The Johnstown Flood National Memorial offered a lesson in history I had not remembered. The South Fork Fishing and Hiking Club, a group of wealthy tycoons, was accused of causing the flood by not up-keeping the dam that held back the lake north of Johnstown. The flood killed 2,209 people, and that was only bodies recovered. The club claimed "Act of God" and lawyers absolved the group of all responsibility. The Museum and its 25-minute film provide a moving tribute to what happens when people cut corners and ignore warnings. Unbelievable! Andy actually fed me lunch two days in a row. The deal was light breakfast and no lunch. But yesterday we each had an apple, and today we shared one breakfast granola bar and one cranberry wine cooler, compliments of Tara's refrigerator. He wasn't kidding when he said I would lose weight.
Steinbeck commented about feeling like a turtle with his shell on his back as he drove in Rocinante, his converted truck. I can relate, but Little Red is a much smaller shell. Getting up this morning, Andy looked for his big blue comb. "Did you bring my favorite comb?" he wanted to know as he tore apart the cosmetic case.
"I brought everything you left on the counter in the bathroom. It's all packed in the cosmetic case," I told him, afraid I might have neglected the comb. "But did you bring the comb? Oh, good girl. here it is."
A pleasant surprise was the evening stop at Conemaugh Gap Scenic Overlook, west of Johnstown, that commemorated people who had died fighting in U.S. wars. The simple display of flags and flowers against the spectacular treed valley offered a peaceful respite after a busy day. We met a man who stopped on his way home from work to water the marigolds. I guess there are still true patriots who go beyond the norm and value more than the dollar.
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