Stardate 2009.211 Kentucky Bourbon Bash

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Up at 2:45 AM to be ready for Denise to pick me up at 3:30 for an early morning flight to Louisville. Gary and Anne picked us up and during the drive we had a quick drive through a beautiful park, then through the Jim Beam Distillery (where Gary works) and to the hotel. We had a chance to catch a quick nap before meeting everyone in the lobby at 7:00 PM for the evenings festivities.

Gary and Anne took us through the town of Bardstown on the way to the "Barn" where all the weekend events are held. To call this a barn is quite a misnomer as it is a very nice house built back from the road and on a hilly slope. It is a two story getaway with a very LARGE side patio. It is covered and has a large fireplace on one end. across one side is a long bar and the other side is open and looks over a small lake. There is a Golf Green just on the other side of the lake and is used frequently to display the driving prowess of the Golfing guests.

Dinner was BBQ Steak, corn on the cob, garlic bread, salad; baked mashed potatoes. The Bar was appropriately stocked with some outstanding Bourbons while their signature drink was a Bourbon Slush. There was quite a crowd and we hung out until around 11 PM before heading back to the hotel and bed.





Friday, July 31, 2009

Up at 7:30 and had breakfast in the hotel then met Gary at 10 AM for a trek of the better Distilleries in the area. Our first stop was Makers Mark and true to form, Gary knew virtually everyone working there. We got our Bourbon passport and took the tour of the distillery. The grounds of the distillery are planted everywhere there is not a sidewalk or driveway and well taken care of. We finished the tour and were given a course on Bourbon tasting where we first tasted the pure distilled white liquid then tasted the finished product after aging in the barrel - what a difference. We later were treated to a tasting of a special blend - Mint Julep Bourbon. It seems that a bottle of this last tasting followed me home. Our next stop was Heaven Hill distillery which makes a variety of different products. We toured this facility and had another tasting of their Bourbons. It seems that the non-whisky drinker, Denise, Is learning to appreciate good Bourbon.

Gary then took us to town and a small local restaurant in town which boasts the best Grilled Cheese in the country. It was a good choice, cheese, bacon & Tomato grilled to perfection. he took us back to the hotel to prepare for the evening party. I had a chance to check my emails and there were quite a few about the mentors publication and switching printers before the September issue. We had time to rest a bit before leaving for the barn. There was a big crowd this evening and everyone was enjoying the hospitality, friendships and the Bourbon slush's were very popular.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

We met John (the pope) at :30 Am for a trip to the Cathedral which is the oldest diocese in the western United States (western as it was in that period). John gave us quite a spiel about the history and background of the Cathedral. We then went over to the "Old Kentucky Home" which was the inspiration for the song of that same name. A stylish home for the period with some grand gardens surrounding the building. I was not feeling particularly well so when the group went for Bar Burgers I went back to the hotel. After some Alka- Seltzer and a short nap I was feeling much better. Denise and the Selmers picked me up at 3PM for the drive back to the barn.

The Executive team met briefly and agreed to move to a new printer for the September issue of the Mentors. We then had another awesome dinner then got into the Kentucky meeting. I had the opportunity to speak to the group and present president Lois Evans with her Pips, Pin and flag set. She in turn, presented me with a book on "Weird Kentucky", a shot glass, Derby glass and a beautiful sun catcher. We partied until midnight when I said my goodbyes and was taken back to the hotel.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Since the shuttle van was rented from the Louisville Airport Denise and I took possession to deliver it back. We had some time so we became senatoristas and visited a few Civil War museums, had lunch at Talbots Tavern in town then off to the air[port to turn in the van and catch our flight home.




It would not take much to convince me to return as it was a great visit.

Stardate 2009.204 - Illinois Picnic

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Wendy came up on Wednesday night for her reservation in the presidents room. We then left for the airport at 5:30 AM for an easy drive to the Airport. - had breakfast and boarded the plane for St. Louis. We were picked up by Susie and drove to her home where we met her husband Chris and headed out to Okawville and the Senate gathering. We stopped on the way and they treated us to dinner at a local restaurant which served way to much food. we resumed our drive to Okawville we found that the freeway had been transformed into a parking lot. Indications from a trucker was that there had been a bad accident and the road was closed indefinitely. We were detoured off the Freeway and took the scenic route through the rural communities.

