Homemade Clam Chowder, Salad, Cornbread, lots of desserts and friendly conversation, What more could you ask for? On Sunday evening about 29 Chapter O members gathered at Gail & Jerry Carr's for a fantastic meal and to socialize. Gail made her fabulous New England clam chowder and cornbread. I don't think anyone left hungry, if they did, it was their own fault. Everyone seemed to have a great time eating and catching up on what has been going on. Jerry gave tours through the "Man Cave". If you wern't there you really missed out on a great time and an even greater meal.

Several Chapter O members got their recertification of their CPR course given by Lynn Heene beginning at 9:00 a.m. After a short lunch break Some of us went back and joined more Chapter O members to take an ERC course beginning at 1:30 p.m. and ending about 5:30, making for a long but educational day.

On Friday at 10AM a group headed to South Padre Island. It was a cold start to the day but we did not have any rain. It stayed cool until we stopped for lunch at Joe Cotten's BBQ. From there on it was clear and started to warm up a little. Everyone arrived at S Padre just at sundown. The next day everyone headed out for a ride lead by Chapter V (in the valley). Stopped at the only hand drawn ferry across the Rio Grand. Some ventured across the ferry. After the crossing we stopped at Enrique's cousins for lunch (catered Tacos). From Lunch some headed back to S Padre and some across into Progreso Mexico. Sunday some went for a ride (Again with Chapter V) and some stayed at the hotel to enjoy the beach. On Monday we all headed back on the only other cool day we experienced.

The Sweetheart Ride started off Not so sweet. We began the day with what the weatherman called Ice Fog. We decided it would be too dangerous to ride so we caged it. Everyone else apparently slept in. We departed HEB at 8:40 a.m. and headed for Cracker Barrel in Harker Heights. After eating breakfast, we went to Kay's Motorcycle Mania and did some shopping and socializing. We left Kay's and headed down the road to Killeen Power Sports where we did a little more shopping and socializing. Then the real fun began. We went to the Shilo Inn and made reservations for an upcoming event. We then decided to check out some of the Army (Military) Surplus stores in the area. We went to about eight different surplus stores. Several of them offered the chapter 15% discounts after they found out what we were doing. We also checked out all three Dairy Queens in the area for future reference. We realized it was already 5:00 p.m. so we headed home.

On Saturday AM a group of Chapter O folks met at the Austin Salvation Army HQ on East 8th St. Over the past year our members collected personal care products from the hotels we stay in. We collect this and donate them to a worthy cause, like the Salvation Army. At this time of the year the Salvation Army opens it doors for less fortunate people to escape the cold Texas weather. When these folks end up at the shelters they can clean up with the items we have donated. Great for the community and it sure makes you feel good inside to help out the little you can.