Tuesday already

We said good by to Rockford Il bright and early this morning.  We got to know each other better on the bus while traveling to the Ropp Dairy and Cheese Factory in Normal Il.

We were greeted by the owners  Ray and Carol Ropp.  They raise Jersey cows and use the milk to make their own cheese right on the farm.                                               

 

They were very gracious and excited about our mission and the fact that we stopped to see them.  We were also greeted by more reporters that wanted to know about “ our mission”.  You can check out this news station in a couple of days to see an interview with Paulette.  www.centralillinoisnewscenter.com

While at the farm we had to try our hand at milking with a little friendly competition.  The bus was divided in half and volunteers stepped up to the challenge.

The winning team.  The right side!

The not so lucky left side.  But Victoria was still there favorite cow.

We stopped in Anamet Il. for Lunch.  Once again we had opportunities to tell others about Quilts of Valor.  The bus draws lots of attention as do our shirts.   We were each given business cards with our QOV information on them and we have written the blog sight on them. 

We met Jack and Jen Little from Anamet in the parking lot.  They were checking out the bus and asked what was happening.  It was explained to them, and Jack explained that he is a Vietnam Vet and was touched by what QOV stands for and for “our mission” .  Jen, a quilter, said she was meeting several gals that she had graduated High School with today, to talk about how they could use their talents to help others. She was inspired. If we stay out of the way great things happen!!

We checked into our hotel in Paducah and relaxed until we went to the American Legion Post 31 for supper.

  This is a picture of the Posts past Commander  Hardy Gentry and the Auxiliary President.  The current Commander, Brad Sirrus, couldn’t be their, but he would have been proud of the welcome that the members gave us.  The food was very good and the people were wonderful. 

We have had a wonderful day.  We are anxious and nervous for tomorrow as we know it will be a very emotional day.

Thank you for following us on our mission.  It is a comfort and encouragement to know your thoughts are with us.