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Colorado Spring - Patty
learns about Pow-wows
Waking up to icy cold
mornings was a challenge even though they had been warm in the tent with
the small electric heater. Patty was especially miserable. Her sleeping
bag was warm but the ground was harder than the mattresses, which were
atop a built-in frame inside the tent. She slept in a tiny pup tent which
had a lining on the floor and did have privacy. The girl-child never
complained about being cold, only about the hard ground. They could
understand because, actually, the mattresses to come with the tent weren’t
that much softer. This all came with camping and the seasoned campers
understood this is what would cause them to greatly appreciate their homes
when they returned to them.
A fire going early was a
good morale booster even though the briquettes threw off little heat. It
was the idea of hearth and home to encourage them, to make them feel,
“cared-for. ” The tribe hosting the pow-wow provided adequate food
rations. A huge roast, along with flour and canned goods were already on
the table beside the tent when the family awoke and they knew the pow-wow
committee had been there. It was comforting, somehow, to know someone else
had been up earlier, in fact, must have been at the crack of dawn.
When sudden rain showers
threatened to douse the fire, the plastic cover overhang was moved over
the briquettes so they would not go out. The roast in a brought along,
covered pan, with whole peeled potatoes and carrots was a wonderful meal
for evening. Cooking the meat over the low heat of the charcoal made it
tender. The taste was delectable but the gathering around the metal camp
table covered with table cloth in the evenings where a prayer of thanks
was offered up brought simple, strengthening pleasure to all, adults and
children.
The crowds began to come on
the grounds as the evening progressed. It is always interesting how that
many people can be so closely placed together, but then, like in a
neighborhood each family stays to their own space. Concession stands were
close to the camp and it was an effort to keep Minnie, Velma’s small
niece, who had come with them, couldn’t stay away from the peddlers of
food. Of course, she preferred the hot dogs to the roast and vegetables
the family served. Sweets to totally ruin her appetite were available,
too.
“When Minnie begs for
change, please don’t give it to her,” Velma was quick to see what the
little girl was doing. “And Minnie, do not go around asking people for
money, please!” To no one in particular Velma complained under her breath,
“no telling how she has had to survive. This child certainly seems very
skilled at panhandling and at this early age, too.” Velma was fussing
about Minnie’s ways.
“Aren’t those beautiful
horses those good-looking police officers are riding? I feel so much more
secure with their presence.” Velma had a way of warning children. She
never doubted kids knew when they were doing right or wrong, no matter
what age they were. The handsome officers in their sharp, well-pressed
uniforms stood out and above the crowd as they rode their beautiful horses
in and around the campground. It was a comfort to have them on duty.
Everyone in attendance agreed on that point. It must have made an
impression on Minnie, too. She did not offer to go near the stands after
that, or to beg for money. |
