Seagos Saga

Clean-Up

2012-02-20T11:45:00.002-05:00

It was time for the roses to be cut back and the beds cleaned up. It looks so nice now and ready for the budding to begin!

Final Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-25T13:34:00.005-05:00

Another Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-25T13:34:00.004-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-25T13:34:00.003-05:00

Back to Reality

2012-01-08T20:36:00.001-05:00

Here is the results of our work on the jigsaw puzzle…

After packing the car…

we drove to Atlanta where we had lunch at Pappasitta’s…

We had a great time away, but now it’s time to begin 2012!

Repeat

2012-01-04T22:15:00.001-05:00

It was really cold here this morning…22 degrees…so we ate breakfast and worked on the jigsaw puzzle. We went for lunch at Sea Shack…again…

We stopped by a quilt shop on the way back to the condo. Then we went for an hour+ bike ride. There were advantages to riding in the cold (high in the mid 40’s)…there was no one on the bike trails! We didn’t have to dodge anyone or get passed by anyone. We may have seen a half dozen people while we were out!

We watched Duke basketball and the Orange Bowl while we continued to work on the puzzle tonight.

Pancakes and Pajamas

2012-01-03T21:55:00.001-05:00

Today it was very cold here so we stayed inside…at least for the morning.

A variety of afternoon activities…birding, laundry, shopping, and walking. Of course, time was spent on the jigsaw puzzle as well.

We braved the cold and wind as we walked to the Crazy Crab for supper.

1-2-12

2012-01-02T20:07:00.001-05:00

We did very little today. We went our separate ways for walks this morning. Watching the Rose Bowl parade took us to a lunch of mainly left-overs in the condo and then we spent the afternoon watching football. It was a quick bike ride and/or walk before dinner.

A great meal here tonight and more football.

January 1, 2012

2012-01-01T21:27:00.001-05:00

Out with the old and in with the new. K and her family left and B and D came!

We went to church this morning

then for breakfast

before we went for a 2+ hour bike ride.

We started a 1500 piece puzzle

before we had pizza for supper and watched NFL games.

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T20:21:00.001-05:00

Looking “Fore” Some Fun

2011-12-30T20:10:00.001-05:00

This morning started with Tripp and I playing on the I-Pad.

Rhea and her daddy went to hit golf balls and the rest of us went to the Forest Preserve.We took a little picnic with us.After everyone was through, we met up to play putt-putt. Some of our party got a hole-in-one.Then we went to supper and enjoyed a great meal.We got to see boats being moved in and out of the water.

Fun in the Sun

2011-12-29T19:56:00.001-05:00

The morning started a little slow for some…but Tripp always hits the ground running!Big Mike is always on the cutting edge of fashion…

The little family head out to get more things listed on their scavenger hunt of Sea Pines.We met up with them for lunch at Salty Dog…We rode on the beach…before heading back to the condo and then to the park across the street.

There were lots of bikes and people around the marina.

Tripp got in another game of foosball before he went to the fire pit.

Another night of bowl games on the TV.

Another Fun Day

2011-12-28T20:56:00.001-05:00

Today after a breakfast of cereal and yogurt, people went different directions.

Some went to play golf …

while others participated in a variety of activities.

The jigsaw puzzle got finished…

a challenging game of foosball…

life-size chess set…

taking Mom to school in basketball…

time for a bike ride…

mailing New Year’s cards to Mom’s friends…

riding on the beach…

some wildlife along the bike ride…

time to play before supper…

We all met up at Captain Woody’s for supper. Then it was back to watch bowl games and have a time of great conversation!

Rainy Start

2011-12-27T20:30:00.004-05:00

We woke up to rain this morning and it continued until early afternoon. We cooked breakfast...bacon, eggs and biscuits and played lazy all morning. We had some errands to run this afternoon and included a little shopping at Target and the outlet stores. For supper, we went to the Sea Shack and everyone enjoyed their meal. We came back to play foozeball, work on the jigsaw puzzle,make candy ornaments and suckers and watch bowl games.

Ending 2011

2011-12-26T20:05:00.003-05:00

As 2011 comes to an end, we are enjoying some time at Hilton Head, SC.

We had lunch in and supper at Crazy Crab but when were finished eating when we realized that no picture of the food had been taken. Watching the bowl game, playing with Legos, being on the computer, etc. filled our evening hours.

Maybe tomorrow we will be more productive, but probably not! We are here to rest, relax and recharge!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-14T19:56:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday, Jackson

2011-12-09T22:15:00.001-05:00

Today my favorite brown-eyed grandson is 12 years old. (Oh, yeah, he’s my only brown-eyed grandson!) He is such a joy to be around.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JACKSON!

