That white stuff on the ground?  Yeah...that's SAND...much better than the white stuff on the ground here this morning!

I'm a little 'homesick' for the beach today.  Next week is Spring Break and I had planned to go to Florida, but due to some family health issues, the trip was cancelled.  I sure hope I can get back to the sand and surf before too long...I get a bit stir crazy without a yearly dose of waves!

(I took this photo from the back deck at Pineapple Willy's in Panama City Beach this past July, by the way.  It was around 85 degrees as the sun was going down with a nice ocean breeze blowing through the trees. BIG sigh...)

~Nona

If you want live music...here's some to catch:

TONIGHT:

Kevin Dalton & Jason Foster - The End Zone Pizza & Pub in Burnside

The Flint Ridge Millers and Cuzin Earl - The Paddy Wagon Irish Pub in Richmond

The Dirty Grindstones - Lisa's Oak Street Lounge in Louisville

Freddy and the Cruegers - O'Neill's Irish Pub in Lexington

Country Stone Band - VFW Club #5908 in Mt. Vernon

Triple Shot (acoustic) - The Bucket List Bar & Grill in Burnside

Broken Dreams - Southside Pub in Lexington

Moose Knuckle - The Captain's Lounge in Somerset

Kings Of Freon - 303 West Bar/Restaurant in Danville

TONIGHT AND SATURDAY:

Tangent - Fredia's in Liberty

Superfecta - Parlay Social Club in Lexington

Martin Burns Alive - Madison Garden Bar & Grill in Richmond

The Larry Williams Band - Champions Sports Bar in RIchmond

Ryman Reason - The White Barn in Waynesburg

SATURDAY:

Max Power with special guest Doug Holsomback - The End Zone Bar & Grill in Burnside

Freddy and the Cruegers - Phoenix Hill Tavern in Louisville

Chris Saylor and Southern Force - VFW Post #5908 in Mt. Vernon

The Sooners - Jefferson Davis Inn in Lexington

Blind Peace, Rapid Transit and Borrowed Blue - The Clinton County Learning Center in Albany for the St. Jude Fundraiser

Easy Target - The Bucket List Bar & Grill in Burnside

Sacred Souls - The Captain's Lounge in Somerset

Heavy Chase - The Paddy Wagon Irish Pub in Richmond

Downshift - 303 West Bar/Restaurant in Danville

THURSDAY:

Big Train - Eddie Montgomery's Steak House in Harrodsburg

That's the list of gigs at the various venues around the area!  Enjoy!

SUPPORT LIVE & LOCAL MUSIC!

~Nona

This photo was taken one year ago this weekend during a walk in Million Park in RIchmond, KY .  It seems we're a little behind getting blossoms and greenery this year!

I'm so ready for warm weather...bring on SPRINGTIME!

~Nona

Do you have a special list of songs that just gets you revved up?  You know...like everytime you hear them played on the radio, you turn the stereo up as loud as you can or you dance around the room like a lunatic?

I've got a list like that and it is MY TEN ON TUESDAY list for today!

MY TEN ON TUESDAY - REV ME UP ROCK SONGS:

10) "Dirty Laundry" - Don Henley  (A perfect song for a broadcast major!  When I was at EKU, this was the unofficial theme song of the communications department.  It brings back some great memories...and...reminds me to never be a 'bubbled-headed bleach blonde!')

9)  "Animal" - Def Leppard  (It's my favorite song by this band and it's just fun.  The lyrics make me smile!)

8)  "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) - Journey  (This song just makes me happy to hear.  I love the drums. I love the guitar. I really love the vocals!)

7)  "Kiilling In The Name Of" - Rage Against The Machine  (If I hear this and I'm in a bad mood...it makes me feel like I'm 'ready to rumble.'  If I hear this and I'm in a good mood, it makes me feel like I've just consumed three Red Bulls.)

6)  "Whatever" - Godsmack  (When I'm in a mood to tell someone to kiss my...foot...this is perfect!)

5)  "Immigrant Song" - Led Zeppelin  (It's short, it's sweet, it rocks...and it's freakin' Zeppelin!  Nuff said!)

