Did you ever have one of those weekends you were looking forward to the events and good times, and then it all came crashing down. Well that was my weekend. Friday evening, I was going to hang with some Shriners, and I noticed the kitchen sink filled with water. Next thing we know Carrie is, very nicely pointing out (yes, I am a politician at heart) that the pipe has cracked and water is all over the side cabinets. After removing all the pots and pans, draining the water and junk, we found cracks in the galvanized pipe (why do we still have galvanized pipes is beyond me). We spent several late night hours cleaning up the mess and getting rid of the water.
Early Saturday, I was supposed to drive down to Wayne for their Wheelfest parade, but I called a plumber (I Love You Bob), and he had a guy over within an hour. The entire plumbing had to be replaced and Carrie and I were well into mid-afternoon till we had the entire kitchen back to some sense of normality.
Now guys, I am going to give you some advice, that my lovely and talented bride kindly imparted in a very kind, calm, loving manner; DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT EVER use the plunger that is stored in a bathroom in the kitchen sink. I now understand, which like I said was imparted in the most loving of conversations, that one should not even bring that plunger near the kitchen. Got it GUYS, consider this me whispering good counsel to all my Brothers.
That being said, after everything was said and done, I talked to some Shriners who said that we had a great turnout in Wayne and the parade was very well attended by the public, more than previous years.
Sunday August 29, 2010:
I decided that I needed a little rest so I drove up to Holly to walk around the Renaissance Festival. This is something I have learned to do alone, because if you try to force someone to go with you, who does not like the heat, dirt, and good natured people dressed as lords and ladies, you will not have fun. I love the Renaissance Festival and partook in a delicious Turkey Leg. It was the Highland Fling-themed weekend and I sat and watched the competition for a little while, it was fun.
I wanted to let go a little, and have some fun during the morning, because I knew I was attending a funeral for a good friend Sunday evening. A good Shriner passed away suddenly, at 55, from a cerebral hemorrhage. The Masonic Memorial Service was held in Dearborn and the room was packed by loved ones. It was a very sad event, he was loved by many and we will miss him tremendously.
It is now Monday August 30, less than 48 hours from September 1, and 4 days from the Labor Day Weekend. Have I mentioned how fast this year has gone, in a blink of an eye. Carrie and I have talked about how much fun we are having, and the impact of the last 5 years on our lives. I truly cannot imagine my life without being a Shriner, or should I say, I do not ever want to imagine my life without being a member of such an excellent organization.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Thursday August 26
It has been a slow Shrine Week. I was at the Shrine Center on Monday night, and will go back this evening. Tuesday and Wednesday were spent at home, just enjoying some warm summmer nights.
Tonight I am attending a welcome party for the Grand High Priestess of the Ladies Oriental Shrine, who is making an official visit to our local court. I had the opportunity to spend some time with her at the Imperial Convention in July and had a real good time.
Unfortunately I will only be able to pay a brief visit as some of us will also be attending a funeral for one of our Highlanders. Pete was a piper and was the man who piped in my beloved wife at our wedding. He passed away this weekend and I have not spoken with him in over a year. These things are the hardest part of the being on the Board. The time commitments overshadow some of the quality time spent with friends and family. I also was called this morning to inform me of another good Noble, just a few years older than me, who had a severe brain hemorrhage last night and is on life support until his family comes into town. I have had some very good times with my friend Jim, and it is a sad shame to not be able to see him again.
This weekend is the Wayne Parade (Saturday AM), and besides that I have some family coming into town from Los Angeles and I will be visiting with them the rest of the weekend. I cannot believe we are a week away from the Labor Day weekend, WOW!!!!!!!
On another note, I heard that my masonic lodge is almost completely remodeled, and I cannot wait to see it in a couple of weeks. I miss attending my blue lodge, and I know for sure that I will be devoting some time to the lodge next year, especially in what is sure to be one of the most beautiful lodges around.
