Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 22:48:49 GMT

Three cheers for Mayor Kiss of Burlington!

I'm not a parent myself but I had a delightful experience with a friend's two year old girl--showing her the Great Big DVD, in fact. I had her attention for about five songs, but then she kept coming back to ask for 'more music'. She was most impressed by Sean on the bodhran. ;)

I hope you'll be able to get home as soon as you can and have just as much fun beating on a drum with your boy!

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 23:02:33 GMT

"Mama said they'll be days like this, they'll be days like this my mama said.."

We've all had 'em. Hoping you get to share some fun with Henry now you're home for a rest.

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 23:38:10 GMT

Aye! But it could have been worse!!!! You could have been dressed as an Olympic swimmer at the time!!!! Spandex and all!!!! LOL

Thank heaven for skype and iChat!!!!!! A country has never seemed so big as when loved ones are on the other side of it!!!!

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 23:51:45 GMT

That's an interesting choice you made for a solo song on Great Big Sea Day.

Longing to be there when you're here is an inescapble part of of living a life that's full of all you love. Be and do and love all that you can in each here. It'll still hurt not being there, but you'll also have all the happiness that's possible for you here. Wherever "here" might be.

You could try watching where you're going too.

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 23:52:46 GMT

I can't believe you ran into a post that said Henry St. and didn't get hauled off for drunken conduct by the police (regardless of your sober protests). That was really some day you had.

I can't imagine what it was like for you. At my end, I had to deal with a 6 year old in tears who insisted that Halloween could wait until next year, she'd rather be at the Great Big Sea concert. I had decided that it was more important for her to dress up and go begging door to door with her friend than attend the concert but, as she pointed out, I never asked HER what she wanted. I just didn't want her regretting missing out when she'd be seeing you in a couple weeks anyway.

When you've got kids, you just can't win.

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 23:53:08 GMT

The crowd was very appreciative for the show that night I'm certain. Next year, though, I hope you're all home Halloweening instead. The big kids can wait.

Great journal entry, especially the part where Henry St. clobbers you with its sign post. Now, that's a sign.

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:15:23 GMT

Awe, Muffin! Sounds like you had about as good a Halloween as I did. Despite being prepared for a handful of Trick or Treaters, I got none. Apparently being from "Away" also makes you into the freaky chick who gives out the Smarties boxes filled with razor blades. Watched Hannah Montana, Galinda the Good Witch of the North and a series of adorable, pumpkins, ghosts and other ghoulies walk past my door. I really wished I could be at home.

The best I got were some troublesome teens loitering around, scoping out the town in order to vandalize it the very next day. The neighborhood watch was out all night on halloween, but the next day these loser teens broke 27 windows at the school, ripped siding off of an old shut-in's home, and overturned every park bench and boulevard tree to form a baricade at the east end of town.

The worst thing about being away from home was missing carving the family pumpkin with Dad. It's always been our time together. Mom would always roast the seeds and we'd be munching on them for days afterwards. Having come across toasted pumpkin seeds in the archaeological collection at Louisbourg a few days later, I had to sit myself in a corner and have a good cry. Be thankful you were able to be home shortly after. Home is still 7 weeks away for me, and its only getting harder.

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:28:43 GMT

Home is where the heart is...travel there and find some peace. You offer it..so you for sure should get some too!

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 01:00:16 GMT

I deal with homesick people everyday and soemdays there's little you can do for the punch-in-the-gut waves that hit. Heck, I had that problem just going back to work in the same town after I had my own wee ones. All you can do is remember why you're away, do it well to justify the sacrifice, and get home as quick as you can. I'm sure you done good.

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 01:25:33 GMT

Hope you can have some control over the future concert touring schedules with Louis. Remember that Halloween is for the wee-ones - which makes it non-negotiable. Please make sure you are ALL home on "The Rock" on special days/nights...and you can be with your little Henry. That is where you belong- your FTR broke MY heart !

