Friday morning began at 5:15, with a trip to Ben Shuler’s dialysis appointment. From there, I returned home to make sure all of the luggage was packed, weighed, and ready to go. I took care of the cats, made sure the house was as ready as it could be for us to leave, and had my breakfast.
Jeannette Wright came shortly after 9, took me to pick up Ben, and we headed to the airport. The flight was uneventful, and we arrived in Dallas safe and sound. After a dinner at the Cyprus Lounge, we met up with Mel Astrahan and other Odd Fellows we recognized.
During registration, all attendees received a tote bag which, among other goodies, included a set of Texas trading cards. The trading card set included 20 unique people, locations, or brands that are special to Texas culture. In each person’s bag was a set of 20 cards, broken down as 2 sets of 10, and participants were encouraged to mingle with other people and trade to try to get all 20. I was one of only two people in the GMC sessions who actually managed to get all 20.
On Saturday, I had orientation as a representative, received my packets, and was asked by General Marion Owens to assist as one of his Aide de Camp’s for the remainder of the session. As one of his courtesy officers, my job was to be one of his attendants at the side of the session – receiving money, passing out commissions, etc. Tony Pruitt was installed as Aide de Camp.
During the opening ceremonies, I carried the flag of the Czech Republic. Dinner that evening was semi-formal. Ben and I enjoyed an extremely chocolate cake. Rodney Metoyer was in seventh heaven.
Earlier on Saturday, we went to check out Ben’s dialysis clinic, where he’d continue his treatments during the week. We learned that not only was it close, but they could schedule it in the afternoon, which meant that I could fully participate in the sessions before dropping him off.
Monday’s sessions began at 8, which meant my day began at 6:30, getting into my uniform, breakfast, and into the hall by 7:30 to receive any commands. Elections that day saw Fred Dolling elected as executive officer. Of the legislation brought forward, California’s own bill to amend the uniform regulations to allow for a black beret instead of a baseball cap was defeated. It was also reported by the by-laws committee that California’s by-laws were approved with changes: the executive officer position must be retitled. The terminology of “executive officer” was restricted to GMC use only. They recommended “Assistant Deputy Department Commander”.
After Monday’s sessions, I brought Ben to his first dialysis appointment for the week. While he got his treatment, I went back to the hotel and found Mason Wolf, who told me about a live taping of the Three Links Odd Cast with Toby Hanson, Ainslie Heilich, and Meredith Moore. It sounded like fun, so I joined the live studio audience.
After the dialysis, we had just enough time to get back to the hotel and get dressed. That night was the officer’s banquet, a formal occasion where I wore my black and gold dress, and Ben was dashing in his tuxedo. We were seated together with the ladies from Florida and had a wonderful time.
Tuesday, once again up at 6:30, in the meeting room by 7:30. There wasn’t a lot happening in the GMC that day. Along with Tony, I was asked to accompany General Owens on his visits to the other branches throughout the week. Tuesday afternoon was the change of command, but I and a few others opted to go to the baseball game that was playing next to the convention center instead. The Frisco RoughRiders were playing the Wichita WindSurge in the Minor League Series Opener. The home team was winning up until the 9th inning, when Wichita took a double followed by a grand slam, ultimately winning 10-9. It was an incredibly hot day, but the half price drinks and constant breezes helped keep it bearable.
Walking back from the ballpark, Ben had a sudden attack in which he insisted I needed to go back to the hotel, and pick up the car to bring him back. Ben, Martha Galvan, and Mel Astrahan stayed behind as I went to the hotel, got the car keys, left my phone on the desk, went down to retrieve the car from the garage and went to find them. As I was trying to navigate the one way streets and look for Martha (who was dressed in a white shirt), I could not find them. I circled 4 times trying to get to the street that I left them on, when I finally managed to find the spot that I left them at, they were gone! I gave up, went back to the hotel, parked the car and went inside, where I immediately ran into Mason and Martha. I was frantic. I didn’t have my phone with me, so Mason offered to call Mel. That’s when I learned that they were at the back door to the hotel, having walked back together. Apparently, they had seen me drive past them several times, and tried waving to me, but since I was looking for Martha’s white shirt (I didn’t realize she had come back), and as dark as it was, I did not see them. Once I knew where to find them, I met them at the back door of the hotel, we got Ben back to the room to rest (fortunately, his attack turned out to just be heartburn – probably from all of the $2 hot dogs and half-priced sodas), and then Mel and I sat at the hotel bar where I got a stiff drink to calm myself.
Wednesday morning, up at 6:30 again. The incoming general, Fred Barlow, shared his program for the next year. The new line is Fred Barlow, Frances Latanowich, and now Fred Dolling, so they’ve been nicknamed the “F Troop”.
After sessions, I took Ben back to dialysis again. Mel and I proceeded to find the Pot Belly Deli for lunch, and then I went to my tattoo appointment with Ainslie. My new tattoo is a three link chain like our Odd Fellows symbol, but with hearts instead of ovals for the links. It’s on my neck just above the collar bone, and covers up a scar from my cancer treatment that I had last year. It had become a painful reminder of a frightening time in my life, so I was glad to cover it up with something that makes me happy to look at.
Wednesday night, after retrieving Ben from dialysis, it was time to get dressed for the formal banquet. Ben decided not to wear his tux, but I wore my pink dress. After dinner ended, Ben decided to go back to his room. He was a little unsteady on his feet, so General Wys offered to accompany him. I didn’t realize it at the time, but he was also using this as an excuse to retire for the night himself. I kept looking for the general to return, but he didn’t.
Thursday saw the budget pass, with remarkably little friction. There was almost no discussion by the time it came to the floor. A special award of the Purple Heart was presented to Tony Pruitt in recognition of the injury suffered at the end of last year’s session. And then the rest of the session was over and done in a flash. Back to the room to pack up the luggage, and fit all of the luggage and four adults (Mel, Martha, Ben, and myself) into our rented Hyundai Kona.
Another sessions in the books. Next year in Rapid City, South Dakota!