The Bodacious Adventures of Barb

January 17 sunrise

2012-01-17T08:06:00.000-05:00

What a peaceful morning

Out to catch breakfast.... or dinner

Notice the cloud of birds up above to the right as well

Here comes the sun

This is such a beautiful place

St Simons Morning 1

2012-01-16T16:09:00.000-05:00

We were able to get a condo at the Grand again, on the third floor this time and Bry, Kim and Emerson were able to join us for the weekend. Emerson had never seen the ocean and just loved collecting shells and exploring. Petey loved making new friends

November sunrise

2011-11-13T10:55:00.001-05:00

We had such a beautiful sunrise this morning. I couldn't decide which of the three of these I liked best.

I think I like the composition of this one best but the one above it is more vibrant.

Visit with Ralph and Bill

2011-10-11T19:07:00.000-04:00

Got to hang out with our good friends Ralph and Bill this past weekend. Went to Gainesville, GA where we saw a really cool Veteran's memorial and then back to Blue Ridge for their art festival.

Chick Fil A fun

2011-09-03T17:45:00.000-04:00

Today Emerson came over and hung out with us for an hour or so. We played play doh, hit balls, bowled ( a different kind of hitting balls) and went to Chick Fil A where Emerson had a blast on their climbing apparatus. After Emerson went up in the tubey thing, I started wondering if he was really old enough and HOW we would get him down if he didn't come down on his own. Luckily there was a very helpful little girl that was probably about 5, but not a whole lot taller than Emerson, then helped him down the first time. Ah for helpful little girls.

Last weekend's park excursion

2011-09-03T10:50:00.000-04:00

Last weekend we met up with Bry, Kim and Emerson at our favorite, Swift-Cantrell park.

We hung out for a while at the normal little kid part and then after a trip down the favorite slide...

Over to the rope climbing web. Emerson is FEARLESS. That kid was all over this thing!

Bry said he just watched some kids the week before and figured out all by himself how to do it.

Look at him gooooooooo!!!

May 2011 Vacation Day 6- Friday Redwood National park

2011-06-25T16:37:00.004-04:00

On Friday we headed through Redwood National park. Our first stop was at the Ranger station, which was a great plan since he told us all the great places to go and see in just one day. I could spend a year there and not see enough to satisfy me, I think. Redwood National park is heaven to me. Our first stop was Lady Bird Johnson Grove, where this giant stood watch. I truly did not realize that the effort to preserve the redwoods just came about when I was a kid. I am so thankful to Lady Bird Johnson for this AND her beautify America campaign. Remember her "Keep America Beautiful" and not throwing trash out the window of the car. Seems unimaginable that people ever even did that without thinking. Showed the picture below to my oldest grandson to give him an idea of just how big the trees are and he said, "Bopp, it is the perspective.... look how far away you are from Wood". Yah he is pretty smart for a 6 year old.... but gee they really really are big trees. I would love to have a conversation with one of them. Ron S., this picture is for you, so you can see how long Wood's hair is. We drove on Newton B Drury Scenic parkway.. which the ranger said was even better than Avenue of the Giants. Boy was he right. We took the turn off to see the 'big tree'. We hiked a little more throughout the park and then headed away from the park and the ocean and turned inland for the next phase of our trip... a fun filled visit with the Budds.

2011-06-25T16:02:00.003-04:00

So Thursday morning we drove back over to Jenner for our trip up the coast. I am so glad we did . It was very windy and slow but just so gorgeous and peaceful Lots of rock stacks when the land used to jut a wee bit more out to the sea I think I posted a closer shot on my picassa web album of this one where you can actually see flowers growing on top. We headed up toward Humboldt State park and stopped along the way to drive through the Chandlier tree. They say a Hummer can fit through, but I am not exactly sure how. Same tree side view. Isn't it pretty and still so very much alive. This is just one tree among many to drive through in all the redwood parks. We arrived next at Humboldt state park and drove through the Avenue of the Giants. We were both in awe of the ginormous trees!Doesn't this one look like a giant hand is breaking out through the bark?

May 2011 Vacation Day 5 Muir Woods to Jenner/Windsor

2011-06-19T13:56:00.005-04:00

We left Monterey early Wednesday morning and headed for our first redwood encounter I had forgotten how much I enjoyed coming to Muir Woods when I lived in Walnut Creek, CA. So close to SF and so very very beautiful and verdant. I spent a lot of time looking up trying to see the tops of these giant coastal redwoods. On the way to Muir Woods we stopped to get a view back at the city from on top of Mount Tamalpais. I meant this picture to be first but am tired of trying to move it to the beginning of the post... sheessh.I just love this quote by John Muir, because for me at least, it is very true. I would rather be lost in the woods then found in the city any day. I spent a lot of time looking up and Wood spent a fair amount of time reading about Redwoods and the history of the area. His favorite thing to do. I just can't get over how green and mossy everything is here. But as you can see, the day we visited it was foggy and misty...perfect weather for this area. Got a kick out of this banana slug that had crawled up onto this sign about salmon and trout. Indeed a timeless journey for him.... but someone told me they actually travel relatively quickly. We left Muir Woods and continued up the coast through Point Reyes National Seashore and turned inland at Jenner. I am really bummed that I didn't get more pictures of this part of the trip because we went through some ginormnous eucalyptus groves. I LOVED them and Wood thinks they smell like cat pee. I had no idea there were so many groves and that the trees got so large. We went inland to Windsor where we had a room for the night, but then came back to the coast in the morning for our next day's journey up the coast to McKinkleyville and the Coastal redwoods

May vacation 2011 - Day 4 recap

2011-06-19T13:47:00.002-04:00

So on the 4th day of our vacation we drove from LA to Monterey. I have already posted pictures several posts below the last on our tour of 17 mile drive and how pretty it was. We weren't able to drive up the whole coast on Hwy 1 because just south of Big Sur Hwy 1 had been washed out. So we drove up 1 as far as we could and then cut over on Hwy 46. What a pretty drive. We were sure we would see lots of motorcyclists here since that is how Wood and I wanted to be driving through this area, but there really weren't too many. We did cross some wineries as we got closer to the 101 but mostly it was just sloping hillsides and a few farms. We were fortunate enough to stay at a Holiday Inn express right on Cannery Row and I would highly recommend staying there to anyone. It was a great location to walk from as well as easy to get to by car, plus the room was kind of in a courtyard. We drove around a bit and found several really nice Bed and Breakfasts in the area- one that looked like it was right out of Anne of Green Gables.... in fact I think it was called Green Gables B and B, and I immediately thought with the Monterey Aquarium right there what a great place for all the family to meet for a family vacation. The B and B is just across from the beach and a park I believe, and right up the street is Pacific Grove. A town I would much prefer to hang out in then Monterey, at least than Cannery Row.

May 2011 vacation day 3

2011-06-11T15:06:00.004-04:00

On Monday Wood, Jill, the little T guy and I headed off to the Los Angeles county natural history museum. Wood and I were sort of intrigued by this can you lift the truck display outside. Wood was able to easily do up to the 2 times effort. Took all my might to hang off the first one and get the truck off the ground. Our next stop was the outdoor butterfly exhibit, which inspired me to plant some lantana when we got home. There were butterflies every where and the little T guys was quite intrigued by it all. That was he was intrigued until we got inside where it was really really noisy and there were giant dinosaurs everywhere. Then I am afraid the little T guy got the same feeling as his grandma which was let me outside to some peace and quiet. Wood and I checked out a couple of exhibits- him the old stuff - me the bugs- and then we headed off to a fantastic diner lunch in Pasadena. We bid goodby to J, G and T and headed off to meet Bob and Sheri for dinner. Really great to see the both of them and admire Bob's new rock cutter and polisher and also Sheri's cactus dish gardens- they are really pretty and I don't even like cactus that much.... but then Sheri has always had a way with plants and flowers of all kinds. After a wonderful visit and delicious dinner at Claim Jumper, Wood and I headed back to pack up for the rest of our journey up the coast. More pictures of the first 3 days on my Picasa web album.