Tonight I am attending a welcome party for the Grand High Priestess of the Ladies Oriental Shrine, who is making an official visit to our local court. I had the opportunity to spend some time with her at the Imperial Convention in July and had a real good time.
Unfortunately I will only be able to pay a brief visit as some of us will also be attending a funeral for one of our Highlanders. Pete was a piper and was the man who piped in my beloved wife at our wedding. He passed away this weekend and I have not spoken with him in over a year. These things are the hardest part of the being on the Board. The time commitments overshadow some of the quality time spent with friends and family. I also was called this morning to inform me of another good Noble, just a few years older than me, who had a severe brain hemorrhage last night and is on life support until his family comes into town. I have had some very good times with my friend Jim, and it is a sad shame to not be able to see him again.
This weekend is the Wayne Parade (Saturday AM), and besides that I have some family coming into town from Los Angeles and I will be visiting with them the rest of the weekend. I cannot believe we are a week away from the Labor Day weekend, WOW!!!!!!!
On another note, I heard that my masonic lodge is almost completely remodeled, and I cannot wait to see it in a couple of weeks. I miss attending my blue lodge, and I know for sure that I will be devoting some time to the lodge next year, especially in what is sure to be one of the most beautiful lodges around.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Friday August 20
It seems that I have lost two postings this week that I know I wrote. You must think that I am getting lazy. Sorry about that.
In summary, Carrie and I made a 300 mile round trip drive on Monday evening to attend the Branch County Shrine Club's Annual Fish Fry. It was a fanatastic evening, great company, good food and awesome desserts (prepared by the neighboring Amish; homemade ice cream).
Tuesday: I had to go to the Shrine Center after work to let the Highlanders in the buildings. It was the first Tuesday this year that the entire building was vacant after normal business hours. Usually we have over close to 1000 people every Tuesday attending a seminar in the commercial end, however they rescheduled to this Thursday.
Wednesday: Not much Shrine related business, just a hair cut and dr's appt.
Thursday: Our New Child Care Director conducted his first meeting with the Hospital Drivers and Garage volunteers. To say it was a little successful is an understatement. He took command of the meeting, was very well organized and well received. I am so excited about the future of how we transport our children to and from the hospitals, our program is in good hands; the hard working, dedicated, unselfish volunteers of our organization, thank you, thank you, thank you.
This weekend is pretty mild. The Dreamcruise is goin on and Carrie and I were invited to an annual party by some friends, and hoping the weather cooperates. I also need to get some exterior house chores accomplished. Besides all that, it will be the wife and I enjoying the summer heat.
Have a great weekend.
In summary, Carrie and I made a 300 mile round trip drive on Monday evening to attend the Branch County Shrine Club's Annual Fish Fry. It was a fanatastic evening, great company, good food and awesome desserts (prepared by the neighboring Amish; homemade ice cream).
Tuesday: I had to go to the Shrine Center after work to let the Highlanders in the buildings. It was the first Tuesday this year that the entire building was vacant after normal business hours. Usually we have over close to 1000 people every Tuesday attending a seminar in the commercial end, however they rescheduled to this Thursday.
Wednesday: Not much Shrine related business, just a hair cut and dr's appt.
Thursday: Our New Child Care Director conducted his first meeting with the Hospital Drivers and Garage volunteers. To say it was a little successful is an understatement. He took command of the meeting, was very well organized and well received. I am so excited about the future of how we transport our children to and from the hospitals, our program is in good hands; the hard working, dedicated, unselfish volunteers of our organization, thank you, thank you, thank you.
This weekend is pretty mild. The Dreamcruise is goin on and Carrie and I were invited to an annual party by some friends, and hoping the weather cooperates. I also need to get some exterior house chores accomplished. Besides all that, it will be the wife and I enjoying the summer heat.
Have a great weekend.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Summer Doldrums?
I beleive it has been almost a week since my last posting, and I would love to blame it on the doldrums of Summer. Well, I really cannot. Yes I did have a couple of fraternal-free days this past week (Wed-Fri), and I caught up on some well deserved rest, however it is back to work.
