Denny's AAR
SkyKnights Con 30th/31th August 2005
Trump Taj Mahal
Atlantic City, NJ
How can I possibly describe and event, that mere words can't tell the whole story. I will endeavor to do the impossible and tell it.
Day One
I got to the Con a day early so that I could greet and assist all who were coming. Check in went smoothly, Baine was the taxi from the airport and saw to it that Seadog and Colt got to the hotel and back again to the airport when it was time to leave. Many thanks Baine
The first to arrive was DHawk and his wife Jerie, some how they snuck in while I wasn't looking.
Seadog and his wife Colleen came next at about 2pm on the 30th, in Baines taxi. After many hand shakes and hugs they got all checked in. One of the things you will hear about is all of the hugs from everybody. I have never in my life felt more at ease and had a feeling of total contentment, as I did at this Con.
Zooty was the next to arrive, around 4pm, dressed in the correct jump suit, I thought the hair do was a bit much, but Zooty is Zooty, Seadog and I met him at the door. More hugs and shakes.
1 of 4 and his wife Gigi arrived next and slipped pass my guards and arrived around 5pm.
Colt was next at 6pm by aid of Baine's taxi. More hugs and shakes.
Ribbs arrived around 7pm and Zooty and I met him at the door. ( this arrival was not as smooth as the others. Ribbs brought all of his computer and Ribb Stick with him. The bell hop had all of his stuff on the luggage cart and we proceeded to the elevators. The bell hop enter first with all of Ribb's stuff, I was next to enter the elevator the bell hop and Zooty and Ribbs said you can't make it. And you know me I said no problem and proceeded to enter at full speed in my power chair. Bam, bam I knocked a big chunk off of the cowling on the chair. I made it in but, turned to all present and said damn you were right.) I am a body man so repairs won't take long once I get home.
After everybody had settled in we decided to have dinner in the Bengal Club. The staff set up a long line of tables for us. The Con was about to begin. We opened the Con at 8pm.
I made a short opening speech, followed by Seadog , passing out some awards to the SkyKnights for outstanding service. He had them in a small clear plastic bag and when they were all gone he sat down. Now I didn't say anything but I am thinking What!? am I the forgotten step child. But didn't say anything, he then reached down by his chair and picked a Trump shopping bag, and began to speak again. Something to the effect of for his long service and dedication to the SkyKnights and pulled the Bomber Jacket from the bag. I've got to tell you I am not easily surprised, but I was floored by this one.
Yes I was speechless and had dripping eyes. It took some time before I could even speak. They handed me the jacket and when I set it across my power chair the weight hit the forward position and wham I ran into the table and knocked over some drinks before I could stop. I thank each and every one of you for such a wonderful gift. It will be my prized position for all time. Over the years each of you have contributed so much toward in making this moment so special, if not for all of you and your talents I would not be the success, that you have made me. As I said I just don't have the words to tell what this means to me.
After dinner we adjourned to the walk way out side of the Bengal Club where group pictures were taken, and then more group pictures. The rest of the night was spent roaming the casino looking for slots that would pay off. I don't think any one got rich but some won money and all had fun.
Day Two
The morning came early for me. Anne and I had gone to bed around 5:30am and calls and knocks on the door started around 10:00am the air show was about to begin. Many showed up in the room
deciding whether to watch the show from the room or brave the board walk crowd (around 500,000 people). In the end it was just DHawk his wife and Anne and I. Lots of film and Cam corder shots were taken, I have 3 1/2 hours of cam corder footage and DHawk too over 200 pictures. Colt, Seadog, Zooty, and other took many more. Once we have all of these finished we will post them.
After the show which lasted almost to 4pm we went forth to win some more money. We met at the Bengal Club at 6pm for more food and to trade war stories. After dinner we all stopped by Ribbs room and got our first look at the famous Ribb Stick. It was an impressive thing to see. Seadog, Colt , DHawk and 1 of all tried it out, lots of oooh's and aaah's from all who tried it. He was looking for some unbiased opinions from us. He got them, He listened intently and considered what we had to say about the stick. He also had the inferred device turned on so that what you looked at would center on the screen. This stick is a bit stiffer than a regular joystick but is of better quality than all the others, As Seadog said if it had rudder pedals it would be better, and I suggested a little more movement in the stick itself. You move it with just putting a little pressure to which way you want to go. Well done Ribbs looking for the first production model to be released.
Once again we headed to the casino where money was won and money was lost, I was the" lost money guy" this time. I would lose 10 time that just to be able to get together again with these guys and gals. Most went to bed early as the morning would bring on long trips home. Anne and I finally made it around 4am. Up again at 10am to see some of the guys off on their homeward trips. The last to leave was Seadog, Colleen and Colt, once Baine's taxi took them to the airport around 4pm. Anne and I headed back to the Bengal for more food and then a little more gambling. Retired to the room for a well deserved nap. We headed out from the Taj at around 10pm headed for home.
The pictures and films will tell the story over the next few weeks and as we meet online to kill the enemy we can fill in the details.
I believe all had a great time and we are all looking forward to our next get together, and hope more will come and share what can only be described and going to heaven on earth.
You guys are great.
SKDenny
