The Doran Family: Month of May: Music, Mayhem and Majestic Memorial Day

Our Month of May was an action packed month. Lots of music, traveling, and sights to see. One interesting thing about being married to my husband is that ever since I met him, I've seen more concerts than I ever would have imagined seeing in my whole life. And, these aren't run-of-the-mill, mainstream concerts that a 30-year-old like me would be used to seeing. You see - Andrew has really specific, unique taste in music and well, I've come accustomed to it. We listen to it on the ipod around the house, in the car, on DVD, and I hate to admit it, but after five years of listening to it - it ain't all that bad. This month was filled with concerts: Van Halen, Lindsey Buckingham, The Black Keys, Roger Waters + Andrew saw another one (no clue what it was), but he knew I wouldn't like it so I stayed home.

Our month started out with a Van Halen concert at the Tacoma Dome and a fabulous meal at Stanley & Seaforts over looking beautiful Tacoma. Andrew was critical of David Lee Roth saying he didn't sing all the words (of course I couldn't tell) and was kind of lame. I downright think he's cheezy. I think I dozed off a couple of times, but hung in there. (I have a horrible habit of falling asleep in very loud concerts and movies). On our way home a guy at the gas station was commenting just the same. Then, a couple of days ago Van Halen announced that they're canceling concert tours - I guess Andrew was right.

The next day, we headed off on a little exploration up to Snoqualmie Falls. It was a beautiful sunny day and it was great to be able to see the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi. I'm looking forward to seeing Niagra Falls in July!!

How about this BEAUTIFUL double rainbow?!

Next, on our list: The black keys. I had read a lot about them and thought it would be a band that both Andrew and I would like. We bought the CD and quickly got into it. The concert was awesome - a lot of energy and even a giant disco ball! A new favorite for us. I stayed awake the entire time -- and I'd say it was one of my favorite concerts as of late.

The next week, we were getting coffee at Tully's and Andrew saw a little card for the Million Dollar Quartet and thought we'd enjoy going to it. That Friday night, we had dinner in the Laurelhurst area of seattle at this quaint little French bistro called Chloe and then headed over to the Paramount theatre where we did a shady deal with some guy in a white explorer who had tickets to the show on Craigslist. Besides standing on a street corner waiting for our ticket scalper, the night was great in a beautiful old theater. The show reminded me of all of the great music my dad used to play for us as kids - it's a jukebox musical and features a jam session with Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley ... I only wish I could have gotten up and danced!

The next night, we headed over to the Neptune theatre - one of my favorites because it's old and has beautiful stained glass. We saw Lindsey Buckingham - member of Fleetwood Mac who solo'd the whole night. The entertainment for me was actually the scene that some folks in the front row were causing that involved security. We had nice balcony seats though and a perfect center view.

Our night at Roger Waters was unexpected. I don't really know anything about Pink Floyd other than I know what one of their album covers looks like. Andrew anticipated that I would probably hate the show, and therefore, booked us a hotel room at The Max Hotel - instant staycation! I actually thought the show was really deep and I'm super curious as to Roger Water's political positions and social inclinations. Very moving and an excellent production show - almost up there with a U2 style show.

Hotel Max -- interesting menu of pillows and spiritual books!

This giant wall was the focal piece of the whole show. The first hour they built it up - then, it came crashing down.

Big Brother is watching you. Roger Waters has one of those "black helicopter" mentalities. Super paranoid. Private. Disgusted by corporations and capitalism?

Scary Monsters?

Giant horned pigs?

Wall of faces.

Our month wrapped up with a fabulous, relaxing weekend in Coeur d'Alene. This resort town is just lovely and so relaxing. We had a fabulous 5 hour drive from Seattle - which was such a nice opportunity to just chat together and "catch up." One thing I immediately noticed is how friendly people are - they stop, wave, and have a great positive attitude!

This is our hotel room - so nice and even a lake view!

Hanging out with the moose (what's the plural for Moose?) -- we decided, on a whim, to take a scenic FLIGHT! In one of those mini-planes - our's was a 1956 Beaver. It made me a little uneasy because I'm reading Nie-Nie's book "Heaven is Here" - so, a small plane ride made me a touch nervous.

We decided to DO IT - beautiful evening flight above Lake Coeur d'Alene!

Now boarding....

My view during takeoff.... gorgeous!

The view!

Flying above Wayne Gretsky's house.... if you can look closely - he has double waterslides into an infiniti pool. The LIFE.

Our resort from the plane...

When we landed, we took a walk around the resort property and checked out the longest floating bridge in North America. Then, we spotted our Golfer Shuttle! We took this lovely boat the next day over to the golf course.

Here we are at the golf course on Sunday. Remembering our heroes with beautiful flags everywhere. This was a dynamite course. We even had a caddy named Will - great guy! He was running around shouting out yardage and picking up my clubs - grabbing my putter. It really is an amazing experience to play golf with your own caddy! This course has a spectacular floating green too - which is really neat.

Andrew and I headed over to the course early so that we could practice, practice, practice. Right on the water, you hit your balls into the lake. It's just beautiful.

We played a foursome with a super kind couple named Diane and Glen - just so sweet. They are from Seattle too! This round of golf was their 20th Anniversary of playing the Coeur d'Alene course - they've played every year it's been open!

Here's Andrew going for GOLD -- trying to hit his ball on the floating green. He made it! Great shot babe!

You can imagine how nervous I was to try and hit this darn ball over there to that floating green - but, I DID IT! It landed in the flower bed - but, hey, it got there.

We both got certificates for making it onto the green. You're probably wondering how we got to the floating green to putt our way to the end. We took a boat - it was such an experience!