Jerre's 2006 GTG Follow Up [Archive] - Snowplowing-Contractors.com

apgarconstruction

04-23-2006, 07:32 AM

just made it home a little while ago.
fred and I left the hotel around 4:30 or a little earlier, i got home at 11, hit some major fog and some rain to, but the fog was really bad in some spots, not a car length of visibility. eventually ran out in front of the storm and hit some clear sailing all the way home.

I just wanted to Thank CHUCK and JERRE and FRED for all they did this weekend, along with all the others that were there helping out too. I am so glad that I made the trip this year and i am already looking forward to next years! A great bunch of guys that I wish all lived in one area so we could do this all the time.

We had a blast yesterday racing go karts before dinner at longhorn, and I think father fred is banned for life from that go kart track! there was some major fender banging going on there. :) jay and bill stayed back at the hotel with the sheep and didn't come to dinner or the race track.

Jerre, your house is wonderful! i know all the hard work that it takes to get to where you are, and you've really planned that out and done a great job, you should be very proud of yourself, all that finish work is sometimes the hardest parts to get finished because you are trying to live in there now and have raise your family, but also try to finish it. i'll be in touch when we are going to add on here, to get some info on those walls you used.
Thanks again Jerre for opening up your house and letting all us rowdy guys in there to eat all the great food you provided for us.

another big Thanks to CHuck and Fred who paid for the breakfast on saturday morning!

Matt, how's the kitten doing?

BRL

04-23-2006, 11:43 AM

Borrow a buddies trailer to haul some steel across the Eastern Branch of the Eerie Erie Express (yep, its a real word in the dictionary, and if you had been in my shoes, you would understand why I call it eerie) not exactly a free "borrowing" like one might be accustomed too:

1 set of new tires the day before departure ... $236.38

Replace various running lamps & sockets & lenses ... $34.46

2 new stake pockets, 4' of .035 flux core wire, primer ... $16.30

XM Satellite radio to provide sanity while enjoying 20 hours in one's vehicle in one sitting ... $12.95\month

Oh what the heck, lets get a different set of new tires for this one a day later, not so sure I like this set ... $169.00

Gas ... $306.88

Coffee, water, soda & Amp drinks ... $28.00?

Recognizing fellow scum bag New Jerseyan's vehicle approaching out of the rising sun while glancing in the rear view mirror while changing into work clothes in the driver seat while parked in a ditch on side of US Route 80 in PA ... $172.00 (for the eye glasses :shades )

Seeing said vehicle's brake lights come on after it passes (and said driver realizing where he stopped is miraculously at an access road to said Interstate with a paved area next to the shoulder that surely looks like a much better place to work than the previously occupied deep ditch next to highway ...
PRICELESS!!! (finally eh?!!)

Seeing another fellow scum bag New Jerseyan pass the scene & with out any even slightest lifting of accelerator foot while producing a one fingered salute toward passenger side window ...
Well, it doesn't match with the theme of
the commercial actually, but it sure was rude!
(and actually acceptable & to be expected from
fellow New Jerseyans actually- so no harm)

Sharing a few sips of Holy Water with Rich, Jerre, & Fred ...
An absolute Blessing & an Honor!! Thanks guys!!!!

Enjoying a few Krispy Kremes & washing them down with a bit of KY Kool Aid while reading about Bill & his little love lamb & typing this ... yummy!

Watching Andy's smile while watching Erica's face as she reacts to his inquiring if she will ever forget serving him while he enjoys his after meal
cigarette ... oh man - I'm not quite sure if she held me up from falling over, or if I held her up from the same result - Andy don't worry we'll lasso that damned bull eventually & get your hat back for ya one of these days!!! It was a true honor to meet you, fool around & pick on poor Erica & Seth - & learn how to really enjoy what life has to offer one. Thank you!

will babble more later, time to pass out now

PS (so Todd, now do you see why I wasn't in the mood you were expecting upon my arrival - I knew all would be well in short enough time with these guys, and no matter how long, how expensive or how difficult it may have seemed to get there, it was worth every penny, injury or tear)

Tileman

04-23-2006, 02:23 PM

Ok guys we made it back to Ohio (Kentucky) around 5:30 . Got the van unloaded checked emails, and read a few post. We to would like to thank Jerre and Amy for letting us use part of the wonderfull new home. Thanks Guys.

Thanks again to Chuck, Jerre, Pete and the wonderfull sponsors and anyone else who made this such a wonderfull weekend.

I have lots of pictures to post just need a little time to get them sorted out.

More to come later. It was great to see a lot of new faces and a lot of old friends again this year.

Ok going to stop now and start on the pictures

Rich and the boys plus one

EIB

04-23-2006, 03:03 PM

I made it back to NY.

I want to first thank Jerre and Amy for holding the GTG at their home. Also want to thank Thomas for his work.

It was great to be there and see all the guys. new faces and old. I had a blast.

For all the guys that couldn't make it, you were missed. Now put next years GTG in your planning books. It's going to be a hoot or baaa?:D depending if Bill comes.

Pickering Snow

04-23-2006, 03:03 PM

Well once again another year of gut and rib busting laughter. I still havent found my way to the pillow working on about 7 hrs sleep all weekend and will post more later and what pics i took has well.

The Blessing went well would never be poss with out my connection and dear friend { Rich ** However iam afriad to say that maybe limiting the number of sinners being blessed to maybe 7-8 instead of 13 or more has the Father may have indulged in a little to much Holy water.

Once again will post thank yous and pic's after some sleep . However Jerre and Amy iam greatful for your friendship and the fact you open your AWESOME home and shop and Town to abunch of nuts.

PS Brl i gave up sent jeans UPS overnight watch the box when you open it.

Tileman

04-23-2006, 03:14 PM

I'm going to start from Friday night at the Lube.

By the time we caught up everyone was having a gooooooooood time.

I was going to put names with the pics put for sure I will get some of them wrong.

Tileman

04-23-2006, 03:19 PM

A few more from Friday night at the Lube.

snowplowjay

04-23-2006, 04:00 PM

Thanks for the good times guys!!!

And a special thanks to Jerre and Amy and Jacob for taking us all in for the weekend festivities once again this year!!!

Fred, thanks for the blessings.

Bill and I got off of I91 at about 6pm and headed down the Berlin TPKE for wings and beer at Hooters........ I just got home.......

What a ride home. Lots of varying intensities of rain and fog..........

Jay

hlntoiz

04-23-2006, 04:41 PM

Ryan and I got back at 6:15. Ended up seeing Pelican and DiMartino on the way home and had lunch. I just got done checking my emails. I also unpacked and realized that I left my cell phone charger in the hotel room... I am ok with that though. This was the worst thing all weekend. The entire weekend was absolutely wonderful. I haven't had that much fun since I spent 2 weeks on spring break. If I ever miss a GTG I am probably 6 feet under. because there is no way I will ever miss this get together.

Thank you Jerre, Amy, and Jacob for your hospitality. You went way above and beyond. Also thanks for the Erie Special #31. (Straps worked fine)

Father, thank you for the blessing...you where right about he Holy $hi%'s the next day. Also thanks for Breakfest (you too Chuck). Also, thanks for all your hard work on the site Chuck (and everyone else that works on it)

I can't Say enough thanks to everyone for the memories! It was great to meet everyone and put a face to the names.

PS. Meister meet Yager today and they are getting to know each other. He maid the trip well and is finally out of the box perminately.

I will post more later...I am pretty beat and need a good night sleep.

Thanks again guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Already marked my calander for next year!!!!

GMC Driver

04-23-2006, 04:42 PM

Like to take th opportunity to say a few thank-yous as well. Once again, a good time by all, wanted to make it Fri already, but had to hang back until Sat am - still worth it just for Sat.

Thanks first of all to Jerre & family - very hospitable to invite us all to your beautiful home and delight us with a wonderful meal. Your generosity and dedication shine through in your work, home, and family. Wish you, Amy, and Jacob the best until next time - look forward to a fall pilgrimage. In addition, Thomas, thanks for the hard work you put into ensuring the weekend was a success.

To Chuck - thanks for all the hard work you put into maintaining and growing the site - it has surely become a network of the greatest like-minded individuals I have had the pleasure of meeting (just not sure about Renda yet). The insight gained would make it valuable enough - nevermind the friendships formed. All the hard work should and does not go unnoticed - the door prizes, and skidsteer tokens are more than expected.

To Jonathan - we had a bit of a chance to talk, I can appreciate the challenges you face on a daily basis. Your presence speaks to the level of customer service you provide - I don't know (or see) any other manufacturers that interact as closely with the end-user. The fact that we have your ear is reassuring, and I look forward to the continued development of Blizzard products.

To Peter Beering - any free Fluid Film is good!! Though with all the Fords present over the weekend, I would have thought that they would have gotten a larger can!

