Wednesday July 2, 2003 - Bruddah Roy Sez:

When we check in at the Kauai Coast Resort on Wednesday early afternoon, the woman at the desk said, Mr. Horner, since you are the "leader" of this group, Michele has given you the ocean side suite on the 3rd Floor. I was "taken away".....'me the leader?'.....The Moderator of the Imua69 OnLine Express but not the "leader." I look up to the leaders.....

Then I told her, okay, do you have elevators? She said, "no, we only have stairways but it is a gradual kind of stairway." I told her that I would trade with anyone on the ground floor.....but, it was destiny. Everytime we had a meal, and Nancy, Bryson, and Faith made sure that I ate my vegetables, it was a beautiful walk back, and up to our room.

We met Blossom Tongs parents in the Lobby. I thought to myself, "how neat to have both parents still living...and how neat to have them with her at this special time amongst our Imua69 Ohana." Blossom's mom is 85 years old and her dad is 79 years old and they were there with us at each scheduled event just enjoying the moments and observing our gathering. I am thinking that they must have been impressed with us...like we were one big happy family.

After we got to our room and got settled, we received wonderful aminities which included a beautifully printed Kauai2003 T-Shirt, a Beach Towel and a Little Seat with a Soft Cooler printed Kauai2003 "Get Over It." The Kauai Committee surely made us feel so special with all of their work and preparation!!!

Walt called from the Hospitality Room and that was the headquarters for much of our gathering this weekend, including the beautiful lawn outside. As usual, it was fun getting aquainted and seeing everyone again. Walking in last night was Henry Smith... Kimo "OneTon Oh No" Spencer kept us fully entertained. The security was so nice....they came at about 1:00am in the mornings and allowed us to slowly wind down and get to our rooms. At about 130am, the poi and raw fish comes on the table and we start to have a rehearsal for breakfast. The room was always filled with so much to eat!