You don't want to be whaling ... at the top of those great Great Big Sea lungs... in YOUR pumpkin patch ...like Charlie Brown's sister Sally (from The Great Pumpkin-THE BEST !!! by the way) ...

" What A FOOL I was...I've been robbed ... I WANT RESTITUTION ! "

Best scene in holiday cartoon history by the way. All true GBS hearts want you at home at such important times- like Tina Mack said - we big kids can enjoy you all on the other days -
which by the way ARE ALL GREAT BIG SEA Days !!!

So sorry to hear of your fall, but glad you were not crushed like a grape under those tires. Hope your leg is better... lucky you did not take out a few teeth on the way down- not a good thing for the aca'pella eh?

Think about that sometimes - how much you all have to invest in time on the road, in the bus, on a plane -train, etc. in order to come and bring us the joy of your music. All the lives you touch - so positively. Please know that with each snowflake or raindrop that falls in your path- you could see it as a "Thank You" from all us who think so much of you B'ys. It's really quite amazing what you bring to "the party"... considering all the stories that are posted on your site. We know that sleeping in a real bed -your own bed & waking up in your own home is so much better than the bunk on the bus, but know that we all appreciate that's what it takes...we do not forget that.

So the next time you get homesick for life on The Rock- remember that 6 year old little girl who protested that she would rather give up her Halloweening - to come and enjoy a night of GBS. Now that is the miracle of the pumpkin patch - You Great Pumpkin -You !

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 01:54:17 GMT

I must confess, reading this FTR was akin to watching America's Funniest Videos - I found myself laughing at the expense of your folly and suffering. (sorry). You do tell a good tale. Nonetheless, it does suck to have missed Henry's first Trick or Treat, and a good story and a Proclamation can not outweigh or replace that.

So glad you weren't seriously injured by post, chain or particularly by police car. What were you saying the other day about Bear in Banff? Apparently you do not need wild animals to make going for a pre-show run hazzardous to your health and safety.

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 02:10:35 GMT

classic

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 03:05:28 GMT

Alan don't be so hard on yourself. You're out there making a living and supporting your family, like the fellows on 6 and 2's in Fort Mac. You're allowed, and you can have fun doing it too.

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 03:43:13 GMT

Alan, I want to say just a few things. I know how hard it must have been to not have been with your little Henry on Halloween and to be homesick! I too was on a 3 year homesick jag until October 31st, 2008. My husband and I traveled from Tucson, AZ to see GBS play in our home town (Burlington) again and yes we did see you in Tucson earlier in the month. My point of this bit of info is that of all the GBS concerts we have seen including the one in Burlington on a hot summer's night on the shores of Lake Champlain, this was the best GBS concert we have ever seen. I personally want to thank you for your personal sacrifice so that we may enjoy the amazing music that you, Bob, Sean and the rest of the crew gave us! It was truly an extraordinary night! Great Big Sea deserves the the honor that Mayor Kiss bestowed to you guys! Thank you for making my very short visit home to be one of our best memories. PS I was the crazy chick up in the balcony seats wearing my beloved Canadiens jersey in front of the Great Big "C"!

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 04:11:08 GMT

Alan
sorry you missed out on an Halloweening night with the little one. I hope next year your there with him. Glad you didn't get hurt by that Police Car. take care and stay safe! and happy travels! thanks for always giving us the amazing music you and the b'ys always deliver. The shows are truly amazing to watch and I'll always come when you come to Ontario.
Paige

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 04:46:55 GMT

"Depressed folksingers in the dark" would be a great name for a band. Thanks for sharing this story. Enjoy the next Great Big Sea Day at home :)

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 06:24:17 GMT

Ahhh, I'm sorry you were homesick. You must have channeled all that emotion into your performance somehow, because you were on fire that night. "Testify" blew me away - the song itself and your performance of it. (True confession - I recorded it on video, ripped the audio and have been listening to it on my iPod ever since.) It was a thoroughly wonderful night for us in the audience, and I appreciate it all the more knowing what you had to give up to bring us that experience.

