Dad Ashley’s Supreme Session Diary 2025
Saturday, July 12 – Monday, July 14, 2025
Facebook would not allow me to do another Session Diary Never got a real reason why. Anyway it’s back to our old home of the Missouri Job’s Daughters Website. I hope that everyone is ready for a fun and exciting Supreme Session. It’s going to be held in the Phoenix, Arizona suburb of Glendale. It’ll be warm outside but the air inside will be nice and cool. Probably frigid by my standards, but that’s another story for another day. Mom Toni Underwood, Missouri’s Grand Secretary, Nora, Junior Custodian, Bethel #12, her dad Matt and I left this past weekend as we’re gonna be pre-sessioning at Disneyland. So far it’s been a lot of driving, watching vast swaths of the country fly by the windows of our car. We spent night one in El Reno, Oklahoma, last night in Albuquerque, New Mexico and tonight we are in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, the home of London Bridge. We’re getting ready to hit the sack, but I wanted to get thing started with this year’s diary. I’ll post a few pics of our trip thus far. That’s about it for now. I’ll talk to you later
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
It’s been a long day of travel and fun. We started out at Lake Havesu City where we went to the famous London Bridge. Yes, that London Bridge. It wasn’t actually falling down but it was sinking into the River Thames and needed to be replaced. American businessman Robert McCulloch, purchased it in 1968 and had it dismantled and shipped to Arizona as a way to attract tourists to his new planned community.
Then the last leg of our trip to LA began. It was a nice drive of about 5 hours or so. We hit some traffic coming into Los Angeles but it wasn’t completely jammed, just heavy.
We got checked into our hotel, Pixar Place. It’s a really cool hotel on Disney grounds with a Pixar movies theme. We went to the Hotel Happy Hour which featured snacks and soft drinks. Then it was on to the park.
For those of you who have never been to Disneyland, or have not been in many years, there are two parks. The original Disneyland and the newer California Adventure. We kicked off our visit at Disneyland.
We started off on the train ride around the park. It was a chilly day and evening so I went back to our room to grab a jacket while Nora, Matt and Toni stayed at the park. They went to the Haunted Mansion, then split up and Toni did the Jungle Cruise and the Indiana Jones ride while Matt and Nora did the Millennium Falcon Smuggler’s Run. I got back to the park and watched the Electric Light Parade and the fireworks display. That’s pretty much my speed these days. Honestly my ride days are pretty much over unless they are handicapped scooter accessible.
We all regrouped at the Jolly Holiday cafe. Mom Toni and I ate. Matt and Nora then did the Big Thunder Mountain roller coaster then came back where Nora and Toni had ice cream. It was a bit cold for me to have ice cream.
Matt and Nora finished off the evening at Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Then it was a very tired group that went back to the hotel to finish unpacking and get some much needed rest. That’s all for now. We’ll be back at it tomorrow as we go to California Adventure. Gnite all 🙂
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Matt and Nora got an early start today as they wanted to be at California Adventure for rope drop. That means they were among the first people into the park. The old folks (Toni and I) slept in a bit, then went to breakfast where we joined by Nora and Matt, who had finished their first round of rides.
After lunch, Nora and Matt sent to Disneyland while Toni and I went to California Adventure. We wandered around a bit then went to a show featuring the sea turtle from Finding Nemo. It was very good. Then it was a 3D film of Mickey’s Philharmagic. This one had Donald “borrowing” Mickey’s magic hat and getting into all kinds of trouble. Mickey eventually saves the day and all is well again.
Then we watched a parade of Pixar characters and did the Monsters Inc. and Little Mermaid rides. We went back to the hotel for lunch, where Toni decided she was done for the day and went back to the room to rest. I went back to California Adventure and did the Spiderman Web Slinger ride. I know that yesterday I mentioned that my ride days were pretty much over but today’s discovered that I was able to transfer from my mobility scooter to a regular wheelchair, which many of the rides are able to accommodate. In addition, at the Web Slinger ride I was able to ride my scooter directly into the ride vehicle and could transfer right into the regular seat. So I guess my ride days aren’t over quite yet.
