The Annual Madiera Beach Boat Parade Or Not

The Annual Madiera Beach Boat Parade--That I Don’t Think Happened This Year—PAAAAARTY

I have written about Rick’s [in]famous Boat Parade Party before.  But, it is always fun to attend and then write about it.  Actually, I’m going to copy much of the posting from last year with some updates, including a few pictures and a post script on the non-boat parade.

Florida’s Christmas celebrations are soooo different than those in northern climes. Many towns have street parades, oft at night. But many of the coastal or bay front towns have an additional parade…a parade of boats from tiny dinghies to mammoth yachts highly decorated with lights, dancing Santas (some in red shorts, Hawaiian shirt and surf board--hohoho), trees--some dancing, more lights and an assortment of “red-nosed” animals. Yes, of course, we have Rudolph the Red-nosed reindeer. But then, there are the red-nosed turtles, flamingoes, dolphins and various and sundry other lesser known red-nosed creatures. I am sure they all must have names, but I will leave it to the reader’s imagination to name these critters. I personally like the alliteration found in Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Can’t get that alliterative sound with these other animals.

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Rick's neighbor

One of our favorite annual traditions at this time of the year is the party at Rick’s. Rick is a really great guy with a big heart and lots of hospitality. His home is on the beautiful Boca Ciega Bay (a smaller bay just north of Tampa Bay). Originally, the waterfront was surrounded by small cottage-type houses, many framed or block. Because it is on the water’s edge, much of the area has been bought by folks who tore down the old charming bungalows and built huge multi-story houses. There are several surrounding Rick’s place. His place, however, is still a block bungalow built over the course of a couple or three decades…remnants of earlier architecture.

Rick has a philosophy about the color of his house. Go to the paint store, buy whatever has been returned by someone else. And paint the wall that color. If one gallon is not enough, buy as many gallons as one might need to complete a wall. If the colors are not the same…no problem…just mix them all together...and paint the wall that color. Thus, the exterior of his home has one wall facing the bay (the east wall) that is sort of pinkish. One wall is greenish (I think that is the north wall). Since there are a couple of ells, the walls switch color. The west wall which faces the road is various shades of blue. This wall is painted in a wavy shore motif.

The interior walls have the same criteria. Buy whatever, mix it, paint with it.  In the past, one bathroom was kind of an apple red on the walls, plum ceiling and a turquoise shag rug. One of his many friends actually found a curtain with those exact colors and tied the room together.  But this year, it had acquired a new coat of paint.  The new colors were like that of a desert.  Someone had actually painted cactus and desert flowers around the base

Rick is the bass player in the 97th String Band--we like to believe world famous--a group that plays music from the ‘60’s—that is the 1860’s. Their music is music that would have been heard during the Civil War. Great music!

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Rick--Seven swans a-swimming

Anyway, back to the annual tradition. Rick opens his house and heart on the waterfront on the day of the boat parade scheduled for the town of Madiera Beach.

He provides soda, ice and some beer. A few years ago, all these items were put in his canoe which was near the house. The canoe has since been retired. He now uses real coolers.

Anyone/everyone is welcome…neighbors, students (he is a retired teachers), other teachers, railroad enthusiasts (he likes trains), friends, friends of friends, and friends of friends’ friends and probably their friends. Of course, any Civil War reenactor who is inclined to attend is welcome. This group forms the largest part of the population. Often there are people floating through his house and yard that he does not really know. It is a great family event. Children of all ages are welcomed (as long as their parents, uncles or grandparents watch over them).

He never worries about food, as he provides none of it. The criterion for this party is to bring something…anything from store-boughten chicken wings to homemade chili. Greek salad, pizza, ethnic specialties, sandwiches, pasta salad, store-bought sweets, homemade cookies and cake, appetizers—including dips, crackers, chips, hummus. Some years lots of pasta dishes show up (none, except the salad, this year),

Although the boat parade is supposed to arrive in front of his dock somewhere between 7:15 and 8:00 pm, people start arriving about five-ish. There is a constant revolving of goodies on the table. Those who arrive early eat early, then eat later, then eat later as new foods replace early taste treats.

