Stardate 2010.120 Region 8 meeting - Houston

Friday, April 30, 2010

This is the final Regional Meeting for the year. Denise and I had an early flight so I got up early enough to kick the Chickens awake. Denise picked me up at 4:30AM so we could make or flight on time. We had a straight shot into Houston where David Ray met us and we stopped for lunch before delivering us to the hotel. He had to turn around and head back to the airport to pick up Regional VP Peggy Rider.

There were many folks checking in at the same time so we had a nice time greeting each other. Mike and Bruce came in on Thursday and were on the golf course, where else would they be??? The evening was filled with fellowship as more Senators from Region 8 and other parts of the country joined the party. Texas president David Johnson brought in some "take home" champagne glasses and was mixing many very interesting concoctions for the guests. Many of the drinks were pretty powerful and it began to show as the party went on into the night.

Around 10PM I joined the Rattlesnake Corps Commanders call as past Commander as well as Hexable from California. I gave my pitch for the corps of corps meeting to be held in Concord. Commander Dave Johnson gave us all some pillows in case any of us "old Farts" needed a nap. Back to the hospitality room until bed time.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Denise and I joined the group for breakfast then proceeded to the Region 8 meeting. Peggy ran a nice meeting, I addressed the group and Kent Singular, from Kansas was elected the new Region 8 Vice President. Denise was on the agenda to promote the Concord meeting and veered from the planned talk to announce that she had decided to challenge Mike and run for president of the Senate. This surprised Mike at first as it did myself since this was not something planned. Denise and Mike had been bantering each other, in a friendly way. This generated a lot of excitement and everyone joined in the fun. Folks were donating money for her filing fee and campaign expenses. Denise printed a filing form and filled it out so she had the form and fee for Steve. States were promising their votes to Denise. Mike made a call to Jim Mammon letting him know of Denise's candidacy and wanted to know "What the hell is happening". Unfortunately Jim was not answering so Mike just had to leave that message fully expecting Jim to call back with some concern. This spoof continued through Sunday breakfast when Denise returned every ones money to them. Quite some fun.

After the Region meeting Mike and I attended the PIE meeting of outgoing and incoming presidents for a discussion on having a successful year.

After lunch the Texas Senate had their meting where Jack Cornutt was elected president for 2010-2011. I and Denise left the meeting a bit early as our ride to the Ship Channel Tour was leaving.

We arrived at the dock a bit earlier than expected but soon boarded the boat. The area is restricted so we all had to put our cameras back in the cars (although there were folks taking photos with their cell phones). This was a nice cruise through the shipping channels of the port of Houston which is 50 miles from the ocean and 25 or so from the bay.

It was pretty hot and humid on the channel so I took a nice shower when we returned to the hotel and felt much fresher. We arrived back at the hospitality room in time for a cocktail before heading into the banquet room. Gifts were exchanged and I had the honor of installing the new president and VP. We then had a bus ride to a comedy club for the evenings entertainment. The MC did a acceptable job in introducing the program but the first comedian really stank. He relied on way too many 4 letter words and was not funny. The second act was a much older guy and he was very funny. About the roughest word he used was Damn but he talked about life experiences to which we could relate. The third act was so-so and had some humorous moments. We returned to the hotel after midnight and had a few hours sleep

Sunday, May 2, 2010

We were up to join many of the Senators for breakfast then caught the shuttle back to the airport and home. My thanks to the Texas Senate for a wonderful weekend.

Stardate 2010.106 Region 4 Calabash Bash

Friday, April 16, 2010

I caught the first train to SFO at 4AM for an early flight into Atlanta for a 3 hour layover. True to form Delta had a "maintenance problem" with our airplane and departure was delayed for 1/2 hour. Even with the delay we arrived in Myrtle Beach within about 10 minutes of the scheduled time. My friends and fellow Senators Walter and Niki Brooker were there waiting for me and we made it to the hotel. Niki is a transplanted California Senator who was whisked away to South Carolina when Walter wooded her into becoming his wife.

Jeanne, My companion and keeper for the weekend was already there and checked into the room. I connected with her in the hospitality room where there was already a great turnout. I renewed many acquaintances before some of the group convinced me to play a little "Screw-your-neighbor. I was quickly relieved of my money but since it was late and I awoke very early I hit the sack.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

WOW! I slept until 9AM, I must have been more tired than I thought. I met some of the folks on the balcony and shared some conversation then some of us made a pilgrimage to the Hard Rock to contribute to the local economy. Seeing that it was past lunchtime we decided on a nearby Mexican restaurant.

