Merced, California: While the family has gathered to celebrate DT's birthday and watch Brother Bill's band play at a music festival, we are also together for the interment of Uncle Charlie ashes. Charlie passed away a year ago in New York. The service was held at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella. This is the first time I have attended a military service and it is quite a precise ceremony. As many services are held daily at the National Cemetery, everything needs to remain organized. Beyond the service (readings, singing, etc.) the family includes during the funeral, the military provides an honor guard, three-gun salute, flag-folding ceremony and a soldier plays taps on a bugle. It is a very moving experience and a proper honor for our veterans.

The little towns of Santa Nella and Gustine seem to survive by servicing the needs of the steady-stream of people attending funeral services at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery. Motels. Gas stations. Fast-food chains - and one very famous restaurant: Pea Soup Andersen's.




On the way back to Merced, a few of the brothers made a stop to Wolfsen's Meat & Sausage in downtown Gustine.


The drive from Merced to Santa Nella is through miles after mile of almond orchards. The San Joaquin Valley has received a lot of rain this spring and everything is so green. Wildflowers are everywhere.




Until my next update, I remain, your criminal correspondent.
RV Park: Castle Air Museum Family Camp (in Atwater, California). The only game in town. We always stay here. It actually used to be a parking lot - but the Air Museum added eight 50-amp full-hookup campsites. It floods during a rainstorm. No bath house. No wifi. We love it here. Dogs allowed off-leash. Very casual. Quiet.