Birthday and Thanksgiving

The Saturday before Thanksgiving we made the trip to Louisiana to spend a whole week with Amy, Darryl, and Amelia.  Amelia turned FIVE the Monday before and her birthday party was planned for Sunday.  Nana and Paw-Paw wanted to be there to help her celebrate.

Amelia had prepared this sign to welcome us.  It is so exciting to see her learn to read and write.  She is growing up so fast.

We decided to give her our presents on Saturday.  She had asked for Power Rangers so we bought her five Power Ranger action figures.  They did battle with each other for a while and then Amelia told me that they should not be fighting each other because they were a "team".  She really needed a "bad guy" for them to fight.

We also got her the movie "Brave" and a matching outfit for her and her doll, Lilly.  Don't they look cute?

Amy fixed Taco Soup for supper and we had a good time just hanging out together.  Amelia asked me to help her with her "homework".  She was drawing a picture of her family.  She drew her mom and dad, Paw-Paw and me, and then she drew herself and Archie.  I said, "Amelia, you know that Archie died, don't you?"  She replied, "Yes, I know, but he was a part of our family for a long time so he should be in the picture."

Later she told me, "Momma and Daddy loved each other so they got married.  Then they had a baby and that was ME!  Nana and Paw-Paw loved each other so they got married and had a daughter named Archie." 

Sunday was Amelia's birthday party.  She has been fascinated with Super Heroes ("here-e-os") lately so that was the theme for the party.  The party was held at a gymnastics gym and a number of children from her class at school were in attendance.

The children played on an indoor playground until everyone had arrived.  Then their gymnastics leader took them to several different activities inside the gym.  They did exercises, jumped on a trampoline, jumped from a rope into a pit of balls, and had some free time on the various gymnastics equipment.

The party girl did some high flying.  I wish I had a picture of her face the first time they pulled her down and let her go.  I love that she is not afraid to try new things.

Everyone had a good time at the party, even Nana and Paw-Paw.  Amelia was so excited to be five.  She hugged each one of her friends as they departed and thanked them for coming.

The next day Amy had to teach and Darryl was working so we had our private celebration with Amelia by taking her to Chuck E. Cheese.  We shopped some at an outlet mall first.

On Tuesday, I took Amelia to see "Wreck-It Ralph" which was a cute move.  She may not eat a variety of food, but she sure does love popcorn.

On Wednesday, Amelia and Paw-Paw went fishing at a lake in their subdivision.  It wasn't too long before they lost their bait and broke their line.  On the bright side, there was a pecan tree on that lot and the ground was covered with pecans so they just sat down and Paw-Paw shelled pecans while Amelia ate them.  Later in the day the wind picked up a little so they put together a kite Amelia had received for her birthday and went out to fly it.  They tried and tried without much success.  The wind died down every time they ventured outside, but they had a good time together running and trying to make the kite fly.  Maybe next time.

Amy prepared a delicious Thanksgiving dinner.  We had Fried Turkey, Dressing, Sweet Potato Casserole, Brussel Sprouts, and rolls with Pecan Pie and Pumpkin Gooey Cake for dessert.  It was delish!!  I didn't cook a thing which was nice for a change.  She wouldn't even let me clean up afterwards.  That evening their friends, Damian and Rebecca, came over.  Amy and Rebecca planned their strategy for Black Friday.  They went out to eat and allowed Bubba and me to babysit one last time before heading home.  I love bedtime. Amelia picks a book to read.  Then we pray and then she wants to sing "Jesus Loves Me."  She has the most precious little voice and I love to hear her sing.

The next morning we headed for home and spent Saturday and Sunday just taking it easy and getting ready to go back to work.  Thanks to Amy and Darry for their hospitality.  We had a wonderful holiday.

Yak Brothers At It Again

For the third Wednesday in a row, Bubba and Joe ventured out on their new kayaks.  While we were camped at Frank Jackson State Park, the pulled out the computer and studied the logistics of their next venture.

