The Traveling Supremes arrived in the Hub City of Texas (Lubbock) on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at the Retreat RV Park. Hosts, Ron and Diane Garner and James and Gail Smith, welcomed everyone with a meet and greet party in the clubhouse. Attending were: Polk and Linda Brian, Sue and Joe Moore, Tina and Jim Hoover, Billy and Myrna Braly, Steve and Lisa Merriman, plus the hosts.
Retreat RV ParkOfficeCampground
A big event to start us off on Friday, the 13th, was a trolley ride through the National Ranching Heritage Center, which was filled with all the buildings used on west Texas ranches throughout history. It was very well done. We had a great lunch at Blue Sky Burgers.
Trolley tour at National Ranching Heritage CenterNational Ranching Heritage CenterJoe Moore, Myrna Braly, Linda and Polk Brian, Diane Garner, Gail Smith, Sue Moore and Ron GarnerEarly building…built to keep safe from IndiansRow 1: Billy Braly, Lisa Merriman, Gail Smith, Row 2: Sue Moore, Tina Hoover, Row 3: Linda Brian, Myrna Braly, Row 4: Steve Merriman, Diane Garner, Row 5: James Smith, Jim Hoover, Ron Garner Row 6: Joe Moore and Polk BrianOther ranch buildingsTina HooverLunch at Blue Sky (Lubbock Nickname) Burgers
On Saturday, we toured the Buddy Holly Center and saw the actual homes of the parents of Buddy and his drummer. We drove to McKenzie Park to visit the Prairie Dog Town and have a nice picnic on the banks of a little stream, before going on to the Windmill Museum. It was filled with more windmills than you ever knew existed and was lots of fun to see. Pot luck dinner back at camp was enjoyable as always.
Buddy Holly MuseumEnjoying a picnic in McKenzie ParkPrairie Dog TownSteve and Sue playing with the prairie dogs!Lisa and Steve strolling through the Windmill Museum
On Sunday, the hosts supplied breakfast and everyone had free time for church or whatever. That afternoon, we went to see the Silent Wings Museum, which paid honor to the glider pilots of WWII. The guys loved it!
Silent Wings Museum honoring the Glider Pilots who fought in WWIIJames peeking in a glider Traveling Supremes at the Glider Museum
Monday was Texas Tech tour day!! Immediately after breakfast at Cast Iron Grill (provided by Garners), we went to the Tornado Memorial, reminding all of us of the May 11, 1970 Lubbock tornado where 26 died and much property was lost. We then went to the Red Raider Club where Rodney Allison (quarterback at Tech 1974-1977) took us through all the Tech Athletic facilities. As luck would have it, we ran into the brand new head football coach, Joey McGuire! He is a definite favorite around these parts!
The Traveling Supremes Business Meeting will be held at the Seawind RV Resort from October 18th to the 25th. The phone number to call for your reservation is 361-297-5738. The address is 1066 E FM 628 Rivera, TX 78379. The nightly rates are $20.00 a night if you are a Passport America card holder, $36.00 a night if a vet and/or Good Sam member and $40.00 a night if none of the above. The cancellation policy is a $20.00 non refundable fee. This establishment has a lighted fishing pier and the full use of the club house. The park also has daily scheduled events if interested and on Sunday, the park has worship services. We have several events scheduled which will be put out at a later date. Sadly there are no cabins available. As always, be sure to mention Travelings Supremes when making reservations.
Wow, what a start to a rally! Our opening “greet and meet” meal for the Hot Springs Rally was hands down the most elaborate we’ve ever had and I’ve been in this club for a very long time. Hosts Wagon Master Steve and Lisa Merriman and Duane and Patti Stowe had the room decorated in festive Mexican colors. Lisa had decorated a fruit pyramid and had covered serving chafing dishes. We had Mexican food and it was just as delicious as it was beautifully displayed. Well done you four!
Opening night of the rallyBeautiful fruit display!
Those attending were: Our hosts, Merrimans and Stowes, Sue and Joe Moore, Nita and Larry Denmon, Ida and Les Cook, Jerry and Hessie Smith, Jim and Tina Hoover, Burnell and Marie Moreau, Paul and Tandy Krugler, Jack and Suzanne McEwen for a few days and their guests, Bud and Donna Brown, and two other guest couples, Scott and Tammy Walkman, and Butch and Alice Brown and us, Polk and Linda Brian.
