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American Coach Association South Central Chapter Rally
Tyler, TX Tyler Oaks RV Park December 3, 2017
This year our Christmas Rally was held at the Tyler Oaks RV Park in Tyler, Texas. It was co-hosted by Kitty & Lamar Nicholson and Claudette & Dick Holmes.
Our first night’s dinner and Happy Hour was held outside under a beautiful pavilion. All brought snacks to enjoy before our delicious meal of potato soup with all the trimmings prepared by Kitty Nicholson. Afterward, we enjoyed sitting around a gorgeous fire that was built in the huge outdoor fireplace.
Monday morning we had an awesome breakfast of sausage, bacon, egg, biscuits, gravy, and waffles prepared by our men. WOW !! These guys do a great job.
After breakfast we had a short general membership business meeting.
We welcomed two new couples Robert & Debi Foster and Richard & Sylvia Sills that have recently joined our chapter and the guests of some of our members.
This rally had a very special meaning for all of us in the South Central Chapter.
Our president, Allen Meek was able to attend after a battle with cancer. He is now on the road to recovery.
It was good to see Lamar Nicholson here because he too has been battling cancer and is on the road to being cancer free.
Loyce Enos is a cancer survivor as well and is recovering from a small stroke. It was good to see her in attendance.
Last, but not least, our past president, Robin Fagala was able to attend after a year-long fight to stay alive with many problems including liver failure.
He received a new liver six months ago. He drove himself and Myrna six hours from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma to attend our rally.
They now have new names: “Wonder Woman and Super Man”!!
All these awesome members were recognized at the meeting and there was not a dry eye in the room as Robin thanked everyone for their thoughts and prayers.
We all need to praise and thank our good Lord for the miracles we witnessed in the healing of these dear friends this year.
Tuesday morning we had another great breakfast prepared by the men. We were all on our won today to see the Holiday sights around Tyler.
Some went to the Tyler Rose Museum and Rose Garden. It was quite a sight to see. If you have not been there and you are in the area, you should take the time to visit.
In the evening we all gathered at FD’s Grill for a delicious meal.
Wednesday was a full day. Men went to the Oil Museum in Kilgore and ate lunch together at a café there.
The ladies went to Potpourri’s for the Ladies Luncheon hosted by Claudette Holmes.
The tables were beautifully decorated with candle trees that were later given as door prizes. All the ladies were given a small gift afterwards.
On the way out some did a little shopping at the boutique inside the restaurant.
We all enjoyed a wonderful meal and beautifully decorated room. Thank you, Claudette for hosting our good time.
After returning to the RV park, everyone started getting ready for our Christmas Gathering and gift exchange.
This time instead of having a raffle to raise money for our “dog fund”, we decided to have a silent auction.
Some members had brought items for a raffle. Then, our long time members Rex and Sally Mullenix showed up.
They had recently sold their coach for health reasons. Rex had cleaned their coach out and brought everything: tables, hoses, cleaning supplies......the list goes on and on.
They wanted all the revenue from the sales of their things to go to the Dog Fund and that’s the reason for a silent auction instead of a raffle.
Rex and Sally will be greatly missed and we appreciate their generosity. Gene and Jackie Anderson were unable to attend and Gene usually conducts the raffle (another reason to have a silent auction). We sure did miss Gene and Jackie. It is rare for them to be unable to attend.
Our Christmas meal was over the top! Thank you everyone that brought such variety of dishes to share. Yummm it was so good.
After our meal we had our gift exchange. There were lots of laughs and fun.
Before cleaning up and turning in for the night, we handed out the winners of the silent auction. We raised $480.00 for the dog fund.
WHAT A RALLY !! We are all so blessed to be able to enjoy such fun and good times with our friends.
We all wished each other a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and safe travels.
For all those who couldn’t make it to our Christmas Rally: WE MISSED YOU and hope to see you at our next SCC Rally.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Gesford - SCC Historian
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American Coach Association South Central Chapter Rally
September 18, 2017 Vadilia, Louisiana Fall Rally
Monday all had arrived at the Riverview RV Park overlooking the mighty Mississippi River.
On Tuesday night we all got together for delicious dinner of pizza and salad. Gene Anderson from Baytown Texas and Albert Rivera from Corpus Christi Texas told us of their experiences during Hurricane Harvey and how it devastated the Texas coast.
Prayers are still needed, as it is going to take a very long time for this area to recover.
Wednesday morning we had an awesome breakfast prepared by the men. After breakfast some of us went on a tour of Frogmore Plantation.
This plantation is still in operation today. They farm 1800 acres of cotton. We got to compare a plantation and a rare steam gin of the 1800's with a modern cotton plantation and computerized gin of today.
We learned about the culture of the Natchez planters from the Antebellum Era through Freedom and Share Cropping.
Several of our group got the chance to pick cotton for the first time while others remembered picking as a child.
It was a very interesting tour full of information of long ago.
Later that evening we all went to dinner at the Biscuit and Blues Restaurant in Natchez Mississippi. It is famous for its biscuits with apricot butter. Everyone enjoyed their meal and highly recommend eating there if in the Natchez area.
On Thursday we had another awesome breakfast prepared by the men. Later in the morning some of us went on a “hop on hop off” tour of Natchez Mississippi. Just across the Mississippi River from Vidalia, Louisiana.
Natchez has been voted one of Southern Living 50 best places in the South. For over three centuries this historic city has been situated on the bluff of the Mississippi River, and has been a cultural melting pot with a distinct love for music, history, food, and hospitality.
As we enjoyed driving by many of the beautiful Antebellum homes and historical sights some of us decided to take our cars and go back to do the inside tours of these gorgeous homes.
I could write and write about the history of this city. One interesting thing about this city was that by 1860 Natchez had more millionaires per capita than any other city in the United States. All this was because of King Cotton. However, most lost their wealth during the Civil War. Surprisingly, Natchez's architectural treasures remained largely intact.
On Friday the men took the day off and went to Nikki's Restaurant for a men's breakfast.
The ladies went to Dunleith Mansion for a tour and then to the Castle Restaurant on the Mansion grounds that was the carriage house long ago. During lunch the ladies were nice enough to sing Happy Birthday to me.
In the afternoon some members left to go on to other obligations. The rest of us sat around and caught up on what we had been doing since we last saw each other
and what fun we had at this rally .
Thank You Gene and Jackie Anderson, for hosting a wonderful rally.
We hope to see everyone in Tyler Texas in December for our Christmas Rally. Check the ACA/SCC web site for all the information.
Wishes for safe travels for all.
Susan GesfordSCC Historian
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American Coach Association South Central Chapter Rally
Kerrville, TX Buckhorn Lake Resort July 2016
The official date to start this rally was Tuesday July 12 but Jackie and I arrived on Sunday as well as did several other members. The President and his lady, Allen and Vicki Meek were all set up with chapter signs clearly on display.
