Glogirly's Oldest Friend Visits - Plus RARE VINTAGE Photos and an Evening of Music Magic with Earth, Wind & Fire and Lionel Richie

ELLIE:  So Mr. Waffles, are you going to sleep with Glogirly's friend? I don't think I'm ready for that kind of commitment yet. 

WAFFLES:  What do you think, Ellie? When have I EVER turned down luggage inspection and bed making? 

ELLIE:  Yeah, I like luggage inspection and all, but I'd rather sneak into the room when she's not here. 

WAFFLES:  Ok then, I call firsties!

KATIE:  She's all yours, Mr. Waffles. 

JOANNA:  Do you hear that, Pancake Batter? You're all MINE.

WAFFLES:  Pancake Batter? Whaddya mean, Pancake Batter? Who the heck is Pancake Batter? 

Old Friends, Best Friends

Glogirly's oldest friend, Joanna, came to visit last week. Ok, so she's not THAT old. She and Glogirly are exactly the same age. But they've known each other since 7th grade. That's FORTY EIGHT years. Holy CAT! Waffles can't even begin to count that high.

Joanna's son used to call Waffles 'Wafer.' So in the tradition of food-themed names and mispronunciations, Joanna had some fun calling Waffles everything from Pancake Batter to Hamburger Patty. Yes, she's almost as silly as Waffles. 

Before selfies were even a thing, they were taking pictures of themselves using the timer on Joanna's old Instamatic. Pretty sure Joanna may have invented the selfie!

Glogirly & Joanna - The Original Selfies

We thought you'd enjoy seeing a glimpse of them through the years - 

A Concert Reunion

Shortly after Glogirly and Joanna graduated from high school, WAY back in 1981, they went to their first rock concert together. They saw Earth, Wind & Fire, with the Commodores opening for them, in St. Paul, Minnesota. When they heard that EWF was touring with Lionel Richie this year and were making a stop in Denver, they thought, "What better way to celebrate turning 60!"

They danced and sang until their voices were gone and had the most amazing time ever. And to keep the party going, Joanna and her brother are coming to the mountains this week for Sting's tour stop at Red Rocks. On the September 21 no less! ...would have been incredible to see Earth, Wind & fire on the 21st of September!!!

When we mentioned EWF and Lionel a couple of weeks ago, it sure sounded like many of our friends and readers are fans, so we thought you'd enjoy seeing a few of Glogirly's concert photos. 

EWF & Lionel Richie

Earth, Wind & Fire opened the evening with over 90 minutes of their favorite songs. Shining Star, After the Love is Gone, Reasons, Fantasy, Let's Groove, Boogie Wonderland, and more. They closed with September and if the crowd hadn't already gone wild, September lit up the entire stadium. 

Three original and founding members of the band are still rocking it as powerfully as they did in the 70s and 80s. Verdine White, Ralph Johnson, and Philip Bailey. Philip Bailey's falsetto was nothing short of amazing.

And Verdine White, brother of the late founder and leader Maurice White, had an energy and stage presence that shone bright. His smile says it all.

And then came Lionel...

Lionel is Glogirly all-time favorite singer, songwriter, and performer. He takes the stage like it's his first concert. And sings as if he's singing for you and you alone. He's the most gracious, humble, kind, and generous artist Glogirly's ever had the privilege of seeing live. 

Lionel Richie's music is literally the soundtrack of her young adulthood and college years. She knows every word to every song. 

Lionel's band is fabulous and clearly loves performing for his adoring fans.

If only it could have gone on All Night Long. Still, Lionel sang for two glorious hours.

One of Lionel Richie's most memorable qualities is his genuine appreciation of his fans. Sometimes he'll pause, look around at the audience, just taking it all in. He wishes we could all see what he sees. He takes nothing for granted. His connection to his fans is something so very special.