May 2011 Vacation Day 2

2011-06-11T14:44:00.003-04:00

On Sunday Wood and I rode with Brian and Allie all together. I got to ride as a Queen on the back of the super duper extra special harley. After a REALLY delicious and HEALTHY breakfast at Jenky's in Sherman Oaks (oh how I miss California cuisine) we headed off for a tour of Beverly Hills, Wilshire Blvd, and Melrose. Can't believe I lived in CA most of my life and had never been down some of those streets. It was a first down Rodeo Drive for Wood. He was surprised at how short it was. I was surprised at how the edgy part of Melrose had all the shops fully rented out and bustling but as we headed toward the more expensive end of the Blvd, lots of shops were empty. Guess folks still have money for tatoos and such but not for expensive clothes. We headed on out to Malibu and road up the coast for a bit. I LOVE the smell of the ocean and it was just a beautiful day for this part of the ride. I didn't remember Malibu being as long as it seemed. But I will take all the beach I can get. After passing the older Getty we headed up into the canyons and back over to Brian and Allie's. We enjoyed this part too, but give me the curvy mountain roads of Georgia any day, to the next part of our ride which was a short stint on the 101. I do NOT like riding a motorcycle on the FWYs of CA. A really great time had by all though. Brian escorted us back to the Harley dealership where we turned in the bike and then headed back to our hotel to get cleaned up before meeting Bruce and Ilene for dinner. And that weekend is when Wood got the bug to replace his trusty Beastess with a new and improved Road King Classic which I have decided to nickname BB King.... for Beloved Bike King. Also had a great visit catching up with Bruce and Ilene and chowing down on some grub at Black Angus. Always a good time with those two. Ilene makes me feel like we are the Betty and Wilma duo the way we can laugh and laugh.

May 2011 Vacation- Day 1

2011-06-11T14:16:00.004-04:00

Wood and I were able to take a two week vacation ( a real one with little to no work involved) and had such a wonderful time that I wanted to share and memorialize it here. We started out flying into LAX on a Friday and after getting our Ford Escape Rental (which we both really liked) headed over to our hotel and got settled. Then we met Jill, Gavin and the little guy for a wonderful dinner at La Grande Orange. On Saturday, we headed over to Glendale and picked up a Harley for Wood to ride with his best pal, Brian. They didn't have the one he had reserved available so he got an Electrag uide Ultra. And well that was the beginning of a beautiful thing, but more on that later. So while Wood spent the day with Brian out and about riding Harleys, I headed over to spend the day with Jill and T. We had decided to go to the Huntington Library and had just the best time. There is a new Chinese Garden there which is just SOOOO peaceful. There is a restaurant there too, that smelled delicious but we are saving that experience for our next excursion. We also tooled around the rose garden and gift shop before heading home. Wood met me at Jill and Gavin's later that day and we babysat little Tguy while Jill and Gavin celebrated an early anniversary dinner. A wonderful and peaceful babysitting experience. Those are always good to have. Then Wood and I were off to our own dinner at El Torito. Great margarita but way too much food.

Monterey and 17 mile drive

2011-05-17T21:57:00.003-04:00

We had hoped to be able to drive all the way up highway 1 through Big Sur but highway 1 is shut down. So instead we drove straight through to Monterey and after a walk through Cannery Row took the famous 17 mile drive.

Very very beautiful place to be with humungous expensive houses and LOTS of golf courses including, of course, Pebble Beach. I like this grove of Cypress trees.

Asilomar beach is always pretty and free too ;-)

Mother's day with Emerson

2011-05-08T15:34:00.003-04:00

The B Davis's joined Anne, Wood and me for a Mother's day celebration yesterday. We played bubbles Lots of bubbles And olayed with every ball in the house. Every time he arrives, Emerson very sweetly gives me a hug and some flowers or on this occasion a gift, and then runs into the den to collect every ball we have which he then arranges in a circle out in the living room. He also brought out the golf clubs this time to add to the mix (the bowling pins were a little delayed on this visit). I think my favorite part of the visit was walking down to the weedy (not grassy) area by the pool and watching Emerson hit balls with his new bat and then run in the imaginary base circle back to home base and jump up and shout YAY!!!. He has just the sweetest smile and LOVED hitting the ball and then running the circle with a huge grin on his face the whole time. What a wonderful memory.

4 generations for Mother's day

2011-05-06T11:15:00.003-04:00

Having a race between blogger and Facebook to see which will post quicker ;-) Facebook is grinding away. This was on the occasion of my granddaugther's first birthday. 4 generations together.

Emerson

2011-05-05T20:51:00.002-04:00

Got to stock up on the juice before the long ride :-)

Sunday's new hike exploration

2011-05-01T17:36:00.003-04:00

Who knew there is a pretty cool visitor's center at Allatoona Dam near our house? We decided to take the Cooper's Furnace and Branch trails and then the Laurel Ridge trail and go see it. You can drive a car up there... but what fun is that? Much of the Laurel Ridge trail (which is labeled easy) would be easy for a mountain goat! No really it is beautiful and not too steep but it is only about one person wide and in some places I did wish I had my mountain goat legs. The picture above is what you see from this out look below. This trail had lots of markers and we learned a lot about the trees in our area and at our HOUSE! More pictures on facebook. It is much easier to load them up there

New Hiking trails- Saturday

2011-05-01T16:19:00.009-04:00

We decided this weekend to explore and do a couple of new trails. We normally do the West Loop of the Pine Mountain trail, which you can see from the switch backs is pretty steep. This time we parked one car at the West loop and one car at the east loop and hiked across using half of each loop trail. We took our normal counter clockwise (bottom portion on this map) up to David Archer Look out and decided it was just as pretty as usual.

Then we took the long way down on the east loop... the top half on the trail map. It is one of my new favorite hikes. It is longer but not quite as step as the west loop. And it meanders by a really pretty creek for awhile too.

There were caterpillars and inch worms everywhere, gnoshing on all the new growth. Wood and I ended up wearing quite a few of them as they are very very clever about dropping on you and then hanging on for dear life.

Then we took the top long part of the East loop trail ( the part including Whiskey Point) down. I think it may be my new favorite weekend hike. Really really pretty... not quite as steep but a little (a little I said) more meandering. Still some steep places but it follows a creek bed for a while and is really very nice. 10 minutes away from our house. Only 10 minutes!!! There are caterpillars and inch worms EVERYWHERE. Between the two of us, Wood and I ended up wearing quite a few of them. They sure know how to hang on tight!

Monkey hat

2011-04-19T13:36:00.004-04:00

I got to visit Portland for the birth of the latest Budd addition. I thought it would be fun for the kids to model my monkey hat. Some were thrilled to model.

