Traveling Thanksgiving Week Nov. 22-27, 2009

Fred & I left for North Carolina and his brother's home Sunday morning. His play had closed Saturday night and Thanksgiving week was ahead of us. We had a VERY rainy drive up through Rabun Gap through Asheville and on to Gene & Carolyn's home in Spindale, NC. We left home in rain, traveled in rain, and arrived in Spindale in rain! During our visit with Gene & Carolyn, we attended the Spencer Baptist Church Thanksgiving dinner (Sunday night) and Carolyn's sorority potluck Thanksgiving dinner (Monday night). We enjoyed going out shopping on Monday. Best of all was the visiting with them, catching up on conversations and family. As we left Spindale, we encountered a herd of buffalo (American bison) at the Pea Ridge exit on Hwy. 74. North Carolina has a lovely herd of those big hairy beasts, and we stopped to give them a look. Tuesday morning we headed for Pigeon Forge, TN, to relax and see the place we had heard so much about. We stopped just north of Asheville to visit with Fred's college roomate, Les Stowe. It's always great to see him.

The drive over the Smoky Mountains on Tuesday was beautiful; we both love the mountains. Our day was sunny and comfortable. The views were spectacular! The clouds climbing the mountains as viewed from Newfound Gap were awesome! We took all day to get across from NC to TN and Pigeon Forge. It was definitely not rainy weather!

Before we crossed the Mountains, we enjoyed a stop at Cherokee, NC, to wander through the shops and to photograph their Bears On Parade.

While there, Fred found himself a beautiful leather jacket with all the trimmings. He wore that jacket every where we went and received many compliments for it.

WOW! Had Pigeon Forge changed since we last passed through it some 20 or so years ago. Then it was a four-laned highway with a few shops on either side; now it is a whopping tourist/shopper town; it has grown tremendously since Dolly Parton began to add attractions and jobs. If you are an outlet-shopper, this is definitely the place to visit.

Dinner Tuesday night at Pigeon Forge was at Mama's Kitchen. Now, if you like hometown, Southern cooking and plenty of it, this is definitely the restaurant to visit. It is served family style and 2nds are available, IF you can hold it. DELICIOUS! Wednesday we slept in and relaxed. Driving around Pigeon Forge was fun. We made reservations to spend Thanksgiving lunch (1:00 show) at the Dixie Stampede. We enjoyed a stroll around The Old Mill District and found our favorite restaurant, Old Mill Cafe. Lunch was there, and the food was great. There were some nice artists' galleries and other shops to browse. Then we headed for Cades Cove, a favorite area in the Smokies.
Going out to the Cove was a longer drive than we remembered, but riding along the river almost all the way was a treat. Seeing the water falls, rocky rapids, and smoothe reflective areas...well, we stopped regularly to take pictures...it was soooo beautiful.

Our drive around the Loop Road in the Cove was lovely. Deer, bear, turkeys, raccoons, ground hogs...they were all out to graze and add winter fat. Again, we stopped regularly to take pictures. The mountains surrounding the Cove were a delight, especially as the sun set when they turned from blue to pink!

Thursday morning...Thanksgivings Day...found us up early and ready to scout around the city. At 11:00 am we parked at Dixie Stampede. You arrive early for the pre-show, a group of 3

fellas who knew how to play their instruments. By 1:00 we were settling into our seats for the Stampede show....lots of horses, trick-riding, funny skits, and a beautiful Nativity, camels and Wise Men included.

Lunch was vegetable-cream soup you drink from individual handled pots, a rotisserie chicken, sliced pork roast, potato wedges, rolls & butter, with a puffed-pastry for desert. (We definitely brought out a "doggie bag.") And the whole time you are eating, you are involved in a wonderful show that included the neatest "snow" like we had encountered at Disney World one Christmas. We really enjoyed ourselves.

After the show, Fred and I drove back up into the Smokies. Our destination was The Chimneys Picnic area, but we went on up a little ways beyond, to The Chimneys overlook, so we could photograph the mountain's twin peaks. We ran into SNOW...real snow! We had lots of fun in the flurries; at that time, nothing was sticking. But I took a neat video of the experience. Now I know you folks who see snow all the time won't be excited by flurries, but for us warm-weather folks, this was a treat.



