Minerva Wanders

 Gina was a survivor.  Mom always paints a picture of a no-nonsense, hardworking, practical woman with little patience for whiney little girls who can't even deliver a single egg without smooshing it.  I've talked before about her strength and wisdom.  I'm sure she was the motivating force behind educating the children and leaving behind the share cropping life.  She certainly did not have the inclination to stay in the good graces of the church over practical matters.  Going her own way from the family (Read The Old Farmhouse blog) showed she had courage.  I like to think once you tap that well, you find courage to do other hard things.   Anyway, she always sent the kids and husband to church without her.  I'm sure she had shit to do, or simply wanted an hour or so of peace.  Who can say.  What this did give her though was freedom (to some extent) of judgement, and freedom to make practical clothes for her children.  Mom ...

 It happens when we get together and drink lots of champagne, or sparkling whites if you're one of those technicality people.  It was DC's birthday.  As usual we were sitting around her kitchen snacking, drinking, and having stimulating intellectual discussions.  A sort of magic happens when the three of us get together.  Did I mention BA was there?  anyway, magic.  a great idea is had.  Then BA makes sure we follow through.  In this case it's been DCs dream to go on the Price is Right.  With the instantaneous gratification that today's internet provides, we were signed up lickity split.  Flights and hotel were purchased soon after.  No time for buyer's remorse.   I prepped for the trip.  I watched three episodes of the game show.  It's awful.  so, so dumb, but okay.  I'm always on board for bucket list items, especially in sunny California in the middle of winter.  We get there no problem....