The Burns’ Family Blog & The Confection Chronicles

Every summer since Jonathan and I have been together I have asked him if he wanted to get Jimmy Buffett tickets.  Being the great husband that he is, he would always say “if you want them, of course I will go.”  I could always tell he really did not want to go.  My “parrothead time” is usually reserved for when I’m alone or Jonathan would give in while we were driving the Wrangler to the beach or lying by the pool.  When I would give up and have my own “Buffettfest” with Jonathan around, he would joke about the stupid gestures or silly little additions to the song and how he just “didn’t get it.” 

This has always amazed me, as I think Jonathan is the epitome of a Jimmy-Buffett-loving Parrothead.  I will never forget the first time we met – he was driving a green Jeep and wearing khaki shorts with a white shirt and brown OP flip flops.  He is one of the most laid-back people I know.  I could not believe the words coming from his mouth when he said “I don’t really care for Jimmy Buffett.”  What!?!

Well…I believe the tides have changed!!!!!!  After doing a cake for a long-time friend’s son last weekend, she offered two tickets to last night’s Buffett’s concert.  They would drive (so no huge gas price in that giant Tahoe!) and there was really no reason not to go!!  He didn’t put up a huge fight, as I think he knew he really didn’t have a choice!  So, finally – finally I had my chance to bring Jonathan over to the bright side!

We left Sanford around 1:30 and arrived in Charlotte before 4.  A sea of Parrotheads had already invaded the parking lot at the Verizon Amphitheater and it was a welcoming site!  We quickly unloaded the vehicle and began setting up our little section of paradise.  Everyone had their choice of a hat – cheeseburgers, margaritas, parrots, sharks; but I don’t think Jonathan was quite ready for that!  He chose to adorn his typical navy blue Tar Heels hat, but did finally give in and put on a lei. 

He was excited that he finally got to use his fancy new stainless steel tailgating grill I gave him for our anniversary last year.  So, he quickly made himself at home.  He befriended our neighboring group due to the use of a grill lighter, and as soon as the food was cooked, he wanted to go exploring!  He was looking at Tiki bars and lawn games that he would just have to have for next year.  We hadn’t even made it in the front gates yet and I could already see some parrot feathers starting to form! 

When the gates opened, we were the first ones through the door.  We had the perfect lawn spot right in the center of the stage.  With each passing song and each beachball hit, I could see it happening!  My Parrothead was born!!!!!!!  It took a little prodding to get him to do his “fins,” but he chimed in on most every song. 

On our long walk to the parking lot, he told me he couldn’t wait to be back next year!!  Mission accomplished!