Henry's dad is awesome :)

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 06:47:54 GMT

"Henny's dad is awesome :)"

No offense to Mr. Doyle but why say this? Do you think he's away from his little boy on Hallowe'en because of you? So he can bring you in the audience your thoroughly wonderful experience? Ick. If that was true he wouldn't be very awesome.

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:27:46 GMT

First off, great picture of you with the proclamation! ;)

It must have been hard being away from your little guy on Halloween. I'll bet that the pictures did help a little, but in that same breath I am sure that it doesn't compare to the real thing. Hopefully next year you'll get to spend Halloween with him. :)

I hope that you're getting to spend some time with him now. He's lucky to have a dad like you who would give up a show to be home with him. :)

You're a good Dad, and your boy knows that Alan. Hope you have a good break.

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:50:12 GMT

Chiarascura - Thanks again for sharing your video of that solo, btw. GBS fans are awesome! ;) I totally get where you're coming from with your reaction to the tune.

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:38:47 GMT

"Stembling in" Right? Thats me too not the drinks either! Alwasy have been clumsy no matter waht my mother tried to help me be lite on my feet. So I sympathise with you Alan!

Hope your time home with your loved ones comes soon!

p.s. Horatia? Would love to talk to you about Louisbourg!

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:39:34 GMT

Stumbling not stembling! GOOD GRIEF! Even my fingers do it! LOL Sorry there folks!

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:26:00 GMT

My hat is off to the comments from Brenda. If you have been a musician, and gone through the really terrible experience that homesickness offers, you will realize that Allan definitely is disciplined and thoughtful enough of everyone around him to endure those feelings. They are not easy to deal with my friends.

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:48:23 GMT

Alan, just wondering if there was a link up anywhere to your response to Paul and Heather Mills-McCartney visiting here a few years ago?

I know that I loved what you had to say, but for the life of me cannot find that post. It's sorta driving me nuts.

Does anyone know where I can find it?

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:57:12 GMT

As a Mom I can identify with the agony you were in that day. It's an awful experience to have that sick knot in the middle of your stomach wanting to hold them tight and not be able to. Our children are gifts and as parents we have to balance our own lives with our love for our children. I'm very glad no serious injury or other 'arresting events' took place as you managed to find your balance.
As a Great Big Sea fan, thank you for enduring it for all of us. Alan, you do tell a wonderful tale, and your ability to describe your misery with sarcastic whit is a true gift.
Great Big Sea has always stood for fun and family to me - thank you for sharing that part of your life with us. You've all given us a wonderful gift by touring so often over the years and we look forward to many more. Great Big Sea is truly something you do, not just go and 'see'.
With all of that said, Adam (who's 6) and I are very much looking forward to seeing you in 6 more Great Big Sleeps in Kingston.
Be Safe,
eb

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:06:26 GMT

No children myself, but with 8 nieces and nephews and 14 years of living thousands of miles away; missing loads of Halloweens, birthdays and other holidays, my heart truly went out to you. I know it can't be easy for either you or Henry and like many before me, I hope that you are catching up on some well deserved daddy/son time while you are on break.

With that said, I do have to tell you that the rest of the story made me smile, you do know how to share a tale that will give us a chuckle as well as a tug on the heart.

I can't wait to see you guys in Chicago, please take care not to run into any posts, chains or police cars. I have tickets for both nights and would like to see you whole and well.

j

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 06:44:43 GMT

Dee - Wow, I love how you drew that conclusion from "Henry's dad is awesome," instead of, I dunno, that I think Alan is awesome and he happens to be Henry's dad and he gave up a big night of dad-dom and, among other things, made hundreds of people happy, and those people appreciate that. That would be a silly interpretation. Gosh, you're good at reading between the lines. Say, do you ever get the feeling that "Ferryland Sealer" is about a guy who licked envelopes for a living, cause I wonder sometimes . . .

