, but, actually, that's quite sweet! He was very nice too (if you know what I mean - haha!).
Anyway, eventually, after Mr Osmond decided that he'd checked his sound loud and clear, I went in first, joking that they could now shut the door on the rest of the crowd! Rather surprisingly, they didn't listen to me! BAD security people! LOL!
I was guided to my seat and it was at the end of the third/fourth row in the middle, right in the centre of the stage - very good view of anyone who happened to appear on it (and there was - when you adjusted your camera to not get anyone's head in the way - JOAN! HA!). We waited quite a long time, and I chatted to loads of people and just waited and looked at the venue - really lovely inside, they've kept a lot of the stained glass windows and the interior - really lovely. Music was playing a lot of the time in the background and it was very mellow! We were given a package about the Shiloh weekend and our ticket for the M&G which I promptly nearly lost! I met Jenny and got a hug and a thank you from her, which was sweet.
Merrill coming on was a bit strange - he just suddenly appeared, really quietly from the back of the stage, it was like 'Oh, he's there!' LOL! He then sang a few songs, interspersed with chat about the weekend, about his family, about working on Sundays (the guilt some may feel about being there, he said something about 'if you need to be here, then that's OK', or something like that), he talked about being away from his family (and given what he went back to, that had added poignancy for me later). The weekend in June became even real for me. He told us to prepare for it beforehand, because it will change us, take us out of our comfort zones, specially the creation therapy. He introduced some people who were going to help him with the weekend. He answered some questions, which I can't remember most of now! It was a very moving time, to hear him talk about what he wanted to achieve and then the songs interspersed with that. Let Me In got me going AGAIN - thank you, Janette, for the hand hold and the tissue - much appreciated.
All in all a lovely time with him, he did the first half, there was an interval where I decided to go and look at the merchandise - I had it all (am I sad, or what?! LOL!)! The second half was Mal Pope, a really lovely guy who has got to know Merrill very well - he talked a bit about what they've done together, he introduced himself by singing the theme song from Fireman Sam - which he wrote. All together now............... LOL! I love a man who can laugh at himself! Merrill came on for some of it and sat and watched him at work. They did some stuff together, even some Osmond hits (Mal needs to work at his Crazy Horses dance! HA! Tooooo funny!). All of it was a very lovely time.
Afterwards, I decided I needed a drink, so after recovering (!), chatted to people (I spent the second half sort of in the first/second row in the middle again) and went to the bar! I got myself a Coke, and was just casually loitering with no intent whatsover - honest - and Merrill suddenly (again!) appeared down the side, I was pointed out to him, got a HUGE bearhug and then 'Would you like my sandwich?!' Well, I didn't quite know what to say, really - WHY does he feel the need to give me his food?! LOL! Sweets last June, Chicken mayo sandwich today - hmmmm....... ha! So, I said yes! HA! And he gave it to me, and then came the dilemma of what to actually DO with it! So, I went to the merch stall, wrapped it in a Osmania Stateside booking form (SORRY Karens!) and carried it around with me for the rest of the day (it went in a plastic bag when I got to the hotel).
Next June I'd like a lovely Belgian chocolate please, Merrill! (I know it's supposed to be healthy eating, but one won't do any harm!). We also had a raffle, which I forgot to buy tickets for - sorry Karen!
Then came the Meet and Greet Time, I was 34 or something, and they were being pretty strict about going in order, so I waited a bit, chatting to people in line, or who were just sitting there, soaking up the atmosphere. I discovered that the M&Gs were taking place upstairs, and decided that I would go walk upstairs, I had my crutches with me, I could do it. I discussed (!) it with Jenny and one of the security guys and they said they'd help get me up. So, I waited in line and when it was my turn, I got up, walked up one step, two steps and then there was a third, MUCH bigger step - and my foot got stuck! No matter how hard I tried, I could not move it. It was gently (ish) put to me that perhaps I shouldn't go upstairs - I wanted to try, but my foot wouldn't move. So, extremely reluctantly, I stayed at the foot of the flight of stairs - and bawled my eyes out! I was annoyed with myself, embarrassed that all these people wanted to help me and my body just couldn't do it - grrr!
