Don't Be Cruel

Coming May 29, to a Ranch near you.

"It's Now or Never"

Wait, it's 2014?

Wow, time flies and a blog doesn't get updated. Invitations are out for the 2014 Camp Meeting and Whoop-De-Do. This year's theme ... TCB in a flash in Madison!

During the last few years of his life, Elvis adopted "Takin' Care of Business" as a motto. “TCB” can be seen on one of his airplanes and is still used in Elvis merchandise. His entertainment room at Graceland also shows his dedication to that motto. His last backup group was called the TCB Band.

"Takin' Care of Business" is a song written by Randy Bachman and first recorded by Canadian rock group Bachman–Turner Overdrive (BTO) for their 1973 album Bachman–Turner Overdrive II. Elvis had been a major influence on Bachman, who in 2010 said he had been aware of rumors about the origins of the TCB name but had not had them confirmed until watching a documentary about Elvis in which his widow confirmed the BTO connection. (Credit Wikipedia.org  #honorcode)

TCB image/photo credit to lhyme.com

A Note from the Marketing Department

The Marketing Department apologizes for the lack of posts for the 2012 Camp Meeting. It has been a busy spring for the Believers, but those of you who are regulars know to mark your calendars each year for the Sunday before Memorial Day. Official invitations will be emailed out today, but here are a few of the details.

• We'll kick things off around 4 p.m.
• PLEASE be sure to RSVP and let us know what you're bringing to the spread.
• We say this every year, but we expect another record crowd this year, so feel free to bring a few extra lawn chairs.

Now members of the Marketing Department must to go back to their day jobs, the ones that pay in something other than food.

More soon.

Thank you

Every year as the Believers prepare for the Camp Meeting, we watch the Boy Scouts as they put a flag at each tombstone in the National Cemetery. While tomorrow we'll all come together to enjoy the company of friends and family, those who have given their lives and those have served are the reasons we are able to do this. Thank you!

What else can I bring?

We're expecting a record crowd this year, so in addition to that side dish or dessert, please put a few lawn chairs in your car before heading to the Circle R.

Not allowed, either!

We've added cicadas to the "not allowed" list, but we unfortunately we think they'll show up anyway. Check out these items to help you get through the Cicada Invasion!

What is a "Whoop-De-Doo?"

If you read your invitation carefully (and we know you did!) you saw that this year's Camp Meeting also is a "Whoop-De-Doo," in honor of one of our new favorites. Don't get me wrong, we still gather around the television on Sunday nights to watch Elvis flicks while devouring peanut butter and banana sandwiches, but our latest viewing pleasure broadcasts Wednesday nights on FX -- Justified.

Justified follows Raylan Givens, excuse me, Deputy U.S. Marshall Raylan Givens as he battles his past in and fights for the future of Harlan County, Kentucky. He is both friend and enemy to those in the county -- the Bennetts, the Crowders, his ex-wife Winona, and others. In one season two episode, Mags, the matriarch of the Bennett family, throws a "Whoop-De-Doo." This event serves to rally her neighbors and friends against the menacing Black Pipe Mining Company that has plans to take control of her mountain. Thank you, but Mags has other plans.

We invite you -- our neighbors and friends -- to a "Whoop-De-Doo!" where, like in Harlan County, there will be plenty of baseball references and apple pie.

Invitations out!

Invitations have been mailed or e-mailed, so be on the lookout! Read up on this year's theme -- Roustabout. Yes, there will be a quiz.

More soon!

Not allowed!

Invitations coming soon

With the Kentucky Derby behind us, the believers now focus on planning for the annual Camp Meeting to be held on Sunday, May 24. Expectations are high again this year for another outstanding event. Invitations will be mailed soon and this year's theme will be revealed. In the meantime, here are a few moments from Derby weekend. Enjoy!

By the track on Oaks Day. The girls went sans hats
because of the looming storm clouds and strong winds.

A julep and a bet!

Before loading the gate!

And down the stretch they come!
(Sorry about the poser's head.)

What are you bringing for the spread?

Anyone who has attended the Camp Meeting knows that a highlight for this annual event is the food. Mary Lu's homemade walnut chocolate chip cookies, Jean's baked beans, Pat's potato salad, Donna's cucumbers and onions, the Michaels' pork tenderloin and marinated chicken, Glee's pineapple casserole, and, of course, Darlene's cake, are just a few of our favorites.

This year we will be cooking chicken and pork on Dick's No. 27 turbo grill. This grill was designed to cook for the concession stand at Greenbrier High School football games. In other words, it's a serious grill. You have to see it to believe it.

Call the Power Line to record your pledge of presence and pledge what you are bringing for the spread.

Oops!

CLINTON not CLIFTON ... my bad!

The date is fast-approaching!

Now that the Kentucky Derby is behind us, we turn our attention to the Presleyterian Camp Meeting. As always, the meeting will be held the Sunday before Memorial Day, this year May 25. The grounds open at 4:00 o'clock p.m. Formal announcements will be mailed soon.

Check our blog often for updates on the Camp Meeting and relevant business. We'll also use it to post photos from past meetings.

And for all you fans of the ponies out there, here's a photo of the Believers from Derby Day. We were out recruiting!