This past Saturday Debbie and I headed over to the Veterans Collective with our New Life Riders CMA chapter to pick up the “Christmas” food basket and deliver it to help a family that would not otherwise be able to have Christmas this year. It was pretty wet this morning, but like the mail, we deliver regardless. I took a few photos, and some video so you can see how it all happened. The family was very grateful, and it was a joy to serve them.

Since Debbie and I aren’t going to California to visit family this year (for obvious reasons), we headed over to the Veterans Collective to drop of our toy donations for the annual ToyRunnerz toy delivery to the Texas Baptist Childrens Home (TBCH). The weather was more than a bit spotty, switching from overcast, to drizzle to actual rain, until about 20 minutes before time for Kick Stands Up, then, Praise God, it cleared up a bit and everyone was able to head over to TBCH with a greater degree of safely. Fortunately there were several popup tents set up at Veteran’s Collective so everyone could stay out of the rain. We visited with friends for a while and then headed over to the home to watch and record the arrival of the bikes. After the parade we headed back to Veteran’s Collective for Fernando’s Christmas Party, complete with coloring pages for the kids, and a traditional ham and sides dinner. Of course there were also cookies that many brought, so we weren’t short any sweets. Later in the afternoon it got a bit windy, so as you will see from the photos, several people got to play tent pole while some of the tents were taken down. Fortunately, no tents or people were damaged, and everyone had a great time. See the video after the photos.

Here are two videos of the arrival of the bike parade “fly by” at Texas Baptist Childrens Home. Can you see yourself in the parade?

This evening Debbie and I went to the Marine Birthday party celebrating 245 years of the Marine Corps. We arrived fashionably late, but in time for the ceremony, which was very well done. It included several inspirational readings and music, including Taps, the National Anthem and the Marine Corps Anthem. It was wonderful! We got to say hello to a few friends, and the Leathernecks MC served cake and BBQ plates. Couldn’t have asked for more. I hope the photos are to your liking. They asked me to take a group photo, which I did, but by then the light was all but gone, so it’s not too bad, but I wish it was better. Oh, and I apologize to those couple of people I cut off on the left of the group shot. My lens just wasn’t wide enough. Enjoy!

We had the annual COC&I chili cook-off today out at Time Out Sports Bar in Liberty Hill. It was an outdoor event, and was well attended. Everyone brought masks of course, but with the wonderful weather and brisk breeze, there were few health concerns. I did see a fair number of people wearing masks. Everyone attending this free event was given the opportunity to try over 20 chili styles, so it was quite a competition. I usually asked for a small portion in a tasting cup, but at least one crew handed me a full bowl of chili. Fortunately it was very good, so i chowed down and finished it easily. I did of course share with Debbie, at least most of the time. One of our newer chapter members (Kevin) joined us and got to meet lots of our friends and taste as many of the chilis as he could. After the tasting finished, we had the COC&I meeting, and heard from our legislative warriors about up-coming bills, and about the January 25th legislative day where we all go down to the capital to talk with your legislators. Apparently there are going to be a lot of changes from two years ago when we had the last one of these, but I’m sure it will be an interesting day to say the least. At the end of the meeting, the trophies were handed out for the chili-cook-off winners. The photos are in reverse winner order, third, second, first, and then peoples choice, so you can look at the photos to see who won. Then we had the raffle give-aways, finishing with drawing of the HOBO (Help Our Brothers Out) 100th anniversary Harley Davidson Road King winner. Turns out he was at the event, but went home. When we called him, he came right back and I was able to get his photo with the bike. Another wonderful event for the motorcycle riding community.

Debbie and I attended the Tornados MC 20th Anniversary Party today. We saw paul and Robin from our New Life Riders CMA chapter heading out as we were arriving. They had more stops to make. After we got inside, It was good to see and talk with friends and enjoy good food. 20 years is a long time for a Motorcycle Club to be around and Tornados MC is definitely a good one. Congratulations Tornados, on your 20 year milestone.