Tuesday (5/15) was a day on the road. It was a travel day. We packed up our "little spare dog" aka Blackie and headed for Winchester VA. We actually got out of Knoxville at the time we planned! The weather was lovely. Since we had made basically the same trip 3 weeks ago when we went to Culpeper, I decided I really didn't have to pay attention to the scenery and did several crossword puzzles. I actually did look around quite a bit, I am not a total loser. Everything was so brillantly green, so it wasn't exactly like 3 weeks ago when it had not greened up yet.
The dog was pretty good, once he figured out it was a long ride. Of course he had to christen the trip by throwing up his breakfast. We trashed a sheet and a blanket, but got it all cleaned up. Lesson learned - do not feed dog breakfast before leaving on trip.
We did meet Cindy in Christiansburg for lunch. It was nice to see her and she is looking good. We are thankful her heart scare was just that - a scare and everything is fine. We ate and visited for about an hour.
The rest of the trip was without incident until within 1 mile of our exit at Winchester. There was an accident somewhere up ahead and it took us over 30 minutes to make that last mile. The dog got a little restless, but then we did also. We were glad to have found a Best Western that takes pets. The room was nice and there was a nice area for walking dogs.
Wednesday morning we were on the way to Wilmington DE by 9am and planned to get there around 1pm. Didn't happen.
When we realized were were going right by Harpers Ferry National Park, we decided we simply could not do that - we must stop! It is a very interesting place. Guess all we really learned in history class was about John Brown's raid, but Harpers Ferry was a very important place even before the War Between the States. It is at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers. There were 2 armory building there. There was a shipping canal and the railroad went thru. You know me, I could go on and on. I will try to post some photos. It is definitely a place we want to return to. We did not have near enough time to walk around and get the complete history. It is a beautiful place.
We actually did get to Wilmington by 1:40. We had directions to Kim's (Apryl's friend) place and it was easy to find. But we were glad she was waiting on the porch since it made it easier for us. We announce the arrival of her "doggie delivery service". Blackie took right up with Kim. Of course he was pretty courious about the whole place. I really think he was glad to see a real yard. Kim was happy that he was so sweet and friendly. Of course we knew that and had no real doubts. But dogs, like children, can make a liar out of you in a heartbeat! She could hardly wait forher girls to see him. They didn't even know he was coming so it was to be a complete surprise to them. I know he is basking in unending attention! We stayed about 20 minutes and then were on the road again.
Now let me back up a bit here. On Monday, I called Lance and Norma Braun (Apryl's in-laws) about maybe having dinner together on Tuesday night because Winchester is only about 30 or 40 minutes from Woodstock (unless, of course, it takes that long just to go the last mile!). As it turned out, they were leaving Tues. morning for Ocean City MD for 2 or 3 days R&R. Lance called us Wed. morning to let us know where they were staying in Ocean City. So, we called and got reservations at the same hotel. And canceled the ones we had at Exmore, VA.
We got into Ocean City about 5pm and Lance and Norma were waiting on us (I had called when we were about 10 miles out). We checked in, freshened up and headed out to dinner. They had already gotten recommendations of good places to eat over at the harbor. We had a wonderful meal and visit. We got all caught up on everyone's news. We went back to the boardwalk - our hotel was right on the boardwalk - and strolled about for a while. About 9pm, we were all tired so went to our rooms. Our plan was to get up early and see the parade of cars. It turns out there is a hot rod assocation gathering there that started today. Actually, there were hot rods, classic restored cars and just-for-fun cars. I don't think there was a car newer than early 1980"s. Anyone reading this knows that Don was in heaven on earth. I will tell you more about that tomorrow, but now I am going to bed.
Much love and God Bless you all.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Baby Ethan
Ethan Powell was diagnosed with Leukemia in Feb when he was 2 mouths old. Flown to St. Judes in Memphis he was given about 72 hrs to live. Now at 5 months old, he has had some setbacks but is mostly doing good. They are still being very cautious and only giving him a 15% chance of survival.
Read the blog and see what God has done.
Lots and lots of prayers going up for him. Won't you join in?
www.ethanpowell.com
God bless
Read the blog and see what God has done.
Lots and lots of prayers going up for him. Won't you join in?
www.ethanpowell.com
God bless
Nice Weekend
We even got some rain. We also got thunder which Nick did not like very much. At least he stayed in the room with us instead of hiding in the bathroom! Today he is out laying in the sunshine. You would think a black dog would not want to stay long, but Nick doesn't think that.