Buckhorn Lake RV Resort placed our members near each other. Throughout the week you could always find a group of friends outside visiting. We weren’t about to let a little southern heat stop us from having a good time. The sun was surely shining while the steady brisk breeze, along with some shade, really helped to cool us off. The clean swimming pools and fishing creek were helpful too!
Monday night we gathered our lawn chairs in the shade between coaches and the guys grilled meat while the gals filled the tables with goodies.
Tuesday Jackie and I went exploring in Kerrville and to check out the Museum of Western Art. We got set up for the group to tour it on Friday. Lunch by the Guadeloupe River at Billy Gene’s was delicious.
As it seems to be the norm, several of the guys were working on repair projects on their coaches. Yikes! Some even had air conditioning issues!!!
That evening Allen welcomed everyone in the rally room,
then we had a big pot luck supper.
Kitty Nicholson and her “covey” of ladies had the room all decked out in red, white and blue to show our support of
our veterans and troops.
Wednesday began our days of delicious breakfast cooked by the guys. Biscuits, toast, bacon, sausage, gravy along with eggs cooked to order by our own chef: Robin Fagala.
At 1:30 we met back at the rally room for our special presentation of $10,000 to Veterans Assistance Dogs of Texas. It is a non-profit organization that trains and donates service dogs to Disabled American Veterans with mental and/or mobility disabilities. The director taught us all about how the program works.
We took a big group photo outside. We sure looked patriotic in our red white and blue outfits! We all smiled as we met “our” dog, Onyx.
We were also impressed with the brown dog named Suzie, an assistance dog who was brought to the presentation by her owner. This was an excellent example of a trained assistance dog. It was unbelievable to witnessed Suzie and her owner leave in a vintage Triumph 750cc motorcycle with Suzie in the side car complete with bright red goggles and wearing a unique seat belt.
That evening most of our group ate at Café on the Ridge.
The landscaping was colorful and amazing but the most memorable aspect for me was the chicken coup!!!! No kidding. It was all handmade from wood and so uniquely designed.
There was even a covered, protected walkway for them to go from the roost to a big aviary.
Thursday the guys cooked a big hot breakfast for all of us again. They really do go to a lot of trouble to do this special gesture for all of us. Hats off to Robin Fagala for coordinating, shopping, storing, and hauling all the equipment necessary to do this!!!
This morning President Allen Meek conducted our official chapter business meeting. There was enthusiastic conversation regarding how we can successfully influence other ACA chapters to donate their excess funds to worthy non-profit organizations.
The ladies went on a special field trip coordinated by Kitty Nicholson to the Kerrville Kroc Community Center. This state-of-the-art facility is run by the Salvation Army. I was surprised to learn that it is a strong Christian organization. The center fills the needs of all ages from child care to senior activities and all financial situations. It had a huge gym, teen game rooms, child care rooms, meeting rooms, a lovely chapel, a small prayer room, a coffee shop, big kitchen, and a swimming pool plus more. Joan Kroc, widow of Mc Donald’s founder: Ray Kroc, donated over a billion dollars which has resulted in over 27 centers thus far throughout
the United States. Communities must follow a strict application process including raising matching funds through charitable donations. Kerrville is the only center in Texas. After our tour of this amazing place the ladies went to the nearby Salvation Army store to shop and show our support.
Thursday evening everyone brought their steaks to grill and once again the men outdid themselves with a splendid meal. People brought dishes to share.
Betty and Tony Todd made their ‘famous’ pina colades.
We celebrated a special birthday milestone for Greta Askins, one of our chapter’s hardest workers.
Friday morning was yet another hot breakfast in the rally room with the addition of homemade waffles by Jerry Askins.
Seventeen members caravanned to tour the Museum of Western Art in Kerrville.
We were especially impressed with the floor made of small mesquite squares and Saltillo tile hand made in Mexico. The building boasts 27 barrel vaulted ceilings that were made using no nail or timbers. Each brick was hand made in a special method to cause it to be lightweight. The curved ceiling was created one brick at a time before the other walls were added. This method goes back 6000 years focusing on the amazing qualities of the form – the arch.
There was a sculpture artist working in his studio on the grounds. Bronze sculptures begin with the work in clay. Large sections of the piece are built by putting clay on a Styrofoam aperture. This is the first time I had heard of using oil based clay with the advantage that it does not dry out.
He showed us a red clay sculpture of a longhorn that was about a foot long. He told us that next spring this will be a life size bronze sculpture on the Riverwalk in Pueblo Colorado.
After a brief gathering in the rally room for happy hour, we left for supper at Mamacita’s Mexican Restaurant.
The food was delicious !!
We had a big room almost to ourselves.
I thought they did a great job of handling such a group of about forty people.
Saturday morning we had pastries and coffee and said our good-byes. We will meet again in Hot Spring Arkansas October 17-22. The Christmas rally is yet to be determined.
The meeting room was cleared and cleaned by rally fairies and we left more great memories behind.
ONYX
Beth Collins,
Historian: South Central Chapter of American Coach Association
July, 2016 email: [email protected]
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American Coach Assoc. South Central Chapter
New Iberia, Louisiana Rally December 2015
When we arrived early Sunday morning, many of we ladies left the men to set up camp while we scurried to transform the huge rally room into a Christmas wonderland. Kitty Nickolson performed her usual miracles with the many bins of decorations that she and Lamar hauled from Texarkana. She directed her elves to add tablecloths, centerpieces, and arrange buffet tables that sparkled and glowed. Robin Fagala and Myrna set up the kitchen with club supplies that they hauled here, while Mary Jane and Ferdie Hebert (“A-bear”) organized the fresh food. Mary Jane made sure we had plenty of adventures to fill our visit. Without the efforts of workers like these and others, we would not have such delightful times at our rallies. We certainly appreciate each one.
In a while about 40 of our group left for downtown New Iberia to attend a musical in a restored old movie theater. A USO Christmas Show was set at a Naval Air Station in South Louisiana back in the “Good Ole Days”. The cast of about 50 local performers entertained us with song after song. They managed to make us laugh and cry, as any good musical show does. It ended with a series of heart wrenching tunes displaying profound American patriotism.
Dinner in the clubhouse was provided by Cajun RVera and Teche Builders Assoc. I saw them cooking the yummy gumbo in the largest pot I have ever seen. The man couldn’t even see inside the top of it without tip toeing.
Monday, Dec 7, was a tasty hot breakfast to order cooked by the men with the help of Mary Jane. The weather was absolutely perfect the entire week. The Tabasco plant was the agenda for the morning. The Mc Ilhenny family has owned Avery Island for many generations. It is one of five salt dome islands, surrounded by swamps and marshes, rising above the flat coast at only 163 feet above sea level. It is inhabited by plant and animal species from around the
world in the 170 acre botanical jungle gardens. We learned from a film the process of making Tabasco pepper sauce. The country store offered us a wide array of sauces, condiment, collectibles, gift boxes, and gourmet foods. We received a generous size bottle of the original Tabasco sauce and had a good time exploring the store. Juliette Dressel took a sizable group of ladies underground shopping to resale shops and bargain hunting afterwards.