Elinor was brilliant, she gave me a hug and managed to calm me down, reassuring me that at least I'd tried. I was left for a couple of minutes to get my breath back and then Merrill appeared 'Now, Ms Gerry, dry those tears!' He then crouched down in front of me and gently admonished me, saying that I didn't need to go to him, he'd ALWAYS come to me. I told him that I wanted to do the opposite and felt frustrated that I couldn't. There then followed the most wonderful conversation I've ever had with him and I'm keeping it to myself, if you don't mind, but it was lovely. We talked about health issues, families (mine and his), Belgium, it was just absolutely wonderful. I've always said that I'm often concerned that people talk about what's going on in their lives to Merrill, just didn't understand it - but I do know now. May never do it again but I needed to this time, obviously. Then Mario appeared and we had our photo taken together on the little ledge by the stairwell. The background and setting may not have been what I wanted (and I'll probably look like death warmed up in the photo), but the atmosphere couldn't have been bettered. Absolutely gorgeous.
Eventually, he went back upstairs and I floated back out to the hall! (Why couldn't I do that up those flipping stairs!). Thank you to Elinor and Joan for all their help, you are stars!
When I got back out, I spent the rest of the time talking to people, watching people go in (and again, one or two!). We were eventually asked to leave, very politely, by the security guys, as they needed to get everything down. So we went outside, and waited for a VERY long time whilst everyone else saw Merrill. Had great fun, got told the history of the neighbourhood by Bernard - bit dodgy, kept being threatened to be thrown in the Bay if I was naughty! There was a pub across the way which was a bit noisy, and some lads were playing with this small bouncy ball which they promptly lost and at one point we were all looking for the stupid thing - in darkness, with not much lighting where it had gone!
Most of the evening was spent deciding which exit Merrill would come out, and we were sure that certain people were playing cat and mouse with us, so several people were eventually posted at each entrance - tooo funny. 35 years of experience of trying to locate an Osmond is not to be sniffed at - or to try and con them into thinking Osmonds are somewhere they are not, or vice versa! LOL! He eventually came out at 10.15PM, after asking to see Susan's children, who were as lovely as ever! There was only a few of us mad fools there, it was flipping freezing, I had no long coat with me, but I got a handshake (!) and a 'you take care, Gerry' from Merrill as he got into the car and went off to Holland.
I was a bit worried about my hotel, so Lesley offered to give me a lift back in her car (even though I wasn't sure how to get back to it - it was DARK!), but I couldn't get into her car. Bernard and Susan offered, and I knew I could get into his, and he knew vaguely where it was, so off we went, with the family, and eventually got back to the hotel. They waited to see that everything was OK, just in case they'd forgotten I was coming back! If I had problems, we would go find somewhere else (or a nice quiet spot on the water somewhere, apparently! LOL!).
But no, no problems, checked in properly, hugs all round and then off to bed! I hadn't eaten all day so wondered about room service, but quite frankly couldn't work out how to get it, so had a tea and a few shortbread biccies that were provided instead! The room was quite narrow, not really suitable for a wheelchair, although the bathroom was - it had a shower, which was no use, so I had a wash, went to bed. Slept quite well, and woke up the next morning, and realised I didn't know when my train was! HA! Checked and, luckily, had time for breakfast, which was lovely - scrambled egg and bacon. Not many people around, so good service. Oh, and the lights were the same as the Jurys at Newcastle, so I was an expert on them by now - although when you took the card out at night, they went out straight away - which meant it was an experience getting into bed!
Ordered taxi to station and then sat in foyer and read the paper. Taxi came, took me to the back entrance to the station, which was not exactly the right place to go, but they were very helpful in getting help to get me to the train - which came very promptly. He carried my bag for me, was quite chatty without being overly so, and eventually I got to the platform. Same little four carriage train, such a LONG journey. No famous people this time. Sat opposite two young lads who were going to Manchester, journey was uneventful, same stations, some with weird names! Raining in Manchester (!). When I got on the train in Manchester, I started to feel quite emotional, thinking about the weekend and looked out of the window a lot (if you know what I mean!), there were a couple of extremely weird people sharing my carriage a couple of times, one of them muttering under his breath something about stupid train companies, I'll get them! A little disconcerting, but he was quiet the rest of the way to Leeds. Then there were two businessmen who chatted very loudly about closing this company down (they may have been lawyers), and then spent most of the rest of the time emailling on their little hand-held thingies.
Got off train, was helped to the taxi rank - it was assumed that I would stay in my chair, so went down this very long line of cabs to find a wheelchair accessible one, who couldn't or wouldn't get out of the line, so I told them I could get out and the customer services guy apologised for not asking me! Eventually got home, tired but happy - and hungry!
