Taps
The memorial service for Joyce was yesterday in Malvern, Arkansas. It was lovely. Tommy Stiles spoke and did a beautiful job of telling how Joyce taught him and Dail how to play guitar. Two old friends performed a guitar duet. Aside from hearing Tommy speak, another highlight was a video of a picking session with Dail, Tommy, and Danny on guitars and Joyce playing fiddle on “Rocky Mountain Breakdown” – and especially moving to see beloved Dail, who we miss so much. His widow Nancy was at the funeral, and I know that meant a lot to her.
With Nancy and Tommy
We had lunch with Nancy before the service at Keeney’s store (an old favorite of Dail’s). David and Alison were also sweet enough to come to the service. Afterward, we drove to the Lono Cemetery where his ashes were interred next to his mother Myrtle’s grave – John and I were amazed that people still pull to the side of the road for the funeral procession to pass. Nice.
After the graveside, the family got together at a local restaurant, including Danny and his kids and Carol and her oldest son Chris with his family. Click to read the obituary.
I flew up on Wednesday and stayed with David and Alison on the lake until John arrived Friday afternoon. The lake was so relaxing – here’s a view from their porch and a picture of their new kitten, Buddy.
Yes, that’s a big rubber ducky!
Buddy
While in Hot Springs, I went to an art show with David and Alison where Alison’s sister Lori was having a show. I was tickled to run into my old friend Chuck Dodson there.
With the very debonair Chuck
John and I spent Friday night in Mt Ida with his good friend Russ. We always love going up there to see him and all of their animals – currently four cats, four dogs, and at least one bird. Here’s Penny and Pickle.
Pickle in a bowl
Penny and Pickle. Pickle let’s Penny drag her around upside down – it’s hysterical.
We flew home from our wonderful trip to Palenque last Sunday. I forgot to mention last week that we also saw gorgeous Scarlett Macaws flying overhead! Then I woke up the next morning a year older, and my work team made sure I had a fun birthday!
This has been an odd tour. I came to Guadalajara with both parents and now leave with neither. I feel a bit unsettled and unmoored, but they both had good, long lives. I hope they are both at peace.
Love the fiddle
And a hummingbird
Mom
Joyce