Friday Feb. 26, 2010

How can time fly by this fast. It is almost March, I cannot believe it. Okay, I jinxed all of us, I talked about the pleasant winter and did we take a crushing this week. We shut down the Shrine Center on Monday, due to the 8 inches. We had several meetings scheduled that were important, but alas Old Man Winter had other ideas. I spoke to a couple of Shriners who are supposedly wintering in "Sunny" Florida. They had to buy fall and winter clothes to get through the cold weather, unbelievable. Where is Al Gore? Enough Said!!!!!

The rest of this week was pretty uneventful. I spent Tuesday evening in Southfield, had a finance committee and Board of Directors meeting, and then spent some time with the Highlanders, but it was an early evening.

Wednesday Feb. 24, 2010 No SHRINE NIGHT, this is the annual celebration of the birth of my mother. I purchased a couple of incredible pies from Achatz (4 berry and coconut cream). My sister picked up a platter of middle eastern food and we feasted. Unfortunately, Carrie got stuck in 3 inches of snow leaving Ann Arbor and did not make it, but I, being the great husband, brought her a plate of food. I have to tell you, my mom is one great cook, and although it was her b-day, she made hummus, salad and the best rice pudding in the world. When I first got onto the Divan, we had a financial meeting at the Detroit Athletic Club and for dessert I was told to try the rice pudding, it was a house speciality. Well, if that was considered rice pudding, I think we have to rename my mom's dish, because it could not be the same item. My Mom's recipe is fantastic, of course adding some raisins only bring out the sweet flavors.

Thursday Feb 25, 2010 Well, No Shrine Stuff, I decided to hang out with a few friends and eat some king crab, well, actually a lot of king crab. I Love crab legs, cannot get enough.

Sad News of the week: The Black Camel has taken two of our Good Nobles. Noble Henry "Curly" Baldridge, a member of my unit, and who I had the opportunity to room with at the last out of town ceremonial past away. He was 93, had some severe health issues the last couple of years, but was an very good Noble. He had a southern drawl, and was a very sharp business man, who was very sharp until the day he passed.

Also, Noble Ken Logain, who has lived in California the last few years passed yesterday. He has been ill for several years. When I was a "Probie" in the Director's Staff, Ken would help me set up the camel's milk every week at the old temple. One cold, snowy evening, both our cars were broken into downtown and we waited until 2:00 A.M. for the local law enforcement. After many calls, one of the dispatchers actually said (at least she was honest) that we are the lowest priority due to all the murders in Detroit. We helped eachother tape plastic garbage bags to our broken windows and drove home in the snow.

Both Nobles will be missed, but as many of you know, in our fraternity, we know that this is only one step in a continuing process.

Have a good weekend, we are getting ready for the Poker Progressive Social Party at the Shrine Center Saturday evening. I have heard good tidings from the Unit Members who will have the rooms open. I hope the weather cooperates, but also, I have been touting this event as a way to keep off the winter blues, and have some good, cheap fun with your Nobles and ladies.