Later in the evening I went back to Disneyland and rejoined Nora and Matt. After all the the rides they did, Nora was also finishing up her Key to Disneyland adventure. This iS where you have a special key and you look for the 70th Celebration lock station in each land of Disneyland. You insert your Key to Disneyland into each lock to reveal an icon, light effect and music for that land on your key. Once you unlock magic in all 9 lands in Disneyland Park, then you find the Mickey Topiary Finale lock station by the entrance to Disneyland Park (near the Newsstand and tunnel), where your key will unlock more surprises—including 1 of 9 commemorative trading pins! Nora got the Pin featuring the Letter D with the silhouettes of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse on it.
Finally we made it back to the hotel. We were very tired but quite satisfied after a long, fun day. That’s for now. Back at it tomorrow. Good night everybody.
Thursday, July 17, 2025
The start of a long day began with breakfast at the hotel. Then it was on to Disneyland.
Today was the 70th Anniversary of the opening day of Disneyland. We each received a button commemorating the event. Then it was on to It’s a Small World. The line was about 75 minutes long, which was the longest we had to wait for any ride. I was able to ride via transfer to wheelchair which was then taken right into the boat. The ride was cool. Literally cool, and a great way to get out of the hot sun.
Then we went to Mickey’s Toon Town, which is a stylized version of the home town of all the Disney characters. Toni, Nora and Matt did the Mickey and Minnie Runaway Train ride while I toured the character houses.
After the ride, Toni found the Toon Town lock and opened it. That’s right, now she was doing the Key to Disneyland challenge. Well, sort of. She did the first couple then I finished up the final Eight locks the next day, lol.
Nora, Matt and Toni then went to do some rides that I was unable to do. I moved on to Adventure Land and did the Jungle Cruise Ride. This is a ride I’ve enjoyed many times at Disney World and the Disneyland version is just as fun.
Then I got on the Mark Twain paddlewheeler for the Rivers of America cruise. The was a very relaxing ride with a nice cool breeze wafting over the deck.
Mom Toni and I then had dinner just outside the park at the Earl of Sandwich restaurant. The food was very good. We sat there relaxing and talking until it was time to go back into the park for our reservation to view the new Walt Disney Animatronic show. The first part was a movie about Walt’s life, the a brand new animatronic Walt Disney concluded the show. It is a vast improvement over the older animatronic figures. Much smoother movements and the ability to move one foot around. It was quite impressive. After that we went into some of the shops, then Toni headed back to the room.
I headed over to California Adventure for some Marvel character meet & to greets and ten rendezvoused with Nora and Matt at the Radiator Springs Raceway. Matt was ready to head back to the hotel so I took Nora back to Disneyland for another ride on the Big Thunder Mountain. That was Nora’s favorite this week. Unfortunately when she was about halfway in line, the ride broke down so we watched the Fantasmic show and then headed back to our room for some much needed rest.
That’s all for now. g’nite 🙂
Friday, July 18, 2025
Nora and Matt got an early start while Toni and I took our time getting over to the park. We took the monorail into Disneyland and proceeded to Star Wars Land. This is an amazing part of the park and puts you right into a Star Wars movie. We saw Han, Chewie, Rey, Kylo Ren, along with many stormtroopers, members of the First Order and the Resistance. I began the task of finishing up Toni’s Key to Disneyland challenge by finding the Stars Wars lock.
We the got back together with Nora and Matt. We went to the lightsaber factory and Nore built a genuine Star Wars lightsaber. She picked a white kyber crystal so her weapon looked like Asoka’s.
We then moved on to the Enchanted Tiki Room. Like It’s a Small World, the Tiki Room debuted at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York, then was moved to Disneyland. It’s a really neat show with singing animatronic tropical birds.
Nora, Matt and Toni headed back to the hotel for some swimming and rest while I completed Toni’s Key to Disneyland challenge. It took a while but I found them all. Well, all except the final lock which is in a known location and reveals the Disney Pin that you get for completing the quest.
I had dinner at the Country Bear BBQ, and wow, it was really good and quite filling. Nora and Matt came back to Disneyland while I went over to California Adventure where Toni did the Soarin’ ride. Then we made our way back to Disneyland for some corn dogs and linked back up with Nora and Matt to watch the fireworks.