Our first day of the rally was just as great as the opening. Many of us took the “town tour” shuttle bus provided by the KOA RV Park. It too was one of the best we’ve had through the years. Lynn, our guide and driver, did an exceptional job. At the end of the town tour, we visited Fordyce Museum, which is one of the oldest bath houses. After touring the bath house, we then ended our tour eating at the Superior Bathhouse Brewery which was very good. Later many shopped, some sat on the Fordyce Museum’s porch and watched people, while others went to the Gangster Museum. All in all it was a great day.
Tour guide Lisa with rally hostsTouringTouringEnjoying the bath house front porch!Tour busSuperior Bathhouse BreweryBreweryGreat root beer floats at the BreweryBrewery BreweryBrewery
Friday morning many gathered at the KOA RV kitchen and enjoyed breakfast and the day was free. Several rested, some shopped and the Denmons, Polk and I, toured the Garvan Woodland Gardens. We opted for the golf-cart guided tour which was the best way to go since it was a hilly path. Seeing the Anthony Chapel with its huge glass and wooden structure was well worth the drive there and actually it was free to view, gorgeous!
Garvan Woodland GardensGarvan Woodland ChapelGarvan Woodland ChapelBrian’s and Denmon’s at the Garvan GardensGarvan GardensGarvan GardensGarvan Gardens
After a restful afternoon, we feasted on another beautifully displayed meal of fish and shrimp with all the trimmings, yum! Our hosts outdid themselves. Thank you. But the best was yet to come, one of our best musical presentations. The group seems to be getting better each performance and maybe that was besides our popular singers, Tina Hoover, Ida Cook and Polk Brian, they were joined by Duane Stowe singing and simultaneously playing his guitar and harmonica, wow! Burnell Moreau and guest Scott Walkman accompanied as was well as Ida. So you see, we had a great time but we missed Raymond Frazier accompanying them.
Fish and Shrimp nightFish and Shrimp nightFish and Shrimp nightDuane Stowe entertaining
Saturday morning several ate at the camp kitchen, while some went to the famous Pancake Shop Restaurant down town where the pancakes are as large as the plate and people are waiting outside to get in to eat. The day was free for personal touring and many rode the park shuttle to go to the Tower which overlooks the city and many miles out. That evening we had game night and gathered for dominos, cards and tiles or to just visit.
Visiting!Game night
Sunday was open for resting or attending our choice of church. Several rode the park’s shuttle to the church and/or horse races. A few of us who were leaving the rally early decided to eat at the Fisherman’s Wharf since we wouldn’t be able to join the others on Tuesday evening. It was delicious! That afternoon the Smith’s treated everyone to ice cream at the club house and many stayed and played games and or visited.
Patti and Duane at the Horse races!Les at the Horse RacesIce cream social!Ice cream social!Ice cream social!Casino time!
Monday we again took the park’s shuttle to the Purple Cow for lunch. Many enjoyed the purple malt or shake (yes the purple cow must give purple milk) and other desserts. Tuesday evening Polk and I had left but others had a feast at Fisherman’s Wharf, located on Hamilton Lake, to end a GREAT Rally.
Purple Cow Purple Cow
AT the end of this rally some traveled to a gathering in Branson with Paul and Tandy Krugler. Our next rally will be at Chama, August 14-19th with the Brian’s helping to plan a few activities. Then our Business Meeting will be October 18th-25th in Riviera, Texas, NOT in Portland, Texas, as first advertised, and closing out the year we’ll be in Rusk, Texas for our New Years celebration. Linda Brian
KOA HOLIDAY, 838 MCCLENDON ROAD- 501-624-5912/Contact person -Lynn
We are very pleased that we have 9 rigs and 3 cabins rented for our group at this time, but anyone else may come join us. Below is the general DRAFT itinerary which is subject to change which we wanted all TS members to have in order to encourage you to come join us in Hot Springs.
WEDNESDAY – APRIL 19
5:00 PM “Meet and Greet Fiesta” at the KOA club house. We will contact each of you on what to bring.
Wagon Master Steve Merriman will go over the agenda for the week. Duane and Patty Stowe will share details about game night and the music night. Patty will have brochure packets for those attending.
THURSDAY- APRIL 20
10:00 AM – KOA Tour guide, Lynn, will show us around the city with her in depth knowledge.
