Dutch van Kirk

We spent the day locked inside the house alone. Jan went to a luncheon and then to a public presentation. We think we got gypped. She didn't even bring us any crumbs.

The luncheon was in honor of this man, as well as local World War II veterans:

You probably don't recognize him but he is one who has a special place in American history. Now age 88, Theodore "Dutch" van Kirk was the navigator of the Enola Gay -- the stripped-down B-29 bomber -- that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. Mary Ann Ferebee, widow of Tom Ferebee the bombardier on the Enola Gay, also attended.

Van Kirk was in town to sell/sign copies of his book. His visit was hosted by the Historical Society, VFW, American Legion, etc. And the city took advantage of the opportunity to recognize their own WWII vets.

Jan was invited to the luncheon to take photos for the local VFW post. The community was invited to attend the free presentation afterward. It was quite an interesting day -- for Jan. Again, we were locked in the house without a computer, a camera, treats, or a working TV.

Jan wants to say that if any of you have the opportunity to hear van Kirk speak in your area, it would be well worth your time to attend. It's extremely interesting to hear a WW II veteran speak of a generation that is rapidly dying off and a war that is "ancient" news to the youth of today. It's American history.

But, as Jan left us home alone while she went off and had fun today, we aren't going to let her tell you any of that in our journal.

Percy: What, Buddy? Speak up. I can't hear you.

Buddy: Pssst. You already told them what Jan wanted to say.

Percy: Blast it, Buddy, you're right. I'll just have to delete .... Oops, hit the wrong key. It's published.

JFF -- Crystal, Cotton, Merci, Cyndi, Percy, Cameron, Buddy, Rusty & Sam

PS -- A new weekly Cutest Dog Competition starts Sunday. Merci says she doesn't know whether she wants to continue, since it is such a hassle much of the time for voters. We decided to see what idiocy they come up with this week before making a decision. Should you want to vote anyway, her direct link is http://www.cutestdogcompetition.com/vote.cfm?h=194291465301F78C17ECD3F5BA4AB250 Thanks to all of you who persevered even when we were offline and not reminding you.