Father Fred - the Father to us all - thanks for the efforts in making the weekend a success, for the advice you give - a true mentor! Makes me wish that we lived a little closer - wise beyond your years!

To all those familiar faces - BRL (thanks for the laughs - poor Erica!), John D, Chris, Pelican, Rich and the boys, Everett, Bob, and the many others I missed - good to see you all, and look forward to next year!

To the new faces - Jay and Bill - what a hoot!! (a loud train hoot!) Matt - great to meet you and we'll keep in touch, Andy (you're right - we won't forget you!) Dan - your building knowledge became clearly apparent at Jerre's - look forward to seeing the progress on your on project. Todd - glad you could come and represent the mid-west! And again, to those I forgot - I apologize.

The go-karts were a blast - mine had a Hemi and came in dead last (POS!!).

And after my first Krispy Kreme coffee - well, I'll stick with my Tim's.

Jerre Heyer

04-23-2006, 06:28 PM

Well, Peter and Chris still haven't made it out of here yet. Thomas is Busy working on a project and were still adding more lights to Peters truck. I think Peter would stay and hang out with his snow buddies all year if it weren't for the Queen and Princess waiting impatiently for him to return as the King of the Manor.

I have to say thanks to all for making the pilgrimage to Erie. Amy, Jacob and I were happy to have you all up and look forward to next year already. Thomas will have a new suprise or two by next year and hopefully we will have some of the DD guys here with there new toys too.

Scott Allen from Fisher had to drop out at the last minute due to health issues but has been a frequent reader of the site and was looking forward to making the GTG. Was hoping to have them here too.

Bob Wilson from magic had to drop out at the last minute also but he set Peter up for Magic so that everyone could check it out. Hope he makes it next year.

Gregg Blair suprised us with Lunch on Friday as we had quite the crew already
by that time. Thanks to Superior for the libations, Cutting Edge, lunch and a great product

Jonathan, thanks for taking time off from your Honeymoon to come down. I hope to see you and your wife again soon. That bundle you brought with you was a joy too. Bring em all next time. It's always great to have you down here and you know that you're always welcome.

Digger and Viv, Keep them twins infront of Einstien As much as possible....LOL DVD will work soon.

I'll write more later but got to get another set of lights on Peters truck.......

RibbleConstruction

04-23-2006, 06:55 PM

Damn I wish I would have been able to make it. Sounds like it was a blast. Jerre- still need some trim work done, I'll make ya a trade for a blizzard 8611 :). Cant wait for next year already.

Tileman

04-23-2006, 07:03 PM

Saturday morning Most of us made it to Crackerbarel for breakfast. I want to thank Chuck Smith and Father Fred for picking up the tab. Thanks guys!
After we filled up with some good eats we headed over to Jerre's shop to check out some top secret projects. And a few that are just plain strange. Here are a few pics from the shop. Some I can post others are XXX rated and can not be posted. There was lots of cutting and welding going on. Some were working on more of Pete's lights.

Tileman

04-23-2006, 07:10 PM

These are some from the fab work on some of Pete's lights for the back of his rig.

Tileman

04-23-2006, 07:22 PM

Well as the morning slipped away and it was way after the time we were to be out to Jerre and Amy's new house. Jerre had to sweep us out (first pic) we headed out to the farm. Got a couple of pics of the wonderfull house (Jerre you did a great job). When we all managed to show up Amy and Co. started to get lunch set out, and Pete maned the grill and fixed up some great buggers and dogs. Amy and Co. set out a spread fit for a King. Thanks again!

Tileman

04-23-2006, 07:38 PM

Well guys I'm starting to come down off the High of the great weekend. There are many more pictures to be posted from the GTG. Many pictures about the Good Father Bleasing everyone with the now famous Holy Water. We will stop for the night and post more tomorrow. Lots of pics were taken so when you all get rested up let us see what and who you caught (only if we can post it and not break the rules, or let out any secrets)

Thanks again for another great weekend!

Rich.

wyldman

04-23-2006, 10:18 PM

Finally made it home ........ Made the whole trip (almost 600 miles) on 10 gallons of diesel. :D

I have tons of pics too,will post some tommorow.

What a great time ! ............... time for sleep :zzzz

Pickering Snow

04-24-2006, 02:13 AM

I will do pics first since i now have figured out i didnt take that many lol.

First pic is probley one i will transfer to photo paper and have framed . Three years ago i met a man in Erie what started has plow sale has turned into way more than Blizzard products its about really having adopted two brothers Jerre and Thomas and honestly feeling pretty lucky to be called uncle Fred to my little buddy Jacob . Understand when you see Jerre's House and how awesome it is he built that after hours keep in mind Jerre's hours are til the works done , this house was built after talking to us hours into the night Jerre Brl used a term tears from laughing from all the great fun. and ill have to add tears of pride and joy when i pulled up to the house saturday,i know how long it took to get the house were it is and no one but you will ever understand the sweat labor you poured into what i will now term the Heyer Estate. Thanks for all you do for me thanks to Thomas for he is right there with all the help i enjoy working with both of you in the shop when iam there and thanks to Amy and Jacob for sharing you with us.

Pickering Snow

04-24-2006, 02:27 AM

First one is of a new buddy made this weekend Andy D and Derwin Andy you are a speacial person and one i hold a great amount of respect for after this weekend you have shown me in two days that the problems i have encountered are nothing to overcome , your a great person man and ill never forget Blessing you thanks for all the great laughs and teaching me how to deal with lifes curve balls.

Second pic Todd Z and Bill Todd thanks for the trip out always good to have someone to road trip with.

Third Bill and Jay another dose of forgetting lifes troubles you guys got me good when you showed up friday morning Jay i have the matching pants to those shirts you can have however slightly filled and soiled after you hit those dam horns . Bill thanks for coming it meant more than you will know.

Pickering Snow

04-24-2006, 02:53 AM

This pic is of Peter we have threw some chilling and cloaking things have become very good friends this winter again we have spent some good times together this past year getting to know each other and our buss and familys.

I have always been very open here with the members when me and Pete first met i didnt understand his operation after getting to know him this past year threw events and meetings again i have met another great friend who will call and just check on me to make sure my little world is in tact. Probley one of the most caring i have met your friendship and wisdom is priceless to me .

Steve also in the pic getting mellow seems we didnt spend much time together this year and i missed that but from what i understand things were good saturday night glad to hear you and Matt and Todd had a good time.

Andy Detwiler

04-24-2006, 03:23 AM

I first want to say WOW, WHAT A GREAT BUNCH OF GUYS! Now, need to say thanks, Amy, thanks for letting a bunch of wild snow lovers into your beautiful house you live in, like Fred said, The Heyer Estate. Jerry, I had a hell of a time! Thank you very much. The dang weekend just went too fast, cant hardly wait until next year, wouldnt miss it for the world. Fred and Chuck, was truley a pleasure,thank you very much for picking up the tab on Friday morning for breakfast. Fred, I would like to check out that boat sometime, thanks also for the blessing. Well, i've gotta get off here, gotta get my daughter on the bus and get to the field, Dad is waititn, more to come later.
Thanks for a great weekend,
Andy

capnkel

04-24-2006, 06:09 AM

We got home at 8:30pm,12 hours driving for us mainers,this was a very enjoyable trip for all of us,got to see a lot of new places and a few new people.It was great to meet Mike,labsnducks,Dan Agpar,digger,and all the regular guys .
Jerre and Amy truly have an awesome home,thanks for hosting this event .Hopefully this summer we will see both of you here in maine.
Im not quite sure to make of the guys from southern new england,i guess bill is now our official sheppard1eye4 baaaa.I need too get me a set of horns like Jays so i can scare the crap outta some of the idiots that insist on anchoring in the river channel in thick fog,hehehe

Prosno

04-24-2006, 06:12 AM

I cant thank Jerre and his wife enough you guys are something. Father Fred I was honored to share the weekend with you, and the inflatable sheep-too bad we used up all the fluid film-lol Chuck and Fred, and Pete thank you for breakfast and much needed laughs. The SIMA girls for stopping down, you girls are a blast! and the list goes on.... for now some pics-first is fred eating a pizza sandwich, next is doctor fred giving me a breast exam, next is Chuck grinding something or other-careful Chuck its all fun and games till someone grinds an eye out!

Prosno

04-24-2006, 06:22 AM

the sheep is only this big!!!!

this'll work on the sheep

TROUBLE MAKERS

Prosno

04-24-2006, 06:26 AM

fred dont dig its eye out, Look at me when I'm talking Dinner at the Quaker Steak with friends( Capkels and his family ), and JAY???? what the heck is...... never mind I dont wanna know

Jerre Heyer

04-24-2006, 07:13 AM

Just some good observations from the picts. Fred's pict of Andy Detwiler has Matt Cassinia holding the beer and Andy to the left. Me thinks there are some picts of Andy amazing us all over the weekend out there somewhere. I know he made quite the Krispy Kreme guy Saturday night.