One not so much And one.... not at all :-)

Sky view

2011-04-19T13:32:00.002-04:00

While flying home from Pennsylvania recently I saw the most beautiful sunset. Made me think of this:

Crimson sun

slipping beneath

endless cloud wave-sets

Wood and his mom on her 90th birthday

2011-02-05T12:42:00.000-05:00

tues through thurs of snow event

2011-01-13T15:27:00.002-05:00

Tues after most of the snow had stopped falling Ran out of food for the birds so we gave them so bread and I erroneously thought they would like craisins too.... oops. Thursday afternoon and we are melting......hurray. So many lessons learned from this. I will ALWAYS shovel the fresh snow off the walkway and make myself a path down our drive way since I can't seem to resist going down. One of our neighbors got out his tractor and cleared our streets, otherwise they would still be a mess... what a really nice guy.

Jan 2011 Snow event

2011-01-10T17:19:00.004-05:00

Can you see how many cardinals are in this picture? Petey loves snow but this was his first experience with it freezing and crunching under his feet. Wasn't too sure. But after a few steps he was bounding down the driveway and eating up the snow. Our little garden dude has an extra hat today :-)

Jan 7 sunrise before walk

2011-01-07T08:48:00.003-05:00

Sunrise over Lake Allatoona We had to pause before our morning walk to capture this beautiful sunrise. We are so lucky where we live to see the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Great way to start and end the day

Happy New Year bowler

2011-01-01T13:35:00.005-05:00

First thing Emerson does when he comes to our house these days is gather up ALL of the balls he can carry at once. He has 5 of them here.

We got him a little bowling game for Christmas and our house has become the perfect bowling alley for practice. He is really good too and shouts a very very enthusiastic, YAH! when he knocks them down.

See the blue ball there right in front of the pin to the right? And check out that form in the backround just waiting for the YAY! moment.

check out the video below where his aim is just a little off... or some would say right on.

Best present ever

2010-10-18T13:30:00.001-04:00

I got the best present ever from Emerson on his Birthday. We were playing on the floor with his balloons and he came over all by himself and gave me a hug and a kiss.

It was a REALLY special moment.

Riding the train

2010-10-05T07:37:00.003-04:00

So you need to read this post from the bottom up. We took the Blueridge train to its destination which is a town that straddles Tennessee and Georgia. Lots of great scenary along the way and since the train is only going 10-15 miles per hour you have plenty of time to enjoy it. Each of the cars is an original and refurbished. I think the one we were in was from the 1930's

This is a fish trap built by Native Americans that lived in the area. It is many hundreds of years old.

You can read all about the history of the train and its cars as well as the sights along the way in this little pamphlet that now belongs to Emerson's library. ;-)

Ah isn't he cute. Emerson's favorite game on this ride was to go between Bry and Kim's outstretched arms that kept him in our little 4 spot place on the train. He had a blast doing that.

So I guess I will just post this backwards. Kim, Bry and Emerson joined us in the mountains for a couple of days and I thought Emerson might like a ride on the Blueridge train.... maybe next year :-), but he did LOVE the little $1 train that was perfect 2 yr old hand size to play with. It is quite a lazy 10-15 mile an hour ride to the nearby towns of Mckaysville, GA and Copperhill, TN. Pretty scenary but a very slow way to go. Very relaxing actually.

Ft. Mountain part 2

2010-09-30T10:05:00.003-04:00

There is a great little hike out to an outlook where you can see the valley and Chattsworth. Trouble for Petey is it involves lots of metal grate stairs. Or maybe I should say trouble for Wood because Petey will eagerly dance up to the stairs and then stop and no amount of encouraging will get him to put his little paws on those steps. He eagerly jumps into Wood's arms to be carried both down and then back up. We got him on one stair at the bottom but I think that is because it was mostly covered in leaves.

And here is the tower. I didn't get a very good shot of the rock wall but it is mostly a piled up bunch of rocks about 2 to 3 feet high about 200 to 300 ft away from this tower and kind of encircling it.... where it can.

Our new favorite- Fort Mountain State park

2010-09-30T09:54:00.004-04:00

Petey is always ready for a hike and ever impatient if we stop in the journey. He is NOT a fan of metal grid stairs though as you will see in part 2 of this post.

Nice direct walk up to the rock wall and stone tower

Stopped to take a shot of this guy and he stopped mid crawl to say "what ch'you looking at lady?"

Conflicting legends about how the stone tower and wall came to be. Some ascribe them to some Welsh explorers and others to either a Native American tribe or some pale eyed folks.

Our annual fall visit to Black rock mountain

2010-09-30T09:36:00.003-04:00

We had a beautiful day for our trip to Black Rock mtn state park. Very clear and just the right hiking temp, low 60's

Of course for some reason I just love to get mushroom shots. Not lots to choose from so far this year. Hard hike up to the top but at least since it was cooler I didn't feel like I had to drape myself over the marker at the top of the mountain this year. Boy am I glad we had our hiking sticks with us. Since it had rained a couple days before the trail was really slippery and muddy. Lots of moss covered rocks and roots to make the climb a wee bit slick. ;-)

This tree was just covered. I guess when there are this many mushrooms on a tree it is dying??? or at least not really healthy???

Blueridge day 1

2010-09-30T09:29:00.003-04:00

The view from this year's cabin. It rained when we arrived and a bit on the next day. We were able to hike the next two days and now we have rain again today. It is very cozy here and a nice place to just sit, relax and listen to the rain.

Puerto Rico

2010-09-26T19:12:00.003-04:00

Sunrise right from my hotel window. I had the best view. I could have stayed there weeks. It was a great hotel

I think this may be the lowest I ever saw the tide. What fun watching the surfers every morning before work- both board, boogie and body surfers.

Other than the mosquito bites I kept getting this was just the best work week. The people were great, my colleagues were very enjoyable AND we got stuff done.... all in this BEEEEAUTIFUL setting. Oh and I was introduced to DonQ Limon mmmmm tasty

pale gray hummer

2010-09-06T07:45:00.002-04:00

I guess this may seem like my blog is turning into the nature center or something, but we see such interesting creatures. This little guy/gal had none of the usual hummer markings for the type of hummers we have here. Not sure if it was an albino or not but it spent the entire day tirelessly keeping all other hummingbirds away from all three feeders in the back yard. She was feroucious.

another lunch time discovery!!!

2010-08-30T11:55:00.002-04:00

There I was just eating my pnut butter and jelly sandwich and trying to keep my fingers intact while Petey was eating some past its prime turkey and there is this little guy desperately trying to blend in with our posts on the back porch. I kept my fingers long enough to run into the house and grab my camera.

Pretty cool huh! You just never know what you are going to see at our house ;-)

My own Microcosmos

2010-08-25T13:22:00.003-04:00

One of my most favorite movies of ALL TIME is Microcosmos and Lo and Behold what should I see when I go down the hill to get the mail at lunch time???? My own (very own) dung beetle struggling with his own (very own) ball of poop!!! I have never seen a dung beetle in action or known that I have ever seen one in Georgia. He/She was about as successful as the one in Microcosmos.

Such lunch time entertainment!!! and for sure the highlight of my day!

Emerson learning to plant one on Gertie

2010-08-01T13:00:00.006-04:00

Emerson decided he would start out early practicing his wooing skills on Gertie. Notice how he has got the placing his hands on her neck and face (girls like that) And then the whole mouth kiss. Gertie is keeping an eye on this guy! :-)

Emerson's jabberwocky

2010-07-09T08:04:00.002-04:00

Pine Mountain

2010-07-05T15:12:00.006-04:00

the view down from just one of the many switch backs this hike is just a hop skip and a jump down the road Lots and lots of switch backs Petey loves to hike. The view from the top is just gorgeous.... in all directions

4th of July extravaganza

2010-07-05T15:05:00.003-04:00

Sunday we hiked up to the top of Black Rock mountain state park. It was a gorgeous day for hiking and for viewing. We had wanted to see all the rhodendrons in bloom but missed them by a few weeks. There were still some stragglers left Anne came along and encouraged me up the climb (ooh we went to see Phantom of the Opera on Saturday night too-it was mahhhhvelous! Petey is quite the hiker. He and Wood zipped along this 'more difficult' trail as if it were nothing. Lots of folks there this time of the year. We usually go in the early fall when we are about the only ones on the trail

Knox's new helmet and gloves

2010-06-05T12:15:00.002-04:00

Wood and Knox had just the best time yesterday, shopping for new stuff, tooling around North Georgia and going to the movies

cool dude huh?

