After what
seemed like an extended period of time the chapter gathered for another rally. From
July to October seems longer than it really is. Several of our members used the
time to make trips around the country. In any case, we had great weather for
the middle of October with the exception of the first day which was very windy.
For our last
rally of 2012 we used the Rutlader Outpost RV Park in Louisburg, Kansas. We had
15 members in attendance with seven coaches. Those members included the Couchs,
Cooks, Backers, McVays, Sidebottoms, Genrichs,
Carliles and Ginny Weaver. While several members arrived early, by
Thursday afternoon everyone was in place. However, four of our rally stalwarts
were missing. The Mathis’ have already headed south, the Stremmings are basking
in Florida sunshine this month, Gary Nash is still recovering from 42 episodes
of chemotherapy and the Severes managed to let a bug attack them on a recent
cruise and were laid low. I know we will see all of them in April.
Prior to the
rally I received an email update from Len Lynch. Late in August he had another
heart attack (I quote, “nothing really severe”???). Since that event he has
been plagued with bouts of vertigo of an unknown cause. As a result driving is
severely restricted, if not curtailed. Therefore, they have decided to make a
left turn in their life. They have their house on the market and have secured
an apartment in a retirement community in Leawood, KS. Moving from a 4,400 sq
ft house, in which they have lived for 32 years, to a 1,400 sq ft apartment can
only be described as a challenge. Their coach is also on the market, so if you
know someone who could use a 2005 Fleetwood Discovery 39L contact Len. He is
asking $85,000. They also have a electric “Cricket” cart almost identical to Dan’s.
It has been used once for three days and he is asking $3,000.
Gary and
Elaine Sidebottom were the hosts for this rally and did a great job. Assisting
them with some of the meals were the Carliles, Couchs, Ginny Weaver and the
Genrichs. For the Thursday reception
we had an appetizer potluck. The main fare was a sea of deviled eggs and
meatballs. Evidently it was a good choice as most of the eggs and meatballs
disappeared. Since the ladies had been without card games for three months they
went right to it after the reception.
For the Friday breakfast we headed north to
Louisburg and Miss B’s Café courtesy of the Carliles. Therefore, everyone could
have just what they wanted. We had heard about the cinnamon rolls they served
at Miss B’s and two of our members ordered them. The rolls are large enough to
cover a medium sized plate and easily serve four, and sometimes six, depending
on appetite. As is normal after breakfast away from the park our members went
is several directions. During the afternoon I spied some of the women heading for
the park community center. I think they started another card game. Prior to the
evening meal we had our last business meeting of the year which included an
election of officers. You can read all of the meeting information in the
minutes. For dinner the Genrichs provided us with Bouyah soup, coleslaw,
cornbread muffins and Death by Chocolate. Several members planned on dying with
a smile on their face.
For the Saturday breakfast the Couchs laid on
biscuits and gravy and sausage with fresh apple cider. Personally, I was
looking forward to some of Dan’s pancakes. Maybe next time. After breakfast
several of our group disappeared to see the sights. During the afternoon TJ
Ballard and Sandy Thomas arrived and spent the rest of the day with us. That
evening we caravanned to the La Mesa Mexican restaurant for a meal arranged by
Ginny Weaver. After dinner it was back to the RV park for the evening
entertainment. The park has country and western music entertainers every
Saturday night. For this night it was the house group, the Middle Creek Band
and a featured singer, Wes Cunningham, who specializes in Don Williams tunes. I
thought they did a great job and it was well received by the 100+ in
attendance. This is obviously a popular event with people driving out from
Kansas City and I was told that it is not uncommon to have busloads show up.
The Saturday get-away breakfast was
doughnuts and various leftovers. What was not consumed during the rally was
divided among the members. Thanks to the Sidebottoms for hosting the rally and
to all who helped.
We did leave
one member behind as Wayne Cook was unable to start his coach due to flat
batteries. He was able to get a service technician out to get the problem
solved and has since decided that his problems were caused by a bad part which
will be replaced.
The wagonmaster
has been putting together a slate of parks for next year’s rallys and still has some holes to fill. If you would
like to fill a hole contact Carol Genrich.
Also, remember
that next year’s dues are due the
first of the year. I know that the treasurer will be glad to accept your payment
early. I always have Guido as a backup for those of you who procrastinate.
Next year
starts our 44th year with a rally at Coachlight RV in Carthage, MO.
We will have a fresh year with a new president ready to go. I expect to see
everyone in attendance!!
