The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
YVIE BURNETT Fine day off in Phoenix with holiday feel
The mezzo-soprano from Methlick and vocal coach to the stars
Howdy from Dallas. Of course, I’m old enough – as many of you will be, too – to associate the mention of Dallas, Texas, with JR Ewing and Southfork Ranch.
In fact, I sang the theme tune of the television show to the boys in the band this morning and they only guessed what it was because of where we were.
I loved watching that show. I still have memories of my Nannie describing JR Ewing to me as the “coorse een”. He certainly was.
I’ve had a fabulous time here in America. The weather has been great so it reminded us that summer is around the corner at home.
My friend Amanda, who works in tour management, and myself spent a day off in Phoenix lying by the pool.
The boys all went to play golf at a prestigious golf course, so they were very happy and we really enjoyed having a girly day.
We managed to pretend we were on holiday and had a cocktail or two in the sunshine.
As you know, I spent some time in LA last week and caught up with a few friends.
My good mate Ross King came to Lewis’s LA gig at the wonderful open-air Greek Theatre, and it was so lovely to catch up on all his news.
I often see him on the Lorraine show on ITV but it was better to catch up in the flesh.
He is looking fabulous. That LA sunshine and healthy lifestyle must be doing him good.
From LA we travelled to
San Diego, Phoenix, El Paso, Austin and then Dallas.
I’m so lucky to watch every show from my side of stage position and love seeing the reception Lewis gets from so many thousands of people all over America.
Of course, I’ve missed all the coronation celebrations back home. I haven’t seen any of it, only a few photos online.
I was sorry not to be able to watch all the pomp and circumstance, hear the music and see the gowns and carriages.
The UK does do these occasions very well and it’s always such a spectacle to watch.
It was difficult timing, though, with the cost-of-living crisis and people struggling to pay bills.
I think the King was right to scale down the celebrations for that reason – although it was still a huge cost to the nation.
The debate about how much the monarchy needs to slim down will run and run but, for now, I think King Charles really cares about the role which he has at last stepped into after waiting for most of his life.
Gordon and I are going to a very special wedding this weekend which I will no doubt tell you all about next week.
It’s been a bit stressful because it is extremely posh, and I will be heading there straight from a tour bus! I know that many of the other women have been preparing for days.
So today, I headed out in Dallas for a pedicure and manicure. Believe me, they were much needed!
I had one of those posh French manicures where they make your nails a bit longer, so I’m sitting here backstage trying to type this and wondering how women who have these long nails all the time manage to do any housework.
Luckily, I won’t be doing any chores for a few days, so let’s see if I can avoid breaking them.
I’ve never had so many messages from readers since I’ve been writing this column and I’ve been a bit overwhelmed by your support for Scotland Sings.
When you put your heart and soul into a project, it means so much when people have enjoyed it. And it means even more when they make the effort to let you know, so thank you.
I’m not going to mention anyone in particular because there are too many of you and I don’t want to miss anyone out.
And if any of you have somehow managed not to catch it, both episodes are now on the BBC iPlayer – so please have a look.
Tomorrow, I leave America and head straight to Venice for this wedding.
I’ve packed my wedding case and Gordon’s for him to bring. He is meeting me there. Am I crazy to rely on him to bring all the clothes?
My tour outfits consist of shorts, T-shirts and trainers, so hopefully I won’t have to wear that! There are shops in Venice though, right?
Have a good week,