After breakfast at Strawberry Farm - the Gammers invited us to take 'a three hour tour'.
Fortunately, neither Gilligan or the Skipper were invited and all returned safely home.
Mike and Mary Carr
How fast is this year going?? Already time for our annual Progressive Dinner.. Boy did we eat and eat and eat and eat.... I have to say that we as a club have the most fun of just about anyone I know. Thank you to the Malleys for appetizers!! Fantastic!! Thank you to the Carpenters for salads!!! Gotta get some recipes from you! Thank you to the O'Neils for main course... Wow - did Italian up real good.... Thank you to Lyn Landers for Deserts.... What a way to end a great day....
Thank you to all the people who helped make dishes and help clean up after each stop. It's really nice to know that if we have an event everyone pitches in to assist in the set up and clean up.. Everyone appreciates that..
Just take a look at these photos and you will see just how much fun we had....
Annual Chili Fest ----
Wow - who could ask for a more beautiful day and location for our Chili Fest.. Thank you Hal for hosting the Chili Fest this year. Again - if there is food - there we are... Everyone brought out their best chili and many other things to choose from... Eat up!
The perfect day in sunny Southern California
Plenty of room for everyone!
Our wonderful host - Hal!
Here we go again!
It doesn't get better than this...
Yeah ... I know....
What a view..
Our Gimmick Rally was a big success.. Thank you President - Jim Cartwright for all the hard work on this event. Everyone had a great time finding your (some very hard clues.)..
A big Thank you also goes out to Dick and Pat Malley for hosting the end of the run at their home. Lot's of great food and everyone always enjoys that!!
On your mark
Get Set
Go!!
You guys to....
Go now.....
Lots and lots of food..... Yumm
A little of this....
Thanks Dave for cooking! Thanks Lyn for helping!!
Pretty day to eat outside
A little of this....
Thanks Dave for cooking! Thanks Lyn for helping!!
Pretty day to eat outside
SWC official food taster -- Thanks Mrs. President
Cheryl Hall outdid herself... Thanks for the extra effort!
Come on - there is fruit on these.. HAS to be good for you.....
This big WINNERS -- Jim and Amy
Laughlin Kingman Run
May 1st was a great day to start a run to Laughlin. We had a wonderful group participating on this trip and I know we all had fun. Those attending were, Pat & Dick Malley, Cheryl Hall & Walt Wendlestein, Jeff & Tami Hagan, Paul & Jan Hayes, Dave & Katherine Grant, Bob & Val Lee, and Diane Prior & Al Barber. Carol & John Fidder met us later. We all left from Polly's in Norwalk and had a wonderful , and uneventful drive to Barstow. Stopping at our favorite spots for gas, coffee or more food. We probably took about a half hour to wake up or recover from the drive and then promptly started on the longer leg of the trip to Laughlin. The drive was great, at least I was awake for this part but heard that some "passengers" slept the whole way. Time flies when sleeping.
After arrival some of us rested, while others hit the slots or went shopping. Many of us met up for the all you can eat
seafood buffet. Boy, were those crab legs delicious along with the shrimp, and oysters prepared in many different ways.
It was back to shopping, slots or poker for most of us for the night. In the morning many ate at the buffet but weren't too happy. Paul and I ate at the cafe' as did some others and the breakfast was served hot. After that some went to the car collection down at Don Laughlin's Riverside Casino, while others went shopping. It was a long walk with my walker but Carol took it slow with me and I think everyone found something they needed. (Ask Val and Diane about their shoes).
About 2:00 pm we regrouped, gassed up, and headed out to the BBQ at Norma & Duke Booth's home in Kingman, AZ. They certainly have improved the roads over the years. It was clear sailing and those who knew the map was two
sided, found their way easily. Their home, although they have lived there for 4 years, still isn't on the Magellan GPS,
but Norma's map was great. Their home, on a half acre is so spacious, all of us would love it. We just couldn't afford it in So. Calif. Norma made some delicious Margarita's and there were plenty of other things to drink too. Somehow, we were all starving when we arrived and Norma had some delicious shrimp as well as other things to munch on. Later she served grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, and potato, Chinese chicken, and macaroni salads. There probably were other things but that certainly filled us up. It was perfect weather with a lovely breeze so the desert heat wasn't there. Duke had said it was cooler in Kingman than Laughlin and he was right. When we left their home it was 76 degrees, arriving in Laughlin it was 88. This is the car calculating it so we believe it. We left at just about sundown so we would be able to see how to get back on the main roads. That gave us just enough time to gamble a little more before retiring. No one was happy with the payouts but a few managed to "qualify" for t-shirts. Not one person won more than $60, to my knowledge but we all went with the idea of what we were willing to loose so it was a fun weekend for all.
Come morning most of us had left early but Diane & Al, Paul & I, and Bob & Val caravanned to Barstow where we had a bite to eat and then went home. It was a really great weekend and I hope Norma and Duke have us back in a couple of years. I know everyone would enjoy it.
Save the wave,
Jan
The Palm Springs Air Museum… There comes a time when you have to define a hero.It is not your Basketball player, Football player, Baseball player ……Webster defines is as “an illustrious warrior, a man (or woman) admired for his (or her) achievements and noble qualities, one that shows great courage. We met a few of those heroes that were our docents at the museum.A lot of stories about WWII. They have a library there that if Paul & I lived closer he would spend most of his free time there going thru all the videos and books…Actual footage of many WWII campaigns which were very interesting. If you are or you know anyone who served or is serving in our Military, you be sure to shake their hand and Thank them for there service to our country and freedom that we have today…. Submitted by Debbie Miller (Thankful daughter, sister, aunt and wife of Military men)…..