We are all still flying pretty high due to the success of the Sportsman's Extravaganza last week. How lucky were we to have such a beautiful day, when it was originally scheduled for the 2nd Saturday of August, which was the ugly, humid, hot day, with spot showers throughout the area. Not that we did not enjoy ourselves yesterday. We attended the Annual Directors Staff Pig Roast, and Carrie made all the desserts. The D-Staff changed the menu and we officially did not have pig, but we had such a feast of sausage, pork tenderloins, steak, and bbq chicken. Add the appetizers of steamed mussells and ribs, and we were all in meat comas by the end of the day. Carrie's desserts, which she began on Thursday, were once again well received. Who knew if you put a lot of rum in a standard bundt cake, shriners would gobble up every little piece. I told Carrie that she should market it as "The Heavenly Shriner" Cake and she would have at least 70 dedicated customers.
Sunday: is the first annual Shriners for Hospital 5k Run at Hazel Park Racetrack. All proceeds benefit the Shriners Hospitals for Children. This is another benefit of teaming up with the great people of Hazel Park, I only see positive things in the future for all concerned.
Carrie and I will also be attending our Assistant Rabbans wife's annual golf outing to benefit finding a cure for breast cancer. Carrie made 4 boxes of cupcakes, and the most georgeous pink leotard dress to give out.
Tomorrow is our annual trip to Coldwater to attend the Branch County Shriners Fish Fry. I am going to try to leave work a little early and pick Carrie up in Ann Arbor and drive out to Coldwater to meet Moslem Shriners farthest West Shrine Club. It always is a great event, topped off by fresh, homeade ice cream by their local Amish neigbors.
So I get three days off, and now I am at least 3 days on. I am continuing our mantra from the beginning of the year, which was penned by our Imperial Potentate. Life is "Feztastic"
We are all still flying pretty high due to the success of the Sportsman's Extravaganza last week. How lucky were we to have such a beautiful day, when it was originally scheduled for the 2nd Saturday of August, which was the ugly, humid, hot day, with spot showers throughout the area. Not that we did not enjoy ourselves yesterday. We attended the Annual Directors Staff Pig Roast, and Carrie made all the desserts. The D-Staff changed the menu and we officially did not have pig, but we had such a feast of sausage, pork tenderloins, steak, and bbq chicken. Add the appetizers of steamed mussells and ribs, and we were all in meat comas by the end of the day. Carrie's desserts, which she began on Thursday, were once again well received. Who knew if you put a lot of rum in a standard bundt cake, shriners would gobble up every little piece. I told Carrie that she should market it as "The Heavenly Shriner" Cake and she would have at least 70 dedicated customers.
Sunday: is the first annual Shriners for Hospital 5k Run at Hazel Park Racetrack. All proceeds benefit the Shriners Hospitals for Children. This is another benefit of teaming up with the great people of Hazel Park, I only see positive things in the future for all concerned.
Carrie and I will also be attending our Assistant Rabbans wife's annual golf outing to benefit finding a cure for breast cancer. Carrie made 4 boxes of cupcakes, and the most georgeous pink leotard dress to give out.
Tomorrow is our annual trip to Coldwater to attend the Branch County Shriners Fish Fry. I am going to try to leave work a little early and pick Carrie up in Ann Arbor and drive out to Coldwater to meet Moslem Shriners farthest West Shrine Club. It always is a great event, topped off by fresh, homeade ice cream by their local Amish neigbors.
So I get three days off, and now I am at least 3 days on. I am continuing our mantra from the beginning of the year, which was penned by our Imperial Potentate. Life is "Feztastic"
Monday, August 9, 2010
6th Annual Sportsmans Raffle
WOW, WOW, WOW!!!!!!!!!!!! When everything was said and done, we passed out 1630 wristbands, 36 1/2 barrels of camel's milk, over 1500 hamburgers, 1500 hot dogs, fries, corn, pop and water. There was over a 2 hour stretch where no chairs were available under the tents, which was set up for over 1400 people. The weather was amazing and the entire event was FEZTASTIC!!!!!!