Friends gathered for happy hour and a pot luck supper back at the clubhouse. Later some of us went downtown to Bouligny Plaza for a Pearl Harbor Memorial Celebration. There was a flag ceremony, a 21 gun salute, flag raising and harmony of patriotic music. The plaza is a lovely city park right on Bayou Teche “tesh”. The name comes from an Indian word meaning snake, relating to the water’s twists and turns. This bayou is a 125 mile long waterway of great cultural significance in South Louisiana. During the mid 1700’s Acadian migration from Nova Scotia it was the primary means of transportation. The displaced persons learned to excel in creating tasty food from what was available.
Tuesday, Dec 8 started with hot breakfast in the clubhouse. The ladies luncheon took place on Jefferson Island. Oh My! The Lake Peigneur view from the porch was amazing. We took a walk through this semi-tropical botanical garden. This salt dome island is at an elevation of 75 feet above sea level which is almost unheard of in coastal S. La. Buried treasure chests discovered are believed to belong to Jean Lafitte. The centerpiece of the gardens is the Joseph Jefferson Mansion built in 1870, with 22 rooms with a fourth story cupola, surrounded by 350 year old oaks.
Below is the view from our luncheon café. The chimney is all that remains from a mansion before the disaster.
Read about the drilling disaster in 1980 that created a giant sinkhole which caused the 11 foot freshwater lake to turn into a 1300 foot salt water lake.
http://www.losapos.com/lakepeigneur . The eleven acre lake on top of a giant ancient salt dome drained in just three hours. Amazingly, no one was hurt. Locals had to evacuate for a year.
Several of the guys also went on quite an adventure this day. They had lunch at Bon Creole Lunch Counter. Someone said they had 14 shrimp on their ½ Po’ Boy Sandwich! Then they toured Breaux Brothers, a local, world famous, boat manufacturer who builds fast supply vessels, crewboats, workboats, pilot boat, yachts, oil skimmers and more.
Happy hour was accompanied by fantastic fried fresh croppie provided and cooked by one of our hosts: Ferdie Hebert. (Ferdie told me he actually witnessed the salt mine disaster happen!) Folks added the sides and sweets. Everyone had a lovely and lively evening. We played the ‘steal your Christmas gift exchange game’ which is always fun and frivolous.
On Wednesday Dec 9 about a dozen ladies headed out near Franklin to tour Oak Lawn, a real sugar cane plantation mansion. It is owned since 1986 by former LA Governor and Mrs Alice Foster. Even though they are in their eighties now, they still have to climb four flights of stairs. On what was once a 5000 acre farm stood the old, yet elegant Queen of plantation homes. What a treat we had as we listened to Mary, our tour guide, explain in minute detail the history and importance of this estate. The dining table was set for the formal holiday family dinner and the stately home was decorated to the hilt. One of the many trees was absolutely covered with pricey Christopher Radco ornaments. The 1837 Greek Revival was built by an Irishman who became a leading LA senator. Slaves made the bricks in the 20 inch thick walls The only other surviving building is the tiny brick buiding where butter was made.
The furnishings were amazing! We saw ceramic vases valued at over $40,000 each as well as an entire room devoted to exotic bird and animal trophies. They have the largest wood carving collection of Louisiana game birds in the US by Famed wood carver, Don Gomez. Shelves of original giant books of articles and art plates by John Audubon on display were as large as card tables and absolutely irreplaceable as well as priceless. Mary told us about every set of china and silver as well as all the memorbilia. The hanging glass chandeliers were hand blown and looked so delicate yet extravagant. Any renovatations were done in good taste keeping in mind the historical relevance of the place. There was a fireplace in every room and Mary had decorated each and every one with the hand of a professional florist. She knows every crook and cranny because she has worked there for over thirty years.
Mary made our visit a delight.
The original Buttery, Oak Lawn Manor Plantation Franklin, LA
The ladies then went downtown New Iberia to the fruit market, lunch and a little shopping.
The guys went on a tour of Berard Transportation. They are an industry leader in their field with the transport of huge offshore decks, jacket power transformers mega yachts, and others weighing thousands of tons. These people really know how to ……..M O V E!
. Wednesday evening we enjoyed visting for sure because by now we were all family! Wednesday night was steak night with the club providing salad and dessert too. Thanks to Arlion Gesford and crew for grilling. Mary Jane and her team did a great job taking care of details for food and entertainment. Thanks!!!
The Cruisin Cajuns were our guests and we certainly thought they were a lively addtion to this ACA SC rally. I apprecated the opportunity to get to know some authentic “bayou cajuns”.
Their rich culture and heritage comes through in their livey and friendly personalities. We were right in the heart of true cajun country and I liked learning the rich history, food, crafts, art, music, and the opportunty to see things that were unique to their part of the country. I never did learn to read the French heritage street signs though or pronounce many words. I did grow to understand their accent better. I also learned that I am a praire cajun since I grew up near Shreveport. Know the difference?
Click on these links or Copy and paste a link into your browser for a short history of the Acadians: “bayou Cajuns”.
http://www.medschool.lsuhsc.edu/genetics_center/louisiana/article_cajunhistory.htm
http://www.acadian-cajun.com/hisacad1.htm
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/evangeline-a-tale-of-acadie/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cajun
See 'ya down the road....... Beth Collins [email protected] for South Central Chapter of the American Coach Association
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America Coach Association, South Central Chapter Kerrville Texas September 28 - October 3, 2015
We basked in autumn breezes, gorgeous sunsets, cool mornings, and warm afternoons at the ACA SCC rally in the scenic Hill Country of Kerrville, Texas. About 22 coaches took advantage of the five-star Buckhorn RV Resort with large sites, attractive surroundings, concrete pads, and wide streets. The clubhouse was large, well furnished, clean and looked new. Kitty Nickleson, Susan Gesford, Greta Askins and their gang decorated the tables and patio in autumn decor. Several coach owners got into the spirit by adorning their dashes and picnic tables. Autumn is just beginning to be ' in the air'. Hosts for the rally were Donna and Carl Anderson and also Bill and Marty Buchholtz.
Bio- the Buchholtz- Bill is a retired Air Force Colonel and currently serves as the Chairman of the Texas Emergency Communications Commission. He is also the CEO of the Bexar Metro 9-1-1 Network. In these positions he oversees 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Points and Poison Control Centers throughout Texas. As CEO he provides communications infrastructure, specialized equipment , databases, and mapping for 25 emergency service call centers in the greater San Antonio metropolitan area. Marty is a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel nurse. They have each served in several world-wide locations for over 30 years. While they reside in San Antonio, they recently built and decorated an amazing casita bedside their coach in this very beautiful rv park. A casita is a luxurious bungalow beside your parking space. Most have exquisite patios, fireplaces, and are set up for entertaining. Jackie and I got to know Bill and Marti while we were serving as their hosts/mentors at the Montgomery National ACA rally.
