October 29, 2004
Pea Soup
Yesterday we stopped just outside the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery at Anderson's for some split pea soup. I'd always seen the billboards but never tried the soup. It's thick and creamy (but dairy free). It's just peas, split, mushed, and served up thick and hot. Not the best soup. Not the worst.
We stopped with the family after the short service for Grampa. I found the volunteer veterans from Los Banos, a group of crotchety older guys in matching blue puffy nylon jackets, to be the most touching thing about it. They said a prayer for their fallen comrade, and shot their guns into the air. They folded up the flag from on top of Grampa’s coffin and handed it to my mom. They did their slow respectful salutes, and then when at ease, shook everyone’s hand and expressed genuine sympathy.
Then the men put the coffin back in the car and they drove it over to the hole in the ground right next to Gramma.
After the soup we drove back home through the cows and hills. It was a long way to go for a short service.
Posted by allison at October 29, 2004 12:36 PMyou left out the part about sleeping and farting in the back-back of the van.
Posted by: bro at October 29, 2004 01:57 PM