Just got back a little bit ago and we had such a good time. The weather was perfect for an outdoor event, but me the jerk left my camera in the car! DOH! But, not to despair because Reg had his camera and Doug had his too, so we will get to see their photos taken on Saturday.
Lots of cool vehicles including a WEASEL! First time I have seen one in real life. We have a section devoted to the weasel on the forum, so if you are interesting, please check out this link:
http://208.109.212.45/forum/index.php?show...4&hl=weasel
There were many 30 and 50 cal machine guns, bazookas, M-1's, etc. Lots of jeeps, a DUKW, and the normal array of WWII vehicles. There were also vehicles from the Korean and Vietnam Wars, as well as a modern day tank.
The highlight was an Arnhem bridge reenactment that took place on a wooden bridge within the park. It was realistic and loud! Smoke, medics running around tending to the wounded and lots of fire power. Reg got that on film, so am eagerly awaiting his photos.
We were only able to visit with Doug for a few hours, since he was on his way north after the event to visit with a friend. While it was too bad that we couldn't spend more time visiting, we thoroughly enjoyed the time we had and Lee and Doug hit it off just great.
After the event, we were invited over to Don and Twyla's daughter Rene and her husband Clarke's home for dinner and drinks. They have a lovely house in Holly on a small private lake. A big thanks to both of you for entertaining and feeding Lee and I. The six of us, Don, Twyla, Reg, Anne, and Lee and I had a wonderful time. We were also entertained by two of Don's six and seven year-old great-granddaughters. What a joy they were! The six-year old changed clothes half-way through the visit and came out in camo with a bow and arrow and a her rifle. Something tells me she takes after Don!
Afterward, Reg, Anne and Lee and I went back to Don and Twyla's house in Howell, and spent the night. Poor Reg and Anne were burnt-out and tired but were real troopers through the afternoon and evening. Unfortunately they didn't arrive at Don and Twlya's house until midnight, the previous evening, so it was a VERY long day for both of them. We had a few beers and Don shared more of his history.
We went down the "hall of fame", where his book covers, and medals are proudly displayed. Quite impressive. I have a few photos from my first visit, two and half years ago on his page on the main site. This time around, I got to see ALL the images and memorabilia in his office too. You will see photos of Lee, Reg and Don with an M-1 below, and one of me holding a bottle of wine from the "NUTS" cave that was in General McAuliffe's personal stash. No, no, I didn't open it.
Lee and Twlya were the first one's up this morning, followed shortly by yours truly. We spent a few more hours with the Reg and Anne and the Burgetts, and wished we could have stayed longer, but had to get on the road. It was fantastic meeting Reg and Anne, and would like to extend our thanks to the Burgetts for sharing their home and their down home hospitality!
It's great being in the company of such warm people. Don and Twlya, you have a very loving family and all of you made us feel right at home. We appreciate the invitation to stay longer, and will take you up on your invite to return.
Reg and Anne, you are very lovely people and it was an honor to finally meet both of you in person. We look forward to visiting you in Belgium someday soon. That's one invite we WON'T pass up!