tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259607252024-03-07T18:22:08.230-08:00Heidi's MomI used to believe my father about everything, but then I had children myself and now I see how much stuff you make up just to keep yourself from going crazy ~ Brian AndreasUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger187125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25960725.post-3851451554848650762010-01-22T17:46:00.000-08:002010-01-22T17:50:58.237-08:00Aiden Lukas ~ My new grandson!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6tlFNPrgINdcOOzVB8GJN-dhuuGzJVnfSjKz3_AiFqxBEaBsD8ZouE3urf902MMlq5IVuMwwZR9A0dtJLMKCLD4_gFlrAeYfFxWT_CLCZnXEhX8jXnbU0jJl4KIcArUu6wHT/s1600-h/worried.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6tlFNPrgINdcOOzVB8GJN-dhuuGzJVnfSjKz3_AiFqxBEaBsD8ZouE3urf902MMlq5IVuMwwZR9A0dtJLMKCLD4_gFlrAeYfFxWT_CLCZnXEhX8jXnbU0jJl4KIcArUu6wHT/s400/worried.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429746418063289602" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2H4u02q9FIdF28KtLLcdQtsgcD2Sk78rL5KVWmwaaixaHeTdk_ZUfd7AmxzYFMNKwb4XJMDj_-m6D1G189OoKI6k235SSgypI_NaIW5n8BiiWYSqxix_oRH3RWcgEUE9QDD9/s1600-h/rob+smile.jpg"><img style="display:block; 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margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFV6PKTqf3DRvL_uxmJejSlkaqnAfTdvISTVEvxsK-lRx_cTHiVqzcqZDDSA995NMH4skdl33T5rC0dNP1Pfum8DKT2zFHuloOvtwjQ_qlG4mQJbjH2gpDzx7bYNUxqzfmlA4/s400/angel.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429746399751026210" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQ2Cj3yCa-EzAJ_jta-lull1fUzvyD0C3ja20apru0ze04_jhyD055EkkGQKGT-V0wD2xIIDpoDmIGbhFkYKLq5N7iol3CSAB7lZ8EV968eS1RjCE0kfbhvpslrgdY9_m1jwI/s1600-h/aiden+small+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQ2Cj3yCa-EzAJ_jta-lull1fUzvyD0C3ja20apru0ze04_jhyD055EkkGQKGT-V0wD2xIIDpoDmIGbhFkYKLq5N7iol3CSAB7lZ8EV968eS1RjCE0kfbhvpslrgdY9_m1jwI/s400/aiden+small+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429746395607399394" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25960725.post-3679248154321220972009-05-12T16:14:00.000-07:002009-05-12T16:30:57.888-07:00Daron and Tony, Prom 2009<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr__YZldx6Nzvx3MIuh97HHTLmr1-bdzSjbD7gadVaEfR2PVQSgNrsEErhKPzBsvRBeg64LgS2eVnD6QkjrSZxiffy7OQLCGazCnnblQqFfkcQxBq2vx64BgPkZ0gheAgMqtxA/s1600-h/DSCF2008rev.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr__YZldx6Nzvx3MIuh97HHTLmr1-bdzSjbD7gadVaEfR2PVQSgNrsEErhKPzBsvRBeg64LgS2eVnD6QkjrSZxiffy7OQLCGazCnnblQqFfkcQxBq2vx64BgPkZ0gheAgMqtxA/s400/DSCF2008rev.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335080594181491506" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoriZVX0FdS-CnrAOOpiDwfGt7FzrKdyZBTEfmGCn9rOI_OGuqTEVM_tUTEx67nr6oNHFAc699h_ejlCRAY7zqPWNgnaNLdRiBNkk6iD3jb11xObL3YkFHeJmX8rk1I8ioW3_i/s1600-h/DSCF2009rev.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoriZVX0FdS-CnrAOOpiDwfGt7FzrKdyZBTEfmGCn9rOI_OGuqTEVM_tUTEx67nr6oNHFAc699h_ejlCRAY7zqPWNgnaNLdRiBNkk6iD3jb11xObL3YkFHeJmX8rk1I8ioW3_i/s400/DSCF2009rev.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335080593124522690" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHxIKzNPoOpRjE6-ktQmMe6Sv_N-m1HXnD06_0Bog_DNwpTD02X-UU31Re145IuQRtA1EXXBYQfGO84UOENX4DLhDwxfUHjKajidEqHgeRnkRuGqFxIc5Lu3XBl0pzofJF06a/s1600-h/DSCF2011rev.JPG"><img style="display:block; 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margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqj4sLTJ95RYiG0TLlXZnMTE55tDwVxooQBWeY-KN2THkSsDgbrD2vA4tqxsrxAcJtXm8QSVHPZKoXELKHMNbilG632Gia9tw-8HnptjqtkoMMczRL2YgMUh_ZsxDAsVyA7rT/s400/P1010358.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335081341728045122" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbbAs7jiks3JbNigrAKQaXwFxKY4QK3ULOvgeg_CovbovhFVkWFsmq24_Mk0khEVlo4uvc_6Oq6yBBzNxl3IMoafu1inhWgmD_Ay4UloDJ_Wd1BGGlMtAKoBXYnksKwbppFCd/s1600-h/P1010361.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 335px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbbAs7jiks3JbNigrAKQaXwFxKY4QK3ULOvgeg_CovbovhFVkWFsmq24_Mk0khEVlo4uvc_6Oq6yBBzNxl3IMoafu1inhWgmD_Ay4UloDJ_Wd1BGGlMtAKoBXYnksKwbppFCd/s400/P1010361.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335081340036459874" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRMtnzlDSkk-tDbxxn9YIZ5k48irY4K5QfiqjC5Q2OzpE8efN7ItZX8iKOlbLr_KSYC0EMm6tOWuc5BN6s_AilxyKkFL9M4s_7FFsKRpBwhvUNhGXgRQF6SNlY44RuKm48xyl/s1600-h/inside+the+vette.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRMtnzlDSkk-tDbxxn9YIZ5k48irY4K5QfiqjC5Q2OzpE8efN7ItZX8iKOlbLr_KSYC0EMm6tOWuc5BN6s_AilxyKkFL9M4s_7FFsKRpBwhvUNhGXgRQF6SNlY44RuKm48xyl/s400/inside+the+vette.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335081344349209202" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25960725.post-51147173617552146462009-02-25T07:35:00.001-08:002009-02-25T07:35:22.326-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBUKB431_KToL80S-9sJFOTX0Og-hXedoa9iIisl1BHnkeAiDORNakgk02cYArWbPGieze74cY5ms1eqz555MH0W8_kUUjXnX1uE1QV5R6NGxb8mqBmJNUpV0QdtV4pxnHojBGiA/s1600-h/02180016.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBUKB431_KToL80S-9sJFOTX0Og-hXedoa9iIisl1BHnkeAiDORNakgk02cYArWbPGieze74cY5ms1eqz555MH0W8_kUUjXnX1uE1QV5R6NGxb8mqBmJNUpV0QdtV4pxnHojBGiA/s400/02180016.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304216518405003010" /></a><br />"Today, we award only the second <a href="http://www.jeffersonawards.org/">Jefferson Award </a>ever presented from Astronaut High School. <br /><br />For those who have forgotten, the Jefferson Award is a very prestigious award for outstanding community service. Our second recipient is only a sophomore. This goes to show, you don’t have to wait to give back to your community. This person has contributed her time in many different areas. Whether cleaning up trash in our local parks or around town, stocking shelves of donated goods, planting trees or helping point people in the right direction, this person always wears a smile and enjoys giving back. In addition to giving back to the community, this person is a member of our SGA and also a member of our AHS varsity volleyball team. <br /><br />Ladies and Gentleman please welcome our second Jefferson Award winner, Daron Drylie.” <strong>Astronaut High School, SGA</strong><br /><br />(pictured: Eli Devoss, Daron Drylie, Brad Flack)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25960725.post-67368142131698322322008-06-20T19:58:00.000-07:002008-06-20T21:30:00.935-07:00<strong>Endless Summer: Part Two</strong>
<br /><strong>
<br /><em>Scully: "Doug? Lifeguard Doug? Oh I didn't recognize you without your beach."</em> ~ Beach Balls, 1988 </strong>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8quVeW2CuB0pL9w6dVzHIY1kN86hWH5JsKtLEJbtb96NVZWBEXoMvZO5VlWQv8yNfntUw8vR18AUx0lqNZNaMb1a2ltqVdSI_e1H_KNylV402OfhoIaideJJnQxOK2b8iwBM/s1600-h/DSCF0280.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8quVeW2CuB0pL9w6dVzHIY1kN86hWH5JsKtLEJbtb96NVZWBEXoMvZO5VlWQv8yNfntUw8vR18AUx0lqNZNaMb1a2ltqVdSI_e1H_KNylV402OfhoIaideJJnQxOK2b8iwBM/s400/DSCF0280.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214164843320188306" /></a><strong>Daron and her partner, Brandi, are enjoying playing beach volleyball this summer at Cocoa Beach Pier.</strong>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-fKYR8VOc9hkdbIjow5JZAEq4ZRMNDcT357PTktS-p61K3vd9vD_NO_ZvMDRBvrYHyyb9_5Ee9vqM0YK48PlINwrLLhKW9zoNWqeh5P908ey-G7Kpwu7Nfqt4Q7fW0dj4NbMs/s1600-h/beach+2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-fKYR8VOc9hkdbIjow5JZAEq4ZRMNDcT357PTktS-p61K3vd9vD_NO_ZvMDRBvrYHyyb9_5Ee9vqM0YK48PlINwrLLhKW9zoNWqeh5P908ey-G7Kpwu7Nfqt4Q7fW0dj4NbMs/s400/beach+2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214164840450459778" /></a>
<br /><strong>"Is this form good enough or what, Coach?"</strong>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgzgdo5qRvzWyhw3mMFjD2xWRhPYai9siV2PMvOcfBFa20oDQky1-7FPWdPLtLTUqTl5xZvoxuJfGPChxeB4J-EnncXxLo01Wrreaeyg7ZchMPso524KHmdGGq09gcP8A6e2q/s1600-h/DSCF0298.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgzgdo5qRvzWyhw3mMFjD2xWRhPYai9siV2PMvOcfBFa20oDQky1-7FPWdPLtLTUqTl5xZvoxuJfGPChxeB4J-EnncXxLo01Wrreaeyg7ZchMPso524KHmdGGq09gcP8A6e2q/s400/DSCF0298.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214166978079192626" /></a>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwzhDSUazCFDV7YOikSwDruBVSKRcs3UUAeLLslHnwucUGN5eGM74ps9gFE9cZdiBpJOxWF3_NPqPl6xE-tU37PtDzwHP_cZ25Qhy4uDrDSTSL8IlOr_7jngZ3sXuLl7zJxr5/s1600-h/DSCF0283rev.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwzhDSUazCFDV7YOikSwDruBVSKRcs3UUAeLLslHnwucUGN5eGM74ps9gFE9cZdiBpJOxWF3_NPqPl6xE-tU37PtDzwHP_cZ25Qhy4uDrDSTSL8IlOr_7jngZ3sXuLl7zJxr5/s400/DSCF0283rev.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214166972131320370" /></a>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVSH1NcGRfqSH1P9m1FP4N9Gjg2StZM8Uacr-0cVFWW8yjOumvW0ksfUkOpeZupFIkxIsO089cfSnzCKfTB1Gtm-v6lwwFBIi0Tv2gjVb-osGQkM4Dhv2zrwKTMRtoDfx4_25/s1600-h/DSCF0312.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVSH1NcGRfqSH1P9m1FP4N9Gjg2StZM8Uacr-0cVFWW8yjOumvW0ksfUkOpeZupFIkxIsO089cfSnzCKfTB1Gtm-v6lwwFBIi0Tv2gjVb-osGQkM4Dhv2zrwKTMRtoDfx4_25/s400/DSCF0312.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214172065864199202" /></a>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzGkdbTxKZyI2TrXbEKXppFwnEHvVFIT4fZpkpoPe-w35ifpapTl7bcPat1Zrry4x1Njl6HEBvPdOM-Tg-EIKNPPjV5dWGMdNmLS0QsSpHicPyjB_iNLljbWbK1zCMR6nQUcm/s1600-h/DSCF0313.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzGkdbTxKZyI2TrXbEKXppFwnEHvVFIT4fZpkpoPe-w35ifpapTl7bcPat1Zrry4x1Njl6HEBvPdOM-Tg-EIKNPPjV5dWGMdNmLS0QsSpHicPyjB_iNLljbWbK1zCMR6nQUcm/s400/DSCF0313.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214172080058283026" /></a
