I took the red eye special from SFO to Detroit. It was a pleasant flight as I sat next to a young lady from South Carolina who had graduated college and relocated to San Francisco. She was on her way to visit her parents. We did find something in common, both of us had a bronchial event occurring so we "coughed together" for the flight. On my arrival in Detroit I had to "hot foot" it to the commuter terminal but arrived in time to grab a cup of coffee before boarding the plane to Syracuse, NY. The coffee was much needed as it was 5:30 AM and I had only managed about an hours sleep on the plane. The weather was a bit rough going out of Detroit but mother nature smiled on us as we landed in Syracuse.
Friday, May 21, 2010
The weather held and I had a very pleasant drive to Kingston, Ontario, Canada. There was a short backup at the border but I arrived at the hotel just as the Senate tour was returning. I joined everyone for lunch then the afternoon was free. I had a chance to get the wrinkles ironed out of my shirts and grab an hours much needed nap.
The obnoxious alarm went off so I showered, which made me feel much better, then joined the group in the lobby. We boarded a bus which took us to Fort Henry and dinner at the historic "officers mess".
We were instructed to act as officers and treat the "soldier waiters" as officers of the period would have treated their servants. No Thank You or Please was to be used. Each able was assigned a "president" whose job it was to insure that the diners were of their best behavior and protocol. No elbows on the table, no talk of politics or loose women. Violators were charged with singing a song, dancing a jig or whatever the president deemed appropriate for the offense. I was charged with being the president of our table. I did excuse a few to go to the bar but required that they return with a drink for the president. That actually worked for a couple of drinks.We returned to the hotel and the hospitality room where conversation abounded. I crashed around 10:30 PM.
Saturday, May 21, 2010
Everyone met in the Island room for a buffet breakfast before heading to the Bellview room for the program and meeting. Senator Matt Hutcheson's presentation of "Down Memory Lane" was entertaining and brought back memories of the past. Matt is a recent Senator and a national president of the Canadian Junior Chamber. He recounted his days leading up to that position as well as his international experiences. Senate president Al Murphy opened his meeting and ran through the agenda items quickly and efficiently. Elections were held and Rene Jacobs is the new president of the Canadian Senate for 2010 - 2011.
We were then addressed by Ian Coristine who spoke of the beauty of the 1000 islands. He is an aviator and photographer and had published many books of photos covering the diversity of the islands. We then had to leave quickly to board the boat (Island Star) for our luncheon cruise of some of the closest islands. We had a nice cruise, a wonderful lunch and excellent friendships. we returned back to the hotel around 3PM with a free afternoon to wander the city or catch a nap.
The presidential reception began at 6PM where we all assembled in a more formal atmosphere. Pele Winery was present with a generous wine tasting event, perhaps a bit far from their namesake in Hawaii. I was honored to be seated at the table of the outgoing and incoming presidents of the Canadian Senate.
The guest speaker was Jack Chang his speech covered his adventures as a journalist and his journey into public service. His delivery was light hearted and humorously delivered. He had the audience in stitches most of the time. Dinner was excellent. The new officers were installed and the outgoing president Al delivered his final remarks followed by incoming president Rene and his vision of the new year. We adjourned to the hospitality room for the remainder of the evening.Sunday, May 22, 2010
Up packed and to the "Give a Damn" breakfast. During their memorial service I read the names of the 101 US Senators that have passed from this life as Ambassador Phyllis Bowers rang the bell in memorium. The mornings presentation was delivered by Debra Lefebvre who organized the Canadian Bed Nets program.
The meeting ended with all Senators "Walking the Plank". An interesting tradition of the Canadian Crew where the incoming and outgoing presidents and spouses line up at the front of the room. Every Senator and spouse then greet the starters then take their place in line to receive the rest of the members. This continues until every person offers congratulations and some small talk and hugs with everyone else in turn. Quite a nice way to end a function.
I drove back to Syracuse without incident, caught my plane and made my connection. I arrived home just after midnight, exhausted but pleased with my excursion to Canada. My thanks for all the hospitality of the Canadian Senate.
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