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:50:58 GMT

Congratulations on your Great Big Day, we should have one here and make it a real holiday, parade optional ;-)

I'm not sure how the weather was in town for Halloween but we had so much wind here on the Burin that very few little ones were out this year. Glad you have the technology to help ease the pain a little.

Enjoy your time home.

Krista (Alan-rocks), you can find what you're looking for here: http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060303/Seal_hunt_060303/20060303

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 22:16:03 GMT

Can't tell you how much my wife and I enjoyed the Burlington concert on Halloween night (sorry about the spill on Church St.--we were thankful you didn't break your wrist!) Hope that the three thousand of us dancing in the aisles was some proof of our excitment and appreciation. Speaking of being homesick, we brought along our friends Chuck & Flo who,like us, have been long time fans of GBS. Flo grew up in Newfoundland and if she wasn't dancing in her front row balconey seat, she was misty-eyed over any song that evoked memories of her homeland--her family still lives in St. John's and she migrated to the lower 48 when she married Chuck (a merchant ship Captain) some 35 years ago--how romantic is that!! My wife and I have enjoyed your music for years but this was our first opportunity to see you and the boys in concert. We, as well, felt a particular kinship--however small--with all of you. We live on one of the small islands in Lake champlain (pop. 642) connected by drawbridge to the rest of the world. You can be sure that when we watch the "great big waves" from our window we'll be thinking of all of you and the most memorable night of music and fun. By the way, as a father of two grown sons, you never do get used to saying goodbye or "wish[ing] them all back home." Godspeed and smooth sailing to you, Sean, Bob, Murray and Chris. Look for us in the front row balconey the next time you're in Vermont.

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 01:25:50 GMT

Well, I had a wonderful Halloween at my first Great Big Sea concert! :) It was awesome! No idea that you were depressed...sorry about that, but it is nice to see that you are human.

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:08:50 GMT

Meh, you were the one who said Henry's Dad is awesome. If you were only sucking up to Alan in general then be clear if want to be understood. Saying it the way you did doesn't make any sense when as Henry's dad he's not there for his kid so a pack of strangers can be happy. You may like it but it's not being an awesome dad as he himself says in his FTR.

What you said about Ferryland Sealer could of been clever if it had anything to do with the ocnversation. *shrugs* It's just random here.

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:58:11 GMT

R - seems tasty. don't bite. not worth the calories. ;)

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:32:14 GMT

Completely empty calories and it will most likely repeat on you later.

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:18:32 GMT

LOL. Well, it's as random here as you are, Dee. I'm still not sure what you're here to do - peck at me for making an ordinary comment of simple appreciation, peck at Alan for honoring a professional commitment, or . . . I dunno, kill time between your favorite reality shows. Either way, much as I enjoy your heady mix of querulousness and tenacity, I'm gonna let this matter drop. In retrospect, it would "of" been a lot more clever of me to ignore you in the first place. (I suspect people often do.)

But, you know what, I still think Henry's dad is awesome :-D *sucking noises*

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:23:26 GMT

Thanks Allan for sharing! Sometimes we fans forget the sacrifces made by you guys for our entertainment. I have a 4 year old boy so this one really touched my heart! :)

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:47:04 GMT

Alan, my good man, you sound like the River Driver to me...

*clears his throat to sing a cappella*

"And if this river don't drown you, it's down you'll mean to roam,
For you're a river driver and you're far away from home."

*raises a glass to you*
Enjoy the rest of the tour and a speedy trip home! Cheers!

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 00:39:35 GMT

It's one thing to keep changing what you said when you talk and another to do it when it's written in black and white. Now Alan's awesome because he kept a professional obligation? Too bad you didn't say that the first time or the second time instead of saying making the people at the show happy was the reason he's awesome. That I agree with. He's awesome because he puts up with missing his kid because he's a hard worker and not the kind of man who lets down his mates, and he stays where he doesn't want to be instead of going where he wants to be.

