A couple weeks ago, while walking through the Dine-ah, talking with various patrons, I came across a party of eleven and stopped to chat. It wasn't long before I figured out, that it was a Mom and Dad with eight handsome young men, and a lady who appeared to possibly be the grandmother.
As I stopped to talk, my first question was "Are these all your children?", expecting a much different answer than I received. The response was "These seven are ours and he is their cousin." I could not believe it, who has seven children today?
Well I'll tell you, J. Craig and his wife Bethany do! I was taken aback by how well behaved and handsome all the kids were. I just had to continue the conversation and figure out what was what. With them was Bethany's mom, Mrs. Mary Meader, and a cousin, Aiden Lowd, who is five. The seven boys are Jordan, 15; Sam, 13; Jacob, 11; Zack, 9; Gavin, 6; Riley, 5; and Westley, 3. They all are from Benton and their Dad is the owner of All Season Power Sports & Equipment.
For many years, Bethany home schooled the children and is now enrolled in nursing school. When I asked her how the family got so big she quickly told me they have been trying for a girl! I asked her if she was going to have another child and she quickly replied " We just got a female dog named Lilly, and that will have to do!"
J. and Bethany also mentioned that they don't dine out very often, for obvious reasons and that it was a treat to come to the China Dine-ah. They graciously allowed me to take a photo.
The Craig Family of Benton
If you are in the need of any lawn or garden equipment, make sure you give J a buzz. I also believe he carries ATV's and other recreational vehicles. Looking at the photo, it's pretty easy to tell where the fruits of his labor goes. Talk about investing in tomorrow's future, it can't get any better than this. I want to give my best wishes to the Craig family and thank them for choosing the China Dine-ah for their special night out.
Captain Gerald J. Adler (survivor of crash)
Also, this past Saturday, in observance of Memorial Day weekend, my good friend Jon James and I traveled to Greenville to attend the site ceremony celebrating the 50th anniversary of the downing of a B-52 on Elephant Mountain, while on a training mission. Six crew members perished that day and three survived sub-zero conditions in five feet of snow. It took a joint effort of several law enforcement agencies and other groups to bring the three survivors to safety.
The ceremony was attended by approximately 75 people with several relatives of the deceased in attendance, as well as one of the survivors, Navigator Captain Gerald J. Adler, who flew in from California for this remembrance service. Three US flags were presented to the families and to the survivor.
It was a rainy, cool day which was kind of fitting given the fact that the ceremony was held in the middle of a large debris field containing numerous parts of the air craft as it broke upon impact. The photos enclosed were taken by Jon and it was his idea to make the trip. Thanks Jon, I'm so glad I went with you. And, oh, I can't forget, the lunch and a couple of adult beverages we had at the Stress Free Moose in Greenville.
I promised I'd have some pictures from Dine-ah Too but time got by me but I promise we'll do a "sneak preview" next week. I can report the kitchen hood is installed, all floors completed, woodwork completed, well is all in a hooked up, and the only thing remaining to finish on the deck are the railings and handicap access. We WILL be ready to open the China Dine-ah Too the last week of June!
Headed back out to the China Dine-ah Too to answer any last minute questions from the contractors and to look over the progress. Not sure if I am headed to the Dine-ah tonight or not, I have a cold and should stay away, ya, I definitely will take this opportunity to lay low so that I am feeling better for the weekend.
Thanks and I hope to see you all soon!