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<br /><strong>I don't know about you, but I'm intimidated!</strong>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25960725.post-45050864599592875032008-06-09T08:03:00.000-07:002008-06-09T08:29:46.574-07:00<strong>Endless Summer, Part One</strong><br /><br /><strong>“If you vote for me, it will be summer all year round.” <em>Napoleon Dynamite, 2004</em></strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOpMRPWOcxgzH5bG1yrvM5FEZjX_ywjD9uWf_n0VU04jrs40vGfJtjSXvgqoWMRTF_47FMSV4Q4lTr-hQnBRQwkJC7F4Zb3GUGv70ZiLB9o1eM3uQJ54sGFZ7qkvmK1iUTiEz/s1600-h/closer+walk.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOpMRPWOcxgzH5bG1yrvM5FEZjX_ywjD9uWf_n0VU04jrs40vGfJtjSXvgqoWMRTF_47FMSV4Q4lTr-hQnBRQwkJC7F4Zb3GUGv70ZiLB9o1eM3uQJ54sGFZ7qkvmK1iUTiEz/s400/closer+walk.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209898244661433362" /></a><br /><strong>A week at the beach to start the summer off right. Part of the group heads to the shore to watch the sun set and build a sand castle.</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAW4hzzIACveJTTlWQuU9LqPlRCjS8SPai8-AWJZnDUdwvIfr728YmvQwVe3czY5-5RzKZsnmakdELYFYSTtf7RR8R3hY4Hm7wL6Pz5lxLza1pi6QafzCgHhlzoapr9QUWLJxd/s1600-h/DSCF0194.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAW4hzzIACveJTTlWQuU9LqPlRCjS8SPai8-AWJZnDUdwvIfr728YmvQwVe3czY5-5RzKZsnmakdELYFYSTtf7RR8R3hY4Hm7wL6Pz5lxLza1pi6QafzCgHhlzoapr9QUWLJxd/s400/DSCF0194.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209899243281530738" /></a><br /><strong>The ladies do most of the work while the gentlemen look on, supervise and offer suggestions.</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaWLyKOXmGX-ltQ_fzoiXp0NFErqhKvznz8Bcy4F4fPZ1VQwXPsPsIff5KBLaLhDlP0VQW-6NNiUg6shmj_kH9bJCxRMRFf3fs6BEeM4VUydN9ASB93QES3fVXOe3EB9XKNG7/s1600-h/DSCF0201.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaWLyKOXmGX-ltQ_fzoiXp0NFErqhKvznz8Bcy4F4fPZ1VQwXPsPsIff5KBLaLhDlP0VQW-6NNiUg6shmj_kH9bJCxRMRFf3fs6BEeM4VUydN9ASB93QES3fVXOe3EB9XKNG7/s400/DSCF0201.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209899248688182354" /></a><br /><strong>A sea turtle, the gopher tortoises live near the condo.</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_IO264e5HDI1tK5GyT6aux1eonJaI1fculp3V9OKYWJnAIB9jvPzcIPGDjJkVfPmoOZxtSqoASy2qPgKMmW_DBHFGws60rHHL-H-pOsDAaegLt3tdcpnRL1_83T80R9MFsPl/s1600-h/DSCF0208.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_IO264e5HDI1tK5GyT6aux1eonJaI1fculp3V9OKYWJnAIB9jvPzcIPGDjJkVfPmoOZxtSqoASy2qPgKMmW_DBHFGws60rHHL-H-pOsDAaegLt3tdcpnRL1_83T80R9MFsPl/s400/DSCF0208.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209901151487510178" /></a><br /><strong>The New Jerusalem.</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiai4x08Q7i_1HWfSfMpysBrHk6_kY9zyAxxmKS7ZnZ20n_Op4IyllP0UMy8UGOymL0BGysVAr2nNR7lDmGtXNsO_9vWdnbfMnlM1sFqc2S_Iq0c4ufWx-TLAnvQjBmQk8mXzuC/s1600-h/DSCF0210.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiai4x08Q7i_1HWfSfMpysBrHk6_kY9zyAxxmKS7ZnZ20n_Op4IyllP0UMy8UGOymL0BGysVAr2nNR7lDmGtXNsO_9vWdnbfMnlM1sFqc2S_Iq0c4ufWx-TLAnvQjBmQk8mXzuC/s400/DSCF0210.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209899251914176482" /></a><br /><strong>Michael, Brittany, Marsh and Daron enjoy the sunset on Crescent Beach.</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5jO0zJEkyQ4J7EzMYPxR3ct2FwAYVjZEhqC22MqHV4B_BqiCLn6sZUHfoTAL0xFnuA1DzqsR32sWmlQsAMlL1q4403v0tkdBdGf5OM77A22daAC2cbTGPVw6rqzukQ0Z-Kek2/s1600-h/DSCF0215.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5jO0zJEkyQ4J7EzMYPxR3ct2FwAYVjZEhqC22MqHV4B_BqiCLn6sZUHfoTAL0xFnuA1DzqsR32sWmlQsAMlL1q4403v0tkdBdGf5OM77A22daAC2cbTGPVw6rqzukQ0Z-Kek2/s400/DSCF0215.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209899258908980034" /></a><br /><strong>Marsh</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YI8dsDTGpKnvU0_X7jD_65jS3YG3KqOw3O0bLTKkpiOhk3BFztWHIUZs4w1EceLvDkSEeF3nl_VEloNJ7HvO_d-uog51V14-zp0DqA565be4Yu0OJkh3o5vPUFjdiuZrIfQG/s1600-h/DSCF1241.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YI8dsDTGpKnvU0_X7jD_65jS3YG3KqOw3O0bLTKkpiOhk3BFztWHIUZs4w1EceLvDkSEeF3nl_VEloNJ7HvO_d-uog51V14-zp0DqA565be4Yu0OJkh3o5vPUFjdiuZrIfQG/s400/DSCF1241.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209899264250986610" /></a><br /><strong>Earlier in the week, Nathan proves he CAN fit into the baby seat of the grocery store shopping cart.</strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25960725.post-56785009173564182072008-05-25T14:23:00.000-07:002008-05-25T14:34:44.607-07:00Congratulations, Marsh ~ Class of 2008<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/eKEgyi2kOi8"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/eKEgyi2kOi8" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25960725.post-3310743427964277182008-04-11T10:23:00.000-07:002008-04-11T10:31:33.809-07:00</div><div></div><div></div><div>This news comes from Jim at the great blog <a href="http://thinking-right.com/">Thinking Right.</a></div><div></div><div>Surely we can each write a supportive email to these sailors and send them some great love from home!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1piOwNl-uWkjXjqholFFWGIdkDmxLka2q_izE7af-MDFYoqmFdN1xymIJvXUQdQg1OUFyqXLfeVEFcRiedIv31Gfz9QJUASEqdh8ydnLB9WUS6xiNkrHHCLm9CJGsqiF1E04/s1600-h/russell_1a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188025210564040226" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1piOwNl-uWkjXjqholFFWGIdkDmxLka2q_izE7af-MDFYoqmFdN1xymIJvXUQdQg1OUFyqXLfeVEFcRiedIv31Gfz9QJUASEqdh8ydnLB9WUS6xiNkrHHCLm9CJGsqiF1E04/s400/russell_1a.jpg" border="0" /></a><div>It’s time for a new Letters from Home project. This time I will be collecting letters for the Navy. I’ll be sending them off to the USS Russell — DDG-59. So, just like last time, please <a href="mailto:letters@thinking-right.com">send generalized supportive emails to me</a>, and I will make sure that they get to the men and women aboard the Russell. When you send your email, please be sure and put <span style="color:#ff0000;">“Letters from Home”</span> in the subject line. We’re aiming for about 250 emails, so I’m hoping to have them collected and packed up by the end of the month. As with last time, anything you all can do to help spread the word would be greatly appreciated.</div><div>
<br />By the way, <a title="Destroyermen" href="http://destroyermen.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">they have their own blog there on the Russell</a>. There’s some great writing going on there! Their crew gives you a good close look at life aboard a modern destroyer at war. </div><div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25960725.post-16001044189123248322008-03-31T09:07:00.000-07:002008-03-31T09:24:36.965-07:00<strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLypQVtP4TIDqGzg5XicLqrDBxjmNnFPjFZmi6qEPG0WA9pWE5n1WdgaIurBtboFB-JoCW9YmlIzyRNX9Mg8Bm3zQ4KCi6-m8crgwN_J5kZmedQAzdvOiuZx_Pj9b6h0nm9J7e/s1600-h/sandbox.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLypQVtP4TIDqGzg5XicLqrDBxjmNnFPjFZmi6qEPG0WA9pWE5n1WdgaIurBtboFB-JoCW9YmlIzyRNX9Mg8Bm3zQ4KCi6-m8crgwN_J5kZmedQAzdvOiuZx_Pj9b6h0nm9J7e/s400/sandbox.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183940176924809602" /></a>Back in late February, I received a note from Garry Trudeau thanking me and Heidi for our contribution to the new book, <em>The Sandbox</em>. Heidi and I didn't contribute much to the book, but we were happy for the shout out and the service patch is really nice. Mr. Trudeau's note came the same week as the one from the Prez, so it was a pretty good week, mail-wise.<br /><br />If you haven't ever dropped in at the SandBox, please do so and preferably when you have the time to read a few dozen of the blogs from soldiers stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. You can find the Sandbox <a href="http://gocomics.typepad.com/the_sandbox/">here</a>. It would be good for you.<br /><br />And check the <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/ucomicscom/detail/0740769456/103-5377292-0207036">book</a> out. You need a copy. Buy one for a friend.<br /><br />Here is my note back to Mr. Trudeau.<br /><br />March 31, 2008<br /><br />Dear Mr. Trudeau:<br /><br />It was with great excitement that I received your note of February 29th, thanking me for my contribution to <em>The Sandbox</em>. Heidi and I appreciate your kind note and the enclosed service patches. It was my honor and privilege to have but a small part in <em>The Sandbox </em>and to the blog I kept going while Heidi was deployed. <br /><br />You have long had a fan in me and now I add to this lifelong admiration, a sincere appreciation for what you have done and continue to do for our service personnel and their families. As I shared with David some time again, I have often felt alone with regards to my concern for our military, especially when my daughter was deployed, as no one about me has any connection whatsoever with the GWOT except to complain about “how long it is taking to bring it all to a conclusion”. My friends and acquaintances seem totally unaware that we, the families of the soldiers and the soldiers themselves, could not want a ‘conclusion’ any less than the rest of the citizens of this great country. Thank you for the part you play in not letting them forget.<br /><br />My daughter, Heidi, is now a sergeant and stationed at Ft. Jackson where she takes care of incoming soldiers and teaches classes to other soldiers in training there at Jackson. Not a day goes by that I don't thank God she is home safe. Her fiancé, Sgt. Rob Eshleman, is currently stationed in Baghdad after a 16 month tour in Afghanistan. We miss him very much. <br /><br />Life goes on and the war continues with no end in sight. Soldiers and civilians continue to die as we struggle to make sure no one forgets our armed forces, their families and their sacrifice. Thank you for your commitment to doing the same.<br /><br />Most sincerely,<br /><br />Heidi's Mom</strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25960725.post-3489294430530034212008-01-17T08:17:00.000-08:002008-01-17T09:53:35.246-08:00<strong>Hector</strong><br /><em>July 6, 2006 - January 15, 2008</em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDp9oQte3E_BMPYBFdFqB1_EnBsE0qI3x7bgW9QzCbK1hnRqFi6uc1oxaTyB1qg2t8A-LJ4E_cpRwmhXZXfV7ToD39eCp_b0uNuGkK0NnYKjOV9iA_ztBw1xPByfdNFAnerJ31/s1600-h/small+black+male+puppy.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDp9oQte3E_BMPYBFdFqB1_EnBsE0qI3x7bgW9QzCbK1hnRqFi6uc1oxaTyB1qg2t8A-LJ4E_cpRwmhXZXfV7ToD39eCp_b0uNuGkK0NnYKjOV9iA_ztBw1xPByfdNFAnerJ31/s400/small+black+male+puppy.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156484689229339234" /></a><br />"If I were only not his god."<br /><br /><a href="http://heidis-mom.blogspot.com/2006/07/louis-i-think-this-is-beginning-of.html">Abandoned at birth</a>, adopted by the world, missed by all ~ if only we had known that summer day, how much you would come to mean to us and how much we would miss you.