Our Day At the Races
On Saturday, Jan. 24th, 27 of our members braved the cold drizzle to spend the afternoon at the Santa Anita Racetrack.While Corvette owners generally think of fast cars at the mention of a racetrack, this day was spent watching beautiful thoroughbred horses tearing up the turf.The weather was dark and threatening, but for the most part the rain held off and didn’t bother us much.We all had a great time.And I was proud to see that many of us drove the ‘Vettes, even knowing that a good washing would be required to get rid of the water spots and mud splatters.
As usual, a big thanks goes out to Dick Malley, our illustrious Activities Director, for arranging the outing. Not only did Dick (otherwise known as Ole Ned Pepper) take care of all the planning details for us, but he also showed us how to win lots of money.Too bad most of us learned his system too late to put us back in the black.The Santa Anita folks treated us like royalty, providing us with priority parking, an expert racing analyst who helped us understand horse racing (and which horses were most likely to win), our own reserved section of the grandstand and a great buffet lunch.They even named the 11th race of the day after us.(Bob and Valerie Lee were able to represent the club in the winner’s circle after the race and have their picture taken with the winning horse and jockey.)
We also would like to thank Hank and Bonnie Landsberg for inviting us to stop by their home on the way to the track and partake of a continental breakfast.We enjoyed their lovely Sierra Madre home and drooled over their antique radio and jukebox collection.Hank knew exactly how to get to and into the track and I’m sure he saved some of us the frustration of trying to find the right gate.
So, based on all the positive comments we heard that day, it sounds like we’ll be planning another outing to Santa Anita in the future.Plan to join in, even if you don’t care to do any wagering.It’s definitely a fun outing with your fellow members.
Submitted by: Jim Cartwright
What to taste first??? It all looks so good!
Some of this... A little of that.....
Our hosts! Thank You!
Off to the races....
I think we may have won some cash!
Cute blankie Cheryl...
And the winner of the 11th race is.....
End of a beautiful day...
Southwest Corvettes Annual Christmas Party – 2008 This was our first year to have our party at a restaurant rather than someone’s home.It was nice and the food was good at Acapulco at Marina Pacific in Long Beach.We had a room to ourselves with our own servers and private bathrooms..There was plenty of room to mingle around if you wanted to…The gift exchange was a success…Only 1 case of oil this year…Usually there were three or four cases going around, but I guess because of the cost being more like $30.00 case this year instead of $20 in years past may have influenced that choice….Walt Wendelstein waited patiently to steel it for the third and last time and went home a very happy man…. Thank you to the Christmas committee for a successful event!In such short notice to have to find something, I think they did a fantastic job!!
Submitted by – Debbie Miller
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Kent Browning Auto Collection
Some of the members met at Mimi’s at the CerritosTownCenter for breakfast…Some of us went directly to the location of the collection…
Once we got there, Kent Browning met us and invited us into his warehouse which housed one of the most impressive collections around…This is a private collection, not open to the public.I am pretty sure the connection to this collection is that someone somewhere along the line is related to Kent’s accountant and Bob and Valerie Lee….
So, thank you Bob & Valerie!!!
We spent a good 3 – 4 hours there.
Take a look at some of the photos and you will see what we mean.
Thanks to Kent Browning for your hospitality…
Submitted by Debbie Miller
Yes -- we are early.. Can we come in now???
Father son projects
Their favorite cars -- The Thing and the Amphibicar ( Bob & Val' grandson (rt) and his friend...
I think the funnest car there.. I made up the word funnest just for this car.... 1953 Olds Super 88 Convertible.... I want one....
Hello there!!
What's under the hood??
Oh!!!!!!!
We like......
Nice lineup... Oh and Francine too....
Hey Dino.....
Guess which one I want......
Ok, we are good to go now boys.....
That's how it works....
Val and Bob Lee with their grandson....
What a collection....
My ultimate car... 63 split window...
Everyone loved this one.... Ya think....
Hal Vatcher's Sunset Wine & Cheese party on November 15th was a great success.In spite of wild fires burning all over Southern California, 60+ members and guests of Southwest Corvettes and The Vette Set gathered to enjoy each other while witnesses some very unique views of the skies, ocean, and the setting sun.With background music played by Mac Macdonald people gathered inside and outside the house, with conversations and laugher heard all over!
The day started with fires burning in many locations in Southern California, primary in the Orange and San Bernardino counties.There was even a small fire near Hal's home on Saturday morning that was knocked down in about an hour.Some freeways and other roads were closed which caused a number of people to cancel their plans to attend the party.Others were concerned with the air quality due to the smoke and chose to stay in their air conditioned homes.In spite of these challenges, people started to arrive at about 1:30 PM and continued to arrive up to and even after the sun had set.There is no telling how many would have been there had the fires not stopped them.As it was there were more than 60 people.Everyone brought lots of food and drink; no reason for anyone to go hungry or thirsty on this sunny afternoon.
The weather was amazing!The middle of November and we had afternoon temperatures in the 80's on the coast.The fires caused some smoke to gather over the ocean, but it was generally clear and sunny at Hal's house.The smoke over the ocean made for some incredible pictures as the sun set through the mixture of cloud, smoke, and yes, smog, that accumulated over the ocean.With Hal's unobstructed ocean view people lined the back of the yard as the sun was setting, taking some great, and in some cases very unique, pictures.
