Aramcons are infamous for pursuing colorful lifestyles after their formal retirement from the company. In many cases, they become active and creative as retirees. Take the case, for instance, of Stan McGinley, long-time Aramco General Counsel, and Saudi Aramco Board Member who, upon retirement six years ago, quickly transformed himself into a vintner and country gentleman.
Stan's transition into his new lifestyle was on full display this week when he and his wife Peggy hosted 61 annuitants from Saudi Aramco and Aramco Services Company to their 350-acre ranch some 80 miles north of downtown Houston in the Sam Houston National Forest. Guests were treated to tour the lovely McGinley home and cluster of cottages, a sampling of offerings from the family's new winery, and an introduction to the McGinley Menagerie consisting of a camel, a zebra, three donkeys, four horses, and a small-medium-and-large trio of dogs— consisting of a Terrier named Terry (small), a Labrador Retriever named Bonny, and five Great Pyrenees named Kabir (, Binty, Achi, Uchti and Salman.
Stan with Bonny and Kabir
Cabin next to the grape vines
Attendees were treated to a barbecue-style luncheon served both inside or on an outside covered terrace adjacent to the winery. A selection of McGinley-crafted wines helped wash down the victuals. Many of those present rode on a charter bus courtesy of ASC from Houston to the ranch.
Aramco annuitants in the Houston area hold monthly gatherings throughout the year. Once a year, Stan and Peggy host everyone. This year they went overboard with the hospitality, ensuring that all of their guests enjoyed themselves immensely.