Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Best flights were on Wednesday and Denise and I had an afternoon flight. With a plane change in Las Vegas we arrived in Columbus, Ohio at 11PM. We stayed at a Airport hotel and finally got to bed around midnight.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
We had breakfast at the hotel then caught the shuttle back to the airport to pick up our rental car. We then set out for our next mission. When we arrived at the airport we had noticed a poster touting the largest apple basket in the world and since we were at the largest wheel turtle in the world while in North Dakota we figured we should see this if it was close by. Google did not have much, just some info on Longaberger Basket Company but we did not put the two together.
Our final destination was Roscoe Village where we were to meet Patty Robinson who was to be out tour guide for the day. On our voyage to meet up with Patty we could not help but notice the headquarters building for the Longaberger Basket company as it resembled a large basket - complete with handles. This is the first basket I have seen that had windows. A short beam down the road was the Longaberger Visitor center so we made a quick detour, much to the dismay of the GPS. We walked through their gift shop, which was massive then outside to meet our destiny - The Largest Apple Basket - Photo opportunity for sure. Who would know that we would stumble across an image we saw in a poster. On our way out we were speaking to a group of ladies manning the visitor center and were convinced that we should take a tour of the factory. Being a bit short on time we declined but perhaps we might stop by on our way back to Columbus and the Region 5 meeting.
We mat Patty at the Roscoe Village Visitor Center and followed to her home where we had lunch then returned to the Visitor Center to begin our education. We watched a film about the history and building of the Ohio canals then since Patty is employed at the center she had a few tasks to complete before we got underway. Denise and I were treated to a tour, guided by a costumed guide, through the museum. Patty completed her tasks then drove us through the restored town, stopping in at a couple of quaint shops along the way. t started to rain a bit but we shuttled on our mission.
Patty took us through the back roads where the majority of residents are Amish. Although it was raining there were many buggies on the road as well as some folks tilling their land, Horse and Plow, of course. There were many farms with large barns and silos. Quite an interesting albeit more simple life.
Our destination was Lehmans, a store where if they do not have it you do not need it. WOW! what an array of STUFF. We purchased a few nostalgic items then into the car for our dinner destination Hot Rod City. An old Service Station, the kind that actually did auto repairs, where nostalgia took us back to the 50's and 60's. Memorabilia of that ere abounded, Old Gas pumps, metal motor oil, fan belt and radiator chemical signs. Even an Auto Parts counter with shelves of very old miscellaneous parts such as Radiator hoses, spark plugs and carburetors. Oh Yes! they even served food which was simple and of that era but good, We took many photos then the short way back to Patty's for a Glass of wine and a visit.
Friday, March 26, 2010
We awoke to a blanket of snow on the ground and a couple of inches covering the car. The new snow was beautiful but COLD! We visited a bit with Patty before setting out on our Trek back to Columbus. We again stopped by the Longaberger Factory and went on a tour. We watched as workers made a variety of baskets - all by hand. Dis a bit of shopping and received our free gift. I Rabbit shaped tea pot. We had some lunch then proceeded to the Columbus and the Crowne Plaza hotel for the spring fling.
After some time greeting old friends, Region 5 VP, Doug Dempsey, hosted myself and the 5 State Presidents for some candid conversation over dinner. Great idea and I enjoyed the discourse. We returned to the hotel and some fine Region 5 hospitality.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
The days activities started with a Memorial Service to remember our friends and family that have left us. The Region 5 meeting followed with a room full of Senators. Reports on the years activities by the Regional Chairmen, a few comments from President Doug Meyers, a message from VP Doug Dempsey and the election of a new Vice President. John Voshel was elected for 2010-2011 Region 5 Vice President.
Lunch was served by the hotel then there was some free time before getting dressed for the evening banquet. The weather was quite brisk so Golf was cancelled although shopping was still an option for many and naps for others.
The elected officers gathered for the initial discussion of the proposed budget for 2010-2011. There were some suggested changes and we will have more meetings to come up with a realistic budget for the coming year. I had an hour or so to get my feet up and relax before getting ready for the Black and White Banquet.
The Banquet was well attended and conducted with a bit of humor while covering a planned agenda. I had the honor of addressing the group, Doug went over his year of experiences as pictured in the slide show. and distributed his gifts to his folks. After the banquet everyone gathered in the hospitality room for the final night of fun and fellowship. Goodbyes were offered as folks retired and prepared to travel home safely.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Denise and I spent most of the day at the COSI Exploratorium. We took in a program on Dolphins and Whales on their 7 story tall "Extreme Screen". There was an enticing exhibit on "Grossology" covering the science behind many bodily functions (Your imagination here). We went through many more exhibits before the staff started clearing everyone out so they could close.