Intellectual snobs who criticize other people's grammar and rag on reality show watchers should be careful they don't wind up offending the very people they're trying to suck up to. It's okay though. I'm sure they'll ignore you. Me too from now on.

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 01:28:58 GMT

I don't understand what the problem is. Did it ever occur to you that Alan's awesome not because of what he does but because he does such an amazing job of it? Many people make sacrifices to earn a living but that doesn't make them any good at it.

Try re-reading the professional obligation comment because you obviously missed the fact that it wasn't about Alan's awesomeness but your pathetic need to cruise a message board and snark at people for finding Alan awesome. I find it amusing that you are quick to berate someone else for criticizing you, oblivious to the fact that you, yourself, threw the first stone.

What is not amusing is that what is supposed to be an attempt by someone to reach out to his fans on a wider scale (sometimes its a sneak peek inside, sometimes it's informational, sometimes it's just for amusement) is being sullied by someone who obviously has no interest in the journal itself but in simply stirring up trouble.

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 04:20:41 GMT

Pretty well said Fran. You're wrong about me cruising the GBS board (I've been listening to GBS and reading this board for years) but you made your point w/o sounding like you're more interested in showing off how clever you are or trying to suck up to anybody. Credit where credit it's due.

I think you're a little hard on what makes someone awesome though.... even if they arent as good at their job as Alan or the rest of the b'ys are, aren't they still kinda awesome when they make sacrifices trying to do their job well? Do you have to be amazing for the sacrifice to count?

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 17:13:39 GMT

No you don't have to be amazing, but my point was that the original comment was more because of Alan's amazing job on stage as opposed to simply what he gave up to make a bunch of fans happy. However, as you just pointed out, he is amazing for what he sacrifices to do it so I don't get what your snipe was about.

Regardless, everyone is entitled to their opinion. You can certainly disagree with what someone else says but your original attack seemed more geared to the person saying it as opposed to the opinion itself.

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 18:13:32 GMT

Nah, I think I just gave the poster too much credit at first. When she said Henry's dad is awesome in response to Alan's FTR that was all about him wishing he could be with his kid instead of at the show, I couldn't get why she was saying that when Alan was saying the opposite. There wasn't any logic to it. I didn't realize till her next post that it was just being cutesy and coy to try to suck up. If she'd said Alan is awesome in the first post, that would have made perfect sense in relation to how he did in the show with the happy fans and the sacrifices he makes in his career. Sucking up doesn't mske sense more often than not. It was my fault for not getting that. If I had, I'd of ignored it from the start.

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 13:04:52 GMT

hey alan
i think that is so kool you guys must be relly happy about this i konw i would be happy too.so good luck on tour on november 17 oh that is my 14 birthday so have fun and rock on ok
love ya holly -XOXOXO- cant want to see you guy soon

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 13:04:54 GMT

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 16:50:19 GMT

I am really looking forward to the concert in Hamilton on Wednesday night. My favorite songs are Scolding Wife, Excersion around the Bay and I'm a Rover. If you could play at least one of these songs that would be great.

Roxanne

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 17:01:34 GMT

Dee... quick question... what good is this sucking up that you keep talking about?

You really are reading far too much into a simple statement and colouring a comment with your own bias. Chiara's a fun loving person, much like me, who despite the occasional colourful comment, has both feet firmly planted in reality. A charismatically positive comment is strictly that... there is no expectation that a well laid comment will be anything more. There seems to be a type of fan out there that desperately needs to turn everyone else's comments, appreciation and concert enjoyment into some ugly ulterior motive... truth is that there are no hidden motives here and if that's the way you want to play, being hyper-critical of everyone around you... there is a place on the internet for that, but its not here.

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 02:40:20 GMT

That is SOOOO awesome that there is great big sea day sorry bout the police car thing at least the concert went well

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 03:16:50 GMT

LOLOL who said sucking up has to be bad? :P It's what fan forums are for, mostly. I already said the fault was mine..I took something serious that I should of ignored because I thought she really was saying something about Alan's fatherhood instead of trying to suck up. Silly me, I should know better than that.