Looks like he just fits and it seems like only yesterday his feet didn't reach the footboards

A visit from the guys

2010-05-23T19:10:00.006-04:00

We ended up having the best time at the house, exploring and

eating ice cream and

eating more ice cream but we meant to go to the park and hang out on slides and swings but

we decided it was way too hot today

Wood and his machine

2010-05-16T20:05:00.003-04:00

Wood has spent some time spiffying up his Harley and we took it out for another spin today

The Grove Park Inn

2010-04-21T06:17:00.003-04:00

We stayed at the Grove Park Inn while in Asheville a couple of weekends ago. This shot is from one of the balconies overlooking the world famous spa (the glass roof top)- I got a massage... mmm mmm mmm good. We had the most perfect weather. Our room was in the newer wing and right on the golf course, out there at the end of that building to the left The Inn is undergoing some renovations. Next time we want to stay in the historic main part which has all original furnishings Outside the spa there is a stone fire ring where you can continue relaxing and sipping your... beverage. I love all the furnishings in the hallways and public areas Two huge fire places in the main entry way. Hard to tell but that wood ready to burn is about 5 feet long. Lots of pictures on the walls of famous visitors - check out the hall furnishings. I want them all- I love mission style This is one of the 'older' places to check in There are rocking chairs everywhere, inside and out, to enjoy the views and just relax. We broke out our computers and did a little work Sunday morning on a presentation while enjoying the views :-)- I love a little multitasking like that

The Biltmore Estate

2010-04-15T07:17:00.005-04:00

Last weekend we went to Asheville and while there revisted the Biltmore estate built by George Vanderbilt about 100 years ago. We took a couple of additional tours this time that I really enjoyed. One was a rooftop tour and the other was a behind the scenes tour where I was really wowed with the technology and foresight employed at the turn of the last century in building this mansion. But I have to say the roof top tour was my favorite.There are all kinds of gargoyles and grotesques all along the roof tops and some of them are quite a kick.All along the roof top in copper are the inititials of GV for George Vanderbilt.Well copper and some gold....see the bottom right hand fleur de lis? He had them all covered in gold.I spent a bit of time just fascinated with the grotesques (no water running through them) and snapped some shots of my favorites Weird huh?

Easter 2010

2010-04-04T20:04:00.003-04:00

Lots of Easter excitement this year at Bry and Kims. We had an easter egg hunt, a delicious dinner and just a really relaxing fun time. The best was chasing Emerson around the house.

Emerson had a wee bit of a run in with the concrete at the bottom of their front steps yesterday. He had such a good time smashing his face and head that he did it again today by falling and hitting his head on the corner of a wall on the same side of his face. Poor little guy. But it didn't slow him down and we still had fun playing chase games around the house. Infectious kid giggles are the BEST! There were eggs to find outside and lots of adults to take pictures of the findings ;-) A very nice Easter, all the way around :-)

Portland in March

2010-04-04T19:43:00.004-04:00

Got to visit with the Budds a few weeks ago and they took me to one of their favorite HIGH places from which to view downtown Portland. We had the best time, rain or no rain. Or should I say sun or no sun- I think the sun came out one day only. Ellen is always game for a pose. Or should I say pretty much everyone is game for a pose. and hiding from Mom is also fun. As was an early Birthday celebration at Red Robin... mmm mmm mmm Is this a cute picture of what. Brennan the charmer...

Emerson's trip to the park

2010-02-28T17:56:00.002-05:00

Even with a little bump on the noggin this was Emerson's favorite slide. He got going pretty fast a couple of times I LOVE this picture of Bry and Emerson This was the first slide we put him on at Delinger Park. I think he would have been almost as happy turning around and putting his fingers in the holes behind him. We walked around a bit, looked at the geese and ducks and did the 1, 2, 3, swinging in the air a number of times. A couple of times when Bry and I were each holding Emerson's fingers he wiggled his arms to let us know he was ready for another swing through the air. This shot may have captured his very first ever trip down a slide.

Mom's handwriting at 9 years of age

2010-02-16T17:49:00.000-05:00

Snow snow snow snow snow (think music to White Christmas)

2010-02-13T09:09:00.002-05:00

We got lots last night and it is a beautiful 20 degrees outside sooo Looks like we will be staying here until the sun hits the driveway and we can get down. MMM waffles for breakfast and a fire in the fireplace and lots of Wii for today :-) Petey just knows there is ground down there somewhere See I knew if I dug long enough I would find ground :-)- He loves it And this is only 3 inches. How many feet is it now in DC??? Wood got me some real snow boots several years ago for our trips to NY. Haven't used them in many years cause they are kind of thick and heavy to pack. But boy have they come in handy this morning. The birds are glad we have snow boots since we were able to go and refuel the feeders for them.

3 weeks ago beach- today snow

2010-02-12T16:21:00.002-05:00

Well it started to snow about 3 hours ago and most unusual for us it is sticking. Glad we have Chili in the crock pot and wood for a fire tonight. Probably about an inch or so- so far Looks kind of pretty doesn't it? The birds are feasting as fast as they can to stay warm

One last day

2010-01-21T19:12:00.003-05:00

Our last day here was a stormy one. We were going to head down to Jacksonville and St. Augustine in Florida, but ended up just hanging out and taking a break. Good thing too, because their were tornado watches most of the afternoon in Jacksonville. Not a time to be out in the car After the rain we headed out to the semi deserted and clean swept beach, low tide again by this time. We came upon a few feeding frenzy's. Petey pretty much had the run of the beach and run he did. Up and down and all around. He trotted pretty far in front of us and then would stop and turn around and look at us as if to say "come on you two, hurry up". Then when he was assured we were following HIS lead, he'd turn around and trot ahead. Couple of times we left him sniffing something beyond sniffable and then he'd notice we were about 100 yds ahead and run like a bullet to catch up. Pretty often when he was off leash and we were walking by folks, we asked him to heel, and most of the time he was beyond excellent - a little cocky and jaunty about it, but pretty much stayed either by my heel or Wood's. Pretty good little guy. I think this may have been one of our favorite vacations, yet!

Sunset walk

2010-01-20T18:00:00.005-05:00

Sunset and very low tide made for a great time to take pictures. What a very relaxing way to end the day. I have never seen the tide this low. Storm is due in tomorrow so clouds are starting to build tonight. this is my favorite shot of the day. Pretty cool huh?We came upon a worm field and Petey took to sniffing them out. I just LOVE these little guys. Sometimes their legs go so fast it is just a blurrrrrrrr.

