Karate Country!

Saturday morning Louis Dean and I were headed down Interstate 35 early enough to see the sunrise! That doesn't happen very often! We had Lucy with us so we did not have to go home until we were ready!

Louis Dean's son is an expert in Karate and was having a testing in Mart, Texas where he lives.

Now I know next to nothing about Karate. My son is a black belt in Tae Kwon Do....

but I don't know anything about that either. One of the mothers at the testing told me that Tae Kwon Do is Korean and Karate is Japanese. All I know is that my step son is known the world over for his expertise in martial arts.

Louis Dean was also a black belt in Karate but he will be quick to tell you he was only in it because of his family. They all LOVED Karate and Louis Dean loved THEM!

His wife, Ellen, is legendary. She was tiny - 5' 2" and 110 pounds! But she was magnificent. While I never knew Ellen - I do admire the woman I have come to know through all I have heard about her.

Louis Dean enjoyed watching the sparring and competition.

After the awards ceremony Louis Dean made a presentation of Ellen's favorite GI and her belt to their son. He wanted to honor both mother and son.

Dean told the story of how his mother made black belt before he did and of her impromptu speech when he was receiving a big honor for his achievements - she said,

"Of course you know I will  ALWAYS out rank him!!" After a pause she said,

"Once you change some one's diapers - you'll ALWAYS out rank 'em!"

There were other memories shared on this special day.

All of the officials in the testing knew, loved and remembers Ellen Chapman!

After the Karate part was over we all drove out to Dean's property where they hosted a big hot dog cook out! Everyone continued to swap stories all afternoon.

We ate.....and ate.......

visited.......told stories.......

It was a work afternoon at the camp.

We gathered wood from felled trees they are clearing.

This is going to be one BIG bonfire in April when Dean hosts the spring Karate Camp.

Dean and Sherry have over 43 acres and this is just one of many scenic spots!

We had a late evening bonfire with the brush gathered from around the pond.

Next time I will bring marshmallows!

We all got a kick out of Sherry's t-shirt!

She is a totally AWESOME lady!

(I THINK she was only kidding about the tractor! She already has one!)

Lots of inspiration for future art projects abound at their place!

All too soon the day was drawing to a close.

Time for one last fire to grill up the remaining hot dogs.

True to karate form - this fire pit was built from the cement blocks students broke in testing.

We had a great day out in Karate Country!

Can't wait to go back!!