This is what I love about being back in my small hometown.  I went to the Memorial Day parade this morning and watched the VFW honor guard lead the parade, followed by some town officials,  Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts,  Knights of Columbus, the Albion marching band, and of course, the fire trucks. 

Small parade.  Big pride. 

My nephew Issac marched with the honor guard, and also appears in the photo at right.  (He is the one in camo fatigues with the beret, standing to the left of the soldier in the cap.)  Issac served two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan.  I am so proud of him.  He's out of the army now and home with his beautiful family.  I took this photo during the ceremony at the school, following the parade this morning.  The gun salute always stirs my soul.   

This is my home town.  This is my country.  These are the people our soldiers are fighting for.  I am one of them.  And I am grateful. 

So I'm back in Western New York.  Spring has sprung and it's all green and lovely.  So glad to be back in my home town with my Dad, and family and friends.  The drive North was great, thanks to my college roomie Linda, who shared the driving and shared lots of memories too!

Hard to believe it's only been a little over a week since I got here.  So far I've performed for my dear friend Amy's dance studio recitals last weekend, then set up my equipment at Tillman's Village Inn, and did two matinee shows there this week for four different travel groups who came on motor coaches to see my show.  Thank You God for strength and stamina. 

I will do another matinee show this coming Thursday, and an evening show on  Friday night, May 31st. 

In the meantime, I'm finally relaxing a little for a few days.  Hmmmm....not sure I remember how to do that!  I'm sure it'll come back to me.

I'll keep ya posted!