I don't think that there aren't any picts of the Longhorn that I've seen yet. I've already heard from some of the guys at Rich Arlingtons's table that they wanted to say thanks for dinner. Crystal was a blast too. Poor Seth took alot of Ribbing at dinner. Earlier up in the posts theres a pict with Dave Mosbacher at the lube telling Peter and I about the new pay scale he's on for snow plowing. Dave was gracious enough to give up some parking at his house the last three years for the GTG. He lives two doors down from the shop and still can't get his cutting edges put on..:zoom Thanks Dave

Labs's n Ducks brought up some awesome cupcakes from the Cake shop. He was carrying a little blue Box when he came out to the house and he and BRL had fun unwrapping it. I'll try to save some for the next time were together but it's too good to let sit too long.

Jerre

wyldman

04-24-2006, 07:27 AM

Wow,where do I start....................It was quite the weekend.

I guess I'll start with the thank you's first,and try to keep it short and sweet.

Chuck Smith - Although it's been said many times,thanks for the site,and everything it has spawned bacause of it.Chuck is one hell of a guy,who does this because he loves it,and nothing else.He's also a great guy to hang out with to,very down to earth.I enjoyed the time.Thanks for breakfast,and all the other goodies.The skid steers are awesome too. :D

Jerre - Only a select few will truly understand this man.He reminds me so much of myself sometimes it's scary.Not many people would open their shop,and home for people all across the country.I feel right at home,and really enjoy the "napkin engineering" that tends to go on sometimes.I think he likes the pen and napkin almost as much as his plasma cutter.

Amy - didn't really get much of a chance to see her,but she put up with a hell of a lot.Jerre gets pretty tied up both before during and after the event,and I'm sure it's frustrating.Thamks for putting up with us.

Andy - I was truly amazed,and inspired by you the entire weekend.I could only watch in awe,and just didn't know what to say. :notworthy

Fred - This man never sleeps ! He's worse than me.Although we didn't get much of a chance to hang out together,it was still a blast.I'll bring an extra roll of TP for you next year,so you can keep one handy in case of emergency.

Peter - I really enjoyed the top secret stuff yesterday.Thanks for breakfast,and dinner.Let me know when the next road trip is,and count me in.Peter was also in charge of the grille at the BBQ.

Johnny D - Always enjoy the company,and the conversation.I'm really glad you made it,even with the bad back.

Bill,Everett,Thomas,Matt B,Steve,Rich and the Boys,Mike,Dan,Todd,Bill,Jay,Kel,and everyone else.I'm sure I'm forgetting a bunch too.

Almost forgot the sheep too ! Poor thing. 1eye2

Thanks to the sponsors and companies who generously donated stuff for the giveaways too.

I'll post some pics in a bit.

wyldman

04-24-2006, 07:58 AM

1 - Fred,Bill and Dan admiring the first ever 8611 Lo-Pro.

2 - Jerre already planning to put a Blizzard on his new skid steer.Would have been done already but the wood just wouldn't weld right.

3 - Sheepfu.....I mean Bill admiring his new skidder.

wyldman

04-24-2006, 08:11 AM

1 - Thomas hard at work,while Todd lends a hand.

2 - The Father blessing Jonathan Jr.

3 - We finally figured out a way to take Bill out in public.

Pickering Snow

04-24-2006, 08:22 AM

Ok busy start to the week now for the thank yous.

Chuck like Chris said thanks for the site and allowing us to even beable to have all met. We know you dont do this for the money you do it for your passion for snow and the educating of fellow plowers , you are a great friend and person and always enjoy chatting.

Another new person this year i admire and know will go far and has his head on stright and will suceed in buss with his great aditude is Matt C from Bristol Tenn J/k Ct .

Thanks Chris for the fun on the Go kart track and picking up the tab i dont think the workers there cared for me but they need to crank up the power it was fun seeing how many wrecks i could cause. lol

Brl ---
Bill dont even know were to start other than laughing so hard and probley has close to being alike has could be poss it goes back to Nov and the Bob and Norm show and has just grown since waiting for you sometimes seems like waiting for Elvis to reappear but its always worth the wait . Only guy i know that can drink the Ky has fast has me. thanks for the cook books tryed putting salt on them last night but they still tasted like paper, J/k maybe i can learn something. Thanks for the chatting on the way home helped keep the right sides up .

Johnny D , Steve, Everett, Todd, Kel, it was great seeing you again, Rich and they boys thanks for the Ky but most important Rich thanks for caring outside of the site and your concerns for my personal problems another great friend.

New faces Dan was great meeting you, and spending time hanging out you taught me threw caring and personal concern for safty that forgetting my peacemaker i still got by. Mike labs and geese was great meeting you and having breakfast at the same table your a great guy and hope to meet again.

Johnathon ---------Thanks for making the long drive you are a great person and do so much for Blizzard in keeping cust happy i know how long your drive was and that says so much about you and your wife and new born to make such a trip to adress and bring goodies for us . Over the course of this winter your calls and help will never be forgotton what ever life brings your way you will succeed your a very caring person and my thoughts are with you always thanks buddy.

I know i have missed somebody but not on purpose i had a great time with everyone and truly enjoy our time together.

PS Alan really missed you this year along with Mike plowdak.

Tileman

04-24-2006, 09:34 AM

Before we get into the blessings that Father Fred gave. I want to share a few pics of the Holy Water.

The first is of the container full of the Holy Water. I would like to thank our very own poet Bill (BRL) for his words of wisdom to inscribe on the container.

Next are some of the smaller pacakages of Ky Kool Aid.

Last but not the least is Father Fred getting the first Blessing.

cat320

04-24-2006, 09:45 AM

Well it looks like you guys hard a great old time .

Jerre from what i could see of the house it looks great.

Jerre Heyer

04-24-2006, 11:23 AM

Fred's already starting to look at ( like ) Renda. Bottle in hand, sheep in the foreground and one eye watching us and one looking to see what mischief can occour to his right side.

Rich, Wish we could have had mike up for a pepsie too. You two are IM chat buddies to late into the night.

Cat.......Why didn't you hitch a ride down. We missed you.

FYI, While cleaning up I counted the tickets from the give away...42.

Thanks to everyone who donated and participated in the event.

Jerre
P.S. I'm headed home to finish cleaning and get Amy's honey do list knocked down as she really hasn't seen me much since Wed night.

Durwood

04-24-2006, 05:32 PM

Ok guys I got all signed up for the site so you guys can deal with me all year around now. Thanks to all those who put on the whole weekend that was an awesome time with a great bunch of guys. Meeting you all was great. Can't wait to do it again next year. Oh and Bill if you want a real sheep next year maybe Andy and I can come up with one down in goat roping country. Thanks again to everyone.

Tileman

04-24-2006, 07:33 PM

The Blessing continued for a while before lunch was searved.

1. Father had to work real hard to get our host to have a little blessing.:haha

2. Bill (BRL) up to my lips, over my gums, look out stomach here it comes.
I'm sure Bill realy needed his little bit of blessing.:help

3 Father has waited 2 years to get Bill (prosnow) the blessing he has needed.
After the blessing Bill could read with both eyes.:scramble

pbeering

04-24-2006, 07:46 PM

Well now that we finally got all those damn lights wired up, time for the weekend report: The best and the rest......

Best Fabrication -- a tie between Jerre armed with a mig and Jay and Bill for their sheepish arrival after sand-bagging all week.

Best monolouge -- really a stand-up routine, also our sheepish friend Bill Renda.

Best Straight Man -- Durwood wins this one hands, er feet down.

Best Slam -- being flipped off with Andy's middle toe for trying to capture an incriminating photograph.

Best Blessing -- literally this could be awarded to Fred, but actually the winner is all of us for finding this place in cyber space and to Chuck for doing it.

Best Inspiration -- Andy D. We are at once humbled, awed, and humored by you.

Best Exaggeration -- Jerre's Brother-in-law Mike, "I just have a few boards to move from the shed to the garage" (about 3000 board feet of hardwood trim, allegedly dried)

Best new culinary tip -- Fluid Film as a non-stick spray on the grill. Adds just the right pep to the burgers???????? ("BAM!")

Worst culinary quote -- "The potato salad is in the trunk" (Sorry Steve, it sounded wrong then, and still does.........)

Best new marinade -- Rich's Kool Aid.

Best new culinary invention -- that new chiminea there at the shop that has all the hot dog skewers.

Best engineering -- Rich and the boys for figuring out a lot of the aforementioned damned lights.

Best shaft -- Chris wins this for pins, holes, and dinner with the running waitress.

Most missed -- Alan, Bud, and all the folk who couldn't make it because of life's challenges.

