The Fourth of July

This was a wonderful weekend! On Saturday morning, my "old" college roommate, Suz, arrived and she was nearby until late afternoon on Independence Day. It has been a long time since we spent that much time together and it was a delight! Corky was kind enough to let Suz stay at her house since we "sleep two". It is always a risk when you make arrangements and people have not met each other but these two ladies became friends quickly.

On Saturday afternoon, Mike loaded his "harem" in the boat. While Corky and Mike tried to catch supper,
Suz and I enjoyed the sunshine and the company.

Corky was the last one at the hardware store to get her fishing license before the state of Minnesota "shut down" last week. But the fish didn't seem to care... neither one caught anything.

When we got back on shore, we enjoyed a few beverages and the food that Suz that brought along. She is a part of a garden cooperative and she gets fresh produce every week from May to October; there is nothing better than fresh produce when you don't have to plant and care for it. As it had been a long day for her (she drove down from Moorhead)the evening ended early with plans made for the next day.

On Sunday, Corky and Suz met us at church and we all participated in a service of "Courage, Devotion, Patriotism and Sacrifice" during which Pastor Shelly asked all former military to stand and introduce themselves. I am always so proud when Mike speaks of his military service. Pastor than asked all the women who served by supporting those in uniform to be recognized. I listened as Corky spoke humbly about her daughter's service and now her grandson's. I knew this was going to happen and I knew Suz did not want to speak, but I never thought Pastor would ask me to speak on her behalf. I honestly don't know what I said as I had tears in my voice. You see, Suzanne is a Gold Star Mother; her son Andrew was killed in Iraq in 2007. It was a very emotional service but one I was proud to attend with Mike, Corky and Suz as to me they are the faces behind the freedom we celebrate on The Fourth of July.

After church we enjoyed small town America, in Elysian, with pancakes at the fire hall (and a silent auction), a flea market where the town's library was giving away books for any donation, and a car show of 30 or so oldies - some of which Suz and I remembered owning or riding around in.

The rest of the afternoon was spent in conversation between the girls. Mike deserted us for the air conditioned comfort of the MH and we three, drank a bit and talked much. You see all of us are the same age and have much to discuss. Over several games of GREED (dice game), we yacked about retirement, what to look for in a man (them, not me) and where to live when we get really old... think we will start our own nursing home where drinks are served regularly... no sense facing crap sober! Corky went home early as she had plans. Terry and Janet, Kaci and Aiden came out to join us for dinner. It was a full and fun day - too busy to take pictures.

On July 4, 2011 Corky marched in the St. Peter Parade and Suz and I tried to find a spot to watch the boat parade - Francis is a very populated lake. We couldn't get real close so the pictures are not good but these were our favorites.

After a shopping trip to the Mercantile, it was time for the parade to start. We had placed our chairs in a good spot early in the morning but as 2:00 approached the latecomers filled in the street and our spot was not so good - learned something for next year...

The many branches of the military were represented and the crowd stood and applauded as the veterans marched
or rode by.

I wonder what this young boy was thinking as he watched the tank roll by; he sure was intense.
The LeSueur Sheriff's Posse was in full force. DeeDee gave Corky a big wave.
And so did Lonny when he came by.
After the parade, we went back to the MH for awhile and all too soon it was time for Corky and then Suz to head for home. It was a very enjoyable and much needed weekend with girlfriends.
Thanks Ladies... and thanks Mike for putting up with us.

Spend your freedom wisely!