I found out that Russell was coming into Blenheim on a charter flight so I got out there with plenty of time to calm my nerves and make sure that my hands were not clammy and hot ( I think that were worse by the time I shook his hand!) The plane was late landing so that just made me more excited yet nervous. I was sure that I was going to stuff it up and say stupid things but I was really good - I think!. He got out of the plane first, hitching up his jeans - he did that a couple of times - lost weight eh?
Then through the door he came, with me standing in his way lol! He had no chance of escape and I had him cornered. No, actually he said hi first. I then introduced myself, gave him the gift. He was rapt with the card and sweets telling me about his extreme �sweet tooth�. We talked about the concert in New Plymouth and he told me he did something naughty. When I asked him what he, said that I would find out!!!! Also during the conversation we talked about the vineyards and how he would take some bottles home, his exciting year ahead, his sunburnt nose and chocolate. When he realised who I was the first thing he asked was how was I now. He asked me how my health was after the concert and I told him that I was great and did not need any medication that night as he was my medication. Well, he laughed out loud and said that he had been called many things but never that before.
He was introduced to some winery people and when he came to walk out of the airport he told me to walk out with him. Well, of course I obliged!! I told him that I had brought my Mum up with me and showed him the car that she was sitting in. He waved out to her but she did not see him so he then walked over to the car, leaned through the window and had a chat with her. I also met Sir William and what a lovely man he is. Very warm and friendly.
Russell yelled out to him calling him Bill to hurry up and get in the van. I got another lovely hug. As the van was leaving he waved out again to me and he was gone��������but never forgotten, and this was real, not just a stupid dream!
The weather changed about 4pm and it just got colder at the evening came.
The weather as I have told you had turned very cold and everyone was trying to keep warm. We were seated behind the chairs and actually had a better view as we were abit higher.
The first hour was hard going as I was just wanting Russell to come out and sing but had to listen to Deborah. She sang from the musicals and a few other songs with her guitar.
Finally out came Russell, looking splendid in a dark suit and light coloured shirt and tie. Lots of comments about the weather and at one stage went to the large gas heater warmed his hands then turned around and warmed his butt! After the first song he was complaining about his burnt nose and went down to the first row to show his nose off. He went to my friends daughter (the one who took the photos) got down on his knees and leaned his arm on her leg!! She was stunned and was abit slow in responding but then said that she would kiss it better!!
The concert started with Granada, Ave Maria, Volare (everyone joining in), Funiculi funicula - coming off the stage and even sitting down in a chair and kept singing. The duet with Deborah singing the prayer was beautiful and their voices really blended. He went to have a drink of water and there must have been a moth in it because he joked about a floating thing in his drink then made a comment that even his cup of tea had ice floating in it!! He made another comment about the heater being near the string section of the orchestra and said �there would be a problem having a frozen G string as it would be hard to play!!�. He then turned to Sir William and said that he would be getting told off for that comment. Everyone seemed to be enjoying Russell�s humour and also the way he hit all the top notes especially with Nessum Dorma. Heather (my friend in the front row) yelled out for some Elvis. Russell then turned to Sir William and said �OK Bill let�s do it�. It was wonderful and with just the piano everyone applauded loudly. You Raise Me Up was very powerful and the orchestra I thought really made this song memorable. The encores were Swing Low, Core�ngrato and sang part of O Sole Mio unaccompanied. And then it was all over. The crowd wanted more and gave many standing ovations and the comments I heard the most were about the power of his voice. He left straight away as if he had stayed around it would have been hard to leave the vineyard with just one narrow road.
Well, for me I had so many highlights but the best one was meeting him and being able to spend time with him and not be star struck. We talked just like I would to a friend. I was blown away when he went over to my Mum in the car as it was out of his way. I love his accent and being called �luv�!!
Thank you Russell for making 2006 a great year!