Least missed -- Mowerpan

Least sleep -- this appears to be a four-way tie between Fred, Bill, Matt, and Dan.

Best Driving -- Andy seems to be a strong contender for this.....

Worst Driving -- Can you say GO KARTS?

Best restaurant hostess -- Cracker Barrel - "How many in your party?" "30" What is the name on your party?" "We are the Snow family....."

Best breakfast line -- "Would you like some more water sir?" "Yes, but not in this glass, it's full....." (Sorry Rich, this was low hanging fruit...)

Worst hostess -- Lube -- "You will have to sit down and order, we are very busy tonight." "Really?" "Yes there is a large group coming in." "Do they look like us?????"

Best hostess -- Amy, for allowing this bunch to came trash the house.

Longest Drive -- Jonathan. (Thanks for driving around in the little cart while folks shag balls at you....)

Closest to the pin -- Thomas, 5/16?

Best putt -- Renda (see above photo)

Best Shoes -- Mark Oomkes (winner in abstentia)

Best wings -- Jonathan wins because once heated with a little plasma, they are much hotter than the Lube's.

Best farts -- tie between Peter and Fred, though more at 14,000gvw....

Best Spinners -- Greg Blair, they were very tasty and the poly ones are cool too.....

Best doughnuts -- NOT the green place that didn't pony up despite the trooper's red lights in the parking lot

Best bed bolts -- Despite the ad, the winner is the F350.......5 guys, 2 impact guns, one breaker bar, 3 BFH, 4 torx bits, 1 torch, and $260 for a rail of Torx Plus bits.....

And last but not least:

Best line you can't use to explain this weekend to others -- "I went to Erie to see some guys I met online......"

labsnducks

04-24-2006, 08:35 PM

Peter, That post was funny... but true!

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone, I had an awesome time, thanks for having me, I wasnt sure what to expect, as this was my first GTG.

I will have to make sure to put it on my calendar for next year!

Pickering Snow

04-25-2006, 02:20 AM

I always hate doing the after GTG post because i forget people that i meet that mean alot to me

DAVE GMC DRIVER and your somewhat soft spoken brother had a great time hanging out dont know how i forgot you . EH!!!!!

Digger and your wife and twins great seeing you again

Lazerman Bob great seeing you and hoping you can give Bill BRL a tip on proper leg tanning.

Bud i missed not seeing you and my thoughts are with you.

snowplowjay

04-25-2006, 03:18 AM

And last but not least:

Best line you can't use to explain this weekend to others -- "I went to Erie to see some guys I met online......"

Yea I often laugh when people ask where we are going. Ahhh meeting up with some guys we met on the internet LOL...

It just doesn't sound right for some reason...

Especially for Bill. Most people usually reply oh you and the sheep met them on Eharmony LOL!!!

Jay

Tileman

04-25-2006, 05:01 AM

The Blessing were coming to an end, much work was finishing up in the kitchen, the last of the bugers and dogs were coming off the gril. It was now time for lunch.

1. The Honorable Mr. Beering brings the the troops to order for lunch.

2. Our Host and Friend Jerre coins a few words about the GTG. Thanking the sponsers and guest.

Some where in here Fred had a prayer for all of us an asked a blessing for the meal.

3. Fit for a King. Everyone sitting down enjoying great food and conversation.

A Big THANKS goes to the Heyer Family and All who supplied food for the Event.

Tileman

04-25-2006, 05:18 AM

One thing about this group we all love good food and lots of it:notworthy . The guys also seam to like cold beer and lots of it to:drinkup . Thanks Greg for the keg.

!. Still eating and talking.

2. Boys need some liquid refreshment after lunch.

3. Good conversation and more liquid refreshment was had by all.

bud16415

04-25-2006, 05:23 AM

Jerre, Peter, Chuck, Fred, Bill, Chris, John, Rich, Pelican, Digger and about fifty I’m missing

I really wish I could have made it. Peter was most correct in saying sometimes life challenges just get in the way.

From the looks of the pictures and the commentary I can see everyone had a great time as always. I wish I could have made it and I’m very sorry to miss out on all the festivities.

Jerre the house looks great buddy. I’ll be up and say hi soon.

Bud

hlntoiz

04-25-2006, 09:05 AM

I was looking forward to see you again Bud. FYI, I picked up erie special #31. ( and didn't have to send any one to the ER :zoom )
Hope all is well.

szorno

04-25-2006, 11:45 AM

Wow ! Another blow out. This is about the only time I wish I lived back east. A few of us get together each year (chtucker and Plowbabe mostly) but you guys did it right. :nodd Jerre- Nice looking home. Amy- Really gutsy to let a bunch of snow-fiends into your home. Chuck, see what you have started. omg
I would love to meet everyone face to face sometime. If anyone gets to Colorado this summer, drop me a note. Someday maybe I can come too.:D

T-Zab

04-25-2006, 02:29 PM

The guys also seam to like cold beer and lots of it to:drinkup . Thanks Greg for the keg.

I do believe Matt purchased the keg (thanks buddy) . Thanks for the pizza's and the edge Greg !
Todd

Durwood

04-25-2006, 02:31 PM

I have thought on this for a while and this is what I have come up with. No matter how you cut it, slice it, heat it, weld it, bend it, modify it, customize it, and reword it.
I went to Erie to see some guys I met on the internet is never going to sound good. With that in mind I sure can't wait to do it again next year, because that's one great group of guys no matter where you met them.

wyldman

04-25-2006, 02:39 PM

I do believe Matt purchased the keg (thanks buddy) . Thanks for the pizza's and the edge Greg !
Todd

I think Matt just picked it up,Superior supplied the keg,the pizza,and the Polar Edge for the giveaway.

hlntoiz

04-25-2006, 04:42 PM

I think Matt just picked it up,Superior supplied the keg,the pizza,and the Polar Edge for the giveaway.

I only picked up the keg Jerre, bought it! But me and Ryan are the only only ones that got Pu$$Y!!

Tileman

04-25-2006, 05:26 PM

Ok I could be wrong on who purchesed the keg. But I know someone did so who ever you are Thanks for the Keg. And when someone tells me for sure I will thank you again.:beatsme

Rich

snowplowjay

04-25-2006, 05:36 PM

It is now 9:35 pm on Tuesday and I am wishing I was still in Erie relaxing...........

Oh well can't wait till June when the SIMA Symposium hits CT. That will be my next vacation before Rhode Island in August...

Jay

Tileman

04-25-2006, 05:54 PM

Time for more pictures.

1. Not real sure what these two NJ (Chuck and Brl, Bill) drivers are talking about,
could it be something about the drive out from Jersey :jk.

2. The raffel has started. A big Thank You to all contributed the gifts for the raffel. Jay is that a man purse you have there?

3. Our leader Chuck is calling out numbers. And Jacob and Jerre walked away with one of the many containers of KY Kool Aid. Wish I could remember the cute little ladys name who was helping pull the numbers out of the hat. Some one help me. She was doing a great job.

Tileman

04-25-2006, 06:15 PM

1. Waiting on the next number to be called out.

2. Kelly picking out something nice to take back to Maine:nodd .

3. Matt (hlntoiz) picked out a hot set of wiper blades to go with the new :blizzard

William B.

04-25-2006, 10:46 PM

Man, looks like a grat time was had by all!! I will be there next time come hell or high water!

Will

Chuck Smith

04-26-2006, 01:30 AM

Let's see if this all fits in one post.

Where to start.... This year we added a day to the event, and it still flew by. Rain was forecasted for most of the weekend, but for the most part, mother nature was nice to us.

I left early, as I posted, I had the Jeep loaded and fueled up the night before. I hit the road at 5:10. About 5:30, a few miles into PA, I passed a couple of guys on the right shoulder doing what I thought was setting up for work, as I saw a truck up ahead, with it's lights on, parked by a DOT gate. After I passed the truck, I realized it was Dan. I figured he was taking a break, or on the phone. Truck seemed to be running.....lights on and all.

I called Jerre when it got a little later to see if he heard from Dan, or if Fred did. Nope, and Fred was not there yet. I found out later on that BRL was in the ditch with 2 flats on his trailer, and Dan stopped to help him. So that was the two guys I thought were nuts setting up for road work so early. I didn't even see Bill's truck. Maybe if he had his flashers on I would have? It was 5:30, and I was just having a 2nd cup of coffee. So I basically "waved" as Bill mentioned in his post by not stopping, LOL. Bill told Dan to go on, and Bill finally arrived at 10PM!!!!

I got to Erie at about 11:30. Not bad for 401 miles. The first thing Jerre said was "Guess who is here?" Jay and Bill I said. I knew after Bill's last post that they were coming, he was just laying it on too thick with the "Say a prayer" and all. So that was a little surprise. The BIG surprise was Andy. What a talented guy.

