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

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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!

[DollyCali]

so eloquently done!!! wonderful Lori.. and such a fun story.. and you don't like to write? you are great. thanks.. it was worth the wait. I love the way you stacked(is that the right word) the photos in groupings of three.

and Amy & nan.. just loved your contributions & spirit of sharing on the thread. Amy I give you a lot of credit. I don't know how I would handle life if I had a live wire 5 year old living with me at this point.

God's blessing & trials all wrapped together is a feminine burst of energy & smiles.

I am exhausted. Back is sore & I am ready for the sandman....good night FREeper Friends..

[LadyX]

"(Did you do okay today?)"

Surely did, Sistah - it ocurred to me if we left by 10 for the errand I wanted to run on the far side of Augusta, we then could stop at a nearby Mall and have lunch at Morrison's Cafeteria.
[You no doubt read that as "does not have to cook today again..:))"]

Able to eat leisurely, and mosey to the VA Medical Facility for his eye exam.
I had taken a book to read while I waited downstairs in the Visitor area - of course scoped out the small retail store down the hall - and had a God-wants-you-to-talk-with THAT-woman Directive.

A precious 81-year old woman was in the store, bringing her husband to the hospital in a wheelchair for an appointment...had a younger man pushing him, but the husband was loudly griping nonstop, and barked at her to "go get the car"...snapped nastily, "I'll be waiting outside for you to drive up."

She looked so very sad, and I casually headed her off at the pass and spoke kindly to her, and she burst open with her pain spilling forth.
With tears in her eyes, she divulged how mean he always is, even though she is 81 and not overly spry herself, and waits on him hand and foot.

She confided her first husband had been a lifer Marine, who went to Nam, came back in '70 and announced he wanted a divorce to marry a Thai woman he had met, and went there to live. Relief for her, as he was *very abusive* - had put her in the hospital once for 5 days from a beating, and he came to her bedside with a gun at her head and said he should shoot her.

Husband # 2, it seems, is no prize either. She desperately needed to ease some of what she had to hold in day in and day out - we both voiced how we can only lean on Him at times to provide strength and endurance, and she asked my name.
I lift up "Betty" to be shielded and filled with the comfort of The Holy Spirit...

Like you, Nan, He sends us to many.
[Yesterday it was "Ethel" in the grocery store, through another "chance encounter with a stranger"..:))]

I drove back with no problem, but had to nap for half an hour at 5.

[WVNan]

Thank you for finding that thread Aqua. I had lost it.

[tuliptree76]

Sorry I'm late. Wonderful thread! Thank you for sharing.

[WVNan]

Night Dolly. Rest well.

[LadyX]

P.S.
[We had several therapeutive hugs, knowing she probably had very few through the years, and you could literally feel life flow back into her.]

[WVNan]

Thank you so much for responding to the urging of the Spirit, Sistah. So many are reluctant these days to follow the direction of His Spirit. More's the pity too, because it brings so much joy and peace to help someone along the way. You do this so well. Once again it is the "wounded healer" who heals the best. God bless you. I do love you so much dear Sistah.

[WVNan]

Glad you finally made it tulip.

[JustAmy]

I think the bus company that the school is using must be run by idiots!!!

During summer school, they dropped her at the house. When I registered her, I told them she would be riding the bus home but I wasn't sure whether or not she would ride the bus to school.

This is the third day of school and the third day, we've had trouble. Can it be that difficult? This is her address, you drive right by, just stop and let her off!!!

Okay ... quit complaining, Amy!

[tuliptree76]

Thanks. :-)

I would have been here sooner, but my vacation at my parents' house is over with. I had to drive home today.

[Mama_Bear]

I down loaded that lovely music it is beautiful thank you for linking it and sharing the fun you all had beautiful photos lovely stories.

Well, thank you for spending the day with us. It was almost as much fun relating the experiences as it was living them. :-)

Have a nice evening, or day, or whatever it is in your world.

[WVNan]

Yeah, it's not rocket science. Sheesh, what dummies.

[Victoria Delsoul]

I think the bus company that the school is using must be run by idiots!!!

I think they're Democrats, lol.

Tell the driver, it's now or never. (I know Elvis will make you feel better)

[WVNan]

Hey girl! Are you going to post some more of those beautiful pics you took? Also, will you get to see Scubachick and Babychick while they are in CA? I wish she could have been here today. How long will she be there? I still have that box to mail her. Don't want to send it if she isn't going to be in N.C.

[Mama_Bear]

Did you catch where I said that Son is also singing the tenor part?

I knew he was also singing in that piece but I didn't know what part so I didn't include that.

It is truly beautiful. I think I must have played it 10 times today. I will probably play it a few more times before the evening is through.

[WVNan]

Ha. I've been listening to it for a long time and I never get tired of it. It seems to fit so well with this region. I can see a lone fiddle player on a hillside under a large tree silouetted against the sky. It feels lonely, yet haunting and beautiful.

[Mama_Bear]

Hey girl! Are you going to post some more of those beautiful pics you took?

Yep, I will post a few of them, but it might be late before I can get to it.

Also, will you get to see Scubachick and Babychick while they are in CA?

Not this trip. When she was out here in March to see her family in San Diego she drove up to see us, but she is pressed for time on this trip so it will probably be January before we will be able to get together again.

I wish she could have been here today. How long will she be there? I still have that box to mail her. Don't want to send it if she isn't going to be in N.C.

I wish she could have been here today too. I keep expecting her to log on with her mother's computer, but so far she hasn't. Don't know exactly how long she is staying in SD this time.

It is probably a good idea not to mail the box until she gets back home. I will freepmail you and let you know when she is back. :-)

[Mama_Bear]

Yeah, where is Amy?

Did you catch up with her yet? She was here for a little while. She sure is having a time of it getting that school bus thing worked out.

[WVNan]

Thank you. I have been holding off because I want to put something in for the baby and I haven't been to Wally World since you were here. I keep putting it off. I hate to go shopping.

[Mama_Bear]

I almost forgot to check in..What a treat..I loved seeing the pictures and hearing of your visit..You are a wonderful hostess WVNan..

Thanks, MEG. We are happy that you were able to get here! Yes, WVNan IS a wonderful hostess, AND an expert tour guide, AND a great friend too! :-)