Busy Weekend

You would think that the weekend is here, let the rest begin. Who needs rest? Saturday morning, I met up with my General Chairman, and the Spring Ceremonial Team at Port Huron High School. We conducted a site visit of the newly remodeled/constructed performing arts theater. This is definitely not my high school, what a large multi-connected series of buildings, athletic facilities and theater. The Theater is on par with any I have witnessed and am very jealous that the younger generation has this opportunity to utilize this resource.

However, we are fortunate, in that it will serve our needs very well. The Director of the Dramatic Corp was impressed by the stage, and the D-Staff reps were happy as well. The theater, and adjoining cafeteria setting will provide for one memorable event for all the newly created Nobles.

We then drove to the famous Thomas Edison Inn. We were given a tour of the hospitality suites and configuration. It looks like the Shriners will once again take over an entire floor, and the Inn's staff are not only looking forward to hosting us, they have given us almost every amnenity to host a great weekend.

We have not held a ceremonial outside our southfield center in over 5 years. We have a new group of Nobles who have repeatedly asked when we are going away, in order for them to create the bonds that the veterans created in years gone by. It is going to happen in May. We look forward to providing the venue, and of course the Camel's Milk, with some juicy steaks thrown in, to revive the bonds of Shriners.

I got home around 4:00 P.M., which gave me enough time to put on my tuxedo and potentate bling, and drive out to Westland, for the Al Hambra Past Commanders Ball. The International Order of Al Hambra is a fraternity comprised of men of the Catholic Faith. There are 8 caravans in SE Michigan, with a total of 700 members. They wear white fezzes and follow similiar initiations as the Shriners. We have developed a fantastic relationship over the years, including a monthly lunch get together, referred to as The Red/White Fez Club. They also pursue a charitable philantrophy of special-needs childrens and adults. Each Caravan is led by a "Commander" and annually they celebrate the men who have served as Commanders. Last year the Divan attended this successful event, and I am proud to say the entire Divan and their ladies were in attendance this evening. The food was very good and the company even better.

On a side note, the international conventions of both organizations were held a week apart in San Antonion last year, and we are combining our efforts in establishing the first Red/White Fez Club between the Al Zafar Shriners in San Antonio and their Al Hambra counterparts.

Carrie and I left around 10:30 and got home aroung 11:15, tried to stay up for the opening scene of SNL, and I was unsuccessful. Oh Well.

I am writing this on Sunday morning, this is the dedicated day Carrie and I will attempt to clean the house. Our schedules have not allowed us to maintain the usual clean state in which we both like to keep our home, but days like this are appreciateed. Our joint efforts will allow us to clean the entire house in about 2 hours. Yeah, Day Off.

Enjoy the cold, and yes, it is cold.