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!

[Mama_Bear]

Great post MB.

Thanks, Texagirl. Fortunately, I had a lot of help putting it together. And I think Babychick did an exceptional job with her part, don't you? ;-)

You have a nice day also!

[snugs]

I have dial up at present whilst my normal computer is getting some TLC and by the time I had read the text with the photos they had loaded so for me no problem really enjoyed the presentation. Look forward to more.

[snugs]

What are grits I often hear them mentioned I have always assumed they are some sort of cereal or oatmeal am I right?

[Mama_Bear]

I have dial up at present whilst my normal computer is getting some TLC and by the time I had read the text with the photos they had loaded so for me no problem really enjoyed the presentation. Look forward to more.

Oh, that is sooooo good to know! I really do stress over some of these graphic/photo heavy threads we do. I remember what it was like with dial-up. I never had the patience to wait long enough for large graphics to come up. I try to keep everything that I post under 60K or 70K at the most, I think that helps. I also include the height and width in the links. (Billie insists we do that...for good reason.) I have heard that alone reduces the download time by half.

Look forward to more

And more you shall have. I will post my "MamaBear Sez" table a little later today. I will ping you to it. :-)

[Mama_Bear]

Morning, Billie!

Lori, I have never eaten grits either. :)

Well, as much as I WANTED to like them, I still have to say, you haven't missed much - IMHO. LOL.

[snugs]

When I visited the States we drove up through the White Mountains via Conway and through Vermont to Albany on the way to Niagara it was a lovely drive I am trying to think and cannot of a special route we took recommended by a friend I think it was something Way and it had lots of waterfalls and covered bridges it was beautiful.

[snugs]

Great story and makes this thread even more human and one can imagine being there wonderful

[snugs]

Come over and meet some freepers on the finest

[Mama_Bear]

Thanks, lots of good advice in that post, Dolly....but I particulary like this one......"Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late."

Good luck with your project. I am beginning to believe that what you said is true. Like me, you tend to break things......accidently, of course. LOL

[snugs]

When you say fairly new hopefully within the guarantee I have a friend whose stuff seems to fail either a day before or a day after the guarantee expires she has a wonderful way of talking herself into a replacement with just expired guarantees.

[Mama_Bear]

Great story and makes this thread even more human and one can imagine being there wonderful.

Oh, yes, it was a classic moment when Nan, who we thought we had lost "somewhere" in WalMart, suddenly appeared, standing next to me and scubachick, with this puzzled look on her face that said....."why are you HERE in the plumbing department staring at the shower attachments?" LOL. Scubachick is stifling a laugh and, I'm sure, thinking "whatcha going to do NOW, Auntie?" Nothing to do but hang my head and confess. :-(

[pollyannaish]

Thanks for the invite snugs! Hi Dolly Calli! This is a fun thread!

Looks like you had a terrific time together! Thanks for the stories and photos. I have to admit however that they are officially way too racy for my children because someone who shall remain nameless disobeyed the sign at the museum. Tsk tsk. ; D

My husband teaches photography...you need say no more about the mess.

FWIW, I may be completely a northwest girl at heart, but I love grits! I like 'em with butter and salt...and with over easy eggs. So, there ya go. There's a little of the South in all of us.

I'm off to do a little work outdoors and try to catch up on laundry. Blech!
I'll check in later. Thanks again for the invite.

[Aquamarine]

Hi Snugs. Grits are made when you take crack dried corn and turn the kernels into coarse meal or fine flour.

[Aquamarine]

correction: a fine flour would be cornmeal which is what you make cornbread out of. Grits would be a coarse meal made from dried corn.

[Aquamarine]

It's soul food. :)
(you should try pouring hot grits over a small pile of cheddar cheese, then top with salt pepper and butter).

[Aquamarine]

In Europe grits are called polenta, the difference being polenta is made from yellow corn and grits are made from white corn.

[Mama_Bear]

Welcome, pollyannaish! I am glad you are enjoying the thread today.

I have to admit however that they are officially way too racy for my children because someone who shall remain nameless disobeyed the sign at the museum. Tsk tsk. ; D

LOL!!! I could not have asked for a better lead in to my exposé on our very own Finest Reverend Nan!

Now, it may be true that I accidentely damaged (okay DESTROYED) her shower thingie while I was staying in her lovely home, but I have something WAY worse on her! Wait 'til you see THIS.......

Now, I admit that I am a klutz and I have been known to "accidently" break things, so I knew better than to get within 10 feet of any of the artifacts at the West Virginia Farm Museum! LOL!!

[snugs]

Great you came over Polly you said you were missing Amy's Place and this is where most of gang hang out. Yesterday's thread is well worth looking at that was part I of "the trip".

Hope to catch you later on the dose

[snugs]

Help I am more confused than ever how do you buy them and what do they look like, do you cook them, make them into something?

[snugs]

That looks more like an organ to me than piano it seems to have stops on it?