Friday I worked the gift shop again (sorry, no more wierd stuff). Brenda and I went to lunch and then worked the day together. I don't know where Nita was at lunch; I guess I just forgot she would not be there this week.
Don't you feel sorry for men sometimes.? There were several in the gift shop Friday. Once they picked out a card, they were wondering around with that lost look on their face. "What is here that she would like?" Guess we need to be better about telling them at least what we don't want! There were plenty of women doing the last minute shopping also; but they did better at making up their minds quickly (actually I think most of them had been in several times and already knew what was there). We had some really good sales. I'll bet the shop was busy Saturday also!
Saturday we went to a graduation party. How could Kelsey be old enough to finish high school? Just the other week she was in grade school and Don was calling her "trouble". We are so proud of the wonderful Christian young lady she has become. She will be going to David Lipscomb college in the fall.
Today is Mother's Day and to all of you reading this (if anyone), I hope yours is great.
As usual we went to early services and Bible class. Carlus gave a warm, fuzzy sermon about moms and their influence. Apryl had made reservations for us at Connors restaurant, so we met at her house and went to lunch. Boy, am I glad we had reservations! We got right in. At noon the wait for those without reservations was an hour. Ouch. She also gave me some comfy slippers from Bath and Body works. So soft!!
Sheila and family sent a beautiful bouquet of roses. I talked to her and to Mary, but haven't gotten hold of Michelle yet. Michelle had her dance show this weekend, so she has been doing double duty with rehearsal and classes.
We expect to meet with Beverly and family to take Mrs. Chandler to dinner tonight. One of the few times we all get together. we always have a good time.
That's about it for now. Tomorrow is work again, while Don mows yards and packs the car. We are looking forward to the trip. I hope I have some good stuff for you.
God Bless
Friday I worked the gift shop again (sorry, no more wierd stuff). Brenda and I went to lunch and then worked the day together. I don't know where Nita was at lunch; I guess I just forgot she would not be there this week.
Don't you feel sorry for men sometimes.? There were several in the gift shop Friday. Once they picked out a card, they were wondering around with that lost look on their face. "What is here that she would like?" Guess we need to be better about telling them at least what we don't want! There were plenty of women doing the last minute shopping also; but they did better at making up their minds quickly (actually I think most of them had been in several times and already knew what was there). We had some really good sales. I'll bet the shop was busy Saturday also!
Saturday we went to a graduation party. How could Kelsey be old enough to finish high school? Just the other week she was in grade school and Don was calling her "trouble". We are so proud of the wonderful Christian young lady she has become. She will be going to David Lipscomb college in the fall.
Today is Mother's Day and to all of you reading this (if anyone), I hope yours is great.
As usual we went to early services and Bible class. Carlus gave a warm, fuzzy sermon about moms and their influence. Apryl had made reservations for us at Connors restaurant, so we met at her house and went to lunch. Boy, am I glad we had reservations! We got right in. At noon the wait for those without reservations was an hour. Ouch. She also gave me some comfy slippers from Bath and Body works. So soft!!
Sheila and family sent a beautiful bouquet of roses. I talked to her and to Mary, but haven't gotten hold of Michelle yet. Michelle had her dance show this weekend, so she has been doing double duty with rehearsal and classes.
We expect to meet with Beverly and family to take Mrs. Chandler to dinner tonight. One of the few times we all get together. we always have a good time.
That's about it for now. Tomorrow is work again, while Don mows yards and packs the car. We are looking forward to the trip. I hope I have some good stuff for you.
God Bless
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Not Traveling
I know it is fuzzy, but catch this bird feeder!
It has been a fairly busy week.
Monday, I had 2 appointments at UT Med Center. The fun one was the mammogram - doesn't anyone who has ever had one agree with that? Really tho, it is so much better than it used to be. With the new equipment they don't mash you until you cry or squeal. Also they have cookies for you - chocolate chip cookies! See, we never grow up.
Then I went to the rhematologist so they could check my knee after I had the shots in January. That is going fine. No more constant pain. However, the other knee has a "baker's cyst" and that has been causing me pain when I try and straighten it. So I got a shot.
Well, I needed more reward after this, so I met Brenda for lunch.
Tuesday i was supposed to work, but Glyn called at 8:30 to say he had been called out of town so I didn't need to go in. Break my heart.
Wednesday was pretty normal. Lunch with Brenda, afternoon at ETCH Gift Shop, evening at Bible study. Pretty good class even tho our numbers are down right now. It was good to have our Korean friend, Eugene, in class with us.
I did work this morning. Got quick instructions from Glyn and Lynda and was left on my own. I think I got everything complete before Don called and I went with him to the financial advisor.
