PDDGHP Meeting

Tonight was our PDDGHP meeting with the ladies. We had a fairly good showing and I though the food was good at TJ Chumpps in Miamisburg. One of the best things is that it allows us to meet in a separate room without any additional charge. We brought the Past Deputies up to speed about the District and upcoming events. We also had a discussion on things Grand Chapter might be able to do to hep out the Chapters. After a productive meeting and some further socializing we all headed home at a decent hour.

District Planning Meeting

Tonight we met to discus the remaining activities in the District to ensure they were planned and everyone knew what role they were playing in the activity. We stayed on track the whole evening and although we covered many subjects and activities were able to keep the meeting around an hour and a half.

Grand Illustrious Master Reception

Tonight we held our Grand Illustrious Master dinner for the 3rd Arch in Middletown. There was a good showing from all the York Rite bodies. After a nice dinner we had some entertainment before heading back home.

Circus Planning Meeting

Tonight I attended the circus planning meeting for Antioch Shrine where we of the 3rd Capitular District provide the parking lot assistance. It is our fund raiser for my Grand High Priest year and to help fund the District activities. The meeting ran smooth and I think all our questions were answered.

Greeters Meeting

Tonight was the Shrine Greeters meeting and in conjunction with trying to stay closer to home until February, I decided to attend the meeting. Unfortunately due to illness and folks out of town, we had a very small attendance. Sine we didn't have much to cover the meeting was fairly quick and I was able to get home early. I'm glad since tomorrow is a fairly busy day including some meetings with the heart doctor.

Walnut Chapter Inspection

This afternoon I went by a friends house to present him with the flower in memory of his father which was honored this weekend. Afterwords I headed to Columbus and Canal Winchester to attend Walnut Chapter's Annual Inspection in the Royal Arch Degree. MEC Don Lossaso was present as was REC Dan Smith. I was very humbled by the greeting they gave me considering my health concerns earlier in the month. They finished at a nice hour so heading home was a fairly easy drive.

Jesters Annual Meeting

Today was our annual meeting for the Jesters where we elect and install new officers and discuss the events for the upcoming year after a nice breakfast. I was appointed as one of the officers but still have about 7 years left until I get to the top spot. It was especially nice to see an older PM from my lodge present Kenny Lipps. He hasn't been in the best of health over the past few years and it was good to see him out.

Valley Commnadery Inspection

I next travelled down to Miamisburg for our Commandery Inspection where Jim Potts is Eminent Commander this year. Jim has been a long time hard worker and big supporter at Miamisburg and this will finish him up in the York Rite lines. I thought it came off as best as can be expected especially since we had many new members helping out this year.

WM Recognition Night

Tonight the Valley of Dayton had their annual recognition of the Worshipful Masters of the Lodges in the Valley of Dayton area, Our Grand Master was present to help pass out the pins we give tot recognize the WM's. This is probably the largest gathering of WM;s outside of Grand Lodge with usually 80+ in attendance. The WM of my lodge was present along with some other members of our lodge. In addition to the recognition portion they had some very good entertainment.

PM Club Shrine Installation

Tonight was the dinner and installation for the Antioch Past Masters Club. I was President of this club way back in 2003. They go out to Blue Lodges and help out with degree work when requested. Craig Harris was installed as President. Craig was in line at one time and then had to move away for work and is now back in the area. Most of our members are very involved in all of Masonry and tonight several had other commitments.

Trinity Chapter Stated

Tonight was the stated meeting for Trinity Chapter and I decided it would be a good test of going alone to a meeting and any difficulties I might encounter. (Last night Pam went with me to the Commandery) Luckily there were none tonight. We had a few pieces of business to perform but the meeting moved right along as the King ran the meeting since the High Priest was unable to attend.

Back on the Trail

Tonight I headed back out though I will still be a little limited for the next couple weeks to close to my home. I replanned my entire schedule to do several closer visits over the next couple weeks and then a few farther away directly afterwords. I went to our covered dish dinner and stated meeting for my Commandery (Valley) in Miamisburg. We were also busy planning and practicing for our Inspection this coming Saturday. While I usually help out with the army or as part of the stage crew, this year I will probably be a little late and relegated to the sidelines.

Home From the Hospital

Well I'm home from the hospital but not yet allowed to drive until next week. Pam took me to an appointment today to discuss rehab and the small amount of walking I did here made me realize I'm going to have to let my body tell me how long before I'm back on the road for any distance. For at least the rest of the month, I'm staying close to home.

O-H-I-O

Well over the Christmas break I was able to do something I’ve wanted to do for a long while which was go to a College Bowl game and we went to the Ohio State USC game and watched Ohio State destroy USC. When we got back I was energized to get back on the road but a higher power intervened and I ended up in the hospital. Not sure how long I’ll be out of commission but the doctors will tell me when I can get back traveling after I leave the hospital.