Salem and Hillsville

I've settled in back at Salem Village Mobile Home Park. It's a beautiful park for Mobile Homes that allows a few RV's. This is where I parked from April to October last year. And where my Dad parked his Airstream in the late 1980's. So since I sold the house, it's become my Salem "home."

I rode the Honda to the "39th Annual VFW Gun Show and Flea Market" in Hillsville,VA. This little town of a few thousand grows to almost 500,000 over Labor Day Weekend. We sold there for the past 34 years. This year I decided not to set up. But I had to go and see the friends that we'd made over all those years.







One family in particular. Imogene Barnes is a local woman who sold Pinto Beans and Cornbread from a little booth in front of her house for years. Every Monday, starting in 1971, she would come down with her daughter, and buy some dolls. Cindy, who was 6 that year, had a rare childhood illness and we never knew each year if she would still be with us when we returned the next year. But she received an experimental treatment and grew to be a very beautiful young lady. Met the man of her dreams and got married. The Dr's said because of all the chemo and radiation she had received that she would never be able to have children. Then 5 years ago - surprise - along came Sarah.

When Cindy showed up at our booth 4 years ago with a baby in her arms, there were no dry eyes within 100 feet. So our customer base grew to 3 generations of Hillsville ladies. And I've been back, just once a year to enjoy their true southern hospitality. What a great family ! Thank you, Mike for your patience while I hug the necks of your wife and daughter !








And even though I didn't sell this year, I paid for next year - which must be done at the show to reserve the same space for next year - just in case. I don't know if I'll want to sell there again, but I'll spend a little bit of money to keep my options open.

On the ride home I got on the Blue Ridge Parkway


and had a marvelous time until dusk when the deer came out. They sure look BIG when I'm on the Honda. I felt I was running a gauntlet for a few miles until an exit appeared and I could get off onto a regular highway. Lesson learned. Don't plan on riding the parkway at or after dusk. I think it would have been uncomfortable in a car. It was REALLY SCARY on the bike.

I'm still waiting for pictures from Myrtle Beach and the wedding. But y'all will be the first to see them when they finally arrive. So keep checking back.

A Wedding !

Wow, what a week.

Yesterday my son Adam married Shanna Danielle Leighton, a beautiful young lady who is a wonderful addition to our family.

Before I went to Garden City, SC, I rode down to Rockwood Manor to meet with the owner and arrange the Rehearsal Dinner. Then off to the caterer, Baker's Best where they not only agreed to Fried Catfish, but were happy to use "Auntie Karen's" dry batter which I had brought from MS.

Wed evening my son Thomas and family arrived from PA and we (3 adults, a 9 yr old, a 5 yr old and an 11 month old) bunked down in the Airstream.

Comfortably.

Really.

As long as we were all in our beds.

It was definitely crowded when we were awake and trying to move around inside.

Thursday we met Adam and a bunch of Shanna's family. The guys got their Tuxedos, the girls had a pampered afternoon, starting with a limo ride to Roanoke, manicures, pedicures and a Mexican dinner where we all got to know each other.

Friday we went to Rockwood Manor, where all of my family and a bunch of Shanna's stayed for the weekend. It is such a beautiful setting in a BIG old house that has been in the same family since it was built in 1875.

It can't really be a Wedding Blog without pictures. And I've been promised LOTS of them very soon. But I don't have them yet.

I CAN tell you that we've gained admittance into a wonderful Virginia family. We were accepted completely and lovingly by all four generations of Shanna's family. Her grandparents, parents, brother and sister, and adorable 22 month old niece - all made us feel completely at home immediately.

The wedding was a combination of traditional and definitely non-traditional. With Shanna directing. It was a lawn wedding under the beautiful huge trees in front of the house. Shanna decided she wanted her parents standing behind the minister, facing her and Adam so they could see, up close. Then she decided I should be there also. I really thought I was done with ALL required activities after the Rehearsal Dinner. Com'on - I'm father of the GROOM. The Wedding Day is supposed to just be a big party for me to enjoy with the other guests, right?

Well, I hope Adam already knows, but it's VERY HARD to say, "No." to Shanna. So after I said, "No." Several times. I said, "OK. Even though I'll be the only man facing the audience that's not in a Tux. How and when do I get there?" Then her Mom said, "Her Dad will be escorting Shanna down the aisle. Would you escort me?" I already knew how good, "No." went over with the Leighton women, so I said, "Of course." And it turned out beautifully.

Thomas was an Usher and Casey was a Bridesmaid. We didn't know until the rehearsal that they would walk down the aisle together. Sooooo cute together.

Sarah was a Flower Girl and Tyler was the ring bearer. WAY BEYOND Sooooo cute together!

The Wedding Dinner was a huge success. Shanna had reserved a table for our family. Thomas and daughter Casey were at the head table. My table for 10 filled up quickly with my daughter Lena, Adam's son Tyler, my Brother-in-Law Joe and his wife Leah and their son Chris, Ann with Sarah and Ben and our dear friend Mary Ruddell. I added two more chairs for my Goddaughter Erin Potter and her Mom Cheryl Cobey because they are a very real part of my family.

In fairness to family and friends, - especially Adam's friends from his days at Marshall University - we won't talk here about the party that followed.

It's OK, Amy. What happens at Rockwood Manor, stays at Rockwood Manor.

At least until the pictures become available.

I'm back at the Airstream, exhausted.

More as soon as I get those pictures.

Life just keeps getting better and better.