Just a quick update for those unfortunate few that weren't able to attend REGROUPEX 09 this weekend in San Diego.
It is Sunday morning - the reception suite is empty and clean - just a few minutes to post before the crowd starts showing up. Wait, MS Chief Mike Rodriguez and his wife Margaret just walked through the door.
OK - still quiet, just the four of us sitting here and chatting. Dennis Carroll and his friend Sandy stopped by earlier. Dennis commented that it was hard to believe that there had been 40 of us in the suite last night, and the place still looked livable. Some things have definitely changed since back in the days.
It has been a really incredible weekend. I have been operating in a strange mode since I walked into the suite Friday evening. We have had between 40 and 50 people here each of the last two evenings, and most of the time I've been in a daze, (not just due to the alcohol!) because I can't really believe this is happening. Absolutely full house both Friday and Saturday. Most come early and stay for 6 or 8 hours. I got here at 10 AM yesterday, and left at 2 this morning. It has been an incredible adventure.
Bill Byers and Dave Shoemaker just walked in - we are trying to figure out what to do for dinner.
Hard to describe - dozens of guys and their sweethearts sitting in the suite, hanging out on the patio, lounging around tables on the lawn, everyone of them having a great time sharing sea stories and reconnecting with old friends. Plenty of food and drink attracted some to the suite to stock up. Six or eight gathered around the big flat screen looking through photos of the old days, trying to put names to faces. Raucous laughter as various events are recalled. A handful huddle over a photo album, so more look through stacks of memorabilia, including ships qual cards. "Did I really sign you off on AMR2? I must have be a real sleaze!" That kind of thing.
You should be here. Most of us wish you were. Sorry we missed you.
More later - got to go - Steve Perry just walked in.
Catch up with you soon.
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