Lion Ricky, our chair this year, got his start at sausage too. I've got the pictures to prove it. There is one difference. I went over too him then and said "Rick-your gonna smell like that for a week". He replied "I love it". I walked away wondering what the world was coming too- our new Lion loves sausage.
ANYWAY- The usual cast of characters was present. I guess moving from sausage to eggs is a six year process because Sam, as you can see, has matriculated. In a reversal of roles- Lion Mouse spent some time in the sausage pit, helping out our "Prospect" Paul- have you met this guy? I think we need to keep Kryptonite on hand- today he showed up with a flat (like 12 jars) of the BEST Blackberry jam I have ever had...seriously folks, Kryptonite...just in case we need it.
There were also some new faces about. Lion Sean (the new one) was there, Lion Josh took over the Gin Fizzes with great finesse. Lion Sean (the old one) was learning the famous art of the beer pancakes- crazy that Ward would pass that one on, it's like a Jedi thing and I couldn't hope to be let in on it- I am a lousy Jedi. I did learn one secret though, as you see in the picture. The secret to the pancakes (besides Budweiser) is the Artesian spring water Tim so delicately adds- he was gracious enough to show me how that was done.
Yes- all was good. At 7:00 AM I thought we were busted, like I always think (well, I am usually thinking it at about 9:30). Lions out-numbered guests ten to one and I was starting to get a bit of a buzz (some of my friends had a bit more of a buzz so I can feel OK about that). I decided that since know one had offered me a job, I would show our town how a beuracracy can destroy even the most sacred of institutions such as the Lions Club, and joined my dad...Lion President, where we watched from a distance, of course carefully taking notes on how we can improve in the future. Really though, we had the family up and figured we ought to spend a little time with them. I was deep in conversation when I looked up and saw LINES- LINES reaching as far as the eye could see.
I remembered instantly the stories Father Time (Lion Frank) had regailed me with about how the line would stretch to something like Asti back in the day and realized...this is it- this is the Pancake breakfast I have waited for. Seriously, there were a TON of people. What a great day we had out there.
Torn between cooking sausage, or celebrating the fact that I happen to be the only Lion with a father also in the club, I opted to remain by dads side and celebrate the miracle of my own birth...a day that so deeply affected him that 35 years later he cannot bare the idea of me leaving his side for more than a second on this special day. But you guys...you guys did the thing! You killed it, those lines were moving fast and everyone was coming away fat and happy- well pleased. Only thing better was Marge made it out too. She was gracious enough to adopt me about three years ago when my mother in haste gave me up, so I got a soft spot for her (and for mom who has to live with regret now- kinda like getting a tattoo of Michael Jackson and then seeing what came after Thriller).
The only bummer of the day was when Jeremy made a spectacle of himself and demanded his daughter not only pay for but also cook his breakfast- man that kid cannot catch a break, but as you see, she did so smiling. To Lion Ricky and the rest of you Lions, my bucket hat is tipped in reverance for what has to be the greatest team of men ever assembled- Nice work today Lads!
