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.
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