Beyond my wildest dream, I could not imagine the success of the event. The 2010 Shrine Sportsmans Raffle Chairman and his entire staff changed some things this year, concentrating on those items that would attract more public exposure, leading to more ticket sales. RESULT: I am so proud of him and his staff.
Of course it helped that there was no rain, the Supreme Architect provided us with further light, and we are all thankful and grateful for perfect circumstances that provided a wonderful backdrop to the day's activities.
I beleive that we had over 150 Nobles and Ladies volunteering their time and efforts and they all worked so well together without any major issues. It is truly amazing to see us come together as a team, as a FAMILY!!!! You all should be very proud of your efforts.
Immediately following the raffle, we had the honor of conducting a short form initiation for two new Shriners, including a very special Noble who has overcome severe adversity earlier this year, and with so much courage not only survived a devasting accident in the line of duty, but is healing faster than one should be expected to heal. This was a very special moment of my year serving as the Potentate, one that I will cherish forever. I try to always put the Shrine above any personal motives, however, presiding over the Shrine during this initiation filled me with personal pride.
What better way to celebrate the day but by going down to the Americans and Director Staff Unit rooms, where dozens and dozens of Nobles, Ladies, and guests enjoyed each others company for several hours.
Carrie and I decided to finally take off around 7:30 P.M. picked up some dinner and I was passed out from exhaustion by 10:30 P.M.
Sunday: The Supreme Architecht designated this to be a day of rest, and I followed that directive.
Beyond my wildest dream, I could not imagine the success of the event. The 2010 Shrine Sportsmans Raffle Chairman and his entire staff changed some things this year, concentrating on those items that would attract more public exposure, leading to more ticket sales. RESULT: I am so proud of him and his staff.
Of course it helped that there was no rain, the Supreme Architect provided us with further light, and we are all thankful and grateful for perfect circumstances that provided a wonderful backdrop to the day's activities.
I beleive that we had over 150 Nobles and Ladies volunteering their time and efforts and they all worked so well together without any major issues. It is truly amazing to see us come together as a team, as a FAMILY!!!! You all should be very proud of your efforts.
Immediately following the raffle, we had the honor of conducting a short form initiation for two new Shriners, including a very special Noble who has overcome severe adversity earlier this year, and with so much courage not only survived a devasting accident in the line of duty, but is healing faster than one should be expected to heal. This was a very special moment of my year serving as the Potentate, one that I will cherish forever. I try to always put the Shrine above any personal motives, however, presiding over the Shrine during this initiation filled me with personal pride.
What better way to celebrate the day but by going down to the Americans and Director Staff Unit rooms, where dozens and dozens of Nobles, Ladies, and guests enjoyed each others company for several hours.
Carrie and I decided to finally take off around 7:30 P.M. picked up some dinner and I was passed out from exhaustion by 10:30 P.M.
Sunday: The Supreme Architecht designated this to be a day of rest, and I followed that directive.
Friday August 6, 2010
I had the day off on Friday to run errands for the Sportsman's Raffle. The tents were already installed and set up, and I when I arrived at the Shrine Center around 9AM our Shrine staff were ready to get the tables and chairs in place.
It was a great atmosphere, with much optimism by all present, and what a nice morning. I decided to stay and have lunch with the Boulevard Shrine Club, which I am usually not present due to work, but had a good time with the guys.