Jackie and I arrived from Weatherford, TX Monday afternoon. South Central Members are so considerate of each other! Guys showed up to help us set up, knowing that Jackie is not doing well after major back surgery. An impromptu group meal was arranged of grilled hamburgers and hotdogs with all the fixings. Tuesday members were free to see the sights or relax. That evening we had a big pot luck supper and visitation time.
The rally room smelled scrumptious Wednesday morning while the guys cooked a full breakfast of choice followed by a chapter meeting. We elected new officers and selected a committee to research charities for us to support. Our group filled two huge tables that evening at Mamacitas Restaurant. The building represents the architectural style of three great cultures: Persian, Spanish, and Mexican.
The hill country is the most popular travel destination in Texas. The area still reflects the influence of its early inhabitants: Native Americans, Spanish Missionaries, Cattle Drovers, Anglo Pioneers, and especially the German immigrants. The prominent limestone bedrock dictates the distinct plant life, buildings, abundant caverns, and draping live oaks as well as flourishing vineyards. Hills in every direction contrast against the bluish haze that floats over
low evergreen oak trees dotting the horizon. Artists come from all over the world to paint the spring masses of wild flowers called blue bonnets.
These counties boast stunning vistas, dramatic canyons, and lazy rivers while enjoying 224 days of sunshine annually. It's no wonder that these towns are home to more millionaires than anywhere else in Texas!
(These are hill country paintings that I did when I had an art business.)
Thursday's breakfast bonus was waffles provided by Jerry Askins with cooking help from Todd Boorman. (Since Todd and Rose are new members, I hope they will soon post an article to the website to help everyone get to know them.) Later, several folks explored Kerrville, Fredericksburg and the lovely countryside. Some of the guys visited a classic car restoration shop called Good O' Days. I took a carload of ladies to one of my favorite boutiques and fabric shops called Creations of Kerrville. If you haven't discovered purses by Baggelini - check them out! Lightweight- organized- stylish in various sizes, and yes.....washable! We also explored the historical downtown shopping section of Kerrville. Dinner was 'on your own' after visiting time at the rally room.
After another wonderful hot breakfast Friday, several guys carpooled to see a large vintage car dealer in Fredericksburg called Street Dreams. It is a first class showroom with more than 100 vehicles for sale. The owner, Ron Brown has passed away. They are having a big auction October 23. Some Folks also toured the outstanding Nimitz Museum. This is 6-acre Museum Complex is designed for you to immerse yourself in Pacific War history, American and Japanese culture of the time, and heartfelt tributes to the heroes of the Pacific Theater. The original structure is a hotel built by Admiral Nimitz's grandfather where he spent his early childhood. November 11, 2015 the complex will host a major ceremony to honor all those who have served or are currently serving in the US Armed Forces.
Friday, most of the ladies attended a special luncheon at 'Cafe at the Ridge' coordinated by Jackie Anderson. We caravanned to the top of a nearby hill that may have been 2,000 feet high. On the specular grounds was a plant nursery and gift shop. As soon as we entered the restaurant our nostrils were excited by the aroma of hot bread and cakes cooking in their bakery! The food was all made from scratch and delicious. In the evenings they have live music on the unique and lovely patio and they even serve breakfast. As you can tell, I highly recommend it.
Our next stop was the James Avery Jewelry complex. They make and offer over 1100 designs and 14,000 items in fine metals. They have five plants in the hill country and over 50 stores. The manager told me they are starting on a new huge facility by the Fredericksburg airport. After viewing the media and reading all their history articles I asked when Mr. Avery passed. The manager laughed and replied, Oh! He is now 92 years old and is working in that building right over there!!!! He started in a garage in 1954 with $250. He discovered the Texas Hill Country while stationed at Lackland Air Force Base. He was a pilot of a B-26 bomber in WWII completing 44 successful missions.
That evening we all partied while Arlion Gesford and crew grilled our steaks. The ladies put out a spread of sides and desserts to go along with our baked potatoes. Some of us gabbed until dark.
Saturday morning the RV park owners cooked breakfast including omelets to order so we all ate there. Later on Saturday friends parted and went their ways, some stayed, some were going on to help at the FMCA rally near Conroe, Texas.
Some are meeting up to spend Halloween at Canton Texas. Some are attending the ACA Cruisin' Cajins Rally December 3-6 2015 in Rayne, Louisiana. We are all invited. Our president will inform us when registration is set up.
December 6-10 is our SCC Christmas Rally near there, in New Iberia, Louisiana. Remember that our hostess Mary Jane Hebert needs your deposit for SOME of the special events by November 10. May I tempt you ? Here are a few of the optional special activities: an old fashioned WWII style live USO production(40s & 50s), free dinner, tour of Tabasco (hot sauce) plant on Avery Island, Pearl Harbor Memorial Celebration including 21 gun salute plus music, ladies luncheon and tour of the decorated mansion and gardens, tour of an original Southern Antebellum Home, tour Breaux Brothers boat, yacht and vessel manufacturers, area farmers market and gift show, tour a sugar mill in its height of production, tour Berard transportation with their transport of mega yachts, off shore decks, etc. plus a transportation company near the campground that is huge and does amazing things- oilfield related.
See 'ya down the road....... Beth Collins [email protected] for South Central Chapter of the American Coach Association
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RALLY at GROVE, OK. AUGUST 2015For a while I thought we had arrived in the mountains instead of far North East Oklahoma. We were fortunate to have cooler air for about half of the rally. 12 coaches gathered at Cedar Grove RV Park on Grand Lake O' The Cherokees in Grove, OK.
Our fearless leaders: Robin and Myrna did a great job of working out the details. We missed Rex and Sally Mullenix from Grandbury Texas as well as Man and Charlotte Elliot from Wichita Falls Texas who intended to attend but had to cancel.
The organizers passed out a list of our weeks’ agenda and packets of local businesses information and coupons. The water was right by the rally room. Tony & Betty Todd as well as Benny & Joyce Thome were our rally hosts. We all certainly appreciate their efforts. They informed us of many local activities.
Tuesday plenty of food showed up for our pot luck supper. It's called appetizers but it is always a full meal, it seems. Clouds came in, so the air was wonderfully cool all day.
Wednesday, after the guys cooked a big hot breakfast then most planned to leave for a big log cabin village museum called Har-Ber Village. We waited
until the rain ☔ passed after lunch to go. We learned the area’s history and ecology, and viewed antiques, collectibles and reproductions in exhibitions representing the mid-1800s to the early 1900s in the local four-state region (OK, AR, MO, and KS).
