Posted on 08/03/2004 8:49:16 AM PDT by Rabid Dog
I know DoughtyOne has a ton of stuff to put up regarding our trip but the natives are restless and all of us want to share our incredible experiences and pictures! There are so many FReepers to thank for making the day such a success. We probably had 50 to 60 FReepers and friends at our peak. I'd like to start off with thanking Hi Heels for putting together breakfast at Marie Callenders and especially the beautiful graveside memorial for President Reagan. Hi Heels had a P.A. system that she brought in; a beautiful printed program; and an incredible service. Bob J. welcomed everyone, Diotima read a poem, Doug from Upland had a tribute to President Reagan that he shared; Admiral pbear8 sang a solo; Captain pbear8 played the bagpipes. Hi Heels had a very appropriate service and benediction that was appreciated by all FReepers and the general public that was gathered around. Admiral pbear8 was kind enough to make special patriotic ribbons for all of us to wear - which made it very easy to find people when it was time to round everyone up!
We all caravaned over to my ranchero for a fine BBQ and party. Viet-Boat-Rider immediately stepped up to the plate and starting cooking up massive amounts of vittles; Doddlelady set up her easel and starting sketching freepers, Hangfire and PeoplesRepublic_of_LA started jamming on guitars and singing, and the FReepers kept arriving!
We had live music entertainment by the CaterWailers (bluegrass, sea shanties, folk); and of course, non-stop talking, laughing and teasing.
It was an honor to have Jim Robinson and family as a guest in my home and it was a beautiful thing to have all you FReepers here. Thanks Jim Robinson for making the day possible!
Can ya stay????
I don't remember the details of your move....we NEED to do another BBQ/Library trip!!!!
So many wonderful people to talk to and so little time.
I have seen a few of those. Yes they are beautiful.
Give me a call anytime - I just had one at a public venue - which was good! I'll be out of town the week of the 15th so either call before or after. Let me know if I should freepmail my number again.
The BBQ was great as was the library! There's talk of doing it again when the plane gets installed!
Rabid Dog Presents...
Free Republic Trip to the Presidential Library of Ronald Wilson Reagan
w/Breakfast and Barbecue
On Sunday, the first day of August, Southern California Freepers came together to enjoy each others campanionship, and to vist the Presidential Library of Ronald Wilson Reagan. Part of the day's festivities would see members of Free Republic conduct a memorial service for President Reagan at his libarary.
Free Republic's Camarillo/Ventura chapter leader Rabid Dog organized and hosted this event. She did a wonderful job. I'd like to say thinks. My wife Sandy and I had a wonderful time. From what we observed, many others did too.
Early in the morning, we met at the Marie Callendar's in Simi Valley. Just minutes from the Reagan Library itself, we ate in fine style form a wide variety of foods. Rabid Dog arranged for us to eat in a private room all to ourselves. There were right at forty individuals present representing Free Republic.
Here are a few photos from breakfast.
Marie Callendars
Rabid Dog
table-a 1 2 3
table-b 1 2
table-c 1 2
buffet line
Once breakfast was over, we made our way to the library, where other members of Free Republic joined us. Jim Robinson, his wife and son Chris were among them. At the library we each went our separate ways, taking in all that was available. We arrived at the library around 10:45. At around 1:00, we gathered for a memorial service.
HighHeel MCd the service. She, BobJ and Doug from Upland made a few short remarks. Doug's were actually a litte more extensive. There was a vocal solo and two songs played on the bagpipes.by PBear8. (I hope that is right.)
We pledged allegience to the Flag and bowed our heads for a moment of prayer. A number of people inquired who we were. We were glad to tell them, and where they could find us online.
Here are some shots from the library.
Reagan Library
entrance
sign
courtyard
fountain and back courtyard entrance
Dale and Sherryle Reed w/Jim Robinson
flag memorial, made from flowers
Ronald Reagan bronze
flag with quotation
jelly bean Reagan, large
jelly bean Reagan, small
Reagan, Flag USA, AF1, carrier graphic
air force one photo
memorial bier
RR Birth Certificate
wooden chest
oval office
table w/place setting
3d picture made with leather
Nancy Reagan as a child
memorial inside the library
berlin wall section
back of the memorial site
front of the memorial site
crowd attends Free Republic memorial service
Hi Heel MCs the memorial service
Henchster and IronClad w/Jim Robinson
DoughtyOne w/Jim Robinson
back of the library and lawn
Onyx w/Jim Robinson
panorama of the exterior back of the library (photo will be delayed, a ping will go out to thread participants)
We had already had a pretty full day, when we left the Reagan Library and caravaned to the barbecue. There we relaxed and talked to each other as an artist drew people's faces, a three piece bluegrass band sang professional level songs and we ate finger foods and barbecue.
It was nice seeing some faces I hadn't seen in a while. I was glad to meet new people and visit with them. It had been a while since I'd seen Jim, his wife and Chris.so I was glad they were able to come down from Fresno to attend our gathering.
Here are some final picture that capture some of what was taking place that afternoon.
I can't say enough nice things about the planning and hospitality of Rabid Dog, and of course her family. What a nice day!
Barbecue
location exterior one
location exterior two
location exterior three
Doug from Upland (photo will be delayed, a ping will go out to thread participants)
Janet and Steve
Pacpa... and Jack
Hangfire and unknown person play their guitars
MarkV890 and unknown friend
AquaKat and Cheryl
Mr. and Mrs. Jim Robinson
artistic talents
drawing
the house bluegrass special
two more quests, whose names escape me (sorry about that)
Brad's Grandma and possibly Brad's Grandpa too (sorry about that)
Onyx w/Jim Robinson
yes, we even had a cake
Jim Robinson poses alone with the cake
Rabid Dog, our host, poses with her son and daughter
the day winds down looking west
the flag from the Reagan Library again
a painting of Ronald Reagan
See the post above.
Trying to ping EVERYONE! Need HELP!
Thank you, dear Doughty!
Your pics pack a punch...
The breakfast, library, and barbecue lunch
(well, dinner, but that doesn't RHYME!!!)
You captured the reverence, the fun and the friends...
I hope all the good we can do never ends.
efinitely think we should do this again when the Air Force One exhibit opens (next summer). The exhibit will include the Air Force One (Boeing 707), Marine one (Sikorsky VH-3A), a presidential motorcade complete with Reagan's Presidential limo, and a F-15 fighter jet.
Go to THIS website for a virtual tour.
OH WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You did a WONDERFUL job!!!!! Whoo HOOO!!
YES, let's go back next summer for AF1!!!! Onyx, you can't move yet!!
Onyx, you can't move yet!!
I ain't moving for a while.
Not permanently anyway.
What would I do without YOU?
Your life would be dull. Very very dull.
Ha!
Dull?
Now look who's sitting here answering me so FAST!
I'm gonna go take a nap.
LOL! Really?
Good ideee.
Me too.
I wish.
Hey, thanks for posting that fabulous link!
Nice pictures!
It was a great, great time!
D1's pictures and commentary are up! Fantastic!!
OK, I give up. I searched all over FR, and can't find it. How about a link?
OK, I got it, ABOVE. I was looking for a separate thread.
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