Monday, September 4, 2017

ED SHEERAN ADVENTURE

The last time I attended a concert was way back in 1988 when Michael Jackson did his Bad Tour.  
So you can probably imagine how excited I was to hang out at Ed Sheeran's concert at the PNC Arena in NC,  when I was asked by fellow blogger and buddy Anna Cade, from www.herdingcats-burningsoup.com.
 


Things sure have changed from back in the day.  If you want to get close to the entrance, get there super early to be greeted by plenty of police officers and parking attendants. Be prepared to pay $20 or you won't get any further.  The show started at 7:30pm, but we arrived by 6:05pm, (thank you Awesome Anna) and people were already tailgating with some pretty yummy looking plates.  For the record, the parking lot holds 8000 spaces, and we got pretty dang close to the entrance.  If you don't mind walking 1/2 a mile or more and  park for free, you can always go across the street.

Back in the day, you handed your ticket to a person at the window and headed in.  Now, it's like going to the courthouse to get out of paying a fine for a speeding ticket because they scanned Anna's phone and us for contraband.  Dummy me thought you couldn't take phones into concerts, so I left mine in the car. (lol) Once I passed through the scanner, I asked the lady why wasn't she smiling?  At first, she glared at me, but when she realized I was serious, she gave one of the brightest smiles I've ever seen, then told us she was hot and ready to get out of there.  With the crowd of people coming through there, I didn't blame her one bit.


Old School

Now
We now headed to the person at the door, who scanned those flimsy tickets from Anna's phone, which then printed out actual paper tickets.  We walked around a little to check out the sites, and I was pretty amazed because there were vendors everywhere encouraging us to spend $13.00 for a drink , or $5.00 for bottled water.  In total on all the floors, I think there are about 70 vendors ready to take your money by cash or credit card.


Before going in, there's another guy at the door who checked our tickets to make sure we were actually supposed to be there. I asked him if his job paid really well since he had to stand there and not sit down for pretty much 5-7 hours?  He said it did, and grinned. 



Ed Sheeran and his girlfriend, Cherry
In case you didn't know, Ed Sheeran will be 27 on February 17, so I nervously expected the crowd to be filled with teens and kids who would be looking and wondering who let me in.  Imagine our surprise to see that the seats in front, the rows across and two rows ahead of us were filled with people our age and older.  Say what?


 When that show started every kid, every adult, every senior and us sang along and danced to the incredible music.  In fact, I'm almost positive that I flailed my arms so much that a few people were whacked by mistake as they walked by.  There was nothing but energy, laughter and joy in that building, proving once again that music is universal - and I'll never forget it.  Thanks to Anna for recording almost the entire concert so she can reminisce again and again. No matter that she had to delete some of her old pictures to get it all done. (lol)  She went all over the place to score some really good memories of this phenomenal show.



One thing that truly fascinated me was how everyone waved their cell phone lights around to the music during the performance.
Back in the day, we  celebrated by waving actual flashlights during concerts.  Wow!

Ed Sheeran is an amazing performer filled with good humor and talent.  If he's coming to your city, please go out to see him for a real treat.  I had the best fun ever!!!!


I'll also never forget the sore knees and arms  the next day from dancing around and climbing up and down those dang steep stairs. We did our fair share of huffing and puffing.  Well, I think I was way more out of breath than Anna was, because I'm clearly out of shape. (lol)

Kudos to Anna for asking me along as her plus one.  She sure knows how to make a friend feel special and appreciated.

Overall, Anna says we did a whole mile's worth of dancing according to her FitBit. (lol)


Are you a fan of Oreo Cookies?  Here's a delicious recipe that the kids will love, or work well as a late night snack.


Oreo™ Cookies and Cream Mini Cheesecakes


Ingredients


16
Oreo™ chocolate creme sandwich cookies, crushed (about 1 1/2 cups)
2
tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
1
package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/4
cup milk
2
tablespoons sugar
1
teaspoon vanilla
1
egg
4
Oreo™ chocolate creme sandwich cookies, cut into 1/4-inch pieces (about 1/2 cup) 
3
tablespoons semisweet chocolate chips
1
teaspoon shortening

Directions


  • 1
    Heat oven to 325°F. Line 24 miniature muffin cups with paper baking cups. In small bowl, mix crushed cookies and melted butter. Press 1 teaspoon cookie mixture firmly in bottom of each muffin cup.
  • 2
    In large bowl, beat cream cheese, milk and sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and egg; beat well. Fold in cut-up cookies. Spoon 1 heaping tablespoon cream cheese mixture into each crust-lined muffin cup.
  • 3
    Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until edges are set and centers are still soft. Cool in pan on cooling rack 30 minutes. Refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to 48 hours before serving.
  • 4
    Just before serving, in 1-cup microwave-safe measuring cup, combine chocolate chips and shortening. Microwave on High for 30 to 45 seconds or until melted, stirring once. Drizzle chocolate over tops of cheesecakes. Store in refrigerator.





















39 comments:

  1. That must have been great fun indeed, he's a wonderful musician and you've done a good job of taking us through the whole experience. Nice of you to share and warm greetings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Blogoratti, I'm so behind on responses and sorry for the delay. Yes, it was a fab time, and I'm so grateful that Anna asked me to tag along. Hugs...RO

      Delete
  2. It sounds like you had an awesome time Ro. Thanks for sharing. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was quite an adventure, and I'm thankful that Anna took me along for the ride! Hugs...

      Delete
  3. That sounds like so much fun. Glad you were both able to go and have fun.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was thrilled when Anna asked me to go, and it was so amazing! Hugs...