I left the Shrine Center around 1 P.M., went back home, got my suit ready and drove back to the Shrine Center. I met Carrie in the Pote's Office, she was getting some of her material ready. I talked to some Nobles who were still hanging out and left at 4:00 P.M. to drive out to Wixom. I arrived at the studios of the Detroit Public Television around 5:00 P.M. and met up with about 6 other Nobles. We were trained on how to answer the phones for the pledge drive, assigned our seats and manned the phones until 11:00 P.M. Although tonights pledge drive was not a live taping, we had a lot of fun, and the DPT staff were impressed by the manner in which the Shriners handled the phones the last couple of days. They have already asked for us to come back during their Fall Pledge drive. Anyone who watched Thursday's programming viewed many of our Nobles live during the evening, with their fezzes in front of them, what a great public relations situation, definetly a win-win for everyone.
I got home around 12:30 AM excited about the Sportsman's Raffle, Carrie was still up, also looking forward to Saturday.
It was a great atmosphere, with much optimism by all present, and what a nice morning. I decided to stay and have lunch with the Boulevard Shrine Club, which I am usually not present due to work, but had a good time with the guys.
I left the Shrine Center around 1 P.M., went back home, got my suit ready and drove back to the Shrine Center. I met Carrie in the Pote's Office, she was getting some of her material ready. I talked to some Nobles who were still hanging out and left at 4:00 P.M. to drive out to Wixom. I arrived at the studios of the Detroit Public Television around 5:00 P.M. and met up with about 6 other Nobles. We were trained on how to answer the phones for the pledge drive, assigned our seats and manned the phones until 11:00 P.M. Although tonights pledge drive was not a live taping, we had a lot of fun, and the DPT staff were impressed by the manner in which the Shriners handled the phones the last couple of days. They have already asked for us to come back during their Fall Pledge drive. Anyone who watched Thursday's programming viewed many of our Nobles live during the evening, with their fezzes in front of them, what a great public relations situation, definetly a win-win for everyone.
I got home around 12:30 AM excited about the Sportsman's Raffle, Carrie was still up, also looking forward to Saturday.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Thursday August 5, 2010
I was down at the Shrine Center Wednesday evening. We received our new office furniture and the Pote's Office looks much more classy than previous. Because the Pote's Office is utilized frequently for meetings, especially with external groups, companies, community representatives, etc., I always believed it should be somewhat professional and aesthetically pleasing. A new desk, credenza, and chairs, it is now classy. Add to it the increDIBle, heavenly mixture of maize and blue, and now the entire office appears alive.
There were a couple of meetings go on that I took part and found them to be very informative and moves in the right direction for continuing our success in the Shrine.
We are two days away from the Sportsman's Raffle. The tents were erected yesterday, everything else tomorrow and it looks real promising. The weather is going to be great and the camel's milk will be flowing.
By the way if anyone is not busy either this evening or tomorrow night and you are in front of the television, between 5:30 and 11:00 P.M. check out your local PBS channel. You will see a lot of Shriners manning the phones for their phonathon. I will be working the phones on Friday evening.
This evening, the Sterling Heights Annual "Sterlingfest" begins, and I am trying to convince my lovely and talented bride to get out for a while and walk around. She has been very busy, with a long list of items to be accomplished, therefore, I am probably solo.
On a personal note, my sister and brother bought me an Amazon Kindle for my b-day this year, to replace one that was damaged about a year ago. I decided that I was going to take Amazon on their offer of downloading one of their 100 classics for free and read that first. I love to read and literally read several books every month. Therefore, I decided to take a crack at Leo Tolstoy's "War and Peace", I figure it is one book every reader has to read in their lives. I am a quick reader, yet I began this book on June 28 and I finally finished this morning at break. Yeah, I usually only read during break and lunch at work, but still, it took me forever. Was it worth it, DEFINITELY. An incredible story of historical fiction with so many characters and rich story telling. I am so glad that I took the time, however, I am going to read a couple of simple books (beginning with Janet Evanovich's new book) next. I cannot get too complicated after "War and Peace".
By the way, if you are interested in my opinion, the Kindle is awesome and I have no regrets.
See you Saturday
There were a couple of meetings go on that I took part and found them to be very informative and moves in the right direction for continuing our success in the Shrine.
