Sunday Drives

I love a nice relaxing Sunday drive. Here are some pics from my recent drives.

A very swollen Provo river. Floods are coming.
Ducks along the river.

Out at Utah Lake State Park. Thanks for letting me in without charging any $.!

And you thought you had dandelions? Field of the little lovely ones inCharleston at the North end of Deer Creek.

Idol Chatter...and the winner is!

Well, apparently I've been a bit busy and forgot to blog
about the big finale! I was super glad to see Lauren
and Scotty make it to the finals. Haley had no business
even making it as far as she did. So we had the big country music show-down. I have to say that Lauren actually did a better job than Scotty on finals night. All that and with a blown vocal cord? Too bad she didn't rock it like that all season. Whoever picked Scotty's final song, boo. Jimmy, really? "Love You This Big", sounds like that children's book: Guess How Much I Love You....this big! Lauren's final song was much better.

But, when we look at the entire season, it was pretty obvious who was going to win. Scotty had the fans behind him from the very beginning, including me. Secret is: originally I was only voting for Scotty because I wanted to with the American Idol game because he was my first prediction. But in the end, I was the one that was surprised, because I actually really liked him. So, maybe somewhere deep inside I'm a little bit country. I always knew I was rock and roll. Darn Donny & Marie song.

The ending results for the AI game: Camille 11 pts. Tamma 9 pts. Nikki 7 pts. Glenn 4 pts. and Shauners 2 pts. Thanks for a great season. Now what will I do on Wednesday nights?

Idol Chatter...top 4!

So we're getting down to the end soon. Is your top pick still "in it to win it"? I can't reveal if mine is until the finale. Stay tuned.

Well, tonight we got a song you've heard of from contemporary catalogs and then some song you've never heard of from some old-time song writers.

1. James-didn't think it was fair that he got to open and close the show. Thanks FOX. Don't Stop Believing-current pick. Really pitchy and sharp, but the teens will love it because of Glee. Us old farts will love it because, it's Journey. Classic American Rock!
Love Potion #9-old pick. As hard as it is for me to say it, it was good. Interesting arrangement. Gaga, makes me gag.

2. Haley-will this be the end for you? Finally? Earth Song-current pick. While this is one of my all-time favorite MJ songs, I thought it was terrible. She really butchered the song, then the judges butchered her. Finally some honesty from the 3 stooges. Old pick-don't remember the name of it, but it was really fantastic...yes, you read right...fantastic. Tonight was probably the first time I took her seriously and felt like she might be a threat to my favorites.

3. Scotty-who ever thought he'd make it this far? 9-11 Song-current pick. Nice work, not your best, but really a touching song and well chosen for the current events of the past week or two. Old pick-whatever it was called, it was cheesy and kind of lame. Scotty... you're so close, don't blow it now! Now go wash your hands with a sterilizing solution after touching the gaga.

4. Lauren-she really showed up tonight! This was the Lauren I believed in from the beginning. I've been phoning in votes for you all night. Build it Anyway-current pick. A...wait for it... Mazing! You should have been singing like that all along! I'm Evil-old pick. Well, your Dad's probably a little shocked you could sing and move like that, but it is a tricky business you're entering. Very grown up and very very good!

Tonight's predictions are a mixed bag: 3 for Haley, 1 for Lauren and I'm hoping for the Daughtry effect and betting that James is going home. Who will be right??

Idol Chatter...top 5

After taking a week off...I'm sure all you (2) missed me.
I just got busy and never got around to it, then it seemed pointless. So, here we go for this week.

The kids got to sing a "current" pick and one from the 1960's (the oldies). Which don't really seem that old to me, guess I'm the oldie.

James. Current-Closer to the Edge. Sound seemed off and really pitchy, felt like he was flat the entire song. Too much show, not enough substance for me. 1960-Without You. Surprisingly, I liked it. Not enough to make me vote for him.

Jacob. Current-No Air. I just don't like his style of singing, or his dance moves for that matter. 1960-Love Hurts. That hurt my ears...the judges reviews weren't even close to being honest. I miss Simon.

Lauren. Current-Flat on the Floor. She's almost back tonight to the Lauren I fell in love with. It was her best one in many weeks. 1960-Unchained Melody. Not my favorite from her, still good, but I want great!

Scotty. Current-Gone. I'm starting to sound like a broken record with him...he's fun to watch, lots of personality and has a great vocal range. 1960-Always on My Mind. When can I buy the album? I still can't believe how much I actually like him.

Haley. Current-You and I. Gaga, I was not. Like Jacob, I'm just not a fan of her style...vocal or fashion. 1960-House of the Rising Sun. Better than the last one. She's lasted so much longer than I ever thought, I'll give her credit for that.

Well, my vote's got to be for Jacob again this week. I think, hope, pray it might be true this time. Tune in tomorrow to find out... Yippee!!!I'll enjoy the show more next week without him! Oh, Jennifer...MC Hammer called and wants his pants back. What was up with her outfit?? Some fashions should never come back in style.