4)  "Mysterious Ways" - U2  (Even though U2 is my overall favorite band, many of their radio songs are more sedate....but this one...yes, it just rocks!)

3)  "Black Betty" - Ram Jam  (This is just a fun song...and the drum pattern is fabulous!)

2)  "Enter Sandman" - Metallica  (I get a lot of flack over this being my favorite Metallica song but I just love the drums and overall tempo of it.)

and

1)  "Here I Go Again" - Whitesnake  (I'll never forget turning on the radio to hear this song as I pulled away from Mom's house on my way to EKU in the fall of 1983. I decided then and there that it would always be "MY" song and I've stuck to that promise.  It always makes me feel empowered and free and strong.  It is also the one song I've made everyone promise will be played at my funeral when I leave this world.)

As I compiled this list....I also thought about several honorable mentions and wanted to list those, as well:

"Never Been Any Reason" - Head East

"Sweet Emotion" - Aerosmith

"Right Now" - Van Halen

"It's My Life" - Bon Jovi

"Some Kind Of Wonderful" - Grand Funk Railroad

"Holy Diver" - Dio

"Closer" - Nine Inch Nails

"Her Strut" - Beb Seger and the Silver Bullet Band

"Thunder Island" - Jay Ferguson

"Rebel Yell" - Billy Idol

"Roadhouse Blues" - The Doors

"Ballroom Blitz" - Sweet (or Krokus)

"Hole Hearted" - Extreme

"Bawitaba" - Kid Rock

"Brown-Eyed Girl" - Van Morrison

"Learn To Fly" - Foo Fighters

and "Unskinny Bop" - Poison

There are several other songs that get me going, but I'll stop for now.  In fact, I think I'll make me a mix-tape with this list! :)

~Nona

I don't often blog about anything of a religious nature on this website because a rock radio station isn't considered to be very Christian-like by many people.  However, I feel the need today to send some praises to God.

On Friday, Jaden Brooke Jasper was in surgery for many hours to repair damage suffered during a car accident with her dad on March 5th here in Somerset.  Due to the extent of her injuries, on the day of the crash and the first few days following it, it would have been easy to give up hope that she was going to survive.  As days passed, there were numerous signs of improvement.  Eventually, surgery on Friday found the damage not to be nearly as bad as feared...and now, a full recovery is expected.

Jaden is a beautiful young woman.  She is in the 7th grade at Northern Middle School and is active in several different things.  She is a Christian and has posted messages on her Facebook page declaring her faith.  Her cover photo reminds us that "there is no fear in Love" (1 John 4:18)...and under her 'religious views' section, she says, "In my life, God is number one. And, it's never gonna change. ♥" 

I don't know her personally, though I do know her aunt and uncle.  I know that they and all of her family have been praying constantly for her (as they also prayed for a full recovery for her dad.)  I know that her parents have been frightened and thankful and happy and every other emotion someone has when a loved one is hurting. I know that she has hundreds of good friends at school and church who have been wearing pink, her favorite color, for days as they continued to pray for her.  I know that a national Christian band stopped at the UK Hospital this weekend to pray with her.  I know that almost 6000 people have 'liked' the page, Prayers For Jaden. I know that her story has been featured on radio, TV and newpaper coverage. I know that this young lady is going to leave quite an impression on those who have cared for her in the hospital. And...I know that this young lady is leaving a lasting impression on ME!

Yes...it would be easy to give up HOPE when a situation seems as 'hopeless' as Jaden's story first appeared...but NO ONE did.  Everyone believed that God would see her through this ordeal.  Everyone prayed without ceasing.  Everyone trusted that her life is going to be a guidepost to many.  And, as her cover photo indicates...everyone knew that THERE IS NO FEAR IN LOVE!

God bless you, sweet Jaden, for your testimony, your courage and your ability to bring together a community of believers in hope!

