Northern Exposure--Day 9

Last night at the rally we were entertained by Ron & Kay Rivoli with an evening of dance music. Ron & Kay have become one of our favorite entertainers and they put on a fantastic show. They travel the country in their motor home, entertaining at RV shows and rallies, conventions and other gatherings. Ron told me that his current coach has in excess of 250,000 miles on it and does not show any sign of slowing down. If you ever find yourself in an area where Ron & Kay are performing do yourself a favor and catch there show.

The Monaco America Spring Rally is in full swing. We have greeted the last two mornings with a great breakfast served by the caterer. During the day we have numerous seminars available on coach maintenance, caravan travel, crafts, etc. We also have technician from the Monaco factory here to provide services to our coaches. The techs will perform two repairs to each coach regardless of the coaches age.

I have been designated to be this rallies photographer. Each rally we wind up taking hundreds of pictures with a digital camera. Then, with the aid of an overhead projector hooked up to my computer, we show them on a large screen each morning and evening during meal time. In addition to taking pictures of all the activities we try to get a picture of each of the couples here. After the rally these pictures are then put in a file on our clubs website and other club members who were not able to attend can see them to realize what fun they missed.

Today, as usual was filled with activities. Following breakfast we had our semi-annual business meeting, which included elections of officers for the next year. The officers of the club, along with the past two club Presidents, make of the executive board. I was elected to the office of Treasurer. Although during a rally all the officers are very busy and involved the Treasurer is one of the jobs that requires a lot of time and work throughout the year. With a current treasury in excess of $100,000 it is the Treasurer's job to secure and to make sure all club expenses are properly taken care of. This includes the expenses for the two annual rallies, which cost around $35,000 to $40,000 each. Our outgoing Treasurer, Cookie Baker, has held this position for about five years and has done a very good job. Here the club President recognizes Cookie for a job well done.

At noon we had an ice cream social out in the new coach area. At all the rallies we have a local Monaco dealer bring in new coaches for us to view and buy, if the feeling strikes. (We bought our current coach at a rally in Tucson, AZ, in October, 2006.) The ice cream social is sponsored by the Monaco Dealer. This gives everyone a break and a chance to stand around and visit.

Later in the afternoon the Pet Parade was held. This is where all the pet owners bring their pet to show off. A drawing is held for pet door prizes. In the past we have not participated in this event due to our little Brandi not being very sociable around other people. (She was a biter.) Since she is no longer with us I felt it was time for Buddy Joe to enjoy the show. He likes to play with other dogs and this gave him a chance to meet a bunch of them. As most of you know Buddy is the grey Schnauzer in the picture.

Tonight, after dinner, we were entertained by a fellow Oklahoman. Sarah Getto, from Norman, OK, was born blind and with other physical problems. She has overcome these handicaps to become an extraordinary entertainer. At age three she taught herself to play the piano. She is now grown up, has a college degree in music education and has completed her student teaching requirements and has her teaching certificate. She has a fantastic voice and also plays multiple instruments. She is currently traveling in an RV with her parents performing at RV shows and rallies around the country. Seeing and hearing this young lady perform was a real thrill.