<br /><br />Hector Drylie passed away on January 15, 2008. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyidhosxgfQznek1VyEhWkppKrppHkkyA7X7e1DeUV6uY2YzcyqbLyLG2ViNBJ65dejLP4BxwqVOVqlaeroIJFKCsbqZcOmcgnuGpP3N70mBcHjTCy4G8Igr8HNPhbN9UT2IdP/s1600-h/IMG_2681.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyidhosxgfQznek1VyEhWkppKrppHkkyA7X7e1DeUV6uY2YzcyqbLyLG2ViNBJ65dejLP4BxwqVOVqlaeroIJFKCsbqZcOmcgnuGpP3N70mBcHjTCy4G8Igr8HNPhbN9UT2IdP/s400/IMG_2681.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156482833803467314" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZAvCaA967Gd0hSCXH70IsTkudzk4EFG0NY3GiK5SN37vYdOSbyDIFzn9vejDGxaOeZYHxHWxYIoLSN_A02iCZ5OarW9M6iUn9oY2gxMTAHvj7ctLJd0goFgy9V64Ks5nTLERG/s1600-h/Hector+small+with+mess.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZAvCaA967Gd0hSCXH70IsTkudzk4EFG0NY3GiK5SN37vYdOSbyDIFzn9vejDGxaOeZYHxHWxYIoLSN_A02iCZ5OarW9M6iUn9oY2gxMTAHvj7ctLJd0goFgy9V64Ks5nTLERG/s400/Hector+small+with+mess.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156482842393401922" /></a><a href="http://heidis-mom.blogspot.com/2006/08/well-nobodys-perfect-some-like-it-hot_28.html">Click here.</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCpLOMemdVYk9Ot-dqHyUVd4AT6d5uPU8OqTqOIGnny4JFnyB5Cj7yLhaWDWXKdKGnagvpH7du9ngSONr_w02wCwxEobMqf_qZJT5syCZiBIDCPtSZ291iYapk0SKgzob6cAi/s1600-h/IMG_1301.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCpLOMemdVYk9Ot-dqHyUVd4AT6d5uPU8OqTqOIGnny4JFnyB5Cj7yLhaWDWXKdKGnagvpH7du9ngSONr_w02wCwxEobMqf_qZJT5syCZiBIDCPtSZ291iYapk0SKgzob6cAi/s400/IMG_1301.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156482855278303826" /></a><br />“Hector” <br /><br />Companion, Protector, Friend<br /><br />Strength, devotion, contentment, determination, <br />unbridled happiness, unconditional Love.<br />You left us too soon.<br />Hector was buried with his soccer ball, <br />but left behind broken hearts and a significant void.<br />We miss you, you big lug!<br /><br /><em><strong>Family and Friends</strong></em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25960725.post-10073257176621750182007-11-28T15:49:00.000-08:002007-11-28T16:05:17.452-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUfooOVzujIrewEkhy3UsjHlAnVxug5IG2JBi4SgAr8Loo0Dp7xdWfOZ0JFPi-1ooOnN-4hXRRbZKQ7imNAgnWb4Wkozv5BfDGxmYaXRdoDxUsbGvubqhyu8cu_0WkCK083KP/s1600-h/Elwe.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUfooOVzujIrewEkhy3UsjHlAnVxug5IG2JBi4SgAr8Loo0Dp7xdWfOZ0JFPi-1ooOnN-4hXRRbZKQ7imNAgnWb4Wkozv5BfDGxmYaXRdoDxUsbGvubqhyu8cu_0WkCK083KP/s400/Elwe.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138043457224206562" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25960725.post-11634927458930103342007-10-30T06:00:00.000-07:002007-10-29T19:49:41.245-07:00<strong>Pumpkin Masterpieces</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYZQxyDUegiImLh36pjh2fv145xIN6ewkcAWXcAbh8CndcIzTX2ihQ-looBjy_PZGzoJGy2DEOAtSyV0EkZU6RvQNds3KDFAhuCjJBkBmM4ZH_RBauhNLN-rkXxTh6TO5AqIr/s1600-h/cornacopia.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYZQxyDUegiImLh36pjh2fv145xIN6ewkcAWXcAbh8CndcIzTX2ihQ-looBjy_PZGzoJGy2DEOAtSyV0EkZU6RvQNds3KDFAhuCjJBkBmM4ZH_RBauhNLN-rkXxTh6TO5AqIr/s400/cornacopia.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126955605852018098" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlVHY0JstpZldXfdzpFkN8wRd3qoRFLbZIjVhHp1bgQ-IOT6tinun9VJLeGXIfK6Q3iJoA8lwkHm47IWWRqhJTA-uqjARk_ni3F4ZZHQ_DIyRSuyx6QJlamAnieM1KtBnFCxz/s1600-h/gator.jpg"><img style="display:block; 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margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifew765TloWMAt_ObTKVPt5phQmMB8m7dkLMcCBdvMJT1JQS9ULRX-wH6ZMNH8UpoXQfHTIlKx2io8_wOZgiJfRH8boMz_jAaujmO2HWrFrdnTiJHJLf7lKDgzOENskpdUXUiI/s400/cat2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126947411054417026" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vlObz9jzftMMhjSE4JnZj5GPOFBS7KT6cI2ueMot3CmbmVI79yv6SduufS01mrrvSaRmZIEGgdbPyt_XsTeE93lbNytByVOMXaYOua9VcmrTHLWEuqMWVjtp2_UO08nv8LYS/s1600-h/frankenstein.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vlObz9jzftMMhjSE4JnZj5GPOFBS7KT6cI2ueMot3CmbmVI79yv6SduufS01mrrvSaRmZIEGgdbPyt_XsTeE93lbNytByVOMXaYOua9VcmrTHLWEuqMWVjtp2_UO08nv8LYS/s400/frankenstein.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126947415349384370" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdrSvFOy-S37mj357zVS65KV5nK5twLtDDYZrXetilibyVU8V93wD_f7LtDjRlHLE6dtjLcIAPIG-f8lrrQvp6DqUkNaOR42xxe4Nqz0nBnSZYopuaQ7SVMvETRw8PeKCDiEY/s1600-h/Happy+Halloween.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdrSvFOy-S37mj357zVS65KV5nK5twLtDDYZrXetilibyVU8V93wD_f7LtDjRlHLE6dtjLcIAPIG-f8lrrQvp6DqUkNaOR42xxe4Nqz0nBnSZYopuaQ7SVMvETRw8PeKCDiEY/s400/Happy+Halloween.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126955713226200546" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25960725.post-20670940707283867272007-10-29T09:05:00.000-07:002008-09-15T13:38:43.886-07:00<strong>"Yes, I love him. I love those hick shirts he wears with the boiled cuffs and the way he always has his vest buttoned wrong. He looks like a giraffe, and I love him" ~ <em>Ball of Fire</em>, 1941.</strong><br /><br />A few weeks ago, Marsh, Daron and I were heading home after an extremely long day at the office. Volleyball season was dragging on as it often does this time of year and deadlines for Yearbook assignments weren’t helping either. Add to that, finals for the first quarter loomed on the horizon. We had started to dream about the days we could go home straight from school without hanging around for the extra four to six hours per night the season sometimes brings. <br /><br />Coming home any time after five o’clock is a challenge what with traffic behaving even more ‘trafficky’ than usual and we soon found ourselves hung up at a light with cars backed up for what seemed like miles. Dinner and homework would have to wait as we inched along at a snail’s pace towards home and the remainder of the day. About the time the vehicles started to move, Daron (seated traditionally in the backseat) exclaimed, <br /><br />“Is that a GIRAFFE in the woods?!” <br /><br />A giraffe? Too late, and wisely not slamming on the brakes, our sedan proceeded and the moment was lost. <br /><br />Let me mention before we go on any further that the ‘woods’ in question are off Mitchell Hammock Road in Oviedo, not the Serengeti. In the next few weeks, it became a joke to tease Daron with, “Is that a GIRAFFE over there in that parking lot?” or “I think I just saw a GIRAFFE behind the McDonald’s!” And of course, every single time we passed by the ‘spot’ where she first saw the giraffe, Marsh and I made a big show of looking for it once again. Daron, a good sport as always, but clearly not amused. Weeks passed.<br /><br />Saturday, Daron and I dropped in to our neighborhood post office way out here in east East Orlando. A private road runs alongside the parking lot for the post office and the property abuts the edge of few acres of private property. 'Do Not Enter' and 'Trespassers will be shot': I have never in 18 years seen anyone on the premises. Not a human, not an animal, not a car, not a mobile home. NOTHING.<br /><br />“Daron,” I said. “What in the world is THAT?” <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkpIZWHc_1uGNq-q8LNTIDvEawW9syMHBSibYTRmAgHOPv0y8TQFcEQuw3aSO38RIvw5RSF1kIK3jvLjc6SwpdfeVYqs7dDG2NTnF5erH09GTrat62_h5_OPIxxjFiIhyphenhyphen3e9R/s1600-h/best+distance.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkpIZWHc_1uGNq-q8LNTIDvEawW9syMHBSibYTRmAgHOPv0y8TQFcEQuw3aSO38RIvw5RSF1kIK3jvLjc6SwpdfeVYqs7dDG2NTnF5erH09GTrat62_h5_OPIxxjFiIhyphenhyphen3e9R/s400/best+distance.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126813906290988098" /></a><br />Closer inspection revealed, you guessed it, a giraffe. Staying on our side of the fence, Daron and I took pictures.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVurWayRP7pK2ttCYxuRahZdg0H6sfOq2N1eO2wqIrQsYUDwacFOrMUfB-GvO7A0JcxuaKf-tLZur-aUsEHfZBX8iIlwmxexIojDYoqgUQ53XwdUME2mULC4CWyCUAqszRCBCE/s1600-h/best+close.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVurWayRP7pK2ttCYxuRahZdg0H6sfOq2N1eO2wqIrQsYUDwacFOrMUfB-GvO7A0JcxuaKf-tLZur-aUsEHfZBX8iIlwmxexIojDYoqgUQ53XwdUME2mULC4CWyCUAqszRCBCE/s400/best+close.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126813966420530258" /></a><br />The giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is a cud-chewing, cool looking, hoofed mammal from Africa, the tallest of all land-living animal species. The giraffe has keen sight, smell and hearing. Giraffe can see miles away, communicating with distant friends. Giraffes can inhabit savannas, grasslands, or open woodlands and prefer areas enriched with Acacia growth. Giraffe are able to spend long periods of time in dry, arid areas, but when searching for food will venture into areas with denser foliage.<br /><br />The average male is about 17 feet tall and weighs around 3000 pounds, the female is slightly smaller. Giraffe only sleep about two hours a day. The giraffe is related to deer and cattle and its closest relative is the okapi. Its range extends from Chad to South Africa.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUuSRSTkNB62EwEJVdM5P0DC4UaC6C4yfusXAAkb5k7gNOzcJkv7oAhH103jBhelwgCzzFTQPECqfkyOKqtkbBX5S11ZuLRPrzx4B1axBufGvXX0ejuh60NMGIRb1oIVVqzQ9D/s1600-h/A+giraffe+in+Peking.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUuSRSTkNB62EwEJVdM5P0DC4UaC6C4yfusXAAkb5k7gNOzcJkv7oAhH103jBhelwgCzzFTQPECqfkyOKqtkbBX5S11ZuLRPrzx4B1axBufGvXX0ejuh60NMGIRb1oIVVqzQ9D/s400/A+giraffe+in+Peking.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126791327647912898" /></a><em>A Giraffe In Peking</em>: Painting of a giraffe taken from Africa to China by Admiral Zheng He in 1414. The giraffe spent the remainder of his/her life in a Ming Dynasty zoo.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXISdCbHH9Zw522TcIUun82QQo708Vq3lZpMsloY3Oh1XYLKRB4BeRprDjW70g5__kVl6ZPs1y9qTxqRS4Ir5eWJ_J-3XLEIad6BaxNa28Dm9EZLeW43OMKULkc7YqvMnjq690/s1600-h/The+Gathering+of+Manna.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXISdCbHH9Zw522TcIUun82QQo708Vq3lZpMsloY3Oh1XYLKRB4BeRprDjW70g5__kVl6ZPs1y9qTxqRS4Ir5eWJ_J-3XLEIad6BaxNa28Dm9EZLeW43OMKULkc7YqvMnjq690/s400/The+Gathering+of+Manna.