Since the last time I attended a protest (MLK weekend) when I ended up in the hospital, Mr Merry decided to accompany me on Saturday.
Why does he always look handsome and I look homeless? My head is not made for stocking caps. You would think I would learn.
We actually went down the road 12 miles to the town where my husband graduated high school. They are very red and there were lots of nasty comments on facebook leading up to Saturday. We wanted to be supportive.
Our friends Rodney (a Viet Nam vet) and Linda. Mr Merry and Rodney both retired from the railroad. And several other railroad retirees joined the line so it was old home week for them!
This is a great photo of Rodney's flag with our feet underneath and my speaker in the back. We stand at the end because I play 1960's protest songs and don't want to blast people. My speaker plays at the legal level for speakers.
This is the truck that parked across the street from us and put an air horn on automatic out their window, aimed at us. This is illegal. We had notified the police department and gotten our permit. The officer was parked around the corner covertly watching us behave. Note, always check your surroundings!
Someone had taken a photo of us earlier in the afternoon. We had an unofficial headcount of 47 people with 3 counter protesters wearing ironic shirts that said Freedom Protector. We had lots of support from passing motorists and passersby and the counter protestors were disappointed that they were perceived as part of our group. Our group was the smallest turnout in all the villages in our county, but hopefully others in the community now know it is safe to join us next time.
As a reward, we drove another 12 miles to a drive-in for a late lunch.
And for late supper we drove the other direction for ice cream. The owner was training two new fifteen year old employees and it was interesting and cute. I will say the owner has more patience than I ever imagined.
They did a pretty good job. I am positive this is the first banana split that my employee ever made. I know my cardiologist is thrilled with my diet day.
I ordered new sunglasses for Mr Merry online. Always chancy, these glasses are perfect with progressive lenses.
This pair is not his prescription and are not bifocals. I am attempting an online return. Wish me luck.
I am having my second, right eye cataract surgery on Tuesday. I am really looking forward to having matching vision. My family and especially Mr Merry are not adjusting to Miss Merry without glasses. I ordered a pair with clear lens and Mr Merry thinks those look funny, too. That is the pair in the top photo. I have decided maybe I just look funny?
All of our school-aged grandchildren are having spring break during different weeks. If I get a minute I will share some adventures but I am not sure that is going to happen! Busy, busy. I also have a church charity story I want to share.
Miss Merry. You are beautiful and it shines through all of the time. Our No Kings protest was blocks long in our town and Viroqua only has about 4 thousand people!
ReplyDeleteIt was about 5 deep with a live band and lots of waving and smiling folks.
Anyone crossing the walk at the light were given safety vests. I didn't get to go as I had to deal with scrappers and selling an old car.
You are a busy lady and deserved your delicious lunch and banana split! Live for the day!
Great photos Miss Merry! (The guy with the air horn sounded scary, what the hell's his problem!) You do NOT look like a homeless person (lol) and that banana split looked awesome. Wow about the cataract surgery in a couple days. You do get around. Keeping my fingers crossed. :^)
ReplyDeleteSo very glad you all protested where it mattered most! What a good idea, as well as hamburger and ice cream. The sunglasses are certainly a pain to do on-line. You are quite brave.
ReplyDeleteSo Proud of you and Mr. I admit I am much more scared to protest than I was in the 60s or 70s. Truthfully, I can see ICE running over me and saying I jumped out in front of the car on purpose. You're right that you did set a good example and people will be less afraid next time (and we've got 2 more years of next times).
ReplyDeleteMiss Merry, our local NO KINGS protest had thousands lining the streets, waving signs and flags! Some played music and one Scot played bagpipes. It was a great turnout for our area. And it surprised us to see so-o many cars and trucks pass honking their horns and waving flags...
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your No Kings Protest went so well and that the Counter Protestors, being it's Deep Red around those parts, weren't too problematic. I enjoyed seeing your Main Street, lots of lovely Historic Buildings preserved by the looks of it. Phoenix had a big turnout and Statewide there were more than 70 going on. In Metro Phoenix it's Blue, but some Rural Areas of Arizona are very Red, scarily so in some parts. I remember in 2016 the whooping it up by the MAGA was unsettling and a precursor for what was clearly to come with that Movement attracting some real Extreme sorts. I liked that turnout was even bigger this time around, not just Nationally, but now Globally as well. It gives me Hope in Humanity being comprised of mostly Good folks outnumbering the Bad ones. That Banana Split looks delicious, ours never look that good from our DQ nearby, so I have Banana Split Envy! *Smiles* And good Luck with your next Eye Surgery, I'll be thinking of you. The Man got to come Home this Afternoon and looks better and is on Antibiotics for the Pneumonia for at least another Week.
ReplyDeleteLOVE the "Nam" vet / U.S. flag. (I was an R.N at the KCVA; sweet guys.) I didn't know there were so many things to get lined up for a corner protest. Nope, you don't look homeless. You appear very cheery. If you need warmth on your noggin, try one of those knitted ball cap type hats with the flaps that can cover you ears if needed. Glad the new ice cream employee got the split made before it melted. Patience is always appreciated; everybody's gotta start somewhere. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteBeautiful blog
ReplyDeleteOh, the SEVENTIES music to give such an air of such a gritty, hopeful time!! Since I had young children, my protests were limited to TWO---both of which are now in the history books your GRANDS may be reading . One we drove hundreds of miles for, I and an old college friend---it is certainly remarked as a Milestone, and the OTHER I was already there for---a captive in several ways, and quite painful in one.
ReplyDeleteThe burger and banana split look great! :)
ReplyDeleteDear Miss Merry, you have a beautiful heart and soul! Thank you so much for sharing your photos. Mr. Merry's sunglasses look great on him!
You look beautiful!
Thank you so much for sharing, dear friend.
You always look wonderful Miss Merry. I love that you both went out there for the protest. This all reminds me of the 60s. I did participate in some of the protests also back then. I want to take part in the 50501 movement also. I need to make a sign though. It's rather intimidating to see how clever, original and fun everybody's signs are.
ReplyDelete