Stardate 2010.026 North Carolina Meeting

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

We had breakfast with Marietta and Julie before setting out for the Airport. We started out with plenty of time to make our flights but between traffic tie ups and locating a gas station I became a bit anxious about making our flights. Our pilot, Denise, pulled it off and we arrived at the gate just as the plane was boarding. I bid Wendy, my traveling companion for the past 17 days adieu and set out with my new companion, Denise, for Raleigh, South Carolina.

CJ Jordan met us upon our arrival in Raleigh and delivered us to her home before returning to work. We did some much needed laundry and lazed around for a couple of hours until she returned after work. When she left CJ indicated that her printer did not work so I spent some time and repaired the little bugger. We were then off to Sweet Tomatoes for dinner before getting to the hotel and settling in for the rest of the week.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Denise and I made quite a pair as Denise woke with a cold of her own. We slept for 10 hours then had some coffee while contemplating what we would do for the day.

We took a walk around town and visited the Museum, where we took some photos of the Barbie collection for Wendy. We visited an art gallery and as it was getting late stopped for dinner at Clyde Coopers BBQ, a local funky restaurant that looked as if it came out of the 50's and probably did. The food was very good and we savored every bite.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

We had noticed in our walk-around yesterday a sign about a walking tour hosted by the historic society so we arrived at the appointed time. The tour took about an hour and covered many of the historic buildings along the main street of town. We were then off to the Capital Building and the old Congressional chambers which contained much of the history of Raleigh. Next we visited the Museum of Natural History before returning to the hotel to dress for dinner.

CJ picked us up at the Hotel and we joined many North Carolina Senators for dinner. What an honor it was to share dinner with the North Carolina Senators, many of whom drove up to 2 hours to join us; President Kim Bode and Terry, Tracy and Ray Culler, CJ Jordan, Regional VP Jimmy Maness, Past US Senate President Daryl Watts, Johnny Swank and Brenda Coleman, NC JC VP Stacy Hanlin, Past NC Jaycee president Shannon Worthington. Thank you all.

Friday, January 29, 2010

Denise and I took a short walk downtown then hung around the hotel until folks started to arrive. There was a bit of confusion about the hospitality room which, at first looked like it would be in a regular room with the bed removed and would be a bit tight. This was quickly resolved and we moved downstairs to a spacious meeting room which made everyone much more comfortable. We dressed for dinner and all lined up by rank for the parade of introductions. It was an interesting buffet with salads and Pizza on the tables but the vegetables, mashed potatoes and meat station were in a buffet line. The food was good although it was very good for my dies as there were only 6 inch plates available.

After dinner we gathered for the First Time Jaycee program which is run by the Senate. Then it was off to the Cardinal Corps meeting. It was a different kind of meeting than the California Tigers and lasted until 2:30AM so bed was very welcome.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

This was a busy day beginning with the NC Senate meeting which was well run by president Kim Bode. They had lots of activities reported. Each Regional Director is a liaison to each of the Jaycee chapters in their Region and coordinates Senate assistance to each.

Lunch was served in the hospitality room although I needed to change for my next mission. I had the opportunity and honor to address the Jaycees at their Board meeting which was somewhat of a challenge as I still had my cold. I took some decongestant to try and still a nagging cough so it seems I traded the cough for a dry mouth. I hope I got my message across about our Return The Favor program. Then back to my room to get out of my suit and rest for a bit before dressing for dinner.

This time it was into my Tuxedo for the Jaycees A&I Banquet. I was again honored to be part of the New Senatorship presentations where we welcomed six new Senators into the North Carolina Senate and the US JCI Senate. The next presentation was a special honor for me and it was a total surprise as we welcomed Ambassador Jimmy Manuss. President Kim was extremely gracious in having me join her to present the Senate sponsored Year End Awards to the outstanding Jaycees. Thanks, Kim, for the opportunity.

Back to the room to change into more suitable clothing for the evenings gathering in the hospitality room.

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Since there was a severe Ice storm on Saturday we checked to confirm the status of our flight home. The storm had passed and the airport was again open for business and our flight would be on time. We joined the Senate once again in the hospitality room where they served the traditional First Timers breakfast to honor those that were presented their Senatorships last evening. Kim then drove us to the airport. It had been a wonderful but busy three plus weeks but I am looking forward to getting home for a few days.