Presidential Encounters  

I just finished telling you guys about a special meeting with someone I admire and it made me think about two other special encounters several years ago. Both of which include two of our nation's presidents.

The first I'll tell you about took place in New York City at the famed 21 Club. My father and sister and brother and I had just attended a Broadway play and entered 21 Club to have a late dinner when we ran into a family friend by the name of Congressman Joe Waggoner (sp?). He is a friend of my Dad's and he told us that he was there having dinner with President Nixon and asked if we'd like to meet him. Like we were really going to say no to that.

Anyway, Mr. Waggoner went back into the restaurant where they'd been dining and brought Mr. Nixon out to see us. He was very warm and friendly and quite gracious and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting with him for the few minutes we did.

My father had met him on several occassions because my parents used to attend Mardi Gras at the White House during the late 60's and early 70's. I have another story to tell about that but it will have to wait until another posting.

Anyway, the other presidential encounter happened in Purgatory, CO, when we were staying at a resort called Tamarron. Let me tell you first that if you ever have a chance to stay there, do so. It's gorgeous and has the best golf course I've ever played on.

Now back to the story. We were going into the dining room one evening and after a little fuss that we didn't understand initially, we were escorted to a table overlooking the mountains and golf course. At the table next to us was President and Mrs. Ford. They graciously greeted us and then went back to eating their dinner. Of course, once we saw them, we understood the necessity of the fuss made over where we were about to sit. The Secret Service was checking to make sure we weren't going to attack President Ford.

It was definitely an interesting experience coupled with the fact that we ran into President and Mrs. Ford several other times in Vail, CO after that when they were shopping in the village. Amazing that even presidents have to go shopping.

I guess that's about all. I just thought you'd enjoy that little quip.