(If you would like to help with any of the medical expenses the family is facing, you can find more information at: http://www.gofundme.com/JasperFamilyBenefit )

~Nona

Here's the list of live music happenings around the area for this weekend and week:

TONIGHT:

Faubush Hill - The End Zone Pizza & Pub in Burnside

Harken - The Captain's Lounge in Somerset

Cuzin Earl - The Bucket List Bar & Grill in Burnside

Too Many Drummers, The Rooster's Crow and Beth Current - Lynagh's in Lexington

Tears To Embers - Longbranch Saloon in Knoxville, TN

KY United Pipes & Drums and Mitch Barrett - The Paddy Wagon Irish Pub in Richmond

Drew & the HgH Band - Cheapside Bar & Grill in Lexington

Klassyc Tymes - Eddie Montgomery Steak House in Harrodsburg

Th ReZonators - 303 West Bar/Restaurant in Danville

TONIGHT AND SATURDAY:

Next In Line Band - Fredia's in Liberty

Eddie Barber & Off The Wagon - Champions Sports Bar in Richmond

Borrowed Blue - Whiskey Bent Saloon in Nashville, TN  (Official UK Fan Party)

The Overtime Band - Whiskey Barrel Bar & Dance in Richmond

Carl Hatmakers & The Red Headed Step Children - Madison Garden Bar & Grill in Richmond

The Country Stone Band - VFW #5908 Club in Mt. Vernon

SATURDAY:

Over The Top - The Copper Still in Richmond

Hard Sunday (acoustic and video screening) - Hog Trough in Richmond

Tommy Keith & The Stable - Paulie's Toasted Barrel in Lexington

Sometimes Saturday - Hippie Hill (TN) in Christiana, TN

Freddy and the Cruegers - Lexington Convention Center for Lexington Comic & Toy Convention in Lexington

Madisyn, Josh Readon, C2 and The Brothers Reed - Berea Community Football Stadium for 10th Anniversary Matt Ross Fund Concert in Berea

Tim Hellard & James Powell - Sapphire Night Club in Richmond

Whiskey Bent Valley, Jack Salt, Drunk & Sailor and Stan & Zack - The Paddy Wagon Irish Pub in Richmond

The Goodtimers - Eddie Montgomery Steak House in Harrodsburg

Faubush Hill - The Captain's Lounge in Somerset

Gravel Switch and Easy Target - Skybox Bar in Bowling Green

Southern Rain - The Red Solo Cup near the Russell/Adair County line

Alter Ego - The Bucket List Bar & Grill in Burnside

Road Dogs - 303 West Bar/Restaurant in Danville

Forever In Peril, Oracles, Beyond The Destruction, Battlelion, Self-Denied, A Lesser Hope, Morior Invictus, Triple Stitch, FBS, Awake The Suffering, Every Knee Shall Bow and The Rose Hill - The Center for Rural Development Theatre for AnvilFest in Somerset

SUNDAY:

Borrowed Blue - Hard Rock in Nashville, TN

MONDAY:

Central Kentucky Guitar Night - Natasha's Bistro & Bar in Lexington

Whew....that's a long list!  No excuses not to get out and enjoy some live tunes this weekend!

SUPPORT LIVE & LOCAL MUSIC!

~Nona

I'm feeling the need for music that reminds me of Ireland today!  (Of course, that's probably because St. Patrick's Day is this weekend!)

This is my favorite song by Flogging Molly, by the way!

~Nona

...when absolutely nothing comes to mind to write...nothing sounds interesting...nothing even remotely gets the creativity flowing...?

Yep...that's me today!  So here's what you get. 

~Nona

I may be more of a sap than I thought!

When I started compiling the list of my top ten favorite books, I found that romance may actually be more prevalent in my thinking than I thought!  I always assumed I liked horror and mystery novels the best...but, that might not actually be true.  I guess it's good to discover something new about myself.

Anyway...here it is:

MY TOP 10 ON TUESDAY BOOKS:

10) "Summer At The Lake" - Andrew M. Greeley (This is the first in a series that is followed by "A Midwinter's Tale", "Younger Than Springtime", "A Christmas Wedding", "September Song", "Second Spring" and "Golden Years"...I've read and own them all in hardback.  All of them are about the O'Malley family, an Irish-American clan in Chicago, and follows the family through several generations.)