You might want to think about lightening up, hon. If you keep protesting about your motives it sounds like you're the one worried about it more than anybody else is.

Thanks for reminding me why I rarely post on these things, but I still like Fran's point of view.

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 04:56:32 GMT

Jumping into the waters...not taking sides either way, but let's remember that Alan might be checking out the comments since they ARE for him. I think it's sad that THIS stuff between Dee and Chiara is what he may be seeing.

Alan, I completely empathize with that ache you felt. It's so hard being away and missing the 'firsts'. I've been lucky to have been a stay at home mom...I know I would have been a wreck to have missed all the firsts of my kids. I respect the people that can do it tho. We've gone without a lot of material things as a family, and that was a personal choice. The fact that you make the personal sacrifice to make a living and entertain us is something I think we all appreciate. But you DO deserve your home time, so enjoy it!

And btw, I think Alan's wife is awesome!

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 05:42:59 GMT

Trace 2716,
I applaud you! Being a stay at home mom is the best job and blessing I could have ever been given! We too have made it a choice to sacrifice but I don't regret it a moment!

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:19:17 GMT

Dee... answering a question with a question... you are so witty. Particularly when it didn't answer the question which was posed. You guffaw at everyone even though you yourself constantly miss the point. Just to let you know, you've taken pot shots at a lawyer, an academic and a well read thespian and all you have managed is to look ornery and insecure.

Why do you care what anyone else says to Alan? Are you afraid that they'll earn fan cred if you don't cut them down... or do you earn stripes for being the devils advocate without a leg to stand on. Let me give you a hint... neither scenario exists in application.

Yes, I've realized you don't post often... seems you like to stir the pot. Last time I remember you, you were chastising Alan for making it seem as if people have to drink to have a good time... way to go buddy. Why don't you look in the mirror before you think of throwing stones.

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:29:44 GMT

Don't fall on the street in Hamilton. You will get run over.
It won't be by the police, unless you fall in the Tim Horton's parking lot.

See Ya Wednesday.

4 WALLS

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:17:23 GMT

Sorry, but I just need to say this - Dee, you really thought I was making a substantive comment on Alan's job as a father? As if that's any of my business? After all the rest of my comment about nothing other than his performance? SERIOUSLY? As in, that's not just a flimsy little retroactive excuse you thought up after you knee-jerked at me? You seriously just misunderstood?

You know, I almost hope it *was* just a petty personal attack. For your sake. Because if you really missed the point by that much . . . then people like you, madam, are why they have to put "caution: hot" warnings on coffee cups.

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:19:34 GMT

"Fan cred"?

WTF is fan cred?

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:30:19 GMT

A wise and wonderful man who we all know and love once wrote these words, and I think it may behoove us all to heed them here:

"Let it go, let it go, this is smaller than you know, its no bigger than a pebble lying on a gravel road"

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:50:45 GMT

But Helen . . . I kick pebbles on gravel roads! :)

OK, OK, point taken. I'll stop. And I'm sorry.

*assumes lotus pose* Ohmmmm . . . .

re: Tour Diary- November 1, 2008 - Portland, Maine (On the Bus)

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:42:31 GMT

Alan, it is not easy to leave littles ones behind (I know, I had to go to Afghanistan 2 years ago!).. But that being said, you do it for a purpose. In your case, the purpose is the pursuit of entertainment. And MAN, what a great job you did in Kingston last night.. Almost half the crowd was military (and many AFghanistan "vets").. and WE LOVED IT!!! So, I know it is not easy to leave rug rats behind, but sometimes it is essential. Thanks for an amazing show last night.. I really enjoyed the pre-show "sound check party", although I must admit, you are right,,, that in itself is an oxymoron.. But we all did enjoy it(would have been nice to have the drinks prior to the sound check, but hey!) Good luck traversting our vast nation! Watch our for the snow in Northern Ontario!