Family Here and Gone

Well, my family is headed back home after having a great time together. Steve, Beth and Mom arrived on Friday evening after driving all day in rain! I think it was pretty stressful when surrounded by all the trucks and their spray; so a big thank you to Steve for getting them all here safely. We spent Friday night over at Camp AJ for a bit to enjoy dinner with the volunteers from Wisconsin and other CAP employees and volunteers that were able to join the festivities. I was happy that my fam could meet other people from the organization and get a feel for what a family we truly are.

On Saturday we headed on down to Berea and walked the area. Tried to have lunch at the Boone Tavern but there was a wedding there that day. No problem, we went to a local diner and had some of the best pizza I have ever eaten, really. Stopped in to see Marilyn and the others at the Rockcastle House and then on to Renfro Valley to see Miss Loretta Lynn perform at the Big Barn. I was amazed at what all is in Renfro Valley. There were people singing on porches of the buildings, kids and adults dancing in the streets and more shops than I had realized. It was a great time just walking around and then the concert was awesome! Miss Loretta's son and two daughters started the show and then a granddaughter also came out to sing. Just a little girl about 8 or 9 and she was really very good. I am sure we will be seeing more of her as she grows. All in all it was a great day and ended on a high note for us all. If anyone out there is a country music fan, you definitely need to come to a show in Renfro Valley. There are hotels in the area and you can also park an RV for the weekend right there in the parking lot. It is worth the drive.

I am happy that my family can now be my ambassadors to the rest of you, They really enjoyed the people in the house and absolutely loved the beauty of the area. We did a little driving but not too much being that they had the long drive down. I pray that there is not rain today for the journey home.

Beth brought along a bulletin from my church that showed how Bill and Karri Brandt are working on gathering donations for the families here. Thank you so much for your efforts and I know it will be a success.

I had the opportunity to make my first home "holler" visit. I was with a co-worker and we drove down a dirt road and then turned down another road and then started winding up a "road" to the house. I was extremely pleased that I was not driving! It was beautiful but I was amazed that anything was built in that small out of the way area. The gal that was driving said this is nothing and has promised to take me to an even more out of the way home. I will be looking forward to that.

I pray all is well with everyone in Wisconsin. May God bless your day richly.
Jane