That evening we had dinner at Schmidt's Restaurant and Sausage Haus in the historic German Village. The restaurant is located in a historic building originally a Livery Stable. The Schmidt family has served food since 1886. We stuffed ourselves on German food with various kinds of sausage, sweet and Sour kraut, German style potatoes and a few vegetables.
Monday, March 29, 2010
To the airport for our trip home. We had a flight that went to Oakland with two stops along the way. All went well until I arrived at the Oakland airport and my bag failed to follow me home. Made out a claim and at 1AM that next morning I had a knock on my door and my bag was delivered intact.
Thanks to Doug Dempsey and the Region 5 Senators for a great time.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
Stardate 2010.078 Region X meeting
Friday, March 19, 2010
Slick picked up Denise, Wendy and me at the Phoenix airport and whisked us to the hotel where we checked into our room. Wendy's brother was in town so she went out and spent some time with him until he had to leave to get back home. Denise and I went to ten forward (hospitality) to greet the early arrivals and welcome folks as they all arrived. Some of the guests went to dinner although I had enough of the hospitality food so I was not hungry and remained with those remaining souls.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Saturday there was the Regional breakfast meeting where each of the candidates presented their case to the assembled Senators. Elections were conducted by the most current past Regional VP which is Clarence Alvey. Carolyn Smith was reelected as Region X VP for 2010 - 2011. After the Regional meeting the Golfers headed out to the course, shoppers went their way, and I joined Pat and Bob Holbert, Steve Sutherland and Doug White for a trek to the Phoenix Hard Rock. We did a pretty good job in contributing to the local economy with just that one stop. It was then over to the Holbert's home where we admired his vast pin collection.
We returned to the hotel were the group again split for dinner. Some folks wished to have a more relaxed dinner at a restaurant while others of us decided to visit the local McDonald's which has an informal car show, a la American Graffiti. There were custom cars and hot rods from many eras. They brought back some great memories of my youth. We had dinner a bit later at Sweet Tomatoes then returned to the hospitality room and some Screw Your Neighbor activities.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
We met Debbie Steele and Her husband Jim at the hotel and went to Denny's for Breakfast/lunch. We were joined by a few more Senators and had a great time catching up. This was the first Time I met Jim and found him a likable man with a good sense of humor. They dropped us off at the airport and we made our flight home without incident.
Slick picked up Denise, Wendy and me at the Phoenix airport and whisked us to the hotel where we checked into our room. Wendy's brother was in town so she went out and spent some time with him until he had to leave to get back home. Denise and I went to ten forward (hospitality) to greet the early arrivals and welcome folks as they all arrived. Some of the guests went to dinner although I had enough of the hospitality food so I was not hungry and remained with those remaining souls.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Saturday there was the Regional breakfast meeting where each of the candidates presented their case to the assembled Senators. Elections were conducted by the most current past Regional VP which is Clarence Alvey. Carolyn Smith was reelected as Region X VP for 2010 - 2011. After the Regional meeting the Golfers headed out to the course, shoppers went their way, and I joined Pat and Bob Holbert, Steve Sutherland and Doug White for a trek to the Phoenix Hard Rock. We did a pretty good job in contributing to the local economy with just that one stop. It was then over to the Holbert's home where we admired his vast pin collection.
We returned to the hotel were the group again split for dinner. Some folks wished to have a more relaxed dinner at a restaurant while others of us decided to visit the local McDonald's which has an informal car show, a la American Graffiti. There were custom cars and hot rods from many eras. They brought back some great memories of my youth. We had dinner a bit later at Sweet Tomatoes then returned to the hospitality room and some Screw Your Neighbor activities.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
We met Debbie Steele and Her husband Jim at the hotel and went to Denny's for Breakfast/lunch. We were joined by a few more Senators and had a great time catching up. This was the first Time I met Jim and found him a likable man with a good sense of humor. They dropped us off at the airport and we made our flight home without incident.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Stardate, 2010.071 Region 6 Meeting
Friday, March 12, 2010
We were greeted at the Omaha airport by Regional VP Randy Young's smiling face and he successfully shuttled Denise and me to the hotel. The rest of the "Bridge Officers" were already there. Two groups were in different areas of the lobby/breakfast as there were not enough seating in any one area. I spent some time with one group and them moved on the the other group until the hospitality room opened just before 5PM.
At 5:15 some of us gathered in the lobby to load up for the trek to a local Steak and Seafood restaurant where Randy had made reservations. Present for dinner was VP Randy and Debbie Young, Myself and Denise, Pat and Skip Hoelker, Steve and Dawne Sutherland, Nebraska president Mike Francis and his lady Robin. There was a special treat at each setting , a post card size Refrigerator magnet with VP Randy's logo that had been made for him by one of his clients. There was also a delicious caramel candy wrapped with his logo as well. We all enjoyed a delicious dinner and great camaraderie for the evening. We then returned to the hotel and ten forward (hospitality) for an evening of renewing friendships and pleasant conversation.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Breakfast was served in the hospitality room where chairman Marilyn had made up some special "Star Trek" waffles. The official proceedings began with a memorial service to remember our friends that have been taken from our family. The Region 6 business meeting was conducted efficiently with many reports given on the events and activities throughout the year.