This is a two and half hour tour in a van that will seat 12-15 people. Please text Lisa at 512-944-4146 to reserve your place. The fee is $25.00 per person which includes the $8 for the ticket up to the mountain tower for spectacular views. If we have more than15 reservations, then another tour will be scheduled.
We’ll lunch at Superior Bathhouse Brewery known for their fabulous homemade root-beer and floats.
The afternoon will be free to explore and there is shopping across the street. Also, points of interest: Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum $10.00, Gangster Museum $14.00, Bathhouse Row for a hot Bath or tour, Garvin Woodland Gardens- $22.00, or do the Walk of Fame Dinner will be on your own.
FRIDAY- APRIL 21
This will be a free day to visit any of the points of interest listed above. Also, keep in mind that this KOA offers a reasonable priced breakfast which you may order on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
At 5:00 PM there will be a salt water fish and shrimp fry in the club house with plates provided. More on this later, bring a drink and your utensils. Duane Stowe will be in charge of “Pickin and a Grinin”.
If you want to share your talent, please let Patty Stowe know by texting her at 361-548-7666. Bring your instruments and voices. It will be fun.
SATURDAY- APRIL 22
Option for breakfast in the club house on your own (you must order) the day is free.
5:00 PM – Games to be announced. You may bring board games and cards. Also, please text Patty Stowe if you want to play 72 to see if there is an interest.
SUNDAY- APRIL 23
Breakfast in the Clubhouse (optional) Order on your own. Free Time to explore, worship or just be,
Evening is free but the Clubhouse will be open if you want to gather to talk, sing, or play games.
MONDAY- APRIL 24
Lunch – 11:30 Purple Cow and free time for touring
TUESDAY- APRIL 25
Dinner at 5:00 PM at Fisherman’s Wharf and time to wrap it up and say our Good Byes! Also will be a time to go over any last minute details about the Tag-Along which follows to Branson.
WEDNESDAY- APRIL 26
Some will travel to Branson for a Tag along. Three nights at KOA to see some shows. (Paul and Tandy have information) Everyone is Welcome, even if you can’t make the Hot Springs Rally.
What a big surprise it was when we all arrived at our RV Resort to find it being totally remodeled and almost totally empty! They are being bought out by Camp Margaritaville and are spending several million dollars renovating this already awesome place. However, we soon found out that our section held our 11 rigs perfectly and the staff was very helpful keeping us fully satisfied. With John and Romola Laninga staying in a cabin and Marie and Burnel Moreau staying at their nearby home, we ended up with 25 members in attendance! Others included James and Gail Smith, Steve and Lisa Merriman, Pete Minnix, Duane and Patty Stowe, Ida and Les Cook, Jim and Tina Hoover, Paul and Tandy Krugler, Linda and Polk Brian, Larry and Nita Denmon, Raymond and Sandy Frazier and new members, Jerry and Shirley Key.
After our meet and greet with appetizers, we had a Louisiana history lesson given by the Texan hosts, the Smiths. They pronounced all the Cajun and French words with a Texas twang, but the information was all there! We learned how “Acadians” became “Cajuns” and about the Courir de Mardi Gras, which is the original way Mardi Gras was celebrated in France and still is done in small towns across South Louisiana.
Friday took us to Prejeans Restaurant for a fantastic Cajun seafood lunch before all set out for activities on their own in the area. Music by Kent Latiolais Band was enjoyed tonight back at the resort Six String Stage bar.
Saturday the resort provided a Mardi Gras mask-making class as well as a golf cart parade in the morning and one at night with lighted carts. After lunch we met at Vermilionville, which is a living history museum and folklife park depicting Creole and Acadian early cultures. We attended a Cajun Jam session at the Performance Center. It was very enjoyable, and our couples not only danced but sang Cajun songs “in French”!
On Sunday we were treated to our own version of Gumbo, which we cooked in a big pot after “stealing” all the ingredients from club members who had previously agreed to be “robbed”— as this is the way the Courir de Mardi Gras was originally done. Ingredients were then combined and served in a community Winners’ Gumbo (certainly not a Losers’ Gumbo!) with cornbread, bread pudding and King Cake for all! Larry Denmon and Sandy Frazier each found a baby in the cake and received a prize!
On Monday we attended the Queen’s Parade in Lafayette, and on Fat Tuesday, we went to the King’s Parade. Beads, beads, and more beads! We had a ball and very good weather. Afterward we were entertained by our club musicians while visiting at the Moreau’s home in Lafayette.
