We’re off to the races….

 Once again this year we were one of the sponsors of the Old Dominion Hunt’s point-to-point races.  This time though we had something else on the menu besides food, drink and run.  Thanks to great friends we raffled off some prizes to benefit the Wounded Warriors Project.

Wooz and I and Church and Barbara are pleased to report we raised $3,534 for this good cause.  We particularly want to thank the owners of the Black Horse Inn, who contributed a stay at their fine inn.  The other prizes were a massage from Renata Shields of Orlean, spice packages from Tolsons Appliance Center and, of course, meat from Thistle Hill.

Among the guests (in the red Nationals’ cap) the Inspector General of the Navy, Admiral James Wisecup.  No he wasn’t keeping an eye on our Wounded Warriors money.  I call him “Phil” and he’s my nephew.  He’s surrounded by his four daughters and son and if you enlarge the picture you’ll see the Navy pilot one of his girl’s is dating.  He’s L/JG Tom Kilcline.

Phil, on an earlier assignment, was commodore of the USS Stennis task force in the Pacific Fleet.  You’d think he’d know all about Navy pilots and wouldn’t let one get in his personal landing pattern.  I’ve watched Phil with pride as his career moved from the Naval Academy up the ladder to three stars.  The country is lucky we can still find men like Phil and Tom to serve.

Also in attendance, and representing the latest generation, was Rowan Mayo.  He is, as the whole blogosphere knows, my great-grandson and (to be honest) the only member of the latest generation.  But with 14 grandchildren, that’s not going to last long.  Grandma Linda and Uncle Matt behind.  Rowan looks ready to work to me.

(thanks to Gretchen Shorter and Don Kunnard for the pictures!)