Pat Benatar Concert in Indy

  Tom wanted one things for his birthday: to attend the Pat Benatar concert in Indianapolis on August 8 as part of the Indiana State Fair. It's just over a hindered miles from here so not unreasonable and he ordered tickets to the fair  ($10 each) and one parking pass (also $10).

 We arrived about 3 PM amid sweltering heat (91°). Coupled with the humidity, it was nearly unbearable.

 This is the second Benatar concert we've attended together; it's Tom's fourth. Our last was on July 8, 2018 as part of a Blue Ash (Ohio) July 4th celebration. That concert was also free.

 We were shoed away from the grassy area because of the impending sound  check. The concert was to take place at 7:30 PM. The location is called the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage. While you pay to attend the fair, the concerts held there are free and sponsored by the state lottery.

 Soon after we arrived Neil Giraldo, Benatar's guitar-wielding husband, came out on stage and played a few guitar licks as part of the sound check. Later Benatar herself stepped out, picked up a mic and belted out a few bars of a song. She spoke briefly to the few people already collecting  there for the concert, Tom and I among that select group.

 During the hot afternoon (we had a four and a half hour wait, after all), Tom  and I took turns holding down our seats while the other took small excursions around the fairgrounds.

 By the time the concert  began -  on the minute - there was a large crowd gathered.

 Here's a close-up on Giraldo (l-r),  Benatar and bassist Mick Mahan. The drummer in the background is probably Myron Grombacher but not visible in this shot.

 Here's a short video clip to give a better idea of what the concert was like.

 It turned out to be a beautiful evening with clearing skies and a light breeze. A waxing gibbous moon hung above a "This Bud's for You" structure that allowed special seating atop for winners' of a local radio station contest.

 As the sun set the concert also ended about 9:30 PM. It was a shorter concert than the one we attended in Blue Ash. Here's the setlist.

 As we walked back to our car, we passed this enormous Ferris wheel all lit for a nighttime ride. Food items were very expensive. The best price I could find on a 20 ounce Pepsi was $3.  Tom had to pay $7 for a corn  dog. Other prices far exceeded that. The famous fair Funnel Cakes went for $10.

 Here's a shot of me during the long  afternoon wait.

 And Tom with a high-end corndog in hand.

 Apparently the Indiana State Fair prints a daily program and Tom picked one up for August 7.

 As we were arrived we were given a "Code of Conduct" sheet. I have to say all the workers we came in contact with were very friendly and everyone told us to have a good time. Great personnel.

 We had no trouble getting out of the parking area (actually a field near the Indiana School for the Deaf near Gate 12. We crossed 42nd Street to get to the Fair.

 As we neared home just after 11 PM we decided to stop at the Waffle House in Brookville. We both ordered breakfast. We got home about midnight and both watched a little TV. I was in bed by 1 AM (and surely asleep at 1:01) and Tom followed at 3 AM.

 But a great day of pounding rock and roll and enough heat to class us well done.

NBC ... again!

  Our Night Blooming Cereus just bloomed the first week of June. Now, just two months later, it's blooming again.

 Four flowers opened last evening (08/02/22). This one is the same as the bud pictured below, only a few hours earlier.

 Those pink strands that encircle the bud are the final stage to watch for. Once they begin to loosen, the flower will open that night.

 Bloom #2

Bloom #3

Bloom #4

 This is a second shot of the first bloom posted at the top of the page. One leaf had several buds on it but they've all aborted. If the small buds begin to turn red, it's a sign that they will not develop and will eventually fall off.

 Though I've now seen  this plant bloom so many times throughout the year, it is always a new and glorious experience for me. Each blooming cycle is essentially identical and yet each impresses me with its own characteristics. This time there was but a slight scent; sometimes it is overpowering. The flowers choose their spots on various leaves (they prefer the sunnier locations). Some form out in the open; others are nestled among the leaves.

 I could think of no word to describe it better than "Glory!". It is the most glorious flower we have.