Thanks so much to everyone who made the Cardiff day a really special occasion - it was a truly lovely day.
Next time - LONDON!
Anyway, eventually, after Mr Osmond decided that he'd checked his sound loud and clear, I went in first, joking that they could now shut the door on the rest of the crowd! Rather surprisingly, they didn't listen to me! BAD security people! LOL!
I was guided to my seat and it was at the end of the third/fourth row in the middle, right in the centre of the stage - very good view of anyone who happened to appear on it (and there was - when you adjusted your camera to not get anyone's head in the way - JOAN! HA!). We waited quite a long time, and I chatted to loads of people and just waited and looked at the venue - really lovely inside, they've kept a lot of the stained glass windows and the interior - really lovely. Music was playing a lot of the time in the background and it was very mellow! We were given a package about the Shiloh weekend and our ticket for the M&G which I promptly nearly lost! I met Jenny and got a hug and a thank you from her, which was sweet.
Merrill coming on was a bit strange - he just suddenly appeared, really quietly from the back of the stage, it was like 'Oh, he's there!' LOL! He then sang a few songs, interspersed with chat about the weekend, about his family, about working on Sundays (the guilt some may feel about being there, he said something about 'if you need to be here, then that's OK', or something like that), he talked about being away from his family (and given what he went back to, that had added poignancy for me later). The weekend in June became even real for me. He told us to prepare for it beforehand, because it will change us, take us out of our comfort zones, specially the creation therapy. He introduced some people who were going to help him with the weekend. He answered some questions, which I can't remember most of now! It was a very moving time, to hear him talk about what he wanted to achieve and then the songs interspersed with that. Let Me In got me going AGAIN - thank you, Janette, for the hand hold and the tissue - much appreciated.
All in all a lovely time with him, he did the first half, there was an interval where I decided to go and look at the merchandise - I had it all (am I sad, or what?! LOL!)! The second half was Mal Pope, a really lovely guy who has got to know Merrill very well - he talked a bit about what they've done together, he introduced himself by singing the theme song from Fireman Sam - which he wrote. All together now............... LOL! I love a man who can laugh at himself! Merrill came on for some of it and sat and watched him at work. They did some stuff together, even some Osmond hits (Mal needs to work at his Crazy Horses dance! HA! Tooooo funny!). All of it was a very lovely time.
Afterwards, I decided I needed a drink, so after recovering (!), chatted to people (I spent the second half sort of in the first/second row in the middle again) and went to the bar! I got myself a Coke, and was just casually loitering with no intent whatsover - honest - and Merrill suddenly (again!) appeared down the side, I was pointed out to him, got a HUGE bearhug and then 'Would you like my sandwich?!' Well, I didn't quite know what to say, really - WHY does he feel the need to give me his food?! LOL! Sweets last June, Chicken mayo sandwich today - hmmmm....... ha! So, I said yes! HA! And he gave it to me, and then came the dilemma of what to actually DO with it! So, I went to the merch stall, wrapped it in a Osmania Stateside booking form (SORRY Karens!) and carried it around with me for the rest of the day (it went in a plastic bag when I got to the hotel).
Next June I'd like a lovely Belgian chocolate please, Merrill! (I know it's supposed to be healthy eating, but one won't do any harm!). We also had a raffle, which I forgot to buy tickets for - sorry Karen!
Then came the Meet and Greet Time, I was 34 or something, and they were being pretty strict about going in order, so I waited a bit, chatting to people in line, or who were just sitting there, soaking up the atmosphere. I discovered that the M&Gs were taking place upstairs, and decided that I would go walk upstairs, I had my crutches with me, I could do it. I discussed (!) it with Jenny and one of the security guys and they said they'd help get me up. So, I waited in line and when it was my turn, I got up, walked up one step, two steps and then there was a third, MUCH bigger step - and my foot got stuck! No matter how hard I tried, I could not move it. It was gently (ish) put to me that perhaps I shouldn't go upstairs - I wanted to try, but my foot wouldn't move. So, extremely reluctantly, I stayed at the foot of the flight of stairs - and bawled my eyes out! I was annoyed with myself, embarrassed that all these people wanted to help me and my body just couldn't do it - grrr!
