Since
Carol underwent knee surgery early this month and I became the houseboy, we
were not able to attend the May rally. However, I was able to ask Dan Couch to
give me his thoughts about the rally and that is what appears below.
The previous rally indicated that
the winter’s grip had departed as the weather slowly warmed all week at that
rally. We had to question that at the May rally. When the Severes and Backers
arrived early on Monday John was wearing shorts and Nick had run his dash air
all the way to the park. Those of us arriving on Tuesday drove through the rain
and arrived for night temperatures in the low 40s. Attending were the Severes,
Backers, Carlisles, Cooks, Couchs, McVays, Nashs , T J Ballard and Sandy
Thomas. The Sidebottoms arrived on Wednesday after taking their coach in for
jack repairs on Tuesday. The problem was only partially corrected and it goes
back to shop when they get home.
Tuesday. Our hosts, Joann
and Nick Backer, oversaw the reception by having everyone bring appetizers. A
great variety of appetizers, including watermelon, lemon cake, pecan pie and Carol
Cook’s home-made bean dip, were available. There was much discussion of how
Carol Genrich was progressing after knee surgery.
Wednesday. The day dawned
cloudy and cold but we were warmed up by pancakes and sausage by Dan and
Marilee Couch. Much discussion also occurred relative to the fact that the
excellent coffee (made by Nick Backer) that some members drank at the reception
had interfered with their night’s sleep. If fact, more coffee was drunk at the
reception than got drunk at breakfast. As usual during the day the women played
cards and the men discussed various topics and told stories. Lucille Severe
provided us with a gourmet meal assisted by the Backers and John (he made the
salad). The theme of the rally was a Birthday Party for every one of our
members. Happy Birthday to all of us!!!
This brought out a round of birthday cake and ice cream.
Thursday dawned bright
but cold. A few hungry members came up to the club room and Dan Couch used up
the left over pancake batter and sausage to feed them. For lunch we went to
Smith’s Restaurant in Collins, MO. Most of us had the house specialty, a
breaded tenderloin sandwich. The sandwiches were so large that most couples
split one and ordered a “half” order of onion rings (approximately 1½ onions).
Some were hungry enough to eat all of their food but some took doggie boxes
home. A couple had room for dessert and indicated that they might walk home. On
the way back to the park we stopped at a museum called Toys in the Attic. The
museum housed lots of dolls, bears, antique buggies and sleds and much more to
keep the ladies enthralled. Meanwhile, the men headed to the attached garage
which housed a dozen or more restored cars of General Motors production
(Chevys, Olds and Corvettes from the 50s). For those who could not make the
rally, I would suggest that you put this place on your must visit list. It is
located on US 54 about 2 miles west of MO Highway 13.
Friday We gathered for
a breakfast of biscuits and gravy with fruit kabobs prepared by the Cooks.
Carol did most of the work because Wayne was very tired from scraping ice off
his windshield. After breakfast the card game continued. Others began to visit
nearby towns and attractions. For dinner the Carlisles provided an excellent
BBQ pulled pork meal that resulted in raves from all.
Saturday Joann Backer
whipped up a variety of muffins as our get-away breakfast to complete a great
rally. We thank our hosts the Backers for a job well done. We would also like
to thank Bill and Ann Carpenter the owners of the RV park for making us feel
welcome to their nice facility.
After
talking to Joann Baker post-rally Carol had some thoughts about the rally that
I thought would be good to include.
The May rally has come and gone but
stories linger. Word has it that, as usual, it was a food frenzy. From the
reception until the get-away breakfast you ate, ate, ate and enjoyed every
minute. I know about Dan’s famous pancakes, but he has never made them two days
of a rally. Joann must be a sweet
talker. Chuck would have been in 7th heaven. He loves pancakes. I
guess the Sidebottoms missed the reception and ”forced” everyone to eat
sandwiches and Brenda contributed her famous huge pies. Were they apple? The
Severes strutted their stuff with a special chicken cordon bleu dinner with
cake and ice cream. I heard no comments about Smith's Restaurant but what can
you say about perfection. We know the chapter has at least two couples willing
to drive 90 miles each way just to meet there for lunch. Did anyone buy their
sweet rolls?
I
think some place during the Arrowhead Point rally bar-b-que played a part. Did
I leave out any food event? Was there chocolate?
Is it true Jim McVey had to be
physically dragged from the museum? Culture sometimes has that affect on a
person. Chuck and I will need to visit it before next year. Maybe have lunch at
Smiths.
What is a rally without a coach
problem. I am sure Gary was not happy to provide the technical part of the
rally.
Thanks go to the Carliles for
introducing our chapter to the possibilities of Arrowhead Point a couple of
years ago. A special thanks to Joann and Nick Backer for following through on a
good idea and planning a super rally. There were visits and calls prior to the
rally and the hard work paid off. Did anyone notice (other than hand and foot
players) that it only rained during the night and every day was great? In fact,
Arrowhead Point has been reserved for next May with the Backers again being the
rally wagonmasters. Thanks to all for a
job well done.
June Rally. For this rally
we will be returning to the Peculiar Par Place RV Park. The last time we were
there it was hot enough to fry an egg without a stove. We should have more
pleasant temperatures this time. Please note that you have to call the park to
make a reservation. When you call make sure to tell them you are with Heart of
America and bring money as they do not take credit cards.
