Without waiting seven months to return to Iowa like the previous trip, I traveled back to Pella for a service school in early February, flying this time. I spent three days in classes with the Service group and other dealers, mostly from the midwest; none were from as far away as Montana. I remembered many of the big topics discussed in the classes, but found the most value in the reinforcement of the littler lessons that I'd learned and relearned before, but don't see often enough to keep them fresh. I had previously worked on an item or two mentioned in each class, which helped reinforce my contributions as an engineer. In-person time with the Service guys is valuable as well, because I like to maintain those relationships and meet new dealers.
I wouldn't spend a week in Pella and not spend some time with friends there. Unlike the Christmas trip, this week was more relaxed and I got to spend evenings with several different families. I appreciated the welcome back, and getting to see everyone again.
The week was topped off by a trip to Hessenhaus in Des Moines on Friday night. This tradition started in 2013 to celebrate two January 27 birthdays. This was the fifth such trip. About ten of us went to those first couple outings, but twenty four people came out of the woodwork for this one. We took up two large tables and no doubt annoyed the staff, but had as good a time as I can imagine and had one too many Das Boots. I miss our Iowa friends, and can't wait to do it all again.
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