The decision was made to either go to Apalachicola to try oystering from the kayak or to travel Holmes Creek.  Everything depended on the weather and the wind.

By Tuesday evening, Holmes Creek was their decision.  

The place they intended to put in was a private area and was closed so they had to put in above Vernon on Highway 79.  They travelled approximately eight miles.  This trip lacked the drama of the last one.  There were no rapids and no one ended kayaking upside down.  The water was clear and the scenery was beautiful.  It was a good day.  Pictures which are self explanatory follow.

Bubba paddling and enjoying

Joe paddling and enjoying

Beautiful Scenery

Clear cold water

Smooth sailing ahead

It will be a few weeks before the Yak Brothers can venture out again due to the holidays and some other commitments.  I can't wait to see out their endeavor to oyster from the kayak turns out.  There is a lot of opportunity for drama in that.

Meet John

The first weekend in November found us on our way to Opp, Alabama and the Frank Jackson State Park.  This was our third time at this beautiful park and we were looking forward to meeting Joe and Judy there for a fun weekend.  This weekend was going to be even more special because their 7 year old grandson, John, was going to be there too.
After we arrived and set up our campsite on the the lake, Judy pulled out the sandwich fixings and we enjoyed lunch outside together.  Not long after that I went with her to pick up John.  John didn't even remember me and at first at problems remembering my name.  We met at a shoe store.  Judy, John, and I went in to do some serious shopping.  John located some camouflage Crocs very quickly that he "needed" very badly.  The search was on to find the right size.  We found it but the end of the box indicated that it was a woman's shoe.  Fortunately John was more interested in how well he could run in them to notice the box.  We knew that he would not want them if he thought it was a girl's shoe so I distracted him while Judy paid and got the clerk to throw away the box.  He was sure pleased with his purchase and wore them all weekend.

I even managed to find a pair of shoes that I'm really pleased with.  Upon Judy's recommendation I tried these on.  They are Crocs and they are so comfortable -- not only at the shoe store as some are, but everywhere.  One time Bubba decided to reorganize our closet.  He called me at work to announce that I had 43 pairs of shoes.  What he doesn't understand is that most shoes feel pretty good at the shoe store, but the first time you wear them you find out they're terribly uncomfortable and you never wear them again.  I don't understand why men don't have the same problem with their shoes. I also don't understand why men's sizes are so reliable and women's aren't.  (That could be a whole blog in itself.)
We met Joe and Bubba at The Old Barn Restaurant in Goshen, Alabama.  We ate here once before and enjoyed it so much we wanted to go again.  We started out with Fried Dill Pickles -- the best ever.  Bubba and Joe got quail, Judy ordered Fried Catfish Fillet, John got a Cheeeburger and I had Hamburger Steak.  It was so good!  If I were a better blogger I would have taken a picture of our food when it first arrived, but hunger over ruled my blogger instinct so I just got a picture of the table after we finished.

The next morning was cool and I enjoyed a cup of coffee down near the lake while Judy, Joe, and John surveyed conditions on the lake.

Bubba prepares to unload his kayak from the back of the truck.

Joe poses with his kayak.

The brothers make preparation to launch their kayaks for a lake excursion.

There they go.  Poor John  was stuck with Judy and me, but we were going into town so he was bound to benefit in some way.  By now John had really warmed up to Bubba and me.  We got hugs last night and he is sharing every joke he knows with us.  When he runs out of jokes he knows, he makes up some more.  (Some of those are pretty funny.)  He is a precious little boy.  He has great manners.  Every now and then he would take my hand.  His hand feels so different from Amelia's.  Her's is small and her fingers are long and thin.  John already has a man's hand.  It feels firmer, wider, and stronger.  He is eager to help in any way he can.

Soon after we returned from town, the kayakers returned ready for something to eat.

We were prepared.  We had picked up some boiled peanuts while we were out.

Peanuts Before

Peanuts After

One of the best things about camping is the food.  After we snacked on peanuts, Bubba set up the grill and began cooking hot dogs and hamburgers.