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126791336237847506" /></a><em>The Gathering of Manna</em>, 1540, by Francesco Bacchiacca, depicts the first living giraffe to be seen in Italy since the days of Ancient Rome. "The Medici Giraffe", as it was known, was presented to Lorenzo de Medici, Florence, Italy in 1486.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczhVvk-ANa_3HcnCOPLOpyebvi84ysdYgeVOG2Lqdb07q0nd5EZtVcA0kKp4xzP0uiBNA4_v5RRCu0SHqnOMyRUkRl3blHsHmQTOPOjdvRKErBMLrlhSzwn988lqEd-xGYZch/s1600-h/The+Nubian+Giraffe.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczhVvk-ANa_3HcnCOPLOpyebvi84ysdYgeVOG2Lqdb07q0nd5EZtVcA0kKp4xzP0uiBNA4_v5RRCu0SHqnOMyRUkRl3blHsHmQTOPOjdvRKErBMLrlhSzwn988lqEd-xGYZch/s400/The+Nubian+Giraffe.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126791336237847522" /></a><em><em>The Nubian Giraffe</em></em>, by Jacques-Laurent Agasse, 1827, depicts one of three giraffes sent to Europe by Mehmet Ali Pasha. In her lifetime, the giraffe seems not have been given a name, but was referred to as "the giraffe". Now she is known by the name Zarafa, Arabic for "charming" or "lovely one. When she was presented to the King at the chateau of Saint-Cloud in Paris in July, 1827 over 100,000 people came to see her ~ approximately an eighth of the population of Paris at the time. Honoré de Balzac wrote a story about her, Gustave Flaubert (then a young child) travelled from Rouen to Paris to see her. French hair was arranged in towering styles 'à la girafe', spotted fabrics were all the rage, porcelain and other ceramics were painted with giraffe images. At her death eighteen years later, Zarafa’s corpse was stuffed and displayed in the foyer of the Jardin des Plantes in Paris before being moved to the museum at La Rochelle, where it remains to this day.<br /><br />Other famous and not so famous giraffes:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0aNmrcpCjkdB7j-km5EwuISwDDw7S3nE6V52UpgQhd1Epqqj2NSVoeIMuwIgaxJgl7s-Imq6ig96QPwxdd6nQtJplBUbO6MaKHxG_W9VbJl3Sm4f5_jPwMfZcAfxIEWjX-yb/s1600-h/Geoffrey.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0aNmrcpCjkdB7j-km5EwuISwDDw7S3nE6V52UpgQhd1Epqqj2NSVoeIMuwIgaxJgl7s-Imq6ig96QPwxdd6nQtJplBUbO6MaKHxG_W9VbJl3Sm4f5_jPwMfZcAfxIEWjX-yb/s400/Geoffrey.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126803478110393330" /></a><strong>Geoffrey Giraffe, the Toys "R" Us mascot </strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIm2kaNIMenxnG6ep9beJqu4qhJYIaJaGObTpBBJeEbH8RYw_SvMzIoeq36cqTvS6izotDfjMen9sGQCuRnYMAlEEB6DchvQaNirP6yfpBQslMpYG4Ido2dZN-WDuaWD6V2qa/s1600-h/Longrack.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIm2kaNIMenxnG6ep9beJqu4qhJYIaJaGObTpBBJeEbH8RYw_SvMzIoeq36cqTvS6izotDfjMen9sGQCuRnYMAlEEB6DchvQaNirP6yfpBQslMpYG4Ido2dZN-WDuaWD6V2qa/s400/Longrack.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126808425912718386" /></a><strong>Longrack from Beast Wars</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_3tqJGNLOa-eYe264Q4GpWn3V32c9dz63E-3gMm8aEHTtyV2b3smo68b2P-I3SNhxbVkynLTxRZcOMQGYFdnqgzWMQbdBWYoYjkPCnkCJkcZpxfH-xEzPzU4GTiSMUd_-bEC/s1600-h/Girafarig.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_3tqJGNLOa-eYe264Q4GpWn3V32c9dz63E-3gMm8aEHTtyV2b3smo68b2P-I3SNhxbVkynLTxRZcOMQGYFdnqgzWMQbdBWYoYjkPCnkCJkcZpxfH-xEzPzU4GTiSMUd_-bEC/s400/Girafarig.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126805732968223778" /></a><strong>Girafarig from Pokémon</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7DqhXYQUtfrW6GYXvIPb1cQallZnyiUvh0GKv7kZX4SdSW2KHXTSKNPWv2ImJr2K5wpklkxxffB1jh0wgjdaoH9qaD52ji7WkWDGvbeNUB4DqpsDyniyA_HCkWXOtg2J1Z7Q/s1600-h/melman.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7DqhXYQUtfrW6GYXvIPb1cQallZnyiUvh0GKv7kZX4SdSW2KHXTSKNPWv2ImJr2K5wpklkxxffB1jh0wgjdaoH9qaD52ji7WkWDGvbeNUB4DqpsDyniyA_HCkWXOtg2J1Z7Q/s400/melman.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126803482405360642" /></a><strong>Melman from Madagascar </strong><br /><br />Books about giraffe:<br /><br /><a href="http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Publications/ZooGoer/1998/3/books.cfm">Tall Blondes: A Book About Giraffe </a>by Lynn Sherr<br /><br />Cecily G. and the Nine Monkeys by H.A. Rey<br /><br />The Medici Giraffe by Marina Belozerskaya <br /><br />Tears of the Giraffe by Alexander McCall Smith and Adjoa Andoh <br /><br />Zarafa: A Giraffe's True Story, from Deep in Africa to the Heart of Paris by Michael Allin<br /><br />Did you know there is a <a href="http://www.cmzoo.org/animalsPlants/animalCams/giraffeCam.asp">giraffe cam</a> at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, CO? <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52UAIamBBRcqrjRwq1PCacTFaBIJix7QfP3v6RMMGK7s1NRYET1SX7kzX9XaHzIxS9JEn15bbKsFfmMiPku_mndjUwqmvnno_yW7LEwMzV3_h8o1MYugWLxG4YOv6RzSSiGhC/s1600-h/real+giraffe.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52UAIamBBRcqrjRwq1PCacTFaBIJix7QfP3v6RMMGK7s1NRYET1SX7kzX9XaHzIxS9JEn15bbKsFfmMiPku_mndjUwqmvnno_yW7LEwMzV3_h8o1MYugWLxG4YOv6RzSSiGhC/s400/real+giraffe.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126837618805429346" /></a><br /><br />After seeing his picture on a milk carton, our giraffe has decided to go back home after months on the lam. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6bJt7qUOaEYTrMPWtka_42DenetZCFoC0IrDhobMcPGc0-tUeAdXh7j1muVIKZtFeKFoOXtcxgmv7CGQxSSQEfSm3mhUNiWIWAnoG3H-qccw-GGNO13Zmiv_jtPsF6d46yCR/s1600-h/Giraffe+missing.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6bJt7qUOaEYTrMPWtka_42DenetZCFoC0IrDhobMcPGc0-tUeAdXh7j1muVIKZtFeKFoOXtcxgmv7CGQxSSQEfSm3mhUNiWIWAnoG3H-qccw-GGNO13Zmiv_jtPsF6d46yCR/s400/Giraffe+missing.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126803490995295250" /></a><br /><br />Why a giraffe? Why not a panther, or a black bear, or maybe a cow, or a gator or a white-tailed deer? What are the chances?<br /><br />What are the odds?<br /><br /><em><strong>This post is for Miss Macy D, sweet friend and giraffe devotee.</strong></em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25960725.post-63741660889551292282007-10-27T06:46:00.000-07:002007-10-27T06:47:45.610-07:00<strong>Why My Cats Sleep Outside</strong><br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Xx0yoAleZSc&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Xx0yoAleZSc&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25960725.post-60485870743432731802007-10-22T09:30:00.000-07:002007-10-22T12:00:10.401-07:00<strong>"Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment. Full effort is full victory" ~ <em>Mahatma Gandhi</em><br /><br />"If winning isn't everything, why do they keep score?" <em>Vincent Lombardi</em></strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMDNUZrO1bLkDpZtgGYQNGMjWMF0SAqP9-3WFjWHXzvJaBZZd7r71fjBZY1VL-zVROaupO98tAi2pBG1JlhFvTqiV97rzYUPJ45Y1LjoVtVWjxQRUI4ZybdVPaOIYOM1apvww/s1600-h/Team+with+Trophy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMDNUZrO1bLkDpZtgGYQNGMjWMF0SAqP9-3WFjWHXzvJaBZZd7r71fjBZY1VL-zVROaupO98tAi2pBG1JlhFvTqiV97rzYUPJ45Y1LjoVtVWjxQRUI4ZybdVPaOIYOM1apvww/s400/Team+with+Trophy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124200255573892482" /></a>Double click the picture to see it better. From left to right: (seated) Rachel, Jenna, (standing) Sammie, Christine, Daron, Emily, Zoe, Victoria, Katie and Coach Conley.<br /><br />This past weekend, the The Master's Academy Lady Eagle JV Volleyball team participated in the Circle Christian School JV Volleyball Classic.<br /><br />Not dropping a single game, the TMA JV took the place by storm, winning all five of their matches and walking away with the tournament trophy. Daron served 35 aces for the day and was awarded an all team tournament trophy.<br /><br />"We've won some matches and we've lost some matches. <br />Winning is better!" ~ <em>Mom</em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25960725.post-37925972687956584662007-10-19T07:46:00.000-07:002007-10-19T06:03:01.011-07:00<strong><em>My Daughter Went to Afghanistan and All I Got Was A T-shirt</em></strong><br /><br />Recently, I received what is perhaps the highest honor ever bestowed upon me. I was made an honorary member of the PSD and I have the t-shirt to prove it. <br /><br />As you might remember, "the PSD" (personal security detail) is made up of the young men (and Heidi) who served together in Afstan. Most of them were together the entire 16 months they were deployed to the sandbox. Thick and thin.<br /><br /><a href="http://heidis-mom.blogspot.com/2007/01/badges-we-aint-got-no-badges-we-dont.html">MSG Leslie</a> designed the shirt and did the artwork. As far as I am concerned, MSG was, and still is, Heidi's Guardian Angel. My friend, Chris at <a href="http://www.catalogsportswear.com/cgi-bin/broderliv/chwCatalogCover_Submit.w?hwCN=1181127&hwCNCD=cctlHkjaiUhiafit">Florida Design Images, Inc.</a>, printed it up. Chris also did the shirts for the <a href="http://heidis-mom.blogspot.com/2006/06/things-to-do-while-waiting-so-i-have.html">Gardez Volleyball Club</a> way back what seems like years ago. Double click the picture to see the shirt better.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2Nr4ksY7qV86zp3N734D8Ycq3XBf7whgaiMp_s3hYhBOCO4ttJuxVl4mLk3Svm1QYt-mXkwquQykgElw6YYJuNhrnxBByQXpKvj_u8zhSl51E3v0IzYUKKeml1ieg4jO6eK-/s1600-h/Proof-PSD-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2Nr4ksY7qV86zp3N734D8Ycq3XBf7whgaiMp_s3hYhBOCO4ttJuxVl4mLk3Svm1QYt-mXkwquQykgElw6YYJuNhrnxBByQXpKvj_u8zhSl51E3v0IzYUKKeml1ieg4jO6eK-/s400/Proof-PSD-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123025908435950962" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JRbVSImYegZOEam7ewNaq6mFkMPSRZ-ICeFF9YxVpasM1niUVpUNiXqx3gW-2T_HtW1ydRWyT4FYi6NAkNyPYIsNIh0747WwSkwgyPA3lHROimkK1ZQy36yDnQAyyv2a4Ftc/s1600-h/IMG_4487.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JRbVSImYegZOEam7ewNaq6mFkMPSRZ-ICeFF9YxVpasM1niUVpUNiXqx3gW-2T_HtW1ydRWyT4FYi6NAkNyPYIsNIh0747WwSkwgyPA3lHROimkK1ZQy36yDnQAyyv2a4Ftc/s400/IMG_4487.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121596487485266962" /></a><br />All the members of the PSD got one of the shirts, but I bet mine means the most to me. That's me up there, "Kiwi". MSG says it's for 'service to my country'. He has no idea what he and the boys mean to me.