      Delete
  4. I'm so glad you had fun!
    Happy Labor Day, Rockin Ro:)
    Hugs

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Girl, I'm so behind in responding! So so sorry! I'm around, just working on this project. Happy Monday!

      Delete
  5. Hi RO :) I'm not much into music anymore. Since I suffered that burnout back in 2003, I find music noisy and hard to process, I can only handle new age stuff. But I did grow up in the 80's and I saw Michael Jackson in Montreal, it was the "Victory Tour" in 1986 I believe! He toured with his brothers, it was quite the show! Glad you had a good time! I think the last concert I went to was to see Tom Jones lol...I love that man, very sexy! :)

    That recipe looks great!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I totally get it Rain! When we left, we had a hard time hearing what in the heck was going on, so it was a little rough going there. Seeing Michael in Montreal had to be fantastic! I visited Montreal years ago for a comedy festival put on ny Showtime, and the people were so wonderful. I remember Tom Jones too, and yes definitely sexy! Hugs...

      Delete
  6. Replies
    1. We had a blast, and I'm so glad that Anna asked me to go. Hugs...

      Delete
  7. I am not going to admit how long it is since I have been to a concert. I am so glad you had fun. Have a great week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL! I bet it wasn't that long ago EC. Thrilled that Anna asked to go. I had the time of my life! Hugs...

      Delete
  8. Sounds awesome! I don't go to concerts as much anymore either, although I still love the rush of a live show. And yeah they've changed lol. Not least of which is the price! Man I get sticker shock now when I want to go to a show...

    Glad you guys had a blast!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're right about that Greg! I was blessed that Anna invited me to such a great event, but everything has changed, including the price. I used to sing in bands so music will always be a part of my life, but just in tiny moderation these days. Hugs...

      Delete
  9. It sounds like it was a great concert and that you had a wonderfully, exciting and fun evening RO! Good for you!!! Just remember to keep your phone with you at your next concert :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hate that I didn't bring that phone for sure,Jan!

      Delete
  10. It sure sounds like you had a wonderful time. It's been about as long as you since I have been to an actual concert also, I know a lot has changed since then but we are still the same.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's a great way to look at it Jimmy. We're still the same and still love the fun and music even though many other things have changed. Hugs...

      Delete
  11. Yep, you both had a fantastic treat and well-deserved. Love seeing enjoyable outings like this. I listen to his music and love singing with it, too. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was absolutely thrilled that Anna was so kind to invite me to such a spectacular event. She's the best!

      Delete
  12. I love Ed Sheeran. He's such a cutie and of course, his music is fantastic. Sounds like you had a great time. I'd have paid to park close to the entrance too. Was getting out of the parking lot after the concert a long wait?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He's absolutely adorable for sure Deanna. Ironically, it took us seconds to get out of there. They had a very streamlined process, which really surprised me. Hugs...RO

      Delete
  13. Glad you enjoyed the concert! I'm making out my shopping list to include the ingredients for that cheesecake recipe -- yummy, thanks!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Who doesn't love cheesecake, right? Yes, that concert was so wonderful! Hugs...

      Delete
  14. Oh wow, that's quite a long time in between concerts but I'm glad you had such a nice time! I LOVE Ed Sheeran. I saw him when he was an opening act, right before his first album came out but I haven't been able to see him since. Someday soon hopefully! He just needs to come near me.

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This guy has the cutest dimples ever, and he is super talented and full of energy. I hope you can see him again soon, too Lauren. Hugs...

      Delete
  15. Hey glad you had fun hanging out w/Anna. I didn't know you guys were neighbors. If I ever get in NC I'll let you guys know and we could have a real party ;-)
    I am definitely trying the oreo treats. Happy Tuesday

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This is one thing I love about the blogging world because you never know who you're gonna meet. Anna is an amazing woman. You can can see a tiny piece of her personality via Social Media, but in person she's like larger than life with this super sense of humor and unbelievable kindness. I hope you can get to NC to hang out one day soon for a HUGE party!(lol) Hugs...

      Delete
  16. So pleased you enjoyed his concert.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We had a blast, and ate not junk food at all Jan! (lol) Hugs...

      Delete
  17. With parking fees like that, probably cheaper just to uber to the entrance

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dang Adam, you're brilliant! We need to keep that in mind for next time! Happy Monday!!! Hugs...

      Delete
  18. I'm so excited for you guys! This sounds absolutely awesome! I've always liked Ed Sheeran but I was bored on my last long drive and found a playlist of his on Spotify and fell in love! What fun and what a workout!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Workout? Girl, I really couldn't move the next day! (lol) Yes, his music is totally fab and full of energy. Hugs...RO

      Delete
  19. I'm so glad you went with me! It really was fun. And I still need to do my post! lol Finally managed to get photos from cell to computer...yesterday. :facepalm: lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Girl, you always have so much going on, I don't know how in the world you are still sane. (lol)

      Delete
  20. I was diagnosed as HEPATITIS B carrier in 2013 with fibrosis of the
    liver already present. I started on antiviral medications which
    reduced the viral load initially. After a couple of years the virus
    became resistant. I started on HEPATITIS B Herbal treatment from
    ULTIMATE LIFE CLINIC (www.ultimatelifeclinic.com) in March, 2020. Their
    treatment totally reversed the virus. I did another blood test after
    the 6 months long treatment and tested negative to the virus. Amazing
    treatment! This treatment is a breakthrough for all HBV carriers.

    ReplyDelete

We love comments, feedback and YOU! Hugs...