Lunch was great.  After lunch Joe, Judy, and John made the long walk around the park and over the lake to Memorial Island.  Our assignment according to John was to wave at them when they got to the other side. (We lucked out on that one.)

Later that afternoon, we walked around and enjoyed the "Scarecrows in the Park".  Then, you guessed it, it was time for supper.

Bubba grilled chicken and we had baked potatoes, fruit salad, and pasta salad with it.

Darkness came and we had a campfire where we roasted marshmallows and made s'mores.  We talked and enjoyed being together.

I've got to say that the best part of this trip was spending time with John.  He is very special to his "Meme" and "Pops" and now he is very special to Uncle Bubba and Aunt Becky as well.  We're looking forward to a trip where we can coordinate everyone's schedule and get to take both Amelia and John camping with us.  I know that they would have a wonderful time.

I've moved Frank Jackson State Park to the #1 park on my list.  Not only is the view perfect, it has full hook ups so you don't have to worry about how much water you are using.  Last year you had to stand in a particular spot to get internet with your computer, but they have improved on that so we had internet at our campsite.  What more could anyone want?    

Help! My Blog Has Been Hijacked!

The brothers, Bubba and Joe, set out on their second great adventure on Wednesday, October 25.  It was a cool morning and beautiful as the two adventurers met at the Chipola River bridge on Highway 20.  Their last trip had been so much fun that they could hardly wait to continue onward down the river.  They left Joe's truck there and went on to the Peacock Bridge on Chipola River to launch their kayaks.

It's 8:30 AM and Bubba can hardly wait to get going.

Their journey started out much like their first outing.  It was peaceful going downstream enjoying the sights and sounds of the Chipola.

About every two hours, they would take a break and get out to stretch their legs and rest a little.

Then it started to dawn on Bubba that just possibly his younger brother was a foolhardy daredevil as they passed a cave and Joe kept trying to get Bubba to go in and look around.  Thankfully, Bubba had too much sense to oblige him.

They passed an old man fishing and divers preparing for a future cave dive.  Then they came to a place known as "Look and Tremble".  

Bubba is looking and possibly trembling in this picture.

Brother Joe says "I think I can make it."  He told Bubba it was "easy".  Then he proceeded to show Bubba how to do it.

In fact, it was so "easy" that Joe did it with his feet in the air.  Thankfully he had on his life jacket, but it scared Bubba as he ran down the bank trying to find Joe fearing that he had been hurt.

Joe climbed out with a defeated expression on his face.  He lost his cap, his water bottle, and his dignity.  In fact Bubba said he looked like a "wet rat".

Bubba sat on a rock, ate his lunch, laughed at Joe, and then carried his kayak around "Look and Tremble."  

Joe smiles as he tells Bubba that he is going to give it another try.  He made it the second time, but Bubba wasn't too impressed.

They continued their trip enjoying the clear water, sandy bottom, and the limestone cliffs.  After another three hours around 3:00 PM, Joe's GPS reading indicated that they were still five miles from their destination.  They had already traveled thirteen miles.  They were both tired and were running out of daylight.  Joe's trials with "Look and Tremble" had exhausted him.  

Then they decided their fastest way out would be to call Search and Rescue in the form of youngest brother, Tim, to help them out.  Of course, Tim responded.  After all, this was not the first time he had to take care of his brothers.  

Joe gets in the boat with Tim and then Tim tows both kayaks back to the landing.

Look at the smile on Tim's face.  He is already thinking about how much fun he will have telling about this "Search and Rescue" at the family Christmas gathering.

Tim tows them back the last five miles.  Bubba relaxes and enjoys the ride.

By the way, Tim says that he does not want a kayak.

