Vegas

I'm going to go onto the day of the Meet and Greet now - or the Sit and Stare, or Sit on the Spit. Prior to this, as there were so many rules about what we could and couldn't do at this, we were convince d that each Osmond would be put on an individual podium and be rotating so we could all get a good look - wasn't quite like that (shame, would've been fun!).

Okayyyy - in the programme it said 'no line before 12.30pm, but being not-so-good Osmond fans, one or two people had been there since 4.30am apparently (I kid you not! LOL!). I must admit that I joined at about 10am (ish - time stood still in this place with no clocks and me no watch!). This was because, and I think it was a very good reason, it said 'first come, first served, and to a person in a wheelchair that is bad news! LOL! Sooooo, my philosophy was get there early, and wheel like hell!

However, we were threatened (too strong a word, but hey!) with security being called, and they did come, and looked, and looked, and did nothing - at first. Then this female sergeant came (men - wimps!) and yelled at us to all move - and most people did - to the slot machines about six feet away - toooooo funny! THEN - it was suggested that perhaps we could have numbers on our wristbands (the too tight yellow stiff plastic ones - where, or where were the ones like we had at Osmania in Feb?!), OK, so we all lined up (well, again, most of us) and had a number put on our wristband - I was 7o-something. And so we went away, came back a bit later to find that the number thing wouldn't be honoured - can't remember the reason but it's not important in the grand scheme of things.

Then, I was told that the people in wheelchairs would go in first, THEN I was told that, even though we would be taken in first, we'd have to sit in the wheelchair spaces at the back - sod that for a lark, I thought (and probably said, but not loud, that sergeant lady looked mean!). Anyway, we waited, and waited, and then I was asked to move forward, so I did (didn't need asking twice). I had a strategy that said that, if I was asked to stay at the back I would immediately wheel myself down the slope and woebetide anyone who tried to stop me! HA!

It got VERY hairy outside, and I am told that PBS encouraged people to stand closer together and cheer and do all sorts of idiotic things (for that crowd). If that is true, shame on them for nearly causing a riot (looks good on telly though, I suppose, she says drily). Anyway, one of the other ladies in chairs nearly had a panic attack, and asked to move forward, and the people behind her thought the doors were opening and crowded even more closely round her - not helpful, people!

Eventually, we were allowed in and led to the front - but we had to get out of our chairs (one woman actually didn't, but that's OK). I sped down to the front (couldn't help it in the end, it was so flipping steep and I didn't realise it until it was too late! LOL!) and sat in the left hand side of the aisle. This turned out to be a fairly bad mistake, and I now think that, sometimes, front row is not the best place to see things - never mind, I was there!

We waited quite a while, Jimmy came out a couple of times and chatted to us, made a joke about redheads (AGAIN!). Lots of people milling about, putting wires in sockets, trailing wires across wheelchairs (tough if we wanted to leave for ANY reason!), coming off and on stage. At least two Osmond assistants were there, but I only recognise Teresa as a rule, so, sorry about that, but......, errm, never mind! LOL! I noticed the stage set up and immediately thought that I was in the wrong place, as the seats all were facing towards the right hand side of the stage - this was a beef of mine about that stage set up all the time I was there, so be prepared!

Anyway, eventually, people started to come in - and I was amazed at how calm it all seemed, having been out there earlier, but maybe some of it had to do with the fact that Virl and Tom had gone to the door to greet everyone (it would've been VERY nice if they'd said hello to US, btw, but I managed to do that on my own later on - alone - which was lovely).

Anyway, we waited, and then this PBS woman came on - and what a, yes, well, I'll be polite - one of the first things she said was 'I must be the luckiest woman alive' - errm - why?! I hate simpering 40-something women who do this, puts US in a bad light - just be professional, woman! Anyway, she wittered on and on about PBS, wanted to know where we were from (well done the British contingent for being the loudest - Brits rule! HA J/K!).

Then - they came on, to huge cheers of course. I've seen the seven of them on stage once before (my first concert, which was lucky) so it perhaps wasn't as moving for me as it may have been for some others (I didn't do much crying the whole time I was there, to be honest, I'm obviously a cold hearted female dog!), but it was lovely to see them onstage again. Merrill looked towards me, but looked right through me - no matter, I am a Jay fan now! I loved the banter, but I did NOT like the Q&A session, if people have gone to the trouble of asking a question, then I expect the Osmonds to answer them, and I could see whatsherface's piece of paper, and it looked to me like it had at least eight on it, and she only asked 2-3 (if that) - I would suggest that the remaining questions are sent to the family and answered - it may take several months (Osmond time is, as we know, something you have to get used to when you go to things like this!). I loved Jimmy's 'organising' (normally, he's got up my wick because he's so 'organised' but I'm glad someone was in charge!). Loved seeing some of my friends getting their photo taken, some were a bit hmmmm - and I loved Donny's comment about one of the names (your writing's not exactly clear sometimes, either, Mr Osmond!). Thought, how the heck am I going to get up there if my name is called - do I climb up the steps on my bum, or do I beg for Jay to help (you know, being a Jay fan now?!), or do I just stay where I am, looking all sweet and innocent, and let them come to mam - errrm, me?! Luckily, or not as the case may be, it didn't happen, but it would've been interesting to find out!

I like them singing in seven-part harmony, but it reminded me of my dad, who doesn't like it when they do that!

More later (I have to do some research ;-))