Thursday, January 31, 2008...Jackson County...Woke up to forecast of freezing rain for tonight. Ugh! We'll make the best of it if it comes. Former Henderson County Sheriff George Erwin picked Fred up at the hotel to visit Western Carolina University, West Care Hospital, Sylva Herald, a small business technology program, a live radio interview and visits with GOP leaders. We went to the party shop to re-supply the tablecloths. I'd been anxious to visit Jackson because I served on the White House Conference on Small Business Committee from North Carolina with a man from Lake Sapphire and it always sounded to me a romantic place. Didn't get to see it. Stayed at hotel to work and when our team went to Sylva the clouds were darkening. Enroute, I called ahead to elected officials in other counties to be sure they received their invitations. One said, "Oh yes, I'll be there. I have the letter (he read time and place) and it's signed 'Sir Frederick Smith'." I laughed. To the best of my knowledge Fred is really Fred but the elevation in status sounded nice. To be sure, I'd much prefer to call him "Governor!"

The GOP Chair Dodie Blaschik had notified the entire county of Fred's visit. While we ordered food for 60 people, over 100 came to hear Fred speak. Fred shared his vision for North Carolina; guests were attentive and made some sounds when they agreed. Clearly, they'd come to size Fred up. When he was done it was apparent by their comments and enthusiasm that he is the right size and he could be confident in their votes.

Raining - temps dropping. Let's get down the hill before it freezes. Poor visibility yet the driver brought us back safely to write another postcard. Jackson was a solidly good day.