Friday at The Lube was fun as always. The SIMA girls were there, and Bill was in rare form. Guys started trickling in. We had a nice dinner, followed by a night if carousing for some, and KK for coffee for some of us.

Breakfast at Cracker Barrel Saturday was uneventful, unless you sat with Rich and the boys! To quote BJ. it was "Not in that glass". I guess the banana and water didn't mix with his hangover, and he filled an empty glass right there at the table with precision and skill, LOL.

Back to Jerre's shop for some fabrication on a top secret project. Thomas was working on one part, and then Rich's boys jumped in on the light mounts.

Off to Jerre's house, where I ended up following Andy and Durwood on the way over. I was just a little shocked to see Andy driving! After following him "just down the road" which translates into 10 miles, I was impressed. When we arrived, Peter immediately manned the grill. Jerre set up the keg, after he showed us how fast the chute works on the truck mounted snow blower...

It seemed like people just kept arriving. Out of no where Lazerman showed up, and so did digger with his wife and twins. It seemed like the house was full of kids. Rich's boys were all over the vehicles, attachments, and equipment in the yard, but never far from the keg, LOL.

We set up all the giveaway items, Jerre made a speech, Fred gave the blessing, and we ate. And drank, and drank, and drank....

For the giveaways.....

Sponsors / Vendors / Members

Jonathon brought some goodies, including 50 Blizzard hats (EVERYONE GOT ONE), and 2 blizzard jackets, and 2 shirts!

Fluid Film - Everyone got a sample can, or was offered one.

Everblades - I believe Jerre donated 4 sets or these great heated blades.
Jerre also donated numerous hats, and other goodies.

Thomas donated a lighted Budweiser sign, that by now must be hanging on the wall of the Busted Knuckle Garage in Ohio.

Gregg Blair donated the grand prize, a urethane Polar Edge, that T-zab won, as well as a bunch of hats.

Tileman donated a 6 pack of KY Koolaid.

Pelican donated a Heavy Equipment Forums T shirt.

EIB donated a 2 cup travel mug coffee maker.

Peter donated 6 bags of Magic Salt.

Father Fred donated a Harley Davidson blanket, and 2 Pickering Auto shirts (grabbed by Jay and Bill..... uh oh)

Pro Sno donated a couple of "Adult" items, one of which was won by Julie from SIMA.....

Everyone left with at least 3 prizes. Not bad considering Jerre said there was 42 tickets.

Special thanks to Samantha for pulling the tickets again this year.

From Jerre's, a bunch of guys went to race go karts. We all met up at Longhorn around 7. We just about filled up the tables near the bar. In fact, if they sat one small group that didn't fit, in the bar with us, we would have filled it. Rich and Crystal Arlington met us there.

Our table, and the rowdy one next to us (BRL was the ringleader) drove our waitress (poor Erica) nuts. I am sure she won't forget us anytime soon. We left there around 11. Again, some went carousing, some to KK, and some I think just went back to their hotels to sleep.

Thank You's..... Well, a BIG thanks to Jerre and Amy for having us.

A big thanks to all those who donated prizes for the giveaways.

A BIG thanks to Father Fred who started this yearly GTG in the first place.
A big thanks to everyone who attended. Once again, memories that will last a lifetime, and some friendships that will last just as long.

It was great to meet so many new guys. It also sucked that there never seems to be enough time to talk to all of those that you want to. There is always next year though!

Pics to follow after sorting and resizing.

~Chuck

apgarconstruction

04-26-2006, 02:05 AM

hey chuck, when you passed us on the road, was bill's truck up in the turn around? or still a 1/2 mile up the road in the ditch(on purpose, to get off to a safe area) ?
I passed Bill around 6:30 or so, not realizing it was him until I passed the vehicle, a quick call to him on his phone, as he answers, "yeah, that's me".....
so i get slowed down and find this DOT gate with enough parking in front of it to be safe and change his tires. at that point, he only had one flat. so I convinced him to drive up the shoulder on the rim, and back the trailer in where we could work on it and jack it up on pavement, not in the ditch. after all the rain we got this weekend, i'm glad we didn't leave it in the ditch.
so bill came up and backed the trailer in, we offloaded his spreader into my truck because we knew that would be the first thing to get stolen on it, since we were going to have to leave it there until the tire was fixed. two snow plows were still on the trailer though. we got the first tire off, and we realized that the inside of the wheel well was blue from heat, and so bill went and checked the other side, which was still inflated, and the tire was rubbing on the inside of that fenderwell too. so now we had to take that tire off, and put the whole trailer on blocks,(thank god for a cordless sawsall, and a 2x6 that I didn't take off my truck rack for some reason(god must have known i was going to need it). after putting both tires into the back of Bills blazer, he was set to go find a tire dealer at 7:30 in the morning in the middle of nowhere. oh, we also had to give directions to this guy who was looking for the fort washington expo center, he stopped by while when we were about to leave. he was a carpet sales man who made a very wrong turn and ended up in the poconos, instead of being 2-3 hours south down near philly. lol
i left at that point and bill ventured on to find his tires, he got to jerre's, like chuck said, around 10pm. so a 20 hour trip on his part. I thought for a while he just found a nice home in the poconos and wasn't coming at all.

Mark Oomkes

04-26-2006, 06:12 AM

Thanks for the in absentia remembrance Peter. I wish I could've made it for the surprise. I think.

Looks like you guys had a great time, thanks for sharing the pics and comments. Should've just left, but that probably wouldn't have been a very wise idea. Had much more fun finishing a retaining wall. :nope

Thanks especially to you Chuck, for making it possible even for those of us who couldn't make it. And also for explaining Bill's ditch comments, I had no idea what in God's green earth that was about. :beatsme

I still think we ought to shoot for a preseason GTG when everybody but Jerre is slower. That shouldn't put too much pressure on him, should it? Maybe we could fend off all the idiots that stop by his shop and want a cutting edge for a plow. What kind of plow? Don't know. How big is the plow? Don't know. Or the ones who want a plow cheaper after making Jerre or Thomas remove the angle cylinders cuz they just want to be able to push straight. Or the builder who has to have his dump trailer fixed, but only when it's loaded, not before he loads it even though it's been broke for 2 weeks.

Jerre Heyer

04-26-2006, 09:07 AM

Mark, and to think I had a special mix of the Eagles Those Shoes, all ready for you. I think you got to see as did GMC Driver just how crazy it gets down here in the Fall. I'm not opposed to a fall GTG. I can block off a week and weekend for snow plow installs the end of OCT. Make sure we schedule early though.

Rich, Thank Gregg and Superior for Once again providing a keg of refreshments for the GTG.

Gregg paid me, I paid Matt, he picked it up and insisted on Friday night tapping so I had to stop and get a hand tap ( your welcome buddie ) P.S. Need shirt sizes for you and Ryan. We then transported it to the house Friday night cause you know matt and ryan would have been caught with an open container when they started hauling guys around in the bed of the truck.

Mark Oomkes

04-26-2006, 01:04 PM

The Eagles? Who's that?

:jk

Tileman

04-26-2006, 03:15 PM

I knew someone would set it straight. I would like to Thank Gregg for the Keg from all of us at the GTG. And Superior for helping us have a great time. Gregg sorry you could not hang around for Saturday, missed talking to you this year.

Thanks Again Gregg and Superior

Rich

T-Zab

04-26-2006, 03:31 PM

Sorry Rich for the bad info, my bad. Thankyou Greg for the keg o beer. It was much appreciated :drinkup
Todd

hlntoiz

04-26-2006, 05:40 PM

Jerre, I am a XL and Rian is a Lg. No hurry.

I must say now that I am not totally exhausted I new I forgot one very important man. THOMAS!!!!! Thank you Thomas for helping Ryan get acclimated to the Blizzards and all your hard work. No one can do it along. I am a true believer of that. You are just proof. Good luck in October! Watch that first step a little later that month!

Chuck Smith

04-26-2006, 06:32 PM

Ok, here come the pics. First, we have Jay at Quaker Steak & Lube Friday night wearing???? I guess he left his tutu home so the SIMA girls gave him a close second, LOL

Second appears that Father Fred is resting his eyes.

Third Jay saying hello to Matt Bowman.

~Chuck

Chuck Smith

04-26-2006, 06:37 PM

Dinner at the Lube.

Smoking after dinner.

Dan explaining to Todd how to hold a bat Jersey style....LOL

~Chuck

Chuck Smith

04-26-2006, 06:41 PM

Jerre and Peter talking to Bo, Luke, Uncle Jesse, and Rich.

Jerre making some modifications.

Looks like a Ford sandwich to me.

~Chuck

Chuck Smith

04-26-2006, 06:45 PM

Jim (aka Himmy, Hemi) getting ready to weld on the light mounts.

Jim still getting ready.

Getting ready to saddle up and head out to the Heyer Ranch for the BBQ and hoe down.

