Weekend in Dallas

The Arkenstone has moved to a new location and increased their size, Drastically! Rob and Bailey Lavinsky sent out invitations to a number of people from around the world and in the U.S.A. Jim and I had the pleasure of going to their open house, then on to a dinner hosted by the Lavinskys at the Doubletree hotel. Guest speakers were Gene Meieran, Harrison Schmitt...Past Senator from New Mexico and last man to walk on the moon with Apollo 17. The only Geologist to do so. Another guest speaker worth mentioning is Dr Aaron Conley, VP at UT-Dallas, announcing the start of their matching funds drive for a new educational institute on campus in Plano, Texas.
I have a few photos I hope to share with everyone of the whole weekend. We hosted a brunch for about 80 plus people on Sunday.
Jolyon Ralph is one of our houseguests and did a presentation on Mineral Museums in Russia.

Gail Patricia Copus Spann



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/31/2010 03:52AM by Gail Spann.

Gail Patricia Copus Spann

Jolyon enjoying a little "down" time before the hectic weekend.



Gail Patricia Copus Spann

Quote
Gail
from around the world and in the U.S.A.

I always knew the USA is on a different planet :D
(couldn't resist this one, Gail)

Cheers

Harjo



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/30/2010 08:35PM by Harjo Neutkens.

Oh, good one Harjo!

Gail Patricia Copus Spann

Gerhard Wagner sits in the smoking area. Not many people seem to be smoking anymore...


Gail Patricia Copus Spann

Jim Houran greets people at the site.


Fran Enjoys some phone time.


Gail Patricia Copus Spann



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/31/2010 03:27AM by Gail Spann.

At the entrance you will see this rather nifty photo, and mineral specimen, with Roy Rogers.


Some cabinets catch your attention right away.

Gail Patricia Copus Spann

There's Bob Jones, gee....everyone is talking on their phones!


There's Barb Epstein and Julian Gray, Tellus Museum in Georgia.
Jim is enjoying a visit with them.


I get to visit with Barbara and Julian too!


Gail Patricia Copus Spann

Kevin Brown really was a great part of the mastermind on design and put forth a great effort to get the place ready for all the guests. He truly is hard working!



The next room in the gallery is filled with curious folks who are invited to dig through labeled drawers. That's Matthew Webb on his knees.





Jim Spann and Keith Brownlee, both of MAD


Gail Patricia Copus Spann



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/31/2010 03:54AM by Gail Spann.

People milling about...

Lots of people


Enter Peter Megaw and Paula Presmyk...


Gail Patricia Copus Spann

Wally Mann and Jon Rodakis of MAD


Two strange fellows pontificating, you never know who you will find there....
All I heard was Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah

Gail Patricia Copus Spann



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/30/2010 10:11PM by Gail Spann.

Les Presmyk and Jim Spann


Terri Lopez on the right and Shelly Houran on the left.


Gail Patricia Copus Spann



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 08/31/2010 04:01AM by Gail Spann.

Gail Patricia Copus Spann

Gloria Staebler enjoys looking at the cabinets. The couches were a welcome part of the new Arkenstone too.


Keith Williams made many of the cases for the Arkenstone. We also get our cabinets from him.


Gail Patricia Copus Spann

Our Very own MADster, Jim Gibbs.


Jolyon was having a great time taking photos, so I took a photo of him for a change.


Gail Patricia Copus Spann

Jim Gibbs, Les and Paula Presmyk and Gloria

Gail Patricia Copus Spann



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/30/2010 10:31PM by Gail Spann.

Brandy Naugle, Allison Megaw and Gail Brown



Lauren Megaw and Eddie Lopez.


Gail Patricia Copus Spann

Verry Nice Gail >:D<

Sure love seeing everybody having a great time there !
Just another WONDERFULL post by GAIL ,,,, Go Girl !

! KOR !

Diggums

Thanks Wayne, I managed to drive Jolyon to the airport this morning, so was actually a bit sad to see him go, we are always having fun when we get to visit. I have a ton more photos to add, so keep an eye out as I go through stages of free time to do so.
It was an amazing weekend!

Dr. Steve Neely looking at the cases in the Arkenstone, these are from Rob's private collection.

some cool looking dinosaurs...

There's Rob himself....busy as ever.


Gail Patricia Copus Spann