ROAD TO SEDALIA AND SOUTH DAKOTA: South Dakota Family

Blog#18-South Dakota Family-July 11, 2012

I am so very happy to share my "South Dakota Family" with you, my friends and family! The Airstream Rally in Sedalia became even more attractive to me when I realized that Revillo, South Dakota is "only 600 miles" from Sedalia, MO!!! It took two driving days, but it was well worth it! My Dad grew up in Revillo. SD, and our remaining family is scattered around the little town on very beautiful farmland . What special times we enjoyed with my Aunt Lucille (100 years "young"), my Cousin Stuart and his special wife, Lucy, and their sons and Daughter In Laws" -Blake & Brenda, and Brian & Deb. Blair and Peggy drove over from "the cities" to see us. And of course, all the wonderful Grandkids-very fine young folks, too.

We enjoyed Lucy and Stuart's "southern South Dakota hospitality" and yummy meals-very relaxing and welcoming! My Aunt Lucille's face lit up with the most beautiful smile when she saw us come in-it brought me to tears! We enjoyed the most wonderful visits while we were there, and lots of hugs, of course.

Our fabulous "tour guides", Stuart & Lucy drove us all around the miles and miles of acreage owned and planted by them. We drove past my Dad's childhood home -original Barn, but the house had been added on to and updated. We explored the towns of Clear Lake, Milbank and Revillo. We have a new appreciation for the "farmer" when we see the hundreds of thousands $ in equipment, seed, work, energy, and planning that goes into this occupation, which is almost totally dependent on Mother Nature. As I write this, -much of the corn is not going to make it because of the draught:-( very sad! "Each South Dakota Farmer feeds 150 people"!

July 4th is not complete without fireworks, and we enjoyed a great evening picnic and fireworks show at Stuart & Lucy's Grandson, Nathan and his wife Becky's new home in Clear Lake. There is something very special about being on a farm with lots and lots of space, watching the kids and adults have a "blast" with the amazing variety of fireworks. Thank you Nathan and Becky!

Sunday most of the family gathered in the Community Room of Aunt Lucille's "Residence" to celebrate Stuart's 80th, Brian's 51 st, and Natasha's 19th Birthdays. You haven't "lived" until you have enjoyed South Dakota country cookin'-YUM! It was so good being together, and we so appreciate everyone making the effort to be with us.

We left Our South Dakota family on Tuesday, with some tears and so many treasured memories in our hearts. It was a very good visit, and we pray that the good Lord will allow us to be together again soon. Thank you Lucy & Stuart, from the bottom of our hearts, for helping to make our visit so special. And thank you Blake, Brenda, Brian, Deb, Blair, Peggy, Mike, Mary, and all of your fine young folks for being with us and making us feel special. AND to my dear Aunt Lucille-we LOVE you-you are THE BEST!!!

Blessings,

Mary Ann, Les & Pollybird