Celebration

Saturday night my brother, Terry, picked up Ted and me and drove us through these winding Ozark roads to a neighboring town, Forsythe, stopping for a fabulous view of the valley and dam along the way.  That night we were his guests at the VFW Hall (read Legion Hall, Canucks). 

The festivities started with honoring of the Vet of the month, Vicky.  The moving ceremony included a run-down of her career and presentation of gifts.  It then ensued with a salute to the Stars and Stripes followed by a prayer for those lost in 9-11.  All was ended with a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, something I hadn't done publicly in many a year.  Tears flooded my eyes as it brought back memories of  my youth growing up here.  I thought of John Steinbeck's words from Travels with Charley, "From start to finish I found no strangers... These are my people and this is my country."  This is how I feel...and it feels good.  I'm so glad we made this trip!

A grand dinner of smothered pork chops, scalloped potatoes, red cabbage, green beans and cake followed. Then Jeff Gordon stood up to entertain us with his mostly country music.  He also did a mean Tom Jones and had the ladies...well, some of the ladies...on their feet reeling!  He even let others take the mic and Ted would have sung a song or two...if he could have just remembered the words.  LOL!

Yesterday was a relaxing day visiting Elaine once more and taking in one of the IMAX films.  We topped the day off with more good southern cooking at McFarlands...YUM.  The chicken pot pie was wonderful but Ted was really impressed with the gooseberry pie for dessert!  It's not often you see that on the menu and it's one of his faves.

Ted's now off to have the transmission oil flushed in his truck...whatever...and I'm going to spend the morning relaxing in this glorious park.  Have to get ready for Andy, don't ya know.  : )

Love,  Mom/Peggy

PS.  I could hear the garage mechanic on the phone while Ted talked to him and he must have said, "Yes, Sir," ten times in that short conversation with him.  : )  I just love it!