We returned to the hotel with time to change into my Tiger Corps shirt for the Palmetto Corps meeting. I gave a pitch for the Concord Corps-of-Corps meeting then returned to the room to change shirts for the Region 4 meeting. Each of the Region 4 State presidents gave a synopsis of their activities for the year. Jimmy ran a nice meeting and stayed with the Regional tradition of short meetings. This was a first as the meeting was not conducted from the back of a pickup truck.

Dinner was a the hotel buffet then we returned to the hospitality room for games, refreshment and fellowship. I made my rounds saying goodbye to all my friends and headed to the room to pack and get some shuteye.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

We were up early and off to the airport for my flight to Atlanta. This was a much shorter layover although there was still a long flight to get home - I finally walked into my home at 7PM.

Thanks to all the Region 4 Senators and especially the South Carolina Senators that hosted the event.

Stardate 2010.113 Region 9 meeting

Friday, April 23, 2010

What a change, The flight left at 9Am so we did not have to get up at oh-dark thirty. We arrived at the Boise, Idaho Airport and were greeted by an impressive welcoming committee. My entire Executive Committee; VP Mike, Secretary Steve, Treasurer Bruce and our shuttle pilot Will Hansen.

We loaded into two cars and drove for about 2 hours then stopped at Lardos restaurant in McCall Idaho for lunch. Another hour and we arrived at our hotel in Riggins. After settling into the room we headed to the hospitality room where we were joined by Jack Myers, no relation although when Jack was president of the California Senate I served as his Vice President and we were the "M & M Team". Past US Senate president Hap Hilbish was there to greet us as well as many long time friends from Region 9.

A short drink then it was off to Seven Devils restaurant for dinner just a few blocks from the hotel. Actually I guess everything was just a few blocks from the hotel. Although the food was great I think we overwhelmed them with our number. We were seated outside and the smell of the open grill made us all the hungrier. I assume that the grilling was the issue as the table that I was seated at was served dead last and many of the others had already finished their meal and were departing for the bar or the hotel. The ladies at our table of 7 were getting a bit cold so we moved inside to finish our meal in comfort. When we returned to the lodge we found that the hotel serves homemade cookies and milk every night and we did not refuse to partake of their generosity before trudging off to bed.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

 I sure wanted to stay in bed when the alarm sounded but we were up to join the others for breakfast. The Idaho Senate conducted their meeting at 9AM and president Aaron Reed ran a productive meeting. I briefly addressed the Idaho members and presented Aaron with my flag set and received some nice gifts as well.


After the meeting Aaron led 3 vehicles laden with the visitors up as far as we could go in the mountains surrounding Riggins. The snow finally got too deep to traverse. We stopped frequently on the way back to see the wonderful view of the mountains and valleys.
 
We stopped at the Rapid River Salmon Hatchery where we learned everything about harvesting and fertilizing Salmon eggs to the final release of the young fish for their return to the Pacific Ocean. Our guide was quite a character although quite an expert in this operation.

Back at the hotel we gathered a small group and walked to a local cafe for lunch. Then we had an hour to retreat to the room for a rest.

The Region 9 meeting began at 4PM, There were the usual reports then my entire team of officers presented their case to the members for electing them to their next office. Will Hansen was slated to be elected as the Region 9 Vice President but some of us could not let him be uncontested. I rose in nomination of Jack Myers, my illegitimate father with some raving banter about how great he was, Sonny Jones from Oregon, seconded his nomination. Jack then spoke of his qualifications (or lack thereof). We all had a lot of fun and the members present had a good belly laugh before Jack withdrew his candidacy. Will was unanimously elected.

Dinner in the hospitality room followed and conversations abounded, storied were told and lies were abundant. Finally everyone would down and it was time for bed.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Denise and I had a late flight out of Boise so we rose, packed and joined the others for breakfast. Mike, Steve and Bruce had earlier flight and had already left the hotel. We loaded our gear into Will's car for the return to Boise. On the way back we stopped briefly at Will's Mom and Dads home then drove to Table Rock to see the Jaycee cross. It was quite a hike to the top from the parking lot but we made it and it was a spectacular view of Boise. We made our way back to the car then to the center of town and lunch at Bitter Creek Brewery. Will then delivered us safely to the airport for our quick hour and fifteen minute flight home.

Thanks to President Aaron and the Idaho Senate for a wonderful weekend.

Stardate 2010.092 MAI Annual Conference

Thursday, April 8, 2010

This was an all day trip from Oakland to Philadelphia but I arrived and was greeted by Larry Green who shuttled me to the host hotel. After checking into my room I joined the other MAI Senators in the hospitality room around 9PM.

