Karaoke Queen & Ye Olde Cock

Still on a jazz high from Wed., I sought out a place to do my own blowing-so to speak. Down the road from where I've been staying is the cute village of West Didsbury. Pubs, shops, fishmongers, yuppies, and old neighborhood establishments all coexist wonderfully here. I headed to The Crown Inn, an old pub with karaoke on Thursday nights. Cathy didn't wish to venture out, so off I tromped alone. The place was rather quiet when I sat down to see if there were any songs I wanted to sing. Funny thing about karaoke, the music is regional. Even in the States, the songbooks vary from bar to bar, town to town. A young guy broke the ice with a Beatles tune and the night took off like a rocket. The karaoke host didn't sing much himself, but his banter was fun, and the crowd was a diverse mixture of folks.

New pals from The Crown-Rick sang 1st...Nicole asked me to join them

I sang a couple of my favorite songs and won over the room with my versions of familiar tunes. I even won the lottery at the end: the pub was ready to close (11:30p) and only two more singers could sing. The host put the little pieces of song requests in a pile and had 2 randomly chosen. I WON!!! I couldn't believe out of all those little slips of paper and all the hopefuls hanging about, I got to sing one last time. To my surprise also, the room was excited too and chanting my name!!! Ahhh karaoke!!! Where else could I have had such instant success? The advice- do the American Pop Idol. Just can't away from Simon. Fun!!! After the kudos, my new X factor status, "you gave me goosebumps", and comments about my potential for stardom, I walked home alone in my reverie. Although I turned down Rick & Nicole's invitation to continue the party in the City, I did promise to meet up with them the next day.

Our destination...Ye Olde Cock Inn. OK, minds out of the gutter.

The beer garden with more new pals: Simon & Ellie. This was the start of a long day...

When have I ever turned down a chance to party? Once I met up with the gang Friday afternoon, I knew I had chosen wisely. All were hanging over just a touch, yet eager to begin again. Easter week is a big deal here. No one had to work Good Friday, the weather was gorgeous, and the outdoors beckoning to all. We had some libations in the garden, cruised into Ye Olde Cock for a couple rounds of pool, then off for more... KARAOKE. My goodness! Who knew the weekend would be so filled with drunken song revelers? It was a blast nonetheless, and it's nice to spread a bit of joy through song!

Happy Easter!

AND a very Happy Birthday to one of my best pals, Kimi (http://www.mzconduct.com/), who celebrates her 50th today!!!