Betsy, Jane, Dave and I...
What a GREAT time! Tons of chat and catch-up. Lots of cooking, and a few new recipes. Dave and Jane tried my Ginjinha (left from virtual Portugal...now aged 4 months and liked it. Also a bit of Homemade Blackberry Wine. We took a short road-trip to Cataract Falls, the General Store (regrettably closed on Tuesdays), several brunches out...including one at my very favorite tea room! More chat and late nights. They actually save me from watching last night's final debate. I am forever grateful! Read the transcripts this morning. Ridiculous. And a Fall Breakfast with Biscuits and Gravy...Apple Butter (hot) and honey...send-off today, as they drive 5 more hours to meet up with the rest of "Our DS Family" at The Nashville Gathering. Oh...and apparently Cloverdale does have a clown problem. Dave encountered one while strolling near their hotel. More on this later...
The Falls!
"Some beer with your head, then?"
"Almost Home"
And a beautiful drive leaf-peeping!
Now about The Clown...
When Dave got back on Monday to the hotel he decided to take a late stroll 'round the grounds When suddenly he turned about to see one of these standing near the wooded area...just staring at him.
Now, Dave, being British and all...did not have the innate (fear) response that many of the locals have. Namely, he tried conversing.
"Eh, you dere. Wots wif da clown gear, wot eh???
Clown: Silent but looming.
Ehr ya daft? A looney, eh? Sod oft b'fore I give ya a bop in yer gob, den. "ow's ya like dat? Daft bast'rd.
Clown: (...running back into the woods...)
Next time, if he shows (he says) he's going to grab him round the neck and
"Take a selfie, to show me mates back 'ome at the pub."
LMAO!
Built like a short barrel-chested boxer with tattoos up both inner forearms. I have no doubt he would.
The Clown would need years of therapy.
The Texas Gathering was over the weekend, as well.
And so many pictures taken and sent. With Joe on Guitar, here. This year marked 5 years since Bill's Memorial on the Banks of the Blanco with everybody! Loved all the great shots and even some audio-video clips.
Many of our DS family have already started to arrive.
Early arrivals Shirley & Luann (Canada), Betty, Vicki, Sally and Cathy. Already plundering Nashville, together! Many more yet to come!
Rumor has it that Betsy gets Flat Stan this year!
A touch-base today with "Idgy" who is with her brother John and her Dad at the oncologist's with Mom. The biopsy revealed Adenocarcinoma (lung cancer) Stage 3. It is already in her lymphatic system. Not good. Now, they circle the wagons. Mom has already requested to go wig or head-wrap shopping. TODAY. Chemo and Radiation start soon. She is scared but in good spirits, and ready for a fight. Her husband and grown children all at her side. Today's lunch will be the last normal any of them will know for a while. Been there-lived that. Hoping like hell she beats it!
Laughed recently, seeing a photo of Dave with All his Grands
('cross the pond)
Someone who has as many Grands as I do...
Thanks for everything, guys! Dave, I love the beach stones from Crete!
Jane and Betsy, the house smells wonderful like Salted Caramel and Pumpkin Spice! Thank you for the candles!
And my Yellow Friendship Rose is opening HUGE and beautiful, Betsy!
More anon
F.R.I.E.N.D.S
Relax and Chat
Chris, who dropped by with Tina- and surprised us with
an impromptu house concert after dinner!
