I am sorry I had to miss the picnic this year but I am hoping that I will finally be able to make the 2020 picnic. Better late than never, right?

Yep, though in your case the carrot of the picnic has
so far stayed at a distance. You have had some hard times,
but we can hope that that stage of your life is passing.

The word is that Nancy's sister Lydia would be amenable to the 2020
echo picnic being held at her place again. Alternate suggestions are welcome, but it was a good venue and a successful occasion, plus it's close to the Fords', so that despite their advanced age they might

have

a fighting chance of being able to attend if it's there.

My plans, as of now, are to go. After being forced to drive to

Williamsport

from here in one day, I've been conditioned to drive alone for long drives though I do believe in this case, I'd probably drive from Limestone to Harrisburg, PA to stop for the night. Then it's about a five hour

drive from

The drive from the Washington area to Wake Forest seemed
manageable, though Nancy is also used to long trips, and
the journey seemed to take a bit out of Dale. If you broke
the trip into two segments, you would probably be able to
even enjoy the trip, being younger and stronger. Doing a
whole 12-hour expedition in one go would be taxing to anyone.

there to Nancy's place--ironically driving through Williamsport--to

finish my

journey.

It's sad that I had this issue with Annie in Williamsport
(she disowned her brother when he came out as Alternative
in the sexuality department, and she cut off those who
continued to communicate with him), because her place would
have been great for an echo picnic, and she was interested
in hosting one.

I have also talked to two fellow Fidonetters I know in the Toronto area

about

meeting them in Niagra Falls at the same time. I've know both Nick

Andre and

Shawn Highfield for the better part of two decades or more but just haven't been able to meet up. I figure Rochester would be a good springing-off

point

to visit my friends and visit Canada for the first time in my life.

That could be fun. Remember to have your documents in order.

I'm hoping to hear soon from the VA about the job. If I officially am

hired,

I'll (hopefully) have no issues with making plans this far ahead.

Well, fingers crossed.

Easy Vegetable Rice Pilaf
categories: California, side
servings: 4 to 6

2 ts olive oil
1/2 onion, diced
1 c uncooked white long-grain rice
1/2 ts garlic salt
1/2 ts dried basil leaves, crushed
1/2 ts ground turmeric
2 c chicken broth
1 c frozen mixed peas and carrots

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and
cook 3 min, until translucent. Add rice and stir until
rice is lightly toasted. Add seasonings and stir until
evenly combined. Stir in broth and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 10 min.
Stir in vegetables, cover and cook for 10 min more.
Fluff with a fork and serve.

after Ramona Home Journal 9/19/19
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