Surprise, Sista!

Good day on the road. We pulled into Jason's driveway at about 5pm. He was out buying groceries, and showed up shortly. We hugged, got baggage out of the trunk, and then Jason said, "Hey, Mom, remember that lady who walks her dog, she wants to say 'hi' to you." I turned around and looked down the street. It was PATTI DURFLINGER! My chin hit the sidewalk. Dad said, "Well, that lady walks just like Patti." Then he looked closer and said, "Well, it IS Patti!" Mom had gone on into the house and wasn't paying attention. When she came back outside it was pretty priceless to see the look on her face. That was so cool. Now we can up the laugh-meter and live on the silly side this weekend. She flies back to CR on Monday.

It was a long day, though. Mom took a few naps in the car and worked her word-finds. Dad read the map and described things he knew about the places we were nearby. It is amazing how he can remember every little thing about those dogs he has read about for years. Too bad he didn't have the opportunity to go to college or buy lots of land for a dog kennel. He is just a wealth of information and is so interested in everything about the terrain, history, and such.

He told some stories like: There was this old gentleman, George Fitzgerald, way back. Was talking about how the chiggars were so bad, biting and stinging. The best remedy was just mix some sugar and a couple TBS of vinegar and those chiggars won't bother you a bit. Mom shook her head and replied, "Yeah, neither will anybody else!"

When we drove by Albany, Ga, he started talking about where "Fernys grew up. That is around the Chickasaw Plantation. Nancy Lopez, the golfer, she has a plantation at Albany. Then the Lees are up at Gatesburg. " And he talked all about the dogs that Marc bought, had trouble remembering Hattie's name, but then just said Hattie and Degan?

I am so sorry about the freezing, unhuman cold around the midwest. It is good to be near the ocean, palm trees, and mild temps. It was such a peaceful day, full of companionship and surprises! Dinner at a Thai Restaurant. Jason ordered a beef and potatoes dish for Dad. He was grateful. Pictures tomorrow. Thanks be to God for the safe travel and many blessings!! Stay tuned.