California or Bust!

A California Family called for a reservation in "Dry Gulch" the day of my mothers funeral. (they have come three years in a row to Dry Gulch) I explained what had happened with Mom's Passing, but the husband just blatantly said: "money is no object". So I promised that when I returned from the funeral I would work his family into the schedule. We had to move several events around for him, and did so. But, when I called him back to give him the appointed time, he blustered that the $70 fee for the two private hours of gem mining was just too much money. They get games, prizes, velvet bags with as many gems as they can fit (400 to 500 each on average), their name goes up on the main sign, they receive free party bags at the conclusion of the event, and the two full hours of "PRIVATE" MINING TIME (with no other family's allowed in). His wife had always paid in the past, and I haven't had a price increase here in four years! So... He wasted my time... never offered condolences for the loss of my mom... and I had to move three other scheduled events in order to make room for him. He never even said that he was sorry for the inconvenience!

Bemus Point...

Just finished up with my large group from Bemus Point Elementary. I salute the children, chaperones, and teachers. It was one of the best behaved groups ever! The Teachers and chaperones were the most caring that I have seen in some time, and the kids were magical with their hugs and handshakes. Bemus Point has it together!

Girl Scouts...

A large "Girl Scout" event was just hosted here in The Town Of Dry Gulch. My attention was soon drawn to one of the scouts. She was quite frail in stature, quiet in demeanor, and an obvious 'keep to herself' type. She was not quick enough to win a single game, nor was she even interested in filling her bag to the top. She preferred studious inspection of each individual gem before accepting it into her pouch.

As the event drew to a close she stood patiently by herself, far removed from the crowd that always gathers around me. As soon as the large gang had cleared she climbed up on the cart, quietly saying: "Sheriff Bill, I had the best time of my entire life"! She politely shook my hand, and hopped down.

That's what it's all About!!!

Overtime...

Events of any size of more than six kids will most usually take the full two hours to complete. I do not under any circumstances cut the game period short, or the final march up to the Kids Store (cabin). If you have arrived late, and then decide that you're going to cook hot dogs on the grill, it should then occur to you that it it going to run slightly overtime. Don't be immature and suggest that we eliminate certain fun parts of this childhood memory in order to favor your tardiness.

Conspicuous By Absence...

I receive hundreds and hundreds of thank you's each season from parents who tell me what a nice thing that I am doing for kids. It then becomes almost 'conspicuous by absence' when a parent departs without so much as a smile. Such was recently the case!

Upon a substantial period of post party thinking, I arrived at a conclusion of sour grapes due to our grown-up "rules" here in Dry Gulch. When I announced that there was no smoking allowed in the Gem Mining Area, I heard a disgruntled mumbling from a mom and dad, who were then even further upset when the no cell phones rule was announced. These rules benefit the children (my one and only concern). And I do give the latitude of using both phones and cigarettes on the outside of the nearby gate.

With literally thousands of nice people who attend Dry Gulch each year, who are truly understanding of what we set out to accomplish for the kids... I salute you! However, for the mom and dad that continued to whine and grumble, I offer this...
Grow Up! It's not always about you! In this case, you could both learn from your children who told me that Dry Gulch was Awesome! Your one child actually had the right to shed some tears at the end of the event, but she toughed it out and didn't even let out a sigh of discontent in the kids store, unlike her mom and dad who were still caught up in life's improprieties and inequities that were seemingly leveled against them.

Macho Man...

At a recent Birthday Party for a six year old, the father said that he was going to cook hot dogs on the grill. I explained to him how the "Amish Style Grill" works. He paid absolutely no attention to the twenty second explanation, stating, " I'm smarter than the average bear".

Lo and behold, the party's coming to an end one hour and a half later, and the eight hot dogs are yet to be cooked! ... Some Bear!

As if that wasn't enough to shame this great outdoors macho-man... He was peeking into the windows of the main store when his 'buddy' asked, "what's in there'? His reply: "Just a bunch of glass blowing junk. I hate glassblowers, they're boring and stupid, I'd much rather be stretched out on the couch."

That says it all!!!

One For The Books...

When are people going to realize that a pretentious, yuppie attitude is so transparent that even the least discerning individual knows when they are being stroked?

A representative from another field trip facility (in this town) came strolling down our driveway just as we were about to leave for the afternoon. She began by bending our ears on how we should 'hook up' with them to combine field trips for the community.

She had obviously observed the 4,ooo plus kids that we entertain here in "Dry Gulch" each season, and wanted a piece of the pie. How funny, I thought, that this same Lady had never welcomed us some Six Years Ago when we first moved to this town (or at any point thereafter). Now, she stood boldly bending in through the passenger window of our vehicle, announcing her desire for a 'mutual program'.

In a very polite voice I asked what her concept entailed and how it would work when in fact "our" "Field Trips" to Dry Gulch" are sometimes booked a full year in advance, and co-ordinating schedules might just be a big problem! At this point she became quite disturbed and through pursed lips she uttered: "I'm a teacher and former principle, I can handle almost anything". She then added: "It doesn't matter, I just wanted you to know". She then turned and hastly walked up the driveway.

Now, every business person (worth his or her salt) knows that when you approach someone with a business concept, You Must Have A Plan and an appointment (erudites included). We were left wondering what the real intent of the visit was all about... perhaps a free ride on the shirt-tails of "our" field trip success?