California Mini-Reunion II

February 5-7, 2010

Palm Springs - Rancho Mirage area

Hosted by: Greg & Ruth Gazda and Joe & Peggy Schluchter

This second mini-reunion in the Southern California desert did not start with the best of weather. But we made up for it with the quality of camaraderie. Attendees included:

• Greg & Ruth Gazda

• Joe & Peggy Schluchter

• Ray and Linda Dewey

• John Davis

• Larry Dolin

• Doug Neumann

Larry was only able to join us on Friday night, the Deweys were not able to arrive until Saturday, John had to leave early Sunday AM, and Doug was battling a touch of the flu most of the weekend ... but it was still an outstanding gathering.

Friday Evening

Friday night, we gathered at the Gazda's condo in Palm Springs. Unfortunately, we were so busy reconnecting with each other and partaking of the Gazda's great selection of food and drink (Ruth's outstanding chili in particular) that no one remembered to take a single picture.

Thursday afternoon Doug, Joe and Greg played a round of golf at The Springs, Joe's home course. But since there are no pictures of this event either, we'll just have to take their word for the outcome.

Saturday Evening at the Schluchters

Late Saturday afternoon and into the early evening, the Schluchters hosted us all at their condo in Rancho Mirage. This time we all remembered to take some pictures.

Saturday Dinner at the Elephant Bar

After socializing at the Schluchters, we headed to the near-by Elephant Bar Restaurant for dinner. We weren't all that raucous, but as we were leaving we did get asked what we were "celebrating". The questioner was quite impressed that a bunch of military school classmates would get together in the desert almost 48 years after they graduated.

Sunday Hiking in the Indian Canyons

Meanwhile back at the Gazdas...

... a pair of roadrunners have started making a nest in a tree just outside the patio at their condo. One of the birds decided to use Greg's lounge for some early morning sun which is what he usually does each morning!!! (Your WebMaster was puzzled to not see a coyote chasing the roadrunner.)

Sunrise ... or Was It Sunset???

This image is a bit of a "cheat" in that it is actually taken near Raymond Dewey's house in Tuscon, not in the Palm Springs area. But Raymond provided it, and it is such a great picture it just had to be included!