Gobble, Gobble

2011-11-24T10:10:00.001-05:00

Happy Turkey Day!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-23T22:17:00.001-05:00

Another Football Game

2011-11-21T14:39:00.002-05:00

We drove to Texas for this football game and the one on Thanksgiving night. This was Mike’s 45th class reunion at A&M. We went to the dinner on Saturday night but didn’t take any pictures…we knew that you wouldn’t know any of those people and neither did Mike!!

Here are some snapshots that we took before and during the game.

And yes, the one yell leader is quite tall!

Sid and Mike were roommates at A&M.

Muffin top and boots…

The graves of the deceased mascots…more at the last picture.

Big George was being honored…

The fly-over were 3 Ospreys from California.

Block T with the entire Corps of Cadets …the first time since 1956…Mike never got to do this.

In front of the graves is a scoreboard so the “dead dogs’ can see the score.!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-09T11:50:00.003-05:00

Another Birthday

2011-11-07T06:44:00.001-05:00

The birthday celebrations continue…today is J’s birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

The First is a Year Older

2011-11-05T22:09:00.001-04:00

Our first-born is now a year older but not deeper in debt!

You’ve come a long way since those first 18 months in Japan. The Aggie tradition began early!

Her first (and only) beauty pageant and she was the winner.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Trip to Texas

2011-11-02T19:30:00.001-04:00

We got to Texas in time to see P play his football game. There he goes, #85, to give the play to the team.

He got off a 35 yard punt…and looked great doing it!

On Friday we woke up to find a huge tractor in the front yard.

We got to spend some time with the pigs. This is one of 11 that they have and are raising to some at their county show as well as some at the San Antonio show.

We had a chance to stop for a picture before we went to the Odem-Taft football game on Friday night.

We left real early on Saturday for an 11:00a.m. kick-off.

This is the National Champion Women’s Basketball team that was recognized at half-time of the game.

Here is the band doing an intricate move where they cross. Before we left on Sunday, they had an opportunity to clean the pig pens!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-26T18:21:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday, Tripp

2011-10-23T15:29:00.001-04:00

Well, it now takes 2 hands for Tripp to show you how old he is!! It’s pretty special to be 6 years old.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TRIPP!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-19T13:40:00.001-04:00

A Win for the Home Team

2011-10-18T11:49:00.001-04:00

This past week end we had the opportunity to go to the A&M-Baylor football game…we were a house divided.

We got there a little after noon so we had to stop for a little snack…we couldn’t wait until supper to eat! Plus we always try to get a Whataburger whenever we are in Texas.

On Friday night, K and the boys and a friend drove to Houston to spend the night with us. J had gone to Indiana to get pigs!

We went to Pappasittas for Mexican food but we dove into the food before I could get a picture! S joined us after she had choir practice…what kind of choir director has his choir practice their Christmas music on a Friday night?!

We headed to College Station early Saturday morning for an 11:00 a.m. kickoff. This was a “white-out” game to remember the Texas wildfires that occurred earlier this fall.

Both of the bands performed at halftime.

The final score was A&M 55-Baylor 28.

This is a view of our side of the stands after the game when we were on the field. We sit in the 3rd deck…it’s a long walk up there!

The boys always enjoy going onto the field and throwing a football after the game.

We headed our separate ways and we stopped here for a baked potato and brisket and sausage before we went to the hotel. Again, we were too hungry to remember to take a picture of our food!

Sunday morning we went to the airport for our flight back to Tennessee. This is our last trip through the Houston airport so I had to take a final picture what you see as you enter the terminal.

Another Season

2011-10-10T14:52:00.001-04:00

Fall decorations are out but today it was time to add Halloween “stuff” to the mix.

We normally don’t have any orange in our house but Halloween is an exception!

I have left a lot of stuff in the container in the basement…it has gotten too old or is no longer wanted. Now I just need to find a place for these things!

A Week in Review

2011-10-08T15:58:00.001-04:00

I had the opportunity to give K & J a brief respite and stay with the boys while they headed south, south of the border for a week.

We went to various high school football games on Friday night and Saturday was spent watching college football games and then shopping for FFA apparel before going to see Money Ball. Later,hamburgers at Five Guys were delicious.

After church on Sunday, we headed to more sporting events…J to a tennis match and P to a baseball game.

On Monday, P had to dress in his FFA “uniform” for school since he is an officer…the treasurer.

Lunch with friends was good and P cooked hotdogs on the grill on supper.

After school, J had a tennis lesson.That evening they both attended the FFA meeting.

On Tuesday, I went to Corpus to return things for K and make a Wal-Mart run!

On Wednesday, a tractor was in front of the house!

Everyday I was able to walk, straighten the house, do laundry, read, knit and run the “taxi”! Cooking a variety of breakfast items for the boys was always fun. A friend came for supper and P cooked our hamburgers on the grill…he’s a real renaissance man!