Fascinating critters

2010-01-19T14:43:00.003-05:00

I really want to know what this is. If you click on the picture and make it bigger, it just is such an interesting creature And look at those barnacle freeloaders, seems weird that something so squishy could make a shell so hard Went back for another walk and took Wood's camera this time which has a better zoom than mine. These guys just fascinate me. Check out the tentacles. I zoomed in on it in Picassa and they are very thin little flappy over lapping things on the tentacles. Almost as good as a microscope :-). Let's have science class:-)

Sunrise in St. Simons

2010-01-19T08:15:00.003-05:00

This year instead of staying at the King and Prince we decided to rent a condo. The facility we reserved was underconstruction so after a bit of searching we were moved next door to where we would stay again in a second. Really really great place. We are on the second floor in a gorgeous condo. Yesterday we slept through the sun rise. Determined not to do that again today. It seems to take forever for sun to come up and it was just me and a few birds. Then once it peaks over the horizon, zoom it is up lickety split. Yesterday we took a several mile walk on the shore which Petey LOVED. He ran and ran and ran and came back when we called him which was great. Lots of jelly fish washed up on the sand, but I forgot my camera to take pictures of them. Maybe this morning :-).

Warming up to 26

2010-01-10T14:40:00.002-05:00

We are starting to thaw so headed over to lake for a quick run today. You can see how far the lake is down again and not sure if you can make it out or not but it is frozen back here. Petey was so excited and running everywhere. We tried to take him late yesterday afternoon but the road was still closed because it was still iced over. He was much happier today when we didn't have to turn around and go back home

Petey gets his turn

2010-01-10T13:45:00.001-05:00

Last weekend Petey fell in the back yard and hurt his leg. We haven't taken him to the vet yet because sometimes he is just fine and sometimes he kind of stops and pulls up his back leg and whines and starts shaking and then in a few minutes he is ok. Today was an ok to run on the lake shore kind of day. We waited until it hit 26 degrees before we ventured out and over to the lake today.

I am a cold wimp

2010-01-09T07:55:00.004-05:00

After many attempts to convince Petey that maybe he is a cat after all and could use a litter pan, we braved the outdoors (we meaning Wood) to take him out for his morning potty break. Isn't it supposed to warm up when the sun comes out? 8 degree's at 7:47 in the morning. And no I don't mean it to be 62 degrees in the house, it is just taking a bit of time to warm up this morning. These are pictures from yesterday morning and it looks exactly the same today only icier. There will be no runs for comfort food today unless it warms up substantially. News is full of abandoned cars and wrecks everywhere. Ok, I don't like the cold and I don't like snow. It is pretty when it is falling but then it can just go away. But in all my wimpiness I am ever so grateful that I don't have to drive anywhere or stand in the cold waiting for a bus. There are lots of folks in Atlanta having to do that and they have got to be very very cold. Petey is not a fan of the cold either. Notice him pacing back and forth on the deck while Wood is out snapping pictures. Now way is he getting those paws in that icy snowy mess which is our lawn.

SNOW!

2010-01-08T07:46:00.006-05:00

Started snowing last night and it stuck this morning. Good thing we didn't need to drive down the hill. .... First two last night, the rest this morning

Initial Jan 2010 exploits

2010-01-03T14:30:00.006-05:00

Have I mentioned it has been COLD here lately. 16 degrees when we woke up this morning..... which has been later and later this vacation.... we made it all the way to 7:15 today. This is BIG for me! So I finally went to the dr for my eye on Dec 30. She prescribed some penicillin for the 'stye' (you can tell dr. barbara does not think it is a stye since I have had it for 2.5 months). There was a two hour wait for the meds so I left to go back another day which happened to be yesterday, Jan 2. So I get to the counter and they say there is no prescription for you. Hmm I say since I waited 25 minutes in line a couple of days ago to make sure they had it and were processing. Oh wait they say, your dr. stopped it from going through. Hmm I say, why would that be. We don't know they say, you should go up and talk to your dr. (have I mentioned that the drs is about 25 minutes down the highway from my house - not far but really not a hop skip and a jump either). So I go up to talk to the dr and of course she isn't there (it is Sat after all and only one dr works on Sat and it isn't mine this particular week). So I ask the nice lady at the counter... could it be because she gave me an H1N1 shot that she doesn't want me to take the penicillin now? hmmm don't know she says but I will give her your note. Ok... well gee whiz here I went ALL THIS WAY for nothing.... so hmm How about I go a little further and pick up a couple of warm sweatery things for Petey. So I go to the pet store for wee bitty dogs (read expensive boutique) and pick up one that I think Wood will like and one that I like. You get to judge which you like best and I bet it will be easy for you to tell which is my favorite. Oh, notice the lake is down again - not due to lack of rain but because the army corps of engineers is releasing so much water every day. I guess it is a winter sort of thing. So we went exploring a bit and see the tree branch in the water? It decorated for Christmas with icicles and hmm small baggy things that I will consider unmentionables for my blog but YOU KNOW what they are ;-) And icicles in the sand again. Aren't they cool? Now don't be persuaded by the fact that Wood calls the blue sweater Petey's girly man snowflake outfit. You know you like it best? Right? By the way- about the sweaters - it has been so cold Petey has been shivering and we haven't really been taking him on walks because it has been sooo cold for his 12 lb body (or so I am using for an excuse). Yesterday we were taking down Christmas stuff and Wood was cleaning out the garage and storing our Christmas stuff. We loaded up the tree in the back of the truck along with some other stuff to take to the dump. Wood usually leaves the truck door open when he does this (don't ask me why). Well I am working in the house and come out after about 20 minutes and can't find Petey. Silly woman, why of course I should know right where he is.... in the truck and not going to move an inch because there is the very real possibility that we will be going to the dump and he WILL NOT be left behind. Problem is it is so cold that the poor little guy is just shivering and shaking all over, but still will not get out of the truck. So this time we put on the red warm apparel and closed the doors and one of the windows and turned on the heater for the two minutes it took for Wood and me to finish up and then off for our joy ride to the dump, with a slightly less shivering and very happy Petester.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-31T09:45:00.004-05:00

I forgot to take very many pictures this year for some reason. But we all had a wonderful time and I think Wood posted pictures of the house. Emerson is walking which was lots of fun. Anne made our apple pie and cinnamon rolls and I think she is on a roll (ok pun intended) to be THE new official apple pie and cinnamon roll cook :-)

December 2009 - Opryland Hotel

2009-12-31T09:18:00.006-05:00

We held our FSA conference this year in Nashville at the Opryland Hotel. I was really concerned because I had been there once before for a conference and was lost a good part of the time. IT WAS THE BEST CONFERENCE ever. Even with about 5,000 people. The hotel was just gorgeous - it fact when we first checked in and walked through to where our room was located, I just about cried. It was so peaceful (granted the 5,000 folks weren't there yet) and just so green and pretty. I am tempted to go back and stay every Christmas time.

November with Jill

2009-11-29T04:24:00.005-05:00

Earlier this month, I got to go spend some time with Jill in LA. Check out what she is doing to her front yard. Isn't it a cool little garden? One of my colleagues thinks Jill would be the best neighbor in the whole world. Jill took me to some of her favorite places. One of which is the Arlington Garden in Pasadena. What a great gift to the community this is! I loved wandering around it and seeing others enjoy what beauty could be brought to a bit of land with some native plants and some planning. Jill and I also visited San Gabriel Nursery which just has to be the best nursery in the world. I came home wanting to build a little shelf in our laundry room to grow plants and herbs and have a little indoor garden. I also got to meet Bernadette and see what a great match she is for Oliver. What a wonderful, peaceful and relaxing visit. thanks Jill

Emerson's First Birthday - Burt's Farm

2009-10-17T06:53:00.005-04:00

We went to Burt's Farm for Emerson's first birthday. He thought all the pumpkins were great!In fact he was ready for work!After picking out our supply of pumpkins and gourds for the fall we headed off for a tractor pulled haywagon ride.We all sat down on top of a bunch of loose hay for a ride through Burt's Farm. There were fields of pumpkins (of course) And the occasional scarecrow Whoa what is this up ahead??? But of course! Singing pumpkins! What is going on with this one, Mom? Ooooh even a haunted graveyard.... All in all this excursion was pronounced LOTS of fun. (Bopp had a great time too, Wood pointed out the view of Amicalola falls as we were approaching the dewagoning stage of this journey.What a View!!!