We're going camping again soon.  Brother Joe wants them to kayak down the Pea River in Alabama.  Brother Tim warns Bubba about a waterfall that Joe let him go over one time on that same river.  I'm thinking Bubba and Joe have different ideologies about the sport of kayaking.  I think Bubba has a peaceful, non-eventful trip in his mind while Joe envisions more and more challenges with the thrill of adventure.  I'm hoping sister-in-law Judy will help me straighten them out on the fact that they are not spring chickens and have to be careful and safe.

Note: Bubba could hardly wait for me to write the blog about his trip.  He said that Joe took pictures of everything because it would be good for the blog.  Now he is telling me what to write and I can hardly type fast enough to keep up.  I'm thinking that they may need to start a Kayaking Brothers blog soon.

Fall Holiday

Amy, Darryl, and Amelia arrived here in the middle of the night on October 17.  Amy and Amelia were going to come for a quick fall holiday visit, but when Darryl's family's rental house needed some painting and repairs completed before the 1st of November Darryl decided to come with them to help his sister get the job done.

As always, it was great to have them here.  Bubba volunteered to pitch in and help with the work, leaving Amy, Amelia, and me home for some quality time together.  This is a picture of Amy spending quality time with her mom.

Note that she "appears" to be interested in what I'm saying, but she has her laptop open and is constantly glancing down to connect with the world. (I had to include that little dig. I hope she forgives me because she is truly a wonderful daughter.)  Bubba says I'm addicted to mine also so I guess that I'm getting a dose of my own medicine.

What was unusual about this visit is that we picked Amelia's cousin Avery up at "school" on Thursday and Friday and she stayed with us all afternoon.  There was so much activity that I didn't get any pictures of them together.  They were so funny.

The first afternoon we took them to the park up the road that has a really nice playground.  It is also the home of "Bucky" and "Doe-Doe", the goats that we enjoy feeding.  They visited the goats and played for a while and we headed back home.

When they crawled up into their car seats, Avery grabbed up Amelia's teddy bear that she had brought with her.  Amelia immediately began to wail wanting her teddy bear back.  We gave the sharing speech to no avail.  Suddenly Avery tossed the bear into the very back of the car and Amelia's wailing got louder.  Then Avery joined in with a fake wailing noise mocking Amelia.  Finally, I had enough.  I turned around and said, "If you both don't hush right this minute, you're both going to be in time out when we get home!"  To my surprise (and Amy's) they both turned it off immediately and we had a peaceful ride home.

Friday afternoon, we picked up Avery and headed for Pier Park. They have rides there now and it is is called Miracle Strip at Pier Park.  Both girls were very excited to be there. We got each one of them an arm band so they could ride as much as they wanted.  The afternoon passed quickly.  When we headed home, we stopped by "Chic-Fil-A" which Avery calls "Chick Olay" for ice cream and allowed them to play a while in the play area there.  

On the way home the fussing between the cousins started again.  "She touched me!"  "She looked mean at me!"  "She did her teeth at me!"  "I don't want her to come to my house!" "She doesn't share!"  "I don't want to play with her!"  But when we got back and Avery's mom was walking toward the car to get her, it changed to "I don't want Avery to go home!"  "I want to go home with Amelia!"  "I want Avery to play with me!"

It may not sound like it to you, but this was all a lot of fun.  We did a lot of laughing about it.  Ashley said that she and her cousin, Ginger, were the same way -- always bickering, but loving their time together.

Saturday, before they headed back to Baton Rouge, Bubba and Amelia enjoyed some time with the "hole" swing.  Amelia loves to swing high and she loves for Bubba to make the swing spin round and round.

She also loves to pose for pictures.  

One time when she was spinning on the swing, her dress got caught up in it somehow and her belly button was showing.  She thought this was hilarious so every time when she finished spinning, she somehow managed to finish with her belly button showing.  She would laugh and laugh.  I love the way she says "button".  It is "but" "ton" as though it was two words instead of just one.  

Way too soon, it was time for them to head home.  It was a very good visit.  In just a few weeks we will be on our way out there for Amelia's 5th birthday.  She is growing up so fast!  She is so loving and precious.  She has brought us all great joy.  We can't wait until next time.


