Carolina Panthers vs Chicago Bears at Ericsson Stadium

Carolina Panthers 24 (D. Brown 2, Steve Smith touchdowns, Shayne Graham 3 extra points, field goal) defeated the Chicago Bears 14 (D. White 2 touchdowns, P. Edinger 2 extra points)

Paid Attendance: 72,602 (This game was considered a sell-out and we bought tickets outside the stadium. I don't believe the crowd would have been a third of this size.)

The Charlotte Observer, 23 December 2002

Bateau Bay, NSW

A, Me Nan & Granddad Fay, J, K, Nanna Hutch, Dad & Mum, K&J's Wedding, East Gosford

K&J, K&J's Wedding, Shelley Beach

Me & K, K&J's Wedding, Shelley Beach

Me & A, Harbour Bridge, Sydney

Karla, Brroke, Benno, Ley, Mum, A, Robbie, K, Linda, Reggae, J, Me, Luvvo & Jane, Wollstonecraft, 

A, Me, K & Mum, Darling Harbour

Dad, Me, A. K, J & Mum, Renato's, Coogee

Dad, K, Me & Mum, Harbour Bridge

What I remember (in 2024)

On 6 November we flew to Australia, to attend K & J's Wedding on 10 November.  It was also the first time A was meeting my family (except Dad & K) and going to Australia.

We spent most of our time on the Coast and back and forth down to Sydney.

You Am I & Dirtbombs @ The Metro

What I remember (in 2024)

Went with Reggae, Luvvo, Creany & Jase.

You Am I weren't that good, but we had a blast watching the guy in front of us, who was into it more that everyone else combined.

The Crap Facts

This is my 192nd concert.
This is my 41st concert at The Metro.

This is my 49th concert in Sydney.

This is my 178th concert in New South Wales.

This is my 181st concert in the Australia.

The Dirtbombs are the 250th band I've seen.
This is my 12th You Am I concert.

New South Wales vs South Australia @ SCG

Day 3 of 4

South Australia 397 and 181 beat New South Wales 296 and 255 by 27 runs.

What I remember (in 2024)

Went with Reggae & Saffa.  

We went to the Randwick Ritz afterwards and saw Crackerjack.

Stayed at Reggae's in Randwick that night.

Reverend Horton Heat & Aqualads @ The Visulite

What I remember (in 2024)

The Visulite was so close to where we lived.

The Aqualads had that surf-rock vibe going on.

Reverend Horton Heat blew me away, they were so much fun.

The Crap Facts

This is my 191st concert.
The Visulite is the 51st venue I've seen a concert in.

Charlotte is the 37th city I've seen a concert in.

North Carolina is the 8th state I've seen a concert in.

This is my 3rd concert in the USA.

The Aqualads are the 248th band I've seen.
Reverend Horton Heat are the 249th band I've seen.

Mama Mia @ Ovens Auditorium

New Orleans, LA

What I remember (in 2024)

On the 13th I flew to New Orleans, via St, Louise, to meet up with Robbie, who is over here for a conference.

Before he got to the conference we crammed in a visit to the amazing World War II Museum and the Aquarium.

Nights were spent at the Acme Oyster House and Preservation Hall.

Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

A & I chose Puerto Rico for our honeymoon.  We flew down on the 8th, after our guests returned overseas, and stayed at the Westin at Del Rio Beach.  It was about a 40 minute drive from the airport, and because it was a US territory, didn't require me to leave the country and then re-enter.  We never left the resort and spent our time either at the beach or the pool.  Relaxation at its best.

Our Wedding

Don & A

Dad & I

At thAltar, Christ Episcopal Church

Me, Lisa & A

Married

Our Wedding Party

Our Cake

Mr & Mrs, Charlotte Country Club

I returned to Charlotte on 28 April, after working practically every day since returning to Manchester.

In that time A has arranged our wedding, to which we have invited 16 people.  Her family, my Dad, and those who would have been our bridesmaids and groomsmen.

The night before our wedding, Lynn & Larry's neighbours hold a dinner for us in their backyard.  With so few people coming to our wedding, this was a wonderful night of celebration.  I am thankful for Mrs. Mrs Simmerville, Masters, & Parsons.

We get married at Christ Episcopal, where A grew up going to church.  The plan was to get married in the garden of the church, but weather had other plans.  The coldest wettest day on May saw the whole wedding party head inside the church and hold the service at the altar.  Our reception was in a private room at Charlotte Country Club, where Don is a member.  While there were people who I would have liked to have been there, I am more than grateful for those that did come - from Charlotte, New  York, Australia, Samoa & Ireland.

Those at the wedding kicked on to Thomas Street Tavern at all hours, while A & I retired to the Dunhill for the night.

The following morning Lynn & Larry held a brunch for us at their place with most of the people from Friday night returning.

Charlotte, NC & Manchester, UK

I had left Leeds and came back to Charlotte on 13 December as A & I had been apart for the last 2 months.  We didn't do much, as she is now working full-time at the Art Institute.

The big part of the trip was tht we got engaged on Christmas Day.  The plan now is for me to return to work up until May and return to Charlotte for our wedding.  I had planned on going back to the Walkabout at Leeds, but since I left, Lee also left.  Fortunately Kerran is now running the Manchester Walkabout and has offered me work there.

Charlotte Checkers v Roanoke Express @ Cricket Arena

Roanoke Express 3 defeated Charlotte Checkers 2

Crowd: 4,034

What I remember (in 2024)

Before I headed back for my last stint in England, we went and watched the Charlotte Checkers play the Roanoke Express.  This is not the NHL, but it is fast.  I can barely keep up with where the puck is, let alone work out what fouls are being called.  I can't remember the name of the people we went with, but the poor guy sitting next to me was peppered with questions all night.  As I was asking what happens in the event of a draw, the Express scored in the last second and won it.  I didn't even see the goal.

The Charlotte Observer, 9 February 2002