Sunday, June 12, 2005 - Today is the birthday of Nassau West Vice President Michael O'Brien. His birthday has been celebrated since his arrival at the Capitol Friday night and through today.

The "veep" and his fiance, Cathy McWhorter, arrived Friday night and were the first people (other than Capitol or Benson Embassy staff) to see the newly opened Spread Eagle Saloon, which officially opened on Friday night.

After spending the remainder of the evening and early morning "partying like it was 1899," Nassau West President Kelly K. Bartram, the VP, and his fiance, slept at the Capitol in preparation for their trip to Tombstone on Saturday.

As it turns out, the President, who was also tending bar, managed to fall asleep on the floor between the front bar and the back bar. He woke up Saturday morning at 7:10 on his back and on the floor. It has since been determined that Bartram got to the floor under his own control and did not pass out and fall there as previously thought.

"I have no recollection of laying on the floor, but apparently I did. I am six feet tall, if I had fallen to the hardwood floor, I would have had some soreness or bruising. These were not present. As a precaution, I was checked out at the Nassau West Medical Center," Bartram said.

"I was given a CAT scan, and there was no unusual or even detectable brain activity, so I think I'm OK," he concluded. The Nassau West Medical Center confirmed that Bartram did not receive any noticeable injuries from any possible fall.

After having breakfast Saturday morning with Nassau West Secretary of State Wayland Bartram and Benson Ambassador Sara Bartram, the President, Vice President and his fiance departed for Tombstone. The arrived in Tombstone about 4 PM and went to the Tombstone Courthouse State Park.

When O'Brien and McWhorter finished their tour of the Courthouse, they met up with Bartram at the Dragoon Saloon, and from there they checked in at the Tombstone Motel. They ate at the Longhorn Restaurant and afterward saw Nassau West Tombstone Ambassador Carey Granger walking east on Allen Street. The four went to inspect the Good Enough Mine.

In July, the Good Enough Mine (shown above) is expected to re-open for tours. The mine was purchased by Tombstone Mayor Andree DeJournett and he is planning a large-scale mining exhibit in and around the mine. Eventually, the planned area will be several acres of prime real estate directly behind (south of) the town.

While at the mine, the four chatted with the Mayor and his wife, Shirley. They talked for some time and retired to the saloons for the rest of the evening. They four managed to go to four of the town's several saloons. The party broke up a little after midnight, when it became the Vice President's birthday.

A birthday announcement was requested and made by Bartram at Vogan's Alley Saloon. O'Brien, while slightly embarrassed by all the attention seemed appreciative. Bartram, O'Brien, and McWhorter reached the motel room at about 12:30, well ahead of the 2 o'clock bar closing time. They had all decided enough was enough.

This morning the three boarded Nassau West One and went for a short tour through the mining district. They stopped and explored the Emerald Mine and its head frame. Due to time constraints, they went near other destinations, like the Rattlesnake Mine and the Nicholas Mine, which is also owned by Mayor DeJournett, and will also be a mine tour eventually.

After the mining excursion, they returned to the Capitol. After saying their goodbyes, O'Brien and McWhorter departed to see some friends for lunch in Tucson before returning to their home in Phoenix. It was a good weekend by all accounts.

"I had a great time," stated Bartram, "as always, though, it was too damn short. Next time we go back, I'll have to be more of a financial contributor. Mike and Cathy footed almost the entire bill for the trip, which kind of made me feel bad, but I'll take care of it next time."