After that we made one more ride on the Jungle River Cruise, then made our way to the exit area where Toni did the final lock and got her pin. Then the trek back to the hotel where we all hit the sack. That’s it for now. Back with more later.
Saturday, July 19, 2025
On Saturday we got packed up, took one last look around the hotel then headed for Glendale, Arizona for Supreme Session. It was about a six hour trip so most of the day was spent on the road. Once we got to the session hotel, we got unpacked, took a spin around the hotel, then went to our rooms for some rest. That was about it for our travel day. Back at it tomorrow.
Sunday, July 20, 2025
On Sunday we looked around the hotel a bit more. The SAC 2026 committee got the sales area set up. We got our Session materials (name badges, Session Book, gift, etc). Then it was off to the Arizona Diamond Backs ballpark for a game with the St. Louis Cardinals. It was a fun game but unfortunately the birds wound up in the short end of the score of 5-3.
Then it was off to dinner at a restaurant named The Vig. Most of the Missouri Crew were there. The food was excellent as was the company.
Following dinner it was back to the hotel where the Missouri girls went to the swimming pool. Then it was back to the room where Mom Katie and I worked on some presentations for tomorrow as well as the SGC Installation Program for Saturday.
Then it was time to say goodnight and get a good night’s sleep. G’nite everybody.
Monday, July 21, 2025
The day started bright and early as I got my materials ready for the two presentations I had today. The first one was Welcome to Job’s Daughters, kind of a basic primer on newcomers to the world of Job’s Daughters. It was well attended and everyone seemed to enjoy the content.
Then I grabbed some lunch at the coffee shop, and visited the extremely cold Sac Sales Room. I was shivering after I left so I ducked outside into the 100 degrees weather. It felt great. Then all too soon it was back into the not quite so cold presentation room where MIJD Olivia and I did a presentation called How to Talk to Your Friends About Job’s Daughters. This presentation was even better attended than the first. Olivia and I went back and forth, sometimes sticking to the script, other times just going with the flow. Olivia did a great job, and the Jobies in attendance responded well to our questions and had some great questions and comments. We were still having a wonderful give and take when our time was up and we had to end the program.
This evening I attended the Men’s Masonic Dinner. The food was great and the company even better. Those from Missouri in attendance were Dad Chris Lindner, Dad John Vezeau, Dad Randy Davis and me. Following dinner we had a very good presentation on the Holy Saints John. It was a fun evening with lots of great fellowship.
After that the girls attended the Jobie Congress while it was back to the room for me where I got caught up on the Session Diary after slacking off for a few days.
Now I’m a tired puppy and I’m hitting the sack before it hits me, lol. G’nite everybody 🙂
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
The Ritual Competition was held today. Good luck to all the competitors. I started out today by heading down to the SAC Sales room. We’ve been doing really well with our sales this year. Thanks to all those who have helped staff the tables.
Then Dad Chris Lindner and Mom Tanja Orwig helped me set up my piano and associated equipment in the Formal Opening room. We had the rehearsals for the opening and the various associated ceremonies. It took most of the afternoon noon.
Nora went on the HIKE Activity which was a scavenger hunt in the Entertainment District near the hotel. A group of the Missouri folks went to Johnny Rocket’s for dinner. I had a nice, greasy mushroom and Swiss burger. It was really good. Those in our group were Mom Toni, Mom Eva Pelak, Mom Sarah Watson and Dad Rob Willis. We had a fun time. On the way back to the hotel we stopped at a candy shop. I was a good boy and didn’t get anything.
After the HIKE Activity, most of the Missouri Crew hit the pool. The girls took a break to attend the Ice Cream Social. l also attended that event. After that it was back to the pool to finish out the night. That’s all for now. See ya’ later.
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
I’m playing catch up here. Session officially started today even though activities have been going on since Sunday. I, along with most of our crew, have been extremely busy with extremely long days and some short nights. By the time I’m firmly ensconced in the room for the night I basically want to get to bed. In addition there has been some illness going around and a fall that I’ll tell you about.
First of all though, I forgot to mention that I did a couple of Leadership Presentations on Tuesday. The first one was Welcome to Job’s Daughters. It was basically a get acquainted with the basics of the local Bethel, the terminology and a very brief history of the Order. The presentation was well received.
