Washington DC - Day 1 & 2

It was a very busy day. We got in late yesterday and today was a meeting with lots of congressman. In this picture, I am standing in front of the Capitol building. Behind me is the President's limo and several of the vehicles used in his protection detail.

Tomorrow, I will be discussing several trade issues and then back to the "Hill" on Thursday.

Till next time:

God Bless,

Ottster

Guadalajara, Mexico - Day 4

Just finished our tour of the wholesale markets and walked the trade show. Lots of educational and exciting things to see!


Here are some pictures that we took during our trade show visit. Lots of mascots roaming the floor. The first two pictures are of the dogs we saw. A purple one and a giant one getting ready for a groom. The last picture is me and a giant "5"... It makes me think of the Subway song...

Enjoy!

Will be home tomorrow. Hugs and kisses,

God Bless,

Ottster

Guadalajara, Mexico

Just finished up dinner. We had a trade reception and it was a great turnout. I met a lot of our buyers in Mexico. The place we held the reception was fantastic and interesting...

To begin, the decore was Asian. There were paintings all over the cealing. In fact, I felt like I was dinning in China or Laos. However, all of the food was Mexican. It was a great spot. Lots of water falls, and the restaurant was half outside half inside. We even had a classic Mexican band play for the reception. Very nice.

Tomorrow, we will be traveling to the wholesale markets and then to the ANTAD trade show.

Until next time,

God Bless,

Ottster

Guadalarjara, Mexico

Greetings from south of the border!

We arrived Monday. It was a smooth and uneventfull flight...that's a good thing. The weather has been beautiful. Yesterday, I played in a golf tourney. I almost won the long drive contest. However, my golf ball was 1 inch outside of the fairway...thus it did not qualify. However, I did outdrive the longest hitter by three yards...NUTS!


Today, we toured a few of the markets where Mexico sells our fruit. I toured a Costco and a Super Wal-Mart...everything is the same...

After the tour, we had lunch where the restaurant holds the Guiness Book of World Record for the fastest fast food place. They served our table with food in under 13 seconds...very fast!

We will be hosting a reception tonight and tour the trade show todqay and tomorrow.

Give Mom and J Hugs and Kisses...


God Bless,


Ottster!

WASHINGTON DC FEBRUARY 23 - 26

Greetings from the nation's capitol. Meetings, meetings and more meetings. Once I arrived I have been meeting with almost every state president that produces apples within the U.S. Today was the first day that I was let out of my hotel cage. It has been a very productive trip, but one does get tired of staying inside...espically when it is nice outside.

After breaking free and having an opportunity to meet up for dinner (outside the hotel), I walked past the Library of Congress, National Archeives, the Supreme Court and the Capitol buildings. The Capitol building has a dome and this was the place that President Obama gave his speech last night to congress.

We have a breakfast meeting tomorrow morning and will begin to pack up our things and to the airport we go. It appears that we will be returing to DC in four weeks to meet with several of our congressional leaders and prepare for the new budget and list of priorities that congress is preparing.

Can't wait to see you tomorrow! Give mom and Moose a big hug...

God Bless,

Ottster!

(The top picture is of the capitol dome, the second is a picture of the Library of Congress, the building in the National Treasure 2).

GERMANY - February 2 - 8

GUTEN TAG VON DEUTCHLAND!

Germany has been a blast. The trip started with a delayed air flight on Monday from San Francisco to Frankfurt. Due to the delay, I missed the connection and had to take a five hour train to Berlin. It was a great delay! I was able to see the country side!

After arriving late Tuesday evening, I prepared for our Fruit Logestica Conference. During the three day trade show, I was able to discuss several issues with several countries including friends from: Russia, Mexico, Central America, UK and the U.S. I also met some new friends from England, Canada and Austrlia.

By Friday, Lisa arrived and we were able to start some sight seeing. We saw pieces of the Berlin Wall, Check Point Charlie, the Brandenburger Gate, the Reichstag, Jewish Museum and the Church of Remberance to name a few.

We leave tomorrow and will arrive in the U.S. by the evening.

These pictures include:

The Branderburger Grate, The Reichstag, Check Point Charlie and the Reichstag made out of German Chocolate.

Until then, GOD BLESS,

Ottster

QUICK TRIP TO NC

I arrived late last night in North Carolina. WOW it is cold. Highs are in the 40's and the lows are in the 20's. While getting ready to fly from Charlotte to Greensboro I caught a glimpse of an awesome sight. Low and behold, the airport had Jeff Gordon's #24 DuPont, Pepsi Chevrolet car! Awesome. After paying homage to my hero in NASCAR, off to the plane I went.

Tomorrow will be meetings and meetings and then back on the plane I go. See you late tomorrow.

Tell mom hi and give Jordan a hug. I will keep an eye out for a snow globe.

God Bless,

Ottster