NASCAR Hall of Fame

So let's see, where did we leave off last time. . . Oh right, lunch at a German restaurant, only found a onesie for Evelyn at the outlet, and watching the Olympics.

Ok so dulcimer practice continues. Steve and I went to the Folk Arts Center on the Blue Ride Parkway on Sunday, for the August meeting of the Western North Carolina Dulcimer Group. These are really nice people but after playing with them for just a few minutes I thought I should go home put my dulcimer in the case and never look at it again. Steve Smith wasn't there this month, but the ladies that were, their level of mastery was second only to him. It looks like they aren't even pressing on the strings and their fingers pretty much fly over the frets. As much as I felt I had no business playing in their presence, it was thrilling watching and listening to them. 

Tuesday our little dulcimer group at the campground had our monthly performance. This month we had extra help. The husband of one of the dulcimer players plays many instruments, guitar, banjo, piano, hammered dulcimer, and I'm sure he has a few others. Anyway he came and played with us and also gave us a couple hammered dulcimer songs. His playing is beautiful. It was lots of fun. 

Now on to the title topic, today we went to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. I didn't realize last year that we were so close to the HoF. It only was about 90 minutes away. As we were turning the corner and we were there I saw so many news vans and we wondered what was up with that, but we were there for the HoF. It was kind of cool, even though NASCAR is really not my deal. Of course Steve was in his glory and I only had to hear once that he's a "professional driver". Crazy man thinks that because he did the Richard Petty Driving Experience a couple times that makes him a professional race car driver. HAH!! Our ticket included one simulator ride. Now I have to admit this was fun, especially since I beat his butt. Out of 13 other drivers I was 5th, he was 9th, I led five laps, he led ZERO, I completed 11 laps, he completed 9. The only thing he did beat me at was speed. His fasted lap was 15.389, mine was 16.144, but hey I still won, and I have the paperwork to prove it. Yeah, I rule!!

 

 

When we got home and turned on the TV we found out why all the TV vans were a block from the HoF, Trump was at the Charlotte Convention Center, which was directly across from where we parked.  Damn, if we had known we could have stuck around. 

More From North Carolina

Steve and I are really enjoying our time in North Carolina. The weather has been pretty wet and you would think that would be upsetting, but actually we are taking it easy. We have gone to the movies, we have been renting movies, we have been able to take advantage of activities here at Lakewood RV Resort. 

I know I've said it before but this place really is great. Last Friday night the owners threw a party. Free food, free beer and wine, and a really good local band for free entertainment. The only problem was that it was the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. We ate, we socialized, we had a great time and still made it home in time to see the United States walk in. I just couldn't miss that. 

Steve and I did go visit our favorite German restaurant in Black Mountain and we had a wonderful schnitzel dinner. I have been practicing my dulcimer a lot. There are a couple other new players and we are taking advantage of extra practices together. Although the dulcimers are fewer than last year we have picked up a guitarist, the husband of one of the new players, and he used to play in a band and he is GOOD! It adds a whole new level to our little group. 

I did make it to one of the outlets and only found a onesie for Evelyn. Oh it's probably for the best. God knows Steve and I don't need anything, but heck sometimes it is fun to shop. 

So I guess what I'm trying to get across is, we are enjoying life, relaxing (as much as one can relax watching the olympics, our neighbors are probably thinking we are fighting cause there is yelling going on), but aside from that we are having a good time.