Prior to the
first day of the April rally the weather was very pleasant; temperature in the
low 80s, reasonable wind and clear skies. Starting that evening is was downhill
from there. It rained most of the night and the temperature we saw Thursday
morning was the high for the day. Welcome to spring in the Ozarks!
Our April
rally was held at the Coachlight RV Park in Carthage, MO. This is one of the
best parks in the four state area, evidenced by the number of clubs that come
here for rallies. Regardless of the weather, by Thursday afternoon we had a healthy crowd of members. The list
included the Severes, Cooks, Stremmings, Careys, Couchs, Genrichs, Bakers, Drennons,
Sidebottoms, Carliles and Jack Mathes. That evening we gathered for our typical
reception. Since it had been seven months since we had been together there was
quite a bit of catching up to do. Typically, in the past, one couple would
provide the food and drink for the reception. This month every coach was
responsible for an appetizer for eight. The result was great snacks and a
decision to do more of this in the future.
At the April
rally last year Carol Genrich passed out small stuffed animals to each coach
and asked that the members carry them in their coaches and photograph them
during their travels. Prizes would be awarded for such as most distance
traveled and funniest picture. At the reception everyone was given a chance to
describe their pet’s travels and display a photo (if available) of some
interesting point in its travel. Of particular note were the Severe and Cook
pets that joined together and had the best of both couple’s travels. It was
reported that the pets visited Alaska, Hawaii, Panama Canal, New Zealand and
Australia. However, since there was no supporting documentation such as photos
there was some doubt as the veracity of the claimed travel. It seems that the
two pets did spend time together as two additional smaller pets appeared after
all of the travel was completed. We do not know what went on in those
suitcases. Also, Ken Stremming told a sad tale about their pet bear who was
taken to Florida. When it was time to leave Florida “Bear” did not want to
leave so he ran away from home and has not been heard from since. Such is life
on the road. Ballots were made available for voting in several categories. After
dishes and food was cleared the standard card game appeared.
Friday morning started with a hearty
breakfast of biscuits and gravy and strawberry nut bread with coffee and orange
juice. For some reason Wayne Cook was hesitant to be the first in line! As
everyone was finishing breakfast Carol Genrich announced the winners of the
traveling pet contest. The Cooks won the prize for the best story while the
Stremmings won a People’s Choice award. The Severes won a prize for an original
photo (no, I am not going to describe or publish the photo). Following the
contest our president Marilee Couch held a business meeting. The minutes for
that meeting can be viewed by clicking on the HOA Minutes link at the left.
During the morning Ginny Weaver and TJ Ballard and Sandy Thomas arrived and that
afternoon Jim and Martha McVay rolled in making that a total of 26 members in
attendance. That evening we went to the Carthage Country Club for a social hour
followed by dinner.
Saturday morning dawned almost as cold
as the day before but it was getting better, faster. We gathered for the
Sidebottom’s world famous French toast. After breakfast almost everyone stayed
at the club house until lunch time. Shortly after lunch Ruth Ann Stremming
conducted a craft class decorating sun visors. Later that afternoon a bocce
ball game took place on the lawn of the park. The final score was 21 to 12. That
evening Ann Marie Carlile provided an excellent chili supper with corn bread
and a strawberry cobbler.
Sunday morning we gathered for our
monthly getaway breakfast. In preparation for that trip home we had biscuits
and gravy with a side order of doughnuts and orange juice. We really need that
sugar high for the trip home.
May rally. This rally will be held in
McPherson, KS, May 9 – 12. Since this rally will be earlier than our usual
third weekend, getting your rally reservation sent in is important. The rally
is a week earlier than normal so we can be there during the All Schools Day
celebration weekend. That celebration starts on Saturday, May 4 and concludes
Sunday May 12. On Friday we will be taken by bus to the parade route and after
the parade returned to the park. Before and after the parade and on Saturday
there will be events taking place all over the city. I have a copy of the
complete city schedule. If anyone would to see it just let me know. Jack Mathes
is making reservations for us at the RV park so you do not have to call the
park.
July rally. This rally will be at the
Deer Creek Valley RV Park, Topeka, KS, July 18-21. You will need to contact the
park no later than June 1 to make a
reservation (785-357-8555). Even if you have not made a decision, make a
reservation. If you decide later not to go you can cancel the reservation.
