Saturday, December 01, 2007...Wilkes County...We're "on the road again" after a restful Thanksgiving break. Headed to Wilkes via Stokes and the King Christmas Parade. Excitement filled the air as Scouts, school bands, flag bearers, dancers, equestrians, Marshall art enthusiasts, farm animals and, of course, Santa Claus got ready to strut their stuff on the mile long route. Representatives Dale Folwell (Forsyth) and Bryan Holloway (Stokes) were also in the parade. Dale is running for State Treasurer and Bryan is a great Fred Smith supporter. Fred walked in front of the RV waving to the enthusiastic crowds that lined the street. At the conclusion we high-tailed it to Wilkes County and the views along 421 as we crossed from Yadkin to Wilkes were breathtaking. We also passed at least 30 cars taking home their fresh cut Christmas trees. I'll admit, seeing that, I wanted to play hooky and go cut a tree. We arrived at the Wilkes Historical Museum where friends organized private meetings and a fundraising event. The gift shop called to me and I couldn't resist buying a cookbook by the Wilkes County Quilting Guild - I'd just spent a lovely day with my own quilt bee and the recipes looked good. The BBQ brought people from all over the county and even Christmas shopping didn't stop people from coming out. Our numbers matched our expectation. Rep. Tracy Walker introduced Fred noting, among other things, our candidate's faithfulness to their legislative group Bible Study and attendance at Wednesday devotions. Sounded like a church meeting and the people greeted Fred warmly. Fred's opening was humorous as he introduced an old WFU Law School classmate, funnier when he lost the stage to a ringing cell phone and then he became serious as he got on message, delivering his vision for North Carolina with verve. His vision is also delivered with a strategic plan behind it. Fred Smith is a man who means business and can get the job done. He needs your vote!

Thanks Wilkes. See you at the polls.

P.S. I called Fred tonight and told him I need "hazardous-duty pay." The driver turned left onto an exit ramp. As we worked at backing up a police officer stopped. Told him the driver missed the entrance. The "wrong way" sign was a clue this happened before. Officer smiled and asked, "Is he a Republican or a Democrat?" "Republican!" "Is that Fred Smith driving?" "No. Fred's halfway to Greensboro. That's my husband driving so if you would be kind, I'd appreciate it." He laughed, showed me the correct lane with his flashlight, stopped the traffic so we could back up and I directed the RV from the road until we could turn onto the entrance ramp. Never a dull moment!