The Week In Review

It was a pretty good week, all things considered. A mix of tedium, joy, and sorrow, interspersed with a lot of time behind the camera. (Follow the links in the text to see the pictures.)

It started with the Low Country Boil at Jon and Missy's place on Saturday. There was a ton of work put into the staging of this annual event, and everyone who was privileged to attend had a wonderful time. I personally talked to more than one person who was unsure as to whether or not they would like it. The universal comment was that it was a terrific get-together. Nearly everyone stayed longer than they had planned, a sure sign of a great party.

On Sunday morning (barely) we set sail toward Missouri. After only one false start, we had successfully loaded Sandy, Sam, and ourselves into Marilyn's Commander and started toward the worst part of the trip, Atlanta. After a day or so of Cracker Barrel restaurants, gas stations, rest areas, and (not really all that many) idiots on the road, we found ourselves in Calvert City, KY for the night. After a night's rest we hit the road again, and pulled into Concordia at around 5 on Monday evening.

Tuesday we went to the Anderson House and Civil War museum. If you're ever in Lexington, Missouri take the place in. If nothing else, you'll learn where Rooster Cogburn's cat got his name.

Wednesday, we visited with Grandma's attorney to go over some nuts and bolts about the trust, and then had a nice visit with Marilyn's sister to celebrate Marilyn's Mom's 78th birthday.

The farm is looking great, and Missouri is a lot greener than it has any right to be in the middle of July. It's been a wet year.

Thursday morning, we made our tearful goodbyes and pointed the Jeep Southeast. When we got to St. Louis, we stopped to visit the Gateway Arch. I've been driving past it for 40 years, and finally got to see the inside of the thing. The Museum is nice, the shops are as overpriced as you might expect, and the "elevator" to the top is, well, interesting. Imagine riding to the top of a 630 foot tall stainless steel pipe in a dryer drum. The tram cars are 4' 4" tall, and seat 5 people. I'm not sure if I was supposed to be a load of socks, or Mork, but the egg took us to the top where the view was spectacular. If you have vertigo, like me, rest assured that there is plenty of "hang onto" space when you look down on the river and the city. If you're claustrophobic, I would recommend not riding in the tram, and enjoying the arch from the ground.

After about 2 hours at the Arch, Aunt Sophie (our GPS) put us back on the interstate with a minimum of fuss, and we made it back to Calvert City, and the world's best Super 8 Motel. (Really.)

Friday morning, we were on the road again, and aside from a little stop and go trying to negotiate Atlanta again we were home by 4:00.

Saturday morning we again loaded the Commander with people and headed for Demorest, GA and Piedmont College to watch Jon get his MBA. Congratulations Jon, you've made your entire family proud.

Saturday evening, we got some sad news. Sparky, Tyler and Sam's Jack Russell was hit by a car and killed. Boys, I know how it feels to lose a pet, and my heart goes out to you. All I can recommend is that you remember all the good times you had with him, and be thankful that he was a part of your life that you'll never forget.

Today, we had the nervous breakdown that had been building all week. I took a 3 hour nap, and feel like I could do it all again next week.

God's been good to me and the family, and I thank Him for every blessing we've received, and pray that he will continue to bless all of my loved ones.

Stay well.