Florida Crackers Chapter of FMCA: Feb. 2019 Rally - Stagecoach

Florida Cracker News

Feb. 11 – 15, 2019 –Stagecoach, St. Augustine, FL

President's Message:

I can’t express how very disappointed I am not to be able to be there with you at the St. Augustine rally. I have really missed being with the members of our Cracker family. I would have liked to wish all of you a Happy Valentine’s Day in person. With all that is going on with my medical issues, I am not sure if I will be able to attend any of our rallies for the balance of our season. What a real letdown for Max and I. In the meantime, I thank you so much for your prayers, cards, e-mails and phone calls. They are really appreciated. As I have always said, it just goes to prove what a wonderful Cracker family we truly have.

Remember to enjoy the rest of our rally season. I look forward to seeing you all in November in the Keys.

Thanks again.

Gene

* * * * * * * * * * *

Another successful rally was enjoyed by all who attended! Our rally hosts, Denise & Don and Ellen & Rich, did a wonderful job coordinating the entire week. Thanks also go to all the wonderful members who offered to host meals throughout this rally. Every meal was well done and provided delicious fare. Our Welcome Dinner of sausages, onions & peppers and salads was a great start to the week and was provided by Steve & Debbie. On Tuesday, Barb & Greg with the appreciated help from Susan made large breakfast casseroles of four delicious varieties. A yummy Sloppy Joe Dinner served in a choice of taco boats or rolls was provided Tuesday night by Judy & Dave. A Wednesday breakfast of pancakes and sausages provided by Denise & Don and Ellen & Rich kept our tummies happy and full until we dined on a scrumptious roast beef dinner with mashed potatoes with gravy, carrots, corn on the cob, and green beans prepared by Michelle & Jerry & Joan & Bob Sm. On the unlikely notion we still might be hungry, they followed the meal up with giant-sized slices of apple pie and two choices of ice cream. Oh, my, we all waddled home that night.

If any of the ladies didn’t already feel special enough thanks to Jim P.’s presentation of long-stemmed chocolate roses, we all got a break from cooking on Valentine’s Day. Our hosts and hostesses had arranged for the group to enjoy a Valentine’s dinner at Cucina Giovanni Restaurant conveniently located near the campground. Our delicious dinner almost didn’t happen when our hosts were called back early from their tour of St. Augustine with a call from the restaurant. They were told there was a problem with the electricity making it impossible to cook. Fortunately, the crisis was solved in time. Since Valentine’s Day was heavily booked, I’m certain the restaurant was as relieved as we were.

Jim P. was everyone's favorite Valentine when
he presented chocolate roses to all the ladies

Honestly, we did do more than eat. There were trips to St. Augustine, the outlet mall, visits with friends, and walks around the campground. Somewhere between meals and sightseeing, we were also able to work in games of Left Right Center Wild, Nickel Nickel, Kangaroo Races and 50/50. Members Alan & Bettie Ann who had only joined our group the end of last year were convinced we were trying to turn them into gambling addicts. Is it our fault that Alan’s #5 kangaroo kept pulling him back to the table for every race?

Barb, Judy, Dave, Don & Greg

Don, Greg, Barb & Susan toast having fun in St. Augustine

Dave H. was our lucky 50/50 winner and Denise & Don were extremely lucky at LRC Wild. In fact, Norm was very suspicious they might have slipped in their own set of dice containing more than the usual Wild symbols since they were able to swipe quarters from the entire table so many times.

Although it was a small group who played Nickel, Nickel, we played just enough games that everyone had a turn winning. Norm & Jan, Karin, Don C. and visitor Carol all got to empty pots of various sizes. Speaking about our visitor, Carol told me she her husband Dave M. felt very welcome all week and she particularly enjoyed learning new games. They have upcoming travel but hope to visit with us again in November and are considering becoming members.

Another example of the caring nature of our group was reported to me by Susan B. She and Don R. had an issue with their coach that caused a five-hr. delay in their St. Augustine arrival. Barb & Greg refused to leave them the entire time as they wanted to ensure their safe arrival to the campground. Thanks, Crackers, for once again highlighting what a caring group we have.