2/29/2012 Grand Sierra Resort- Reno, NV

     Hey guys! Just got done checking in at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, NV. We got our rooms, loaded instruments and equipment into Mustangs Saloon and Dancehall downstairs where we'll be playing the next four nights, and getting settled in. Ran to Walmart and got food to keep in the rooms because buying food here is way too expensive. I went for the $.92 Mac 'n Cheese and sandwich stuff...and don't worry Tony and Fred I got Miller Light too.

      The trip here was pretty interesting going over Highway 80 and Donner Pass. There was about 20-25" of snow and a few places had a white out so it took awhile driving here at 40 mph through the Sierras but we made it without any problems with the F-450 dually in 4WH.
The rooms here are really nice, nicer than anything I've ever stayed in. I'll post a few photos. My window over looks the pool (creeper? sure why not), planes landing at Reno, and also the snow covered Sierras. We each get our own room too which I wasn't expecting. Our rooms are mini suites so we have a fridge/freezer, microwave, chairs, desk, big flat screen tv, marble bathrooms, pretty cool.

     So far I've had a pretty good time. Buck took me out with some of his friends the other night after we rehearsed a few songs, went to BJ's then drove around, went to Walmart, had a good time. Him and his family/friends have been really cool and I've been staying at his place the past few days so I don't have to drive back and forth all over with that truck. Pretty cool that they've been helping me out so much with music and a place to stay, it's especially nice when you're 400 miles from home and everything is going 100mph, so much going on in just a short time.

     We played at the Gold Country Casino in Oroville last week which was fun. Buck's fiddler Ronnie helped me get through some of the songs and teaching me the specific licks that needed to be in some of the songs, especially the George Strait stuff since we'll be doing a George Strait tribute in Imperial next week. Last night I played by myself with them for the first time at Strike's in Elk Grove which was fun. Miranda, Aubrey, Sarah, and Jason all came to that one so it was nice seeing my friends and feeling more comfortable and relaxed. So much to learn in such a short time so I'm kinda stressing about it but all I can do is my best and hope I don't let them down.

     Well I'm going to run downstairs and steal some forks from one of the food places down there so I can eat my 92 cent Mac 'n Cheese. I'll let you guys know how the week is going and keep you posted throughout the tour. Thanks for all your thoughts, prayers, and words of encouragement, I appreciate every one of them. It's a big leap for me so I'm trying to just have fun with it and not stress about it too much, just enough to get me in gear and learn the stuff.