~Chuck

Chuck Smith

04-26-2006, 06:49 PM

Jerre setting up the keg.

Fred remembering what it was like to push a stroller.

BRL, Seth, and Thomas conspiring.

~Chuck

Chuck Smith

04-26-2006, 06:55 PM

Fred blessing Jerre.

Jerre's very moving speech.

After eating....

~Chuck

Chuck Smith

04-26-2006, 07:00 PM

Tileman and BRL conspiring, or discussing trailer tires? (Rare shot of BRL with no shorts on.) LOL

Just a shot of out back.

Father Fred blessing BRL, (while drinking his favorite coffee) LOL

~Chuck

Chuck Smith

04-26-2006, 07:06 PM

First we have the Heyer Ranch, Estate, Farm, or whatever you want to call Jerre's great house.

Now starts the fun at Longhorns Saturday Night. This is the long line of tables they put together for us. This is only seating for about half of us.

Here is another 45% of us, sitting at the high top tables. Fred said those aren't mirrors behind us, but one way glass where the staff can look at us while they spit in our food because we drove them all nuts. LMAO

~Chuck

Chuck Smith

04-26-2006, 07:15 PM

Man these guys are rough. Seth had to take an important phone call, and was gone for a while. When he was gone his dinner came (rack of ribs). Dan had ribs too, and great guys we are, somebody hid Seth's ribs, and replaced them with Dan's bones. SO he was not happy that somebody ate his ribs for him.... LOL.

You can't see it, but in this first pic either a glass or a bottle was heading for the floor. Looks like Jerre thought Fred had enough to drink. Lots of hands trying to catch it, except Todd, he is guarding his beer! Andy lost his hat. Wonder where it is????

Steve (who sat at the other 5% table in another section) came to visit.

There's Andy's hat. How did it get up there???

~Chuck

Chuck Smith

04-26-2006, 07:20 PM

Another shot of the one way mirrors....

Rich Arlington.

Some of us moved on to Krispy Kreme's for coffee. I think they offered Andy a job.

~Chuck

Chuck Smith

04-26-2006, 07:24 PM

And finally, Pro Sno ready for the ride home with "Ginger".

No sidewalk shots from Cracker Barrel this year, they had a sidewalk sale. Good thing, because Steve didn't bring a jacket and had to buy something with long sleeves!

And a great time was had by all. Let's do it again next year!

~Chuck

Chuck Smith

04-26-2006, 07:25 PM

Now, after that last pic, you definitely don't want to tell anyone that you went to Erie to hang out with some guys you met on the internet!!!! LMAO

~Chuck

Tileman

04-26-2006, 08:56 PM

Chuck glad you remembered to take your camera in Sat night. I think that and the go karts are the only thing I did not get pictures of.

But I did get some you didn't. Sunday after breakfast a few plowheads slipped back over to Jerre's shop for............ well if I tell ...............undercover work.

Here are a few pics I can show.................

1. Don't No

2. Pete on the grinder again.

3. Thomas welding some more.

Tileman

04-26-2006, 09:26 PM

Some more of the undercover work..........

1. :beatsme Pete keep cleaning you heard what Jerre said.

2. I can't belive there is no Meyer yellow in the shop :nope

3. Pete's told you guys not to paint his truck outside omg

Tileman

04-26-2006, 09:32 PM

Well thats the end of the pictures I can post at this time.

I want to thank eveyone who made this weekend so much fun. Untill next year or this fall. Have a great summer and kick back every now and again, live is way to short.

Rich :smokin1 :)

apgarconstruction

04-27-2006, 02:09 AM

thanks for the pics chuck and rich!
I wanted to see some pics of ERICA!

I am already anxious for next years gtg. i'm not sure i could make one in the fall. if all goes right, we'll be adding onto our house about then. and working fullltime, exactly what jerres been doing the last few years while building his house.

What I really liked about meeting everyone was that I felt like I have known everyone for years and years, no awkwardness like you normally have when you first meet someone face to face. It was like family!

Pickering Snow

04-27-2006, 02:55 AM

Thanks to everyone that took pics Rich and Chuck i think took the most and iam greatful . Have a really bad cold this week and not feeling the greatest but those pics sure put a smile on ones face.

The GTG is pricless i guess til you go it cant be explained i really enjoyed the weekend and friendships its a great way to put winter to bed and although iam not sure about how big i want to go with snow this fall i will stay in it enough to keep my blade wet. lol

Again thanks to everyone for a great weekend lets keep the board hoping this summer maybe ill fig a project to do to spark some intrest it wont be a 4 month truck maraton resto but something . Again thanks guys

GMC Driver

04-27-2006, 03:43 AM

cat320

04-27-2006, 04:08 AM

Hey there is some strange fog over there in Eire it only seams to be in the back of that truck in Riches last set of pics LOL :grinz

I didn't know you could truck that away lol :zoom

Hey the pics came out great thanks for sharing them guys.

Mark Oomkes

04-27-2006, 04:21 AM

I noticed the cloaking device is still in operation as well. How much has changed on the top secret buzz box since I saw it Jerre?

Thanks for the pics as well. Gives us poor saps that couldn't make it at least a little enjoyment out of it. I can't believe there's an actual picture of BRL without shorts. But then again that doesn't really sound right either, does it?

I seem to really be getting a reputation, not sure if that's a good thing or not? lol

Chuck Smith

04-27-2006, 06:27 AM

..... Have a really bad cold this week and not feeling the greatest but those pics sure put a smile on ones face.

Fred, the whole time I was in Erie I was taking Claritin D 24 Hour. The stuff works. Thought I had an allergy problem (and I still might). I never had allergies, but the doc said it's never too late. On the news last week they did mention that allergies are at an all time high because we are off 10" on rainfall this year.

I had to take Chris to the emergency room Monday. She had a 106° fever. Turns out she has Strep throat. Tuesday I took my oldest to the doc, she has Strep too. Wednesday I took Vinnie to the doc, and he has an infection in both ears, and I have some kind of infection in my sinuses, Strep test was negative. They gave me and Vin antibiotic. Doc said to keep taking Claritin too. So I have not been back to work yet. Got today off. I go back for one day tomorrow. So today I will be working in the yard. It is a nice day to fiddle with projects. Think I am going to make new legs for our gazebo out back. Got two half done before I went to Erie. Hopefully today I will finish it. :weld

~Chuck

Gregg Blair

04-27-2006, 08:07 AM

Hi guys! Sorry Jess and I had to miss the event this year! We had another obligation, but that quite honestly turned into a huge waste of time. We missed you guys and we've had fun going through all the posts and looking at the pictures. Some of you guys need to consider the Hollywood Diet or something. It appears that the slow winter may have had some negative effects on you!

Anyway, for the support we get from Jerre and the rest of your group, it's only right that we do what we can to help out with this event. Thanks to you guys for all you do, and hopefully we'll get to come to Jerre's next year.

Ted, congratulations on winning the Polar Edge blade. I'll be interested in talking to you. I'll be in touch.

hlntoiz

04-27-2006, 05:44 PM

Every time I need a little break, I can just come back here and look at the pics - I start laughing and smiling again. Bring you right back. I think Dan said it best - no awkwardness, it's like family! I know alot of my friends back home (wife included, eh) think it's weird to go meet some guys from the internet - almost to the same degree as Mark O.- worried that it's all Brokeback Mountain or something. But I can honestly say I look forward to the time spent in Erie - and definitely am looking forward to next year's!

BTW Chuck - Love the Ford sandwich. That makes GM the bread & butter?

Ditto! Expecially that last part!!:wink go :blizzard or go home!

Thanks Chuck and Tileman for all the great pics. I love seeing it again and again and again............ Like I said before.....I haven't had that much fun since my 2 week spring break when I was in school.

apgarconstruction

04-27-2006, 05:46 PM

ted? who's ted?, I think that Todd (t-zab) won the edge.
i'm not the greatest with names, but i know who Todd was, lol, we talked about carpentry a lot there.

Thanks again greg for all you donated to us for the weekend. hope to see ya next year too.

Pickering Snow

04-28-2006, 02:49 AM

I forgot one pic Friday night at the lube i got to meet one heck of a waitress we joked all night til it was time for her to go she asked for a buss card or something and passed me a napkin with her cell number. Leah is a bit young for the father at 24 but just the same got a call from her yesterday and we talked for about a hour super nice person and she was wondering when we would be back i said next april she said ok when will you be back and i said probley this fall a few times.

Got home last night and had a email from her oh man so trips to Erie may have a bonus lol .

I told Chuck that night even though she is 24 she looks or has the frame of my daughter and kinda freaked me out a bit but just the same even making a local friend in Erie is a good thing she wants to visit Mich this summer and go out on the boat , no problem somebody for my daughter to hang with:greenange

snowplowjay

04-28-2006, 03:47 AM

Hey Fred,

Did you happen to ask her to smell your Bologna, I mean neck, like you asked Julie and Tammy LOL... (inside joke...I guess)...