Everyone who wants or needs a chair brings his/her own. There is some liquor, but no one ever seems to get drunk. This year Deb, once again, had a burner going heating hot cider. There was spiced rum for those who wanted it “leaded.” The bottle was not gone at the end of the evening, although the hot cider was.

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Tim's drums

Several guests are musicians. Flutes, penny whistles, guitars, (sometimes) Rick’s bass, borans, and various other small instruments abound. Singing of traditional Christmas songs for anyone who wants to join in.  Tim (snare drum), Jane (fife), John (fife) and others who make up the 95th fife and drum group come bearing their instruments and play continuously.

Those of us who are veterans of this celebration know that the more noise, the better. Whistles. Air Horns. Cow Bells (this is my contribution).  This year they abounded. Yelling and Hooting. Whatever can make noise—the louder, the better. And, of course, Ray and his half–scale Civil War cannon! BOOOOM! BANG! BOOOOOOOOOOOM! with many of his ROTC cadets ready to listen to his command to let it go bang.

Normally, as each boat goes by with their beautiful decorations, the crowd gets nosier. One year as Ray shot the cannon (black powder, but no ball or shell) one of the participants on the boat going by actually ducked (probably this has happened more than once). Ray shoots as many rounds as he can get out of his cannon. He even shoots at the Sheriff’s boats (try that one in Massachusetts!).   This year, however, not too many shots. 

Ray's cannon scared 'em away

There is a dinner paddle-wheeler that passes the dock each year.  Usually, they pass as the other boats are going by and drop anchor in front of Rick’s, as there is already a lot of noise. This is one of those huge paddle boats that one sees at places like the Mississippi River. Because of a forecast of bad weather, we think, last year, the party boat did not show. This year, since the parade was not passing at the time the dinner boat went, Ray let a cannon shot fire as the boat passed us.  Lynne (who cannot always attend because of work was able to make it this year) said those $9.00 cocktails were probably dumped and sitting in many-a-person’s lap. This year, instead of stopping, they started going faster.

Most years there are thirty or forty boats—some commercial, some privately owned. I think, that although there are many parties happening in the neighborhood, ours is the loudest; and, no doubt the most fun. 

Five Gold-en Rings

Usually, after the last boat re-passes us, the traditional aerobic “Twelve Days of Christmas” is rendered.  This year, since we did not see the boats, we started the song about 8:30. Got through the entire song and still no boats. All are invited into the “circle” to enjoy this bit of crazy fun. There are always some who do not want to look like fools and stand off in the corner, but it is their loss. Thirty or forty people singing (mostly off key) and jumping and flailing to the song is something to behold. The early part of the song is fairly easy, but when we get into the higher numbers, not everyone is doing the same thing. Some are doing the twelve drummers drumming while others have gotten down to lords a-leaping. A beautiful mish-mosh of great fun and laughter. Kids. Adults. Slim and trim folks. Some of us who are more portly. Usually, by the time we finish our sides hurt from the laughter generated.

The party tends to break up around nine o’clock or so. No one ever goes away unhappy. Rick is a most unlikely party host. But, in the long haul, his style is great!

We left around nine o’clock.  No boats.  Someone mentioned that she had heard they had problems with the bridges.  How one every heard that, I’ll never know.  We left around nine as we had a long ride home.  Many others had already left.  The party was great—with or without the boats.  Wonder if they ever did show up.  Thanks Rick, Deb and all who brought food.

