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    marye
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  • #1471
    Klangstone
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    In closing....
    Spent Sunday show with Jaleel, super cool cat and he was extremely appreciative of my offer for the extra ticket. When the last show was over we sat for a bit, had to soak it up as much as possible. Did not want to leave. So much to absorb and take in. I ran into a few SD peeps here and there at the shows. Fitting I would see Tami and Brad 1 last time Sunday night downstairs. What a trip man! You 2 are the coolest! What a musical magical journey I went on and it wouldn't even have been possible (or nearly half as enjoyable) without this fine group they call the Sunshine Daydreamers! I am very humbled and honored to have been elected mayor. I hereby retire as mayor but plan to be an active member of the group 'til the end of time (or my life) whichever comes first. P.S. Even on the plane flight home I would sit next to a young couple who were totally cool deadheads and we had a nice flight back together joking and remembering the shows.
  • #1472
    Klangstone
    Joined:
    Besides Trey...
    ...the rest of the band? Well, they kicked my ass those old farts! They can still put on a great show (or 5). Bobby sounded fantastic; Phil thrilled us with his bass work; and the Rhythm Devils were on the top of their game (that in itself worth the price of admission). Bruce was great, wish he would have sung more (like on Terrapin) but what can you do? Fireworks Sat. and Sun nights, the break music and images were outstanding. The light show was unlike anything I have ever seen for dead show and was totally top-notch. Shapiro put on an amazing set of shows and really did it up big. Like him or not, forgive him or not (for the ticket debacles), he put on a major spectacle and did it right in the end.
  • #1473
    Klangstone
    Joined:
    The music (my take)
    I think the shows were awesome. They really were Grateful Dead shows! The stage and the lighting, the screens and the images that were displayed. I mean, how could you not be moved by all of it? I was incredibly moved, Trey did a great job at attempting the impossible. He can't be Jerry and we all know that. He had some amazing moments and some not-so-amazing moments. He gelled with the band though, and it was a wonderful run of shows. I don't know how he pulled off learning all those songs. What a true performer and consummate professional. Trey embraced his role and really shined as lead guitarist for the dead this time around. I felt this was the best we have heard from this band in any iteration since Jerry left us. And there were some moments of brilliance where he was channeling Jerry and it was (again) pure magic. Those moments will last a lifetime and I will remember these shows always and appreciate the wonderful gift the band gave us by doing these shows....
  • #1474
    Klangstone
    Joined:
    My brother!
    ...my bro comes up to meet me on Sunday which was unbearably cool. He lives in St Louis and I don't get to see him very often. The magic continues. I overslept and barely made it to the train to make it to the River Architecture cruise. My bro was supposed to meet me at hotel but he was late and got lost. He made it down to the boat dock by 11, though, and watched me leave in the boat. I had to run from the train to a cab then ran to the boat. I don't know how I made it (credit the magical guardian angel). Me and my bro spent the mid-day together and had an early dinner laughing and reminiscing to the point of happy tears. Truly special time we had and what a surprise. I didn't think he was coming but was super happy to see him. Then he drops me off downtown for Sunday's show and what a finale it was...
  • #1475
    Klangstone
    Joined:
    One more Saturday night....
    ...Tired from the museum I trucked on and found something funky on the way to Shakedown street. So I ate it, and it was good. More Magic: I go up and visit Tony up in the nosebleeds as he asked me to come up and say Hi. That was so cool to meet up with Tony at his seat both Fri. and Sat. nights! When I arrived back in my sec. 324, a guy asked me to trade for a seat down in sec. 125. No brainer! Right place right time. My only complaint from that night was it was real smoky down there and I had some issues breathing. Lots of cigarretee smoking, and other stuff. Took my sandals off and wandered around the stadium looking for air. None of the concession stands had any. HMMMM? I did find that very odd (at the time). Had great people around me to help me get through the night alone as I had no seatmates other than the other 70,000. My neighbors were instrumental and of monumental help to me that night...
  • #1476
    Klangstone
