No church today as we needed to get an earlier start. Usually we go to church around the country which is a blessing and an education in itself.
I have been having problems with the blog on Firefox. It seems Firefox is down more than up lately. Must try to see what else I should use.
Yest afternoon we pulled into Rapid City SD. We found a camp spot (got a 50% discount) and settled in. We then took the dogs for a long walk. Then I got ready to go but somewhere in there I decided to clip Diesel and Carries nails and give them all their adequan shots and their frontline. Well all went well until I cut one of diesels nails, then I cut two and a small nice on the third one. Well he acts as if I killed him. Two were nothing but one kept bleeding. We stypic'd it and he would lick it and it would restart so we had to redo it, and finally use a bandage. Eventually it stopped but not before I felt really guilty. Then I also had to groom Carrie (the cat). I get stuck doing all the mean stuff so after nails and sufficient guilt we settled the animals and got ready to go to our party,
We got mail in MN on Wed. It in was an invitation to a party for Leroy's very close friend who was turning 70. He thought about it thurs and decided we would leave a day early from Mn and be able to get there by sat pm. We made it in plenty of time and after the dog walk we drove into town and before the party ran around to find a place we could find dog food. We were out so would not have been allowed home if we didn't check it out.
The party was amazing. It was held in a special spot in a steak resturant. Great setting. Food was incredible. The food was paid for and we only had to pay for drinks. Anyhow! Leroy hasn't seen this boyhood friend (whom he knew from cradle as he is 2 years younger)for thirty years. The last time was at the friends dads funeral when they called Leroy to be a pallbearer. We walked in, walked around the corner. He turned and looked at Leroy the same time Leroy turned and looked at him. You could see that Art had no idea of who it was and then couldn't believe his eyes. Leroy stood quiet. Then Art said "Leroy" and grabbed him and they hugged and cried, (well a lot of people cried). It was beautiful and touching. The daughter who planned the party and the wife knew Leroy was coming but did not tell Art. They just told him they had a big surprise for him. It was the crowning moment for this man as they have been so close. Many years have passed, many things have passed in their lives and they have had semi regular contact but not seen each other. But I think they were blood brothers and it was wonderful. They asked us to sit at the family table and others came in that Leroy knew. I had met the wife a few times but did not recognize her but she came and hugged me and we reacquainted. The daughter I hadn't seen since she was very small and she turned into a beautiful woman who is now studying to be a doctor. Her husband is older but very gregarious and able to manage a crowd and fond of his father in law. So he kept things moving along smoothly. We were there about 4 hours, and it was wonderful and it was so great to see Leroy so happy and enjoying himself and talking with his friend. It was like old times for him. I was so happy when I sent to bed I slept like a baby, in spite of the fact we had a terrible storm. :)
Today we got up and headed to Sturgis to check on the graves and a couple other errands. The quilt store selling motorcycle rally material wasn't open (will have to check on line). The Indian motorcycle shop wasn't open. It was so windy we couldn't put things on the grave and couldn't spend much time reflecting with his parents. Is a beautiful cemetary on a hill and has great trees. Part of the hill is full of his family and extended family and friends. I stand there and look around and see all the names I have heard about for 39+ years. I have known the family since I was 13 and Leroy since I was 15. We drove by a carving being done of Pappy and Pearl Hoyle (the people who started the rally and sold Leroy his first bike). Then we met two of Leroys other friends at a bar resturant for coffee and I had eggs benedict. Wonderful food so I was in my glory.
Now we are on our way to Wa and Whidbey Island. The wind is blowing in our faces terribly strong, it is raining (they had snow last week, or rather a few days ago) and it is blustery. I hate to even get out of the car, as does Diesel. But watching the storm systems it would seem we will drive thru it and break out on the other side. We are just going straight home on 90.
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