We arrived safely at our destination and checked into the McAwin Mansion Bed & Breakfast where we were met by the owners Denny and Julie and shown our rooms. We dropped off our luggage and Susie and Chris drove us over to the Hospitality hotel. We had a great time meeting the early arrivals until time to head back to the B&B and a bit of sleep. President Gary offered to drive us but as it was only a couple of blocks Wendy and I decided that the walk would be good for us so off we went.

We had a chance to look over the B&B and it is quite quaint. My room was the Presidents Room - filled with political memorabilia (Joe A would go crazy). Wendy's room was the Pink Room or Princess (Go Figure), with many old decorations. I still have my nagging cough and even though I took some drugs I slept restlessly

Friday, July 24, 2009

Awake at 7:30 (5:30 my time) showered and dressed. Wendy was already up and had coffee made. We chatted for a while then Wendy went up to shower and dress for the days activities. Off to the headquarters hotel around 10:30 where we joined many of the attendees gathered on the hotel porch. We visited until 12:30 then all loaded into vehicles for a trip to the "Castle". We drove quite a way over back country roads before coming upon the Castle. This is one mans obsession to reconstruct a Civil War Fort from stones he removes from old house foundations and basements where the structure is being destroyed. He is doing this all by himself although he is either quite old or has way too many miles on him. Within the walls of the fort are many old buildings made of logs and/or hewn timbers that he has dismantled at the original site, marked each board and reassembled them within the walls of the fort. One of these buildings is an old one room house as would have been built by early settlers. It had a loft for children - one bed and a fireplace. There were many displays of old tools as would have been used by the early settlers - the scary thing is that i recognize and know the uses of most of them. There was also one building that contained scale models of buildings that existed in the town many years ago. He has perhaps one of the most extensive collections of Indian artifacts that I have ever seen. From Arrow heads, spear points to stone tools and cooking utensils.

We left the Castle and drove to the "Blue Room". I have heard about this special "attraction" and surely was not going to miss seeing it. It is a pretty dilapidated building that houses a bar and grill. I had a couple of Beers and ordered a BLT from the Grill which was very good. I am told that the Grill is one of the cleanest in the area. We returned to Okawville and the B&B to change shirts for the evenings festivities. Denny and Julie were sitting on the porch so Wendy and I sat and chatted with them until it was time to walk over to the hotel. They had dinner in the Hospitality room with pulled pork sandwiches and all the trimmings that accompany such a meal. Met with Admin. VP Mike concerning the Mentors publication and meeting issues. I also had the opportunity to spend some time with the first US JCI President Jim O'Connell and two past Illinois Presidents from that same era before heading back to the B&B for the night.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Denny and Julie served a great breakfast which we shared with Doug and Vicky Dempsey who is also residing at the B&B as well as Lea Ann Smith who shares a room with Wendy.

Back to the hotel at 11:15 for transportation to the Jaycee building and "BAR BURGERS". We had lunch and some free time until the meeting time of 3PM. Many folks took the opportunity to go shopping while others hit the Blue Room once again. Many of us remained and spent some time chatting and having a few cocktails, of course.

The meeting began with JDO "Crowning" me with a Gold and Jeweled head decoration. Then the serious stuff began with outgoing president Stephanie Pittenger and her year end awards and comments. Then there was the "Changing of the Shirts" which signaled the beginning of the new administration under incoming president Gary Hongsermeier. I had the honor of inducting their officers prior to Gary conducted the business of his new board. I then had the opportunity to address the members and make some special presentations.

I presented Ohio president Marilyn Jones with her presidential rank Pips and "communicator" pin as I did not make the Pig Roast and could not give them to her then. I presented a presidential pin to Susie and Chris for their service of transportation to/from the airport, JDO and Bev Olsen for local transportation, and of course to incoming president Gary his Pip and Pin as well as my special Flag display set.

