Back in Salem after a month in Alaska nothing much had changed. Gary and I were still all fired up about boating and the boat we bought previously was not doing the job. We go back to the dealer we need more power and more speed. We traded for a Glaspar G3. I'm not sure … Continue reading Another change →

Early in 1968 we were approached about going to Southeast Alaska. A deal was made and a date was set. I do not remember the date but i think it was spring time. It was for a one month engagement. We decided to go alone. The ladies were in Salem living a normal life so … Continue reading KetchikanAlaska →

Towards the end of our second stay in Hawaii Gary Nieland came up with an idea. It was a Sunday afternoon, I know that because we did not practice that day and it was a lazy day. He had been reading the newspaper and while reading the cartoons he saw one called The Crusaders. His … Continue reading A big idea →

As we neared the end is of 1966 preparations were made for another engagement in Hawaii. We didn't go back to Oklahoma for Christmas as we usually did. We decided to do Christmas in the San Jose area with my brother and his wife and my sister and her husband. Gary and Leon went to … Continue reading Back to the islands →

As we approached our time to go back to the mainland we all got pretty excited. It was like nearing the end of a workout, everyone got a second wind. Travel plans were all set and once again I can't remember who met us at the San Francisco airport. All I remember is we were … Continue reading Back to the mainland →

Early on our first trip to Hawaii the agent took us to Hanauma Bay. Beautiful beach. It's where a lot of Elvis Presley's movie Blue Hawaii was filmed. Being new to Hawaii and not being properly warned we all ended up with a sun burn. Me, Gary and Hoot weren't too bad but poor old … Continue reading A day at Hanauma Bay →

Our engagement at The Merry Monarch was a twelve week contract with a two week option. We were there only a few weeks when the club owner told us he would definitely exercise the option. Everything about the job was good except the seven nights a week. It is extremely hard to appear fresh and … Continue reading A Hawaiian visit with my brother →

We quickly learned working seven days a week and practicing Five didn't allow much time for fun. Weekend afternoons we had some time to explore. Sometimes after work we would do something, which is how Gary and Hoot almost met with disaster. They decided one night to ride their bikes out toward diamond head. They … Continue reading Hawaiian Mafia →

When you're on a " set down" indefinite contract ,either party, the club owner or the group can elect to end the contract with two weeks notice. We were rocking along in Reno still having a good time having fun and watching Leon make an old man of himself when we were visited by a … Continue reading Finishing up in Reno and off to the Islands →

While in Oklahoma over Christmas we would gather, almost daily, at Gary's parents home to practice. It was good to see Leon again. It was a shock because when I last saw him he was very thin he was now quite a bit heavier. As usual he was funny and even better on Guitar than … Continue reading A daughter and The Islands →