Each building had a theme. I saw belongings from rugged pioneers to wealthy Victorian Era aristocrats as well as weapons of the past wars beside people in appropriate uniforms. Farm implements and horse drawn vehicles and tack. I saw a unique side saddle and a step like thing to help the lady on. Precious rare glass was plentiful- rooms full... Domestic arts such as Sewing garments, quilting, needlework, and weaving were represented. The gals stayed to watch a demonstration using an old weaving loom. Lots of military and boy scout memorabilia, dolls, jewelry, hats, crocks, cameras, arrowheads, guns, wagons.....Every type of butter churn you could imagine was there.
The village had all the essential buildings: church, school, mercantile, dentist, doctor, jail, gallows, art gallery, saloon, blacksmith, court, sheriff, etc. I noticed that all economic levels were well represented. ---From crude one room log cabins to the elaborate furnishings of the wealthy living in the very same era contrasting a dramatically different lifestyle.
Harvey and Bernice Jones created these acres of antiques by their lake house. Their fortune all began near Springdale, Arkansas. As a very young man, Harvey realized the need for transporting goods due to a railroad strike. He purchased a team of mules with an old wagon, and he was in business. In 1919 he bought his first used hard-rubber tire Federal truck, and the Springdale Transportation CO was born. In 1933 it became Jones Truck Lines, Inc. (JTL). Over the next 60 years, JTL would become the largest privately-owned truck lines in the United States.
That evening, Supper was catered BBQ in the rally room. Then we gathered outside to watch the sunset over the lovely Grand Lake.
Thursday Greta and Jerry Askins provided delicious waffles with all the trimmings. Some of the ladies shopped in Grove while guys went to a classic car museum - "The National Rod & Custom Car Hall of Fame Museum. The huge facility houses over 50 custom built exotic vehicles by world renowned custom car builder and designer Darryl Starbird as well as many other famous hot rod and custom car builders.
Every square inch is full of photos and memorabilia of famous custom built vehicles. including street rods, nostalgic custom cars, vans, pickups, sports cars and experimental bubble topped concept looking vehicles of the future. They found 83 year old Darrell doing mechanical work in his messy & humble workshop in back. Jackie Collins enjoyed chatting about the car shows they both attended.
Chef Arlion Gesford did a great job grilling our steaks that evening, even in
the heat and sun. Our dear Loyce Enos 💘prepared a scrumptious coconut cake even though her back is giving her fits. Folks in SCC are so generous about volunteering to get the jobs done! A brief business meeting
as conducted by President Robin Fagala. Many members are going to the next rally in Kerrville, Texas at the end of September. The Christmas rally is in Louisiana. We are really getting around this year. The main thing I learned was that SCC will host a NATIONAL rally in 2017.
Friday, after a full breakfast prepared by the guys, several members rode around the huge lake to tour the Grand River Dam Authority historic
Pensacola Dam. 🌉I t is one of four dams in the southern US allowed to continue doing public tours following 9-11. The dam spans almost a mile and was built from.1937-1940. Fortunately, for the project, this was the driest 18 months ever recorded. This massive undertaking brought jobs to desperate people still trapped in the depression. Starving Blue collar workers went from zero income to $16 a week. Gasoline was 10 cents per gallon and bread
was 9 cents a loaf. 🍞
We topped off a good day by eating in a private room at the Parrot Club on
the lake 🚢🚤🌉. What's better than no kitchen to clean,
marvelous Mojitos, and free pineapple 🍍 upside down cake?!!
Saturday we still had so much food that we skipped buying donuts and robbed the frig instead. Most coaches pulled out, but four buses 🚌 🚌🚌🚌 declined to hit the road just yet. We went to a classic car show on the other side of the lake in Jay, OK and dined at "ugly John's marina".
🆗 is 🆗
Great times-------Great friends...... More to come.....
Historian: South Central Chapter of American Coach Association
Beth Collins, August 2015
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ACA South Central Chapter
December Christmas Rally 2014
Nacogdoches Texas Camp Tonkawa Springs
About 25 coaches gathered for a season of good spirits and cheer at the Lake Tonkawa RV Park near Garrison and Nacodoches TX. Kitty Nicholson, with the help of Lamar, treated everyone to a delicious dinner of chicken gumbo. Susan Gesford made a huge bowl of rice to accompany it. That was a lot of food to cook. We were fortunate to have two large rally rooms with plenty of space.
President Robin Fagala held a meeting after dinner. Robin welcomed everyone and explained the agenda. A special thanks was given as we recognized rally master: Susan Gesford for her many efforts. Susan and Arlion Gesford and Kitty and Lamar Nicholson packed up and brought tons of Christmas decorations and worked for many hours decorating the place to put the holiday spirit into the rooms. They did a superb job of transforming a stark white building into a place bursting with color and the splendor of the holidays. This set the mood for the entire rally for a wonderful week of fun and fellowship.
Then the crowd moved outside to enjoy the evening of lovely weather and visit while roasting marshmallows by the glowing campfire that was truly Texas size. The logs were entire tree trunks! The park continued to furnish giant firewood the entire visit. Gene Anderson took on the job of “keeper of the fire” for the week.
This park called Camp Tonkawa Springs is in the piney woods of Deep East Texas. The name comes from the Caddo Indian tribe who lived here. The trees were thick and the smelled mesmerizing. Would you believe that I woke up to the sound of birds? Not just any bird - but guineas! They are good 'watch dogs and they make racket early in the morning like roosters do! I took some funny photos of about two dozen of them pecking at their reflection in the chrome bumpers on my neighbors coach! Hilarious!
"Breakfast by the Boys" started the day off right Tuesday morning. The team included: Robin Faglia, Jackie Collins, Gene Anderson, Arlion
Gesford, Lamar Nicolson, Carl Anderson, and Dick Holmes. The coffee was ready at 7:30 each morning. Following breakfast, about fifteen ladies had a great time creating Christmas wreaths. It was fun crafting as well as a good opportunity to make new friends. Thanks again to Susan Gesford and Kitty Nicholson, and let’s not forget their hubbies, for bringing supplies and tools. It turns out that Kitty was once owner of a florist and really “knew her stuff”. She was very generous with her knowledge and tips. Susan brought lots of crafting goodies to share as well as others. This was the first time I had used a spray can that was all-in-one: red paint, adhesive, and red glitter. I had a blast painting the pine cones Susan brought. Lots of folks teased me for taking home the left over ones. Lamar said that I could bring a dump truck to his house and get all I wanted. Ya know, it’s funny when seeing an item, or even a smell, that was around a lot when you were a kid, it can instantly bring back happy memories.
Wreath winners: Third place was Donna Anderson. Second was Vicki Meek. FIRST place was Jean Sutton.
