A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....08-17-05....A Finest OH and WV Adventure! Part II

Mama_Bear, JustAmy, Dutchess, WVNan, DollyCali, PrissyMissy, Babychick

[Mama_Bear]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.   Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay, or a profile of another FReeper.

On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY

If you have a suggestion, or an idea, or if there's a FReeper you would like to see featured, please drop one of us a note in FR mail.

We're having fun and hope you are!
~ Billie, Mama_Bear, Dutchess, Aquamarine, DollyCali ~

Leading up to the arrival of my expected guests (FRiends) from California/North Carolina, my time was consumed with our annual Union Camp Meeting at the Union United Methodist Campground, where it has been held since 1921.



It has roots in homecomings which began in 1896 in the same community. The last Sunday of Camp Meeting we hold the annual picnic. So, Mama_Bear, JustAmy and PrissyMissy arrived on that Sunday (July 24th.)



They wanted to attend the picnic and the last night of Camp Meeting. It would be an unusual cultural experience for them. Scubachick and Babychick didn't arrive from N.C. in time (well, actually they did arrive in time if she had known how to find the campground).

The covered dish picnic was just the beginning
of a week of good eating.


The meeting was filled with good music....



and good preaching.



The girls seemed to appreciate being there, in spite of the heat.



PrissyMissy got to go with the other children to Children's Camp. They had a weinie and marshmallow roast and sang lots of songs. Notice that the flag was ever present so that they could recite the pledge of allegiance.



Monday morning meant a real West Virginia breakfast of sausage gravy, biscuits and homefries, cooked by Mr. WVNan. (My FRiends soon realized that Nan doesn't cook).



After breakfast we tried for some local sightseeing, but found the heat to be daunting with the children. We stopped by the Riverfront park and drove by the outside of a couple of museums and historical markers. We did take time to stop by the antique/craft mall, where Mama_Bear and Scubachick sneaked around behind my back and bought me the Westmoreland sugar bowl and creamer that I have coveted for months, but refused to pay so much for. Thank you again. When did you say you were coming back? We also dropped by to see the Mothman.



Tuesday, which was even hotter, we went to breakfast at Bob Evans Farm Restaurant which is the original Bob Evans Restaurant near Rio Grande University. There JustAmy and Mama_Bear got their first taste of Grits. The consensus was, "Not too bad, but sort of bland."


I don't think they were a big hit as further offers were rejected. So I ate them with gusto. Afterward we stopped by son's studio so Mama_Bear could see the mess. She claims that a certain other photographer she knows maintains a similar mess. I guess that was supposed to make me feel better.


We took a ride out into the country to visit the West Virginia State Farm Museum. Missy contemplated what school was like in the old one-room schoolhouse, and saw the huge stuffed horse.


She also got to see some live horses, cows, goats and chickens. Everyone agreed that the church was small by today's standard.



Tuesday evening JustAmy treated all of us to a special meal at the 4-star restaurant just a block down the street from our house.


Wednesday morning JustAmy and PrissyMissy left to return to Ohio to visit with friends. Mama_Bear and Scubachick and Babychick took off for parts unknown to spend two days poking around the hills of West Virginia.


The three wanderers returned on Thursday evening. I think that may have been when Mama_Bear destroyed the shower, or maybe it was Friday morning. That morning we went to Bob Evans in Gallipolis, OH for breakfast, and then went to Wally World. It was there that I caught Mama_Bear choosing a shower attachment that looked suspiciously like the one in my guest bathroom. She was actually trying to get a new one to replace the one she destroyed and install it without ever telling me. HA! What subterfuge! Well, she was properly chastised. I made her install the new one.


We spent a laid-back Friday evening after a second trip by the studio to show Mama_Bear that It's_me_K.E.T. and I had cleaned it up on Thursday. Then we took some back roads to K.E.T.'s country home. Enjoyed seeing her baby ducks, rabbits, goats and dog.


Early up on Saturday morning. Said goodbye to Scubachick and Babychick and sent them off toward N.C. Mr. WVNan was happy to drive Mama_Bear, K.E.T. and me to Circleville, OH, where we were to meet up with Amy and Missy at the White Castle. He would drive to L.A. for the chance to eat some of those White Castle Sliders. Mama_Bear had never eaten one so she got a couple to sample. Next thing we know she's back in line buying two more.....with onion chips. K.E.T. seems amused for some reason. Perhaps she is recalling the time we took her for her first sliders.


