The morning was chilly as we packed up to go.  Our good friend, Christy was excitedly going over the days plans with us as we got on the road.  The day was Saturday, November 8, 2008.  Unbeknownst to my adorable husband and I, it was a special day for the residents of this quaint town.  

We thought we were just going to go be vendors at a street fair.  A street fair with music.  However, there was a special honor being given that day as well.  A memorial, a dedication to a very special individual.  As I sat here researching what I was going to be writing about, I couldn’t help but to be drawn in to his story.  Frank ‘Buck’ Shaffer was loved by many people.  Those who had the privilege of knowing him will forever be blessed by his memory.  Read more here.  There is also a great article here.  Read one about the Music Jam here.  :)  Esther Avila has a great blog entry that makes you understand the kind hearted love that he possessed.  Here’s another article she wrote about the event.

We also had the privilege of meeting another memorable individual.  John Dillon.  My husband has a fascination with all things mobile.  He was of course drawn to the various cars on display.  This one in particular meant something to me personally.  You see, John Dillon is a Vietnam Veteran.  My dad is also a Vietnam Vet.  As my husband was carefully shooting the details of this beautiful car, I got to chat a little with Mr. Dillon.  He is truly a remarkable individual.  We got this email from Bertha, a friend of his:

“The cool ’51 Chevy belongs to John and Pattie Dillon from Porterville .  They are members of the Rollin’ Relics Car Club.  After buying his ’51 Chevy unfinished, John decided to take it apart and rebuild it making sure that it was able to take him anywhere at any time.  Inserting a 350 in his Chevy was not enough, so he dressed it up by adding chrome and polishing its engine compartment until it glistened.  Being a Vietnam Veteran, John appropriately named his ride “Agent Orange” and as a tribute to his fellow soldiers, he proudly wears a “Missing in Action” sticker on the front windshield.  John himself did all the beautiful pin striping.  The interior has custom leather seats, a Carson top and air bagged at all four corners.  Just in case this doesn’t draw enough attention, John added a train horn, wolf whistle, and flame throwers.”

As the wife of a man who loves the same type of “toys”, I had to laugh out loud at that last sentence.  ;)  Thank you, Bertha for sending that in.  It was a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Dillon!

The entire day was a wonderful experience.  What we thought was going to be a simple day of selling Creations by Christy turned out to be a day full of history and meeting wonderful people!  As well as eating carne asada tacos with extra salsa for breakfast, funnel cakes with strawberries and whipped cream, french fries and a variety of other foods not good for our bodies….  yum!  LOL!

Speaking of Christy, if you haven’t seen her delightful collection of goodies, you are missing out!  She has such a unique style of custom made blankets and bows.  She will be at the Team Kim’s 1st Annual Holiday Boutique on Saturday, November 29, 2008.  (Click the link for location and more information.)  We are collaborating our talents and will be presenting something extra special at the event!  Don’t miss it!  Not only is the event a great place to visit this weekend, it’s for an extra special cause.  Support Relay for Life!  

Below are thumbnails of photos from the event.  Click on them to view each photo full size.  Feel free to save these web images on your computer.  (*Note: These images are not recommended for printing… if you are interested in purchasing one of our fine art prints, please email us at thephotege@yahoo.com or leave us a comment and we would be happy to send you more information.)  If you would like to view a slideshow of the images, please visit www.thephotege.com and enter the password music in the client proofing area.

I know this post was extra long… if you’ve made it this far, thanks for sticking around!  :)  Have a wonderful and extra blessed day!  :)

~Marsha & Jose Zepeda