Elinor was brilliant, she gave me a hug and managed to calm me down, reassuring me that at least I'd tried. I was left for a couple of minutes to get my breath back and then Merrill appeared 'Now, Ms Gerry, dry those tears!' He then crouched down in front of me and gently admonished me, saying that I didn't need to go to him, he'd ALWAYS come to me. I told him that I wanted to do the opposite and felt frustrated that I couldn't. There then followed the most wonderful conversation I've ever had with him and I'm keeping it to myself, if you don't mind, but it was lovely. We talked about health issues, families (mine and his), Belgium, it was just absolutely wonderful. I've always said that I'm often concerned that people talk about what's going on in their lives to Merrill, just didn't understand it - but I do know now. May never do it again but I needed to this time, obviously. Then Mario appeared and we had our photo taken together on the little ledge by the stairwell. The background and setting may not have been what I wanted (and I'll probably look like death warmed up in the photo), but the atmosphere couldn't have been bettered. Absolutely gorgeous.
Eventually, he went back upstairs and I floated back out to the hall! (Why couldn't I do that up those flipping stairs!). Thank you to Elinor and Joan for all their help, you are stars!
When I got back out, I spent the rest of the time talking to people, watching people go in (and again, one or two!). We were eventually asked to leave, very politely, by the security guys, as they needed to get everything down. So we went outside, and waited for a VERY long time whilst everyone else saw Merrill. Had great fun, got told the history of the neighbourhood by Bernard - bit dodgy, kept being threatened to be thrown in the Bay if I was naughty! There was a pub across the way which was a bit noisy, and some lads were playing with this small bouncy ball which they promptly lost and at one point we were all looking for the stupid thing - in darkness, with not much lighting where it had gone!
Most of the evening was spent deciding which exit Merrill would come out, and we were sure that certain people were playing cat and mouse with us, so several people were eventually posted at each entrance - tooo funny. 35 years of experience of trying to locate an Osmond is not to be sniffed at - or to try and con them into thinking Osmonds are somewhere they are not, or vice versa! LOL! He eventually came out at 10.15PM, after asking to see Susan's children, who were as lovely as ever! There was only a few of us mad fools there, it was flipping freezing, I had no long coat with me, but I got a handshake (!) and a 'you take care, Gerry' from Merrill as he got into the car and went off to Holland.
I was a bit worried about my hotel, so Lesley offered to give me a lift back in her car (even though I wasn't sure how to get back to it - it was DARK!), but I couldn't get into her car. Bernard and Susan offered, and I knew I could get into his, and he knew vaguely where it was, so off we went, with the family, and eventually got back to the hotel. They waited to see that everything was OK, just in case they'd forgotten I was coming back! If I had problems, we would go find somewhere else (or a nice quiet spot on the water somewhere, apparently! LOL!).
But no, no problems, checked in properly, hugs all round and then off to bed! I hadn't eaten all day so wondered about room service, but quite frankly couldn't work out how to get it, so had a tea and a few shortbread biccies that were provided instead! The room was quite narrow, not really suitable for a wheelchair, although the bathroom was - it had a shower, which was no use, so I had a wash, went to bed. Slept quite well, and woke up the next morning, and realised I didn't know when my train was! HA! Checked and, luckily, had time for breakfast, which was lovely - scrambled egg and bacon. Not many people around, so good service. Oh, and the lights were the same as the Jurys at Newcastle, so I was an expert on them by now - although when you took the card out at night, they went out straight away - which meant it was an experience getting into bed!
Ordered taxi to station and then sat in foyer and read the paper. Taxi came, took me to the back entrance to the station, which was not exactly the right place to go, but they were very helpful in getting help to get me to the train - which came very promptly. He carried my bag for me, was quite chatty without being overly so, and eventually I got to the platform. Same little four carriage train, such a LONG journey. No famous people this time. Sat opposite two young lads who were going to Manchester, journey was uneventful, same stations, some with weird names! Raining in Manchester (!). When I got on the train in Manchester, I started to feel quite emotional, thinking about the weekend and looked out of the window a lot (if you know what I mean!), there were a couple of extremely weird people sharing my carriage a couple of times, one of them muttering under his breath something about stupid train companies, I'll get them! A little disconcerting, but he was quiet the rest of the way to Leeds. Then there were two businessmen who chatted very loudly about closing this company down (they may have been lawyers), and then spent most of the rest of the time emailling on their little hand-held thingies.
