Reagan Library Road Trip and BBQ - After-Action Report

8/3/04 | Rabid Dog

[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!

[b9]

Thank you...it's tricky sketching young beauties
because they are so exquisite and it's hard to
do them justice.

Your girls have that added component of
extreme intelligence and obvious discipline.

It was an honor spending those few moments,
and a comfort to know the world is definately a better place with them in it!

[Wolfstar]

In honor of the man we went to visit last Sunday...a metaphorical raising of our glasses in a loving toast:

"Song of the River"
by William Randolph Hearst

The snow melts on the mountain,
And the water runs down to the spring,
And the spring in a turbulent fountain,
With a song of youth to sing,
Runs down to the riotous river,
And the river flows to the sea,
And the water again
Goes back in rain
To the hills where it used to be.

And I wonder if life's deep mystery
Isn't much like the rain and the snow
Returning through all eternity
To the places it used to know.

For life was born on the lofty heights
And flows in a laughing stream
To the river below
Whose onward flow
Ends in a peaceful dream.

And so at last,
When our life has passed
And the river has run its course,
It again goes back
O'er the selfsame track
To the mountain which was its source.

So why prize life,
Or why fear death,
Or dread what is to be?
The river ran
Its allotted span
Till it reached the silent sea.
Then the water harked back
To the mountain-top
To begin its course once more.

So we shall run
The course begun
Till we reach the silent shore.
Then revisit earth
In a pure rebirth
From the heart of the virgin snow.

So don't ask why
We live or die,
Or whither, or when we go,
Or wonder about the mysteries
That only God may know.

[markv840]

Thank you :o)

I think you are a very interesting person yourself, I wish the day would've been longer, there was so many amazing people to talk to and so little time; I sure hope this is not the last time we do this.

[merry10]

We need your husband's rosemary and butter and garlic and butter recipe, please. :) Thanks!

[pbear8]

[pbear8]

See post #45.

[onyx]

Nice pics!
Please tell me you remember the screen names
of the sweet couple from San Francisco... the
bagpipe player and his lovely wife who sang
so beautifully?

[pbear8]

We are the gulity parties. Musicians should always marry each other! Captain and Admiral Pbear8.

[onyx]

OH SWEET YOU.
I am so thrilled.
I hope you read my earlier comments on this thread.
If not, please do.

I have told everyone about you.
I can just about tear-up by
remembering your singing and his bagpipes.
Truly touching and beautiful!

[Mudboy Slim]

Sounds like a wonderful experience...I envy y'all living so nearby Ronaldus Magnus' resting place. Someday, I will get back out West and this visit will be amongst the highlights of my trip, I am sure.

FReegards...MUD

[Angelwood]

Looks to me like everyone spent a wonderful day together! Thanks for posting the after-action report so the rest of us can share with you in the celebration of President Reagan's life, the ceremony at his burial site and the fun afterwards at the BBQ. FReep On!

[Hi Heels]

You're talking to her. Pear8 and husband.

[onyx]

LOL!
So I learned. :)
BTW, thank you for all your work
which made our memorial service
so beautiful and memorable.

[Hi Heels]

Thank you, but I think the whole day was a gift we all gave one other.

Wasn't that buffet to die for? First time I ever had prime rib for breakfast.....

shhh... we're making all the rest the Freepers jealous.

[Hi Heels]

I might add that the poem that Diotima beautifully read was written by Conspiracyguy from these very pages. You can read his poetry in his profile.

Thank you EVERYONE for a great time and a great fellowship. Breakfast was incredible (blind luck, that), Rabid was running amok getting everyone in the same place at the same time. Little details like the ribbons and watching people with us who started to cry at certain exhibits. Doug's talk was so uplifting, and the pbear's song and bagpipes were just outstanding. The library staff was so cooperative and friendly, it was just great.

I was unable to attend the BBQ afterwards (Doggie Rescue Adoptions that day at 1:00-4:00), but was glad to see the festivities continued into the day. Thank you to everyone for fabulous conversation, food, and something I've been really missing, a cup of respect.

[Brad’s Gramma]

Hi Heels, it was WONDERFUL meeting you! As with SO MANY there, I wish I could've talked to you longer.

The whole day went off without a glitch, didn't it? All of the planning was very professional.

Did you hear about the people who I walked past, as we were going out to the graveside? I overheard one of them say to the other with AWE in her voice that she didn't know WHAT was going to happen other than a SPECIAL service. The tone in her voice was really something......she thought we were hot stuff. Important people. The Real Thing.

Which, of course, we are!!! :-)

[dalereed]

It's also a small world, Pbear8 and my wife had the same piano teacher in Glendale, what a suprise!

[doug from upland]

“Whatever else history may say about me when I’m gone, I hope it will record that I appealed to your best hopes, not your worst fears; to your confidence rather than your doubts. My dream is that you will travel the road ahead with liberty’s lamp guiding your steps and opportunity’s arm steadying your way.” - The Gipper

[b9]

I think the Gipper would've loved your tagline :-)

[b9]

Wouldn't you know it.
NOW my case of W ketchup shows up!

I wanted so much to bring some to the barbecue.
It's actually pretty good!

But what am I going to do with a whole CASE?
Our daughter just said I better hide it before her dad gets home.
She thinks he'll divorce me if he sees one more W item!

Have to admit, the lifesize cardboard cutout might have been a bit much. Scares the bejeebers out of us.