On Thursday, the Jr. High was celebrating “Cowboy Day” and J certainly looked the part…

K & J came home in the afternoon and after feeding P and getting him back to school, we went to San Diego for P’s football game. We ate Mexican food along the way to the game. (History reminder…San Diego is in Duval County which became infamous in the election of LBJ to the US House when it seems that a number of people who lived in the cemetery voted for him!)

Ocho Cinco (#85)

played both ways during the game.

The support staff did an excellent job…way to go J!!

The camera had some issues when the game was over, but I still enjoyed the stinky, sweaty boy!

I flew home on Friday and liked seeing the sun on the clouds from the window of the airplane.

I had a great time with the boys and hope to be able to do it again sometime.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-28T12:35:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday, Rheagan

2011-09-25T19:14:00.001-04:00

It’s hard to believe that Rheagan is now 12 years old. It seems like yesterday that she was born. (I know that’s a oft-used phrase, but it really is true!) Here are some fairly recent pictures of her.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RHEAGAN!!!

Friends, Family & Football

2011-09-18T19:31:00.001-04:00

We had a great visit with G&B while we ate dinner at Tommy Bahama’s. The food was very good, but the fellowship was even better. B and I have been friends since elementary school days and we added Mike in high school and then G came into the picture during college. With both of the guys being Aggies, we had plenty to talk about over dinner! They sit across the field from us at the football games, but I can check them out with the binoculars!

It was time for another A&M football game…this time against Idaho. Before the game we met K,J,P and J at Wings and More for…wings for most people and more for me. I had wonderful chicken strips with onion rings!

We got to campus in time to watch the team make their spirit walk. I stayed upstairs in a building to get a better shot than being on ground level…it’s not a good shot when you’re short and get the back of people’s heads!

More shots from outside the stadium…

Payne and Coach Gary Blair of the National Champion Lady Aggies!

The fly-over was a B-52…

The view from the third deck of the game

and the Nationally Famous Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band.

New Season Begins

2011-09-11T20:25:00.001-04:00

Today Tripp began his Fall soccer season. He always enjoys playing!

CMS played last Thursday…

Tonight the skies were very interesting…

It’s Football Time at A&M

2011-09-05T21:18:00.001-04:00

This past week end we went to Texas and went to 2nd Baptist Church North Campus for a Saturday night service. David gave the offertory prayer and Mark did the announcements and benediction. Afterwards we all went to eat Mexican food that was delicious.On Sunday we went to College Station for the A&M-SMU game that was televised on Fox Sports…thus the reason it was on Sunday night! Of course, prior to going on campus, we had to eat and the bar-b-que at Rudy’s was fantastic!Payne has certainly outgrown me…and Jackson is on his way!

The boys and Big Mike at the 12th Man statue…

We even let the parents come!!!

We watched the team during the Spirit Walk…and the band and the Corps march in.and or course, Reveille…

Finally it was time to head into Kyle Field for the pregame festivities.Warm-up…School song…Fly-over…Half-time…Student section…You can see that there are no pictures of the game…it was too exciting to stop and take a picture!

By the way, A&M won the game 46-14.

Next time I won’t take the “big” camera especially since I can’t make adjustments “on the fly”!! I’ll just use the small point and shoot that I can put in my pocket!

Some Family Members on the Ball Field

2011-09-02T23:00:00.001-04:00

This week we have had 3 of the family participating in various forms of ball.

Payne played in a high school JV football game where he was a receiver and the punter.

Rheagan played in a middle school soccer game where she scored 3 goals.

And finally Karen worked the chains for the high school football game. She was out on the field 3 different times when the officials wanted to measure for a first down.

First Days of School

2011-08-25T22:11:00.001-04:00

School has started in Tennessee and Texas for the grandchildren and Mike.

It is a time of major changes for each of the grandchildren. Payne is going into the 9th grade(high school), Rheagan is in the 6th grade(middle school), Jackson is also in the 6th grade(junior high school), and Tripp is in kindergarten. Wow!!

Rheagan started school on August 4th!

Tripp was not too thrilled to go for to his “phase-in” day…

but a couple of days later, on August 12th, when it was time for school to begin for “real”, he was ready!

Payne and Jackson started their classes on August 22nd.

Mike’s classes at Lee University started today, August 25th.

Now everyone is in their places with bright, shiny faces!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-24T20:09:00.003-04:00

Texas Grandsons

2011-08-20T12:02:00.001-04:00

Here are a couple of pictures that I confiscated from their mother!

J was playing a basketball against some amazonions! He is the one in black between the two giants in white. But they won!!

P took his driving test this week for his learner’s permit. (He should be starting kindergarten, not driving!) It was taken from a cell phone and doesn’t enlarge well at all. He had just gotten a Subway and had to stop for the paparazzi before he put on his seat belt!

