posted 9/06/09
Sandy came up with this great idea about having a surprise retirement party for Lou. She asked ZWJ to find a way to keep him away while they set everything up that day. ZWJ recruited WB8WIQ and Dick Cacek to assist in getting Lou away for the morning. The guys decided the best way to get Lou away for the time necessary was to take him shooting at a new range where Dick was a member.
N0BIX arrived from near St. Louis, MO. Friday afternoon maintaining radio silence so as not to alert Lou. Flat KBob seemed to enjoy the ride with N0BIX.
Saturday morning Keith and Bob went to breakfast and then went to Tipp City and walked around the Farmer's Market. Bob saw the Spring Hill sign and automatically thought of the town in Tennessee where N5AAA and KA9VQS live.
Saturday afternoon KA9VQS and N5AAA arrive also maintaining radio silence. As it turned out, Lou ended up working a few hours Saturday morning at the paint store, so, he was out and away from Sandi and her preparations.
Big Al drove straight to the party from his place in Michigan.
As the guests arrive at Lou and Sandi's place, Lou, Keith, Dave and Dick are eating lunch and then checking out the new gun club's shooting range.
Lou is so surprised when he gets back to his house and sees all the cars he simply drives on by and waves at the folks gathered for his arrival! After turning around, he does pull into the driveway!
Lou calls ZWJ on the radio expressing his surprise now knowing that going shooting was a part of the plan to get him away from the house. ZWJ and WIQ arrive shortly after KXM.
Let the fun and frolic begin! Ah yes, a feeding frenzy occurred as well!
It's time to cut the cake! (Don't go there - cheese was not part of the deal!)
Visiting, fun and frolic continue....
Sandi feeds her barnyard friends across the back fence.
The invitations said "no gifts" but Big Al's seemed to have missed that phrase, so, he bought Lou a remote control hook and ladder truck that even shoots water out of the hose! Lou's sons went together and they will be taking Dad to a Brown's and Bengal's football game this fall.
This young man had to touch the button one more time just to see if Lou would follow up on his statement!
Sandi assembled a neat collection of fire department memorabilia and had it on display for all to see!
Who do you suppose this young guy is?
Things begin to wind down...
After the party, the out-of-towners visit on Keith and Marian's back porch enjoying the wonderful weather.
Sunday morning, during the 20 Meter sked, the gang meets Marian at Bob Evans for an after the party breakfast before the 40 Meter Sked. Marian had an early Mass and late Mass to play so we scheduled the breakfast between Masses. Big Al left before the crack of dawn and headed back north to Evart, Michigan.
It's time for the 40 Meter sked!
After playing radio the out-of-towners headed back towards home. Another fun filled weekend has come to an end!
Many thanks to all who made this a special time for Lou! Also, thanks to N0BIX, N5AAA and WA8ZWJ for the photos used in this presentation.
Best 73, Keith, WA8ZWJ