Throughout the afternoon and evening, groups gathered all over the inside and outside of Hal's home.With people from both Southwest Corvettes and The Vette Set corvette clubs this was the first time that many of the people had ever met.However, with common bonds of our cars, and a desire to have fun, the groups blended nicely and there was lots of talking and laughing all over the place.
The party was more than watching the sun set.Hal had suggested people bring their dancing shoes and party attitude, and they did!Mac Macdonald, a comedy music entertainer that Hal knows from his visits to Breckenridge, CO, provided some "very lively" music and entertainment throughout the afternoon and into the evening.Mac got the crowd involved in a number "skits".People who know the Jimmy Buffet song Margaritaville were prompted by some Southwest and Vette Set members with "cue cards" to add some words to the song.The pictures should give you some idea!
Dancing went on most of the afternoon and evening but Mac had some "special" dances in mind.Always "ladies first" the gals gathered on the patio to "strut their stuff"!Prompted by Mac they learned how to "wax the ceiling", demonstrated how sprinkler's work, and displayed their swimming ability by showing how they could perform various strokes!When prompted by the girls that they wanted "payback", Mac decided it would be great to have an "all male review".Mac handed out a variety of hats to the guys and the guys were told it was their turn to "strut".The gals were prompted to give dollar bills to the best (read exotic) male dancers.Whichever guy got the most dollars was the winner.We were all laughing so hard no one knows that a winner was ever declared.But we do think some of the wives/girlfriends saw a "different" side of their partners!
From a 1:30 PM start, the party went on into the night, with the last of guests leaving about 11 PM.Everyone seemed to have a lot a fun.This party may be a tough one to top!!!
"Save the Wave".
Congratulations Carol....
Progressive Dinner – October 2008 Another fabulous event…Thank you to all who planned, prepared food, cleaned their homes, or had them cleaned and invited us all over for a LOT of food.So much food, so little time…If we all did not leave each location feeling like a stuffed Turkey, there must have been something wrong with you…Each course was amazing.Starting with appetizers…Wow – what a spread!Thank you Khris and Stan for starting everything off with a bang…Only bad thing that happened was that Francine’s car over heated leaving Stan & Khris’s house on the way to Hal’s…We missed you the rest of the time Francine….Sorry that happened…Hope the car and you have recovered…. Then off to Hal’s for salad and soup…Never really thought about how many salads you could come up with – but there were more than I could count…A couple of really great soups also…Thank you Paul & Jan Hayes for the Roasted Red Pepper Soup – everyone enjoyed it a lot.I made a pretty good Potato soup.We were not sure about bringing soup, but it was a little cold that Saturday and Hal being so close to the ocean made it a little bit nippy….Soup was an unexpected surprise and everyone loved it… We tossed the salads and off to the Main Course….Cheryl & Walt had a taco chief come in and make some great steak and chicken tacos or tostada or fajitas or taco salad or just about anything you wanted…Fabulous spread of food yet again!! Well --- after all that food, there is always room for desert….I know.. I could not believe it either..But Linda and Sanford put out a variety you could not pass up.Maybe we should have – but impossible…Anything from chocolate cake with chocolate icing, a big selection of pies, ice cream of your choice – just ask and I think Linda may have had it there… along with three or four different toppings….Cookies – again many to choose from…Coffee, tea, soda, water…..We got a tour of their house and their cat’s house also…Two very lucky little kitties…Fun, fun, fun is the only other thing I can say… How much can one group of people actually eat???Just take a look at the photos below and you won’t believe it either..By the end of the day and as the sun set at Linda & Sanford’s I think from the look of everyone just kicked back and relaxing, or sprawled all over their den either on the couches or in the chairs – everyone looked very well feed and I hate to say it ----but “Fat and Happy”…Another great Progressive Dinner..
Recipes on the website.Under Recipe Corner… Cannot finish until I say to Diane Prior --- “That a Girl!”“Job well done”. Submitted by Debbie Miller
How many Corvettes can you fit in your driveway??
How many people can you fit around your pool??
Ummm. That looks good!
Khris says "Thanks for coming!"
Toss the Salad & Soups on....
Yes.. We are all cute!
A bright day.. That is the ocean from Hal's back yard...
Onward. There is more food at Cheryl & Walt's... I know I was hungry....
What??
Hi Stan & Khris
Progressive dinner fot two please...
Yeah.. I'm thinking about another taco....
Our taco chef... Chicken or Steak??
Content looking aren't they?
I won third place and didn't even have to try... Nice Trophy Pat...
Yes..There's always room for desert. And I'm not talking jello here.
What to taste first?
Cheers!
Hi you guys.. Are you thinking about sliding down the banister???
I was going to show this to my kitties, but I think they would get jealous!
Thanks for coming! Linda & Sanford...
Yeah... I'm done... The end of another successful Progressive Dinner...
Irwindale Speedway Saturday August 30, 2008
What a fun event.. Everyone had such a great time.We had about 20 cars there.The cars looked really cool out there!Even if they had to share the track with a Mark VII club.I think the Vettes got all the attention.Of course that's all I was looking at..Paul and I have some friends from church who were there, Jim and Grace Hitchcock and Jim rode in the car with Jerry Holly who was nice enough to share the ride with him. He had such a great time.Also, his wife Grace was in the grandstands and the shots of everyone in front of the Toyota Speedway sign on the track is thanks to her...I had a terrible time trying to get shots of everyone from where I was..So , Thank you Grace!!Sanford sent some good shots also. Thank you Sanford. Sorry if I missed your car and didn't get you in here somewhere... It was a challenge.....