9)  "Heart-Shaped Box" - Joe Hill  (This book is about an aging death-metal/rock star who collects paranormal memorabilia.  A suit in a box shows up at his home and haunts him like nothing ever has.  There are several references to 90's rock bands and his dogs are named Bon and Angus. I loaned this book...a First Edition, I might a add...to a friend and haven't seen it in years...I may have to buy it again.)

8)  "Message In A Bottle" - Nichlas Sparks  (This is just one of the many books by the author that I can read over and over.  I also recommend "The Guardian" and "The Notebook" as good reads for a long crying spell. My bookshelf has several hardback Sparks' novels taking up space.)

7)  "Circle Of Friends" - Maeve Binchy  (This is most definitely a 'chick novel' since it delves into the world of female friendships and how we tend to support AND betray each other.  This late Irish author has several places on my bookshelves and most of her stories are set in Ireland.)

6)  "Irish Gold" - Andrew M. Greeley  (Once again, these Greeley novels take up many slots on my book case at home.  This particular book is the first in a series..."Irish Lace", "Irish Whiskey", "Irish Mist", "Irish Eyes", "Irish Stew!", "Irish Cream", "Irish Crystal", "Irish Linen", "Irish Tiger" and "Irish Tweed".  The series follows an Irish-American psychic named Nuala Anne McGrail.  Did I mention that Greeley is also a Roman Catholic priest? I have all of these books, as well.)

5)  "Wish You Were Here" - Rita Mae Brown  (This is the first in the Mrs. Murphy Mystery series.  Mrs. Murphy is a character in the books...but she's modeled after Brown's cat, Sneaky Pie Brown.  The animals all talk and help solve the mysteries...but the humans never quite figure that out! This hardback series I own includes 20 more books!)

4)  "Pet Semetary" - Stephen King  (This book scared the daylights out of me when I was in college. I borrowed it from my sorority sister, Elizabeth, and read it in two nights.  For many nights that followed, my room mate had to let me get in my bed so I could cower under my covers while clinching the stuffed animal my boyfriend won at the fair...and then she could turn off the lights. It didn't help that my dorm window looked out over the Richmond Cemetery.  I finally purchased it a few years ago, but I haven't read it since 1984. It just sits on the shelf daring me to open it!)

3)  "Salem's Lot" - Stephen King  (This was my introduction to the weirdness and warped writing mind of King. By the end of my 7th grade year, I had already seen the movie, "Carrie", but had not read the book.  I've always loved vampires so this particular vampire-infused book seemed more my cup of tea when I was in the 8th grade.  I remember I could almost smell the scents he described and feel the dampness of the vampire's resting place. It was great writing the made me a King fan forever!)

2) "To Kill A Mockingbird" - Harper Lee  (This is such a classic.  When I was a little girl, I read this for a book report and immediately wanted to have the same adventures that Scout encountered. I was sure I knew Science Hill's own version of Boo Bradley, as well. The depiction of the south in that time period was a perfect way to introduce me to great American literature.)

and finally...

1)  "Gone With The Wind" - Margaret Mitchell  (I actually saw the movie before I read the book.  When I was about 6 years old, there was a special showing of the movie at the old Kentucky Theatre in downtown Somerset.  The showing was to commemorate 30 years since the movie's release in 1939.  My mom worked at the theatre as a second job and was able to get me a Scarlett O'Hara promotional doll to go along with my first ever viewing of the movie.  It was when I was about 10 that I finally got around to reading the book.  It soon became my favorite book and has remained either as number one or number two for most of my life.  Every now and then, "To Kill A Mockingbird" will take the number one spot.  "Gone With The Wind" helped introduce me to my life-long love of the Civil War period and was instrumental in helping my understand how the war affected our country. By the time my Grandpa Singleton took me to a reenactment at Mill Springs Battlefield, I felt I knew about as much about the Civil War as anyone my age could possibly know.

So that's my "Top Ten On Tuesday" list for this week!

What are your favorite books?  Share that with me!

~Nona