Amy and Missy soon arrived and they also ate Sliders (Did dutchess wonder why you were not hungry at lunch?). Then it was time to say goodbye. It was sad to see them go, and I was in a blue funk for two or three days. I needed my Babychick fix and hugs from my new Sistahs. I have an angel hanging beside my computer that Amy gave me. I have a beautiful tray and a card that Scubachick actually made with her two talented hands, along with a glass kiss (not forgetting her contribution to the Westmoreland glass), and I have a sweet little bear sitting on my computer shelf to remind me of my Sistah, Mama_Bear.


What a wonderful experience to meet and spend so much time with some of the people that I've loved for years. Just as it was with my trip to meet my Sistah, Maggie in S.C., it was one of the sweetest times I can recall in recent years. Thank you all for coming and for all the gifts. You shouldn't have, but I treasure them all (even the shower attachment).

I'm excited about seeing a new state,
even if it isn't Hawaii.

The camp meeting was awesome.
We sang songs, roasted
hot dogs and marshmallows.
I met lots of nice young people.

Oh No!
Someone please save me from the Mothman!

Auntie Nan showed me an old school house.
She even let me try a desk.

The newest FReeper chapter holds a meeting.
We vote to have another meeting next year.
Maybe in Hawaii!

Point Pleasant, West Virginia!
We're here. Mama_Bear is a great navigator.

After a very moving camp revival meeting,
WVNan gets a hug and a thank you from Lori.

When you order breakfast in West Virginia,
you get grits.
Mama_Bear is ready to try anything, once.

She is not impressed!! :)

We've had a wonderful time on this adventure,
but we are ready to head home.
We are taking beautiful memories with us.

You made our visit one to remember.

My mom told me we were going on a road trip to see our favorite Auntie. I'm always up for a new adventure, so I packed some formula and diapers and we took off. When we got to Point Pleasant, not only did we get to see Auntie, but I got a new Grammy (WVNan) and Grampy (Mr. WVNan), another fave auntie (JustAmy) and a great new cousin (PrissyMissy). Grammy and Grampy could not have been more gracious and hospitable! Their home is lovely and we felt right at home!


Our first morning there, my new Grampy made everyone but me a "real West Virginia breakfast". Do you believe it-they made me eat squash and rice cereal while they chowed down on potatoes, sausage, biscuits and gravy, coffee, the whole works! Being little isn't easy, I tell you! Thank goodness for PrissyMissy, though! She kept me company and took good care of me! I just love her!


We got to tour around Point Pleasant, then Auntie Bear, mommy and I took off for parts unknown. We saw beautiful works of art at Tamarack,


lovely countryside, and we ventured into Hatfield-McCoy territory! I couldn't believe it!! What if we got caught up in the feud?? I'm 8 months old! How can I defend myself?!?!?!


We escaped unscathed from the mountains, though! The whole trip was just great-I got to meet a whole new set of relatives, all my freeper and West Virginia family members! The best people in the whole world! Grammy Nan even gave me piano lessons!


All of this traveling and meeting new people was great fun, but very tiring for a baby girl. After my nap, I'm sure I'll be ready for more adventures!

One last chance for a get together so nearby was NOT to be missed. Amy & Lori were returning home a week from the Stan Hywet Picnic/tour. Whoever could, would meet for lunch at Max & Erma’s at the airport. Those that could included: PrissyMissy; Just Amy; Mama_bear; Dutchess & DollyCali.

Hey, the first time three of the “Sistah’s” had “face to faced” ~ and Here We Be: Mama_Bear; Dutchess; DollyCali

Surprise… again Amy & Lori were not too hungry because they had a short time prior had lunch at four star White Castle !!

Well, actually, there is a little more....
MamaBear hasn't shared her "MamaBear Sez" yet.
I will post it later today. This post is
already way too long as it is.
(My apologies to those with dial-up connections.)

06-28-05 HALL OF FAME #12

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 08-15-05 Military Monday 08-16-05 A Finest OH and WV Adventure Part I

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' Every Thursday at the Finest The guy's good, folks!

[Mama_Bear]

[Mama_Bear]

This post is actually a continuation of yesterday's thread, but I decided it was too large to post on the thread itself as I had originally intended. I talked to Billie and she agreed. It needs it's own separate post. I am sure that those of you with dial-up connections did not want to see this endless table of photographs in your "pings" this morning. ;-)

MamaBear, JustAmy, DollyCali, Dutchess, WVNan, PrissyMissy and Babychick hope you enjoy traveling to the beautiful state of West Virginia today. Those of you who missed Part I, click HERE.

If you would like to be added to the Finest ping list, we would love to have you! Click -----> PLEASE ADD ME.
If you would like to be removed, click -----> PLEASE REMOVE ME.

[Mama_Bear]

Okay, I am off to bed. See you all in the morning, but don't expect me too early. It's been a long day!

