O.K. More from Spokane.

We went to the Grange this afternoon for the anniversary celebration. Bernie and Maudie had a receiving line, and greeted loads of people--family, friends, neighbors, and relatives. There was live music, a great trio that played a whole lot of Johnny Cash and other old favorites. Bernie greeted everyone in the upstairs hall. There was some music playing. Then Doug, the son with the booming voice, returned thanks. He invoked "The Father," for his prayer, but Rose and I, looking on, felt that in his case with his mother, he might have more properly invoked "The Father and The Mother."

After Doug's invocation, we all trooped downstairs to the dining hall and had a feast. There are some really good things about travelling so far and being so old. The young'uns set the "Easterners" at Bernie and Maudie's table and brought us food from the buffet. It was a feast!

Joe, who was best man at the wedding 55 years ago, again gave a moving talk. He gently recalled his last big Fellin gathering in Spokane when he came for Shirley's memorial. He also shared memories of the joyous occasion of Bernie and Maudie's vows. He still remembers the fabulous breakfast Maudie's mother prepared for the attendees following the Mass.

Then more visiting, meeting delightful and interesting family and neighbors and more music by the trio. Joe, Pete, Rose, and I had a marvelous time.

Rose and I have again discovered that Joe and Pete are fabulous company. Both have a wry wit and both are very thoughtful. When I noticed that the gas gauge on Pete's car was very low, I pointed it out to him. He said, "I know, but I'm trying to get my money's worth out of this tank."

Tomorrow we go again to the farm where Bernie and Maudie are hosting a breakfast. Rose has taken dozens of photos (which we'll post soon), and we've asked Sandi to post info and photos on the blog when she has time. We are hoping that by posting a lot of identified photographs we can help keep our far-flung relatives better acquainted. At least, they will know what we all look like.