By
Ted Meekma

Our April campout was held at Harbor Lakes Encore Super Park at El Jobean, April 21-23, 2006. Attending the weekend outing were Phyliss Clinton & Irene Dickleman, Harlan & Barb Evans, Bud & Paula Geng, Paul & Claire Madsen, Ted & Evelyn Meekma and Frank & Donna Randolph.

After getting setup and lunch on our own on Friday, we carpooled to the Flea Market for a couple of hours, and then returned for our “Happy Hour.” For our Dinner Friday evening, Bud Geng treated us to his special recipe of “Spaghetti & Meatballs,” along with breadsticks, and it was better than ever! This was accompanied by lettuce salad and topped off with dessert for a scrumptious meal! Afterward, a hearty game of dominoes was enjoyed.

Saturday morning we had our “Pitch-in” breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, a potato dish, muffins, a fruit bowl, orange juice and coffee. Another delicious meal! Our Chapter meeting was held following breakfast. Unfortunately, Frank Randolph wasn’t feeling well, so he and Donna left for home right after the meeting.

On Saturday afternoon we started our “Happy Hour” a little early, due to the fact that Jerry and Dee Fuller, long time former members of our Chapter, stopped in to visit with us for a few hours. It was so good to see them again! We sure do miss not having them with us any more on a regular basis. They never missed a meeting!!

Saturday night we all went to the International Super Buffet in Port Charlotte for dinner. We were joined there by Pat & Joyce Riley, our newest members, and although they were not able to camp with us for the weekend, it sure was nice to have them join us so we could get to meet them. We all look forward to having them with us at future campouts.

After dinner we returned to the campground for dessert, a delicious cake made by Phyllis Clinton, especially for Paul & Claire Madsen, who will no longer be with us as members of the Funtime Travelers. From Fort Collins, CO, they are selling their condo in Bradenton, and will not be wintering there anymore, so, sadly, this was their last meeting with us. They have been such faithful members of our chapter, and will truly be missed by all of us!! We wish them the very best in all of their future endeavors.

Sunday morning we had our usual continental breakfast, followed with “Goodbye Hugs,” which have to last for a long time, as this was the last meeting for some of us till next fall!

All in all, it was a great weekend, and we sure do thank our hosts, Bud & Paula Geng and Phyllis Clinton for making it the fun-time that it was.