Fourth of July

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!