A long afternoon, but I think everyone thinks it was worth it.We got to stay for the races and enjoyed the evening events..Next time we should try for 50 or so cars.. That would be impressive.Thank you Marty and Dick for setting up the whole event. Submitted by Debbie Miller
Is that "Old Ned Pepper"? Or is that Indiana Jones???
Nice looking group of cars..
Waiting to go into the track. 95 degrees out there!!
Still waiting. Not getting any cooler.
Lot's of Palm Trees... NO SHADE
Chairs? What chairs? But the cars sure look pretty!
Line em up!
Move em out!
Yee Haw!
Little red Corvette!
No bump and runs here...
Thanks Jerry! That was fun!
Hold on Cheryl - Here we go!
Which way did they go???
Can we go faster now??
Come on - Let's Race!!!
I'm in...
Me too!
What's a little burnt rubber between friends...
Hey Marty - Bob's catching you!
They went that away ----
Wait for us - here we come!
Come on - just a few more times around the track!! Pretty please!!
Opps - Can you guess who this was?
Too slow? Or too fast? Missed ya Jim !! Sorry
Darn camera - Who was that?
Operator error????
I think that was a Mark VII.. You didn't want to see it anyway..... Nice tow trucks..
That was too much fun... Can we go again??
So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, adieu
Now let's watch some racing.. What a fun day we all had.... Where is the Kettle Korn???
Misc shots from the day... Pretty red letters...
I just love my car!
Annual Chili Fest – August 2008
Well – again the Chili Fest was fantastic..Great food and as our President – Bob Lee said..“If you left hungry-that was your fault” because there was so much of everything there!!One thing we Corvette people do really well is prepare and eat food!!The weather was perfect and everyone had a really good time.
Thank you Sharon and Blaine for another fun Chili Fest.
Yummy!!
How many calories a day???
She did it..
Too much of a good thing?
Doesn't get much better than this...
Two smart guys...
Comfortable Leo??
Some of our beautiful SWC women...
Cuties
July after meeting run to Azteca....
Azteca is a restaurant ran by the son of the owner of the old Mexico City restaurant in Long Beach... All of us who have been around Long Beach for a number of years remembers this restaurant from our past... The food tasted exactly the same...
J.J. is an Elvis Presley fan.... As you can see by the decor... It was fun to talk to J.J. about the old restaurant. For a really great meal and great prices visit Azteca in Garden Grove and see for yourself....
I knew Elvis was still alive. He has been staying at Azteca
ELVIS PRESLEY TRIVIA
1) What Elvis hit single is based on an 1861 classical piece entitled "Aura Lee"?
Choose Your Answer: A:Love Me Tender, B: Hard Headed Woman, C: Are You Lonesome Tonight?, D: Don't Be Cruel 2) What was Elvis' first #1 hit on the U.S. Billboard pop charts?
Choose Your Answer: A: Hound Dog, B: Stuck On You, C: Burning Love, D: Heartbreak Hotel
3) What single did Elvis record after suing Priscilla for divorce on January 8, 1973?
Choose Your Answer: A: All Shook Up, B: Always On My Mind, C: Seperate Ways, D: Blue Christmas
4) Elvis memorized every line from what George C. Scott movie?
Choose Your Answer: A:The Last Run, B: Dr. Strangelove, C: Patton, D: Jane Eyre
5) What Elvis Presley hit was originally recorded in 1950 by Ernest Tubb?
Choose Your Answer: A: All Shook Up, B: In The Ghetto, C: Don 't Be Cruel, D: Blue Christmas 6) What was the name of Elvis' twin brother who died at birth?
Choose Your Answer: A: Jesse, B: James, C:Harold, D:Reese
7) What was Elvis' shoe size?
Choose Your Answer: A:9D, B:10D, C: 11D, D:12D
8) What was the first National TV show that Elvis appeared on?
Choose Your Answer: A: Ed Sullivan Show, B: Stage Show, C: Tonight Show, D: Ted Mack's Original Amateur Hour
9) What actor made his film debut at age 10, kicking Elvis in the shin?
Choose Your Answer: A: Dustin Hoffman, B: Kurt Russell, C: Bruce Willis, D: Jeff Goldblum 10) What did Elvis receive from Richard Nixon?
Choose Your Answer: A: Meat loaf, B: Statue of General Douglas MacArthur, C: Watergate Tapes, D: Special agent badge
See answers below.....
Answers to Elvis Trivia...
1. "Love Me Tender"....
The melody for "Love Me Tender" is based on "Aura Lee", a ballad written in 1861 by W.W. Fosdick and Geo R. Poulton. RCA Records received over 1 million pre-orders for "Love Me Tender", making it the first single to ship as a gold record before it was released.
2. "Heartbreak Hotel"...
"Heartbreak Hotel" was Elvis' first #1 hit on the US Billboard pop charts and also earned him his first gold record. Bill Clinton's first US presidential campaign received a much-needed boost when he played this song on the saxophone as a guest on The Arsenio Hall Show.
3. "Seperate Ways"...
Perhaps Elvis' most introspective and personal song, "Separate Ways" was recorded shortly after suing Priscilla for divorce and expresses the King's emotions in regards to separating from his wife.
4. Patton...
Elvis memorized every line from Patton, the movie for which George C. Scott won the Academy Award for best actor and famously refused to accept it.
5. "Blue Christmas"...
Originally recorded in 1950 by Ernest Tubb, Elvis Presley recorded "Blue Christmas" in 1957 for his Elvis' Christmas Album. It has since been covered by such stars as Ringo Starr, Celine Dion, The Beach Boys, Sheryl Crow, Smash Mouth, Vince Gill, Bette Midler, and Harry Conick Jr.