Somewhere along this week Nick caught a claw in the rug and ripped it. He has been in pain and been restless and clingy. Finally he went to the vet today and they had to sedate him and cut the claw (and his other "talons"). Suppose we have been remiss in keeping the trimmed? He is home and still sleepy, but feeling oh, so much better.
Monday, I had 2 appointments at UT Med Center. The fun one was the mammogram - doesn't anyone who has ever had one agree with that? Really tho, it is so much better than it used to be. With the new equipment they don't mash you until you cry or squeal. Also they have cookies for you - chocolate chip cookies! See, we never grow up.
Then I went to the rhematologist so they could check my knee after I had the shots in January. That is going fine. No more constant pain. However, the other knee has a "baker's cyst" and that has been causing me pain when I try and straighten it. So I got a shot.
Well, I needed more reward after this, so I met Brenda for lunch.
Tuesday i was supposed to work, but Glyn called at 8:30 to say he had been called out of town so I didn't need to go in. Break my heart.
Wednesday was pretty normal. Lunch with Brenda, afternoon at ETCH Gift Shop, evening at Bible study. Pretty good class even tho our numbers are down right now. It was good to have our Korean friend, Eugene, in class with us.
I did work this morning. Got quick instructions from Glyn and Lynda and was left on my own. I think I got everything complete before Don called and I went with him to the financial advisor.
Somewhere along this week Nick caught a claw in the rug and ripped it. He has been in pain and been restless and clingy. Finally he went to the vet today and they had to sedate him and cut the claw (and his other "talons"). Suppose we have been remiss in keeping the trimmed? He is home and still sleepy, but feeling oh, so much better.
that about does it. Guess we will be getting ready for our trip. Poor Nick will be nervous again. he doesn't like things disrupted. But he will be happy at Grandmother's.
Love and God Bless
Monday, May 7, 2007
What a great weekend!
May 7, 2007
This was our weekend to go to Nashville, TN, for our train excursion to Cookeville, TN. we bought these tickets last December and have been looking forward to it.
Doug and Glo Woodall, friends from church, picked us up around 11:30a on Friday, 5/4. They have a very comfortable van. We made it all the way to Crossville before stopping for lunch - at Cracker Barrel, of course.
Our next stop was in Lebanon, TN. I asked for the stop so we could go to JADE Bookstore, a Christian bookstore, owned by my on-line friend Janice Horne. It was wonderful to finally meet her! We have chatted for a couple of years and I have ordered things from the bookstore. We talked a fair amount of time, and we all bought some books. Our little group had to move on to get to the Hermitage. Most of you probably know that is the ancestral home of President Andrew Jackson.
We got to the Hermitage around 4p. There was a misty rain, but we were ok with that. We toured the house, which is really quite spacious. However, 5 boys shared a bedroom while the 1 girl had her own room. The volunteers there seem to really enjoy their work. I did not realize that the Ladies Hermitage Association for the preservation of the plantation was formed before 1900. I think that is very forward thinking. They also gathered most of the original furnishings. For the majority, people that had bought the things donated them back. So the Hermitage has around 90% of the original furnishing.
We roamed around the outlying buildings. This is the rain storm came. It rained really hard, but not for long. Lucky for us we were right at one of the slave cabins and could step inside out of the rain. Doug and Glo had their rain jackets, but Don and I were not as prepared.
After the rain, we went to the garden and tomb. It is a very reflective place.
By leaving there close to 5:30p, we missed the worst of the rush hour traffic. We were staying in the Vanderbilt U area After settling in our rooms, we just walked down to Mrs. Winners Fried Chicken to eat. We were all hungry and the Mrs. Winners here in Knoxville closed years ago.
We were up early the next morning to be sure we a) got breakfast and b) had plenty of time to get to the train station. Both worked out well. We were in car 9400 which was built in the 1950's. It is the dome car, but we were not in the dome portion (we could see fine without spending the xtra $$$). In fact we could go up into the dome anytime we wanted to and look out the windows. The neat thing about the dome car is you can see the entire train from up there. Our car hosts - all volunteers - were lots of fun. The 2 couples across the aisle were from Ohio and enjoyed teasing about the "Southern Sunshine). As in it was cloudy and rainy all day.
We had left Nashville at 8a and arrived in Cookeville at 12:40p. They were having their Spring Railfest with food vendors and crafters, etc. around the depot.
We had until 1:45 to walk around and see the town. The first order of business was - you got it - Lunch! We passed on the food vendors in tents and found a restaurant. It was nice and the food was excellent. We left the restaurant together, but quickly migrated to men one way and women another.