By 6:30 we were back in Pigeon Forge, and our Stampede lunch was gone. We decided to go back to the Old Mill Cafe, perhaps to have soup and a sandwich. Instead, since they were serving only Thanksgiving dinner, Fred and I enjoyed the most delicious meal one might find on a trip at Thanksgiving...stuffed-potato soup, ambrosia salad, turkey, ham, roast beef, dressing, mashed potatoes, lucious green beans, stewed corn, rolls, and for desert d-licious pumpkin pie. Once again, we walked out with a "doggie bag" for dinner the next evening.

Friday morning found Fred & I heading for home via The Smoky Mountains. We could have gone home more quickly by heading for the Interstate, but the chance to be in the mountains one more time was just too alluring...and what a parting gift we were given! First was our encounter with the bear on the Hairpin Curve.


Then we began to see the snow. We had encountered it in the flurries on Thanksgiving day. (I never could get the video to work on the blog.) Well it stuck on the upper regions...the mountains had been flocked with the white stuff!
We both took lots of pictures, and I will put them in below here. The frosty mountains were breath-taking. Every time you took a picture of what seemed the most beautiful scene, you saw a dozen more spots needing to be photographed.



By the time we arrived at Newfound Gap (state line for TN & NC), the temperature had reached 30 degrees and the wind was fierce...made the temp feel more like 15 degrees. The snow was and inch or two on the ground, so there were lots of snowball fights going on amongst the younger set. Everything was flocked with snow and ice...a Christmas card arriving early for those lucky enough to see it.

Once we started down from Newfound Gap most of the ice and snow disappeared and the temperature rose.

By the time we arrived in Cherokee, the temp was about 49 degrees and there was very little wind. Our drive home was pleasant. We arrived back home in WR in time to pick Augie up at the kennels. We were back in "civilization" and our adventure was ended. We ate supper from our "doggie bags" and reminisced about the trip. OH, WE HAD SUCH A WONDERFUL TIME at Pigeon Forge & The Smoky Mountains.

OCTOBER IN CHICAGO Part 1

Wednesday, Oct. 7, found this Granny on the way to her Grandsons in Chicago. The drive up to Atlanta Airport was easy thanks to Groome Transportation. The flight via United was about as smoothe as sitting on your kitchen chair....never quite as comfortable. One of our attendents became very ill..."Is there a doctor or some with medical training on the plane?" Last time I heard that I was the sick person. Anyway, they cleared runways and air space to put us on the ground at O'Hare as quickly as we could manage.

Best part comes at the end of the flight...two blue-eyed darlings grinning from ear-to-ear, each shouting his version of "Granny." It really warms this ole lady's heart.

Our visit out to the Brookfield Zoo was much fun. I had some great shots of the kids with the animals, but my Fuji camera I have used so long fouled the photo chip...I lost all but about 8 or 9 photos and all the video clips except one.

The Zoo was a lovely place to be on a crisp Sunday afternoon. The boys loved the Family House where they could do all sorts of activities especially designed for small children. I think their favorite was the spray garden. It is warm and somewhat tropical. Children are given spray bottles filled with water. They can "water" any of the plants in the garden; they loved it.

Early this morning, Greg & Kelly left for Disney World, on a long weekend get-away. The boys and I are doing fine. Right now they are eating popcorn.

As the evening progress, Greg became a bit whiny...something he just doesn't do. He was warm and all of a sudden he wanted to go to bed. He was asleep before Ash was changed and ready for bed. Max woke up crying at about 9:00 pm, so I gave him some baby tylenol. He slept till about 4:30 am, then got into the bed with me. We all slept till 8:00 am.

August Is A Rush!

Time has flown since we returned home on June 23rd from our fun Anniversary Trip to Key West and the Florida Everglades. Summer's gone and we are settling back into the school-year-routine. I enjoy my retirement...still. I am hoping to be a volunteer at Miller Elementary and perhaps, over at Russell Elementary. My paper work in turned in; it's in the school's ball park now.

Yesterday I had a very remarkable experience...up close with a red tailed hawk! I was working on my computer and watching Man from Snowy River here on the lanai where our computers are. The lanai is glassed on three sides so we can enjoy the outdoors while staying in from the mosquitos (summer) and cold (winter).