While we were crafting, another group left to go tour Motorhomes of Texas and the Foretravel Motorhomes factory in Nacadoches. I heard that they are in competition with Newell and Prevost and have been building here since the 1960's. Jackie came back all enthused and talking about the cool factory, but not enough to change brands ! Later, I learned that there is another factory there which builds high performance engines, referred to as Black Label called Mast Motorsports but it was raining Thursday so no body went. I’ll try to do some research earlier next time.
Later in the afternoon friends gathered again for food and festivities! The ladies displayed a fancy party spread of their favorite foods along with the recipes. There were lots of people wearing cute holiday attire too! We even invited the guys and they all showed up! As dusk approached, people migrated to the welcoming big bonfire for the remainder of the evening. The weather had been absolutely perfect all day!
Wednesday morning breakfast was a splendid repeat. Then the group left the park to check out nearby Nacadoches which happens to be the oldest town in Texas. Everyone explored the area at their own pace. They had a wonderful store selling and making handmade stained glass. We stumbled upon a store in a historical building where the owner was playing a dulcimer. He also sold other musical instruments for folk bands like mandolins and banjos.
In a gift shop I saw the largest tumbleweed I have ever seen! It was on top of a wagon wheel that was hanging from the ceiling. Thelma and George Pierot said it looked just like the ones from around their place in west Texas. Note: George brought me two big bags of cotton bolls and I gave him some of my homemade wild grape jelly. Since I am an avid quilter, and we use lots of 100% cotton fabric, I will make an arrangement of these for my studio. They sell for four dollars a stem in a craft store! One of our camp conversations was learning that the latest and greatest piece of farm equipment is a huge thing like a combine but it does all the steps from cutting to producing huge round bales of cotton. Thelma said they cost one million dollars! Each!
The group met for dinner at Clear Springs Restaurant in their group room. The room was buzzing with energy as people enjoyed the camaraderie. Lot of us ordered appetizers since we really filled the kitchen with a lot of orders. On the front porch of this very old and huge building was an antique generator. We learned that this building was the very first refrigerated ice house west of the Mississippi River. I just treasure all this historical information we learn on these trips.
'Third verse-same as the first!' Breakfast by the boys for the final time on this continuing party! You just can't beat walking into a room with the aroma of hot coffee and bacon cooking! Mmmm! The girls not having to cook is the best bonus though. Robin, you are sure a good ring leader, not to mention delegator! Note: Jerry Askins usually cooks the bacon but is absent because his Mom had a stroke. Jerry and Greta will be moving his parents into a nursing home.
Some other conversations: While visiting with Vicki and Alan Meeks, from New Orleans, we viewed their cool scrapbook about Niagara Falls. Susan Gesford had been telling us how close it is to where the National Rally will be held in Goshen Indiana – about a half days drive I think. Robin seconded the vote that we REALLY needed to go see it if we hadn’t already. He sounded dazed and amazed by the natural wonders of the falls. Ok, I’m ready to leave today !
Another place highly recommended to visit in Indiana is Fair Oaks Dairy. Get more info at: www.fofarms.com What was that ? 35,000 Cows on a carousel being milked? A birthing building? A farm-fresh restaurant? Science and food production Education? A pig building? A bus tour? A cheese factory? Ok---- I’M in. !
One day Jackie and I took a fun walk in the woods in this park. I learned later that lots of people did. It turns out that this place is circled by a very tall fence to keep in the exotic animals! Right here in our own rv park! I’m really loving this place now! (We live on a sizable ranch and have lots of wild deer and turkeys so we especially appreciate and protect the wildlife.) The terrain here is gently rolling and covered in deciduous and conifer forests.
Here are fun facts I learned about some of these exotic animals:
Fallow deer are native to the Mediterranean. Their color appears to be almost black. Even the mature deer look like young fawns, with dark chestnut coats covered in white spots. They are prized as an ornamental species. The bucks carry impressive beautiful flattened antlers. It reminded me of a moose rack. They bedded down for the afternoon very close to our camp.
Sika deer originate from Scotland and England and are related to red deer. They are a light chestnut color in summer but now the hinds are light gray with white spotting own the dorsal side. Male and female show white rumps. Sika’s tail and rump have a black strip that it uses as a warning signal. After losing their antlers in May, Sika’s may have boxing matches to decide who is stronger.
Pretend you are joining us at the campfire for a genuine Tall Texas Tale: but the legend is believed to be true:
Twin sons were born to an old Caddo Indian chief living on the banks of the Sabine River. Natchitoches was swarthy with black hair and flashing black
eyes. Nacogdoches was fair with yellow hair and blue eyes. As their father neared the end of his days, he called his sons into his presence to receive his final blessings. He commanded that, upon his death, Natchitoches should gather his wife and children, turn his face to the rising sun, and after traveling three days he should build his home and rear a tribe. Nacogdoches was instructed to face the setting sun, walk three days with his family, and establish a new home where he, too, would rear his children and his children’s children. Thus, the twin tribes of Nacogdoches and Natchitoches were born 100 miles apart--one in what would become Texas and one in the place we know today as Louisiana. The two tribes were located a sufficient distance apart to prevent friction over their hunting grounds, so they remained on friendly terms as the decades passed. The friendship and trade beat out a well-traveled path between the two tribes, a route that eventually became a highway known as El Camino Real by Spanish travelers.
Thursday was cloudy and rainy so most of stayed in our RVs for the afternoon. Some more adventurous folks played poker! Thursday night we had our grand finale huge supper featuring baked ham. The huge homemade rolls by Myrna were to die for. Again, Susan G outdid herself with her Texas size pan of homemade dressing and turkey. There were gillions of tasty vegetables, salads and dessert. We all stuffed ourselves! Afterwards we adjourned to the other party room by the Christmas tree. The floor was covered with wrapped presents. We played our silly willy exchange game. I had a lot of fun. I won a huge “so ugly it was cute” horned toad holding a bottle of wine. Yes, I actually stole it from someone! I plan to give it to our kids who attended Texas Christian University in Fort Worth….. Nothing like re-gifting!..... TCU’s mascot is a horny toad. Note: they used to be prolific in the area but are now near extinct because of fire ants. Afterwards, everyone pitched in to help organize and pack the decorations and clean up.
Friday morning we had hot coffee and all the pastries you could eat. We all pitched in to put back the tables and chairs and load up. And there you are: one more episode of the great adventures of ACA SCC!!!
Beth Collins historian.
Disclaimer : The contents above are my opinion only!
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American Coach Association, South Central Rally (ACA SC) at the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA)
Six State Rally, October 1-4 , 2014 Shreveport, LA
Keep in mind – this entire report is only MY opinion, Beth Collins
This combination rally was located at the State Fairgrounds, right by Interstate 20, and about four miles west of downtown Shreveport, Louisiana.