Jay

cat320

04-28-2006, 04:18 AM

Hey Fred arn't you married ? got to let the unmarried guy have a chance lol :grinz

Gregg Blair

04-28-2006, 07:00 AM

ted? who's ted?, I think that Todd (t-zab) won the edge.
i'm not the greatest with names, but i know who Todd was, lol, we talked about carpentry a lot there.

Hey Dan, thanks for the correction. Sorry Todd!

Mark Oomkes

04-28-2006, 08:44 AM

ted? who's ted?, I think that Todd (t-zab) won the edge.

Todd, Ted, Tird. What's the difference? lol

:jk Todd.

Gregg Blair

04-28-2006, 08:47 AM

I knew somebody would come to my defense! Thanks Mark! But I am pretty glad that I didn't go with tird (or is it turd?).

Mark Oomkes

04-28-2006, 08:51 AM

No problem, Gregg. I was thinking something didn't look quite right. Thanks soooo much for correcting my crappy spelling.

Pickering Snow

04-29-2006, 02:37 AM

Hey Fred arn't you married ? got to let the unmarried guy have a chance lol :grinz

Rick you need to follow along LOL still waiting for Chuck to make a flying broom stick smiley the broom stick is only fitting because it swept and cleaned out then it also allowed for a escape vech for that said person to fly off on.:wink

SIPLOWGUY

04-29-2006, 05:42 AM

Sorry I missed It!!!

Andy Detwiler

04-29-2006, 02:45 PM

Guys, I just want to say thanks again, Chuck, Jerre, Peter, Fred, all the guys from Ct.,everyone from Wilmington and everyone else i met at Erie. Durwood and i had a hell of a good time and are looking forward to next year. I hope you all have a great and prosperous spring and summer. Jerre and Thomas, take some time off this summer, looking forward to seeing you here this May. Hope you guys can stay a while and see how the farming is done around here. And that gose for all of you, if you are ever driving through Ohio, let me know, the door is always open.

Andy:blizzard :waving

T-Zab

04-29-2006, 04:54 PM

Andy I love your new avatar ! That damn deer that stole your hat, was priceless. It was one heck of a good time.
Todd

BRL

04-29-2006, 08:19 PM

Well my other post was kind of the fun one while winding down from the ride home. Now for the serious thanks you's and some pics I took with my brand spanking new cell phone ;) excuse the blurriness please.

Thank you to all who made that a great weekend & even well worth the battle to get there lol. thanks to Chuck for starting all of this, Amy Jacob & Jerry for welcoming us in their beautiful new home, & Thomas, Mike? Naomi?, Samantha, & other erie family & locals? that helped them to host us. Great job!!!!

Thank you to all the vendors & friends that donated giveaways! A bonus to go along with the great food & fun, everyone got something I believe. Although I'm pretty sure that Mike cheated somehow since he lives near there, everytime I looked up from conversation he was heading to the prize table... he even had my raffle ticket too I believe :cool:

Some particular people & moments that I have to address, in no particular order, because they had a larger impact on this years GTG for me & possibly others that shared or knew about them:

Much thanks to Dan for pulling over & helping out as he described. I would have never had any idea I was that close to a safer, much easier area to deal with the problems without that lucky break. Much thanks to the rest of the Friday gang that kept the GPS guiding me west, the breakdown happened about a little over an hour into the drive, so it was pretty easy to just say forget it & head back home, glad I didn't give up for sure!! And thanks for having my accomodations ready for my late arrival, at that point less hassle = really great lol! ;)

Chuck, thanks for Cracker Barrel, and Father for knowing that I shouldn't miss that meal & making sure I went ;)

Now for the really good part, that first sip after a year of anticipation - & then realizing it was a particularly better than the last batch batch this time, man that was definitely worth all the hassle. Thanks for the Holy Water & the great conversations Rich!! Hopefully next time I'll get some shop time with you too.

And if that wasn't perfect enough, I finally got to meet Labs & Geese or Ducks or Deer or what have ya. He brought those great stale cup cakes & that was when the GTG really became worth the horrible trip I had to get there. (I'm just saying that so hopefully Rich doesn't hear that I was enjoying water Holier than his Holy Water... shhhh) Thank you so much for that special treat, that was truly the icing on the cake for this GTG (Jerre, there better be a little left in there when I search that filing cabinet drawer next time I'm over there!). Mike it was great to finally talk in person, can't wait til next time we can.

So basically its hard to explain these GTG's if you haven't experienced them. It was great to see everyone else that I've already been lucky enough to meet & hang with in the past. And it was a lot of fun to break in the guys that were new to the fun we have, I hope you all had a great time too!!!

My cell phone died on the way out there, so Sat AM before the actual BBQ, I hit the Erie Verizon store for a replacement. I figured what better time to try to figure out the new camera than while watching the meatheads chase each other around the little track in the little cars (after 20 hrs mostly behind the wheel the day before, I wasn't in the mood to cram my legs into those things, and I was actually surprised at just how much fun it was to watch instead of drive lol).

1. Johnny D chasing Fred I think.

2. Pelican. I think he may have thought he was in the Corrolla by the way he had his head bent askew. I'm hoping JD drove from Jerre's to the Kart place, you can't tell with this crappy quality pic, but he had drunken looking permanent big ole smile plastered on from start to finish lol.

3. Gettin' Wyld!

BRL

04-29-2006, 08:46 PM

Now I remember meeting GMC Dave at last year's GTG & seeing the true surprise, awe & enjoyment in his face at the concept of a bunch of strangers & or friends\acquaintances from all over the US or Canada gathering to share our experiences & knowledge & whatever help we could with each other. I think one of the exact quotes he made about someone in the group was "I can't believe you really shared those secrets with all those guys like that". I'm betting that's what I looked like the first time I was lucky enough to hang out with a bunch of snowplowers like that (can't remember if the first was a SIMA event or a Magic BBQ). Anyway, I had a great time hanging out with you & laughing again.

And I even learned a couple of things about these Canadians that I hadn't known. They are bad drivers as you can see from the pics, Dave & Wyldman were the only 2 I saw facing the wrong way during the laps :rolling And at the Longhorn's later I was surprised to find out just how mean those Canadians can be. We were having a real good time harrassing our waitress Erica at our table, but you guys just can't even imagine how mean spirited Dave was about it. :shades And then that loud mouthed, noisy, obnoxious guy he brings with him, man it became hard to be around them. I figured it must be all that good beer up there or something :canada (Thanks for all the great fun & helping to show the newbies Turd, err I mean Todd & Dan how much fun can be had in Erie - hey wait a minute - where in the rule book does it say guys who weren't there in the flesh can start making up names for the rookies & hazing them etc???)

Pics of GMC & Wyldman in their crashes & then GMC after he figured out the concept

BRL

04-29-2006, 09:07 PM

I noticed it didn't take long for the staff to re-enforce & repostion themselves to better monitor these hooligans that showed up that fancy themselves able to plow as good or better than the locals who normally deal with a lot of Lake Effect snow. I think they cut them off a few minutes earlier than the real allotted time?

1. Hmm, punishment I guess, no help getting turned around, lets just sit here & watch the others having fun for a bit!

2. Note all the staff in the track with their watchful eyes, didn't see them out there for any of the other groups! Oh yea, the pink car flying out of the shot on the left, that was Seth. Now I was going to pick on him for being in the pink car, but then I realized he being local must have cheated somehow & he & his pink ride were way out in front of everyone the whole way. Of course I also caught him smashing some poor Dad out there with his oh about 5 or 6 yo boy in the car with him into one of the corners instead of going after one of our group lol

3. Not really sure who is chasing Steve there

GMC Driver

04-30-2006, 04:22 PM

LMAO - BRL!!

I think it's only fair to clarify things - I would have probably performed better at the kart track had my Hemi powered kart not been such a POS. And to be fair, I think I saw Fred sideways too - I tryed to bump him, but the dang track official stood in the way. As for harassing Erica - well, I think you're just jealous that she really wanted to see my igloo!

As for Oscar (I mean James, my brother) - I can't account for all his rowdiness, you think you know someone, and than you take him out to meet some guys you met from the internet, and you can't keep him in line! Hopefully next time he quiets down a bit.

Jerre Heyer

05-01-2006, 04:36 AM

Dave, My brother in law Mike said be couldn't believe how laid back you were and how rowdy that James was. Really made it hard for Todd to hold his beer...........You could tell James is excided about the upcoming year. Must be that he's not getting the pink GMC.