    Joined:
    the picnic
    ...I was bit hungover as I had a REAL GOOD time at Friday's show. Super energetic rock and roll show that was. Hung out with Chris and Jeff (Mortatone), had a fantastic time! Feeling not so special I made it to the picnic about 20-30 minutes late. What a great feeling it was to go around and meet the group. What a great group of people we are! It truly was an amazing time and what a highlight for me personally. I never did anything quite like this before, meet people I have chatted with on the internet. It felt like home and I had known these people all my adult life. It really was a special moment. The field museum with the Jazz and Colors was off the hook (right after picnic). One trio had a sax that sounded like Stan Getz I shit you not (a personal jazz favorite of mine)! I told him that and he was very humbled by my compliment. can't stop smiling. Huge museum, amazing! GD50 exhibit mindblowing also with the tiger guitar (tears) and the envelopes and memorabilia! Sensory overload...
  • #1477
    Klangstone
    Joined:
    The magic that was my trip...
    (I am not saying good-bye more of a "'til next time" from me.) From the moment I sat down at the airport bar in Sacramento, waiting to come to Chicago, it had already begun. A very nice fellow who saw my dead shirt came up and sat next to me and we chatted, talked about SC and the upcoming shows. The magic was just beginning for Chicago for me (SD meet, magical show and rainbow had really started the whole thing June 27). I guess the magic was just on hold for a few days. But boy did it really kick in. Got in to CHI on time from my non-stop flight, caught a shuttle,got to the hotel and checked in half hour early. Got to the gig in time no problem. Let me say if anyone had a doubt about the staff at Soldier Field, that idea was squashed immediately. They were honestly the nicest people I have ever patronized at any concert or stadium event. I was completely blown away by their professionalism and customer service. Had great customer service at my hotel as well. Everyone I met along the way was just awesome, I couldn't stop smiling, laughing and having a great time....
  • #1478
    StellaMoon
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    Visions
    Got me through those early years - way to go out... Holly is right - I do not believe there is an exit on this thing, but maybe a window. We'll leave it open for all y'all who are saying "goodbye." "Never Say Good Bye" Twilight on the frozen lake A north wind about to break On the footprints in the snow Silence down below. You're beautiful beyond words You're beautiful to me You can make me cry Never say goodbye. Because my dreams are made Of iron and steel With a big boquet of roses hanging down From the heavens to the ground. The crashing waves roll over me As I stand upon the sand And wait for you to come Grab hold of my hand. Oh baby, baby, baby blue You'll change your last name too You turned your hair to brown Love to see it hanging down.
  • #1479
    Klangstone
    Joined:
    Official mayor retirement :-(
    I am back and still recovering. Back to work yesterday. WHEW! I still can't believe what I experienced in Chicago (and Santa Clara). Sorry it took so long for my return. I have so much to say but it will have to come in increments. It was a daunting but exciting task to undertake alone, but of course I know oh so well that I was the furthest thing from being alone with all the dreamers and other kind folks I met along the way. Had the trip been for any other reason I might have really felt alone in Chicago. Meeting some of the dreamers in SC and then more (wish I could have met you all) in Chicago I felt a "strange" sense of belonging in this community (yes that's what we are a mini community inside the deadhead community) that is pure magic. I don't have any other explanation. The kindest friendliest people in the world are the deadheads and I saw this kindness and comfort throughout the entire trip. Thank you everyone in SD for the mayoral red carpet, and thank you to the entire deadhead community for the crazy kinship we all have and that was so evident in all these shows during my travels...
  • #1480
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    Holly, you are da briver.....Torch has been passed.... Make us proud..... You have been groomed and are ready to carry the load..... And let Stella sleep, she needs her sleep and her water..... were they ever here at all?.... but they kept on dancing.....
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Submitted by marye on
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By request, a gathering spot for Chicago-bound folks to connect and plan!
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Submitted by deadgeek on Thu, 11/12/2015 - 05:41

