Tuesday, March 18, 2008...Pasquotank County...The Last BBQ...How do I begin the last postcard? With a very broad smile. You might think because it's over but the smile is generated by thoughts of the thousands of scenic miles and the thousands of warm, friendly, caring people, concerned "North Carolina neighbors" and now friends that we've had the good fortune to meet with Senator Fred Smith, Candidate for Governor of the great state of North Carolina. From the first memory of the breath-taking mountain views in Haywood County August 2, 2007 to this final crossing of the Pasquotank River March 18, 2008, my smile shines because of the bountiful response Fred received in every county and for the broader smile that filled Fred's face tonight when he thanked our team for a job well done. Pasquotank was planned to be special because it was the 103rd BBQ in a 100 County Tour. Friends Bill Blevins and Holly Koerber helped to plan Fred's visit with media stops and meetings with business people. Loyal conservative Jimmie Winslow, Tanglewood Farms, hosted a reception and the people came enthusiastically to meet the candidate. Holly arranged a cake for us with the map of North Carolina and I brought along some tea light candles to surround it. At the point where I usually invite people to dinner, I asked Fred to come to the front. In business Fred doesn't like surprises if they can be avoided so we clearly had surprised him and the crowd enjoyed his surprise. I reported how we'd met about a year ago when Fred suggested the 100 County BBQ tour and here we were on the last night. Only a man with vision, planning, determination and perseverance could imagine and implement such a task. These are the skills Fred Smith will bring to education, transportation, immigration, law enforcement, property and second amendment rights. On cue, Ira wheeled out the cake and Fred was surprised twice. The crowd went wild, cheering, standing and applauding their favorite son of North Carolina. I offered Fred the microphone and he was nearly speechless. After a moment, he shared why he thought it important to visit the people in all 100 counties and have a conversation with the people. As a man with farming experience, he closed with thanks for coming to the "short rows" of this portion of the campaign. Everyone was on their feet again and we led them to dinner. As the last slices of cake were handed out, Holly gave Fred an ideal introduction and inspired the crowd to be on their feet again to welcome Fred who gave his 103rd BBQ speech. He was in top form, the audience responded enthusiastically and my smile remains. Pasquotank had been all and more than we anticipated. As Fred and Bill drove off and we closed the last outside RV hatch, it was time to go home. If the people respond on Primary Day, May 6 (early voting starts April 17) as they have along this leg of the campaign, we are bound for a new journey, perhaps a little more challenging but none-the-less doable and winnable. Working together North Carolinians who want to move from good to great can make it happen. Hoorah! Fred Smith for Governor!