The green end of the house

The pink side of the house



John, the other UCONN fan



http://the97th.com/

Presbyterian Women (USA)

Presbyterian Women (USA)

We had our monthly meeting of Presbyterian Women at Dale’s house today.  Usually, we meet at Church, but occasionally we meet at someone’s home.  These meetings are always very special.  Dale’s home is the family homestead filled with antiques.  Like me, she has a like for cobalt colored glassware with an entire cabinet pretty much devoted to it.  I recognized many of the patterns from my own love of Depression Era glassware.

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Dale's aloe bloom

Molly's aloe bloom

One of her rooms is a huge living room/family room with a stone fireplace.  The house is on a large acreage land.  She has several aloe plants in her yard; one is in bloom.  We also have aloe plants, recently in bloom. I think, however, they must be a slightly different variety.

We celebrated Christmas with our annual Christmas party.  A “cookie exchange” was our main refreshment.  Surprisingly in this day and age when few people bake, most of the cookies were homemade.  We not only exchanged cookies, but we also had several “cookie stories.”

I believe Dana said that she does not bake as a rule.  She had a recipe from her mother.  They were peanut butter cookies.  She never realized that one rolls the peanut butter into balls and then takes a fork to flatten.  She tried to flatten them once they came out of the oven.  They did not look perfect, but WOW, were they ever good!  Her hospitality, hot apple cider, and perfection as a hostess far outweighed the not-quite-perfect-looking (but very yummy) cookies.

Candace brought a plate with three types of cookies—molasses, chocolate and an oatmeal/peppermint.  She had no trouble with the latter two.  But the molasses cookie recipe came from a very old cookbook that had directions that were, well, old and not very detailed.  After mixing the molasses/butter and the dry ingredients together, it was like a very watery soup.  She kept adding flour, and more flour, and more flour until the consistency came close to what drop cookie dough should be.  The cookies actually came out pretty well, they were very moist.  But she said that with all that flour, maybe a tad more ginger and cinnamon could have been added.  They tasted good to the rest of us, however.

Maria promised to make some cookies like no ever tasted.  Bet they were good, but unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, she was not able to make it.  I guess she was right, no one ever tasted the likes of them.

Then, there is Catherine’s tale of woe.  Catherine had planned to get up at five am to make her special pineapple ribbons.  That was her first mistake!  They are a rolled cookie.  Somewhere in her moving here and there, her rolling pin disappeared.  So, she used a glass to try to roll them out.  She said that did not work too well.  Her pie crimper, which she also felt was an essential tool, was also gone.  So, she used a knife.  Again, she felt this function did not turn out too good and did not make for good-looking cookies.  I know we eat with our eyes, but I can close my eyes and taste the yummy easily.  The next thing that happened was that those particular cookies are supposed to have a glaze on them.  She had forgotten to buy milk for her glaze.  After four horrible hours of trying to get her project correct, she went to the store.  I would have loved to try her cookies, but the store-bought’n  ones were okay, too.

No matter the trouble, I, Molly enjoyed all of them several times over.

The fellowship in this group is super.  Lots of laughter. 

But reviewing ones house. Fellowship, cookies and partying are not the reasons for our meeting.  We have a short business meeting; then, we move into Bible study.  Each month someone volunteers to lead the lesson. This year we are studying the Beatitudes.  I was excited at the subject matter when I first heard it.  We use a standard book recommended by the Presbytery.  In my opinion, it is AWFUL.  How can anyone mess up something so beautiful as the Beatitudes!!?  Our lesson was presented this month by our hostess.  Thank you, LORD, for giving us Dana. She went outside the book, did a lot of research and presented a wonderful lesson that produced lots of discussion.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.  Matthew 5:6

Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Luke 6:21

Priates--ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRH!

Pirates Dinner Adventure

http://www.piratesdinneradventure.com

6400 Carrier Drive

Orlando

1-800-866-2469

This is one of the best web-sites into which I have looked.  Great information.  Visit their Photo Gallery.  Their pictures are much better than mine!  There are numerous upgrades.  We chose not to do any of them.