As many times as we have been by Cookeville on the interstate, none of us had ever gone to the historic part in downtown. They have done a good job restoring the depot and making it a museum. Nearly all the shops on the main street seem to be flourishing. Glo and I went into a used book shop and I didn't buy anything - believe it or not. Actually I didn't have much time to look as they were burning incense and I just couldn't take it. Then we went to a "boutique mall". Meaning lots of small cubicles owned by various sellers with a central checkout. Some interesting things, but my pocketbook wasn't interested. Besides we are trying deperately to de-clutter the house. We walked around and visited the vendors on the depot grounds and back to the train.
We left Cookeville at 2:00p and arrived in Nashville at 5:40p. On the return trip is when we met Tommy Lee Jones - no. 2. His wife had told us he was there, so we complained when we hadn't met him. As you have guessed he is not the famous actor, but a volunteer on the RR. Believe it or not, he claims to have gone to school (I think thru HS) with the actor. That is why he is TLJ no. 2. Seems the actor was born 1 day before this guy so at school they were know as no.1 and no. 2. He was a lot of fun. His real job is as airport manager for the Nashville airport.
We went back to West End Ave. where the hotel is located and decided on a little more "upscale" dinner place. So we went to Logan's. It was fine.
Then we spent about an hour walking around the Vanderbilt campus. It is a lovely campus with lots of open spaces. We were at the main campus and most of the buildings there are old and lovely - well cared for.
Sunday morning was not such early rising. West End Church of Christ did not have services until 10:00a. It is a nice church building and the people were very friendly. I really liked their preacher as he had a timely message and was very energetic.
On the way to Nashville, we had spent the whole trip talking, but on the way home there was more quiet time. As in, nap time? We arrived home tired but having had a great relaxing weekend with another Christian couple.
Looking forward to another train trip in the fall.
Love to all -
This was our weekend to go to Nashville, TN, for our train excursion to Cookeville, TN. we bought these tickets last December and have been looking forward to it.
Doug and Glo Woodall, friends from church, picked us up around 11:30a on Friday, 5/4. They have a very comfortable van. We made it all the way to Crossville before stopping for lunch - at Cracker Barrel, of course.
Our next stop was in Lebanon, TN. I asked for the stop so we could go to JADE Bookstore, a Christian bookstore, owned by my on-line friend Janice Horne. It was wonderful to finally meet her! We have chatted for a couple of years and I have ordered things from the bookstore. We talked a fair amount of time, and we all bought some books. Our little group had to move on to get to the Hermitage. Most of you probably know that is the ancestral home of President Andrew Jackson.
We got to the Hermitage around 4p. There was a misty rain, but we were ok with that. We toured the house, which is really quite spacious. However, 5 boys shared a bedroom while the 1 girl had her own room. The volunteers there seem to really enjoy their work. I did not realize that the Ladies Hermitage Association for the preservation of the plantation was formed before 1900. I think that is very forward thinking. They also gathered most of the original furnishings. For the majority, people that had bought the things donated them back. So the Hermitage has around 90% of the original furnishing.
We roamed around the outlying buildings. This is the rain storm came. It rained really hard, but not for long. Lucky for us we were right at one of the slave cabins and could step inside out of the rain. Doug and Glo had their rain jackets, but Don and I were not as prepared.
After the rain, we went to the garden and tomb. It is a very reflective place.
By leaving there close to 5:30p, we missed the worst of the rush hour traffic. We were staying in the Vanderbilt U area After settling in our rooms, we just walked down to Mrs. Winners Fried Chicken to eat. We were all hungry and the Mrs. Winners here in Knoxville closed years ago.
We were up early the next morning to be sure we a) got breakfast and b) had plenty of time to get to the train station. Both worked out well. We were in car 9400 which was built in the 1950's. It is the dome car, but we were not in the dome portion (we could see fine without spending the xtra $$$). In fact we could go up into the dome anytime we wanted to and look out the windows. The neat thing about the dome car is you can see the entire train from up there. Our car hosts - all volunteers - were lots of fun. The 2 couples across the aisle were from Ohio and enjoyed teasing about the "Southern Sunshine). As in it was cloudy and rainy all day.
We had left Nashville at 8a and arrived in Cookeville at 12:40p. They were having their Spring Railfest with food vendors and crafters, etc. around the depot.
We had until 1:45 to walk around and see the town. The first order of business was - you got it - Lunch! We passed on the food vendors in tents and found a restaurant. It was nice and the food was excellent. We left the restaurant together, but quickly migrated to men one way and women another.