<br /><br />Heidi's MomUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25960725.post-37945963101713135492007-10-17T07:55:00.000-07:002007-10-17T08:01:32.260-07:00<strong>"Truth be told, I never sailed a day in me life. I figure I should get out, see the world while I'm still young"~ <em>Pirates of the Caribbean, 2007.</em><br /><br />Roadtrip, Summer 2007</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQitNAAEEzEu8QJVQXpP_aa3xmYSw_u8G1M8KNvfCmfYKUa3_IGQPj2taxCfIyFKaG8hyPT9GGmdHLVYluB5B7SirVfObfdorWZNxbXiVCJsSIF9-LXE7poj3cnSLH9JcdUvM/s1600-h/IMG_4112.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQitNAAEEzEu8QJVQXpP_aa3xmYSw_u8G1M8KNvfCmfYKUa3_IGQPj2taxCfIyFKaG8hyPT9GGmdHLVYluB5B7SirVfObfdorWZNxbXiVCJsSIF9-LXE7poj3cnSLH9JcdUvM/s400/IMG_4112.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122291911409966194" /></a><br />The day immediately following Heidi's arrival in O'Town, she and her dad went car shopping. I restrained myself and refused to go, leaving the job of haggling for the best price to the experts ~ Heidi and David. Ten hours later, both returned, bloodied and bruised, but Heidi now the proud owner of a new Corolla (or 'the Motorola', as her friends Cameron and Montana call it).<br /><br />When the decision to purchase the car in Florida came up, it was also decided Heidi, Marsh, Daron and I would pack for a roadtrip and help Heidi take the new car home. Didn't want her driving the roughly 1,000 miles back to NY on her own, did we? Not that she hadn't traversed <em>thousands</em> of dangerous miles in the sandbox or anything. Not like she doesn't have an EXCELLENT head for directions or couldn't get herself out of a pickle should she need to....<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMV6zD1XeriKJTEUfx22-WI1nFbbxRporMlDwOfOAkRRDzhz5Pxi9LPDpM1AmC7tUpRnVFZ_22tffKEMOyTpUbms-mzfxWI8i0GCHN7C6dc-D7-sPWAffd6ZeJdMXU8NlAEGu/s1600-h/good+pub+savannah+small.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMV6zD1XeriKJTEUfx22-WI1nFbbxRporMlDwOfOAkRRDzhz5Pxi9LPDpM1AmC7tUpRnVFZ_22tffKEMOyTpUbms-mzfxWI8i0GCHN7C6dc-D7-sPWAffd6ZeJdMXU8NlAEGu/s400/good+pub+savannah+small.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093012578968908450" /></a>All smiles at the beginning of the trip, I believe we got along really well for such tight quarters. A pub in Savannah, GA.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALoRJMNI8rDok-ktS_PG9LhF9RxNwNJtJ_1433sKtg-Bc2QaCL2gtNx9T-OhMXVw3IfkTdHwp9GMLedRhwZDxi7Rqa9NjYe9pAqPBjmY9a5vHH23pHiX3uE5UW6alo5bIt9-V/s1600-h/IMG_4091.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALoRJMNI8rDok-ktS_PG9LhF9RxNwNJtJ_1433sKtg-Bc2QaCL2gtNx9T-OhMXVw3IfkTdHwp9GMLedRhwZDxi7Rqa9NjYe9pAqPBjmY9a5vHH23pHiX3uE5UW6alo5bIt9-V/s400/IMG_4091.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122291898525064274" /></a>The requisite horse and carriage trip ~ later in the evening, we took a "walking ghost tour", but didn't see any apparitions.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyE-UKXAfJu_e96fEh900ClibchRlBBcVo9pQmIAOMFAuTWYHmfEcl66Im8NC2eXiZFZw-D2vuNLDSzzNQzyGKTWIIP6SmYDrnfN_Vehi5SGhb5BpFt09xmuWYpNXYT1tjCDX4/s1600-h/IMG_4097.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyE-UKXAfJu_e96fEh900ClibchRlBBcVo9pQmIAOMFAuTWYHmfEcl66Im8NC2eXiZFZw-D2vuNLDSzzNQzyGKTWIIP6SmYDrnfN_Vehi5SGhb5BpFt09xmuWYpNXYT1tjCDX4/s400/IMG_4097.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122291907114998882" /></a><a href="http://www.kehoehouse.com/hauntedreputation.htm">The Kehoe House</a>, 'haunted house'built it 1892 and purchased by Joe Namath in 1980. Rumor is that ‘Broadway Joe’,planned on turning the Kehoe House into a nightclub and disco. Locals threatened to burn it to the ground if he did. Namath sold the house in 1989 for $530,000, making a profit of roughly seven times what he paid for it. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJGxVunodrrA5WxNewTNtPNyxuZl_K4FbeyGp3FpgC594leVF9PseG7ESm8-lJBVZkLse7Bom4h54h-f1HxUYmcasA1crXV-LtmC3gymjm6VVub__LYkXw3Q-As0VkirqE-10/s1600-h/Gardens+great+small.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJGxVunodrrA5WxNewTNtPNyxuZl_K4FbeyGp3FpgC594leVF9PseG7ESm8-lJBVZkLse7Bom4h54h-f1HxUYmcasA1crXV-LtmC3gymjm6VVub__LYkXw3Q-As0VkirqE-10/s400/Gardens+great+small.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093012587558843058" /></a>As we had seen D.C. recently, the three of us opted for a nice morning in Alexandria, VA instead.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEh8_HCHk2YJ1lj44JoTQGs__VvZtuYQtZRs4GbLrE8IahwsMmxbNG91RGKu-PeocbZsYQIgFqxKWXpsMj1qqMi5iH7TkhVlKySU8nBP4RggpWcngXFomXzh00-ABOOuTtNvvR/s1600-h/king+street+blues.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEh8_HCHk2YJ1lj44JoTQGs__VvZtuYQtZRs4GbLrE8IahwsMmxbNG91RGKu-PeocbZsYQIgFqxKWXpsMj1qqMi5iH7TkhVlKySU8nBP4RggpWcngXFomXzh00-ABOOuTtNvvR/s400/king+street+blues.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093012596148777666" /></a>King Street Blues, Alexandria. Perhaps the best meal we ate the entire trip.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrnZqOqaTbk1bvv6oac4nvWa-f30GXWk3VGFdwOIaYAJpW23hajSNMFLG19aGO0IXAwzrK2bi9UkQEkESjw1kL1CusdjGE9DJEIFMgBp6FNe6CxHyQzOCwuoCW0RfjFumX0RgK/s1600-h/welcome+to+GA.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrnZqOqaTbk1bvv6oac4nvWa-f30GXWk3VGFdwOIaYAJpW23hajSNMFLG19aGO0IXAwzrK2bi9UkQEkESjw1kL1CusdjGE9DJEIFMgBp6FNe6CxHyQzOCwuoCW0RfjFumX0RgK/s400/welcome+to+GA.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093012604738712274" /></a>Daron got a picture of each and every one of the 'welcome to' signs from Florida to New York. I risked my life to get a couple of the shots.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyywET82udbT0nfZULpZrZ-g_tzSbL6FMKkJWx4wLer3jK-0k7vbH_rGqDtA1Ak-uRx_7TXIvtJDJN2ySl9cRDzgmXfmTth9cLw3PMV7kO1whxfhJdpEkP-gyibhQDcDnTMgS9/s1600-h/IMG_4328.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyywET82udbT0nfZULpZrZ-g_tzSbL6FMKkJWx4wLer3jK-0k7vbH_rGqDtA1Ak-uRx_7TXIvtJDJN2ySl9cRDzgmXfmTth9cLw3PMV7kO1whxfhJdpEkP-gyibhQDcDnTMgS9/s400/IMG_4328.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122292495525518514" /></a>One of my favorite parts of the trip, a riverboat ride in Alexandria Bay, NY. The boat takes you up in to Canada, the only way we could go without a passport.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnjCzSVu45CDcgtqegLtJuFRM7MK29aXQ_AlvlPX-Zn-d9_QQ56k2FddSGzSIlVWUHRiGfhjCLLKhgAW5pNemX_I3FQKIQnOD5_mmmIFNtm7U2dqSRJAf08mF4vNQepT3_60j/s1600-h/IMG_4330.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnjCzSVu45CDcgtqegLtJuFRM7MK29aXQ_AlvlPX-Zn-d9_QQ56k2FddSGzSIlVWUHRiGfhjCLLKhgAW5pNemX_I3FQKIQnOD5_mmmIFNtm7U2dqSRJAf08mF4vNQepT3_60j/s400/IMG_4330.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122292504115453122" /></a>Marsh and Daron enjoy the view.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeyArYUEkR-TmDfHXe_tegBdjubXmMCTS747uY8pI5R2eZ_1D1ZrBjO4YADl1CMyOeh7_vX9t5XAV86iLGGlUZX-nqiLWUZ5vXR7kmokCDF2eaxduzuFDaxXWArqOZ8ITSiwh/s1600-h/IMG_4369.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeyArYUEkR-TmDfHXe_tegBdjubXmMCTS747uY8pI5R2eZ_1D1ZrBjO4YADl1CMyOeh7_vX9t5XAV86iLGGlUZX-nqiLWUZ5vXR7kmokCDF2eaxduzuFDaxXWArqOZ8ITSiwh/s400/IMG_4369.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122293809785511202" /></a>Boldt Castle.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNIUcg-gfuggENESnlSaa_yYdc5esL7QSiijUPCSgmVwRq9cRquHGi886IJ8h7XxsOAw-Fi7hf7G3tab6ZIdCeeeUhFAMSoY5VcXna2dmUc4Pb6AJ-9qcfPlYHfVNe3cBs40lB/s1600-h/IMG_4388.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNIUcg-gfuggENESnlSaa_yYdc5esL7QSiijUPCSgmVwRq9cRquHGi886IJ8h7XxsOAw-Fi7hf7G3tab6ZIdCeeeUhFAMSoY5VcXna2dmUc4Pb6AJ-9qcfPlYHfVNe3cBs40lB/s400/IMG_4388.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122293826965380402" /></a>Total Strangers.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsU8dwVEKdAN8hTLGCPVU6OW8Oh_8GhnDWzSJnbJS_5OkmvTkAaoquDCMDQ8EQIIOT-LNVXY619RNf3YSz-o0fLwskpbJtvznkg3eS5mIduGjEl4p5R-opTjgXw8TUxq1jGwmU/s1600-h/IMG_4392.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsU8dwVEKdAN8hTLGCPVU6OW8Oh_8GhnDWzSJnbJS_5OkmvTkAaoquDCMDQ8EQIIOT-LNVXY619RNf3YSz-o0fLwskpbJtvznkg3eS5mIduGjEl4p5R-opTjgXw8TUxq1jGwmU/s400/IMG_4392.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122293839850282306" /></a>Crazies from out of town.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVMGrVOo1lJsWmtylLYt6zHTtAWcqdIZ5nzz_VpqPIo7N17QJQhSlNkQWMVK3G1cO9CC1xuLok1_5MrF5Xa1b1WMe76S6pnXszpHiN7-08QcYKBuoJM0Ts-PTOGudl9-_14jk/s1600-h/IMG_4393.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVMGrVOo1lJsWmtylLYt6zHTtAWcqdIZ5nzz_VpqPIo7N17QJQhSlNkQWMVK3G1cO9CC1xuLok1_5MrF5Xa1b1WMe76S6pnXszpHiN7-08QcYKBuoJM0Ts-PTOGudl9-_14jk/s400/IMG_4393.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122293848440216914" /></a>A dire warning.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48AevX1U1ouVintybYnO_QJCdu_sXZExZMYjWQ8HrOMUtupSvkwl1bh-FHIj17PQlPJn7LleC4rS_j1XUAVCl6k8Py3xoLVoWnP3UAMq8V10gftBGWORnktH9cWLwtxR2_WIi/s1600-h/small+bell.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48AevX1U1ouVintybYnO_QJCdu_sXZExZMYjWQ8HrOMUtupSvkwl1bh-FHIj17PQlPJn7LleC4rS_j1XUAVCl6k8Py3xoLVoWnP3UAMq8V10gftBGWORnktH9cWLwtxR2_WIi/s400/small+bell.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094487844400509794" /></a>The Liberty Bell, Philadelphia.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc16l01YsxpULRPNI4vT-O9xzxuVU0g2FNaoiv9NinZm8ewk2a1hof-W_JFThzKUnohrpBpSv4BA_EfdyMY_bw72O2KH-RibewDT9vFA6a8n6OYrM74zQYM_K7eaF1de9GfAjC/s1600-h/IMG_4289.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc16l01YsxpULRPNI4vT-O9xzxuVU0g2FNaoiv9NinZm8ewk2a1hof-W_JFThzKUnohrpBpSv4BA_EfdyMY_bw72O2KH-RibewDT9vFA6a8n6OYrM74zQYM_K7eaF1de9GfAjC/s400/IMG_4289.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122292482640616610" /></a>The kids and Tony, our travel guide with the <a href="http://www.phillyducks.com/">Philadelphia Duck Tours</a>. If you haven't heard the song "Philadephia Freedom" sung in awhile, you need to go see Tony.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7yY2VE9YJQ7KYMAqpHr3X4LC2s2-xEMs8dwjVSvEz7Iwrbw8ZzcCdmGJPty4vl_fsnrVWGTl36MEv5mrl7xcvQqZaieOVhVBQ77XHkGJej3_hPdADG2xc60Fit-c-Q4fPmmKq/s1600-h/IMG_5036.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7yY2VE9YJQ7KYMAqpHr3X4LC2s2-xEMs8dwjVSvEz7Iwrbw8ZzcCdmGJPty4vl_fsnrVWGTl36MEv5mrl7xcvQqZaieOVhVBQ77XHkGJej3_hPdADG2xc60Fit-c-Q4fPmmKq/s400/IMG_5036.