Fun factor:  5 star

Feast:  Quite Good

Admission:  Regular Gate Price:  Adults $61.95, plus tax;  Children (3-12) $37.45…plus tax**(See last paragraph)

Many “Upgrades” available

Winner of several local “BESTS”

When we did my Birthday Extravaganza for my 65^th in the Kissimmee area in November, we found a pirate ship at Town Old with some left over coupons from Halloween—great value, super price savings.  I suspect they should not have been there, but I picked up a couple in the hopes that I could get some friends together to go. Unfortunately, life gets in the way of life and no one had available time before the expiration date of the coupon.  One friend had just been there with another of her friends.  So, Steve and I decided that we would go.  Well, if truth be told I wanted to go.  Steve, not so much.  But the choice came down to his coming with me or stay home by himself.  Monday looked like a good day. We called for reservations.  And, Monday, we left early to head to Orlando.  We are always early, but this time we had no idea where this place was located.  We wanted to make sure we had checked out its location while it was still light.  It is always harder to find new places after dark.

We got there quite some time before the doors opened.  The one thing that I did not care for and actually found tacky was that they charged for parking.  Albeit, it was only $3.00.  Most of the other dinner/theater, as I recall, have free parking.  However, most of the other attractions in the area do charge for parking.  So, I guess I have to live with that. We were so early that when ushered into the area with the pre-show, bar and gift shop, we were almost the only ones there.  Steve looked at the tickets and realized that we would not be dining until well after 7:30 pm.  He is used to eatin’ around five-ish.  And, he had not eaten much lunch.  So, we left and walked around the neighborhood where there are tons of restaurants, attractions, and gift shops/”super” markets.  Heading into one he bought a bag of chips to tide him over until it was time to eat.

The brochure indicates a Pre-show and appetizers. Musical Entertainment & Stunts. 4 Course Pirate Dinner Feast.  Dancing at the Buccaneer Bash Disco Party.  Audience Participation.

The Pre-show.  Musical Entertainment  and Stunts

The pre-show is actually an introduction to the real show.  It is the prologue to the story that eventually happens aboard the ship. It certainly whets ones appetite for seeing more.  A scripted play starts the evening.   Then a contortionist has a very good program.  How can anyone bend in those directions!  A bit of pirate mischief and mayhem.    Those pirates are some good lookin’ dudes!

Appetizers

When we returned from meandering around the block, we discovered wait staff walking around and through the waiting area (holding area somewhat like cattle, except the bar, gift shop and small stage make it a bit more interesting).  Beef tips. Chicken nuggets with mustard sauce.  Teriyaki wings. Carrots and broccoli.  We got back just in time.  The nibbling food was very good, but they were not overly generous in the amount served.  One of the upgrades had an appetizer buffet.  But then one tends to overeat at these things leaving not as much room for the main meal.  

4 Course Pirate Dinner Feast. 

I am never sure how these places “count” the number of courses.  The food was extremely tasty, well prepared, more than enough in volume and hot.  First came salad OR soup. I had salad…a typical fresh green salad, good-sized portion.  Choice of Italian or Ranch dressing.  Steve chose soup.  Portion size was quite minuscule.  Maybe it just appeared that way as the bowl was enormous (this is the same sized bowl in which they served the substantial serving of salad).  The soup was called creamy vegetable.  Did not see much for veggies, but it definitely was creamy. He said it was good. 

Next came the entrée:  Treasure’s Chicken--Roast Chicken Leg quarter in savory seasonings. Pillager’s Pork--Swashbuckling pork tenderloin roasted to perfection served with mushroom sauce. Caribbean Rice. Roasted Red Potatoes.  Oversized servings on all.  All plated together.  Nice presentation.  The wait staff person asks if you want the pork and if you want “gravy.”  I had forgotten what the menu said and told him “no” on the gravy portion.  I am not much for “gravy.”  But, I do love my other kinds of sauces.  Missed the boat on that one.—yuk, yuk to may pun!  (The food selections and descriptions have been “pirated” from their web-site!!!).  Everything was cooked perfectly; both the chicken and pork were, oh, so, tender. There are several “upgrades” for food choices, if one is inclined.  But, we were well satisfied.

