We had the delight of meeting Russell and the whole band, including Billie who somehow was missed by some rag who reported incorrectly that he wasn't there, the morning of the concert at the Maritime Museum in San Diego.  I was in line with my sister Winnie and a new friend, "Kat" or rather Katarina from Sweden.  I turned from paying for our tickets to see the dear fellow waiting quietly for his turn.  There was a rush of things I wanted to say, what great music he writes, it is wonderful the band that is together right now, oh so many things but I only stuck out my hand and said,"Hello.  We are coming to see you tonight.  Thanks to you we have been able to see more of our country."  I then backed up to have my sister and Kat say their hellos and went over to say hello to Dave Kelly and others.  We held off following them right onto the boat wanting to let Russell have some space to show them the boat from his point of view.  Eventually, we did go on and tried hard to not be obtrusive.  When other folks asked for a photo or an autograph Russell, per his style, stopped smiled and gentleman 100% gave them their request.  Kat took a photo when they all lined up on the bow of the "Surprise" for a professional photo because Russell said yes it was fine and to go ahead.  Later, while Stewie on the "Surprise" was serenading everyone to a selection from, what Billie thought was, the Pirates of Penzance (is that it?) we stood on the gangway with Billie and again, as always, he was very patient and generous with our being fans.  

Win had on her TOFOG hat from 2001 which seemed to please Russell too. They later conversed together over t-shirt selections in the gift shop.  Win pointed out her favorite was a black, pirate motive which had the words, "The beatings will continue until moral improves".  Everyone thought this was funny and another shopper thought it was a great shirt.  Russell ended up purchasing several.  He then took more photos with the museum staff. 

Not surprisingly, the opening act Darryl had on one of the new shirts at the concert.   TOFOG themselves were all in neat dark tailored suits.  The magazine rags we saw clips from this morning were full of errors.  I am sure Kat is going to be thrilled with the photo regardless of the fact that the article has her name wrong.  She is pale skinned, bright blue eyes, reddish brown hair, in a pale beige coat and is standing along next to Russell in the photo taken after the concert probabley in the upper room of the HOB. The concert was outstanding. I hate the talking at the bar that went on constantly even during very tender telling of background stories that Russell shared with us about the songs.  He rose above all that and gave us great music and feeling. I hope they come to a larger venue with seats sometime in the USA. Billie actually smiled once.  He is all about the music and what music!   Russell tossed an empty water bottle or two to Stewie and they had great fun playing together, from out viewpoint. We were in the second row of faces and everyone around us was just super nice and easy going. At ages 46 and 48 we should have more stamina but after the long encore and seeing Dave Kelly after at the HOB we called it a night.  Kat on the other hand went on and got that fabulous time and a photo with Russell.  Well, we had only time to see the concert and then back to family and work but what an adventure and what a nice memory.  Stay well, peace.

Beth and Win Allen