I received a gift of an Illinois shirt as well as an Illinois Senate travel mug. Doug Dempsey presented me with his Region 5 shirt and a notebook with the region 5 logo. I presented him with his presidential communicator pin.

We returned to the hotel in time for the formal dinner. Wendy won the raffle for a 1.75 liter bottle of Jack Daniels but since we were flying she gave it to John Price who will bring it to Pittsburgh. After more hospitality back to the B&B for some sleep.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Awoke and packed before going downstairs for breakfast and our goodbye's to Denny and Julie, Vicky and Doug and Lea Ann. We walked to the hotel where we met Larry Ferguson and his wife for our ride back to the Airport. We arrived with 3 hours before our flight but the plane was further delayed. Ahhh, the joys of travel - does Joe's black cloud now follow me??. Since we now have a scheduled departure of 5:20 we have a new connection in Phoenix at 8:35 which will put us in at 10:30 and plenty of time to catch the BART back home.

When we arrived in Phoenix Wendy noticed that our original flight was still there so we boarded and arrived in Oakland at our originally scheduled time. Wendy's bag was already there so she was off for home while I waited until my bag was unloaded and arrived home 18 hours after waking up in Illinois.

Thanks to all the Illinois Senators that treated us so well during our visit.

Stardate 2009.197 Crescent City Salmon Feed

Friday July 17, 2009

I left home at 6:30 Am and found that I had only 1/4 tank of gas just past Orick, CA but I figured that I could make it to Klamath to gas up. I did not take into consideration the number of hills I had to climb. The gas light came on about half way so I became a bit anxious as but I arrived in Klamath and the gas station without incident. I checked in with the motel but the room would not be ready until around 4pm. With that I was off to the campground where a few of the early arrival campers were setting up their tents. Armand was, of course, assisting the Crescent City Jaycees in moving supplies into the hospitality tent. I gave them a hand setting up the lights as Armand was not allowed to get on the ladder. It was an entirely new tent made of white vinyl which sure does not have the personality of the old Army Squad Tent that has been used for over 30 years but it is much brighter and easier to assemble.

Who should show up but Jack Myers, what a pleasure to see him after so many years. Soon after that I found that another past CA Senate president, Bob Solis, was there as well with his lady, Penny.

I was informed by the Crescent City Jaycees that since I was staying at the same motel as Armand that I would be his chauffeur for the weekend - A job that I was happy to accept as we have been friends for close to 40 years. It was getting close to 4PM so we loaded Armand's gear into my car and headed to the motel. Armand was able to check in and get his room but my room was still not ready. Armand picked up my motel tab and we spent some time chatting in his room until my room was ready. I unpacked and we then returned to the camp ground where I found that Linda and Howard Howell had also arrived although I could not locate their motor home before the group left for dinner at the Steelhead Lodge.

All the meats at the Steelhead are cooked over an outside wood stoked grill and are awesome. I ordered my usual 1/2 chicken and rack of ribs which always leaves plenty for my "Doggie (or is it Dougie)  Bag" and will last me the better part of a week - That's just how much food they serve. It is family style with a shared salad and bread, baked potato and vegetable. In addition they serve one of the largest "fish bowl" margaritas i have ever seen.

After dinner most of us returned to the campground although some went partying at the local pub. I helped Sandy put up her tent then went in search of "who and who2" (Howard and Linda). I found them in Pat and Leon Hatch's motor home where Howard had brought some of his wine which he makes in his cellar and a darn good wine it is. We then had to see Howard's new motor home as this is it's maiden voyage. It is just like my sisters motor home with the exception of a Queen bed instead of the twin beds in my sisters motor home. It was getting a bit late and I needed to get Armand to the motel so off I went to gather up my passenger.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Armand and I were up early and went to the Trees Restaurant for breakfast and a quiet visit before the days activities. We arrived back at the campground and spent the morning moving from campsite to campsite and chatting with the Jaycees and Senators that were up. The DGM was called to order and a bit of District business conducted. I had the honor of swearing in six new members of the Crescent City Jaycees and gave them each one of my presidential pins. Armand was presented with the Outstanding Senator of the Year award from the 2008-2009 Senate president Katina Repp and what a well deserved recognition it was. Armand has been the glue that has held the Crescent City Jaycees together during some very rough years - never giving up and now the chapter is quite alive and doing well.

