Table Talk – February 28, 2018
I’m off again to the West Coast for the Beverly Hills Kennel Club shows at the Fairplex in Pomona, CA. When I arrived at the airport this morning, kindly dropped off by my dearly beloved, I was confused since the airport was practically empty! ‘Excellent,’ I say to myself, as I was braced for what is usually a crowded, messed up state of affairs at Midway airport on Monday mornings. I get to TSA Security – WHAT??? No line! SCORE! I get in line to put my briefcase and bag on the belt, and the person in front of me decides to slowly disrobe, and completely rearrange his brief case before he puts it on the belt: GRRRRR!!! OH WAIT! Pockets!! He slowly dumps what seems to be a drawer full of his belongings out of his pockets and into the bowl and off he goes. I proceed behind him and attempt to go through the metal detector when a woman from the opposite line literally cuts me off and gets in front of me! What IS IT with people today???? The woman has her purse over her shoulder…NOPE! Not going to happen!!!! Off you go says the TSA agent and sends her out of the line to put her bag on the belt. What do they say about Karma????!!! Well, I guess this Monday morning wasn’t for business travelers!
This is a tough week for me. While I am so happy for my dear friend and colleague, Carol Grossman, who retires from 15-plus years as Western Area Manager for Nestle Purina, I am going to have to adjust to not having “my momma” by my side week in and week out at the West Coast shows. I am excited about Carol’s next chapter in her life and I know that she will continue to live life to its fullest. All the best for what lies ahead my dear friend: I look forward to our continued special friendship. I also look forward to continuing to see my West Coast peeps at upcoming shows out there, although I will be missing my “partner in crime”.
If any of you have paid for a full hook-up spot at the Louisville cluster and you are not going, please give a shout out to Cindy Smith or Nina Fetter via instant message on Facebook. The lot with electric hookups is sold out, but there is still space in the overflow lot.
I understand Ralph Lemcke has retired from judging, with his last assignment being at the Indianapolis shows (his home town) the weekend before Westminster. Ralph was always a true gentleman to show to and he will be sincerely missed in the center of the ring. Best wishes for a future of health and happiness my friend.
I noticed when looking at shows for the upcoming couple of months that the Terre Haute, Indiana cluster that is usually held in mid-April is no longer being held on that date. This used to be a four-day cluster with a fairly decent entry. Of course, at that time of year the weather could be a challenge, but it was a circuit that was on our show schedule annually, with a show committee that worked hard and did a nice job. I hope this is a one-year occurrence and our sport has not lost another hard working club.
For you West Coast folks that normally do the four-day Holiday Cluster in Costa Mesa, California the first week of December, it seems there have been some changes. The Malibu Kennel Club has moved their dates to the last weekend of September, and will continue to hold their show at the Orange County fairgrounds in Costa Mesa. I believe that Shoreline will remain that first weekend in December at the same venue.
When perusing social media the other day, I took note that a few of my handler-friends were heading home from 10 shows in 10 days in Florida. That seems like a lot of shows packed in as many days! Is this really good for the sport?
Continued thoughts and prayers to Amy Booth and her family as her father fights a serious illness. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
General Mills has purchased the Blue Buffalo pet food company in an $8 billion deal which has not yet closed. It will be interesting to see if this will bring Blue Buffalo & General Mills to the dog show scene. Perhaps it’s another sponsorship opportunity for kennel clubs, and other dog show organizations.
Healing thoughts to David Stout as he battles kidney stones. Hang in there, my friend, this too shall pass. (pun intended)
Happy 40th Wedding Anniversary to Rob and Diane Skibinski who celebrated their anniversary in style in Las Vegas. May you guys have many more happy, healthy years together.
Celebrating birthdays this week are: Charlotte Patterson, Luke Baggenstos, Nate Francesco, and Leonardo Garcini.
Wherever your travels take you this week, please be careful, and if you or your dogs are feeling under the weather, STAY HOME!!!!! Until next time……
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