Following Lunch, MIJD Olivia and I did a presentation on How to Talk to Your Friends About Job’s Daughters. Again it was well received. Olivia and I worked together, and we had great participation from the Daughters in the audience.
Back on Wednesday, I spent the majority of the morning working on the SGC Installation Program for Saturday. While most of it was finished for some time, there was still a great deal of info we needed to finish it off. I went through several revisions throughout the day and evening, finally reaching the (almost) final version about 1am. I say almost final version because we wouldn’t get the official election results until Friday. So I sent a version of the program without the officers page to Mom Linda Stokes in St. Louis who was printing them. That way we could simply add the new page to the previously printed material. Wow, that took almost as long to explain it as it did to do it, lol.
I attended the Past Grands luncheon and had a very good meal and a nice visit with friends.
After lunch the SGC Business Sessions started. This session consisted mostly of the Supreme Guardian and Associate Supreme Guardian’s report. They did get started on Amendments but didn’t get very far.
Following the business session, we changed clothes and went to the Formal Banquet. I’ve had many different meals at various Formal Banquets over the years; different types of steak, pork, chicken, pasta, but this is the first time I’ve had breakfast for dinner. I mean at a Formal Banquet. I’ve had breakfast for dinner numerous times. They had scrambled eggs, bacon, French toast, waffles and yogurt. It was good.
After dinner it was time for the Formal Opening. I was the musician and had lots of fun playing for everyone. By the way, I’ve played several openings, but this was the first time I played one on my own keyboard. I supplied the instrument for the session this year so it seemed like putting on favorite article of clothing. I knew the capabilities of the instrument already so there was no learning curve.
Formal Openings are traditionally fairly long events. Not always (During Mom Toni’s year as SG the Formal Opening was a bit under two hours) but most clock in at three plus. This year was a bit extra long as they did three ceremonies; Lily of the Valley, Degree of Royal Purple and a new one, The Distinguished Order of Job’s Daughters. The LOV and DRP were done first by the Supreme Bethel and both were beautiful.
The GGC of Missouri received an award for having a Membership increase. We had three Daughters raised over $1000 each for HIKE. They were: Gabi K. Raised $2,050, Nora U. Raised $1,292 and Teagan M raised $1,200. Congratulations to all.
Later the DOJD was performed. I was quite surprised and honored to be selected to be one of the first recipients.
Following the opening the Missouri Crew had their traditional Pizza Party where we wish our candidate for MIJD good luck in the pageant. She is presented with gifts by the GG & AGG, the GB3 the Jr. Miss MO and MMC. We all shared pizza and good times. Our Miss MO Jac is our candidate for both MIJD and SBHQ. Good luck to her in both competitions.
Following that it was back to the room for the final revisions on the Installation Program and got it emailed to Linda about 1:30am. Then it was into bed for some much needed sleep. Well, I’m somewhere in the middle of New Mexico right now. We’re about to stop for dinner so I’ll sign off now. Back later for more catching up.
Thursday, July 24, 2025
For some of the Daughters the day began with a seminar on being Fearlessly Kind. It was well received. Then it was time for the Awards Luncheon. The meal featured hamburgers and they were cooked medium rare. That was perfect for me but I’m not sure how it went over with the girls.
There was no sound system so I could not hear who was getting what awards but our GG Mom Heather was on the ball and gave this report:
Congratulations to Missouri for winning the following today at the awards ceremony….
Nora U. Bethel #12- Photography- 2nd place
Nora U. Bethel #12- Misc.- 1st place
Nora U. Bethel #12- Jewelry- 1st place
Mackenzie T. Bethel #29- 1st Messenger- 2nd place
Those of you that competed but did not place, I know you did awesome!! The winners were all so close in number… 99.5, 99.75, 100
Congratulations to all who competed.