 

My only complaint I have is that the only beverage available at our table was Coke in pitchers.  Some of the tables had water which I would have preferred.  I don’t like “sweet” drinks with my meal.  Usually water, possibly unsweetened ice tea or hot tea, and rarely milk.  But since that what was available, I drink a couple of glasses.

Dessert was yummy.  Some sort of apple concoction (they called it apple cobbler) served with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup decorating the ice cream.  Portion size seemed to vary by person.  Steve’s serving was tiny; mine, big.  He does not like anything fruity.  So, I traded him most of my ice cream for his apple stuff.

Gratuity is NOT included in the price of the meal and a suggested amount is stated.

 Dancing at the Buccaneer Bash Disco Party. Somehow we missed this, but neither of us are very fond of dancing.  So, not participating in this is not something we really “missed.”  (I reread the brochure and it takes place after the show for which we did not stay).

Audience Participation. This is excellent, wonderful and a whole lot of other positive adjectives.  It is especially great for the kids.   They are brought to the boat on several occasions. And had several “chores” to do from time to time.  When one buys ones tickets, colors—red, purple, orange, green, yellow and blue—are printed on the ticket.  One is seated by his/her own special pirate clothed with much of that color.  When the “color” is announced, your pirate waves a flag which you follow to your seating area.  When our red flag appeared, our pirate lead us like the pied piper through the doors to our special seats.  During the show, one is encouraged to cheer for his/her pirate in various competitions and in a general sense.  Steve says that I am the loudest person at a given venue when presented with this kind of opportunity.  We were in the front row, so my screaming and yelling worked perfectly.  There are also times when those who bought upgrades are asked to do certain things. 

One woman who was on our red team should have stayed home.  Red Capt’n Jack won the first round as it was on his own merits.  The second included this woman, who, as I have already mentioned should have stayed home.  Red pirate had no chance as she could not throw for squat.  Red and blue definitely had the loudest cheering sections.  I thought green was asleep.  They were next to us on the right.  We could barely hear them.

Seating capacity is stated at 800.  There were less than 200, but the cheering was still noisy.  All the seats appear to give one an excellent view.  The couple immediately next to me on my right were from Overland Park, Kansas.  I stayed in that town a couple of nights several years ago.  They were in town for a conference and were flying out the next morning.  They came to this “on a whim.”  They said that they were happy that they did come, as they were enjoying it. I sat next to them for the first act and then Steve switched places and talked to them during the intermission and occasionally in the second act.

The Show

Swashbuckling at its best!
“Now in celebration of our 15 year anniversary in Orlando we bring to you a new show - The Curse of Poseidon's Treasure! This Broadway-quality show is presented on an enormous, fully-rigged pirate’s galleon. The elaborate dinner theater set provides the backdrop for action, acrobatics, romance, comedy and a hearty feast! Join our two young explorers - Katherine and Freddy, as they search for the answers to a mythical curse. This is the ultimate adventure of song, stunts, comedy and romance, a combination of past and present never seen before!”  (imagine trying to tell pirates of yesteryear about an iPod!) “Can they break the curse before its too late?...” (Again, a little piracy from their web-site)

Between acts, the cast visited with the audience (the pirates visited those in their particular color section).

It is quite noisy.  Kind of dark.  Cannon booming. Lots of yelling. (Could be a bit intiminating to young children.)  Extremely high energy through out.  Cute story.  Amazing special effects (when the cannon shoots at times, it looks as though the cannonball has hit the water as bursts of water project upward).  Fog rising from water.  Great cast (three women…the rest very muscled men).  The “gypsy girl” performed high above the deck several times with various aerial routines.  Pirates swinging back and forth.  Some great acrobatics.