Note:  How can you not be a LSU fan??

A Lot to Think About

The weekend following Bubba and Joe's first kayak adventure, we had a bad case of hitch itch.  We were ready to camp.  Now that we have a year of camping under our belts, we are more particular about where we want to camp.  It is important to us to be able to sit outside in a peaceful location preferably on the water with a nice view.  One of the two places that fit that description best is the park on Lake Seminole where we had just been with Joe and Judy a few weeks earlier.  So we headed out on Friday morning and were able to find the perfect spot.

The route we take to Lake Seminole goes through Marianna, Fl, where we always stop at the Travel Centers of America truck stop.  Now what makes this truck stop so appealing to us?  You guessed it!  Three of our favorite fast foods are offered there.  It's clean and it's easy to park the trailer.  We cannot pass this place without stopping.

I'm not going into a lot of details about this trip except to say that we both enjoyed time paddling the kayak.

Bubba ventured out a long way this time. 

Nature is a constant reminder of

all His hands have wrought.

 We both spent a lot of time in our recliners just talking, reading, and thinking.










I really had a lot to think about this particular weekend.  I worked for a man that I really respected, who treated staff well, and who made going to work enjoyable.  He was recently very unfairly advised by the higher ups that he could either move to another prison in south Florida or go home. He chose to go home.  His mother is elderly and in poor health and he didn't want to leave her.  We were all upset at work.  I began to think about my future and what I wanted to do.

I can tell you that I gave a lot of thought over the weekend about going ahead and retiring.  It would cost me a lot financially to do that.  Health insurance for just myself is $569.00 a month not to mention that I would have less retirement and social security to live on; however, before the weekend was over I decided that if I wasn't happy with the new boss I was going to retire.  

This was my view for a lot of the weekend.  

It was nearly two more weeks before I met the new boss.
I have to say that so far I'm happy.
He's a young man and has treated me as though I'm very important to him.  I have listened very closely to his dealings with staff and families and I like how he treats them.  He approves of the flex schedule I'm on now that allows me to be off every Friday which is very important to our new camping lifestyle. So my decision for now is to stick with it a while longer.

Anyone who knows Bubba knows that he is a pessimist (a glass half empty kind of guy).  I, on the other hand, am an optimist (my glass is half full).  It's kind of interesting that when planning for the future, we swap roles.  He is optimistic in thinking that we will both probably live well into our nineties.  I am pessimistic in thinking that we need to enjoy things while we are both in good health and can.  I think that probably we are both being somewhat realistic on this.  At any rate, I'm looking forward to retirement whether it be in a few months or a year.

This was a great weekend for relaxing and for thinking.  We all need one like that every now and then!

The Difference Between Men and Boys

Is the price of their toys.  As you know from my last blog about our trip to Lake Seminole with Joe and Judy, Joe had just purchased a 10 foot kayak.  That weekend we all took turns trying it out and of course Bubba caught the fever.  The very next weekend we went kayak shopping.  We searched high and low in Panama City on Friday with no success.  The next day we went to Academy Sports in Tallahassee where Bubba found his kayak and here it is. 

He bought it on Saturday and then he and Joe immediately planned an adventure for the following Wednesday. Bubba met Joe at 8:00 AM at the Peacock Road Bridge.  They put Joe's kayak in Bubba's truck and then drove to Marianna where they launched their kayaks and set off paddling.  It was a cool beautiful day.  They had estimated this to be a half day trip which they thought would be a good start.

It was so peaceful.  Along the way they saw an alligator, turkeys, ducks, and a lot of the beauty of God's world.

Their half day trip actually turned out to be a full day, but they really had a good time.  The next adventure is already being planned.  Stay tuned.

P.S.  After Bubba got his kayak, I decided it was okay to reward myself with a new ipod.  Mine got "lost" while I was in the hospital.  I'm thinking that I may eventually want a kayak of my own, but maybe not until I retire.