Boy, Is It Dry!

2011-08-15T21:29:00.002-04:00

We have really been experiencing a period of drought here in East Tennessee. Even the weeds have wilted!

It’s too early for the leaves to be falling, but they are due to the dry conditions. I’m afraid that our Fall may not be too pretty this year.

I realize that other parts of the country are experiencing drought, excessively high temperatures, and some even too much rain. I guess we have to take what Mother Nature gives us.

Happy Birthday

2011-08-13T08:17:00.002-04:00

A big HAPPY BIRTHDAY shout out to the oldest grandson!

Have a great day and a wonderful first year in high school!

Thursday

2011-08-04T22:13:00.001-04:00

After breakfast we checked out of the hotel, went to a Literary Seminar and then to a Props Seminar.

We had a great time and were a little sad to leave such a beautiful campus.

We had a Subway sandwich for lunch and then drove to Las Vegas where we dropped J & D off at the airport for their flight home. The temperature in Vegas was much hotter than in Cedar City.

For supper we went to an old favorite.

We then stopped by Ethel M’s where Mike was the plant manager when we lived here.

Wednesday

2011-08-04T00:29:00.002-04:00

Here is the banner from Richard III that didn’t get put on last night.

After another delicious breakfast we went to the Literary Seminar where there was discussion on the plays that we saw yesterday.

Then we had the Actor Seminar where 2 of the actors came and had Q and A with the audience. These were the actors from The Music Man yesterday and they were delightful.

The reason for the change of background is that it began to rain and we had to go inside for the rest of it. The actors today were Harold Higgins and Marion, the librarian from The Music Man.

The afternoon play was The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams. Boy, was this play a downer! It is the story of a dysfunctional family: a mother, daughter, and son. the mother is continually reliving her youth as a southern belle, the son is stuck in a job he hates, and the daughter is so shy she won’t leave the house. At the end of the play, the mother is still reliving her youth, the daughter has had a visit from an old high school male friend, but after he leaves to go to his girl friend, she reverts back to her shy self, and the son has left home. Nothing is resolved; but life goes on.

For supper, we went to a Thai restaurant and had a great dinner with appetizers, entrees and desserts.Fried bananas…reminded us of Whataburger fried pies!!We had another opportunity to interact with actors while we were having supper. The actor who portrayed Richard III ate at the table next to us and we enjoyed conversation with him. Before we left, one of the fathers from R&J came in with friends. It's always good to see them out and be able to compliment them on their performances.

Tonight’s play was Romeo and Juliet.

It rained a couple of times but the play continued. The play is a story of two feuding families and a couple of young lovers, one from one family one from the other. As everyone knows, the young lovers die at the end of the play.

Tuesday

2011-08-03T01:13:00.002-04:00

This morning after a wonderful breakfast of eggs, sausage, oatmeal, biscuits and gravy, waffles, juices, etc. we went to the Literary Seminar to hear discussion on the plays we saw yesterday.Some men found it a good time for their morning nap!

We went to the Costume Seminar before we went to the Curtain Call Luncheon. We got to eat and then have 3 of the actors sit and talk to us and answer questions from the attendees.

After the orientation, we went to see The Music Man, which was a great story and a great production. It is story of a con man traveling salesman who hoodwinks a town into buying instruments and unforms for a town band. Part of his promise to the town was to teach the band members to play their instruments. The con was that he could not play or teach music. The con falls apart when he falls in love with the town librarian. Just before the con man is to be run out of town, the band marches in their uniforms miraculously playing their instruments, the town is pleased, and the former con man has the person he loves.

We ate bar-b-que for supper…very good.

Tonight we saw Richard III and it was a very dark, bloody, and hard to follow play. The play is about the English King, Richhard III's ascention to the throne and his demise. He became the king only after killing his two older brothers and their male children, marrying one of his brothers widows, and hoodwinking the clergy. Unfortunately for Richard, he loses most of his supporters during his villianious rise to power, and is killed in a battle with his successor, Henry VII. As the play ends, no one mourns Richard"s death.

Monday

2011-08-02T01:38:00.002-04:00

This morning we walked before we drove to Mesquite where we had breakfast at a casino.

We drove through some beautiful desert and gorges on our way to Cedar City.Our first play today was Noises Off, great farce.

After a wonderful supper at a steak house where there are numerous hummingbird feeders…

we checked into the hotel, unpacked and headed back to the Festival. Tonight we saw A Midsummer Nights Dream. Such fun!

It’s been a long, but fun day. We are off to bed with no explanations of the plays…sorry!!

now Mike will add...