Got off train, was helped to the taxi rank - it was assumed that I would stay in my chair, so went down this very long line of cabs to find a wheelchair accessible one, who couldn't or wouldn't get out of the line, so I told them I could get out and the customer services guy apologised for not asking me! Eventually got home, tired but happy - and hungry!
Thanks so much to everyone who made the Cardiff day a really special occasion - it was a truly lovely day.
Next time - LONDON!
Thursday, 15 November 2007
Bridgend to Cardiff
*Forgot to say that, now I knew how to work the lights system (same as the Jurys), was able to go to bed knowing I wasn't breaking anything! Woke up the following morning, bright and earlyish, packed and got down to breakfast. Really weird way of doing it - never done it like this before! LOL! I'd heard the receptionist tell someone else where breakfast was served and she'd said 'if there is room' at the end of it, so I thought I'd better be early just in case. There was a man and his son in there watching Match of the Day, but that was all. The breakfast was definitely a DIY job - the cereal on a highish shelf which I sort of had to launch myself at -too funny! There was a machine for the coffee - lovely! And then I had to find the bread for my toast - MUST have toast! I looked everywhere, and then decided to be nosy and look in cupboards - nope! I eventually found it in two plastic boxes right in front of my nose - doh!
Anyway, eventually ate breakfast and went back to room to check out and wait for cab. Chose a company with accessible taxis - they came in a normal saloon car! lol!
Got to station in one piece and went on to platform - to find I was on the wrong side of the tracks (normal, I hear you say!), the station person asked me if I'd come with a local taxi firm - yes (where the heck did he think I'd come from?!), he then walked down the correct side, while I struggled with my bags on the OTHER side, and we met in the middle and he pulled me backwards across the railway line - ha!
I then waited for my train - went to see if the coffee shop was open - nope. Went to see if there was an accessible loo - nope. Sooo (and if you're of a squeamish disposition, do not read on!), put my bags down, got my crutches out, walked into the loo, left the door open so I could see my bags - did what I had to do and then got out of there as fast as I could - dumpy toilet!
More people arrived and, despite there being several signs on the station regarding the no smoking policy, these Danish people who'd come to see the fight insisted on lighting up and we, being the polite British people we are, let them get on with it, no staff in sight! Eventually the train came and, as I was only going to be on it for 30 minutes, it turned out to be a HUGE eight carriage inter-city job thing, rather than the four carriage jobby that I'd endured the day before - typical! Train comes to a halt - no help to get me on train, and I wait, and wait, and eventually he saunters up 'did you think I wasn't coming?!' Yes, you idiot! LOL!
Anyway, got on train and the journey passed uneventfully (I should think so in 30 mins!). Got to Cardiff and - waited for help to get off! This poor student thought he was going to have to carry me off - he was trying to be so helpful. I think he had someone with him and THEY went to find someone, but again it was this attitude of 'I'll get there, eventually!' It's not like the train was stopping there, for goodness sake!
I had to make my own way out of the station - luckily I know how to read (I seem to have said this before! LOL!) and got to the taxi rank. I love the way cabbies look at me as I arrive, specially when they have saloon cars - the look of horror of having to help me is too funny! However, as soon as I leap out of the chair, their blood pressure soon drops several points. He was very helpful and quite chatty, knew which Osmond Merrill was (always a Brownie point or two in my book), didn't talk about any other Osmond (nudge, nudge, wink, wink!), and got me to my NEXT hotel in quick fashion, and knocked 50p off the fare! Nice man, very very nice man!
I was a bit worried about this leg of the journey, as I'd rung the Future Inn a couple of days before and asked them if it was OK to book in early. They said no, as rooms would not be ready as they were full the night before (that flipping fight, remember), but I thought I'd give it a go. So, I went in, receptionists were lovely (as all receptionists are, of course!), I explained I had a meeting (!!) at The Point, but they said no, I couldn't book in, but I could leave my bags, so that's what I did, and they'd leave a note to say that I was coming back later to check-in properly (and it WAS later, MUCH later!). I then used the loo and then went back out to reception to book a taxi to The Point - as it was about ten minutes walking time. I actually think I MIGHT have been able to do it as it was well signposted, but if it had been raining - no chance! Also, the hotel had some interesting sculpturework outside it -one in particular!
