Dan really gets plugged in to Southern Gospel music. After driving about 5 hours or so, this is a normal Dan expression.

Darrell Stewart, the pianist for the Florida Boys, is not only a Gospel music legend, but an extremely funny man. The comments that he mutters to the other groups as he walks on and off the stage are hilarious. He's a nice guy who has a penchant for wearing red socks.

Another Southern Gospel legend, Ed McNeill and the Dixie Melody Boys.

Great Western Quartet Convention

Here are a few pictures of us on the stage last evening. They aren't the clearest in the world. Diane got as close as she could without blocking someone's view, but still had to zoom in quite a bit. With the lights going everywhere it was hard to get a good shot. We had a great time!

We started off with a beautiful worship song, "We Seek Your Presence". We also did 2 more songs off of our album "Do You Know Him?", both written by Phil Cross.

I have been confused more times in the last 12 hours with Phil Cross. I guess people have trouble seeing more physical features than hair (or lack thereof). I finally quit trying to explain that I wasn't Phil. I'd just go with the flow and answer as if I was Phil. Claude Hopper walked up and said "Phil, do you know where the elevator is?" I started to explain that I wasn't Phil, but then said why not? "I think it's down that way, Claude".

When we got done with our songs, Royce said "That song was just written by our new tenor, Phil Cross." Anything to get a good laugh. When I walked off the stage, Phil was waiting for me. He said, "Hi, Phil. My name's Phil. Good to meet you."

We closed with an upbeat song "Good Time in the Lord". That song has a joyful tune with some great lyrics. The crowd responded to the message and came to their feet in praise.

People have been extremely friendly. Two groups that I have enjoyed hanging out with are Legacy V and the Beene Family. Frank Seamonds, the tenor for Legacy V, is one of the most genuinely friendly guys I've met. Just a great guy! Roger Bennett was able to make it to this trip and it's been a privilege to be with him. If you have never heard of, or checked out, The Beene Family you need to (http://www.thebeenefamily.com/index.htm). They are sincere about their ministry and God is using them in a great way. They are a bunch of great guys, as well.

We're having a great time, so far. It's been a blast to hang out with Dad and Bobby. I'll keep you posted.

I don't know if I'll have a chance to update my blog in the next couple of days. Man, it's been crazy around here. Besides promoting the Brian Free & Assurance concert that will be at our church on May 16, I've been working on a myriad of other tasks. Today, my employed form of relaxation consisted of mowing the yard. Pathetic.

Tomorrow night Liberty takes off for Fresno, CA and the "Great Western Southern Gospel Fan Festival" (http://www.thefanfest.com/). I'm looking forward to singing there and seeing many of the friends I've made in the last few weeks. My brother, Bob, and Dad are flying in from Indy for the weekend to hang out with me. I know we're going to have a good time.

I'm going to take my camera with me, but as often is the case, I forget the camera when those Kodak moments are there for the taking. I'll try to update the blog from our hotel. We'll see.

Weighty Matters

I have had several inquiries about my weight loss quest, the most recent being from Brenda Pardoe (check out her blog at http://nursingstudentlife.blogspot.com/; I especially like the picture on the April 04 post entitled: "Clinical Experience for Today"). I have done reasonably well, to answer all the critics (most of whom possess corpulent physiques) who scoffed contemptuously at my endeavor. While I have yet to invest in a new scale (our electronic scale is not to be trusted) I have drastically changed my eating habits. I used to snack frequently between meals, and my snacks were high in fat and cholesterol. I consumed a lot of soda, junk food, and candy. Now I am eating (mostly) three times a day and the quality of what I swill has improved dramatically. I am drinking water almost all of the time. In the past month I have had soda just 8 times. Not bad for a guy who drank 3 cans of pop a day. I am also (at the advice of nutrition expert, Marc Taylor) imbibing on fruit when I feel the need to snack. I have started to eat other green vegetables besides green beans, which before has never happened. I'm actually getting to where I can eat broccoli without the gag reflex. It has made a difference. I don't think I've lost tons of weight, but I do have a little more room in my clothes.

I haven't done that well on the exercise side of things, however. I have to make time for it, and so far that hasn't happened. Doran joined a gym and I'm considering doing the same thing. I'm just afraid I'll waste (or waist) the money. I don't know...

When I get the scale I'll let you know where I am. I have no pride.

Recap

Below you'll find some pictures from our trip to Nevada. We had a fantastic time. We had the privilege of witnessing 13 individuals give their hearts to Christ during the weekend. Awesome! Along the way, we managed to see the sights of Reno and have a little fun. I haven't had the chance to feature Dan Gilbert in many of my posts. Now, you can see what we put up with. The guy's a convivial crack-up! He definitely keeps things loose on the road.

These pictures were taken shortly before our detours (see post below). Royce spends a lot of time assuming this posture when Doran is behind the wheel. When I drive, all three group members are on their knees in prayer.

Some pictures don't need captions.

They say that baby elephants are quite unprepossessing and awkward until adulthood (as you can see in this rare sighting of a baby and it's mother).

There was an outdoor beach volleyball game being televised outside one of the casinos. The temperature had to be in the low 50s. It was very chilly. I actually felt sorry for the contestants. They don't wear enough clothes anyway and when you compound that fact with the cold weather, it made for some very unhappy faces. Dan, in this picture, is attempting to explain to the rest of us how the volleyball members signal to each other. While we didn't quite comprehend his description, we got a kick out of the visual.

Getting His Just Desserts

I caught Dan spending some time at his favorite section of the buffet: the dessert bar. For Donna's sake, I'm not going to mention what he consumed.

Dan and I took time to pose in downtown Reno. I love the expression on the face of the guy passing Dan. Trust me, if his gut is sticking out like that, then there's another part of his body (appropriately edited) that is going the other direction. Hence, the passerby's look of horrified disgust.

Randy's Rig

We enjoyed checking out Randy Travis's ride in Reno. I love our Eagle, but his bus is out of this world. Dan was casting envious glances at the coach.

Here's one more pic of the star hanging out with some of her fans. Trey and Kassady were impressed with Ashley's performance. Especially Kassady. She enjoyed getting into the clapping part.

I have to mention the accomplishment of another Grace Teen member. Ashley Taylor played at a recital Friday night and did an outstanding job (according to Lori). She played "Long, Long Ago" as a solo piece and then she played "Skyboat"with the group.

Marc and I were privileged to hang out with Tony, Abby, and the kids on Wednesday before our plane flew out. Britton had to show off his jumpshot. He's the man. He and Kaitlyn are posing above. I have to tell you about Kaitlyn. At the age of 6 God called her to be a missionary. 2 years later at a huge kids camp in Indiana, she went in front of the congregation (this isn't like her; she is extremely shy) and told them that God was still calling her to the mission field. She's 11 now, but hasn't changed her future plans at all. She knows what God has called her to! That's awesome! I'm glad they're part of my family.

This is what I used to think of when I heard the acronym IHC. I've never seen this happen, but the reports of the past are legendary. From what I hear everything went well this year. People have been telling me that Leonard Sankey delivered a masterpiece on Wednesday evening. It was great getting back. IHC is the closest thing I have to Mecca.

It was also cool to be with one of my Grace Teens members, Tosha.

It was nice to know that Ray brought a little of Idaho with him. He has a llama in his backyard. I promise! Tina is in the 'hood.