Back from Memphis!!

Keith & I just got back from a trip to Memphis. The library sent me to the annual conference of the Association of Public Treasurers of the United States and Canada. It was held at the Peabody Hotel. That was really something. Maybe you have seen it on TV. They have ducks that they bring in every morning on a red carpet to swim in their fountain in the lobby. They take them out every night at 5. They have a big ceremony every time!!

We got to go to Graceland. They closed it down for us and we could tour the home, museum, car museum, and his planes at our leisure. We were there from 6:30 to 10 p.m. (We took an earlier bus back at 9) We were really impressed with the tour. They give everyone a little recorder with earphones and all you have to do is press the numbers of what you want to hear. So you can take as long as you want and view it at your own speed. They had food set up at two places so you could eat all you want - ribs, pulled pork, beans etc. Of course they had gift shops too.

The next night they closed down BB Kings Blues Club to the public and we were the only ones there. Of course there were 350 people at this conference and many had spouses so it was really crowded. We didn't stay there long. We checked out Beale Street.

The next day we were given a free afternoon and we took a riverboat ride on the Mississippi. It was hot!! But we enjoyed it.

There were 350 people there and everyone was supposed to bring a door prize for the raffle for the Presidential Scholarship Fund. I estimate only about 150 or 200 did. Anyway. What are the odds. I took one and that is the one I won!!!! It was supposed to represent our city and state so I took an Etch a Sketch (Ohio Art Co.) and a big bag of dum dum suckers (Spangler Candy Co.) When you come for a visit, ask for a sucker. We have lots.

We are just trying to catch up on all the things we have to get done.

Keith's class reunion is tomorrow night. (40 years). When he graduated he had a 1966 Charger. He left a bid at an auction while we were gone, and he got a 1966 Charger!! I haven't seen it yet, but all I know is that it needs painted etc.

I will add a few pictures from our trip.

GREAT WEEKEND!

Kevin & Sarah (and Gilmore) came home this weekend so that we could celebrate their July birthdays. They got here Friday evening and we went to an auction Keith had in Bryan. Then we went to (a first for Keith) a "cat auction" at the Humane Shelter. Afterwords we went out for a nice meal.

Saturday we had a party at our house to celebrate. I made chocolate cake with chocolate icing for Sarah (her favorite) and red raspberry cheesecake for Kevin (one of his favorites). We had a cookout with all of Kurt's family and both of the Grandmas. Casey and Cayla were a little weary of Gilmore at first, but by the end of the day all four kids seemed to really like him. We made smores on Keith's new smore maker. We played cards with Grandma Engler till around eleven o'clock.

Sunday we slept in (except Sarah, who got up early with Gilmore). We just relaxed and enjoyed spending time together. Kevin showed me how to sell items on ebay and how to burn CDs on my computer. Kevin & Sarah got me a printer that hooks up to my digital camera a prints picture postcards, so he had to show me how to use that too. I mailed out three postcards on Saturday. It is really cool.

Casey won her first "All-Star" tournament game Tuesday night. I could not go because I had dominos club at my house. But her next game is tonight in Garrett, Indiana, and I will be there to cheer her on.

We are going to Memphis to a Conference for the Association of Public Treasurers of United State and Canada for my job. I am to take a door prize that represents the town I work in. Ohio Art has donated an Etch a Sketch and I will go to Spangler Candy and get some dum-dums to take too. We will get to go to Graceland and BB Kings in the evenings on Sunday and Monday. We are looking forward to going. Keith can get some much needed R&R while I am at classes.

Casey's an All-Star!

Just when I thought the season was over, Casey was chosen for the All-Star Team. I don't know when the games start, but you can be sure Grandma will be there if possible.