This is my humble way of saying 'thanks' to a very special friend.

I owe Dobie a lot.  The debt isn't monetary, it's for all the friendship and fun we've had.  But, because it isn't money, there are few ways to 'repay' her.....'til now.  This website was Dobie's idea.....shoot, even the name came from her!

So, now......in March, 2005......

This website is dedicated to Dobie!

It's said that people come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.  Well, Dobie is a 'lifetime' friend.

Way back in July, 2001.  My friend Kathy talked me into going to the Stardust Club to hear the Desert Moon Band.  I wasn't going out back then, but once I heard this band, I was 'hooked'!  From then on, she and I went every time they played the club...one weekend a month (we were such 'party animals' <grin>). 

About this time, Dobie was fighting some back problems and wasn't coming out at all.  Then, in December, she came to the club for a party with her friends.  John (the vocalist) announced the band was playing the club for New Year's Eve.  At the end of the evening, Dobie came to our table and asked if she had heard correctly about New Years.  When you think about it.....we were strangers....the band was her friends.....why would she ask us and not them?  But, once you get to know Dobie...you don't ask 'why', you just accept it 'is'!

Fast forward to New Year's Eve.  Dobie and I each had tables reserved.  We had to be at the club by 9:00pm or we'd lose the reservations.  Both of us were early (very unusual!).  We started talking to pass the time and it was like we had known each other for years.  (If you already know Dobie, you know what I mean.....or, you will as soon as you meet her!)

From that night on, we always sat at each others' table....whoever got to the club first saved room for the other.  During this time, I learned she used to own the Stardust (when it was a successful 'dancehall' called The Country Music Showplace).

Over the next year, I got to know Dobie and others in her group of friends pretty well.  In early 2003, we started 'running around' together.  She'd call and say 'let's go......' or 'there's a party at.......'.  And, we'd go!  Most of the time, we went to the Stardust or Fast Car Bar in south Austin because that's where our friends were.  There were a few excursions like the night we drove 45 miles in the fog to see Desert Moon Band, but not very many......'til July, 2003.  That's when we went to our first Jason Allen/Kevin Fowler concert at the Tin Star (read that story here). 

After the Tin Star trip, going to hear good music became our 'hobby'.  We drove all over central Texas.....if there was good Texas music being played, we were there.....in the front row......enjoying the talent so abundant in this area.  In our travels, we've met a lot of wonderful people.....musicians and audience members.  We've seen a lot of Texas country-side.  And, most of all, we've had fun. 

We've slowed down a little (3 nights a week instead of 5!), but, we're still having fun...enjoying great talent...meeting wonderful people.  And, to Dobie's boyfriend (you know who you are) I apologize for her being away so much....but, remember, when we're 'on the road' we're having fun making memories and she'll be back!

  Enjoy yourselves while you surf through the pages.  It's our way of sharing all the good times.  And, if you have some fun 'Dobie stories' please share them and your pictures with us.

Let's honor this beautiful person that's a true friend to us all!