With the winner obvious, the other contestants talked and laughed. The air filled with the greasy smell of burgers and hot dogs cooking on the hibachi grills.
While Helen spent time at the judge’s booth, I packed the chairs, poles, and coolers with Rita’s help. I almost finished when I saw Janie hustling in our direction from the parking lot. Her head moved side to side, her arms crossed and her shoulders hunched.
Helen jumped in behind her. She moved fast enough to keep up, albeit with a slight limp.
Helen’s recovery from her hip replacement happened faster than I expected. Determined, tough mountain women let little stop them from doing what they wanted. Helen deserved respect for being resilient.
Janie moved close to the chair. “Hi, guys. Who won the derby today?”
Helen stepped
