Registered and Rarin' to Go

I was one of the first delegates to get registered today. I wanted to get my information as soon as possible, and I wasn't the only one. I've learned Woodmen people are a prompt bunch -- when that triangle gets struck for dinner, they're already at the table. We received a nice red and black Woodmen bag with our convention materials. Woodmen also printed a wonderful hard-bound coffee table book that explains our history in photographs. What an unexpected gift. I can't wait to spend more time reading it once I get home. They also gave us a big basket full of Texas food items -- pecans, salsa, barbeque sauce, you name it. My hands were so full I had to go back up to my room and unload!

But I quickly came back down to the registration area to explore some and meet new people. The first place I stopped was the Woodmen Store. I wandered around and bought a real nice Texas-orange shirt and a baseball cap.

Then I went and thumbed through the award-winning scrapbooks. I got a lot of new ideas for activities for my lodge back home from the photos in those books. I don't scrapbook myself, but I sure do admire those who are so creative. I hung out a bit in the hospitality room and watched a video of older photos, and a really funny song that had new words to Deep in the Heart of Texas, except it was Deep in the Heart of Woodmen! They had ice cream for us in the room, so I took my time in here.

 

Then I noticed people taking photos outside the hospitality room near where we registered, so I checked it out. Turns out the cowboy statues in the middle of the hallways were real people! I've never seen anything like it before! How do they stand so still?

Then it was time for a session from Larry King, who is in charge of all the Woodmen Representatives out there who sell the insurance. He gave a very personal talk about his own 36-year career with Woodmen, and asked us all to think of someone we know who might make a good Representative. This is an important job, and I know I hold my own Representative in high regard. He has helped my family get through some tough times. I've been thinking about people I know who might be able to live up to that standard.

After all that activity, I sat down at some chairs in a corner and met some long-time Woodmen members from Alabama. In the photo above, delegate Eddie Colvard from Lodge 1862 is on the left, and North Alabama Community Outreach Manager Philip Robertson are just enjoying each other's company. I love that about Woodmen -- Eddie's been a member since the 1950s and has served in nearly every possible way, and is still serving. It was a pleasure meeting you folks.

Comments

[Nicole Schmoll]

Thanks for all the pics Johnny! I feel like I'm there with you :)

[Kelly]

Love the updates!

[Kerri Nikunen]

Hey Johnny! Haven't seen you yet....but I hope to meet you soon. I got my picture taken with one of the 'statue' cowboys today and got a nice shirt from the Woodmen Store, too! The memorial service tonight was very touching - a nice tribute to all the Woodmen members and Officers who have passed away since the last convention. I got chills when Susan Jensen sang Amazing Grace!!!!