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122293857030151522" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJzrstGBqJ3bC4M-GDNDjZj0QNsETjz6CIOnSku6NTv_noVQ8tBvL2FgSIkWS51_tx-GUGh3evW7tvWtvBwKgibkFLKzLD8FlZaT4Wv_OIRqrrTZOtjAV9z1u3ICJ9sMnDkSR/s1600-h/meet+me+south+of+the+border+small.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJzrstGBqJ3bC4M-GDNDjZj0QNsETjz6CIOnSku6NTv_noVQ8tBvL2FgSIkWS51_tx-GUGh3evW7tvWtvBwKgibkFLKzLD8FlZaT4Wv_OIRqrrTZOtjAV9z1u3ICJ9sMnDkSR/s400/meet+me+south+of+the+border+small.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094485765636338482" /></a>Meet me <a href="http://www.pedroland.com/">South of the Border</a>, the <em>Twilight Zone </em>of 'theme parks'.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9fa2X2eOt31MDkN1TNK2Xnc0iajEODRGnkzoRJvFzdibL1h87HlqDsvvXv9Wsgk1bBGIjxWTNSGXghUK_DrnnziCQhpLBdeWgGKZ_ZHkoiGjhoZSVHEBb49PA9T1OTOWpBDo/s1600-h/IMG_4177.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9fa2X2eOt31MDkN1TNK2Xnc0iajEODRGnkzoRJvFzdibL1h87HlqDsvvXv9Wsgk1bBGIjxWTNSGXghUK_DrnnziCQhpLBdeWgGKZ_ZHkoiGjhoZSVHEBb49PA9T1OTOWpBDo/s400/IMG_4177.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122292465460747394" /></a>One of Daron's friends at the <a href="http://www.aqua.org/">National Aquarium in Baltimore</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtlRH4xpQayK9JKlHVAqG6das1_wEDn-KGEddRNK5-b-VZXjBCcVSsNTM1psyCmVdsbvYBEP7RuP4abjHjuV266gwCDEdan4WZyTHdLWS4XmmJnhMLJF09ZGwpOiu968lI14U/s1600-h/fabulous+puffer.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtlRH4xpQayK9JKlHVAqG6das1_wEDn-KGEddRNK5-b-VZXjBCcVSsNTM1psyCmVdsbvYBEP7RuP4abjHjuV266gwCDEdan4WZyTHdLWS4XmmJnhMLJF09ZGwpOiu968lI14U/s400/fabulous+puffer.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122291877050227762" /></a>In 2006, The National Aquarium won a Best of Baltimore award for "Best Over Priced Destination for Families." We think this is a little harsh. I had a great time. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Sh1NcXZFRln3wpaNU6LUDH4jlTK_-lzjjy2HMCwWX2rjbLR-PiKc1Zyv5afa-isJKCzlLwp81P4rsqzQA-jPISQ42tDk5nUUuNiMwNyqk2gSPPC52o7XmF7mD8UpVv1sp_2L/s1600-h/IMG_4225.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Sh1NcXZFRln3wpaNU6LUDH4jlTK_-lzjjy2HMCwWX2rjbLR-PiKc1Zyv5afa-isJKCzlLwp81P4rsqzQA-jPISQ42tDk5nUUuNiMwNyqk2gSPPC52o7XmF7mD8UpVv1sp_2L/s400/IMG_4225.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122292474050682002" /></a>A 'glass' of sweet tea at <a href="http://www.phillipsseafood.com/">Phillip's Restaurant</a> at the Harbor.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNu8eJVKKH2W8FROsFKm9uad3yymujMv9m-8BSf8cbCjDXpLfQ-uYbQrJbwfoVdUMl3fqtXTz_8b2GHklTOyVshEX5XR30iu2J4pzP64r-qSfe5Xwyu-1IPApa7x2H9TPLhVoM/s1600-h/funny+funny.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNu8eJVKKH2W8FROsFKm9uad3yymujMv9m-8BSf8cbCjDXpLfQ-uYbQrJbwfoVdUMl3fqtXTz_8b2GHklTOyVshEX5XR30iu2J4pzP64r-qSfe5Xwyu-1IPApa7x2H9TPLhVoM/s400/funny+funny.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122291889935129666" /></a><br /><strong>Next Time: "It's Niagara, Like the Falls"</strong><br /><br />KerriUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25960725.post-29994618380226420352007-10-16T07:48:00.000-07:002007-10-15T19:56:15.022-07:00<strong>"It's not about living forever, Jackie. It's about living with yourself forever" ~ <em>Pirates of the Caribbean, 2007</em>.</strong><br /> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkHfJmw0WC0c2LEXIlfOJXYlH0T3zeJmEiIfHi6VNQBWE9SR_g0YH00xPpT3ZeGTX9Q_HFqEpaOFeppZVNdcPNVLV_xJdRYfQHDEDxGKYPlU9TXbAQcYnpfIBv1wA3PPl_xMk/s1600-h/carol.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;"src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkHfJmw0WC0c2LEXIlfOJXYlH0T3zeJmEiIfHi6VNQBWE9SR_g0YH00xPpT3ZeGTX9Q_HFqEpaOFeppZVNdcPNVLV_xJdRYfQHDEDxGKYPlU9TXbAQcYnpfIBv1wA3PPl_xMk/s400/carol.JPG" border="0"alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121583538158869490" /></a><br />Carol is the mother of 4 soldier sons, all Army Infantry. Carol says, "My husband and I used to be "hippies" and lived in tipis, earth houses etc. I was even arrested (30 years ago mind you) for demonstrating at the Trident Nuclear submarine base! So it seems incredibly ironic that all of our children joined the Army. But I think it has so much to do with these present times and their unwillingness to sit around and let others do all the work of protecting our freedom. So I am immeasurably proud of them and all the other service men and women for making this very tough choice, enduring amazing hardship, trials and loss, and defending our country and freedoms. We have now experienced the worst thing any military parent can experience. One of our sons has made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Afghanistan, serving as a 1LT and leading his platoon in the Pech River Valley."<br /><br />Carol's son, Forrest, was killed in action, June 16, 2006, Operation Enduring Freedom, Pech River Valley, Afghanistan.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJKA7BkSE8jHEb9RppvCBrO9_l2sYnn-jtokBQ9uYm9dwhPF847wsWh1PCbpoHtA3JjOhMhS-V_4U-ZVGsSnz7M9Loy15qh541HWwK5E65zXFIkonTsbW1rT5ReVybUhKZVt3e/s1600-h/Forrest.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJKA7BkSE8jHEb9RppvCBrO9_l2sYnn-jtokBQ9uYm9dwhPF847wsWh1PCbpoHtA3JjOhMhS-V_4U-ZVGsSnz7M9Loy15qh541HWwK5E65zXFIkonTsbW1rT5ReVybUhKZVt3e/s400/Forrest.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121579200241900498" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hXZPIGPuNSSTqyhf65OSFOGRuy-OUNo23cMIl4p7V3cm9mVX9YpuTUmac_I_rvzptcpZ6I2hkLUbC8dp1h9DvMa1ZwIEH6WG_AKgebhEQDReXvgUGNu10lzTdpBbipoBOAMk/s1600-h/Forrest2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hXZPIGPuNSSTqyhf65OSFOGRuy-OUNo23cMIl4p7V3cm9mVX9YpuTUmac_I_rvzptcpZ6I2hkLUbC8dp1h9DvMa1ZwIEH6WG_AKgebhEQDReXvgUGNu10lzTdpBbipoBOAMk/s400/Forrest2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121579200241900514" /></a><br />Please take the time to look at this tribute <strong>below</strong> of a mother to her son and check out <a href="http://www.myspace.com/mom4soldiers">Carol's Myspace</a> where she has more information about Forrest and her other three brave sons, Oaken, Elisha and Stephen.<br /><br /><strong>Death is Nothing At All </strong><br /><br />Henry Scott Holland (1847-1918) Canon of St Paul's Cathedral <br /><br /><br /><em>It does not count.<br /><br />I have only slipped away into the next room.<br /><br />Nothing has happened.<br /><br />Everything remains exactly as it was.<br /><br />I am I, and you are you,<br /><br />and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched,<br /><br />unchanged.<br /><br />Whatever we were to each other, we are still.<br /><br />Call me by the old familiar name.<br /><br />Speak of me in the easy way which you always used.<br /><br />Put no difference into your tone.<br /><br />Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.<br /><br />Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes<br /><br />that we enjoyed together.<br /><br />Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.<br /><br />Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.<br /><br />Let it be spoken without an effort,<br /><br />without the ghost of a shadow upon it.<br /><br />Life means all that it ever meant.<br /><br />It is the same as it ever was.<br /><br />There is absolute and unbroken continuity.<br /><br />What is this death but a negligible accident?<br /><br />Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?<br /><br />I am but waiting for you, for an interval,<br /><br />somewhere very near, <br /><br />just around the corner.<br /><br />All is well.<br /><br />Nothing is past; nothing is lost.<br /><br />One brief moment and all will be as it was before<br /><br />--only better, infinitely happier and forever---<br /><br />we will be one together in Christ.<br /><br /> </em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25960725.post-25356919411150461302007-10-15T05:31:00.000-07:002007-10-15T08:51:37.683-07:00<strong>"Hal, this isn't funny.... that behavior isn't acceptable. You're right. Boys ~ the next time you drive a golf cart over a catered lunch and into a swimming pool there will be consequences!" ~ <strong>Lois, <em>Malcolm in the Middle</strong></strong></em><br /><br />How about I not waste your extremely valuable time making excuses why I haven't been blogging? Suffice to say I had a wake up call this past weekend, a reminder of how many families are still out there waiting for their precious child to come home safely just like mine did. Please forgive me.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_19VOEsLZp6bzGSZtGFmhebNnYHGwBSFO_0deKvwBRCOKp5sVviAemIFmW9l_ldJfDAk4UOXMkhGdsht8zxHA-fvAhYUzr-A1ajyA9rfl0IanHQOgZaCymDiqxXgIk4bcIHE/s1600-h/beertoberfest022.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_19VOEsLZp6bzGSZtGFmhebNnYHGwBSFO_0deKvwBRCOKp5sVviAemIFmW9l_ldJfDAk4UOXMkhGdsht8zxHA-fvAhYUzr-A1ajyA9rfl0IanHQOgZaCymDiqxXgIk4bcIHE/s400/beertoberfest022.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121590444466281474" /></a><strong>Heidi and Rob, home safely from Afghanistan.</strong><br /><a href="http://heidis-mom.blogspot.com/2007/04/supporting-three-mindy-was-four-and.html"><br />Mindy is home, too!</a> Her mom, Lynda, tells me Mindy won't be going back to Iraq any time soon. From her mouth to God's ear. Lynda's family threw a big welcome home party and Mindy bought a new Jeep she just loves. Lynda plans on taking down the red, white and blue lights she has had on the house for the five years Mindy has been deployed and put up real Christmas lights this year. Looks like things are back to normal, but for some reason I am sure it will take a whole lot longer and a whole lot more than a party, a new Jeep and some Christmas lights for it to truly be the way it was before Mindy left. War is like that.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkqyyfrXmOvzJdsCsL76cUBfXwQVKhOMeAVLFTPcKexsuM6gyf0u507a38sycaD-xBKhqxkw5J5YLn8Tq8F2C8Cisjt5DgcLLk9lk16WUTrir9d2WRYSo4yVJpeQ-sqBYJzAE/s1600-h/MindyswelcomehomepartyOct7-2007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkqyyfrXmOvzJdsCsL76cUBfXwQVKhOMeAVLFTPcKexsuM6gyf0u507a38sycaD-xBKhqxkw5J5YLn8Tq8F2C8Cisjt5DgcLLk9lk16WUTrir9d2WRYSo4yVJpeQ-sqBYJzAE/s400/MindyswelcomehomepartyOct7-2007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121544707359546274" /></a>Left to right: Jim, Lory, Matt, Uncle Dave, Aunt Mimi, Uncle Jack, Aunt Linda, Mike, Gramma Evelyn, Lynda, Mindy and Pete<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJec0foIiUQ3c6VpJzD7OOD1h75MJUMXcNKxP89_xUKIcz2oCc160bvA_M7vSOEomag136KZNOlMx7cujkwdc9Lzfc2Wzb6BIljn68nwhLWXR6TzQExchpFEfW-fBSD3LtVsdu/s1600-h/Mindy's+jeep.