"Noises Off" is a farce that deals with what is going on behind the scenes as a play is being acted out on stage. It deals with personal interactions, timing of stage events, props that don't work, and general mayham.

"Midsummer Night's Dream" is probably shakespeare's best known comedy. It is about lovers that can't get together and how they finally get together with the aid of faries. The play is set in an enchanted forest where the faires have the power to make wrong things right.

Sunday, July 31st

2011-08-01T00:26:00.001-04:00

Since we have adjusted to Pacific time yet, we woke up early and were able to take a 45 minute walk and stop at Mickey D’s for breakfast.

We got ready for church and decided to go to Green Valley first…and we enjoyed getting to visit with several friends that we knew from when we went to church there.

Then we drove to a local high school where Hope Baptist Church meets while they are in transition until a new facility is built.And there we even saw an old friend from Green Valley who now attends Hope!

We drove to a familiar Mexican restaurant for lunch and had a delicious buffet.

We picked up our friends at the airport and then we went to a restaurant in the Venetian Hotel, Otto’s, … great food, just forgot a picture of us and the food!

Off to See the Bard

2011-07-30T22:43:00.001-04:00

We have headed West for our annual trip to the Utah Shakespeare Festival. We were reminded of how small the world can be when we were riding the shuttle to Atlanta with a fellow passenger who had lived in Cedar City, Utah.

As we flew across the country the clouds were ominous.

When we arrived in Las Vegas, we rented a car and headed to the hotel. Boy, was it hot! (Sorry about the blurry picture.)

We went to one of our favorite places for supper.We met a family from Gatlinburg while we were eating…another example of what a small world it is!

Due to the time change, we’re headed to bed according to TN time, not NV time!

Another Golf Tournament

2011-07-30T08:19:00.001-04:00

It was time for the CCC Jr. Championship…

This time the fans…

and the caddy…

got to ride!

But the participants had to be responsible for their own bags.

Golf Week End

2011-07-26T21:31:00.002-04:00

This past week end, Rheagan had the opportunity to participate in the TN Junior State Golf Tournament. She played 2 rounds of 9 holes on Saturday.

Her daddy did a great job of being her caddy.

The daddies, AKA as the caddies, were making sure the scorecards were correct!

On Sunday, she played the same format but with different pairings.

She started the tournament in 11th place and finished in 7th place. She had a great time and we were all pleased at how she did.

Tripp entertained himself in a variety of ways...

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-13T06:24:00.002-04:00

Visitor from Texas

2011-07-05T21:34:00.021-04:00

We have had the priviledge of having J with us since last Friday. We have been so busy that I haven't had time to post anything. Here are a few snapshots of our various activities.

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T15:43:00.003-04:00

Friday evening, the family, except for Tripp and me, participated in a family father-daughter time at the golf course. Everyone had a great time...the winner isn't important.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-15T14:40:00.004-04:00

Way to Go!

2011-06-14T15:01:00.004-04:00

Rheagan played in a Jr. golf tournament yesterday and came in 2nd place, one stroke out of first.

Family Reunion

2011-06-13T20:12:00.006-04:00

We recently drove to Texas for a family reunion. We stopped along the way in LA to spend the night and of course we had to eat!! Along the way it really got hot, but not for too long.

We stopped in Nacogdoches to see The Old Stone Fort, which was built by the Spanish in 1779 as the first mercantile house in Nacogdoches. It remained the tallest structure in town for nearly a century, and often served as the seat of civil authority. The building was the scene of many historic moments in early Texas.

Of course, we had to eat since we were there around noon!

When then went on to Lufkin where we did some business at the Court House and then it was time to eat...and again we ate BarBQue!

The next morning we drove to northeast Texas for the family reunion.

Five generations of gorgeous ladies!

There were 7 of Mike's first cousins that were able to come this year. A wonderful time to get together, eat and fellowship.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-08T19:43:00.003-04:00

P and no braces

2011-06-04T10:18:00.002-04:00

The first-born grandson is now braceless and so handsome!

This was 2 years ago...

and last week...

I took the picture off of his mother's facebook page and it turned out grainy when I tried to enlarge it. But he's still my favorite 14 year old grandson!!

Memorial Day

2011-05-30T11:26:00.008-04:00

Let us remember all of those who are serving our country now in the military and those who have served in times past. Especially remember those who have lost loved ones who were serving.

Yesterday afternoon was the 36th annual FBC family picnic and what a fun time we all had eating and visiting.

Happy Anniversary

2011-05-29T20:05:00.002-04:00

Kelly and Jon are celebrating their 18th wedding anniversary today. Congratulations!

A Day of Golf

2011-05-26T22:26:00.001-04:00

We had another opportunity to go a golf clinic this morning where we had a putting lesson that we were able to apply.

We went for lunch and it was a repeat of a previous meal…you can guess which one!!