Then it was adventure time. Following the Awards Luncheon I had to use the facilities. While in there I decided to see what it was like laying on the floor. In other words I fell down. What little strength I still have on my legs is not enough to get me off the floor. Luckily I was able to get Mom Kim and Mom Toni on the phone who promptly recruited Dad Chris and Dad Rob to come to the rescue. With a mighty heave they were able to get me back on my scooter. A few days later when Dad Rob was heading home and stopped for the night, he said, “Yeah I am tired and my back hurts after carrying MOJDI all week at Supreme. Good night.” We know why your back really hurt. It was from having to pick up my ponderous posterior. Anyway, thanks to all of my rescuers.
That evening we attended the MIJD Pageant. Our Miss Missouri Jac did a marvelous job of representing our jurisdiction. Unfortunately she didn’t win but she did herself and Missouri proud. Our new MIJD is Lucinda from Queensland. Congratulations to her. This is the third time in five years that our MIJD is from Queensland.
That’s about it for now. in real time we’re just passing Amarillo, Texas on our way to Edmond, Oklahoma, Where we’ll stop for the night. Back later with more.
Friday, July 25, 2025
From disappointment one night to happiness the next morning. Our Miss Missouri Job’s Daughter Jac, who did a wonderful job in the MIJD Pageant but came up just a bit short, was chosen as the new Supreme Bethel Honored Queen. As such she joins MIJD Lucinda as part of the 2025-2026 Supreme Team. When she was chosen, Mom Katie jumped up and gave Jac a huge hug. Lots of happy tears were being shed. At the same time her Dad, Dad Chris, was unaware she’d been chosen. He knew that it was a Missouri Daughter but wasn’t sure if another Missouri Daughter had been selected. When he finally became aware that it was his daughter, he was one proud papa.
In addition to Jack’s selection, Teagan M. was selected as the Supreme Bethel Representative to Mato Grosso. Congratulations to them both.
Following the SB Meeting, I attended the Alumni Association Luncheon. The food was good as was the company. Linda Stokes and I were there from Missouri. We played a pretty fun Jobie Bingo game and generally had a great time.
The SGC Business Session reconvened that afternoon to finish off the amendments. Unfortunately they didn’t quite finish so there will be an additional session tomorrow.
It was about this point that illness began to make the rounds. I’d been fighting some stomach issues since Wednesday. Now Mom Toni came down with a bug. We had the Past Supremes dinner that evening but she was too sick to attend. She would not be the last sickie if the session.
I was able to attend the Past Supremes Dinner. It was well attended although there were a few who had to bow out. We generally have a meeting along with the dinner but the restaurant was too noisy, so we agreed to meet back at the hotel at 10pm, after the Supreme Bethel Installation.
It was a thrill getting to see a Missouri Daughter installed as SBHQ. Also, my daughter Kim was installed as the new Supreme Bethel Guardian. So after the SGC Installation tomorrow, the Supreme Guardian, the Supreme Bethel Guardian and the Supreme Bethel Honored Queen are not only from the same jurisdiction, but from the same Bethel as well. Pretty cool if you ask me . . . go ahead, ask me. Oh wait, I already did this bit, lol. Anyway congratulations to Jac, Teagan and all of the new Supreme Bethel Officers and Representatives.
After the Installation we had just enough time to rehearse the Bible Ceremony for tomorrow’s SGC Installation. Then I attended the rest of the Past Supremes meeting where I was honored to initiate Mom Barb Von Lienen as the newest member.
Then it was on to the Coronation Ball. The highlight is when the girls are recrowned for their peers. Unfortunately there was not an actual DJ, but an adult with a laptop and a small Bluetooth speaker was able to provide some music. It just didn’t have enough oomph to fill the room. Still the girls had a lot of fun talking and swapping Jobie experiences.
Afterwards Mom Kim helped me finish up the Installation Programs then it was off to bed.
That’s it for now. Back with more later.
Saturday, July 26, 2025
The day started bright and early with the SGC Business Session. With the help of bundling some similar amendments, they were able to complete the amendment, and the rest of the day’s activities could go on as planned.
Well, almost as planned. Unfortunately the illness big wasn’t quite finished. Mom Eva was hit hard and was knocked out of commission for the day. The rest of the Missouri Crew were able to carry on. They helped collate and fold Installation Programs, and generally did whatever was asked.
Mom Kim was also ill, but powered through her duty as Installation Rehearsal Coordinator. As soon as the rehearsal was finished though, so was Mom Kim. She headed to her bed for the rest of the day.