Fun night.  Got home a bit after 11:00 pm (late for Steve but he enjoyed himself).

**Like most Orlando attractions, I think the “regular” admission is too high priced.  But with a coupon, Florida residency, on-line buying, Florida travel guides and other promotions available—there are some good bargains to be had…making this a possible good value.  (It certainly was for us)!

Love conquers all!

  

The Passing of the Leash

Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc

Passing of the Leash Ceremony

www.medicalservicedogs.com

I read an article in the local newspaper today that there was going to be something called “The Passing of the Leash” at Holy Family Catholic Church in Williston with a dessert social preceding the program.  Since Steve and I had nothing planned except to plant ourselves in front of the boob tube (and Saturday night TV—to me—is horrible), we decided to make the journey to see what was happenin’.  The article gave a number to RSVP.  I called and made the reservation.  There was no admission charge, but donations are REALLY welcomed.  It is really expensive to train the dogs and the recipients do pay, so donations are extra special.  The organization depends on individual donations, corporate sponsors, private foundations, etc.  They do a wonderful job matching dogs with recipients.  Many are veterans from Viet Nam and our current engagements—Iraq and Afghanistan.

Some have had other situations in their lives which have caused PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).   Guardian Angels provide dogs to people who have suffered mentally and/or physically.  We usually think of PTSD as combat related with flashbacks and nightmares, but any traumatic situation can cause this in some people.  I do think that the majority of PTSD comes from the Armed Forces community.  And, I do not think that it is only with the wars like Nam and the Middle East (which do/did not have any clear goals to many of the soldiers and produce further complications—this observation came from one of the Iraqi veteran recipients) that warriors suffer(ed) from this malady.

After World War II, many suffered from “shell shock.”  Different name, but, I’m betting the same problem.  My great grandfather served in the Union in the American Civil War (War Between the States).  His early letters were sweet and folksy and often.  Toward the end of the War, the letters were bitter, complaining, whinny and seldom.  After that war, he came home and fathered one more child (they already had four).  After that he deserted the family, never to be seen again—leaving New England to land in West Virginia and—probably--Virginia.  My own personal opinion is that he may have suffered from PTSD.  Doesn’t matter what one calls it (PTSD, shell shock or hot fudge sundae), it appears to me that it is all the same. 

It is good that these men and women now have the possible opportunity to be able to be helped through those horrendous sights and sounds that they lived through on a daily basis.    

The room was crowded.  We knew exactly two people…Kathy—a mover and shaker of Williston Peanut, who also turned out to be our wait staff server—and Padre Rudy, the local parish pastor.  The Padre recognized us as we have been out there for a few occasions—the all community cantatas, for instance (great music).  Padre left after a short time.  Said he had work to do.  Padre, why are you waiting till Saturday night to do that sermon??

We did not realize that it was a fancy schmancy affair and went neat, but sort of casual.  Lots of sparkly women’s outfits.  Many men in suits.  Many uniforms from various Armed Forces branches.  Local firefighter also in uniform.  But this is Williston, after all; therefore, there were some jeans (my personal opinion is that there is no such thing as dress up jeans or good jeans…jeans are jeans and to me will always be lower than casual—no matter what the designer name or price tag).   Anyway, our clothes were okay, but I could have worn something a tad more uptown/upscale. 

Schedule of Events

Dessert Party (wonderful miniature desserts provided by Maria V Creative).  More about this later.

Silent Auction
Raffle Tickets (2 round trip tickets for anywhere Southwest Air flies)
Celebrity Photos
Announcement of various winners
Billy Mitchell Drill Team (Air Force ROTC from University of Florida)

And, then the passing of the leash!

Celebrity

My Strawberry is almost here!