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John definitely did a nice Althea for me. Thanks for sharing! Looking so forward to my December shows! Da Bus rolls onward!
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Submitted by liketohike on Thu, 11/12/2015 - 06:49

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I am prepped and ready for my face to be melted clean off my head on 11/20. Caught a few glipses and musical interludes of last nights show...Hey Rich, you had a good spot! I have two extra seats for the Dead and Co in STL so unless someone comes out of the woodwork who wants them I am going to be seat hopping back and forth between club seats and section 110. And to the OD last night at Da Buff...learn to hold ur shit maaan...I wouldn't want to miss a second of the show.
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Submitted by deadgeek on Fri, 11/13/2015 - 19:39

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Prayers to our French Dead Head brothers and sisters.
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17 years 4 months

Submitted by mkav on Sat, 11/14/2015 - 15:15

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i don't understand this evil. i wonder what this will do to the very young, growing up in fear of these kinds of acts. i recall the atom bomb drills of the cold war when i was in elementary school, but we did not really understand what it was all about. there was no 24x7 CNN and other coverages, showing all the carnage. we knew the bomb was bad but we did not fully grasp the danger i think. the young kids today get to SEE it over and over. parents, grandparents, please hug and reassure the little ones.
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Submitted by liketohike on Tue, 11/17/2015 - 12:14

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Hey now, this head added an unexpected show to the itinerary...Ozark Matt and I are headed to Nashville tomorrow. Super excited cause I've never hung out in the music city. Grateful for the current cheap gas for ba dus! Keep on truckin'!
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Submitted by _ on Wed, 11/18/2015 - 05:12

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Been following this tour since 10/29 Albany, playing has gotten much tighter but is it me or are the set lists getting predictable and stagnant? Same songs being rotated in different order, repeating every 3 shows or so. Now I know Mayer and Oteil are new to this but, well just want to see if anyone else shares the opinion, maybe I just need a break from it.... Contrasting to Phil's recent runs at the Cap...on 11/1 he pulled out day job for the encore....whilst not a barn burner of a classic dead song it did put a smile on my face....if for no other reason, spontaneity. Come to find out that night he replayed the 11/1/85 set list song for song...reminds me of going to see DSO. Anyway to all who are yet to go, enjoy.....these are some high energy shows for sure....and being there is well worth your time....at least once.
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Submitted by geomeister on Thu, 11/26/2015 - 08:13

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Greetings and best wishes to all of you Sunshine Daydreamers...and you know who you are... I'm very thankful and grateful for all the new friendships, interactions, da picnic, and above all all the music over the past months...tis the moments in the journey that our memories are made of, and you've provided many nice moments. May this day find you safe and with loved ones where-ever you are...may all good things to come your way. Perchance if you find yourself friend or family "challenged" this day, here's a Thanksgiving hug just for you ((o)). Take care and we'll see you here or there... geothankfulthisdaymeister
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Submitted by _ on Thu, 11/26/2015 - 11:15

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To echo curious George.... I am thankful for friends, old and new, real and virtual, family and furry critters everywhere.... Sitting at the ocean in Vero Beach I reflect on how my life has been affected since the announcement of FTW back in January. Peace and well wishes.... rrrrrrwhoishappywithwhatIhavetobehappywithgrrrrrrrrr aka the head with the yellow hat.... ps the Eagles really suck this year.....sorry tfonts.......
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Submitted by deadgeek on Thu, 11/26/2015 - 15:17

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So thankful for all of you! The past year has been an amazing trip!
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Submitted by JeffSmith on Sat, 11/28/2015 - 08:55

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Well said Geomeister! What a wonderful ride this year has been for this extended Sunshine Daydreamer family – may the music and love always fill the air! Ever grateful, ever thankful!
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Submitted by liketohike on Mon, 11/30/2015 - 08:16

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For ALL of YOU! For ALL YOU DO For the music to see me through!
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Submitted by ASL on Tue, 12/01/2015 - 09:09

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What a lovely post! I need to echo the same...my life has changed for the better since we all started this journey nearly one year ago. We may not see each other but it's sure nice to know we can "talk" and reach out whenever... I think of all of you often and treasure our new cyber-friendships and especially the music that made it all happen.
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Submitted by BobLoblaw on Tue, 12/01/2015 - 10:42

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Hi everyone, Just checking in, as I have mostly had my head down attending to the mundane for the last few months. However, I got the chance to spin my noggin a bit last week at the Broomfield and Vegas shows (despite a nagging cough). The shows were great--11/28 2nd set, in particular, was very notable. Got to see Gob and (you can call me) James in Vegas so that was a treat. Gob even brought Christmas to the show . . . literally. Hoping to go to Cali at the end of the month but we will see.
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Submitted by _ on Tue, 12/01/2015 - 10:57