Then we teed off for a round of golf on a beautiful course.

The pace of the play was really slow and we even had to talk to each other!

For supper we again had avocados and tomatoes.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-25T22:34:00.001-04:00

Another interesting day

2011-05-24T23:14:00.001-04:00

One day we took advantage of a golf clinic that focused on the full swing, beginning with the grip and going through the follow-through. No pictures from this event.

The resort where we stayed has some great looking flowers…

After having a light lunch of avocados and tomatoes, we drove to La Jolla and Torrey Pines. We went to where people were doing parasailing and hang gliding.We would have played a round of golf, but at $185.00 plus cart, plus clubs…we decided to pass! But it was good to see where the pros play.

Then we went to the ocean where we got to see the seals up close and personal.

For supper we had…surprise…Mexican food!

Safari Park

2011-05-24T15:25:00.001-04:00

On of the days in the San Diego area found us at the wild animal park which is part of the San Diego Zoo. We got to see the gorilla handlers put out greens and treats for the gorillas before they were let out into their yard. We took the first tram of the morning to see the non-predator animals living in a free range environment that mimics their native habitat.This is a white rhino and he is one of only 7 remaining in the world and all of them are in captivity. They are past the age of reproduction so there will be no more and they will become extinct.One leg or two?…

Mike dabbled in the art of bonsai for a while so he really enjoyed seeing what others had done with their trees.

We had the chance to have a couple of “encounters with an animal” where we got to see a cheetah was walked around and it came right up to us. The golden eagle was another fascinating opportunity to learn amazing facts about the gorgeous animal.

More shots of some of the animals we had the chance to see while we were there.

We ate a delicious supper of steak and baked potatoes before heading back to the condo.

We stopped at a farmer’s market that had more “stuff” and less produce than we were expecting. But we did get some peach cobbler that we had for dessert.

Sunday

2011-05-22T23:20:00.001-04:00

When Sunday rolled around, we spent it doing what we do most Sunday mornings…we went to church and then out to eat!

We worshiped at Bethel Baptist Church in Escondido and took part in the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper.

We then went to Mama Kat’s. It was a very popular place…we had to wait 30 minutes!By the time we were seated and had to wait for our food, we were hungry! A picture of the food was not on our minds! This WAS pancakes, scrambled eggs and bacon.On our way home, we stopped at a farmer’s market and got some avocados and tomatoes…we enjoyed them just about every evening that we were here.While we were at Mama Kat’s we got pieces of pie to go and ate them for our afternoon snack!

Our walk was certainly needed today!

Continuation…

2011-05-22T11:42:00.001-04:00

We got off of the trolley for a stop in Old Town and since it was lunchtime, we checked out a few of the places to eat along the way. This particular one caught our eye. The ladies making the tortillas was the part that really drew us in to eat!

Our food was delicious…Now it was time to see what Old Town was all about.Mike was learning something!We took a walking tour with an interpreter in period clothing.

This is a 100+ year old prickly pear cactus! It was huge and the stems were now woody because it was so old.More interesting sights…

Another Day in S. CA

2011-05-21T23:30:00.001-04:00

We started the day by taking a trolley tour of the city. We got an overview of San Diego and were able to get off and on and we had some great guides.

Here are some sights along the way…

Sunny California

2011-05-21T10:22:00.002-04:00

Recently we went to the San Diego area for a few days of R&R but for us we seem to stay on the go a lot!

We landed and quickly found something to eat in Old Town…

The enchiladas and tamales were delicious as well as the rolled tacos that we had for an appetizer, but ate them before we thought about a picture!

There were strolling mariachi players who added to the ambiance of the restaurant.

We walked around some and decided that we would come back another day so we could take a walking tour of the area that is known as the “birthplace of California”.

We were able to check into our condo that was to be our home away from home. A great view from the balcony…

Happy Day

2011-05-18T08:19:00.005-04:00

Today is Karen's birthday and it is also Karen and Mack's 15th wedding anniversary.

Here are a couple of pictures from "back in the day"!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-04T07:30:00.004-04:00

Tornado Damage

2011-04-29T06:56:00.009-04:00

Here are some pictures that we took of the damage and destruction of the 5 tornadoes that came through our county on Wednesday. A total of 9 people were killed, including a 3 month old. Such devastation. Please pray for all of those people who are effected as well as those who are helping out.

We now have power but the telephone and Internet are sporadic...sorry it's taken so long to get this post up. This was a 2-story house!

Easter pictures

2011-04-25T21:09:00.005-04:00

Here are Easter pictures of Kelly, Jon, Payne and Jackson and...

Karen, Mack, Rheagan and Tripp.

Easter 2011

2011-04-24T10:44:00.005-04:00

HE IS RISEN!!!

