Bright Ideas

I was looking forward to the Firemen’s Barbecue, an annual event that brings people together from near and far. Brice sees one man who graduated a few years ahead of him, but looks younger! He always introduces himself to me; he doesn’t need to, I’d recognize him anywhere!

I see people at the Firemen’s Barbecue once a year. They remember me, and I remember them, but not always their names. A more informed person fills in the blanks.

I was to be at the table selling VFW Aux. quilt raffle tickets, but I was late. I travel in a large van, only rarely used. It started right up, and Brice drove it to the house and proceeded to load the raffle quilt and quilt stand. The light was on in the van while the side door was open.

When Brice tried to start the van again, the battery was dead. Plan “B.”

Brice transferred everything to the pickup, started charging the van battery, and went to the CCHS Tuggle Room where help would assist him in hanging up the beautiful VFW Auxiliary raffle quilt. He then returned home, started the van, and drove me to the high school.

The quilt maker wanted her work to remain anonymous, but people from her neighborhood recognized her skill, and told anyone who inquired the name of the older lady who made the quilt. She has made the VFW Auxiliary raffle quilts for many years, but this will be the last quilt she makes for the group.

Being late for this gathering reminds me of other gatherings I have missed. This van sits low to the ground and can’t travel through much snow! Christmas dinners have been missed when we were “snowed in.” Other times they occurred when I needed to take a nap. Disease is responsible for the need to get exercise, and then rest or sleep for an hour or more.

That leaves me fresh to tackle the rest of the day. Cold temperatures made it impossible to travel in winter. A new garment will be made to provide an extra layer of warmth during winter trips. Just so long as those trips aren’t over icy roads. I don’t think they want people using chains on highways.

But when I finally make it to destinations where I see family, friends, and acquaintances my first reaction is, “It’s so nice to see you!”

P.S. Brice got a new battery last week!