6. Jesse
Elvis Presley's twin brother, Jesse Garon Presley, was stillborn. Elvis grew up as an only child.
7. 11D
Elvis' shoe size was 11D.
8. Stage Show Although Elvis was on several television shows before he appeared onStage Showin January 1956, this was his national debut.
9. Kurt Russell...
Kurt Russell made his film debut at age 10 when he kicked Elvis in the shin in It Happened at the World's Fair.
Although Elvis was on several television shows before he appeared onStage Showin January 1956, this was his national debut.
10. Special Agent Badge.
Elvis received a special agent badge for the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs from President Richard Nixon.
Saturday, January 12, 2008 – After Meeting Run After meeting run to “Mel’s Diner” at Rossmoor.A traditional 50’s style diner with a really good menu.There were 41 of us there.The service was fantastic.I think it was the fastest we have ever been served with so many people.We had to be seated outside, but luckily it was a beautiful day and everyone got seated.A little close, but comfy..
Some of the girls went shopping at Chico’s and Coldwater Creek…Some really good stores with some pretty good discounts going on right now… That a boy Ol’ Ned Pepper…Thanks for planning these events.You always pull them off seemingly effortlessly…We know it takes a lot of organization on your part and we all enjoy these events…Thank you!!! Submitted by Debbie Miller
Image:
Breakfast run to PJ's Abbey - Saturday Dec. 29, 2007
PJ's Abbey in old town Orange. What a pretty old church originally built in the late 1800's. Take a look at the photos and see the pretty stained glass around the building. Everyone had a great breakfast and enjoyed the morning with good friends. Nice to relax after the Holidays....
Submitted by Debbie Miller
Click Image to enlarge
2007 Christmas Party – Sat. Dec. 8th Yet again, THANK YOU Roger & Tina for having all of us over to your home for the Christmas party this year…It is always such a fun and comfortable atmosphere.Roger had the lift in his garage available for the members to take a look at the underside of their cars.The men enjoyed that…Heard a few trying to figure out how they could have one just like it at their garage…. All the food anyone could eat… 24 lb. turkey 20 lb. mashed potatoes Dressing & gravy 10 lb. ham Various types of potato dishes Lots of salads to choose from More food and more food….. Deserts were great also… Have a lot of new recipes to add to the Recipes bag of the website… Take a look for the new ones ladies...Yummmmmmy!!! Santa (Carmine) was good to us all…. The typical oil exchange. (No. We women do not understand the oil thing).A few tool sets were sought after and finally found a home.Cute little animated doggie that got tossed around, but Cheryl Hall got it back and was very happy to be able to give it to her cute little grand daughter for Christmas.Nordstrom, Macy’s, Target, Elephant Bar gift certificates got passed around…I did wind up with my own gift because I was #50 and nobody picked the strange looking package I put it in – Coldwater Creek gift certificate – Glad I brought something I would love to have gotten…Debbie needs a new sweater! Bob Tomlin passed on the perpetual SWC gift - The talking parrot to its new home with Duke Booth..Duke also got a very funny, cute little singing lion.I think the Lion and the Parrot are going to be very happy until next year when the parrot is passed on to another lucky member…See picture below of the happy trio…. It was good to see Pat Malley and Joan Schmid feeling well enough to make it out and enjoy the festivities. Everyone who did not make it this year --- we missed you all…Hope to see you at next year’s party… Submitted by Debbie Miller
November 2007
Cambria 2007
Well, I'm pretty late with this as Thanksgiving is upon us but I couldn't let the Annual Cambria Weekend, planned by Ken & Joan, to go by without mention. It was a BLAST!! All the room are already filled for next year but there is room across the street. Why, you might ask are we planning so soon -- I shall explain.Friday, 8 or so cars met at Paul & Jan's home for coffee and donuts and then proceeded to caravan to the Chumash Indian Casino. A few of us had bursting bladders, but managed to make it to the casino, except for Frank & Diana who made a pit stop and still arrived with the group. I guess Frank knows where he can speed and not get caught. Lunch was great as usual and gambling went on afterword but Jan was 20 min. late to the meeting area which didn't set well with you know who. ( If I had come back with $100 It might have been a different story, as it was, I was trying to help some Asian women who didn't know how to play the machine they were on and just lost my sense of time).Many of the group went to the Night Hearst Castle Tour. If you have never been on it, go for it! What a different perspective you get into the "people" who came to Hearst's Castle, rather than the historical data. Our docent was very good and had to have a sense of humor because Pat Reeves was giving a great performance for all. We had 2 young college girls with us and the docent was always checking on the "3" of them. Pat sure wanted to find out which bed squeaked and I think the docent thought he might try. We were all constantly laughing as we climbed the steps to another area of opulence. I personally want to go again and hope others do too. The setting sun and later the night sky