HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

What are you thankful for? My list includes ( in no particular order): family, friends, loved ones, pets, music, my job, good health, chocolate, airplanes, beaches, living in the USA, books, sunshine, changes of season, great food, coffee, ice cream, tequila, wine, beer, sunrises and sunsets, the many colors of humanity, imagination, cell phones, and high speed internet. And, when I count my many blessings, I include you. Hoping you have a blessed day and enjoy eating lots of turkey.

We are having a nontraditional Thanksgiving this year. Our son is hosting it, with a Mardi Gras theme. Cajun turkey, creole food, feather boas, beads and masks..... I have been "tasting" that turkey all week! Yum!!

Enjoy your day! Cary

In Memory

Many of you will remember Gene McDaniel from the VFW in Kettering. For the past 15 years or so he has also has come by The Peerless, Chimney's and even to Romer's. Gene passed away a week ago Monday evening at home. Services were last weekend. Gene's wife Laura, wanted me to let everyone know how much he appreciated our Karaoke family. Most especially, Johnny K. for his advice and encouragement. Gene was a great guy and will be missed by many. I was honored to be asked by Laura to come and sing at Gene's wake and was able to break away awhile Saturday to do so. As I looked around the room, I thought, "wow" what a diverse gathering.

Take a look around you some evening. These are people who share a part of their lives, a part of their souls with you on a regular basis. I thank each and every one of you for being a part of my life. And I thank all the powers that be that have allowed me the privilege of sharing a piece of my life with such an extraordinary group.

We also lost another very dear friend who passed last Sunday at Hospice. Curtis Fair was like a father to us and he will be greatly missed. We always visit Curtis and his wife, Betty each Sunday. Some of you will remember Curtis, as he danced the first dance with Brenda at our wedding reception.

Sing with Joy, Sing with Love, Sing in Sorrow, Sing in Pain, Sing Alone, Sing in Pairs, Sing in Groups Sing, Sing, Sing, Sing Sing for Life. The music within you is the greatest gift you can possibly share

Musically,

Cary

HALLOWEEN EVERYDAY

Take Karaoke singers and friends, a big cauldron type bar and stir...whatcha got? Halloween everyday! Although Halloween is officially over, we can still pretend to be whoever we want! Elvis? Pull your collar up, strike a sexy pose and wiggle those hips. Madonna? Wear your lowest and tightest corset! The next American Idol? Sing out!! Join us for karaoke evenings where you can leave your troubles behind and be the STAR of the evening.

Here are some photos from last week. We had a boo-tiful time!

Little Piece of Heaven

We just returned from a wonderful trip to Puerto Vallarta. We have always loved Mexico; the country, culture and people. Puerto Vallarta is definitely one of the most beautiful places in Mexico and we were thrilled to return. We stayed at the Riu Palace, a 5 star all inclusive resort. I highly recommend it! It couldn't have been better! Beautiful accommodations, unspoiled beach, wonderful food and good shows (we saw Mama Mia and Grease).

One of the highlights of our trip was Zip Lining through the Sierra Madre mountains and jungle. Wow!! What a thrilling experience. As you can probably guess, I DID sing "George of the Jungle" as I was flying through the trees!

Another day, we took a water taxi to Puerto Vallarta. What a beautiful way to approach the town....skimming along the water, viewing the gorgeous mountains and picturesque town. Puerto Vallarta is a wonderful town to explore and always a fun experience.

Back to reality now, and back to work. I'll be at the Senior Center on the 19th and Romer's on the 20th. I will also be providing entertainment at the Halloween Party at the West Carrollton VFW on October 30th. Mark your calendars! I hope to see you soon.

Musically, Cary

Sing For A Good Cause

I will be helping to host a Cancer Benefit Saturday night, October 2, from 5-10 at the West Carrollton VFW (River Rats). Travis Johnson is fighting an enormous battle with Stage 4 cancer of the colon and liver and he has incurred tremendous medical costs. Come sing Karaoke and participate in the Karaoke challenge. We have some wonderful merchandise and gift certificates to be put in the raffles and silent auction. We will also be serving a pulled pork dinner and sandwiches from Panera. Hope you can join us!

Family Fun and Festivals

The past few weekends have brought fun times with family. First, a visit to Evansville and Ellis Track for horse racing. Brenda was one of the big winners in our group.

With mom at the Track

Brenda and I have been going to our annual local festivals...Greek Festival, Italian Festival, Taste of Miami Valley and the Oktoberfest! We love this time of year.

We also had a fun weekend with my sister. Karaoke at a Taste of Wine and River Rats, food and fun on the river, and a nice outdoor lunch in Covington, Kentucky. It's been a fun few weeks.

This Saturday, I will be helping to host a Cancer Benefit at River Rats VFW. Mark your calendars and watch this blog for more information.

Hope to see you soon!

"Unforgettable"

This week, we lost a wonderful friend. Revonda Bryan passed away suddenly. We already miss her laughter, voice, quiet courage, friendship and kindness. Revonda was our "karaoke ambassador", making friends everywhere she went and bridging the gap between karaoke singers and the local patrons. We saw Revonda every week...sometimes twice a week. She will be greatly missed. Revonda had a beautiful voice and a wide repertoire of songs. Most special to me, were our weekly duets of "Endless Love", "Unforgettable" and "When I Fall In Love". I am "retiring" these songs now, in memory of Revonda. I will never sing them with anyone else again.

Rest peacefully, Revonda. Know that you truly are "Unforgettable, In Every Way".

Revonda and Jerry. Photo taken 2 weeks ago.