Raleigh, NC. Named after Sir Walter Raleigh, most famous for introducing tobacco to the world, so for those ready to report me there's your connection to Europe. In addition Peter Frampton, an Englishman from Bromley, is included.
With respect to Frank II, I will try to restrain myself from bloviating.
Raleigh is where Andy, Barney, Thelma Lou, and Helen Crump went for a big Saturday night. It is also famous for barbecue and is the capital of North Carolina. That's about it.
"Frampton Comes Alive" was the soundtrack for us high school goofballs in 1976. It was a requirement for suburban white boys to have this double-album to avoid having your lunch money stolen. (Side note: Not only did I have my lunch money stolen more than once, I was also unceremoniously shoved and confined into a locker at McKinley Junior High School. So yes, I bought the album.) First thought: Damn. These people are OLD. Many of the men appeared to be pregnant. Several 70-something women (I guess) were all dolled up like it was date night in 1976. In general it was NOT working for them. Revealing outfits? Hey, we're eating here. Reminds me of Leroy. Leroy Rochambeau, who saw me in Speedos one day and said, "Big Mike, no offense good buddy, but those things just ain't right on you." He rudely said I looked like Michael Phelps after a decade-long bender, and reminded me that Summersville Lake was not the French Riviera. Point? We're all different. Wear outfits that work for your body type. Spandex? Should be reserved for at best 5% of the population.
Where was I? At a Peter Frampton concert. Frampton has a muscle-wasting neurodegenerative disease. (I did not have to look up the word, thank you.) He thought his concert days were over in 2019, but since his fingers work fine he can play as brilliantly as always, imo, in 2023. What inspired me was how heartfelt the vibes were between a seated Frampton and his audience. He gingerly came onto the stage with a cane and when the crowd welcomed him so loudly and warmly, he feigned being blown away by a strong wind. His smile, good nature, and self-deprecation connected with the audience in such a charming way. His guitar virtuosity was sparkling and his voice clear and strong. Bottom line is that everyone seemed happy to have made it this far in their lives and are back together for maybe the last time. "We may never pass this way again," a song by Seals and Crofts comes to mind.
Finally, I want to say I love the genuine warmth of Southerners. From the police to event staff, everyone was polite, deferential, and kind. This suggestion that service workers and waitstaff can't be professional, congenial, and kind is nonsense. More than once I was asked, "Where ya'll from?" Nothing phony here. It's just the way people are.
So what's up with all of the old people? Look in the mirror. Be glad you're still around to be a part of them. But please, no short-shorts and revealing attire. In general, of course. It's been a long, strange trip, my friends.
Love and Peace--Mike