Anyway, as I was working, I caught a glimpse of something big plummeting onto our patio. Immediately I thought, "HAWK!" We have one that is in residence down the hill in Fountain Park woods; it flies over our area on patrol daily. I figured it had just captured one of our songbirds for lunch. I carefully rose from my chair and edged over to the door to see what was going on.

The hawk was not ON the patio; it was sitting on the edge of a small fountain beside the lanai door, drinking. When he raised his head, he and I locked eyes for a brief moment...it looked big and fierce, but so beautiful. With a twisting leap, it opened those huge wings and lifted off. Away he flew through our trees, skyward. It was a magnificent bird and a magnificent moment!

I found a picture of a red tailed hawk on Google. I have borrowed it to show you what one of these exciting raptors look like. I did not have enough presence of mind to grab my camera yesterday. The whole incident happened is less than a minute, probably...but it was soooo memorable.

Then tonight I had the fun of talking with my dear friend, Fern. Her sons are setting up a computer cafe next door to Ariel, Fern's elder son, in Mabalacat, Philippines. We set up tonight to try to do a conversation over Yahoo Messenger. It Worked! Once again we could talk face to face, thanks to today's technology. And we did not run up any kind of a phone bill like when we talk on a cell phone.

All of the children, Fern's grandchildren, were there. They wanted to talk to "Tia" or Granny, as they call me. My how 2 years has made a difference in them. They have grown so much. But Fern (and I) decided we have not changed since I was there.
She looks good, and it was soooo great to see her. The reception on the sound was not as good as we wanted, but JC, the youngest grandson, aged 4, was being very noisy playing a "shoot shoot" game next to her.

Two years ago today, early in the morning of Aug. 21, I began the long flight home from a wonderful 3 weeks visiting with Fern and all my Philippine Family. We had celebrated Fern's 70th Birthday on Aug. 19. Her family hosted and fed over 400 guests. That was so much fun! A few of them spoke English and I am so glad. I had lost all the Tagalog I had learned 50 years ago when my family lived at Clark AFB. But there are many ways to communicate other than with words.

This is Fern and I in 1956 up in the Baguio market. She went with us everywhere, and my parents would have adopted her and brought her home, but she chickened out at the last moment. Fifty years later we shared many moments during the 3 weeks I visited with her.

The grandkids were so much fun. Little JC is the only one missing in this shot.

WE ARRIVE IN KEY WEST

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Fred and I arrived in Key West around 12:45 after a very leisurly drive from Florida City. My how the drive has changed in 40 years. Lots of stuff has been built all along the way. Unchanging over time...the blue skies and beautiful clouds are a sight to see.



Greg was on our minds all day...it's his birthday. He's 35 today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SON!

Saturday, June 13, we drove out to the Everglades for a little while. On the way we stopped at Robert Is Here Fruit Stand to have one of their special milkshakes. I can't think anyone could top their shakes. Fred and I had mango milkshakes made with fresh mangoes....luscious!

The mosquitoes were worse than ever out in the Glades...and we had sprayed with bug repellent. I had no idea how many had fed on me till later. We walked around Anhinga Trail, then headed out. We had laundry to do, and both of us needed some rest.



Saturday evening we drove out to Flamingo, at the end of the Everglades drive. We wanted to take a sunset cruise out into Florida Bay. We were the only two passengers aboard the Seahorse, with Captain Joe (a nice 30-year old) and his mate, Mark (18 or 19 years old), sailing out to the tune of Gilligan's Island. Oh, it felt so good to get out into the water. A huge storm threated our sunset, and we had to return earlier than planned, but the trip was wonderful...the skies put on a show!


1st: Looking to the right of us 2nd: The storm coming into Florida Bay

Sunset occured as we traveled through the Glades. When we stopped to take a picture we were set up by more mosquitoes than I thought possible. They didn't bite Fred, but they chewed on me unmercifully. My night was pure torment...so many bites, so much itching and burning.

We were up early this morning, packed and headed south for our major destination, KEY WEST. We are checked into the Southernmost Hotel by the Sea, room 161. The room is lovely.

Fred and I ate a "French Hamburger" at a French restaurant nearby, Banana Cafe. It was served on a French baggett, quite delicious and probably the most expensive burger I've eaten, but it was sooooo good!!

After a nice nap, we strolled down to Southpoint, the southernmost point in the continental US. We had our picture taken and then strolled up Whitehead and back down Duval. We are now ready for bed.