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It's like a reunion here. hey there Greg, Anita and Jeff...... Glad all is well and that Mayer and Friends didn't disappoint..... Oh yeah, I still miss Jerry......
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Submitted by geomeister on Thu, 12/03/2015 - 06:19

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...now, more than ever, we need to celebrate the good in our country, and the Good Old Grateful Dead have sure provided a lot of that. While not minimizing what happens tragically, we do need to focus on peace, love and bringing a smile to those around us. Mona posted that today was the official name change for the Boys to the Grateful Dead, and that happened 50 years ago...so happy happy birthday guys. As I reflect on the violence that seems to happen on an unfortunate regular basis, I can't help but think as a society we can do a better job. Think globally, act locally comes to mind....and for me, that starts with my own personal thoughts and what kind of spirit I want to have, and project to those close by. We can each make this place a better place, and we each need to do that. We each need to take responsibility for our thoughts, words and deeds, and strive to make this world a better place, one smile, one song, one hug at a time. So greet a friend, look someone in the eye, and say "I care". Think good thoughts, and yes, mourn and grieve as necessary, but know that your smile, your gesture, your words are important to us all. Best wishes, good thoughts and prayers to those hurting today. May the music provide warmth, your friends provide compassion, and memories of a real good time bring a smile to your spirit. Take care one and all...you matter to us as you matter to your friends and family. Peace to you and yours. geo
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Submitted by liketohike on Thu, 12/03/2015 - 08:37

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Geo, your thoughts are spot on and if we all took those words to heart the world would indeed be a better place. These are troubling times for sure. Thank the Great Spirit for the Good Ole Grateful Dead...a box of rain will ease the pain and love will see you through.
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Submitted by liketohike on Fri, 12/04/2015 - 07:04

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We've lost another great musician...RIP Scott Weiland.
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9 years 9 months

Submitted by SoCalDeadFan on Sat, 12/05/2015 - 20:42

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usc 22stanford 41 ya dude
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13 years

Submitted by BobLoblaw on Sun, 12/06/2015 - 11:47

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Dead & Co./Rose Bowl is awfully tempting! I might be able to pull it off....
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9 years 11 months

Submitted by deadgeek on Tue, 12/08/2015 - 19:53

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Spent last weekend in SF and SJ trekking to Dead sites of interest. Caught a show at TXR and Kimock...thought of all my Daydreamers and broke my face smiling!
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Submitted by _ on Wed, 12/09/2015 - 06:18

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Thanks Tom...happy holidays to you and yours....
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Submitted by deadgeek on Thu, 12/10/2015 - 18:31

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Tomorrow I got my first real taste of the dead. Friend gave me Wake Up to Find Out and it led me to this amazing community of kindness and joy! Love all you Daydreamers! Geeky
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Submitted by deadgeek on Sat, 12/12/2015 - 10:10

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One More Saturday Night Two Rhythm Devils Drumming Three Dead Heads Truckin’ Four Dancing Bears Five Da-ark Stars Six Joints a Passing Seven Jams a Grooving Eight Berthas Running Nine Brown Eyed Women Ten Franklin’s Towers Eleven Phil Bombs Dropping Twelve Hippies Tripping
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Submitted by _ on Sat, 12/12/2015 - 14:02

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Ready for the HoIidaze I see.....very nice.....
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Submitted by deadgeek on Tue, 12/15/2015 - 04:57

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Jerry returned to the stage 5 months after emerging from a coma. I was celebrating turning 21, oblivious to all things Dead. Took me 28 more years to find the bus stop but sure glad I did! I miss Jerry! Geeky PS - He played ALTHEA!
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Submitted by _ on Tue, 12/15/2015 - 05:02

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From all of us on this virtual bus to nowhere. Have a very Happy Birthday.....
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Submitted by deadgeek on Tue, 12/15/2015 - 05:09

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Thanks! Going to be one for the history books! Hope I remember it LOL
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Submitted by geomeister on Tue, 12/15/2015 - 08:00