As many times as we have been by Cookeville on the interstate, none of us had ever gone to the historic part in downtown. They have done a good job restoring the depot and making it a museum. Nearly all the shops on the main street seem to be flourishing. Glo and I went into a used book shop and I didn't buy anything - believe it or not. Actually I didn't have much time to look as they were burning incense and I just couldn't take it. Then we went to a "boutique mall". Meaning lots of small cubicles owned by various sellers with a central checkout. Some interesting things, but my pocketbook wasn't interested. Besides we are trying deperately to de-clutter the house. We walked around and visited the vendors on the depot grounds and back to the train.
We left Cookeville at 2:00p and arrived in Nashville at 5:40p. On the return trip is when we met Tommy Lee Jones - no. 2. His wife had told us he was there, so we complained when we hadn't met him. As you have guessed he is not the famous actor, but a volunteer on the RR. Believe it or not, he claims to have gone to school (I think thru HS) with the actor. That is why he is TLJ no. 2. Seems the actor was born 1 day before this guy so at school they were know as no.1 and no. 2. He was a lot of fun. His real job is as airport manager for the Nashville airport.
We went back to West End Ave. where the hotel is located and decided on a little more "upscale" dinner place. So we went to Logan's. It was fine.
Then we spent about an hour walking around the Vanderbilt campus. It is a lovely campus with lots of open spaces. We were at the main campus and most of the buildings there are old and lovely - well cared for.
Sunday morning was not such early rising. West End Church of Christ did not have services until 10:00a. It is a nice church building and the people were very friendly. I really liked their preacher as he had a timely message and was very energetic.
On the way to Nashville, we had spent the whole trip talking, but on the way home there was more quiet time. As in, nap time? We arrived home tired but having had a great relaxing weekend with another Christian couple.
Looking forward to another train trip in the fall.
Love to all -
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Friday, May 4, 2007
More Sunday and Beyond.
April 21 - 22:
We left Spotsylvania, but did not have time to go to The Wilderness. Save that for another day. On our way back we stopped at the Old Salem Church. There was also a battle there, just moments from our motel. Since the motel wasn't there in 1864, the church was used as a hospital. I wish we could have gone inside, but it was not open. Don did get some pictures thru the windows. Then we were done from the day. it was a good day and we were tired. After dinner at a quaint little place next to the hotel. (Waffle House), we just went to the room and rested before going to bed. (Don't you ever do that?)
Monday morning early, but still not dawn, we headed to Culpeper. There we met Leslie, Josh and Mrs Chandler. After we loaded up 2 of the 3, we headed to Blacksburg. After getting the greetings and some conversation over, Josh was asleep. Ok by me, that way I could sleep a little also. In fact, I read, did crossword puzzles, and napped the whole way home.
We took Josh to his apartment in Blacksburg, which sent us thru the Virginia Tech campus. It is a beautiful campus. This was the first day back at classes and the campus was still kind of quiet. There was still plenty of media there. They pretty much filled up the area around the admin offices. Turn it loose fellas, it is over. Allow people to recover and live again. End of soapbox.
That's about it folks. We got home all safe and sound and the dogs were glad to come home. They are well treated at the kennel, but they like home and their pet humans.
Love to all, Don & Pat
We left Spotsylvania, but did not have time to go to The Wilderness. Save that for another day. On our way back we stopped at the Old Salem Church. There was also a battle there, just moments from our motel. Since the motel wasn't there in 1864, the church was used as a hospital. I wish we could have gone inside, but it was not open. Don did get some pictures thru the windows. Then we were done from the day. it was a good day and we were tired. After dinner at a quaint little place next to the hotel. (Waffle House), we just went to the room and rested before going to bed. (Don't you ever do that?)
Monday morning early, but still not dawn, we headed to Culpeper. There we met Leslie, Josh and Mrs Chandler. After we loaded up 2 of the 3, we headed to Blacksburg. After getting the greetings and some conversation over, Josh was asleep. Ok by me, that way I could sleep a little also. In fact, I read, did crossword puzzles, and napped the whole way home.
We took Josh to his apartment in Blacksburg, which sent us thru the Virginia Tech campus. It is a beautiful campus. This was the first day back at classes and the campus was still kind of quiet. There was still plenty of media there. They pretty much filled up the area around the admin offices. Turn it loose fellas, it is over. Allow people to recover and live again. End of soapbox.
That's about it folks. We got home all safe and sound and the dogs were glad to come home. They are well treated at the kennel, but they like home and their pet humans.
Love to all, Don & Pat
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