Brad Garrett of Everybody Loves Raymond  fame (Robert Barone--Ray’s older policeman brother).  (We have a local newscaster with the same name).  He posed for pictures with everyone who wished to have his/her picture taken with him.  A very gracious person, indeed.  He willingly signed autographs for everyone who wanted one.  I did not get my picture with him nor did I get his autograph.  I cannot imagine how little ol’ rural, podunky Williston was able to get to get someone of that caliber to come, but someone obviously did.  He is an extremely funny person. We were seated at the back of the room, so we did not hear everything. There was lots of laughter, of which I could not always hear what was being said.  But, from time to time, I was happily able to laugh.  He mentioned that he was staying in a honeymoon suite...with a couple from Denver.  Steve, the literal person that he is, said that he did not know of any honeymoon suites locally.  Steve, it’s a joke…

 

 

The wait staff (members of Holy Family) continuously brought new and different yummies from the kitchen.  At one point Mr. Garrett grabbed a tray and became part of the wait staff.  This particular tray had strawberries on it drizzled with chocolate and a dab of a cream cheese based confection.  I LOVE STRAWBERRIES.  And, I LOVE CHOCOLATE.  So, you can imagine how I feel about the two together.  I had not seen this particular selection before.  So, when he offered me the tray, I took the last one.  At this point he announced in his booming voice that he had seen me eating strawberries before and I took too many.  (Honest, it was the first of, well, many).  Since I don't have a problem and never mind my being laughed at, I did just that—I laughed.  A Hollywood star actually served me a strawberry and then teased me about it.  I am not usually impressed by celebrity(ies), but I really liked him.

We were asked not to applaud as it distracts the dogs, and is not good for some of the recipients.  Well, the drill team/ROTC members were in line to have their pictures taken with Mr. Garrett.  He made an announcement that we should give a round of applause to the color guard members.  He started clapping (and as a natural response…so did some of the audience).  He is a big man, so he was making lots of noise.  Someone had to tell him that that should not be done, so he became the brunt of his own (many) jokes about the applause. 

He told a story about clown shoes.  He mentioned that his feet were so big that they did not fit into the clown shoes.  I feel that his heart would not fit there either.  After spending an evening with him as the honored guest, the audience would have to agree that he has a huge heart.  As the ceremonies were coming to a close, he announced that he was going to donate a dog (actually, he means the cost to train a dog).

The Desserts, Beverage Choices and seating (table setting)

Coffee, Iced Tea—Sweetened or Unsweetened

The seating was at tables with orchid plants as center pieces.  Cups were black. White linen tablecloths. Black napkins.  Black and gold bobbles and beads surrounded the potted orchids. Wait staff in black and white. The plasticware look like silver (they were silver in color).  They looked so good that one might have guessed that they were metal (if not sterling, something close).  We are used to our dinnerware having a certain weight.  Because, the fork looked so “real,” I picked it up and almost threw it over my should, because it was soooooooooo light.  Very pretty.  VERY elegant.

Our table was not full.  To my right were two men from Alachua.  At the end of the table was a local fireman in uniform. I enjoyed talking to all of them.

All Desserts were miniatures:

Tiramisu. Chocolate mousse.  Fruit kabobs (grapes, blueberries, pineapple). Peanut butter pudding style layered over a kind of chocolate cake with chocolate doggie foot prints. Truffles. Tiny cupcakes.  Too many to remember.  I ate enough to feel as though I should not have and did not come anywhere close to trying one of each.  Yummy, Yummy, YUMMY!!!  The wait staff kept coming and coming each time with four or five different goodies, all perfectly arranged on clear trays

Silent Auction
There were some very nice gifts at the silent auction.  We did not end up going home with anything.  Most of the bids were wayyyyyyyyyyy over value stated.  But the Guardian Angels benefited, so that was okay.  Tony, at our table, acquired one of the polo shirts with the organization’s logo.  He had Brad Garret sign it. 

The Color Guard

Four Air Force ROTC presented the American Flag and the Florida Flag in perfect order…clicking heals and all.  We stood to Pledge to the Flag.  I had a good view of Mr. Garrett.  He was definitely saying the Pledge.