Upcoming events....Monday we do the trolley ride; Wednesday we take the excursion out to the Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson; Thursday evening we eat at Marguaritaville.

SUMMER 2009's BIG TRIP

Wednesday, June 11, Fred and I finished cleaning up the last bit from the Party. Jeff & Deanna left for Atlanta Sunday evening. We tool Greg & Family to the Atlanta airport Monday afternoon. Tuesday, we straightened some but rested mostly. Wednesday we caught up with laundry, packed, took Augie to the kennel, and...

At 3:11 P.M., we headed for Florida, traveling through Hazelhurst, Baxley (ate seafood at Captain Joe's), Jesup, Brunswick, and ending up for the night in South Jacksonville.

Thursday we made the long drive to Florida City and The Everglades.

Today we DID The Everglades. What a beautiful place...but not in the same way as a visit in the mountains is beautiful. This place has a beauty that just can't be described; you have to visit here to understand what I am saying.

I took almost 200 pictures. We generously fed many mosquitos and saw all sorts of wild life. I will post more about the Everglades tomorrow.

OUR 40th ANNIVERSARY PARTY

Sunday, June 7th, was our 40th Wedding Anniversary.

Greg, Kelly, Max & Ash arrived Thursday night; Jeff & Deanna came on down Friday afternoon. Our house was bulging at the seams with family, but it was wonderful to have all of us under one roof.

Friday night we packed ourselves into two vehicles and headed for Montezuma and our favorite Menonite restaurant, Yoders. The food is alway excellent. Greg bought an beautiful Red Velvate cake...like what Aunt Carolyn makes.

Saturday we drove to Eatonton, GA, to visit with Kelly's dad, Bob & his wife, Lois. The Dairy Festival was to begin and they have always wanted Kelly and her new family to attend. The parade was fun, Lois's lunch spread was tasty, and the whole group of folks who joined Bob & Lois were like visiting with our "family."


1st: Fred introduces Deanna to Eatonton's Brer Rabbit. 2nd: All of "the family" is waiting for the parade to begin.

Saturday night we ate dinner at Warner Robin's new Cuban Restaurant. The food was delicious and the company was the best ever.


Deanna & Jeff; Kelly & Greg; Deanna & Jeff practicing parenthood with Max & Ash.

For the party Sunday we had invited a group of old friends and former teachers to gather for a little cake and other goodies. Fred had the house looking beautiful; the yard was sooooo pretty!


The one on the left is our original; 40 years later we have a beauty...the one on the right.

Our cake was a replica of the original wedding cake. The ladies at our Publix bakery out-did themselves creating a beautiful cake that was absolutely delicious!

Guests began arriving around 3:00, with the first one being my college roomy, Gay, and her son Robbie. As folks arrived and departed, we gave backyard garden tours and tours inside the house. Daughter-in-law-to-be Deanna, did a terrific job of replenishing the punch bowl and picking up used plates. Kelly kept up with the boys and visited with Bob, Lois, and Kelly's Aunt.


1st: Fred and I cut our cake. 2nd: College roomy, Gay and her son, Robbie

Good buddies, Jane & Richard, and Greg & Jeff's former drama teacher at Warner Robins High, Richard Mitchem, were the last to depart, but as much fun as we were having, they could have stayed longer.


1st: Friends & Neighbors. 2nd: A few more guests

All of us were exhausted, but the party had been so much fun.

4th of July Outfits

Monday Morning...Later than the Last Post

They're completed! The flag outfits Greg, Kelly, Max & Ash will wear in July at a family reunion in Jacksonville are all completed. They turned out so nice; the fabric was a dream to work with. I am proud of a job done. Sewing is still one of my favorite hobbies.

Kelly, when you read my blog, view the pictures and breathe a sigh of relief...you have your patriotic outfits so your family shine at the reunion. Take a look....


This one is Ash's little suit, a close-up of the bib front with the flag, and my label.


Here's the front and back of Max's overalls. He also has a flag on his bib pocket and Granny's label.


Kelly's blouse is sooooo cute. It will look great with jeans or cute shorts...maybe red or blue. Kelly & Greg have their own special label.


Here's Greg's shirt, with a yoke and tiny pleats in the back and the collar carefully tailored.

This has been such a fun project. I love sewing for the boys, but to get to sew up some goodies for my grown children was especially nice. I hope they are just what was wanted.