Sunday 9th May

The others had a lie-in this morning, but I was up around 7.30am. Looking out of the window, it had snowed overnight! After some strawberries and yoghurt, my host Karen and I stuck on some old clothes and headed out to the barn. (It was COLD. And still snowing.) We fed the horses, watered them, and I had way more fun than I should raking the barn. :)



This is not a caption contest...


Following a quick shower and change, I went with Karen and her husband Scott to a Mothers' Day brunch with their family. (Happy Mothers' Day, ladies!) Sadly I did not get any photos there but trust me when I say the food was brilliant. They even had a waffle maker, and on the dessert table, a chocolate fountain! Thanks to Karen and Scott for taking me along, it was really delicious and I had fun meeting some of the rest of the family.

From here came the part I'd been dreading.... DANCING. We all met at the Country Music Hall and watched the couples dancing - some of them were very well practiced!



Indiana James and the Square Dance Hall...


During the band's break there was a 50/50 drawing. Amazingly, my number was picked! I had to walk onto the stage to collect my money (oh how embarrassing) and came away with a spiffy $22. As Eileen had bought the winning ticket, we donated the money to Rotary Foundation (how much have we won so far on our travels? There is a tally somewhere!) The lead singer then called Barbara up onto the stage to talk - she of course called the rest of us up there by name to join her.

After this humiliation, there was dancing. The team (except Barbara, who nominated herself to be our photographer, and Tom, who was hiding) were dragged up to form a square dance. The first one was total chaos, but things improved from there. Tom was also forced to join us at this point.


After this horrific period of exercise, I went home to shower before our farewell reception. The others, however, chose to indulge in some ice cream... more to come on this later!

We then reconvened at the Benn Conger Inn for the reception. It was a really lovely place, with waitresses running around with hue trays of hors d'oeuvres. YUM. It was a great atmosphere, and so lovely to see familiar faces from across our trip. A few heartwarming speeches closed off the festivities, with some guests enjoying a tour of the (very historic) house. Thanks to everyone who organised such a great evening, and all the Rotarians who came to give us a good send-off.



By the time I returned home, Karen was off to see the horses again, and like a good house guest, of course I volunteered to join her. We fed and watered everyone, and doled out flakes of hay. Yaay! I also got a few pictures in the barn, of course..


I can't believe we have so little time left here, it's been a truly amazing month. Very exhausted though, and looking forward to some mega-long sleeping.