The Evening Highlight—THE PASSING OF THE LEASH

This was a very interesting, heart-wrenching, almost-bringing-one-to-tears ceremony.  The Board, Mr. Garrett, trainors, sponsors, and recipients formed a line.  The dogs were lined in order.  The leash with its beautiful dog attached was passed down  (about fifteen people handled the leash) the line to eventually reach the recipient.  This passing, I believe, is symbolic of the many people involved in placing a dog and making a match with a recipient. Most of the recipients have had their dogs for a while, but this was the formal and ceremonial transferring of the dog from Guardian Angels to the various recipients.  I took a couple of pictures of this, but in deference to the recipients and privacy, I am not showing these.

All these dogs are German Shepherds, but other doggie organizations use a variety of dogs for the same and other purposes.

Three of the recipients were women who had suffered PTSD; two  from non-combat situations. I think the third was combat related.  All had problems that the dogs eased.

The other five recipients were all combat veterans…two from Viet Nam; three from current conflicts (was it three and two).  There was also one dog who had just begun training…very talkative critter, but not yet ready to be placed.  Tonight was actually part of the training process…to get the dog used to being in crowds.

The dogs help many by interrupting flashbacks and nightmares.  They help in getting clothes for they pals.  They wake recipients when they stop breathing at night.  Help with meds with reminders.  Turn lights on/off.  Pick up items dropped on the floor.  Fetch other items.  The amount of help that they can render is unbelievable.  Changes lives for the better.

One dog—Honey by name—helped her pal so much to get out of his shell—a wheelchair bound Viet Nam vet-- that he/they is/are now ambassador(s) for the organization.

 Of course, any time one has animals or children involved in an event or program, there is a certain amount of unpredictability.  This is to be expected.  One of the dogs, as the leash was “being passed,” laid down at the feet of about the fifth person and had to be really coaxed to move on down.  Every time a dog got to the end of the line to his “master/mistress,” there was a large amount of tail wagging.

While they are “working,” one should not pet them.  They all were their jackets in which it is stitched on it not to pet them.  But, it is so hard not to.

I promised not to use names of recipients.  So, I will just give the dogs’ names and a whisker of information.  I talked to several of the recipients at the end.  All have said that the dogs have made a tremendous difference in their lives.  Many had feared to leave their homes, and/or had flashbacks/ nightmares.  The dogs have given them so much new found independence and hope of a normal life.

Honey—Viet Nam vet with physical as well as PTSD.  Honey is the only dog whose picture I missed.

Shiloh--Iraq vet

Don'tcha love those ears!
Twinkle--Woman, non combat

Dayla—The new kid on the block.  Brought out to initiate her in social atmosphere.  Very verbal.  Talks often with yips and woofs.

Dazzle

Dazzle

Dazzle's litter mate Razzle--Iraq veteran

Dora--woman, non combat related

Wilson--woman, Iraq vet (I think)

And Bishop—has the best story of all…he was found in a shelter near the end of his term.  He was soon to be “put down” when discovered.  Somebody saw something special in him and saved him from almost immediate surrender of his life.  Skin infection.  Boney.  Today, he’s a beautiful dog with a teammate of a Viet Nam veteran.  One can tell he loves his partner, life and his job.

Lots of love and caring go into the training of the dogs; but there is so much to be gained in return…love and caring goes both ways.  The dogs like to work.  One can tell they like the chores given to them.

While Brad Garrett was offering some of his humor, one of the dogs in line barked when he said certain words.  Can’t work with animals or kids without the possibility of being upstaged.

Under “The Need” in the printed program:

“With over 54 million people in the US with disabilities, over 400,000 of those are our Veterans suffering with PTSD and an additional 30% increase in PTSD is anticipated in our returning soldiers.  With 18 suicides a day in our PTSD Veterans, we are committed to helping as many people as quickly as possible.”

Oh, by the way Steve, it was a great date!