John and I started the holiday a few days early, watching a video from blogger Linda [https://wordpress.com/read/feeds/12762988/posts/2721939870]. The Memorial Day video was touching and a very appropriate way to remember those who have defended our freedom.

At 10:00 am on Monday, I texted neighbors to see if anyone was available to have a pop-up lunch. We have planned holiday cookouts closer and closer to start time, but this was extreme, even for us. When we had one affirmative reply, John and I moved the grill to the front porch. We’ve always used the back screened porch for eating, but the front one is longer. Luckily, there were not many insects about. Our group included John, Jeff, David, Logan, Holly, Shawn, and Bob.

A pop-up lunch is equivalent to a come-as-you-are party, only for food, not clothes. Folks bring something they have at home, and they follow the unwritten rule of not going out to buy anything. Our group brought hot dogs, buns, chips, Scoops, quacamole , chopped onions, grated cheese, and deviled eggs. I love chips of all kinds and don’t allow myself to have them often. And deviled eggs! They are a particular favorite of mine, but I won’t make them myself because they take too much time. To me, this was a feast. Bob made us laugh. When asked what kind of hot dog he wanted, he said, “Steak flavored.”

Between the main course and dessert, Logan and David threw a Frisbee. After the meal was finished, Logan rode his bicycle on the street, and David got his bike out of the garage. Former neighbor Marla had tuned it up for him a few weeks ago, and this was the first time he’d done more than a test run. Shawn gave Logan permission to ride to the stop sign. Off they went, as we continued talking on the porch. We became aware of approaching rain, wondering where the fellows would be when it hit. They came back drenched, but still smiling. It began to rain when they were at the stop sign.

We were amused when Logan went home to change into dry clothes and came running back through the rain. He was not nearly as wet as he had been.

David had been longing to go up on the Blue Ridge Parkway, so we headed there after everyone went home. Often cloudy day scenery is more exciting than that under brilliant sunshine. We had several things – rain, fog, and sun. It began to rain while David and I were enjoying Sunburst Falls. The stream had more water than usual, making it louder and more visually interesting to us.

Fog was next. That’s what happened the last time we drove there. Both times it was so thick that John had to keep his eye on the middle line. On the other side of the fog, I took this picture of the brooding mountains flirting with the clouds.

The last time we got out of the car was at Looking Glass Falls. I was thrilled to notice lots of mountain laurel on the cliff above the falls. I zoomed in a bit and cut off half the falls to show the bushes. Because of recent rain, the stream was high. Spray billowed onto the walkway halfway down the steps. No one ventured into the water, and most didn’t even go to the bottom of the steps.

I hope you had a pleasant and meaningful Memorial Day.