Z to A: Lightning

There was a lot of lightning around today and tonight. A lot of rain and downpours too. I think we are in monsoon season as this is the third straight month we have had above average rain. Last month we had 8 inches.
The rivers and creeks have been flooding. I live on a hill (okay the locals call it the Mountain) so I am pretty safe from flooding. However, there are a few streams running across the roads.

However, the topic is lightning. I like to watch the lightning when it is still coming down but the rains have stopped. It is an impressive show.Nature can wow us from time to time.

Z to A: Rock Festival

The M3 Rock Festival is this Friday and Saturday at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. I have tall the details in this preview article here.

I thought I would throw in a few videos on here since I couldn't on the preview. Friday's headliner is Kix. Here is their hit "Don't Close Your Eyes."

Here they are at last year's festival! 

Saturday's headliner is Whitesnake! 

Wow! That video brings back memories and probably dates me a bit. Well if you are nearby and looking for something to do check out the festival!

Z to A: Shepherdstown

Shepherdstown is a town I same to be hanging out in more. Sure it is a small college town.However, it also has a bit of night life, restaurants and pubs. Some more appealing to yuppies or boomers with money. I don't really venture to them, I prefer the hidden gems.

In the Fall, Shepherd usually fields a highly ranked division 2 football team. It's not the NFL or the BCS, however it is competitive, entertaining football at an affordable price. The University also attracts various cultural events as well.

Usually, I spend a Saturday watching movies with my daughter at the Opera House. After the movies we walk the town, pet every dog, and maybe grab lunch at a local eatery. I even spent Valentine's Day in the town dinner and a movie.

Z to A: Tragic Days

These are tragic days for some of my friends. On Mother's Day the mother of friend I worked with at Hope Alive passed away. Tonight a friend of mine who is pretty involved with the blues scene in my area, well his wife lost her battle with cancer.

Strange how sad news comes in bunches sometimes. At least they are in peace and not suffering anymore. I can only imagine how hard is to lose a parent or a spouse. I know it isn't easy. Hopefully, it will be a while before I have to go through this kind of ordeal.

Z to A: U.S. Royalty

In late March, late April I discovered a band called U.S. Royalty out of Washington, D.C.. I had the opportunity to sit down with them in a China Town Coffee house. The band reminds me a bit of Carbon Leaf, with influences of the Doors, and Fleetwood Mac. However, their sound is quite unique and original. Attached is their first single off their new album.

If you are interested about this band you can read their interview here.

Z to A: Wanee Part 2

I'm still swamped. However, I did get the main Wanee Review published that I talked about with the first Wanee post in the last challenge. I was also able to publish a review of Robert Plant and his Band of Joy performing at Wanee. You can read that review here. I hope to publish some more soon.

However, I am also working on some other writing assignments including two interviews and an album review. So, we will see what I can get done. Here is a picture of Robert Plant in action. Patty Griffin is playing guitar in the picture as well. On Mandolin is Darrell Scott.

Z to A: X

X is great
Talk about your exes and you can get in trouble
You can't have an ax to grind without an X.
X marks the spot, but I still haven't found the treasure.
You can't fix it without an X. Can't send a fax without an X.
However, with out X there would be no tax.
Sadly with no X there would not be a sax.
X-rated could be too revealing.
I could go on about X but I could get in trouble...

Z to A: Zapped!

Day one of the challenge and I am already behind. Zapped! My internet provider had an outage yesterday. A part time writer's worst nightmare in this digital age. Supposedly it was throughout my region of the state. The bummer, was I lost an opportunity to write an article now gone since I missed the deadline. I also lost the opportunity to write what I wanted to catch up on as well. Oh yes it started me off behind in this challenge.

Taking a break from writing a new article now to write the blogs. I am pretty zapped waiting for my second wind. Long day at work. Then errands. Then spending four hours at Chick-fil-a will zap that energy away.

I might be zapped for a while. However, it is not all bad. I got the negativity out in the first paragraph. The article I am writing is something I enjoy. I'm interviewing a band this week which will be of interest to 80's Hair Metal fans. I may go to a circus tomorrow. I have a road trip planned for the weekend. So, zapped I will be.