Well, I know you all have missed me and my special brand of humor and I am
sure you are glad I am back. Why what the hell do you mean you didn't notice my
absence.
Anyway, my little Luan and I just returned from an Alaskan cruise that was
less then sterling. However, we will save that story for another time.
Just in case you didn't know, or maybe have forgotten, we are having a
gathering in Houston this November. I have many reservations and we almost have
the 20 rooms we reserved. However, the hotel assures me they have plenty more
so make your reservations and flight arrangements and come on down. Remember
our cutoff date is October 13 and that is less then a month away. This does not
mean we won't accept reservations after that date this just means I will half
to pay for the conference room then or they won't guarantee it. We are going to
have a fun bunch so nut up, get out those credit cards and make the trip.
Below is a reposting of the information encase someone missed it.
Hello, warmest greetings from deep in the heart of the piny woods, here,
at the little ranch house on southwood drive in Lufkin Texas.
As most of you know about three and a half years ago we started the blind
handyman. Some where around a year later we began doing blind like me and our
computer guy Don Shaw got us a couple of lists up and running. In case you
don't know we have a list serve for each show and both lists stay at around
200 plus members at all times.
In November of o4 we tried a small gathering at a Sheraton hotel in Houston
and by all feedback I've received it was a smashing success. IN fact, I
believe most everyone who attended is returning for round two. This years
gathering will began on Friday evening November third, continue thru
Saturday
the forth, Sunday the fifth and, we will depart Houston Monday morning the
sixth. We found this Sheraton hotel accommodating so we are Staying with a
winner.
When you touch down in Houston there is a shuttle that will quickly whisk you
from any terminal at intercontinental directly to where all the fun is, the
Sheraton on J F K boulevard. All you must do is tell someone where you need to
go. Best part about this shuttle is, it's absolutely free. I suggest however
you bring plenty of small bills because when the porter shows you to your room
and trundles your bags up, they will expect, and deserve a couple of bucks
for their trouble.
Before I get too far a field let me mention this venue has three restaurants
with a good variety of comestibles to nosh. Besides all that, the food is
good too. If memory serves correct there is 24-7 room service and one may order
and just eat in your room if you like. However, we found the wait staff
in the restaurants very helpful and quite willing to cut, sprinkle, and
special order what ever for you. Bair in mind like everywhere else these days
the food is pricie and if one expects good service the standard gratuity is 15
to 20 percent. However it has been my experience these days that a good
tip doesn't necessarily always convert to good service any more.
As for what we will do to fill the time here is an overview of some planned
activities. Friday evening, the exciting setting up and installation of
the requisite recording and public address equipment needed. Later a meeting
of the blind rifleman's association in the lounge. It is my contention at
this time that the two activities will dovetail quite nicely.
Things will get off to a rousing start at around 9 30 or 10AM Saturday
morning with the introduction of everyone and some talks by whom ever would like
to speak to our groupe. Also, we are working on a small panel discussion. All
the details are not complete so, more on that later. Maybe you would like
to tell about an unusual job you have or just something about your self.
Understand, this is not required of anyone, this will be strictly on a
volunteer
bases. I can however guarantee none of those motivational speakers who make you
feel like your life to date has been just a complete waist of time.
Saturday afternoon at 3PM we will record a cooking in the dark show with
everyone's favorite, the mahatma of the microwave, Dale Campbell. Of course
He will be ably assisted by ny sweet and classey friend Sheryl Comings. After
that the sun will be long over the yardarm so, time to play some music and dance
the night away.
Sunday at around 8 30AM Emma Lee, Don Pats lady will host a non
denominational religious service for all who wish to attend. You'll probably
want to
be their because music for the Sunday morning gathering will be provided by the
lovely and very talented Debra Saylor.
Sunday at around 11AM we will record a blind handyman with all the usual
suspects. In attendance will be Tom Houston, Don Patterson, Don Shaw, of course
you, plus, the creator. Sunday afternoon we plan to record a blind like me
plus have a show and tell session. If you have something old or new that
talks, beeps or can be operated successfully by blind persons pleas bring what
ever along and demonstrate it for us.
We are working on a little music trivia game we might play if I can get all
the details worked out. By the way, if you have an idea for something you
think the groupe would enjoy doing pleas get in touch with me either by phone
or, e mail. Remember, we are just like n p r, all things will be considered.
Sunday night, more music, dancing and, general me ham and merriment.
Much to soon then it's Monday morning, on the big bird and back to one's
home 20. With all those wonderful memories, and that one little embarrassing
moment, vying for space in your psyche.
I think I can speak for the groupe and seriously say, we all had a real fine
time just getting to know each other, and we certainly plan to do it again
this year.
As you have probably discerned by now, this gathering or convention is not
about learning anything or expanding one's perspective. I suppose you might
posit this weekend is for the making of new friends and comparing other blind
persons lives to yours. In short, let's all come to Texas in November, enjoy
the wonderful weather and have a fun time.
O, lest I forget and you half to ask, the dog relief area has already been
arraigned for.
Well, I suppose it's time to talk money.
Last time we used a travel agent but for this one you will need to make your
reservations directly with the Sheraton. Phone number is,
2 8 1. 4 4 2. 5 1 0 0.
Tel the person at the reservations desk you want to reserve a room with the
blind handyman gathering in November. As of today they should know what
you are talking about.
Rooms are 72$ per night plus tax, single or double, they don't care. You
will need a major credit card to secure your room however, nothing will be
charged to your card until you arrive on Friday the third to clame your room.
If you plan to come as a single let me no and I will end ever to match you
with a room mate.
The registration fee is 25$ per person, 50$ per couple, this time, down from
40 per person last year. I think we will have quite a few more people this
year so we can spread the cost around some. As was decided last time, the only
way to pay the registration fee is, just send me a check. Yes I could collect
the money after we arrive, but, know know, just send me a check. Pleas make
said check payable to blind handyman gathering, and send it to Phil Parr 16
04 Southwood drive Lufkin Texas 7 5 9 0 4. None of this money will be spent
until after the cut off date so, if for some reason you had to cancel I would
refund your money. Our cutoff date for making reservations and registering for
the gathering is Friday October 13 2006. After that date the hotel will
no longer Guarantee the special room rate and, the registration moneys will
have been already ear marked for spending.
I am sure you all understand this but here I go anyway. You, and you alone,
are personally responsible for arranging your flight to Houston and back
and transportation to and from your domicile. If you don't know how to make
these arrangements we can find someone to help you I'm sure.
Here are a few amenities offered by this hotel.
Both an indoor and out door pool.
Full work out and exercise facilities.
Accelerated check out by phone.
Tanning beds.
A spa and massage on demand.
Well, that got a little more involved then I thought it would.
I think I covered most everything but, if you think of something let me know.
Phone, 9 3 6. 6 3 4. 9 5 0 0
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Now, this year you can't say you didn't know soon enough, start saving and come
on down and see us.
See you all in Houston in November, Phil Parr.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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