'Twas the Night Before Braceland

It was a fun-filled, nail-biting day. Started out with the unresolved issue of sourcing an LCD projector. Dottie Vexler at Portsmouth came through, as always. She found a projector in the Telecommunications Department. Dottie has given exceptional support to the Braceland. She is the major reason why we will have CME credits this year. Gail and I wrote justifications for CME credits, but Dottie did the leg work pushing it through. LT Emad Daniel at Portsmough graciously accepted the role as master of ceremonies, even though it was thrust upon him unknowingly. I spoke with Emad about noon today at Portsmouth. He said he was in the Newark airport when he read my email saying he was in charge of the laptop and projector. He said he broke out laughing. He showed the email to his wife and she started laughing, too. I spent a couple of hours in the afternoon printing and assembling the name badges, while Dottie in Portsmouth was printing the CME certificates. I spoke with the event manager at the hotel and confirmed our reservation for 29 attendees. She sent me the final contract, which I signed and faxed back. I put in a full day, then I showered, changed clothes and met Duke Crawford for dinner. We went to my favorite French bistro. Duke had moules marinieres, a dish he said he last had in Paris. I had salmon baked in parchment paper with ratatouille. We talked the talk of Navy Captains, nothing about the Braceland. Duke is on his way across the country to his promotion ceremony to the rank of Captain at Bethesda with Admiral Nathan presiding, then on to Camp Lejeune where he will assume the duties of Director of Mental Health. When I came home, while I was packing for New Orleans, an email came in from Rob McLay. Rob had to regret attending the Braceland at the last minute because of pregnancy complications. Not Rob, his wife. Nothing dire at this point, just something that required Rob to stay at home. Rob was scheduled to present NCCOSC slides on behalf of CAPT Paul Hammer. But the Braceland is the least of his worries now. Rob sent along his slides because he is a good Scout. But forget about that. If you are a person who says prayers, then say a prayer for Rob and his wife. I called the hotel and left a voice message that we are down to 28.

Check back here this weekend for a recap of the Braceland and the results of the Sears Award vote.

For Bracelanders, here's the weather report: Highs in the upper 80s, lows in the mid to upper 70s with a chance of rain. Dress light and pack the umbrella.