ACA SC members attending were:
Charlie and Gloria Adcock - National President of FMCA-, Carl and Donna Anderson, Gene and Jackie Anderson, Jerry and Greta Askins, Jackie and Beth Collins, Terrell and Julliette Dressel, Jim and Lois Enos, Robin Fagala and Myrna Haden, Richard and Carol Goss, Rex and Sally Mullinex, Lamar and Kitty Nicholson, George and Thelma Pierot, John and Ethel Viator, Roland and Gus
Charmaine, and Bugs and Mary Grace Rentrop. Several of our folks, as well as ‘Rally in the Pasture’ and Cruisin Cajuns members, came in early and worked in the humid heat doing volunteer chores. Lots of people helped park and direct rigs as they arrived.
Why join FMCA? Family Motor Coach Association www.fmca.com
Honestly, We joined FMCA because Charlie Adcock ( – you just can’t say no to this great salesman) - recruited us at the ACA rally in Montgomery, TX. We have already taken advantage of their Michelin Tire Advantage Program. They even special ordered our tires directly from the factory so we know they are fresh! We also appreciate free FMCAssist, an emergency evacuation/repatriation and emergency medical reunion benefit. Last summer we had to drive out of the rugged area around the Grand Canyon to get Jackie to a hospital to have emergency surgery. I know we all tend to think emergencies will never happen to us, but now I am a believer! RV insurance is also a good deal as well as campground discounts.
Mark your calendars: Rally in the Pasture 2015 April 20-24
With so many new members in our chapter, I want to keep you informed of special events so you can save the dates. Gloria Adcock told me that Rally in the Pasture is scheduled for April 20-24, 2015. It is held annually at the home of Charlie and Gloria Adcock in Searcy Arkansas, north of Little Rock. You are welcome to arrive early. Register at www.rallyinthepasture.com We are proud to have Charlie and Gloria as members of our South Central chapter of ACA. Charlie Adcock is the FMCA National President and is well known throughout the country as a super ambassador for the FMCA organization. His motto is “all about having fun”. Now if you like great food, outstanding entertainment, exciting activities and most importantly an opportunity to make friends with people who love motor-coaching, then don’t miss this rally. People who have
gone will tell you that it is one of the most fun rallies in America.
Yep, it’s a real pasture with power connections, big rally room, very clean and organized, and only $5 to join RIP!
American Coach Association National Rally May 19-25, 2015
Myrna informed us that registration is now open for the big event: Silver Jubilee rally, which will be held at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds in Goshen,
Indiana. Register ASAP to get 50 amp and the best spots. When I registered there are already about 500 going. http://www.myamericancoach.com/goshen-rally-overview Bring your 50’s outfit for the Silver Jubilee Grand Finale! Send your cookbook recipes to: [email protected]
ACA South Central Christmas Rally December 8 - 12 2014
December rally will be held near Nacogdoches Texas on December 8 – 12, 2014. Camp Tonkawa Springs RV Park and Campground 4675 CR 153 Garrison, TX
75946 936-564-8888 [email protected]
Shreveport FMCA ACA SC Rally “ The Scoop!”
About 400 RV’s of all types attended the Six State Rally. There were 410 seminars offered and more planned for next time. $1,156 was raised in the 50/50 drawing to be donated to the NW Veterans Home in Shreveport. About 300 quilts were made and donated to local charities. Our own Robin won $267 the last night and another $50 in another opportunity. Well, at least I did win a door prize at the ladies luncheon.
Tuesday our volunteers endured a very hot humid day assisting people arriving
Wednesday it poured down rain in the afternoon which cooled things off. Jackie and I attended a fantastic lecture held by the Curator of the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum. She was an excellent speaker with an interesting account of the state, then and now. The museum was free and located right on the fairgrounds. Amazing ! That evening some of our group went to the buffet at a casino. Others attended the opening ceremony and live entertainment by the Shotgun Red Band. Roger Francis, blind since birth, can do hundreds of impressions, everyone from, Willie Nelson, John Anderson, George Jones, Ray Charles, Elvis, Paul Harvey, James Taylor and many others. This musical act added humor with live instruments, not canned music, and tons of talent.
Thursday breakfast was a full house. The seminars, vendor halls, RV exhibits and craft classes were in full swing. I felt fortunate to attend a lengthy educational sewing demonstration/lecture by a well-known international teacher, Linda McGehee. She happens to reside in Shreveport and showed us dozens of examples of bags, garments, purses, quilting, etc. She had a million ideas for using decorative zippers, too! www.ghees.com Today was the pet parade and the ice cream social- Blue Bell vanilla. That afternoon abut 25 of us gathered for a visit and official chapter meeting in the shade of Robin’s and Myrna’s new-ish Eagle. The band that night was The Williamsons. They reminded me of the Gaither Brothers or the Oak Ridge Country Boys. I think- ? - that was the night that it came a big flood of rain just as the performance ended.
Friday after breakfast a suburban full of ladies went shopping at the nearby Libby Glassware outlet. I stocked up on Christmas gifts and made quite a hall. My best deal was glasses with the lines for ounces marked. They were on clearance at 3 for $1.00. These will be convenient for our 11 year old grandson with type-one Juvenile Diabetes. Since he was four, we have had to count every carb he eats or drinks and give him a shot of insulin. About eight of our ladies attended the luncheon of salad and a sandwich, and more vanilla ice cream. To tell you the truth I was not impressed by our male motivational speaker. I thought he talked more about being a traveling speaker than about delivering an inspiring jaw-dropping memorable talk ………First rule of any speaker: know your audience……. His one and only point was geared to much younger aged women. . Give me a female to relate to a female audience! We gathered for an early supper to cook steaks and bring baked potatoes. It was especially nice to visit with ‘our’ Lois Enos and learn that her chemo is done for now and she will have surgery Oct 9. She is a very strong woman and is coping well with this unexpected major event in her life. Also, Lamar Nicholson, was a real trouper! He had surgery on the top of his head right here in Shreveport during the rally ! Kitty said he will have a considerably large hole there but they did get all the cancer. He was a good sport when we teased him that it was a hard way to get a face lift!
Friday night’s entertainment was Johnny Counterfeit, who we had heard at the 2014 Rally in the Pasture. Counterfit presented a memorable show featuring voice and singing impressions of politicians, television cartoons, and singers and actors of past and present times, with a talented live band.
Saturday morning Jackie played with the mini golf cart, called a cricket, which he bought from a vendor. I sure could have used this last fall when I was almost housebound until I had multiple foot surgeries. The weather was absolutely gorgeous this day so he and I went exploring. We checked out the largest outdoor arts festival in North Louisiana, the Red River Revel Arts Festival which attracts more than 180,000 people each year. We looked at the art vendor’s booths and had a picnic in the food court. I have never, ever seen these types of food (Cajun) at any North East Texas festival. The vast variety of foods from America’s rich diversity is one of the delights of traveling. For that matter, so are the music, dance styles, and regional art.