We are two days away from the Sportsman's Raffle. The tents were erected yesterday, everything else tomorrow and it looks real promising. The weather is going to be great and the camel's milk will be flowing.
By the way if anyone is not busy either this evening or tomorrow night and you are in front of the television, between 5:30 and 11:00 P.M. check out your local PBS channel. You will see a lot of Shriners manning the phones for their phonathon. I will be working the phones on Friday evening.
This evening, the Sterling Heights Annual "Sterlingfest" begins, and I am trying to convince my lovely and talented bride to get out for a while and walk around. She has been very busy, with a long list of items to be accomplished, therefore, I am probably solo.
On a personal note, my sister and brother bought me an Amazon Kindle for my b-day this year, to replace one that was damaged about a year ago. I decided that I was going to take Amazon on their offer of downloading one of their 100 classics for free and read that first. I love to read and literally read several books every month. Therefore, I decided to take a crack at Leo Tolstoy's "War and Peace", I figure it is one book every reader has to read in their lives. I am a quick reader, yet I began this book on June 28 and I finally finished this morning at break. Yeah, I usually only read during break and lunch at work, but still, it took me forever. Was it worth it, DEFINITELY. An incredible story of historical fiction with so many characters and rich story telling. I am so glad that I took the time, however, I am going to read a couple of simple books (beginning with Janet Evanovich's new book) next. I cannot get too complicated after "War and Peace".
By the way, if you are interested in my opinion, the Kindle is awesome and I have no regrets.
See you Saturday
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Tuesday August 3
It was so enjoyable having a free weekend. Carrie and I spent the majority of the weekend resting, catching up on some dvr tv shows and went out to dinner Saturday night. We went to Roast, which is a newer restaurant in the remodeled Book-Cadillac Hotel. What an experience. The meal was superb. We drank two large bottles of micro brewed Belgian trippel beer, made in a local brewery in Michigan. We feasted on Pork Belly, Haloumie Cheese, beef cheek pierogies, spinach salad with pig ears and fried eggs, NY strip with roasted bone marrow, followed by an amazing dessert of chocolate granato, strawberry shortcake and ice cream sandwich. WOW!!!!!!!!!!!
Basically, it was our first free weekend since April, and no matter how much we love the Shrine and our obligations this year, it was nice to chill for a few days.
Monday August 2, BACK TO WORK!!! I had a Board meeting and initiated 3 new Nobles in a short form ritual. Then we had our annual pre-Sportsman's Raffle meeting where are Chairman finalized the details and drew for the table assignments of the Units/Clubs/organizations. I then attended the Cycle Patrol's business meeting and appointed a New Noble as Director for the remainder of the year. I asked the Chief Rabban, Oriental Guide and Treasurer to accompany me and gave them our support in their endeavors to increase participation and membership into their unit.
Basically the rest of the week is all things Sportsman's Raffle. The weather is very promising and we are on path for a very successful event.
Today is primary day in Michigan, so important for the future of our beleaguered state and I hope we all take advantage of our rights as citizens of this greatest country to vote.
'Nuff for Now
Basically, it was our first free weekend since April, and no matter how much we love the Shrine and our obligations this year, it was nice to chill for a few days.
Monday August 2, BACK TO WORK!!! I had a Board meeting and initiated 3 new Nobles in a short form ritual. Then we had our annual pre-Sportsman's Raffle meeting where are Chairman finalized the details and drew for the table assignments of the Units/Clubs/organizations. I then attended the Cycle Patrol's business meeting and appointed a New Noble as Director for the remainder of the year. I asked the Chief Rabban, Oriental Guide and Treasurer to accompany me and gave them our support in their endeavors to increase participation and membership into their unit.
Basically the rest of the week is all things Sportsman's Raffle. The weather is very promising and we are on path for a very successful event.
Today is primary day in Michigan, so important for the future of our beleaguered state and I hope we all take advantage of our rights as citizens of this greatest country to vote.
'Nuff for Now
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