Great Loop: Gulfport to Sarasota

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We met Pat and Bill for Lunch in Sarasota

January 31st, 2022

Today was a special day.  We met a former colleague, Bill and his wife Pat, for lunch.  Bill expertly handled our logistics when I led the team that produced product and technology training events for Keysight's world wide sales force.  Bill made sure all the materials and products required to produce our events arrived at the training venue and were safely returned.  For many years we travelled to Hong Kong, Japan, France, Germany and domestic locations, peaking the sales force's technical skills so they could sell test and measurement products into Aerospace /Defense, chip manufacturing, cell phone manufacturing, wireless communications and other markets.

His contribution included arranging for the materials to be consolidated and air freighted, guiding our materials through customs, on to the conference location. into the correct classroom, and then repeating the process for the next location.  A very complex job.  He maintained a 100% track record for getting equipment to the events and home safely.  Much of the equipment was high value ($100k to $250k) so an attractive target for technology thieves.  No equipment was lost.  In addition, he is just a great guy who was an integral member of our team.  When we had down time, he enjoyed seeking out good restaurants and bakeries with our event cadre or exploring the city with his brother Rick, who assisted Bill. We found and enjoyed many wonderful culinary moments.  All this memories were fresh in my mind as we spent the afternoon and evening with Bill and Pat reminiscing of journeys past and what we have been up to since retiring. 

Bill and Pat also gave us a wonderful tour of Sarasota.  It is now my favorite Florida city.  It is clean and vibrant with an active art and performing arts community.  The restaurants have sidewalk dining, which I love.  People embrace the outdoors and integrate it into their lives in many subtle ways.

Not a lot of pictures today.  It was a day focused on  renewing good friendships, laughing, and occasionally sharing tales of past adventures.  In other words, the things that make life so special.

Cheers!  More adventures to come.....
Location: Sarasota, FL, USA

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