We had a beautiful sunrise service this morning but had to wait for the sun to be up and the service over before any of the pictures would show up.

But I "borrowed" one from one that had been posted on facebook...thanks, Jake.

HAPPY EASTER

Heading Home

2011-04-23T21:56:00.001-04:00

As we were winding up our stay in Texas, we had to eat more Mexican food as well as make a stop by Whataburger!

As we came into LA we saw these banners and realized that every town has to be famous for something!

In Vicksburg we made a stop at the Battlefield and saw the Cairo…a Civil War Union vessel that the Confederates sank in 1862. It was raised during the 1990s and is an interesting site to visit. The National Cemetery is always a solemn place to reflect on our history.

We normally take pictures at the Texas monument but since we were headed back to Tennessee, we opted for this monument.In Pearl, MS we drove by the stadium of the Mississippi Braves.

The sweet spring smells were wonderful along the way and were produced by some of these type of flowers.

San Jacinto Day

2011-04-21T10:17:00.004-04:00

Aggies gathered together on June 26, 1883 to live over again their college days, the victories and defeats won and lost upon the drill field and classroom. Eventually the annual gathering evolved into a celebration of Texas Independence on San Jacinto Day – April 21st. Over time the gathering was named "Muster" and even though the tradition has changed, but its very essence has remained “If there is an A&M man in one hundred miles of you, you are expected to get together, eat a little, and live over the days you spent at the A&M College of Texas.”

We will be attending the Muster tonight and enjoy eating, listening to a speaker and fellowshiping with Aggies and their friends.

More Meanderings

2011-04-20T23:01:00.001-04:00

We continue to meander around the country. This was a great place to stop…they had everything…and more!!

We were able to buy my brother a new car…at least it’s new to him! But driving in Houston rush hour traffic was maddening.

We had the opportunity to have supper with dear friends…it’s always good to catch up!

Monday Meanderings a Day Late!

2011-04-19T11:29:00.001-04:00

We have been on the road lately and here are some shots of our fun times.

Flowers and Food…

Where were you when JFK was killed?

A time in FBC Dallas sanctuary…

Cousins…

Baylor’s interstate church…

Future major leaguer…

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-06T11:34:00.002-04:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-23T15:12:00.005-04:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-02T10:38:00.003-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-23T06:51:00.004-05:00

Pictures

2011-02-22T13:23:00.005-05:00

Here are some pictures from my stay in Texas after Jackson had his surgery. You can read the blog logs fromlast week and see the pictures here. A more knowledgable techy could combine them, but that's not me!!When I saw him Sunday for the first time...asleep.Feeling better by Tuesday...

Bandages removed on Wednesday...

Had a shower and washed hair before some visitors came...

Biding time Thursday before the next surgery...

Gown on but time to pet the dog!

Talking to Dad...

Out of surgery...

Getting some homework done...

One set of staples...another in the back of his head.

A few more pictures by Mom...

and finally time to go home!!

Home

2011-02-18T12:54:00.001-05:00

Jackson was dismissed from the hospital today with no shunt In his head!

Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers during this past week.

I will be posting pictures when I get back home.

Update

2011-02-17T22:28:00.003-05:00

Today he had surgery to remove the needle that was in his shunt in his head and an opening was made below his breast bone so the surgeon could remove the tubing that carried the fluid from his head to his stomach when he had the shunt.

The main problem he had today was the inability to eat! Now he hasn't wanted to eat all week but today,since he couldn't eat, he was starving! That combined with the apprehension of the surgery caused a headache. He went In after to lunch, the surgery took about 45 minute and after he got out of recovery, he was ready to eat and crack jokes!

He had a good early supper and ate again later as well. The doctor said he could go home tomorrow and I think that we are all ready.

Progress

2011-02-16T22:25:00.002-05:00

Today saw Jackson playing cards, watching a couple of movies and getting his bandages taken off his head! The bath that came next put him in an even better mood. I am not able to download pictures so you will have to wait until next week to see him in various stages of his progress.

Payne showed Jackson's York pig today in San Antonio and came in 3rd place! He will now go to the sale on Friday. He will show his Cross tomorrow.

Update

2011-02-15T22:15:00.002-05:00

Jackson had a very good day today. He didn't have any headaches and his surgeon said that it looked like he was "home free". He will have another day of being monitored and then on Thursday he will have surgery to remove the shunt from his head and the tubing that is in his body. Then he should be home this weekend!

Today he had that sparkle back in his eyes this morning when I got to the hospital. We played Uno, Monopoly, made Lego "things" and took walks around the halls. He listened to his Ipod, watched a movie and took a nap after lunch. Many visitors came to see him and brought food, sweatshirts, toys and balloons...a much-loved boy!