The Installation was really nice. It was great to have my Supreme Line partner as one of the Installing Officers, Mom Shirley Bryngelson. The Installation ran quite smoothly and everything went off without a hitch. The Daughters of Missouri and DelMar did a beautiful job with the Bible Ceremony, with Missouri’s GBJP Gabi singing Pure Imagination. I can’t begin to tell you what a joy it is to see your daughter installed as Supreme Guardian. I am a very fortunate man with a wonderful family. To see them work so hard for this wonderful organization and try to make it better for all of the Daughters is really emotional. Congratulations to Katie, Ken and their team.
Following the Installation it was clean up time, then most of the Missouri Crew went to Mom Katie’s favorite restaurant, Texas Roadhouse. We had a great meal and a wonderful time. We were joined by two MOJDI ex-pats now living in the Phoenix area; Mom Linda Sinley and Dad Randy Sinley, both Past Grands of Missouri.
After dinner it was time for ice cream and a toast to Dad Bill Dinkmeyer, PASG-MO, who always loved his ice cream at Supreme Session.
Several of us stayed up late talking but eventually it was time for bed to rest up for the long trip home.
That’s it for now. I’m almost caught up, lol. see ya soon.
Sunday, July 27, 2025
We didn’t exactly get an early start on Sunday. Between the two weeks non-stop activities at Disneyland and Session, coupled with being under the weather, throw in a fall or two and we were all pretty worn out.
We finally got moving around 11 or so. We hit the road and started the long trip home. While on the road we heard through the SAC 2026 GroupMe chat that Mom Tanja’s trailer, which contained all of our SAC Sales merchandise as well as musical equipment, other folks luggage, etc., had lost a fender and blown a tire. Luckily everyone was ok, nothing in the van was damaged, and they were able to get a new tire, find the fender and get back on the road.
We were debating where to have dinner. While on the road Toni and I like to go to places we don’t have back in St. Louis, so we decided on a place called Meltdown in Gallup, New Mexico. When we got to the address, we discovered that Meltdown was now a Denny’s which didn’t comply with the Underwood Road Trip Rule. So we hit Blake’s Lotaburger in Gallup, New Mexico. Wow, it was so good. I was stuffed and that’s no easy task, lol.
After dinner we drove on to Albuquerque, where we spent the night.
Monday, July 28, 2025
We were back on the road on Monday morning. The day consisted of aor of driving with the in occasional stop We did manage to make a visit to the Cadillac Ranch just outside of Amarillo, Texas. For those who don’t know, Cadillac Ranch is a public art installation and sculpture that consists of a row of ten Cadillacs buried nose-first in the ground. people are encouraged to Spray paint messages, etc. on the cars. Nora was able to do so and now is a part of the artists of Cadillac Ranch.
We ate dinner at Braum’s in Edmond and settled into the hotel in Edmond for the night. That’s it for now. The last leg of our trip starts tomorrow morning.
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
We were up and had breakfast about 8 or so. One strange thing happened in the morning. I charged one of my portable charging blocks overnight. When I went to get it this morning, it fell onto the floor . . . and disappeared. Literally, lol. Everyone looked for it, moved the bed, moved furniture, it was nowhere to be found. Oh well, eventually it will turn up in another dimension and someone will get this black plastic thing with funny shaped holes and marvel at the strangeness of the universe.
We made our way to Lambert’s inn Ozark, Missouri, near Springfield for a late lunch. The food was delicious, as as per usual at Lambert’s, between whatbI ordered and tge free pass arounds they hand out, I ate way too much.
After that it was home to St. Louis. To celebrate, Mom Toni and I had some Ted Drewes Frozen Custard. It was mighty fine.
It’s been a fun-filled few weeks. Congratulations to our Missouri folks who have new positions: Supreme Guardian Mom Katie, Supreme Chaplain Mom Alison, Supreme Bethel Honored Queen Jacquelyn, Supreme Bethel Representative to Mato Grasso Teagen, and Supreme Bethel Guardian Mom Kim. As for now, this old guy is tired and it’s time to sleep in my own bed again. So long everybody 🙂