Well what do you know! A big quilt show was included in the festival fee ($5.00). We viewed over 200 textile arts. One of the cleverest things I saw was a snowman made of three rolls of toilet paper. He wore a black top hat and a red scarf. Each roll was machine embroidered with colorful threads! But who would ever want to actually use such a cute item! Odd, Jackie bought fabric and I didn’t…. wouldn’t you know – vintage Fords! In case you haven’t heard, we have a custom classic car restoration shop, (among other businesses like commercial real estate and running a big working ranch). Jackie has been doing specialty trim and upholstery for about a century . If you are ever in the Fort Worth area, give us a call and come by to see our vintage car museum in Weatherford. www.jackiecollinscars.com
We enjoyed the river walk downtown. The Red River itself was certainly not the distinctive deep red color that I remember near North Texas and Oklahoma. I grew up just across the Texas line near Shreveport between Atlanta and Texarkana. I found it amazing that just a few miles make such a dramatic difference in an area’s culture and dialect. My roots were much more country Southern style like Tennessee and Georgia. I thought the Shreveport culture was much more of a Cajun influence, in food, music, dance, art, and dialect.
The closing entertainment was Wade Benson Landry – master of a fiddle! He won the LA state championship 2 years in a row when he was a boy! The judge was someone you may have heard and is famous for his fancy bathrooms! ( Guess who?) They performed a wide variety of styles including traditional country music, Cajun, and some gospel music. Wade learned French before English because he is an authentic Cajun now working in Branson. Wade’s wife, Teresa Bowe Landry’s, voice was strong, right on every note, and lovely. She did a great Tammy Wynette and knocked our socks off with Amazing Grace. We ended the event with well deserving President: Robin Fagala winning the 50/50!
Beth Collins, Historian
ACA South Central
Did you guess? Shoji Tabuchi…..
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American Coach Association, South Central Chapter
August 2014 Rally Wichita Falls, Texas
Friends gathered in North Central Texas for a summer rally. There was good attendance and lots of fun for everyone. Attending were: Man and Charlotte Elliott, Robin Fagala & Myrna Haden, George and Nettie Green, Cal and Nelda Aaron, Carl and Donna Anderson, Jim and Caterina Wallis, Beth and Jackie Collins, Rex and Sally Mullenix, George and Thelma Pierot, Lamar and Kitty Nicholson, and Jerry and Greta Askins, Bud and Martha Goin. Although some arrived over the weekend, the others pulled in on Monday in plenty of time to take part in the evening festivities.
We were privileged to enjoy a homemade dinner prepared by Donna and Carl Anderson. The rally room really smelled good from Donna’s homemade Indian taco bread! So much for appetizers and a liquid happy hour, because we all dove right in to her homemade southwestern style Indian tacos. . Then Robin surprised us with cold watermelon slices to make the summer evening just perfect. Lots of people visited in the cool rally room for quite a while. It was a pleasure to visit with old friends and to begin the journey to making new ones. Robin Fagala got everyone organized for the week and mentioned possible activities as we worked out the details.
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, a hot and hearty breakfast was enjoyed by all, thanks to head chef Robin Fagala and his team: runner and bread- Lamar Nicholson, sausage and bacon chef-Jerry Askins, coffee and beverages – Carl Anderson, eggs cooked to order - Jackie Collins. These foods pared well with the gravy, hot biscuits, and homemade jelly. The main sacrifice they made was to get up at 6:30 every morning so that the rest of us could walk in and be treated like kings and queens!
Midmorning on Tuesday the gang followed Cal and Nel Aaron to their business nearby where they sell manufactured homes. It was very interesting to tour the inside of the models. It was impressive to see how large and stylish they were. It is amazing that homes can be transported down a highway, set up, and transformed into a home that looks like it was built right on the spot. Very convenient!
Some folks went to Sheppard Air Force base there in Wichita Falls Tuesday afternoon, while others just ‘did their own thing’. That evening we gathered in the rally room for heavy appetizers and great conversation. The ladies did a fine job cooking delicious dishes to share. The meal was topped off with homemade ice cream!
We were all especially delighted to see Carl Anderson walking with no cane or support of any kind! He looked like he had a different body than the one he as in at Rally in the Pasture this spring.
After breakfast Wednesday and a break, several of the guys went to tour a local hot rod shop called Lone Star Muscle Cars. I took the opportunity to visit the quilt shops while some ladies looked up relatives in the area, or went antiquing. Wichita Falls is well known for its abundance of elaborate historical mansions and homes. My my, they are incredible! I would
have enjoyed walking through all of them. The oil boom in nearby Burkburnet Texas in the early 1920’s changed the lives of people overnight as they became instant millionaires. Texas has so many amazing stories of its pioneers and incredible heritage of many blessings. Our own Man and Charlotte Elliott’s lives were greatly affected by this liquid black gold and I thoroughly enjoyed my opportunity to visit with them as they shared their stories and taught me a lot about Texas history in that area.
The whole gang gathered under the shade trees later that afternoon to swap yarns and catch up on the happenings. I never did get a single mosquito bite! For supper ( yes in NE Texas the late meal is not referred to as ‘dinner’) we made a big caravan and followed Man to his favorite home style diner. Since he lives in nearby Burkburnett he knew were the good places were. They specialized in Mexican food, steaks and seafood- so there was something for everyone. The portions were Texas size and the service was great in our own private room. It is eateries like this that create the term ‘comfort food’.
Thursday morning several of us toured the Museum of North Texas in old downtown Wichita Falls. They had collections of wedding attire through the ages worn by local families, over 700 cowboy hats!, and medical items. They had several rooms dedicated to the military from the Civil War to the present. It was quite impressive! A big area demonstrated the oil boom with wonderful panoramic photos of the actual oil derricks totally surrounding farm houses. It was just amazing the try to visualize the overnight transformation of this ranch country into a frenzy of squeezing this liquid treasure from mother nature. The population exploded overnight and they had to go to Mexico to get lumber to build the structures. The businesses and fancy homes were built in nearby Wichita Falls which benefited greatly. It went from a quite ranch and farm town to a bustling city almost overnight.
Thursday night was quite a treat! The whole park smelled like grilling steak as the guys cooked near the rally room. There were plenty of scrumptious side dishes provided and we topped it off with homemade banana pudding provided by myself, Beth Collins. Then the real party began as our own Kitty Nicholson and Greta Askins dressed up in red, white and blue sparkles and lots of bling and made our sides hurt with laughter while they sang and danced. The karaoke music started playing and Lee Harvy sang for us. He looked terrific too, as he had lost almost 90 pounds! His friends also did some terrific numbers and some of our folks hit the dance floor. Cal Aaron sang several songs and did a great job too!
Man delivered fresh donuts galore Friday morning as we cleared the rally room and prepared to depart. Robin held a short business meeting and then we were on our way.
Once again, we are so blessed to have the opportunity to visit with longtime friends and especially to make new ones. We explored new areas as well as learned some new things. We cherish the fact that we live in a wonderful country that allows us to take part in special moments as we make more treasured memories.