Jerreomg

Andy Detwiler

05-01-2006, 06:45 AM

Andy I love your new avatar ! That damn deer that stole your hat, was priceless. It was one heck of a good time.
Todd

Todd,
Yea thanks to Chuck, I got that picture, glad someone got pics. at the Longhorn, just wish we would have gotten some of Erica. I thought a couple times she was going to cry. She wont forget us anytime soon.
Andy

Adams Plowing

05-01-2006, 04:22 PM

2. Note all the staff in the track with their watchful eyes, didn't see them out there for any of the other groups! Oh yea, the pink car flying out of the shot on the left, that was Seth. Now I was going to pick on him for being in the pink car, but then I realized he being local must have cheated somehow & he & his pink ride were way out in front of everyone the whole way. Of course I also caught him smashing some poor Dad out there with his oh about 5 or 6 yo boy in the car with him into one of the corners instead of going after one of our group lol

Real men arent afraid to drive pink cars :grinz :burnout That and i was free to hit all the people that wernt in our group because they were busy watching everyone else lol

Andy Detwiler

05-01-2006, 05:29 PM

Hey Seth, did you and your girlfriend get everything worked out? Just wondering, everyone that went into the restroom that nite at Longhorn said that you were in a heated discussion with her. Good luck.
Andy:blizzard

Adams Plowing

05-01-2006, 06:32 PM

Pelican

05-01-2006, 08:07 PM

Where to start?????

Needless to say, I had a blast once again!! It was great to see familiar faces again, and to meet new ones as well! The weekend was so packed with fun it seemed like we had just gotten started and it was time to leave. Friday night at Quaker Steak was a good time, nice to get caught up with old friends and make new ones. Afterwards, a group of us went to Doc Hollidays for more adult beverages where we met a very pleasant waitress:wink

Saturday morning, I missed the Cracker Barrel breakfast, I had to make a stop at Wally World to get some supplies I had left on my kitchen table. I got to hook up with the rest of the group at Jerre's shop and saw some new innovations coming up. From there we went to Jerre's home for the BBQ, but I snuck a stop in on the way at the fireworks store.:evil I got to visit the "special" room!

Jerre's home is spectacular, he did a great job in building it!! This man's talents never cease to amaze!!!! He puts quality in everything he does. The food was great, the company even better. Many of us spent a lot of time tossing a ball to Jerre's dog, it never seemed to tire. The food was awesome, especially the deviled eggs and the beer was cold! The giveaways were a lot of fun too, and there were plenty of them.

From there a dozen of us went kart racing as Bill posted, that was an absolute blast! The karts there were a lot quicker than the ones here are, you could slide the kart around the corners. We shook up the staff, but it was great fun.

From there it was off to the Longhorn for dinner, a small group of us got separated from the main group. We hooked up with them after eating though for a few drinks, then I went out with a few of the guys to the Best Western a couple exits away. That place was the bomb! They had a country western band and a multitude of cowgirls! We closed the place out and had a great time there. That's where I'm staying next time!!

Sunday morn we met for breakfast, it was cold and raining. I had left my jacket home, but Cracker Barrel was having a sidewalk sale and I picked up an insulated shirt cheap to wear. We had a nice visit on the sidewalk and then John and I left from there, but about halfway home we came across Matt and Ryan and flagged them down for lunch.

This event is something I look forward to and I needed the break from reality. They are getting bigger every year, the only problem with that is it's getting tough to visit with everyone. I hope I didn't miss anyone this year, but I can't be sure. Anyone who hasn't been there yet really ought to consider it, it's a real great time and you can meet some of the closest friends you'll ever have.

I was home only a day and I wanted to go back......can't wait 'til next year!!

Jerre Heyer

05-02-2006, 04:50 AM

I was home only a day and I wanted to go back......can't wait 'til next year!!

Pelican's not lying. Talked to him Monday and he said he and Johnny D were ready to head back out.

Steve you had a chance to catch up on excitement with Matt B. Looks like you were keeping him out of trouble at the Lube. I have to admit it was alot nicer for me to be able to visit more this year than last. Thanks again for everyone who came out and who helped make it a great event.

Jerre

snowplowjay

05-02-2006, 05:45 AM

I snuck a stop in on the way at the fireworks store.:evil I got to visit the "special" room!

Bill and I snuck to the fireworks store and hit up the "special room" too on Saturday morning after breakfast :)

Bill also bought something like 6lbs of jelly beans at the Jelly Belly store that was next to that particular Fireworks store...

Jay

EIB

05-02-2006, 11:54 AM

What exit was the fireworks on? Was it Phantom? What special room?

Mark Oomkes

05-02-2006, 12:06 PM

Everett, I think they're talking in code.

I think Fireworks=videos and we all know what kind of videos the 'special room' has. lololol :grinz :grinz

You know, sheep videos. :greenange

apgarconstruction

05-02-2006, 12:43 PM

I think the fireworks store was the same exit as the LUBE. i forgot to go there, but i remember seeing the sign that said, fireworks, knifes, and something else. i forget, but i was laughing when reading it.

labsnducks

05-02-2006, 01:46 PM

The fireworks store had: fireworks, knives and stunguns!!

The "special" room was for out of state people (they required an out of state ID) and had things like firecrackers, m-40's m-80's......things that go boom!!

I also had a blast and cant wait for next year!!

T-Zab

05-02-2006, 02:45 PM

Everett, I think they're talking in code.

I think Fireworks=videos and we all know what kind of videos the 'special room' has. lololol :grinz :grinz

You know, sheep videos. :greenange

Mark I think your right LOL
I thought the sign said something about the latest version of Broke Back Mountain-The uncut version :haha
T

Andy Detwiler

05-02-2006, 03:55 PM

They were also advertising pepper spray, must need it around the big Erie.

Andy:blizzard

snowplowjay

05-02-2006, 03:57 PM

There is a Phantom Fireworks store a few exits back towards NY... These weren't Phantom brand...

They give you a transport pass that you have to sign and you have to show an out of state I.D. in order to go into/purchase from the "special room"...

Jay

Pelican

05-02-2006, 06:22 PM

The fireworks store was on the other side of the overpass from Jerre's shop. It was a martial arts supply store too, whatever that is. They had swords, stun guns, and other strange stuff, I prefer lead as a self defense tool.

Roger Dodger

05-11-2006, 05:31 AM

yup got a little heated things are back to normal... atleast for now lol
Same thing happened to you the last time. You had to leave the party to go and console her for awhile.

As for the fireworks store, the one at exit 32 is the same ownership as the one at exit 24. Same family, same bunch of peddlers. I guess they do most of their business on the internet from what I was told. Their knives and other martial arts blades are cheap steel that barely has any edge to them. More scary looks to them than substance. They're as genuine as the cheapo post 9-11 American flags from China. The shurikens and butterfly knives are so dull, they won't embed into a marshmallow, let alone soft cork!

Jerre Heyer

05-12-2006, 05:14 AM

Found this for Pro snow....

http://www.tshirthell.com/store/product.php?productid=492

Jerre

snowplowjay

05-12-2006, 06:38 AM

Found this for Pro snow....

http://www.tshirthell.com/store/product.php?productid=492

Jerre

OMG ROFLMAO!!!

That is so Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahd

Jay

apgarconstruction

05-13-2006, 05:13 AM

gee jerre, wonder how you stumbled upon that tshirt, looking for a sheep like bills? :)

Mark Oomkes

05-13-2006, 05:19 AM

gee jerre, wonder how you stumbled upon that tshirt, looking for a sheep like bills? :)

Hey Dan, you know what they say: "Takes one to know one".

:jk Jerre, I bet Thomas actually found it.

BRL

05-14-2006, 10:18 AM

more follow up stuff...

My 3rd grader son had to do a recycling project for class. Basically take stuff & make something useful out of it (toy, tool, birdfeeder, etc). So on his day he took his project in PLUS a bottle of Chuck's Let'sTalkSnow.com Recycled Snow water. His teachers & classmates really got a kick out of that.

BRL

05-14-2006, 10:37 AM

Been a busy few weeks & haven't had a chance to post my last couple of pics unfortunately. But I did want to say last but certainly by no means not least, a special thank you to our site's resident Father. Thanks for making a hellacious road trip a "road trip" ;) and the great friendship Fred!!

So you guys that frequent that chat room may have heard reference to Fred's "wack shed". He can be a wacky guy at times, so when he stops typing in the room, but hasn't left, we often say he is out in his wack shed again instead of talking to us anymore, kind of like visiting the insane asylum ;) Well at one point during the weekend Andy told some of us this great story about one of those real bad wind systems that had rolled across the country back in March (came through the Midwest & reached us here on the East Coast from watching TWC). The high winds blew his poor ole barn over on their way through (don't worry everyone, that was a good story with a very happy ending :) ) Anyway, I happened to look out into Jerre's Back 40 & I believe Andy's barn wasn't the only victim of those winds... I think I saw Fred's wack shed got blown east to Erie during that storm omg He even has his own tank to have a yearly supply of Fluid Film always at the ready!!!