Friday morning a bunch of us gathered in the hospitality room for a while. Some went to do touristy things, some went for naps (guilty!), and some went shopping. David Watson (’75) was his usual gracious self and was driving people around KC to go shopping. I do remember that Akiko Hirota (’75), had to have some kind of charcoal lighter, as they can’t buy them in Japan. Several of us asked if she had heard of online shopping…
Friday afternoon found us gathered again in the hospitality room where Louise Hobbs (Alexander) and Cindy Henderson (Runge) had arrived and for some reason I was getting heck for finally showing up. I took a lot of heat those first few days. Good thing I know it means they love me! Toni Mullen, the new ISKL Alumni Director got in, and was immediately bombarded with questions about what she does, what she’s going to do, etc. Toni fit right in though, and handled herself well.
Off to Jack Stack Fiorella’s Bar-b-que for dinner. I have heard KC is famous for it’s BBQ, but I certainly was not prepared for how good it was. You did not want to be a vegetarian for this dinner (although they did have lots for vegetarians to eat). The pork ribs were to die for, and I tried pork ends for the first time (I’d never heard of that before), which were also succulent and tasty. Others will have to attest to what everything else tasted like, I pigged out on the pork! Lots of photos were taken as usual, so be sure to check out both my site and the Louise’s site, as we are both slowly adding photos. All of you that took photos, please send them to both Louise and I. Don’t worry about editing them, just get them to us. Oh, and Kendra/Connie - that was not a short walk! Back to the hospitality room to pour over the yearbooks again and do a little more drinking (ok, a lot more).
Saturday was another hospitality room, shopping, touristy day. I am ashamed to admit that I had to buy some Toto earrings and a KC t-shirt. My apologies to those of you from KC who have had it up to here with the Wizard of Oz jokes! The pool party was from 1:00 to 4:00, however, it was way to hot for some of us so back up to the hospitality room we went. Some people braved the pool, and it did look inviting, however, I did not have a swimsuit (haven’t had one since 2000!). Cindy Henderson went in her clothes. I should have done that! We hooked up to the Class of ’75 chat room to chat with David Kenney (’74), who was in Jakarta. Even though it was his Sunday and he was busy, he managed about an hour with us, chatting with several of us.
Saturday night we had the dinner/dance. David Watson was the EmCee, as usual, although this time they asked him before hand! Toni Mullen handed out ISKL 40th Anniversary baseball caps to us. Akiko was the one who came the furthest. Martin Fischer announced that he will hosting 2010 in Nashville, TN. Michael Gaw (’74) surprised us all with his fashionably late entrance to the reunion, no one knew he was coming. And we did dance the night away. My calves are still sore. Chuck and Mary Lou Kennedy, Rene’s parents, were up on the dance floor almost as much as the rest of us! More hospitality room fun after the dance, and back online with David Kenney. Although our typing was much worse, Dave reads typo and was happy that we hooked up with him.
Sunday morning we had the brunch. I love biscuits and gravy, we don’t get them up here. Lots to choose from, and the food was delicious. We were a little more subdued, but not for long. Back to pack up then hit the hospitality room to say our good byes. I miss everyone already! Although I do not miss the heat and humidity. It was great to get back home to the cool 68 F weather.
So start sending in your photos, and start saving for 2010!
Martin Fischer
Snail:
2417 Valley Brook Road
Nashville, TN
USA 37215
Home: 615.297.2597
Email photos (jpg, jpeg, or gif) to: Louise and LeeAnn please!
