Sixth Annual Dwight & Marna POTN BBQ~~ 18 August 2012~~

[DwightMcCann]

It's about that time of year again when planning for the annual BBQ at my place must begin. This should be a particularly auspicious event as I will finally be retired. So, to begin discussions here, let me paste the comment I made on the Sixth Annual page on Facebook:

"My retirement party was a stunning success last night! Half the cast was POTNers! Those who couldn't attend were sorely missed even though we had a grand time.

For those who aren't aware, Gary McDuffie, Jr. has been working with me in my photography business, although he is foolishly retaining his day job at Vandenberg AFB. Gary and I have recently purchased new handguns. Amidst the whirl of police and retired police who are also POTNers and BBQ participants, Gary decided that this year's BBQ should include a shooting safari that was actually a 'shooting' safari. No details yet. While we do think using the Vandenberg range would be ideal, the base has recently become 'secure' so access can be very difficult. I do expect we'll figure something out and will keep you apprised.

Since I will (continue to) be retired, I will, for the first time, lead at least one, if not more, photography safaris for the interested. Kevin Brown and I have scouted out some trips so I'll be proposing things as we begin to firm up plans for this year's event.

Please feel free to question or suggest. If you are anti-gun you are allowed to rant ... but will have to take your lumps. I will again make every effort to get Hal and Victoria Schmitt down here from Light Photographic Workshops and perhaps we'll get a demo of some sort. I am about to take a Flash workshop from Hal so I'll know if that's a good topic.

So, I guess we're about to gear up for the annual argument about the best date! Let the fireworks, begin."

I'm not sure I'm ready to debate the date yet, but it would serve if those who have definite chunks of August already committed elsewhere could chime in early. As many of you know, I retain the right to make the final decision ... I'm not throwing a party if I'm not going to be home!

[Tom_D]

Not interested or excited about the weapon part of the meet but I am subscribed and will follow this thread for the photography aspect.

[DwightMcCann]

Well, Tom, I expect it'll be mostly a photography and social event as usual and we do have pretty strict laws that will be strictly enforced by all the policemen attending.

[Calicajun]

Dwight, good to hear your retirement party was a big success. Of course you do realize that being retired that there will not be enough time in the day to do all things you did while working. Not sure why that is but every retired person I have talked to says they just can't find the time to get everything done.

Please put Lynn and I down for the BBQ, it is something we look forward to enthusiastically each year. Will not get into the "what date is best" debate, as most any date will work for us.

[DwightMcCann]

Originally Posted by Calicajun

Dwight, good to hear your retirement party was a big success. Of course you do realize that being retired that there will not be enough time in the day to do all things you did while working. Not sure why that is but every retired person I have talked to says they just can't find the time to get everything done.

Please put Lynn and I down for the BBQ, it is something we look forward to enthusiastically each year. Will not get into the "what date is best" debate, as most any date will work for us.

Sitting here smiling/laughing ... yes, I already don't have enough time and I can only see that's it's going to get worse! We look forward to seeing you guys!

[Gary McDuffie]

It can also be the only retirement party I have, since my BD is Aug 9. I won't get into the date thing yet either, but do plan on being there.

[Killjoy]

Well Boys and Girls, I must adhere to my namesake, and say that we do already have plans for August.
We are going camping and boating with some friends from the 16th to the 19th.

The other weekends are of course at this point reserved for the BBQ. Hopefully, it will fall on one of those other weekends. We are of course, looking forward to taking part in ALL aspects of the upcoming events.

[sigma pi]

w00t!

[MDJAK]

Well, a hearty congratulations to you, good sir. That is awesome news. As one who retired Nov 2010, I can highly recommend it.

As to the guns, awesome. I used to own a few handguns.

I'll wait for the date and play it by ear.

[DwightMcCann]

Originally Posted by Killjoy

Well Boys and Girls, I must adhere to my namesake, and say that we do already have plans for August.
We are going camping and boating with some friends from the 16th to the 19th.

The other weekends are of course at this point reserved for the BBQ. Hopefully, it will fall on one of those other weekends. We are of course, looking forward to taking part in ALL aspects of the upcoming events.

OK, Alan, be sure to remind me when we start arguing about the date! I am old and forgetful.

Originally Posted by sigma pi

w00t!

Thank you, Pi!

Originally Posted by MDJAK

Well, a hearty congratulations to you, good sir. That is awesome news. As one who retired Nov 2010, I can highly recommend it.

As to the guns, awesome. I used to own a few handguns.

I'll wait for the date and play it by ear.

Well, Mark, I only retired from my UCSB job so that I could spend much more time with the photography. I fear I am going to be busier than ever. Still up at 6:30 am.

Today is actually pretty easy: (1) Bike down to deposit casino check, (2) bike over to the gym to get the intro tour, (3) finish the composite for the Paul Anka concert, (4) review several retirement documents (Social Security Medicare change, UCSB Retiree Association, etc.), (5) Online tour of Zenfolio (I've signed on as a place to sell event photos) and then (6) internal and USB external system images of my workstation. I don't know how those little old ladies find time to spend a whole day on a single postcard!

Kevin & Heidi Brown have already reserved one bedroom for the BBQ so if you decide to come and want a place to stay you better reserve the other one (Anna's Room) quickly.

[MDJAK]

Dwight, we've followed the same but different path.

After I retired, my wife said I finally got a real job. I guess 32 years as a civil servant wasn't a real job.

I've been busier than ever freelancing at exactly what I did before. It's not as much fun as what you're doing however.

Your offer of a room is incredibly generous. However, it won't be until later this year before I can confirm. Depends if I take my wife to Paris. But thank you for that offer. If I do come, which I really want to, I'll definitely stay in a nearby hotel. Heck, maybe Chumash.

Originally Posted by DwightMcCann

OK, Alan, be sure to remind me when we start arguing about the date! I am old and forgetful.

Thank you, Pi!

Well, Mark, I only retired from my UCSB job so that I could spend much more time with the photography. I fear I am going to be busier than ever. Still up at 6:30 am.

Today is actually pretty easy: (1) Bike down to deposit casino check, (2) bike over to the gym to get the intro tour, (3) finish the composite for the Paul Anka concert, (4) review several retirement documents (Social Security Medicare change, UCSB Retiree Association, etc.), (5) Online tour of Zenfolio (I've signed on as a place to sell event photos) and then (6) internal and USB external system images of my workstation. I don't know how those little old ladies find time to spend a whole day on a single postcard!

Kevin & Heidi Brown have already reserved one bedroom for the BBQ so if you decide to come and want a place to stay you better reserve the other one (Anna's Room) quickly.

[Killjoy]

Thanks Dwight. I will remind you.

One question. Do any of the firing ranges around you allow rapid fire?
The one by me does not. I'm curious how my grouping is, with three or four squeezed off in rapid succession.

[DwightMcCann]

Originally Posted by Killjoy

Thanks Dwight. I will remind you.

One question. Do any of the firing ranges around you allow rapid fire?
The one by me does not. I'm curious how my grouping is, with three or four squeezed off in rapid succession.

I think Gary is heading up the shoot including looking for the appropriate range so you may want to check with him.

[Killjoy]

Originally Posted by DwightMcCann

I think Gary is heading up the shoot including looking for the appropriate range so you may want to check with him.

Will do. Thanks.

[DwightMcCann]

Mark, how simulary we are ... my wife wants a week in Paris combined with a week around Europe ... probably next year!