Lunch was served in ten forward where Randy presented his final comments and gifts to the crew that has been instrumental in having a successful year in Region 6. The program ended with a slide show of the years activities and events.
At 3PM the Nebraska Senate 35th anniversary program began with a wine tasting from a local winery owned and operated by a Nebraska Senator. Most of the wines were a bit sweet for my palette but were thoroughly enjoyed by most. I did find an interesting Red Wine that I stuck with for the afternoon. Each of the past Nebraska Senate presidents were introduced and given a gift of a bottle of wine. The national guests were also introduced to the assembly.
ten Forward was closed for a short time to prepare for the Chili cook off at 6PM. There were many fine chili recipes to evaluate by each of the guests. Of secondary importance was the Hot dogs and appropriate toppings with chips, of course. There was plenty to go around and this also served as dinner for most of us.
The foundation silent auction was set up for folks to inspect while other meetings were being conducted. The States party committee met although I was barred from attending - for good reason, many of the ladies retired to the Red Hat Society meeting. The Foundation raffle and auction was conducted later that evening and, taking the time change into consideration, I got to bed around 1AM.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Sleep did not come very easy as there was also many Wrestling teams in the hotel and they partied in rooms and the hallways all night sometimes very loudly. They subsided around 3 in the morning and sleep came easier. THEN, around 4:30 they started again. Denise and I had an early flight so we had to be up at 5AM anyway so we packed and met our pilot Randy in the lobby and were delivered to the airport in plenty of time to catch our flight home.
Region 6 is always unbeatable for their hospitality, My thanks to all.
We were greeted at the Omaha airport by Regional VP Randy Young's smiling face and he successfully shuttled Denise and me to the hotel. The rest of the "Bridge Officers" were already there. Two groups were in different areas of the lobby/breakfast as there were not enough seating in any one area. I spent some time with one group and them moved on the the other group until the hospitality room opened just before 5PM.
At 5:15 some of us gathered in the lobby to load up for the trek to a local Steak and Seafood restaurant where Randy had made reservations. Present for dinner was VP Randy and Debbie Young, Myself and Denise, Pat and Skip Hoelker, Steve and Dawne Sutherland, Nebraska president Mike Francis and his lady Robin. There was a special treat at each setting , a post card size Refrigerator magnet with VP Randy's logo that had been made for him by one of his clients. There was also a delicious caramel candy wrapped with his logo as well. We all enjoyed a delicious dinner and great camaraderie for the evening. We then returned to the hotel and ten forward (hospitality) for an evening of renewing friendships and pleasant conversation.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Breakfast was served in the hospitality room where chairman Marilyn had made up some special "Star Trek" waffles. The official proceedings began with a memorial service to remember our friends that have been taken from our family. The Region 6 business meeting was conducted efficiently with many reports given on the events and activities throughout the year.
Lunch was served in ten forward where Randy presented his final comments and gifts to the crew that has been instrumental in having a successful year in Region 6. The program ended with a slide show of the years activities and events.
At 3PM the Nebraska Senate 35th anniversary program began with a wine tasting from a local winery owned and operated by a Nebraska Senator. Most of the wines were a bit sweet for my palette but were thoroughly enjoyed by most. I did find an interesting Red Wine that I stuck with for the afternoon. Each of the past Nebraska Senate presidents were introduced and given a gift of a bottle of wine. The national guests were also introduced to the assembly.
ten Forward was closed for a short time to prepare for the Chili cook off at 6PM. There were many fine chili recipes to evaluate by each of the guests. Of secondary importance was the Hot dogs and appropriate toppings with chips, of course. There was plenty to go around and this also served as dinner for most of us.
The foundation silent auction was set up for folks to inspect while other meetings were being conducted. The States party committee met although I was barred from attending - for good reason, many of the ladies retired to the Red Hat Society meeting. The Foundation raffle and auction was conducted later that evening and, taking the time change into consideration, I got to bed around 1AM.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Sleep did not come very easy as there was also many Wrestling teams in the hotel and they partied in rooms and the hallways all night sometimes very loudly. They subsided around 3 in the morning and sleep came easier. THEN, around 4:30 they started again. Denise and I had an early flight so we had to be up at 5AM anyway so we packed and met our pilot Randy in the lobby and were delivered to the airport in plenty of time to catch our flight home.
Region 6 is always unbeatable for their hospitality, My thanks to all.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
