Famous in Oklahoma

Andy had his first public speaking gig last week talking about our adventure.  The Kiwanis Club in Sayre, OK!  So it's not the Naval Academy graduation, but it was a captive audience all the same.  I was first impressed by the opening of the meeting - Prayer, the National Anthem, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a devotional.  I can't help but believe this country would be a lot better off if all gatherings started this way.   But this is not Monica's political blog, so I'll move on.  Andy is from Sayre and word had gotten out (presumably by his very proud parents) that he was retiring from the Navy and taking his family around the world on a sailboat.  That prompted an invitation to the Kiwanis Club as well as an interview with the local paper.  Honestly, we both kind of dreaded it (yep, I got to be the sidekick) because both of us would rather poke ourselves in the eyeballs than speak in public.  But it turned out to be a lot of fun.  Hanging out with these folks reminded me of why I'm so proud to be a southerner.  Not only was everyone friendly and talkative (as expected from a group like this), but they were genuinely interested and engaged.  We got all kinds of questions and good wishes.  Not one naysayer among the group.  It almost made me want to volunteer to do something similar for my parents (but not quite).

Our trip to Oklahoma checked off many boxes on our to do list.  Not only did we see our last bit of snow for what I hope is a VERY LONG time, we sold our truck, got our TX driver's license (mainly for homeschooling reasons), said many goodbyes and via the Sayre Record and The Kiwanis Club, gathered a few new followers!  Thanks to all of our friends and family for the hospitality we received during our visit.  We promise to return the favor if you ever decide to visit us on Savannah.