June 6, 1944, 77 years ago, 160,000 allied troops from America, Britain, Canada, and France attacked German forces on the coast of Normandy, France to liberate Europe–D Day. General Eisenhower said, “The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you….” Of the 4,400 allied dead on that day, 2,500 were Americans. Memorial Day observances included those casualties and all those who have been sacrificed for the sake democracy and the high ideals of our Nation going back to its beginnings. Somehow saying, “Thanks for your service” does not seem quite enough. If you have a chance to help a Veteran, go for it. Great local organizations like the American Legion and the VFW can give you some good advice about how best to be of help to those who have given so much.


Detour!

Felix the Farmer

Old Champions were headed to an Old longtime friend’s house for a visit after more than a year when they found trouble. Other friends were also headed that way on the narrow muddy road and were stuck at the bottom of two hills, not being able to back up a long grade for the slickness of it, and not able to get the oomph to get over the next rise. It was a conundrum. Fortunately there was not a big rock in the road, and one of the Old Champions had much mud driving experience and the willingness to rev it up and floor it. In the interim, another rig had joined the parade. It was a clown fiesta with all the ferrying and laughter. Eventually everyone arrived at the Octogenarian’s cabin and a drizzly afternoon was made bright by the love of dear friends. Conversations bounced from weather to garden to archaeology to politics to history to technology to music and to catching up with the events in their lives since last they feasted and laughed together. At parting, Felix the Farmer showed his skill as master of the hug. He is the go-to guy if you need the stuffing squeezed out of you. He is the kind of fellow who would blow the candles out on your birthday cake, and you would not even mind. He can howl like a Redbone coonhound. He is three and a half years old, a big help to his Papa in the garden and he loves to go to the library. His Champion friends will keep better tabs on him now that they feel more comfortable in socializing.

Attendance is picking up at the Vanzant Jam. Two weeks ago, thunderstorms kept all but the most stalwart at home. Last week the circle filled up as the evening went along. It was lovely to hear Ruth Collins’ velvety voice again and to see friends who are just venturing out. Doug and Bonnie Bean’s grandson sang, “I am a Man of Constant Sorrow,” but he is not constantly sorrowful or he would not be able to smile the way he does. When granddaughters join the circle, as Gina Hollingshad’s did, the whole future of good bluegrass music seems more hopeful. Music is good medicine.

Pepper plants would like to have been transplanted after the overnight temperatures were consistently in the 50s. Alas. They are starting to look a little better and soon enough they will be enjoying the kind of heat that makes them thrive. The gateway to summer opened at Memorial Day, but it does not arrive formally until the summer solstice on Sunday, June 20, at 10:32 p.m. Champion Daylight Time. The cool and damp has slowed the progress of some things while tomatoes and weeds are flat going to town. This time of the year, hardly anyone is as optimistic as a gardener in Champion–Looking on the Bright Side!

Facebook