This afternoon, I had the pleasure of eating lunch with Walter and Dale Watts, who I met at the Dine-ah several years ago. They have been experiencing some health issues, so I decided to bring them their favorite Dine-ah meal, fried shrimp, hand cut fries and cole slaw. They only live ten minutes from the Dine-ah, so the food was still hot when I arrived. We had a great lunch and lots of conversation, two hours worth to be exact. I was presented with a brownie for dessert with a candle and they both sang happy birthday to me. They also bought me a birthday gift of which I will cherish for life. I have never seen anything like it, so rather than try to explain it, I took a picture so I could show you. It is a photograph of Devi that you have all seen. Walter and Dale had it transposed onto a piece of slate. It is a hard washable surface and when holding it, you'd swear Devi was right in front of you. I placed it on the top of a filing cabinet in Sue's office, so that we could take a picture and show all of you. Thank you Walter and Dale, you can be assured this will be front and center where we live at camp.
Speaking of Devi, I am headed back to India with her and her mom Leslie, Saturday morning. I will be gone for two weeks and with permission from Kennebec Savings Bank, I will be missing the annual meeting. Thank you Mark and Dick for understanding the importance of family. I will be back in time for our regular Board meeting on Tuesday February 18th. Derek and Kyle, both grown men at this point, assured me they would take good care of Teresa, Nugget and our three cats, while I am gone. Aside from some possible shoveling, filling the wood box and picking up after themselves, there really is not a lot to do.
This weekend's Super Bowl game is pretty much a non event for me since the Patriot's aren't playing. I'm not a big Peyton Manning fan only because he is in competition with Tom Brady to possibly go down in history, as the greatest quarterback to ever play in the NFL. Sorry Peyton, but I do hope your team comes up short this Sunday. I doubt I will even get to the see the game live, for that is just about the time we will be arriving in Goa.
This past Friday night I attended the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner which is always a great time and is attended by over 800 members and their guests. It was a little special this year for the Chamber honored our very own Sue Grenier, who is typing as I speak. She was so deserving of the Community Service Award that was presented to her. Sue goes above and beyond in volunteering in our community. Congrats Sue, you make us all very proud.
Below you will see 12 pictures of recent features that have been prepared by our Head Chef Megan Rogers. She has been preparing one every week, that we present in this newsletter each week and I thought that it was a good opportunity to recap some of the fabulous meals that she has created.
Cheesy Chicken & Biscuits Beef Stroganoff
Homemade Beef Stew Parmesan Surf 'n Turf
Bacon & Garlic Alfredo Baked Ziti
Pizza & Beer Special Seafood Gratin
Baked Stuffed Peppers Chicken Florentine
Fish Tacos Crab Encrusted Haddock
I would like to thank each and every one of you, who sent along birthday wishes. You made my 60th birthday very special and I was surrounded by family and some friends, including my three children and my only grand child. One of the birthday wishes I received really stood out. I received an e-card from Lin in Pennsylvania and I just viewed it 30 minutes ago for the first time. I have been unable to open it on my Blackberry, but Sue came to the rescue once I arrived at the office. I even put the little puzzle together that accompanied the e-card but I must admit, I chose the least amount of pieces! Thanks Lin, that was very nice.
I would also like to thank Jean and Jess for holding down the Front of the House while Sherri has been in Ohio and traveling with her daughter, son in law and three grandchildren. Through emails it sounds like Sherri is enjoying herself, while taking a very much deserved break from the Dine-ah. We welcome you back the middle of next week.
Oh, by the way, so far the 60's aren't that bad, we'll see what the next few years bring.
Don't tell anyone, but I plan on staying young throughout the entire journey. Not sure I can fool Mother Nature, but I am going to give it my best.
Thanks to each and every one of you who actually read our newsletter.Have a great day and may God bless all of you,
Sincerely,
Norm