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Here's to you, Geeky One, this fine daywhether you celebrate your 50th at work or at play: Yaay! Lisa gets to celebrate 50 trips around the sun, keep remembering you can't never have too much fun; May all the smiles and laughter and joy make you feel young like one with a new toy; Know that the strangers who are now your friends, are singing and dancing with you around each bend; And as you stop and reminisce, we trust there will be many moments of bliss; We wish for you many more years of music and love, with a spirit that matches the morning dove; Thanks for sharing your days with us, for our world got better when you got on the Bus. Speaking for Daydreamers near and far: HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY TO A SHINING STAR!
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Submitted by deadgeek on Tue, 12/15/2015 - 14:46

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Thanks so much for the kind words! It has been a glorious day! Chuck threw me a party at work...Dead cake, tie dye everything! He dressed up as Jerry...may be mistaken for Ozzy but I knew! Smile, smile, smile!
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Submitted by deadgeek on Tue, 12/15/2015 - 15:08

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Thanks so much!
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Submitted by High-Desert Dweller on Tue, 12/15/2015 - 15:23

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Did anyone notice excessive grainy picture quality during segments of their blu-ray or dvd video discs? Most noticeable on July 4th disc 2, during the fireworks. Interested to find out either way. Trying to determine if it was produced that way or if it's a defective disc. Otherwise it's an amazing capture of a magical week in Chicago. Thanks.
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Submitted by kurt009 on Wed, 12/16/2015 - 08:14

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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to my SD friends! I'm blessed to have cyber met all of you! Cheers!
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Submitted by SoCalDeadFan on Wed, 12/16/2015 - 11:43

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1 good seat to share with any Sunshine Daydreamers who may find themselves in LA this day. ☮gob
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Submitted by mkav on Wed, 12/16/2015 - 16:47

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Boy, wish I could. The tour is sounding better and better with each comment I read, but can't make it. Enjoy.
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Submitted by liketohike on Thu, 12/17/2015 - 07:53

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Hoping all the Daydreamers everywhere have a joyous holiday/winter season. May light and life fill your homes and family and friends fill your hearts. I am brimming with love for all of you and for our community. Soltice is coming soon and the light will return to us again. The sun will shine on our backdoor someday!!!
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Submitted by deadgeek on Thu, 12/17/2015 - 19:45

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Hey we just got our tickets for Feb shows. AND Chuck was off that weekend! Anyone else planning to be there? Peace! Geeky
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Submitted by _ on Fri, 12/18/2015 - 05:07

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Lisa I wish I would have know. I already booked Super Bowl week there and got tickets for Santana at Mandalay Bay's House of Blues, can't swing another trip that soon. Enjoy.... And on a more serious note, five days til Festivus 2015.... Gonna shine the aluminum pole and prepare for the airing of grievances and feats of strength. Gotta love the Holidays....if not, just play Dead. Happy Friday freaks!
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Submitted by SoCalDeadFan on Fri, 12/18/2015 - 23:21

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We'll be there!
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Submitted by deadgeek on Sat, 12/19/2015 - 16:23

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If you got the USB check out the app they included. Pretty groovy! Geeky
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Submitted by _ on Mon, 12/21/2015 - 04:49

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It is pretty cool...... btw....Geeky is a genius...... she knows how to read.
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Submitted by deadgeek on Sun, 12/20/2015 - 17:02

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My, my it is fun to see my morning coffee time killer making the rounds. Just saw Mickey posted it too. Made me smile, smile, smile.
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Submitted by JeffSmith on Mon, 12/21/2015 - 07:11

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Hope you've been having a grate Birthday Week, Lisa. Didn't realize it was your Five-Oh! until I got caught up here just now. So glad to know you're keeping the Sunshine Daydreamer flame going at upcoming celebrations in San Francisco and Las Vegas! Keep us posted! Pam says "Hi!". Please pass our hellos on to Chuck. 'Tis the season – Onward!
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Submitted by deadgeek on Mon, 12/21/2015 - 17:43

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Thanks so much! You're not really late since I decided to celebrate all month long! Hello to Pam...Hello from Chuck!