It feels strange to not be sleep-deprived or have a nervous stomach from traveling this weekend, stopping at some rest stop in Virginia or looking for the ever-elusive Krystal Burger. I will be spending the Fourth of July in Pennsylvania this year for the first time ever (where Roman candles--most fireworks actually--are illegal! And especially no bottle rocket wars allowed!) And missing the Ferguson Family Reunion for the first time in my entire life!
Thinking back over the many car trips south, the memories flood my thoughts. First we thought we'd never get going!!! "I'm not going to Tennessee this year," we'd hear for months prior! Then Dad would want to trim the hedge or mow the grass right before we left. Mom doing last minute laundry. "Don't forget my brown belt!" Singing gospel hymns or "O, My Darling, Clementine" in the car to pass the time; Dad trying to harmonize and laughing because it sounded so bad! Watching for the "Hungry Mother State Park" sign. Arguing over the pronunciation of Wytheville, VA (soft or hard "th" sound??). "Don't run on the dock, play-ze." On the all-night trips, seeing the sun rise on the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River (sing it, John Denver!) Dad taking the "short cuts" (!) In the early years, pulling over for a few hours to sleep at the rest stops--never could get comfortable! Occasionally having Mom talk Dad into finding a dinky little motel in some remote area off the interstate. Breakfast at Shoney's. Searching for the road back to Mom's old homeplace in Dandridge, TN. Caravaning with more than one vehicle--one year having a car break down on the holiday! A/C (to keep the drivers awake) cold enough to "hang meat in the cooler"!! Counting the miles to Roanoke, Bristol then Crossville. And such relief and joy at finally arriving at the Inn or receiving a warm, inviting welcome at Aunt Vi's cozy home. There's nothing like it in the whole wide world!
I am looking forward to that wonderful, miserably long trip (in August this year) to make new memories!
3 comments:
Hey Happy Fourth of July!!!
Reading and listening to your stories traveling cross country ring a few bells here too. Pulling off at the rest stops to sleep or Dad used to like to drive into the night where it was cooler and not so hard on the automobile. (?) He would drive until 3:00am. Awe those memories. and yes pulling off to some motel or reststop to eat and stretch our legs. I remember one trip when we had a great dane in the little car with us can you imagine. I was around 6 yrs old back then. I don't think the car was much bigger than a V.W. Bug. This sounds so typical Ferguson doesn't it? Economical and practical I think that should be our motto. Thats always been my principle. Anyway, Lovely to hear from you. I spoke to Uncle Virg and Aunt Grace last week. Yes I miss everyone too and think about all of us. Your right Aunt Vi always made you feel welcome with plenty of food. I loved to hear her boys sing and play their instruments. They are good! She just turned 96 on June 12th.
Love,
Susan
Kimby and family, Read this email and was very touched by your vivid memories of the Tennessee trip with your family.
Even tho you can't make it this year for the first time in 32 years, we will certainly be thinking of you, and remembering the 32 years that you were with us, I know those first few years, you don't remember, but WE DO. I am sad that you can't be with us, but we will be thinking of you, and wish you and all your family could be here. Thank the good Lord that over the years your Dad brought you guys back to Tennessee to keep in touch with his heritage.
V&G
Hey Y'all,
Let us not forget our Ferguson Soldiers that fought for our Freedom and Independance. God Bless them all!
Susan Ferguson
Love to your Dad
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