This is going to be a tough write up by your Editor. Why? The promised "mystery guest" for the banquet was your Editor, Bill Boyles.

Absolutely unbeknownst to me, when Judi and I arrived late, we were to be greeted by a standing ovation of 24 people (later joined by Jeff Podmers).The mystery and surprise to at least one attendee, me, was that this was a tribute or maybe a farewell toast) to my "contributions" to the Club as Past President, Editor, unaudited Treasurer and et al.

How can I be humble on this? I was stunned! There were photo blow ups of me across one entire wall - some of which made me look not too bad and perhaps deserving of my lovely trophy wife, Judi. Carl presented me with a Spirit of Morgan trophy, some two feet tall, with a battered and beaten fan blade attached as a symbolic gesture.

Then Jeff Podmers arrived! And a second award was presented. The Order of the Crupper. The dictionary defines Crupper as "a strap of leather fastened to the saddle and passing under the horses tail to keep the saddle in place: the hind part of a horse." Is this an indication that Jeff thinks that I have been a stabilizing force of the Club . . . or that I'm a horses ass? You know Jeff - what do you think? Anyway the award was very well done and inspired and very appreciated. A lot of effort went into it.

  Then Chuck Harris offered a few comments that I had lured 4 cars to go to DC in '82, 5 cars to California in '83 and members in double figures to attend the 75thanniversary event in England in '84. Little did Chuck know what opportunities are going to be offered the members in 2009 and 2010. We want to satisfy their touring lust, even if some may not yet be aware of their wants.

The event brought out several people whom I have not seen in a long time. The Lindseys had even come down from central Oklahoma and the Glovers were there from Baja Oklahoma. As I say this is a strange first person report. Anyway, thanks to all who took a Saturday night off to come to the event. Maybe we can get a better "mystery guest" next time.