[Kay]

Wow!

Is the "Untied" United States meant to be a joke (on the bottom last flag) or is it supposed to be "United"? We are a little "untied" these days so it makes sense.

[Mama_Bear]

Is the "Untied" United States meant to be a joke (on the bottom last flag) or is it supposed to be "United"? We are a little "untied" these days so it makes sense.

LOL! No, my tired brain just didn't catch that, even though I proof-read everything several times.....although you are right, we are VERY untied, so I could leave it that way...... But, I will fix it and I thank you for catching it. :-)

[tupac]

Now, isn't WVNAN just the best? Everytime I've visited her, it includes having some good chow!

[GailA]

Good morning All.

[The Mayor]

August 17, 2005

Facing Your Enemies

Read:
Psalm 27

Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear. —Psalm 27:3

Bible In One Year: Jeremiah 40-42

During the US Civil War, fierce fighting was taking place near Moorefield, West Virginia. Because the town was close to enemy lines, it would be controlled one day by Union troops, and the next by Confederates.

In the heart of the town lived an old woman. According to the testimony of a Presbyterian minister, one morning several enemy soldiers knocked on her door and demanded breakfast. She asked them in and said she would prepare something for them.

When the food was ready, she said, "It's my custom to read the Bible and pray before breakfast. I hope you won't mind." They consented, so she took her Bible, opened it at random, and began to read Psalm 27. "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (v.1). She read on through the last verse: "Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart" (v.14). When she finished reading, she said, "Let us pray." While she was praying, she heard sounds of the men moving around in the room. When she said "amen" and looked up, the soldiers were gone.

Meditate on Psalm 27. If you are facing enemies, God will use His Word to help you. —Haddon Robinson

When you know the Lord is near,
Face the enemy without fear;
Though an army may surround you,
You are safe—God's arms around you. —Hess

Let your fears drive you to your heavenly Father.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
When Fear Seems Overwhelming

[The Mayor]

Great pics and appears you guys had lot's of fun..

Now about the grits..
Your supposed to mix eggs over easy, salt and pepper all together with butter.. Yummy!

[luvie]

Good morning, Mayor! Thanks for the daily lesson from God's word. When we know we belong to the Lord, then it gives us courage to face anything Satan can throw at us.

Have a great day. Hope this week's events are going as planned.

[Temple Owl]

What a great post! I feel as though I met you all in person.

[Aquamarine]

Finally!

What a fun read to get up to this morning.
(Grits are much better after your Southern mom and aunts have explained to you before your first taste how they grew up on them and how much they loved them). :)

[Pippin]

See!

Y'all had a great time!

West Virginia is lovely

Next stop!

MARYLAND! :o)

C'mon down!

[Pippin]

Aqua, This means more grits for us! :o)

[mrstank]

Good morning! So when should we plan a trip for everyone to come to Maine and enjoy some lobstah? :)

It looks like you guys had a wonderful time, and got to see all of the highlights of the midwest. My extended family are in Michigan and Ohio, and just like the south, and New England, it has it's own way of life. America definately is a melting pot!

[DollyCali]

Outstanding!!!!!

You did an awesome job of tying everyone's remarks together Lori.. Lovely presentations. Such fun to read of everyone's adventures & perspective. We can all be at the same place, doing the same thing & have a different take on it. (just like the untied pledge?) I think that was a little subconscious slip.

I believe Babychick & PrissyMissy need to give me some HTML lessons..

what a hoot about the shower stall.. I think I would have tried to repair it myself. I am such a klutz and always breaking things that could have been me as much as you, Lori.

I love WV. Never been to Nan's community but been to many along the 77 corridor heading south from Marietta. The colors in fall are breathtaking. I esp like Charleston & the area that slips into the Blue ridge..well, there is so much I like about West Virginia

I am taking a quick break from the "drudgery" here & some unpleasant tasks. will try to stop by later. Looking forward to the Mama_bear selection next..

[DollyCali]

Mr. Mama_bear & Chachi... a team... mama takes em both or not at all I believe that Mr. is saying.

:-)

[WVNan]

Hey you! So good to see you here. When are you and you know who coming back to see me? I'm going to be in and out of here briefly throughout the day. Isn't this a fun thread. Maybe it's just because I love recalling all the good times we had.

[WVNan]

Wow! Thank you, Rus, for that WV story. They really are the best people. Good solid Christians who wnat to mind their own business and want others to do the same.

[WVNan]

LOL.You know Aqua. I forgot to explain that to MB. Is that where I failed? I fixed them up with lots of butter and salt. I guess the Mayor may have a better solution. Mix with eggs. I always eat them along with my eggs and sausage.