The afternoon was spent enjoying the camaraderie of the Jaycees and Senators that were in attendance. Of course, a few beers, some wine and cocktails were consumed as well. Dinner was then served and was delicious as it always is. In addition to the hospitality Jaycees and Senators spend from 6 - 12 hours driving to Klamath for this outstanding Salmon Feed and have been doing so for more than 40 years. Fresh salmon (caught that day) cooked in the style of the Indians, skewered on redwood sticks and cooked over the radiant heat of a wood fire pit. It is served with all the salads, corn on the cob, fruit, green beans and desert of ice cream sundaes. There is also hot dogs and chicken for those that do not care for Salmon.

That evening the fire pit is stoked again and a White Elephant raffle is held with continual thievery happening as each new "gift" is received. It was a bit nippy out but the fire warmed everyone up. The wine and cocktails may have helped as well.

Sunday, July 19. 2009

I was up early and delivered Armand to the campground so he could supervise the Jaycees in preparing breakfast - some had to be coaxed out of their sleeping bags while others were a bit quieter than they had been the night before. As is tradition, not a lot of sleep happens on Saturday night.

After breakfast, I said my goodbye's and hit the road for home. Thanks to the Crescent City Jaycees for another great weekend among the Redwoods.

1 Stardate 2009.191 - Lynn Kansas Picnic

Friday, July 10, 2009

This was my first trip as president of the US JCI Senate and I flew into Kansas City Airport for the Kansas JCI Senate Lynn Picnic.

The news flash is that the workers represented by the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) unions will vote tonight on whether to call a strike although it should not take affect until next week. I decided to take BART to the airport and arrived in plenty of time for my flight.


Kansas Senate president Kent picked me up for our ride to Lynn (3 hours) and the B&B where I would be staying with past president Jumper and Hilda. Kent left me his car and I had an hour or so to relax and refresh before returning to his home for some beer and BS with the early arrivals. I left the car there as it was only a 2 block walk between the B&B and his home.

Dinner was simple but very good, sandwiches, salad, chips and almost anything liquid. It was a very relaxing evening although the humidity was fairly high and warm - a challenge for this west coast guy.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

I was the first awake so I made coffee and the B&B hostess (owner) came over from her adjacent home to bring an egg Frittata, fruit and scones. Juice, milk etc. was already in the refrigerator. Jumper was the next to wake and we sat on the porch having our coffee until Hilda was ready and breakfast was shared.

Jumper, Hilda and I set out on an adventure visiting a couple of nearby towns and a farmers market. We arrived back at Kent's in time for lunch. I had a pleasant surprise when past president, Don Robertson arrived and we sat under the trees for a good chat and a great joke. Region 8 VP Peggy Rider and her traveling companion















Karen arrived and joined the gathering. About 5PM the Kansas Senate meeting started which lasted about an hour. I presented Kent with his flag set (although I had not yet received my order which had the Kansas flag) with the KS flag to be forthcoming. I received a gift of some Tribbles for my collection. Rob Wiley and Julie gave me some of their homemade soap as well as a new bug spray product.

Dinner was outstanding, Jumper brought some fantastic ribs which I dove into right away. There was also chicken wings, deep fried Talapia, Salads, spuds, and all the trimmings. Later that evening we all walked to the fairgrounds for a bit of entertainment. There was a great band albeit a bit loud. We sat to the side where the volume was a bit less, had some liquid refreshment, limited conversation (loud music) and a lot of friendship. We returned to Kent's until about midnight when I went back to the B&B. That night we were entertained by some spectacular lightning displays, thunder (of course) and some rain which cleared up before morning.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Up in the morning, showered and made coffee while Jumper washed the dishes. We were again visited by our hostess with a breakfast Quiche, melon and cinnamon ring. After breakfast we all packed up and returned to Kent's home to say our final goodbyes. Rob Wiley drove me back to the Kansas City airport for my flight home.

Thanks to president Kent and the Kansas JCI Senate for a great first trip. I was truly a King for the weekend.