On the day of their arrival, despite the long flight and the need for rest, after a late lunch at Liberty Station in Bedford they happily accompanied us down to visit our dear friend Merle Dutton at his home in Goodview, some 25 miles away on the shores of Smith Mountain Lake.

Merle had just lost his wife, Marianna. She died in the hospital in Roanoke from the effects of a massive stroke just the week before. He seemed very pleased and touched to have this visit and to get hugs and good wishes from each of our daughters. It was a very special visit in his home. Before we left to return to Bedford he gave us a loaf of home made Italian bread he had just baked that day! We have rarely gone to his home when he didn't press upon us something from his kitchen. He is such a fine man.

Linda took this picture of us gathered about Merle in the living room of his home, just before we said our goodbyes.