Week 81 - FMCA International Convention, Pomona CA - 03-02-2008

Hi to friends and family,

We left the Monaco Pre-Rally with 477 coach owners and headed to Pomona for the FMCA International Convention. Last year there were over 5,000 coach owners. This year with a slower economy and higher fuel prices, there were only 2,600. Still, that is over 5,000 people joining us for motorhome displays, seminars and vendors. And each morning we had an exercise class at 7:00 am followed by devotions. What a wonderful way to start each day.

1 & 2) Highway 138 leaving from the Lancaster/Palmdale area heading toward Pomona. 3 & 4) The mountains to the north of the Pomona Fairplex, the site of the convention.

1) Some of the 2,600 coaches at the Fairplex. 2) One of the two vendor buildings. They had everything from maps to motorhomes. 3) A $50,000 23-foot mini-motorhome and 4) a $500,000 43-foot Monaco Dynasty. Why do we keep looking at new motorhomes? It is fun! And we get ideas of features to add to ours, like interior black-out shades to help keep the house cool.

Ellen and Sid learning a new line dance. The square dancing was fun too! (Shhhh, Ben doesn't want anyone to know he tried it.)

Nighttime entertainment included Abba and Bee Gees tribute bands, Herman's Hermits; and the Bellamy Brothers shown below.

On Friday we headed to The Parker Press in North Hollywood. Pete met his long time friend Tom 39 years ago! In 1974 Pete was the Best Man when Tom married Sue in Hollywood. One week later Sue and Tom stopped by San Luis Obispo in the middle of their honeymoon. Tom returned the favor by being the Best Man for Pete and Ellen. Tom started his printing business in his dad's 10 x 15 foot garage in 8th grade. It grew into an 11,000 square foot business by 2008. We stopped by the help Tom and Sue move their business. 1) Tom 2) Sue 3) Ellen boxes up inks and 4) a last peek at the 1978 film used to print a map to the Mattson house. Tom thought that since it has not been used in 30 years, it was time to toss it! Now that is downsizing!

Sunday we headed to the California Cup Soccer Tournament in San Bernardino. As we left the Elks, about 50 bikers were coming in.

1) Our granddaughter Kalonie was playing in the Under 12 girls tournament. 2) Kalonie, as goalie, kicks the ball wwwaaayyy downfield.

1) "I just blasted the ball, where did it go?" 2) With the wind gusting up to 35 mph, Kalonie relaxes by leaning into it. 3) This 2-foot diameter Frisbee went flying down the field faster than any of the girls could run. 4) Kalonie's mom Sonya and sister Delaney trying to keep warm.

Our daughter Melissa and her roommate Ashley are taking a Road Trip next week from San Diego to San Antonio, Texas. She will stay with relatives in Phoenix and in Texas. But we have no relatives for her to stay with on the way home. So we plan to drive to the Grand Canyon to bring the "motel" to her.

Have a great week,

Love, Pete and Ellen

Photos from Mar 2008