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJec0foIiUQ3c6VpJzD7OOD1h75MJUMXcNKxP89_xUKIcz2oCc160bvA_M7vSOEomag136KZNOlMx7cujkwdc9Lzfc2Wzb6BIljn68nwhLWXR6TzQExchpFEfW-fBSD3LtVsdu/s400/Mindy's+jeep.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121546395281693618" /></a>Mindy and the Jeep<br /><br /><strong>Welcome Home, Mindy!</strong><br /><br />Heidi's MomUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25960725.post-3814276531465296802007-07-30T08:44:00.000-07:002007-07-30T09:17:10.899-07:00<strong>"The things we did last summer, I'll remember all winter long" ~ <br /><br />Sammy Cahn,1913-1993</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMC6gPJz58Mnmt7KdMI-gNHMTzYzVD7nlFmo46bmKY2c2oIbPBDVWYfZgBzYa-nKm_FXLO3wJVXqDubb0rVgjX49CZxSXj_-19iI3QLyjoGhXyL6-aAxnVDsa1YQOohQBcCMt-/s1600-h/Wonderful+Dumbo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMC6gPJz58Mnmt7KdMI-gNHMTzYzVD7nlFmo46bmKY2c2oIbPBDVWYfZgBzYa-nKm_FXLO3wJVXqDubb0rVgjX49CZxSXj_-19iI3QLyjoGhXyL6-aAxnVDsa1YQOohQBcCMt-/s400/Wonderful+Dumbo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093004517315293842" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25960725.post-6478436008285816042007-07-05T14:34:00.000-07:002007-07-05T15:26:51.819-07:00<strong><em>"Well, you can forget your troubles with those Imperial slugs. I told you I'd outrun 'em. Don't everyone thank me at once."</em> <br />Star Wars, 1977</strong><br /><br /><strong>Last Friday, we gathered at Orlando International Airport to welcome Heidi home. It was SO good to see her and I think Marsh and Daron were a little overwhelmed at first. What do you say first when you haven't seen your sister in almost two years? Within a few minutes though, it was as though she had never been away......</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnNu6YdF6NrK8JC_W_WKObM1IudCCpFIfFAzk3V-9YhDedJpkEKq5UUpS1dwSvshEEd3y-93Jio3-lbpTKZUpT8IrXPjQPdSNhIRdF9wQJ_7R9xir_AhbhljZ0uaH3VbWeKlt/s1600-h/IMG_4600.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnNu6YdF6NrK8JC_W_WKObM1IudCCpFIfFAzk3V-9YhDedJpkEKq5UUpS1dwSvshEEd3y-93Jio3-lbpTKZUpT8IrXPjQPdSNhIRdF9wQJ_7R9xir_AhbhljZ0uaH3VbWeKlt/s400/IMG_4600.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083830413052176898" /></a><strong>Aunt Tami, Marsh, Jamie and Daron.</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZV9LwpN1JpbV1BF8DS7XJtDbKL5vaWII9vRKOgG0WyB5cv5of3fM_pQGn3TgGRoTA45dXqNxKOrJdeft6e39nCbZ6H2LYKhWMiTE2HBkdm34K-T-Hr7C96jTXHaeXBUNWFTiC/s1600-h/IMG_4606.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZV9LwpN1JpbV1BF8DS7XJtDbKL5vaWII9vRKOgG0WyB5cv5of3fM_pQGn3TgGRoTA45dXqNxKOrJdeft6e39nCbZ6H2LYKhWMiTE2HBkdm34K-T-Hr7C96jTXHaeXBUNWFTiC/s400/IMG_4606.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083830417347144210" /></a><strong>Aunt Tami gets the first hug.</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgox1IKFJ9hEAVQ90WipAJFLTr1ex_AbN13RNuZlPIqGiB1w7qftc5R8VLDRt89rp-Fu5xr1cJphIQncfzIZ0qPnw_KjKYu8enqh-92H4P7CpfNxTLT0dsK6ndHfq2tAsZuXP/s1600-h/IMG_4607.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgox1IKFJ9hEAVQ90WipAJFLTr1ex_AbN13RNuZlPIqGiB1w7qftc5R8VLDRt89rp-Fu5xr1cJphIQncfzIZ0qPnw_KjKYu8enqh-92H4P7CpfNxTLT0dsK6ndHfq2tAsZuXP/s400/IMG_4607.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083830421642111522" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGPMYktWy7zkG2hHTKKWrPgClt1lC5dOSWxhy8NsyJc4z_fk3vfQg8urYOxSLhyphenhyphenPWchDuACfZXCxUsqoc2DLZHRAMCp6Wuyr0EsnVdpv05erKZfXsH5ittiirvlqX8ozAZSIN/s1600-h/IMG_4608.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGPMYktWy7zkG2hHTKKWrPgClt1lC5dOSWxhy8NsyJc4z_fk3vfQg8urYOxSLhyphenhyphenPWchDuACfZXCxUsqoc2DLZHRAMCp6Wuyr0EsnVdpv05erKZfXsH5ittiirvlqX8ozAZSIN/s400/IMG_4608.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083830421642111538" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI74vRqhKIYT09r8ogUP0JxvxrSq5tAXymVJ_ZNxgLzqir3EMwck9y1nJDT0KpfwNVB8q4m7X3Zyp0aWZL3vSN3U-QQGQEn3PGjvlp71oru8XOFwjIZtEaTPemyEA3JLnOROg-/s1600-h/IMG_4609.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI74vRqhKIYT09r8ogUP0JxvxrSq5tAXymVJ_ZNxgLzqir3EMwck9y1nJDT0KpfwNVB8q4m7X3Zyp0aWZL3vSN3U-QQGQEn3PGjvlp71oru8XOFwjIZtEaTPemyEA3JLnOROg-/s400/IMG_4609.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083830425937078850" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0UmQqptnt7jmhs0dsbHId9FnVHIaJ1k_47YssBt4PPJ_w95GLBJQoUD1aNabehiCzYuEw5zFCzrnxgBGYLJaPDEH4uCaFd-q6iY_gWCCpMmhKj9ntHQmPczSSRkclwt7WMONr/s1600-h/IMG_4612.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0UmQqptnt7jmhs0dsbHId9FnVHIaJ1k_47YssBt4PPJ_w95GLBJQoUD1aNabehiCzYuEw5zFCzrnxgBGYLJaPDEH4uCaFd-q6iY_gWCCpMmhKj9ntHQmPczSSRkclwt7WMONr/s400/IMG_4612.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083837246345144914" /></a><strong>My motley crew, together again at last....</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKmfyfz5IFt1wu58Tkl8Xn_SSaYRuQCPVzH4wpO227cKQwIwgyoJLdGEnSsDoU_8tncfNSO-ja7GL_cAJxDweAOl19Za16GNnNcxre_safx8Gd8s3K8oAW-o4ZBeeU9189fidr/s1600-h/IMG_4613.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKmfyfz5IFt1wu58Tkl8Xn_SSaYRuQCPVzH4wpO227cKQwIwgyoJLdGEnSsDoU_8tncfNSO-ja7GL_cAJxDweAOl19Za16GNnNcxre_safx8Gd8s3K8oAW-o4ZBeeU9189fidr/s400/IMG_4613.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083837250640112226" /></a><strong>Heidi and her cousin, Jamie</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1_b6-L8O9ihsqicC-EFqVd743GdqeapyPv9yU5yVj3ZX7P-yTGL15f0RGuJ9dbrM66NnBuW5VvGnzqHfT7JrFnXkva8k3YFERFlG-MeH6eLXKLsoVlnf_xyRogoedwCLrtPl/s1600-h/IMG_4619.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1_b6-L8O9ihsqicC-EFqVd743GdqeapyPv9yU5yVj3ZX7P-yTGL15f0RGuJ9dbrM66NnBuW5VvGnzqHfT7JrFnXkva8k3YFERFlG-MeH6eLXKLsoVlnf_xyRogoedwCLrtPl/s400/IMG_4619.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083837259230046834" /></a><strong>First thing on the agenda? Heidi buys her first new car and takes 'the chids' to the beach.</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVtQHZXzWiVmUQ61nUe5GJFkh5XijVHkhyDFAG-SGlaZZp2tU8kLNVef0WvazONOFxHCoPSq0XySUnpP6txP7YgxoZCBd8T2O5cb-3ytrQL-kVevnaAs058qpBn-HQmTC4V3j/s1600-h/IMG_4620.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVtQHZXzWiVmUQ61nUe5GJFkh5XijVHkhyDFAG-SGlaZZp2tU8kLNVef0WvazONOFxHCoPSq0XySUnpP6txP7YgxoZCBd8T2O5cb-3ytrQL-kVevnaAs058qpBn-HQmTC4V3j/s400/IMG_4620.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083837272114948738" /></a><strong>Daron lookin' cool and feelin' fresh.</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jtuotwwE7zawnVTz5AZPJ4rzGh9niu-Wq4NbOcYhZP9tRmeBuUZWFoSpODEtaDRxnFt2X5xIAD_8ie0dh4evU9_RSm1f1qE0Tl2j_fZ6HZzL_8gGHK4HF7sS2Au_NYV141BH/s1600-h/IMG_4622.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jtuotwwE7zawnVTz5AZPJ4rzGh9niu-Wq4NbOcYhZP9tRmeBuUZWFoSpODEtaDRxnFt2X5xIAD_8ie0dh4evU9_RSm1f1qE0Tl2j_fZ6HZzL_8gGHK4HF7sS2Au_NYV141BH/s400/IMG_4622.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083837284999850642" /></a><strong>Marsh makes up for lost time.....</strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25960725.post-4605448687051687452007-06-20T19:05:00.000-07:002007-06-20T19:07:14.100-07:00<strong>The Ladybug Picnic<br /><br /><em>Posted for no other reason than it makes me smile.</strong></em><br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Xr8vUTm64h0"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Xr8vUTm64h0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25960725.post-52389960026854589762007-06-17T13:22:00.000-07:002007-06-17T13:23:40.534-07:00<strong>Heidi is coming home!<br /><br />Friday, June 29th, 2007<br />Jet Blue flight #661, arriving at 7:02 p.m., <br />Orlando International Airport</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMsClbBIvt_1TJHsbP14_nMx8vXPhaZ2SQOxhsWxJ9bKx2dKevgXsae7EVYWCiphovt8vNzd0jh_UBkWxO_do1xtBBQkXXLef4yuLoHBfKjGdPwQ5KLDBOxIz98Es1Y9aiy7fm/s1600-h/really+good+of+heidismall.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMsClbBIvt_1TJHsbP14_nMx8vXPhaZ2SQOxhsWxJ9bKx2dKevgXsae7EVYWCiphovt8vNzd0jh_UBkWxO_do1xtBBQkXXLef4yuLoHBfKjGdPwQ5KLDBOxIz98Es1Y9aiy7fm/s400/really+good+of+heidismall.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077127560744224866" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25960725.post-76813242291381602062007-06-07T06:55:00.000-07:002007-06-08T07:13:01.052-07:00<em><strong>"Nancy did not like to be told that she was pretty. She preferred to be called interesting."</em> ~ The Secret of Red Gate Farm, 1941.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigA33ER-GeEBcEUs9Va1IN6dbJMuJHsP7ijRnSwO6E8qXmhGckJtRG_W9UcIGHcyIbIEshpJ906CEEe5pUFFCxSQCEJJsqgfKYKVD6SL9Y814d9e_Ph-VPPvQK7SNc3ST2dXDB/s1600-h/nancy.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigA33ER-GeEBcEUs9Va1IN6dbJMuJHsP7ijRnSwO6E8qXmhGckJtRG_W9UcIGHcyIbIEshpJ906CEEe5pUFFCxSQCEJJsqgfKYKVD6SL9Y814d9e_Ph-VPPvQK7SNc3ST2dXDB/s400/nancy.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5073412091910637650" /></a><br />High on a bookcase in the study, resides one of my most prized possessions ~ my Nancy Drew books. My mother gave me her volumes and over the years I spent my allowance and baby sitting money adding to my collection. When Heidi came along, she and I added more and among the three of us, countless hours of our childhoods were spent reading about Nancy’s exploits. <br /><br />Capable, level-headed, poised, independent, gentle, well-mannered, tough yet feminine, socially active, athletic and interested in the arts, Nancy - a tall, blonde - spent her life looking for trouble wherever trouble might be. Though her mother died when she was a small child, Nancy had the backing and respect of her father, Carson Drew, a famous Mid-West lawyer, and with his help and the help of her ‘chums’ George, Bess and Ned, Nancy solved over 350 mysteries during her seventy five year career. Remarkably, Miss Drew never worked for a living, but the job skills she acquired and the wisdom she obtained would come in handy for any woman trying to make her way in this world.<br /><br />Everything I ever really needed to know I learned from Nancy Drew.