His Dad and brother have gone to San Antonio to show pigs on Wed. And Thurs. Life goes on in spite of someone being in the hospital and we're so thankful that Jack is doing well enough for them to go.

Jackson

2011-02-14T08:03:00.001-05:00

Our 11 year old grandson had emergency surgery and you can learn more by going to his mother's blog at Farm Fresh link on the right side. He is still having sone headaches as his head adjusts to the new pressure. He is tough little boy and my new hero!

While he is in the hospital, his big bro,P, was is San Antonio catching a calf in the calf scramble...24 kids and 10 calves! What a catch!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-09T15:55:00.000-05:00

Three Words

2011-02-04T14:22:00.005-05:00

THEY ARE CHAMPIONS!!!

The Stuart Lady Bulldogs are the champions of the 4th/5th grade elementary tournament as well as the regular season.

Way to go girls and a special shout-out to R!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-02T14:12:00.001-05:00

Day 10

2011-01-19T11:48:00.002-05:00

It is day 10 of the snow and we still have some remains in our yard. This is even after having rain all day yesterday! but it is still January, so we can't expect Spring to be too near!

Thursday

2011-01-13T20:39:00.001-05:00

Still no school and icey roads abound. But we were able to get out today and go to the movies.

Semi-Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-12T13:51:00.002-05:00

Since we are still "stuck" in the house, we decided to get some exercise! Mike won 2 our of the 3 games, but I had a record score on my win and also had a "6-pack"!!

2nd Snow Day

2011-01-11T19:14:00.006-05:00

The country mice were able to get out and come to see the city mice today!

T and R went sledding in our neighborhood and had a great time.

Schools are out again tomorrow. It is supposed to get down to 19 tonight and not get above freezing until Friday afternoon! The schools may never open again!!

Mike and I got out to go to the Post Office after lunch to mail the New Year's cards!! The main roads have been cleared but the side roads are still just slush that will freeze tonight and stay that way. We could not get back up our hill, so the van is sitting at the bottom of the hill. Mack was our hero and our taxi and came and took us up the hill! I guess we can walk down and use the van...we just won't be able to get back up the hill anytime soon!!

Snowy Monday

2011-01-10T17:35:00.004-05:00

We woke up to about 8" of snow this morning.A beautiful spot of color in the trees. Looking down the street.

We did not get out today and probably won't again tomorrow. Schools are cancelled for tomorrow...not sure about Wednesday. This snow was drier than the one we had at Christmas and was not as conducive for making snowmen. The snow didn't stick on the tree limbs and give a Christmas card picture, but it was still very pretty. We didn't have much more snow during the day but it still never got above freezing.

Friday

2011-01-08T10:43:00.004-05:00

We packed up and headed back to "reality" and stopped along the way for a "bite" to eat!! Had a great week away and glad you could join us along the way!

Thursday

2011-01-06T20:55:00.004-05:00

This morning we had a breakfast of bacon, sausage, pancakes and scrambled eggs in the condo before we finished our Scavenger Hunt in Sea Pines. It was a bike and camera event that we have been working on all week. We turned our cameras in and got a tote bag and a photo album for our efforts!

We then went on a 2 1/2 hour bike ride on the beach, through the Forest Preserve...

and to a cemetery before back to the condo. We rode about 8 1/2 miles...a great way to exercise.

We snacked for lunch, rested and met some local friends for supper at Captain Woody's and had more delicious seafood.

Wednesday

2011-01-05T21:31:00.005-05:00

This morning we worked on a scavenger hunt at Harbour Town.

This afternoon, we went to the outlet mall and a couple of stores in the Mall at Shelter Cove since it was raining and we couldn't ride bikes.

We had supper tonight at The Sea Shack again.

The food was again wonderful!

Tuesday

2011-01-04T19:38:00.005-05:00

We finished the jigsaw puzzle and were pleased with how it turned out. I feel certain that we would make it again.

Mike and I played golf today and had a good time.

A unique resturant but it has...
Delicious food...

Monday

2011-01-03T19:12:00.005-05:00

Today was a fairly slow day and that was just fine!!

Mike and I went to a golf clinic today and hopefully learned something about swing fundamentals.

Then we all went for a bike ride.
We rode on the beach and will certainly do that again.

For supper we went to Crazy Crab and had a delicious meal.

Back to the condo for football, computers, working on the jigsaw puzzle and enjoying the fire in the fireplace.

Sunday

2011-01-02T18:54:00.004-05:00

This morning we attended First Presbyterian Church and had a wonderful service with singing, a good message and communion.

Then we had lunch at Skillets.

After stopping at the grocery store, we came back to the condo and then went for an hour and half bike ride. This is always such a fun activity to do in Sea Pines.

The rest of the day and evening was spent watching football, working on the puzzle, and snacking for supper.