From Montgomery we drove on to Vicksburg, spent the night and headed home. The cat was glad to see us, the house was fine, and the next morning a crew arrived to replace my roof. Noise and mess for several days, resulting in a fine new roof and peace at last.
This a partial process photo of the piece I made before leaving on the 3000 mile drive. You can identify the three sweaters and the prom dress purchased at Goodwill. I've since added more detail (which helped a lot) and made it ready for photography tomorrow. The name is "Flyover #4: Landforming", of course referencing the recent, dramatic volcanic activity in Hawaii.
Living safely far away from this geological event, I don't have to suffer with the people displaced or those living in apprehension. It may be a bit cold to appreciate the wonderful photos on the news--but the process is darkly beautiful, isn't it? And there is real value to standing in awe of the power of nature. Someone else will make art about reclaiming a neighborhood engulfed in lava. I realize that sounds unfeeling--but it will make a great story some day.
Tonight we'll enjoy fireworks in a cow pasture outside of town, sharing food and patriotism with family and friends. And mosquitoes. Maybe it won't rain. It will definitely be very hot. My big fruit salad is in the fridge and the cooler is ready. Gee Gee is helping to prepare free lunches for 275 local kids to be delivered tomorrow and Thursday. And tomorrow, the 4th, we'll devour BBQ at son Phil's house, two blocks away. Life in a small town is pretty good.