Friday, April 9, 2010

I enjoyed breakfast with one of my east coast presidential assistants, Jackie Cornelius, and the Pennsylvania Senators. I had about 15 minutes to quickly check my emails before joining the Joe Sabella tour of Wilmington, Delaware. With us were Joe and Judy, of course, Mark Grim, Jackie Cornelius and John Robinson. We took the scenic tour (backroads) to Wilmington and drove around the campus of the University of Delaware. Quite a large campus with separate fields for Football, Baseball, Track, Soccer, 2 Ice Rinks and a basketball gym.

We had lunch at the "Big Fish" restaurant then drove through the neighborhoods, parks and even the "finer" parts of the city. We returned to the hotel a bit before 4PM. Jeanne joined us after a day at work.

Dinner was served in the hospitality room with plenty of food for everyone. Regional Caucuses followed where each of the candidates had their opportunity to make their pitch for the upcoming elections in Concord, California. I just had to follow suit and gave a pitch for the office of COB. This is probably the most difficult meeting for the candidates as they have to make their pitch twice as each region holds their caucus separately. The evening ended as they all do with lots of fellowship and conversation.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Breakfast was provided in the hotel breakfast room where everyone stoked up on Coffee and a bagel or two to gather energy for the business meeting. The meeting went very well as Roxanne, VP of region 2 and Elizabeth, VP of Region 3 shared in conducting the meeting. I kept my comments short as I would be speaking again at the evening banquet. I did present Presidential pins to Larry Green for providing my transportation and to Joe Sabella for being my tour guide the day prior.

The meeting was completed a bit ahead of schedule so everyone had a chance for lunch before boarding the bus for a tour of old Newcastle. The tour group broke up into two groups for ease of the tour. One group went through the old courthouse where we were guided by a great "Old Gal" through the history of Newcastle and it's founding. The second group went on a walking tour of the restored streets and buildings. After an hour the groups switched so everyone had a chance to experience the town and it's history. It was then back to the bus for our return to the hotel and a short time to get ready for the evening banquet.

We again boarded a bus for transport to Delaware Park, a casino and horse race facility. Jeff Lank, President of the US Jaycees joined us and shared our table. Jeff addressed the Senators as did I and our messages had a similar tone of cooperation between the two organizations. I received some nice gifts from the two Regional VP's, A bottle of Chocolate wine from Roxanne and a personalized placard from Elizabeth. State president Randy Manship presented me with a Delaware sweatshirt. I presented both Regional VP's with my redwood flag set and a presidential pin to Jeff Lank. Jeanne received some nice gifts as well for being the weekend first lady.

Upon our return to the hotel Jeanne and I went to the room to drop off our gifts when to our surprise we had another unique travel experience. Neither of our keys worked so off i go to the front desk to get them recoded (not so unique YET!). So neither of the new keys worked and I am off to the desk again. This time I request that someone follow me back to the room as I do not want to spend the evening between the room and front desk. When I get back to my room the maintenance guy is there with a pass key. Our new keys still fail to open the door and the pass key also does not work. Something serious is wrong with the lock and I am a bit perturbed about the situation.

Perk happens by and her room is just across the hall so we stash our loot in her room until the hotel works on a solution. Jeanne and I head to the hospitality room without having an opportunity to change into more casual clothing. I call the desk to let them know where we will be upon their repairing the room lock. I was informed that maintenance had the room open . Jeanne finds Perk and heads to the room to transfer the gifts. Meanwhile I meet my elected team and finalized the 2010-2011 proposed budget.

When I return to the hospitality room Jeanne tells me that they cannot fix the lock and we had the choice to move to a different room or have maintenance open the room when we retire for the night - we chose the latter. Jeff also joined the Senators in the hospitality room and seemed to have a great time. When we finished our goodbyes I went to the lobby to get the room opened. They had a difficult time opening the door again but finally we were let in.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

We were up early so Jeanne could get back to Maryland as she had to work on this day. John Robinson drove me to the airport so everything is working well - WRONG!!

I had paid the fee to receive A-List boarding primarily since I would be in meetings when the time hit the 24 hour prior time as the computer would automatically check me in. I went to the Kiosk to print my boarding pass and I get a message that I had to speak with a Southwest representative. I was informed that I would have to get my boarding pass at the gate and they gave me a security pass. When I arrived at the gate I received a boarding sequence number of C-17 - The last person to board. I asked why since I ad paid the fee and received the standard answer that the computer erred. I am not a happy camper by this time so I asked to speak with a supervisor. The attendant quickly produced a blue early boarding slip and I got on the plane and more importantly had bin space. I arrived home on schedule

My thanks to all the Senators in the MAI Regions for all the hospitality and friendship.