Tallulah Gorge

2009-10-12T11:49:00.003-04:00

After Black Rock Mountain State park we tooled on over to Tallulah Gorge. This view is from the South side where we are headed back to this morning for a bit of shopping for a bear for the front porch. Sue really wanted to hike down to the suspension bridge, over the gorge, but since it would have been the second hike of the day and since there are tshirts in the gifts shopping that read "I survived the hike down to the bridge" (Wood and I did it once and my knees remember it well) and since it was already 5:30 - we settled for pictures from the trail around the rim of the gorge. Isn't it just gorgeous See the little fence up in the top left hand side of this picture. That is where I was when I took the picture above this one. :-)

Black Rock Mountain

2009-10-12T11:37:00.003-04:00

I forgot we had one more adventure with Sue and Ron when we hiked the Tennessee Rock trail at Black Rock Mountain. It was a slightly rainy and cloudy day so we didn't get to show off the gorgeous views as much from the top, but Sue and Ron said it reminded them of their hikes in the Pacific Northwest.by now you are probably guessing that I am obsessed with different kinds of fungi growth up here.We just HAVE to remember to come back up here in the spring because there are HUGE rhododendron bushes EVERYWHERE. In fact the road up here is a tunnel of rhododendron bushes/treesAnybody know what kind of flower this little guy is crawling out from?

AT and Benton McKaye

2009-10-12T11:07:00.002-04:00

Anne joined us this year for a few days and we wanted to take her on our favorite loop of the Appalachian and Benton McKaye trails. You start at Three forks and meander up a lovely forested AT.

Petey also had the pleasure of accompanying us on this one. He wasn't too sure of the hiking sticks and I must admit, he is about as eager to ford streams as I am. I do love the variety of fungi to be seen on this trailAnd weird growths on trees..And other unique vegetationBut the bummer on this trip is, that although the AT is one of the best marked and maintained trails, we happened to miss the turn or we were very cleverly turned around (that is what Wood and Anne claim - I continue to forget their reasoning and think we missed the trail) and never did hook up with the Benton McKaye and ended up rehooking up with the AT and coming back down the way we started (after about a 1/4 mile clever turn around). I think the massive rains we have had in Georgia as of late, made the trail a bit impassible in places, because I remember all other stream fords on this trail - at least this loop of it, being very easy to get across. We had some challenges and Petey and I waited while Anne and Wood forded and then tried to find the trail on the other side (petey does not like to get wet) (me neither). So we ended up crossing back over the same road to our beloved truck. BUT I have to say the FS road to get to this trail and then the windy country roads to get back (which include another FS road) are all part of the adventure and all in all it was a great day.

Amicalola Falls

2009-10-12T10:55:00.003-04:00

We decided after the adventures of the previous day that we would not hike up and down the falls but rather parked at the bottom and hiked a little way up and then came back down and drove up to the top. I found a bush with berries hanging over the top of the falls and this little guy below that was gobbling up lichen as quickly as he could munch.

Bear Hair Trail

2009-10-12T10:36:00.004-04:00

Wood and I had never hiked at Vogel State Park before. It is a gorgeous place and Sue and Ron suggested we take the Bear Hair trail there, one day last week. Seemed like a great idea so we set out. We do love the Blood Mountain area in northwest Georgia. There was some hiking, some picture taking and some... fording of streams. Let me just say, Sue is a master stream forder. She justs zip zip zips right across the logs. Me, I hem and haw and look for a stick to help me balance going across. Needless to say, I was always the last across and it always took me some time and much chewing of the inside of my cheek.

Another of the streams to ford. Ok and did I mention that we sort of got lost? boy was I glad Ron had his compass and we had a map - which ended up being quite well worn by the time we were done. It was supposed to be a well marked trail, but we did meet some nice guys and their dog a couple of times on the trail and they mentioned that it gets a little confusing at the end, but just stay on the trail (if you can find it) and you will get to the end eventually. We ended up back tracking a bit and then kind of sliding down a hill that looked like it had become a popular addition to the not so easy to find trail. It wasn't the trail but it got us back to the car :-) We were rewarded for our efforts by some great views of Trahlyata Lake from the top of the trail. And I really liked this tree :-)

Cloudland Canyon

2009-10-04T08:21:00.004-04:00

We had never been to this state park in the north west of Georgia. Wow what views and what a hike down into the canyon to see the water falls Huge rocks and lots of shale all along the sides. Made me want to have armor on :-) We huffed and we puffed but we made it down and up. Petey got to go with us for the very first time and he was great. As long as he was carried up and down the stairs. Seems as though these grate stairs were a little scary for him. It was well worth it when we got to the first waterfall at the bottom It really was gorgeous and quite worth it.

Atlanta History Museum with Sue and Ron

2009-10-02T08:49:00.004-04:00

We took a tour of the Tullie Smith farm this time. Our docent was a great wealth of information. Made me want to listen to him all day long.It serves as a demonstration farm today for local school groups. Don't think I had ever been this close to cotton before. We strolled through the gardens around the Swan House, which belonged to the Inman's in the very early 1900's. I think I could live there :-) No pictures allowed inside, so you will just have to come see why I want to live there. Sue LOVES to take pictures! See her peeking down at Ron from the upper right?

Euharlee covered bridge

2009-10-01T08:23:00.004-04:00

Sue and Ron are here and we spent the first day tooling around and visited the Euharlee Covered Bridge and took a hike at Red Top. I didn't realize there used to be a mill at the covered bridge. I had my lady bug shirt on and I had a friend or two that came to say hi. Sue did a great job of capturing him hiding among his new found pals.

Homestead trail

2009-09-28T07:17:00.006-04:00

Well the trail that was supposedly dry on Saturday was under water in several places on Sunday after our 3 inches of rain. We decided to risk it as did a few other folks we met on the way. We almost turned around when we first came on this spot, because it was some muddy and when you went around in the woods you kind of sunk in the mud. But we persevered (Petey is not a fan of going off the trail since many of the smaller bushes and plants are bigger than he is)Ok you can see this time the trail is totally wiped out. See how it goes up on the other side, just behind Wood and Petey? And you guessed it this was the worst place of all but we made it all the way around! Hurray There were indeed lots of gorgeous views, leaves are starting to change and birds and frogs were just having a wonderful time. We came upon what looked to me like a squirrel playground. Wouldn't it be fun to run through these little tunnels. Wood corrected me though and said those are hangers for those expert flying pilot squirrels (should have known it would either have to do with Harleys or airplanes :-))

Hiking flooded Allatoona

2009-09-27T07:17:00.004-04:00

So I took this picture Saturday but this is what the lake has looked like all week. Those bouys that you see in the middle of the picture are actually located on narrow one lane wide walkway out to the trees. Folks usually are out on the path fishing. The paved path is normally about 5-7 feet above the water. We tried to go on our normal hike yesterday and our path was under water in several places so we had to detour. 2 of our normal 4 hikes are closed because they are under lake water. This particular path is by the lodge and goes in a paved loop near the lake See the boat ramp out there. You usually walk DOWN to it. It is not normally floating horizontally. The sign also indicates just how covered up everything is. Hard to see but in the distance is a sign off in the middle that marks part of our daily hiking trail. We had to back track and hike above on the yellow blaze trail. We are going to try another hike today to see if we can get around the lake in some other places and take some more shots. We got another 3 inches of rain yesterday, but when we talked to folks before that rainfall that hike was not flooded. We'll see today. No rain predicted this week. I took this shot at lunch time on Wednesday, when Wood mentioned I had better go take a look. The boat launch is under water as you can tell from how buried the trees are out there.