Went outside to wait for taxi, met up with others who were coming to the GT as well,who had had an interesting journey! Three cabs came alone before mine, and caused huge confusion when they picked up two parties who were going to the same place. The guy I went with had come to take people to the station, he went to check where they were, saw that they'd gone and said 'I'm all yours' - oooo!
Then he asked me where I was going, I told him, 'Where's that then?!' Oh my goodness!
We went on our way and I scrambled in my handbag for my ticket and gave him the location - 'aaaah, thought it might be!' Idiot! He didn't have a Welsh accent, sounded Canadian or American to me, so maybe he'd just arrived, or something, anwway, he needs more lessons in how to inspire confidence that he knows where he's going! LOL!
The route to The Point was nice - past the Millennium Centre, and other interesting buildings and fountains and such stuff. I pointed out a sign that said 'The Point' - thought I'd be helpful, and he smiled (probably thinking 'idiot woman'! hehe!). We eventually turned the corner and there was a car coming in the opposite direction, and also there was this grey-haired bloke standing in the middle of the road.............
Eventually, the car moved back - it was going the wrong way down a one-way street, and we parked and I got out - only to be told that Merrill had JUST gone in. Now, looking back on the grey-haired bloke in the middle of the street with no road sense, and what Merrill was wearing, I'm not TERRIBLY sure they were one and the same, but if I'd had my wits about me, I'd have beeped on the horn (even though it wasn't my place to do it!) and said 'Get off the road, you daft Yank!' However, I just got out of the car and behaved myself - for a bit, anyway!
Anyway, eventually ate breakfast and went back to room to check out and wait for cab. Chose a company with accessible taxis - they came in a normal saloon car! lol!
Got to station in one piece and went on to platform - to find I was on the wrong side of the tracks (normal, I hear you say!), the station person asked me if I'd come with a local taxi firm - yes (where the heck did he think I'd come from?!), he then walked down the correct side, while I struggled with my bags on the OTHER side, and we met in the middle and he pulled me backwards across the railway line - ha!
I then waited for my train - went to see if the coffee shop was open - nope. Went to see if there was an accessible loo - nope. Sooo (and if you're of a squeamish disposition, do not read on!), put my bags down, got my crutches out, walked into the loo, left the door open so I could see my bags - did what I had to do and then got out of there as fast as I could - dumpy toilet!
More people arrived and, despite there being several signs on the station regarding the no smoking policy, these Danish people who'd come to see the fight insisted on lighting up and we, being the polite British people we are, let them get on with it, no staff in sight! Eventually the train came and, as I was only going to be on it for 30 minutes, it turned out to be a HUGE eight carriage inter-city job thing, rather than the four carriage jobby that I'd endured the day before - typical! Train comes to a halt - no help to get me on train, and I wait, and wait, and eventually he saunters up 'did you think I wasn't coming?!' Yes, you idiot! LOL!
Anyway, got on train and the journey passed uneventfully (I should think so in 30 mins!). Got to Cardiff and - waited for help to get off! This poor student thought he was going to have to carry me off - he was trying to be so helpful. I think he had someone with him and THEY went to find someone, but again it was this attitude of 'I'll get there, eventually!' It's not like the train was stopping there, for goodness sake!
I had to make my own way out of the station - luckily I know how to read (I seem to have said this before! LOL!) and got to the taxi rank. I love the way cabbies look at me as I arrive, specially when they have saloon cars - the look of horror of having to help me is too funny! However, as soon as I leap out of the chair, their blood pressure soon drops several points. He was very helpful and quite chatty, knew which Osmond Merrill was (always a Brownie point or two in my book), didn't talk about any other Osmond (nudge, nudge, wink, wink!), and got me to my NEXT hotel in quick fashion, and knocked 50p off the fare! Nice man, very very nice man!
I was a bit worried about this leg of the journey, as I'd rung the Future Inn a couple of days before and asked them if it was OK to book in early. They said no, as rooms would not be ready as they were full the night before (that flipping fight, remember), but I thought I'd give it a go. So, I went in, receptionists were lovely (as all receptionists are, of course!), I explained I had a meeting (!!) at The Point, but they said no, I couldn't book in, but I could leave my bags, so that's what I did, and they'd leave a note to say that I was coming back later to check-in properly (and it WAS later, MUCH later!). I then used the loo and then went back out to reception to book a taxi to The Point - as it was about ten minutes walking time. I actually think I MIGHT have been able to do it as it was well signposted, but if it had been raining - no chance! Also, the hotel had some interesting sculpturework outside it -one in particular!