This rally became an “Adventurers Contest”, so everyone was given brochures and area info and told to go out and document what they see over the week. Some went to Avery Island (where Tabasco is made), the Longfellow-Evangeline Museum, the 500 year old tree, ate at Pat’s Fisherman’s Wharf and Atchafalaya Club, the Eunice Mardi Gras festival, St.Paul’s Cathedral, and many more places. Although the Swamp Tours were hindered by weather, the levy on the Atchafalaya River was also interesting. The winners or most adventurous folks were announced on Wednesday after dinner at Crawfish Town. There was a tie between the Merrimans and the Stowes, so they each received a basket containing Movie Night Treats! In addition, the Keys received a prize for being most enthusiastic and taking part in all scheduled events.
On Thursday, we had to go home, but we had a lot of fond memories of South Louisiana and hope to enjoy the area again some day soon!
Tag-a-long with the Traveling Supremes following the Arkansas Hot Springs Rally! We will be staying at the Branson KOA Holiday, 397 Animal Safari Rd. Branson, Missouri from April 26-29 for 3 nights. We have secured a flat rate of $56.00 per night. The phone number is 800-562-4177 and don’t forget to mention the Traveling Supremes to secure the flat rate.
There are plenty of great shows to choose from and I know everyone will have a good time. Hope to see you there…Steve Merriman, Wagon Master.
Traveling Supreme Members, a reminder about our upcoming Hot Springs Rally which is April 19-25th at the KOA Holiday, 838 McClendon Rd. Hot Springs (501) 624-5912. To be able to be parked together, you need to call by March 1 and ask for Lynn and tell her you are with the Traveling Supremes to get the special rate of $40 per site or $70 for the cabins. They will give a full refund (less $5) if you need to cancel within 24 hours, so make plans to join us in the state with the youngest governor in the nation. (Sorry I just had to put that at the end of the message. Linda)
TS New Year’s Rally Article 4 and last of the series for the New Year’s Rally
Sunday morning was left open for rest since this was the day after New Year’s night celebration and the late hour of 10:00 for us seniors.
Our traditional lunch of cabbage for cash and peas for good fortune, with chicken and cornbread was delicious. A special thanks goes to Lisa Merriman for the pot full of scrumptious cabbage she brought. We had our judging for the “Pea Off” which was very close, one point, they were both good. The winner was new member Sandy Frazier but close second was Sue Kelly, who said she voted for Sandy. I apologize for not getting the picture for Sandy’s award presentation but I was busy counting votes.
After the great meal, we played pool which was located down stairs in the meeting room. We played modified 9 ball, and some had a great time. Others pleasantly played and were good sports, but Patti and Duane had a ball. No not any of us were pros and mostly the women didn’t even know how to hold the cue, including me, but played anyway to show support to their hubby. Winners of the tournament were Jim and Tina Hoover. They were presented a block of wood which had been carved out and had a 9 ball inside which Polk had made. Quite unique. He also had made several of the wooden puzzles we used on the second night of the rally. This is the only time in the history of the club have we had a pool tournament. We’ve done a lot of things but this is a first. Wish more of you had been here to enjoy the good fellowship and fun. Linda
Happy New Year Traveling Supremes…until next time!
Happy New Year! It’s that time again…DUES ARE DUE!
Traveling Supremes dues for the 2023 travel year are due. We thank those of you who have already paid and we look forward to receiving dues from the rest of us! Dues for returning members is $20.00.
Please mail your checks to Diane Garner, P O Box 64702, Lubbock, TX 79464.
New Year’s Day started out with a hearty breakfast of sausages, biscuits, and eggs. Since I was busy scrambling eggs, I didn’t get any pictures. The day was a rest day after two days of tours and knowing we were meeting at a local restaurant for our evening meal and then more to do. Everyone rested, shopped and did their thing for the day.
That evening we enjoyed a wonderful time of entertainment with a headline of well-known entertainers, jokester James Smith, singers Tina Hoover, Ida Cook, and Polk Brian, with a super-star hailing from West Monroe and new member Raymond Frazier. Everyone did a great job and we all certainly enjoyed the music and jokes. Afterwards, we drew for “Dirty Santa” gifts and had lots of fun stealing gifts. It seems Joe Kelly’s handmade cutting boards took the winning exchanges.
Traveling Supremes 