I wanted to be able to share photos and some of the memories of the year 2019. It doesn't get any better than this. Butch Clayton and I returned for the 79th Sturgis and were treated to a fine dinner at Lodge Deadwood by our friend and Sturgis Headquarters Information man, Larry Vissia.
The year started with the 8th Annual Action Riders of Franklin County's Polar Bear / Chili Cook off for the Honor Flight Society
The DeSoto Elks 698
The DeSoto Elks had a cancellation and had called wanting to book me originally for Friday January 11th 2019.
When the time came we had a snow storm that was going to hit that day. They called back and asked if they could reschedule. I told them no problem and rescheduled the event for Friday January 25th, 2019 instead.
What I liked about this most was the volunteers that worked in fixing their Pork Chop Dinners raised money for their Christmas Kids program.
There was a very large turn out for the event and I looked forward to returning.
The event was rather successful more so since it had been rescheduled.
I performed a Country show for Salty Myke's Saloon on Saturday January 26th 2019. It was the last and only show I done there for the year. for whatever reasons personal or otherwise. Had an excellent turn out and many in the audience sang along with me. Its just sad when things don't work out.
The Sweetheart Party was my first for Pacific Care Center. They do a lot for their residents including sweets and a King & Queen
The night was completely filled to the brim and the applause had runeth over. With a PACKED HOUSE it doesn't get much better. I am so Blessed to have such a great turn out for my first performance at S
Slo Odies for the "Luck of the IRISH Party" . Great food, cold drinks, Family and close friends always makes for a awesome evening.
April kicked off the Action Riders meet n greets out at Suzie's Finish Line in Londell, MO
One of the Wednesday meet n greets I had to take a ride out on my Dream Machine to show it off after converting it to its lighter and more nimble convertible ride with it new rear luggage rack and backrest
Not just a Road Glide Special but a Dream Machine
The 2nd Annual Battle of the Badges was successful and Cedar Hill Fire won the completion.
Many were surprised to have some calming live music to listen to while they donated blood.
The Cinco De Mayo Party Kick Off Party
Was such a HUGE success .
I returned to the Finish Line for the Action Riders on what was a very windy Wednesday
Done a Old Time Country Show for Pacific Care on Friday April 12th
I returned to SLO' ODIE'S Friday April 19th
Although I had an excellent crowds, it was unfortunately the amount of work was apparently too much for the owner to handle. Being understaffed he decided to cancel all music from that point on. You just can't fix stupid
Just like with any business sometimes things just don't work out .
On Mothers Day I was asked to do a Special Event for the De Soto Elks Lodge 698
What really amazed me was the crowd when I arrived. It was already the largest I had seen there but there was more to come. They had done this up really nice a Mothers Day. I went about my business trying to bring my equipment in and around to the area that I had played at before They had bought more than a dozen potted plants and had them stacked on one of the pool tables .
While I was setting up they had all of the mothers grand mothers and Great Grandmothers raise their hand and each one got a raffle ticket.
After passing out the tickets they pulled the numbers and one by one each winner came up and picked out one of the potted plants. Their were all kinds. Ferns of different sizes. Different flowers and climbing vines some were even blooming
When I had finished setting up the head guy made the announcement that it would be Elk member that would come up and prepare a plate for the mother at each table. Before the crowd lined up. I tell you it was the nicest thing I had ever seen done for mothers.
I had introduced myself and talked about my mother who was buried out between De Soto and Valley Mines. When I mentioned Mount Olive cemetary I was surprised at those who acknowledge knowing where it was.
I played the music that I believe my mother would of wanted me to do for her. I t was one of the most satisfying performance I had done to date. I returned a few weeks later for another "Pork Chop Dinner " that was also very successful in raising even morefunds for their Christmas Childrens Program .
Since returning from the 2017 Sturgis my O1 Eagle ( 2001 Electra-Glide Classic ) had been needing at least a upper end rebuild. In late June it went to the Dealership for more of a complete rebuild.
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All set and ready to head out to STURGIS once again
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Sometimes things just happen that delay you from your destiny.
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Butch Clayton and I were "Interviewed" by the City of Sturgis Chamber of Commerce for out expertise in having come to the rally for so many years and got our thoughts and perspective from those that "Ride their motorcycles to the Rally"
What a way to cap off a stay with a visit to Lodge Deadwood. Larry treated us for the Finest in Dining and told me they are excepting overnight reservations for next years rally starting at $ 1,000.oo a night . — with Larry Vissia and Butch Clayton at The Lodge Deadwood.
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| the Party Girls |
One of the best moments I will always remember when I had just returned from yet another Sturgis trip to spend this moment with my Dad out at the Finish Line in Londell, MO on Dad's 90th Birthday
The Ultimate winner of the 1st Queen of Hearts with the board
What an awesome crowd tonight at D'Angelo's ! Stix entertained the folks w/ good music as always. The waitress did a awesome job serving cold drinks and delicious food! Congratulations to Roxanna Anderson on again winning the 50/50, But the Big Winner of the night was an invited guest who was lucky enough to Find the Queen of Hearts, taking home a jackpot of over $3700, a Huge Shout Out n Congratulations to Deby Eckstein .... Thank you again to everyone that made this such a huge successful fundraiser for Our Organization....
I celebrated 35 years complete of Sobriety on Sept 29th.
There is a lot that could to be said but it was My choice to give up drinking. With the help of the Almighty I am here today were I have no doubt I wouldn't be otherwise. Somethings are just more important, its called LIFE.
In early October My 1st Grandson was born.
Its not every day a James Douglas is born
Here are 4 generations. One is born about every 30 years