Went outside to wait for taxi, met up with others who were coming to the GT as well,who had had an interesting journey! Three cabs came alone before mine, and caused huge confusion when they picked up two parties who were going to the same place. The guy I went with had come to take people to the station, he went to check where they were, saw that they'd gone and said 'I'm all yours' - oooo!
Then he asked me where I was going, I told him, 'Where's that then?!' Oh my goodness!
We went on our way and I scrambled in my handbag for my ticket and gave him the location - 'aaaah, thought it might be!' Idiot! He didn't have a Welsh accent, sounded Canadian or American to me, so maybe he'd just arrived, or something, anwway, he needs more lessons in how to inspire confidence that he knows where he's going! LOL!
The route to The Point was nice - past the Millennium Centre, and other interesting buildings and fountains and such stuff. I pointed out a sign that said 'The Point' - thought I'd be helpful, and he smiled (probably thinking 'idiot woman'! hehe!). We eventually turned the corner and there was a car coming in the opposite direction, and also there was this grey-haired bloke standing in the middle of the road.............
Eventually, the car moved back - it was going the wrong way down a one-way street, and we parked and I got out - only to be told that Merrill had JUST gone in. Now, looking back on the grey-haired bloke in the middle of the street with no road sense, and what Merrill was wearing, I'm not TERRIBLY sure they were one and the same, but if I'd had my wits about me, I'd have beeped on the horn (even though it wasn't my place to do it!) and said 'Get off the road, you daft Yank!' However, I just got out of the car and behaved myself - for a bit, anyway!
Wednesday, 7 November 2007
Bridgend or Bust
Soooo, there I am in Bridgend, with a female taxi driver, and we drove to my hotel. Never stayed in a Holiday Inn Express before - not bad. Checked in and went to room - nice and big, bathroom had a shower though, don't do showers (I know, I know, ecologically they are better, but I don't do them, OK!). I do wash though, so I wasn't completely mucky! HA! Arrived ridiculously early so spent the rest of the day texting people to say I was bored, watching the view out of the window (lovely Sainsburys and a MacArthur Glen designer outlet, which I could've gone to, I suppose, if I'd risked my life going across a very, very busy roundabout! Watched telly, relaxed a bit - which was a good thing, really. At about six I decided I needed to eat, and decided to go to the Harvester round the corner - not across the road, just down the path. I decided to go then as I thought it wouldn't be crowded - WRONG! Heaving! 15 minute wait for a table - so I did what any sensible girl would, I had a glass of wine - my second in a week, my goodness me!
Eventually my table was ready and I had a lovely meal of roast chicken, baked potato and salad - very healthy - ha! Decided against a pudding (my goodness, I must've been coming down with something), had a coffee, and then went back to the hotel. The path was very dark and I am very glad I wasn't tiddly, as it ran out and I had to go into the road of the car park, and nearly got run over by a taxi coming round the corner - eek!
Anyway, got home safely and went to my room, after investigating the breakfast room and whether there was computer access anywhere public - nope!
Spent the rest of the evening in my room, trying to find Merrill on the radio - he wasn't on mine - and I wasn't the only one who could find him either, apparently - where were you?! So, I watched telly some more - Casualty and Strictly (or vice versa!) and then I went to bed, and slept not too badly. Room was quite cold as I couldn't shut the window properly, so it was noisy from the fireworks and cars going by - couldn't hear the motorway though.
Eventually my table was ready and I had a lovely meal of roast chicken, baked potato and salad - very healthy - ha! Decided against a pudding (my goodness, I must've been coming down with something), had a coffee, and then went back to the hotel. The path was very dark and I am very glad I wasn't tiddly, as it ran out and I had to go into the road of the car park, and nearly got run over by a taxi coming round the corner - eek!
Anyway, got home safely and went to my room, after investigating the breakfast room and whether there was computer access anywhere public - nope!
Spent the rest of the evening in my room, trying to find Merrill on the radio - he wasn't on mine - and I wasn't the only one who could find him either, apparently - where were you?! So, I watched telly some more - Casualty and Strictly (or vice versa!) and then I went to bed, and slept not too badly. Room was quite cold as I couldn't shut the window properly, so it was noisy from the fireworks and cars going by - couldn't hear the motorway though.
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