Lake Allatoona flood pictures

2009-09-23T10:50:00.001-04:00

Man I guess when it rains it pours is true. The Lake is way past full pool and the highest I have ever seen it.

Finally finished deck

2009-09-19T08:14:00.002-04:00

We finally got the deck , benches and planters done. Last weekend when Anne was here I took some pictures but never had time to post them - we were having too much fun hanging out with Bry and Emerson and shopping. :-). Anyway Wood had a great idea to replace the benches we had in the front before with planters. I LOVE them We also filled in the little triangle with deck as it wraps around the house, so now we have another seating area to get some rod iron furniture for :-)The deck that is totally exposed all the time got Veranda, so help it withstand the elements. Looks great and hopefully that area will last for a long time now In the back we put a couple of benches and two planters the benches in the back are a thousand times more comfortable and beautiful then the ones we had before. I love them :-) Don't you just want to come visit and sit out on the deck and watch the birds with us? :-)

A wee bit of yard work at the local high school

2009-08-27T08:22:00.003-04:00

Last weekend I went with Dave and the kids to go help their church members clean up a local high school. Isaiah was quite the hedge trimmer! He did some really great and careful work on that end of the hedge Brennan supervised Ellen snipped some of the high spots Quite the family affair. (Sarah was at her very first wedding photo shoot - whoo hoo Sarah!)

A day on the Oregon coast

2009-08-22T10:44:00.008-04:00

OK a warning this is a verrrry long post. But I had such a good time. I love the mossy trees of the Oregon coast There is quite a pleasant 1/2 mile path down to the beach from the parking lot. Stream trickling by the side and LOTS and LOTS of trees, ferns and other primordial seeming growth (big grin) Of course we had to have a pose inside one of the tree trunks on the way down Ah the ocean! Can't you just smell it? We joined other families with their kids and dogs, surfers, although the waves weren't really much but there was plenty and plenty of space for all It really was just about a perfect day especially since it was a bit foggy and overcast, ie, not too hot or bright. We had some rock and sand throwing Some beauty posing Of course some picture taking and chats Some splashing... if you click on this picture to make it bigger you can see he actually got me this time (see the little splashes on the camera at the top left side) This was quite fun!!! (but not too encouraged ;-) ) Some seaweed popping And of course we found the best stick in the whole world for drawing and throwing and pretend surfing Speaking of surfers. Isaiah stopped dead in his tracks to watch these two going out to catch some waves. He was really mesmerized by their preparations I really liked the designs in this little rock found somemore rocks to make sand faces with Nothing like sitting on mom's lap eating sandy food and teasing big sister Of course our trip would not have been complete without spotting an Oregon slug on the trek back up to the car Brennan desperately wanted his camera (which was left in the car and he was really a good sport about it) We found a great fallen tree to pose under on the way back up And this is where we were! I have to come back!!!!

New Wii game

2009-08-17T21:04:00.006-04:00

road to Amicalola Falls

2009-08-15T20:21:00.006-04:00

We took off on the Beastess today up to Amicalola Falls. It was a gorgeous day for a ride for the life of me I can' t remember the name of these flowers. they are about the size of a salad plate. HUGE, I looked up the flower type- it is a Crimsoneyed Rosemallow this is the view from the lodge at the falls And here is a view on the way up with a bit of Kudzu in the foreground One more shot from the road up there Side view from the top of the falls. Its about 450 steps down to the bottom and can't remember if the Appalachian Trail (AT) starts up here or at the bottom of the falls Another view from the top. someday we are going to be there when it is a super clear day this little guy could have cared less whether it was clear or not. He was just enjoying a beautiful day of being alive ;-)

5 guys or...

2009-08-02T12:16:00.002-04:00

We met Bry and Emerson yesterday at 5 guys. Emerson thought it was yummy He is quite the ham. And he has chewing down to a T. Now to just get the swallowing part down or maybe he was just savoring the tasty burgers and fries from 5 guys I am thinking on this visit it was 3 guys and a gal... instead of 5 guys Burgers and Fries. Mmm mmm mm are they ever good!

A walk in the rainy woods

2009-08-02T11:07:00.003-04:00

Of course these posted backwards, but this is the long trek up a hill at the end of our daily 2.3 mile hike. We've had lots of rain this week. It is so green. Moss all over the trees Petey says whatcha doing back there. Come on. We saw a deer here on our way back but I didn't get a good shot of it. Last week we saw a whole family- dad with his atlers growing, mom and a yearling and then a fawn. Really neat.

Soon to be replaced deck

2009-07-19T19:30:00.003-04:00

Ok, I tricked you! Instead of starting with the deck I just had to put in a shot of our steps up the hill again. I just really admire the craftsmanship involved in making these. You cannot believe how incredibly hard and rocky this area is. I really like how they turned out and can't wait until the wood either weathers a little or we can treat them to blend in with the hill a wee bit more. Ok - thought I would capture all the porches and decks before they are replaced. The benches in the front will all be replaced with planters of the same height. We have been in a quandry with what to do with this little triangle. So we are taking out those benches as well and extending the deck and will add more pots with plants and another small seating area. I want this area to be a hummingbird haven as it is right outside our dining room windows. This deck really gets a beating from the weather and will be replaced with a Trex like product - cedar color. We also asked for a more craftsman style railing. And now we wrap around to the back. The first bench there on the left will be a planter, but the other two benches will be replaced with sturdier ones that look like our cedar gliders that are currently on the porch front and back. I can't wait for it to be done. Not exactly sure how we will be getting in and out of the house and office when this is all ripped up :-)

new steps and soon to be old deck

2009-07-19T19:19:00.003-04:00

We had some new steps built up the side of the house. I LOVE the way they curved them gently. We (including Petey) are having a great time going up and down this never used hillside of our house. Notice how steep the driveway is? We also had some steps built up from the back yard to where we have a bench in the trees. We are having the deck replaced in the next couple of weeks and will be replacing some of the benches with planters. We also had a couple of bird feeder planters with steps down to one of them put in. The cedar posts are on back order but should be in soon so we can rehang our birdfeeders. Here is kind of how it all fits in together in the backyard And there is my long haired hippie husband taking his pictures to post

Day off at the North Georgia Fair

2009-07-16T17:23:00.002-04:00

We took the day off today to go up by Lake Chatuge to the North Georgia Fair. What a wonderfully relaxing day. We wandered about... Saw stuff including a very full lake :-) (that makes me very happy) this pretty cool cabin And this plant with the HUGE ol Giant flowers just outside of Blueridge. Anyone know what it is?

Emerson and me solo

2009-05-30T11:25:00.004-04:00

Emerson came to visit this morning and it was my first time with him all by myself. We had a great time playing even if I did overwhelm him with LOTS of toy choices. He decided this car was just the right size to help bring in a few more teeth, but then caught me looking at him...Ooops!Ah Grandmama, a guy has to chew on something :-)then he discovered the rocking horse. Oh boy! He sat on it and rocked and rocked and didn't want to let go! Ah the morning was a success. Nothing better than play time, a full bottle and a wee bit of a nap

random LA pictures

2009-05-27T21:43:00.002-04:00

The loose toothThe requested family photo The guys at the beach At the service reception Bry and me cutting it up

2009-05-27T21:22:00.003-04:00

Recent trip to LA all the family together for a picture - I slipped out to take a shot I had to get way back to catch all 4 kids together in Paul and Sandy's back yard Jill taking shots The glamorous Anne in Sandy's borrowed hat... I think Kids are great for helping one get up the nerve to wander across to explore the neighbors wonderfilled yard. Who knew she had a koi pond?