<br /><br />Be independent. However, when you can’t do it by yourself, at least be in charge. <br /><br />Keep fresh batteries in the torch (flashlight) and a magnifying glass in the glove compartment. Since no one wears gloves anymore, there should be plenty of room.<br /><br />Traveling at high speeds on gravel roads, breaking and entering, trespassing into abandoned bungalows and musty attics, sneaking around ivy-covered mansions and castle dungeons, opening locked doors, chests and drawers ~ all are acceptable when trying to solve a mystery.<br /><br />When helping the underprivileged (or friends for that matter), be undaunted by the money or time spent.<br /><br />Take a date to prom capable of moving fallen trees.<br /><br />Fulfill social obligations and attend scheduled community functions before heading out to do your sleuthing.<br /><br />Good relations with the house keeper are very important, though they are often laid up with an injury or out of town when you really need them.<br /><br />Keep the phone number for the orthopedist close to the phone, or if you have a cell phone, put him/her on speed dial.<br /><br />A flower garden keeps you busy between cases.<br /><br />At all times be prepared to ride a horse, drive a boat, pilot a plane, fix your own car (or find someone capable enough to do it), break out of a closet, scuba dive or tap dance in Morse code.<br /><br />Beware of shady characters.<br /><br />Even though you might have perhaps had a volatile relationship with law enforcement in your early years, the police can come in handy should you ever be threatened by villains later in life. <br /><br />An attractive swim suit and a change of eye-catching clothing should be kept close at hand for emergencies.<br /><br />Being a ‘daddy’s girl’ has its perks.<br /><br />Should you find your friend in a predicament, move heaven and earth to get her out.<br /><br />Having an attorney in the family may come in handy should you need assistance with titles, stocks, bonds, wills and securities fraud.<br /><br />Store the family jewels in a safety deposit box.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3CkMNgObS3EI994mhf6fufh0a6jzN2kZvlBKG-OCP4T9gB7aqoU4pCnmNzAaD8pZBmMSYnH0HpWv69eSaOe3lM1ySYGVrIdO5T2y5Lv_uMyWr8cHIMp9bnFnZ76d7K-4we_U/s1600-h/black+and+white.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3CkMNgObS3EI994mhf6fufh0a6jzN2kZvlBKG-OCP4T9gB7aqoU4pCnmNzAaD8pZBmMSYnH0HpWv69eSaOe3lM1ySYGVrIdO5T2y5Lv_uMyWr8cHIMp9bnFnZ76d7K-4we_U/s400/black+and+white.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5073411692478679090" /></a><br />Roadside tearooms and quaint inns are better than Burger King and a La Quinta.<br /><br />There may come at least one time in your life where you will be forced to obstruct justice by harboring ‘wanted’ but seemingly innocent fugitives in your home.<br /><br />Never accept land won in a contest.<br /><br />Even the most mundane of towns can be home to burglars, jewel thieves, smugglers, kidnappers and organized crime syndicates.<br /> <br />Grateful friends give lovely gifts as thank yous.<br /><br />Being proficient with a gun/revolver is important during times you need to threaten or kill dangerous wildlife.<br /><br />Always have at least one friend who is forever on a diet and one friend who is a tomboy. You will be able to compliment them both and keep them grounded.<br /><br />Spend time with a man who understands what your priorities are, yet remains patient. He should allow you to control the relationship even if it means last minute changes in plans. He should be a college graduate and play a sport, preferable football.<br /><br />Having a convertible is never frivolous as long as it is a Mustang. Trade it in often for newer models making sure to get a variety of colors.<br /><br />Eavesdropping is appropriate and often necessary.<br /> <br />Fashionable frocks, pearls and high heels are a staple in any woman’s wardrobe. Tasteful suits should be accompanied by a matching hat and shoes should always coordinate with your handbag.<br /><br />Kerri<br /><br /><strong>"If worry were an effective weight-loss program, women would be invisible." Nancy Drew</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxYfBrzVPbHoM3MrrRK_ZTsEXlv1tJuR0MUgpPmzWU0NwnDda7OmeRK2ugyF6nivzHOL0keffA4blB0FHrZ-T4oy-815m8u4cTF-iIRxezQSi1NkS8THIcTY5JMWkPVJ40BKk/s1600-h/old+clock.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxYfBrzVPbHoM3MrrRK_ZTsEXlv1tJuR0MUgpPmzWU0NwnDda7OmeRK2ugyF6nivzHOL0keffA4blB0FHrZ-T4oy-815m8u4cTF-iIRxezQSi1NkS8THIcTY5JMWkPVJ40BKk/s400/old+clock.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5073411842802534466" /></a> </strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25960725.post-86661492667123045932007-06-05T07:19:00.000-07:002007-06-05T06:34:04.517-07:00<strong>David 'D.J.' Emery Jr., of Bellefonte Receives his Purple Heart<br /><br />Back in April, <a href="http://heidis-mom.blogspot.com/2007/04/soldiers-angels-please-read-this-first.html">I told you about DJ Emery and his wife Leslie</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNm8NIEswsTUjRXXMmGejmoJacSOQZSPeoME8uJxLikIyc83OIeMO7_I5DQMAoiwLuKPulmImtFaSvcVPx2PuMhTBLMJqEmm3uKYfgJUlyhAbtWyETcasPGC-kz6rO4OE-u96/s1600-h/David+Emery+Jr..JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNm8NIEswsTUjRXXMmGejmoJacSOQZSPeoME8uJxLikIyc83OIeMO7_I5DQMAoiwLuKPulmImtFaSvcVPx2PuMhTBLMJqEmm3uKYfgJUlyhAbtWyETcasPGC-kz6rO4OE-u96/s400/David+Emery+Jr..JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072204922695535714" /></a><br />Marine Corporal David Emery Jr. of the Battalion Landing Team of the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit was serving in Iraq. David, aka "DJ", graduated high school in 2003. DJ's unit was extended past their rotation date of January 1st and he was hoping to make it home in time for his child's birth.<br /><br />On February 7th, 2007, DJ was at a checkpoint near a crowded place when a terrorist walked up to the Marines. DJ's Battalion Sergeant Major, Joseph Ellis (a recon Marine of 23 years), suspected that a bomber was approaching and put himself between the bomber and his Marines.<br /><br />The bomber quickly detonated himself, instantly killing Sergeant Major Ellis. The Sergeant Major's sacrifice absorbed enough of the blast to barely keep DJ from being killed. DJ was hit hard in his abdomen - an artery was cut causing kidney failure - both legs and one arm were shattered, and, in fact, his wounds were so severe that doctors didn't think that he'd make it. On the 18th, DJ was strong enough to make the trip from Germany to the US (Bethesda). DJ is still fighting for his life.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.carepages.com/home.jsp">CarePages</a> sends me daily updates on DJ and his progress. Honestly, I don't know how he has done it. There were points in time I thought every update might bring bad news, but by DJ's will power and that of his mother, Connie and wife, Leslie, and the prayers of those who love him, DJ is making slow, very slow, progress.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPxYWhsyoU7jBPJWsWJSmfpEIwP53tafgoIufq37HZirH423kt6kq6lEBEmwxO04cIYCcwp9ubjMFMLMo4yHneVsjZEayHoauOaMWfH8uIGQX5GOe42G2QuqwxYswIwquEQJg/s1600-h/DJ+and+Carlee.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPxYWhsyoU7jBPJWsWJSmfpEIwP53tafgoIufq37HZirH423kt6kq6lEBEmwxO04cIYCcwp9ubjMFMLMo4yHneVsjZEayHoauOaMWfH8uIGQX5GOe42G2QuqwxYswIwquEQJg/s400/DJ+and+Carlee.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072207465316174962" /></a><br />DJ finally gets to hold his new baby girl, Carlee.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSueuBLE87J64LGNQftyox9E6yCUT-X7cAvPw2ga_jP11_sIqGb5KvRcMhPJn6a41h0zS3_2WbW3NhqHddqJnaAbTE9CfiZ3WBudu8R0yFbXpnIySk5iO0VemTlK_ogaQi1b4/s1600-h/DJ+and+the+prez.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSueuBLE87J64LGNQftyox9E6yCUT-X7cAvPw2ga_jP11_sIqGb5KvRcMhPJn6a41h0zS3_2WbW3NhqHddqJnaAbTE9CfiZ3WBudu8R0yFbXpnIySk5iO0VemTlK_ogaQi1b4/s400/DJ+and+the+prez.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072207469611142274" /></a><br />President Bush presents Marine Sgt. David D.J. Emery Jr., of Bellefonte with a Purple Heart Friday at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. I think the President invited DJ to visit him at the White House when he is able.<br /><br />DJ is moving this week to Walter Reed and will probably sometime in the near future be at Fisher House or a facility like it.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.sporg.com/registration?form_id=85459">Go back and pledge</a>. You need to and you know you want to.</strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25960725.post-35708653970930637652007-06-04T06:31:00.000-07:002007-06-04T09:18:54.488-07:00<strong>Next October, When I Run the Boston Marathon....<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMI98_LaDM9C5lemvH9Jk50PO8vBeofo5tFzrFcSNBuwLg3sS4MFodZup99gD36tBAwiK5l3XfG7kC_fwFWTbk4JhPYYW-5EOOIQh7dLolfhUUHdZlYPCvm98dcI7ClCKxxkmL/s1600-h/steven+kane.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMI98_LaDM9C5lemvH9Jk50PO8vBeofo5tFzrFcSNBuwLg3sS4MFodZup99gD36tBAwiK5l3XfG7kC_fwFWTbk4JhPYYW-5EOOIQh7dLolfhUUHdZlYPCvm98dcI7ClCKxxkmL/s400/steven+kane.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072219998030744722" /></a><br />Okay, so I am not running in a marathon, Steven Kane is. Steven is a member of the Nebraska National Guard and he is running the Chicago Marathon on October 7th. All 26.2 Miles, yikes! You know <em>my opinion </em>on running....<br /><br />Oh yes, and <em>he is training while serving in Iraq</em>. <a href="http://sackiniraq.blogspot.com/search/label/Marathon%20Update">Go here to see his training program</a>. <br /><br /><a href="https://www.sporg.com/registration?form_id=85459">Go here to pledge</a>.<br /><br />All proceeds go to <a href="http://www.fisherhouse.org/">the Fisher House</a>, which provides "comfort homes," built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to their soldier during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury.This is the most worthy cause I have found in a long, long time.<br /><br /><a href="http://heidis-mom.blogspot.com/2006/12/jr-salzman-is-milblogger-someone.html">Remember JR Salzman</a>? He and his family spent time at the Fisher House.<br /><br />What are you doing just sitting there? Go pledge.</strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2