with all the lights of the castle were spectacular. The next morning we all participated in the Poker Walk, shopped and went to our different endeavors. Some went wine tasting, others the car show in Cayucos and of course antiquing. It was unusually hot weather and some of us stayed in cool buildings rather than face the heat. Of course we all packed the long pants and sweatshirts so we overheated easily. We met up at Dorn's restaurant for a delicious lunch, as usual. The only thing missing was an air conditioner. All the windows were open but the air didn't move. That was a first! However, we all has stories to tell of where we had been.After lunch some of us went wine touring and found some nice wines at Harmony Wine Cellars. Others found more wineries but found it difficult to but more as the cars were full (you can guess of what). That evening we started at 5:00 with the wine and cheese our hostess set out, for a second night. We also celebrated our November birthdays of those in attendance: Pat Flaagan, Jan Hayes, Al Barber, Carol Duylea, and Bob Lee. Small cakes with candles were given to each one. (Thank you, Ken & Joan).By the way, the Burton Inn does an excellent job of pampering us and they have a new breakfast room that is wonderful. All our needs are met and the choices are great. On a sad note, we missed our old friend Turbo. He was such a good dog and delighted us all with his friendliness.Many of us just stayed the night talking, joking, and story telling. I swear, Val and Bob could entertain us all for days with the different things that have happened to them. The best part is that they laughed with us while they told the stories. We also discussed having another long weekend run in early 2008. Merrill Eastcott volunteered to plan it so if you have ideas, let him know.Pat Flaagan & Tom Raichel along with Jean & Merrill Eastcott went to listen to music at the Cambria Pines later that night. Sounded like a great idea to many of us and are looking forward to trying it next year. Lots of our more "athletic" members tried the steps up the hill to Cambria Pines in the morning or afternoon. They are not suggested for evening as none of us want to pick up the pieces. However, with something like 200 steps I think I'd go into cardiac arrest so I'll pass that challenge by. I know Tina & Roger VanWert, Merrill Eastcott and a few others were successful. Congratulations to all those who made it! It's called physically fit - a goal for some of us in our next life!Sunday we left at different times. Some with side trips to Pea Soup Anderson's, the car show at NojoquiFalls or more wine shopping. It was another fantastic trip and hope you find time next year to join some of the regulars. I know we're sure looking forward to it.by Jan Hayes
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Progressive Dinner Oct. 13, 2007
After being entertained by Bob Lee regarding their horrible experience with their rental car in New Jersey, we proceeded to our progressive dinner.(We are glad we had time for him to share their story).Unbelievable.
What a feast we had.
Cheryl Hall completely out did herself.What an array of appetizers!We could have just filled up there.Thank you so much for your lovely and plentiful appetizers.We also got to see Cheryl’s collection of Hummels.What a treat.
Then on to Paul & Jan Hayes for salads.Paul made his delicious Red Pepper Soup.Ummm.Jan of course out did herself with about 6 different salads.All delicious!
Then we rolled ourselves over to Stan & Pat Zauss’s home for main course.A true October fest offering.Bratwurst, hamburgers, hot links, baked beans, au grautin potatoes, etc, etc, etc.All good with lots of time to visit.
Finally we were ready for dessert.Can you believe that!Carmine & Marleen Pilichi had a nice assortment of pies, cakes etc and a really fun raffle.We won’t mention what happened to Francine’s delicious cookies.Carmine can pay me to keep that a secret.Ha Ha…..
All in all it was a great day.We shouldn’t have to eat for a week.We are already looking forward to next year.
Submitted by:Ken & Joan Schmid
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ChinoAirMuseum – July 2007
What an awesome time we had!
First we met at Polly’s for breakfast – The big hit of the day was the cinnamon rolls the size of a dinner plate!
Then the ladies were rushed along to get on the road (we love to talk you know).
Once we arrived at the museum, we were greeted by a very friendly volunteer docent (a Corvette owner himself).He told us about each of the World War II war birds restored to perfect condition and they all fly!
We got a treat beyond measure, the plane “Glacier Girl” was there.Incognito because there was no sign or anything.
We and Paul & Jan just happened to hear that that plane was the Glacier Girl.It was the plane that was buried under a glacier and rescued and restored.It has been in Middleburg, KY undergoing restoration for many years.What a treat!There is a very interesting history if you want to pursue it.
All in all it was a spectacular day.Thanks to Dick Malley who made all the arrangements.
Our docent is looking for a car club.What better club is there than Southwest Corvettes?
Kudos to Chuck Damiano who brought his young son Joe.Joe was all nicely dressed
and proudly wearing his Southwest Corvettes polo shirt.Such a well behaved, polite young man.He was a pleasure to have along.
By the way, our docent was wearing a Corvette hat in our honor.