Spring storm results

2009-05-03T08:51:00.004-04:00

There is just nothing like going for a walk at Redtop after a gloriously exciting Thunder and lightning storm the previous evening. We usually go on the Iron hill trail since it is built for trailbikes and gets a little less slippery with the mud and rain. Petey starts putting his paws on our shoulders and licking our faces if we have been up for at least an hour on Saturday and havent started making a move for the hiking boots :-)

Lots of wildflowers starting to pop up. Saw yellow ones, pink ones, purples ones and blue ones. Gonna have to remember my wildflower book next time.

Lake Allatoona is full full full again. We have lost our little beach for afternoon runs, but the fishermen have regained their fishing holes and the lake is humming with activity. We even saw some brave souls out waterskiing this past Saturday. Guess the water must be warming up already

Close to the end of our hike we spotted this tree which had a part just ripped and twisted off of it. We do get some pretty nasty wind and rain storms here. Don't you just love all the moss and the spring green colors everywhere?? Well I have to tell you so do the mosquitos. They are already out in full force. Yesterday morning at 8:30 am it was 70 degrees and 90 % humidity. Perfect mosquito munching weather. Fortunately I have my stock of bug repellent and even remembered to put some on this time :-)

sunday brunch at Ray's

2009-05-03T08:48:00.002-04:00

I just love to go to Ray's on the River for Sunday brunch. Last weekend was gorgeous. The gardens had just been redone and the geese were in the river feeding. A wee bit Tom Sawyer like there for me. Up maybe "Swanee River" or singing "Summertime". Anyway it is peaceful, gorgeous and the food is side splittingly wonderful.

Spring at Redtop

2009-04-22T08:26:00.003-04:00

I seem to be having trouble getting my camera to focus but just wanted you to see the beauty of spring and dogwoods blooming here. This one was actually taken last night on our drive over to Petey's beach which has totally disappeared. Lake Allatoona is actually 1 foot above full pool now. Hurray and Happy Earth Day!

Tribute to Mom

2009-04-09T09:47:00.002-04:00

I found this Mother's day gift that I wrote for mom about 32 years ago and thought I would share:

Thanks Mom

There are so many things I’ve never thanked you for;

Things that really shouldn’t pass by without note of appreciation because they make you

the special Mother that you are.

Thanks Mom for sitting up with me when I was sick (especially holding my head in the bathroom).

Thanks Mom for not minding too much when I wormed in between Dad and your hugs.

Thanks Mom for comforting me when I had bad dreams (even when that usually meant me digging holes in your elbow).

Thanks Mom for making me take the much needed naps that I always struggled so against.

Thanks Mom for making me eat my vegetables (at least one bite) before getting any dessert.

Thanks Mom for keeping my clothes mended and ironed.

Thanks Mom for never hiding the love that you and Dad share for each other.

Thanks Mom for encouraging me to practice my flute every day (and for letting me skip an occasional summer).

Thanks Mom for cheering me on at softball games (at times I doubt if wild horses could have dragged you away).

Thanks Mom for letting me ride my bike all over the place (those were special times).

Thanks Mom for showing me that you are a real person – someone with an identity other than “mom”.

Thanks Mom for continuing to be a special mother to me even though I am now a mother myself; in fact, it seems I had to become a mother before I realized and appreciated the kind of Mother God blessed me with.

I thank Him and praise Him for you.

Thanks, Grace, for being my mother.

Your loving daughter,

Barbara

Mom 1922 - 2009

2009-04-06T12:06:00.003-04:00

Mom on her wedding day. Hope she and dad are celebrating being together again today Mom on her wedding day Haven't a clue how old mom is in this picture Mom and her sorority sisters. They met for over 60 years Mom, Uncle Bob and Aunty June One of my favorite pictures of Mom and Dad right before he died.

Look how full the lake is now!

2009-04-01T17:37:00.003-04:00

last november the last one to compare to now. Wow what a difference

LA visit

2009-03-26T18:01:00.004-04:00

Got to visit with Jill, Mom, the sisters and my best pals Ilene and Bruce. Mom is hanging in there and Jill is growing a wonderful garden

Budd Bonanza

2009-03-11T12:41:00.005-04:00

Had a wonderful visit with the Budds last weekend. Sarah took me to my favorite place yet, the forestry center that is also on the same grounds as the Zoo. We all had a great time with the smoke jumper simulation. And I have a fantastic video that I posted for family online to see of the white water rafting simulation. You should see Brennan bouncing around with the biggest grin on his face!

Also there were musical instruments made from wood from all over the world, and I really enjoyed the cross sections of all kinds of different trees. In fact, I liked it so much I forgot to take any pictures of that part :-( Mr. Incredible appeared right before I left :-) This little guy can make the best faces. He is quite a charmer and little flirt. Couple of times when he caught me looking at him (and I wasn't supposed to be) he would turn his head quickly with the cutest little smile) And you have to admit he has the most expressive little pout And here is living proof that I actually enjoyed Sarah's green smoothy. This one was quite delicious and had a really clean, ligh flavor. I actually drank it all up and would love to have another for lunch today :-)

Mean mango munchin

2009-03-04T20:39:00.002-05:00

We got to visit Bry, Kim and Emerson last night. Kim gave me a piece of dried mango to hold while Emerson sucked on it. She warned me I may need to sink my nails in to hold on tight. Man oh man did I ever. That boy has quite a powerful sucker and he LOVES his mango

Up and Down or Down and up

2009-03-02T18:18:00.011-05:00

Remember Lake Allatoona from mid November? We got lots of rain, sleet and snow this weekend and it filled up the lake and kept us from taking Petey from his walk and runs on the beach. Didn't matter that it was 39 degrees tonight, he had the best time playing and cavorting on what little beach was left. The lake is HUGE so you can imagine how much water has come in to fill it up past both markers This is I think part of a squirrel skeleton that has been at our lake beach for awhile

Ocean fix with Ralph and Bill

2009-02-25T06:33:00.003-05:00

Got to visit some great friends this past weekend in Pensacola. Everyone endured my need to go walk on the beach and smell ocean air The water there is just crystal clear and the most beautiful colors. And the sand really is like white sugar only really more fine than that. It was a gorgeous day. Then the next day we visited the Naval Air Museum and Wood and Bill got to fly in a REAL F14 Tomcat simulator. They were both grinning from ear to ear and Wood is ready to do it again... and again.... and again. Me- I had dreams that night about training and flying from place to place in little colored airplanes :-)

Ralph and Bill have the most relaxing place with two VERY lovable dogs - Molly and Louise. Can't believe I didn't get a picture of them :-(

Emerson and construction

2009-02-15T14:30:00.004-05:00

Emerson came over to play yesterday- all decked out in his Valentine's day finery. He is such a cutie and was so good. We also finally have begun the fix the post project. One of our back porch posts has sunk about 5 or 6 inches. The guys fixing it had to dig down really deep and into the rock under the deck and will build a very very thick support and footing OVER the drain field for the support to sit on. Come to find it, it was placed right on top of the septic system drain field. Bummer! Lots of cement, lots of back breaking digging in tight places.