Judi Morgan is a devious woman. She called me a few months back to seek my help in organizing an Active Rain gathering in San Antonio next year during Coldwell Banker's annual International Business Conference. I told her I'd be happy to help. A few weeks later, Judi called to let me know she and Ricki Eichler were hosting an AR barbeque in Bandera, Texas and would I like to come.
Did I mention I'm writing this post at Judi's house in San Antonio? Yesterday was the big day and I was the surprise guest. The event was a ton of fun. Judi was up at 5:30 yesterday morning baking pecan pies and bread pudding. The house smelled heavenly. 
About 10:30, we jumped in the car and headed for Bandera, the Cowboy Capitol of The World.
When we arrived at the Pomarosa RV Center (one of Ricki's listings!), we met Ricki and her husband, Don and Cheri Lynn Venditti and her husband, Tom. It was the perfect setting for a party. The brisket was already on the grill.
As the day progressed, people began to trickle in. Carl & Ceil Winters, Debra and Scott Brooks, Edward Lui and many other Active Rainers. The moment I was waiting for was Jason Crouch's arrival. Judi had posted that there was going to be a surprise guest, but she didn't breathe a word of it to anyone. When we saw Jason and Pam pull up, I hid behind a sofa on the floor. Judi told Jason he needed to head out back to see the ducks in the pond. When he turned the corner, he said "What's Tom Plant doing on the floor?"
Ricki took us out to see a few of her listings and then for a brief tour of Bandera before we headed back for dinner.
The following picture needs an explanation. We saw a bit of commotion in the street. The poodle you see was sitting behind the saddle on one of the horses. He jumped off and they were trying to get him back up on the horse. We took off after the third attempt to get him in the mood to ride failed.
When we returned to Pomarosa, our numbers had increased. Liz Carter had arrived with her husband and Jem Woods and his wife were there, too. Talk was at a minimum as folks were savoring every bite of the best beef brisket I have ever tasted.
After dinner, we took group photos.
We went back in and I asked Jason to say a few words about his friend David Wilder. I agreed to act as auctioneer as we sold desserts and some generous donations from Liz Carter to raise over $600 for David's family. Active Rain truly is a family. I'm proud to be a member.
Tom Plant, Murrieta Real Estate Expert – GRI, e-PRO – Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage – 951.907.9701 – Active Rain Ambassador
It would be my honor to show you the incredible Temecula Valley, a place I’m very proud to call home.
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And check out the expression on "Sneaky" Tom Plant & "Vanna" Ricki's face...priceless! :) What fun, you are a hoot, and sure wished you lived in Houston. But guess that doesn't matter, heck you'll fly in for our Texas gatherings, what was I thinking?
A beautiful day in Texas!
Tom ~ That really looks like you all had a lot of fun! What a nice get together! Thanks for sharing your photos. It's nice to see Rainers in pictures other than their profile ones.