Submitted by Ken and Joan Schmid
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3RD Annual Corvette’n America Road Tour Jim Cartwright
June 7th, 8th and 9th was the date for this year’s annual Corvette’n America Road Tour out of Flagstaff, Arizona.We had a whopping 3 cars representing our club (what happened to you guys, anyway?).As we’ve come to expect, the whole outing was awesome. The weather was perfect for the drive across the Mojave to Flagstaff (would you believe 85° in Needles in the middle of the day?).Ol’ Ned Pepper was there to lead the way, with Cheryl and I and Ned’s cousin and her husband following along, most of the time. We arrived at the beautiful and spacious Little America Hotel, the host lodging for the event, in plenty of time to freshen up before the opening night reception in the hotel ballroom.The organizers, Dwayne and Cindy Bublitz, had called for a ‘50’s theme to that first evening’s activities, so a few of us took them serious and dressed for the occasion. With food in our bellies and the opening ceremonies fresh in our minds, we rushed off to bed for a restful, but all-to-short, night’s sleep so we could be up and at the rallying point by 7:00 A.M. Friday morning. Friday was what we really came for, the run to the Grand Canyon!Imagine, if you can, the sight of 250 Corvettes of all vintages and colors rolling up the high desert and mountain highways in search of that big crack in the earth.Or, better yet, take a look at a couple of pictures.It just does something to me inside. Somehow, we ended up at the tail end of that 250 car train, which was fine until the group reached the park entrance and had to stop to pay the nice Ranger to get in.We considered ourselves lucky it only took us an hour to make our way up to the gate.We realized just how big the Grand Canyon park is when all the other Vettes disappeared into the brush, not to be seen again until we began forming up for the return trip. Though we had visited the Grand Canyon Nat’l Park just two years ago, on the first Corvette’n America Road Tour, it was still breathtaking to see the vastness of the canyon again.It’s difficult to grasp the size and beauty of this work of natural art, until you realize that little white stream you see way down in the bottom is actually the rapids of the Colorado River.Our only disappointment with the park was not seeing the giant condors this time, but that’s probably because we didn’t spend much time near their hangout. Unfortunately, Pat Malley wasn’t feeling well at this point and Ol’ Ned felt it best to saddle up and get her back home.We were sure sorry to see them leave; I know they’d been looking forward to this trip. Saturday was set aside for a huge Show’n Shine on the old Route 66 main street of Williams, AZ.It was a perfect setting for displaying this huge assortment of Corvettes and the city of Williams made us feel welcome by blocking off one side of the street and allowing the interested passers-by to slowly drive down the other side.With the old soda shops, vintage garages and other businesses as a backdrop, combined with picture-perfect weather and gleaming examples of Chevrolet’s finest, it was truly a sight to behold. After soaking up more than enough sun for one day, it was back to the hotel for most folks to prepare for the evening’s banquet and festivities.But not for us, we needed to squeeze in a little more adventure.So it was off to the Petrified Forest for Cheryl and me.Actually, I think she would have rather gone back to the hotel, too; but hey, we had a few hours to kill, so why not with a bunch of solidified trees?Two hours out there, two hours to zip through the park, then two hours back.Nothing to it.(‘Course, if I hadn’t insisted on the side trip, we probably would have made it home without a hitch.)But, before I get to the hitch, here are a few more pictures. So, then it was Sunday and time to head home.After a heavenly breakfast feast at the local Cracker Barrel, off we went.Made real good time, too.And fuel mileage?We were averaging 28 mpg for the trip, right up until the fuel pump quit.Now it was 103° in Needles and all the way across the desert.We’re cruising through Barstow in the inside lane at 75 mph, when it gets real quiet.Repeated tromps on the gas pedal had no effect at all.Oh boy, now what d’ya do.You park it on the inside shoulder and grab for the cell phone, of course.We had two of them with us……………..both with dead batteries.That’s when Ol’ Ned’s cousins Jeanie and Jim came to the rescue, handing us a phonethatactually worked.After a few minutes chatting with AAA (WWHATT? No, I said it has to be a flatbed!This is a Corvette, ya know what I mean?) , then a few more explaining to the nice Highway Patrolman that we really did know that this wasn’t a good place to park, a spiffy new flatbed tow truck pulled up and my baby was very professionally and carefully pulled onto it’s back (the truck’s back, I mean).
The rest of the trip was uneventful, but very slow.It’s not normal for a ‘Vette to poke along at 55 on a wide open freeway, much less on the back of a truck.
P.S.My educated guess was right; the fuel pump was the culprit.After one day at the dealership exercising that extended warranty (boy am I glad I said yes to that little add-on) and sporting a brand new fuel pump and somewhat questionable fuel level sensor, the Z06 is back on the road and ready for the next trip.
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Chili Fest 2007 –Submitted by Ken & Joan Schmid
The Noice’s did it again.The Chili Fest was fabulous.
They had everything so organized.Kudo’s to all of our members for bringing all of that wonderful food. From Chocolate dipped strawberries the size of tea cups to salads to die for.Katherine really out did herself on pea salad. .I am sure Pat Reeves will agree.Lissa’s wonderful salad was great.We can’t even begin to remember everything but it was all delicious.
Carlos Vivas made sure he got the first corner of the pineapple upside down cake.His favorite. The surprise hit of the day was Paul Hayes idea to have hot dogs.Which everyone promptly made into what else – Chili Dogs. To everyone’s credit we all stayed around to clean up the mess and fold up tables. Merrill and Jean had a little mishap.Someone cut them off and they had to slam on the brakes and spilled chill all over.That is grounds for homicide.Ha…. It was so good to see Roger and Tina VanWert.They have been very busy remodeling their vacation/retirement home.Somewhere above Fresno.I always forget the city. But all in all we had a really great day with all our wonderful Corvette friends.
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Gambler Classic March, 2007
"Back to the River"
Friday morning a number of members (8) met behind Marie Calendar's in Rossmoor to start the 5 hour trek to Laughlin. Due to the early start 8:00 am, a few members started later and some actually earlier as it turned out, but all in all it was a good ride. At the connection from the 210 FRW to the 15 FRW we encountered Hal Vatcher leading a group from the other club he belongs to. Our members stopped in Lenwood for breakfast at either Bob's Big Boy or Denny's (due to a mix up by Jan) and then on to Laughlin we went. The ride was uneventful and we had time for a few slots or time to rest before dinner. All together there were 23 Southwest Corvette members attending the event although 5 members had come with other clubs they are members of.
Dinner was tri-tip and chicken wings, spaghetti, salad, veggies etc. Of course desserts of pumpkin pie, chocolate cake and carrot cake, maybe some other stuff I missed. There were long lines to the food as there were 1,100 people attending but the weather wasn't too hot and everything was under the tent so it wasn't really that bad. (I’m sure glad I didn't have to organize it.) I'm sure improvements will be made in the future. The entertainment was a band called "The Beagles". Although it was loud, and what band isn't, the music Paul and I stayed for was good. We really thought they did a great job with the Beatle's songs. Lots of people dancing and remembering their youth. (Oh, should I say that? ha, ha Oh well, I know I was remembering mine).
