I just figured out why my taxes are not done. It’s been such a busy and wonderful March, the weeds are high in the yard, and I have not been home to do my taxes. This should be where I thank everyone, but the list would take up two pages. You know who you are, and I thank you so much for making the events so successful - to be appreciated by everyone attending. The computer glitches have been outstanding, and my executive adjutant Don Church and Lady Mary Church will be owed appreciation for years to come.

Asiya started March by winning the prize for the most Shrine members at Nobles Day in Sacramento. Illustrious Sir Nolan arranged the trip, and we had it filled. The hospital served us lunch and presented a great update on what they do there. I our group we had 13 people as part of our group that had not been there before. Susan and I then attended the Pote’s Ball in Kerak, and they had a great hospitality setup, and over 200 people in attendance. Illustrious Sir Art Cline is doing a great job up there in Reno.

And what a fun time to and from Laughlin for the joint Ceremonial hosted by the Al Malaikah Shrine Center. It was my first time to that location, and we watched 19 new nobles get initiated. Sharing the bus with the Tehran group was tremendous and amusing. And a big thank you to the section crew for their work on Marshal’s night. A great back drop, and good fun.

I hope everyone saw Dave Perazzo’s picture that was in the parade from the St Patrick’s Day parade. The new Corvettes really went over well. Thanks to the members of the section crew, the Greeters, and the Legion of Honor for walking the whole way. I had several people say that the Corn Beef dinner prepared by Chief Aide Gregg Hall, was the best they ever had.

And did Asiya have fun on the Mystery Trip! Don Ellington outdid himself. The destination by the way was Solvang, but the tour on Monday was the Vandenberg Air Force Base. Don managed to get us a tour underground in a live control bunker!

What a privilege it was to initiate Jay DeVore into the Shrine at the Santa Cruz Shrine Club meeting. Thanks to past potentates Nolan Katz and Jim Cook for the help. Jay does promise to watch the full first section as soon as he can.

The end of the month had twelve Asiya members attending the Shrine Directors Association meeting in Columbus, Ohio. We looked pretty sharp all in our white overalls. It sure was a great crowd, and many stunts were presented for competition. Suggestion for Gordon Markley – get a lot of sleep before you go. We ended March by attending the Nile installation of their new Queen, Dory Horn.

And right out of our second degree prayer, “Grant that the sublime principles of Freemasonry may so subdue every discordant passion within us”. Let’s practice what we swore to be.