Of Independence And All...

Happy Saturday friends!

By now I hope you have reached the destination you've been looking for or have planned to attend. This day holds alot of promise and traditions to the people of these United States. A day where you will probably partake in food, festivities, the beach, and fireworks. You may also be caught up at a sporting event. Gee, imagine that. ME at a sporting event...

I want to take a moment and thank my former comrades of Champps Americana in Addison, Texas. The natives are well aware about a yearly occurrence on the night BEFORE July 4th called Kaboomtown! Simply stated Addison, Texas puts on one of the best fireworks shows in the U.S.A if not the world.

My last time working Kaboomtown was in 2003. There were fewer restaurants in Addison proper at the time, yet still the city to be when the sun went down. Also available for your visual enjoyment were the WW2 planes doing all kinds of Blue Angel maneuvers at Addison Airport. Having had my share of air shows and fireworks in Seattle, Wa. I was more than okay with that. The day was long but the fun was had. Texans know how to have a good time. Addison knows how to throw a party!

For the last eight years I have been a part of the Champps family. I have met some wonderful people in that time. With service split between two locations it is difficult to make return trips to Addison. For one night, that gets put to the wayside.

It was like I never left. Seeing old regulars say hello like it was only yesterday. Seeing former coworkers sport the same level of gray as I made for some funny discussions. Don't be fooled. The restaurant industry is one for the young and thick skinned. Don't do it if you can't handle high maintenance. It just so happens I still enjoy this avenue of service after 30 years. The day to move on is coming...

Emerald City and Suburban Legend were the featured bands. They were outstanding! Drink and food specials were the order of the day. The numbers of people for Kaboomtown weren't as high as years past, but it was a fun crowd all the same.

My night ended before 1 am. Yes, I had my camera alongside me. I took a moment to take pictures with all the people I used to do battle with, in the trenches of the bar. Funny, but when you come back to a place after you've been away so long, everything seems smaller. Not like the way I remember it. I do know that Champps has always provided me an abilit to maintain my element of Maverick Independence. For that I will always be grateful!

Lou Gehrig is going to be honored later this day in ballparks throughout the U.S. It was 70 years ago when he gave what is now being referred to as 'Baseball's Gettysburg Address'. I haven't been given many bad breaks, and I have so much to live for!

Kaboomtown is now over and done. I won't guarantee it, but you just might see me back in Addison for future Kabomtown's. Thanks again to Amy, Phaedra, Randy, and Adrian for the invite. Sometimes in life you CAN go back home.

Time for bed.

Over and out in Big D

Mr Will