Saturday was the Poker Run. I'm sure it was fun, I always have enjoyed it in the past but Paul didn't want to go so I was happy to play slots and get my Poker hand punched at the tent. For those who have never gone to Laughlin, there is a good car museum in the Riverside Casino. Paul goes every year, just to see what has changed. He wasn't disappointed and the exercise did him good with a stop for a beer and hotdog on the way back.
Blaine's birthday was Monday so most of us celebrated with him at the Saltgrass Steakhouse in the Golden Nugget.
The food was fantastic. The bacon wrapped shrimp/chicken with their signature fried onions and BBQ sauce was to die for. I'm told the steaks were good too and Katherine enjoyed her baby back ribs. We all sang happy birthday to Blaine with his lit candle in a piece of cheesecake. It was a happy ending to a lovely weekend.
Sunday everyone was leaving at different times so we all made it home "sometime". A few, like Sanford and Linda, Blaine & Sharon, and Bob and Val went on to Las Vegas for some more fun. I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend getaway as much as we did and we're enjoying the thoughts of returning again next year.
Submitted by Jan Hayes
Santa Anita Park Saturday, March 17, 2007
A large group of us gathered to make our way to Santa Anita Park.It was a beautiful St. Patrick’s Day to be out and about. We arrived at the track and again, Ned Pepper made it a wonderful day.We were seated in the front three rows of the Loge and had a great view of the ponies… There was some wagering going on.Although most of us had not done this before, I think there were a few lucky people there.Walt Wendelstein& Cheryl Hall seem to be picking the right ones.Dick’s cousin and her husband were pretty lucky also.Marty & Ellen Weinberg were having a pretty good time at it.I saw Sanford and Linda Simmons get us a few times to collect their winnings.Jim Cartwright walked away with a few extra dollars.I saw Tom Rachel in the back wagering along side a gentlemen who looked and sounded like he knew what he was talking about…No doubt, Tom got some good advice. All in all, everyone had a great time. Lunch was great.Buffet style with BBQ tri-tip, lemon chicken, hot dogs, potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans, a pasta dish and some really good cookies for desert.Everyone left with a full belly and hopefully a couple of dollars richer… Another great time…If you don’t make it to these events, you are really missing out.We all have such a fun time and get a chance to get to know our fellow Southwest Corvettes members.Obviously, Walt & Cheryl already know eachother. Dick “Ned Pepper” Malley works really hard to make these events a good time and is successful every time.Here he is with a couple of the women he works with.They did not have a Corvette, but they dropped the right name to be able to join us in the run.Thanks Dick for all your hard work.We all really appreciate it. Submitted by:Debbie Miller
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Nethercutt Museum Run Saturday, Feb. 3, 2007
About 26 of the members met at Denny's in LB on Saturday Feb 3rd. for a Run to the Nethercutt Museum. The famous Merrill Norman Cosmetic family started this fantastic collection. The members started off great when many (yours truly included) went north rather than south of the 405. So much for a caravan, huh. Well, all freeways seem to find there way to the 5 Fwy. and so we, and others, continued on our way and met up with the rest of the group at the museum. A Porsche club was with our tour and so it ended up a fairly large group.
Doors opened at 10:00 a.m. and we spent the next 2 hours looking at the most beautiful cars, figurines, watches, radiator caps (hood ornaments) organs and other types of musical player pianos. Three floors and the basement were filled. There was lots of walking (they did have an elevator) and the steps were easy for those of us who have trouble with them. There is so much to look at and every floor is timed so no one could actually stay and study the objects and cars.
They opened a new studio for the cosmetic line and a few of the members did some shopping. When the tour was over we all crossed the street and went to the car museum. Lovely, lovely cars! Also the Pullman car belonging to the Baldwin family was on display. Such opulence is a treat to look at.
When lunch time came we all went over to the El Chaparral Restaurant for some good Mexican food. Service was a little slow but there were quite a few people besides our group. Everyone said the food was good so that is usually a good sign.
Ol' Ned Pepper set up the reservations for the tour and restaurant. Dick is the best Activities Chairman the club has ever had so be sure you let him know how much he is appreciated. It takes time and effort. If you missed this trip, plan on the next one to Corvette Day at Santa Anita Park on Mar. 17. Dick needs to know if you’re going. Come to the meeting to find out more information. Submitted by Jan Hayes
Awards Banquet January 2007
What a beautiful day we had enjoying the ocean scenery at McKenna’s by the Bay. Our lunch “The Seafood Salad” was delicious.All of our favorites were in it. The hot bread was to die for. Awards were presented to the officers and the chairman of our different and varied appointed positions. They all do so much to contribute to our club. Bob Tomlin gave a very nice tribute to Jim Evans who is always there and quietly supports the club.A very nice tribute to a nice man. Ken and Joan Schmid presented Stars to the “Stars” of our club. Those members that make our club successful. We were sorry Roger and Tina VanWert were not able to be present to receive their award for the Christmas party.Roger and Tina have opened their home to us for 9 of the 10 years we have been members.(I don’t know the history prior). I really goofed and I apologize to Cheryl Hall for not awarding her a star for providing bounty for us earlier in the year until circumstances prevented her from attending for awhile.“Thank You”!We are glad to see you back. We will look forward to the good times the rest of 2007 and 2008. Submitted by Ken & Joan Schmid
