Happy

Halloween!

This picture was actually taken inside the De Soto Cavern, note stalactites in background. The pumpkin was not with us-thanks to photo shop.

Austin and Grandpa chowing down the rest of the fudge. ANGELA!!! It's all gone. Spent the day at De Soto Caverns, which was awesome and we definitely know the difference between "stalactites" and "stalagmites". To remember the difference the "tites" are from the ceiling and "mites" might reach the ceiling, build from the ground up!

Appalachian remnants

Okay, we are driving up the hill, up the hill. Now we realize it is a mountain. Driving along there are breathtaking views that only God could create for our pleasure. Rick drives back to an opening and we stand in awe. Of course he poses for me. This range is just a remnant of the Appalachian Mountains just south of Chattanooga's Lookout Mountain range. Rick would love to build a house here (the land is for sale), but I worry about grandkids running off the edge of it. Mitchell is NOT afraid of heights!

Cathedral Caverns

We didn't tour the caverns but the state park allowed us to go into the front part of the cavern. I came across something very interesting after we left and I viewed my shots. The last two shots has an orb in it. Rick always says it's moisture on my lens, but the orbs don't appear on the same place on the lens. I like to think the orb (spirit or whatever) loves this place and wants to show it off. It looks like it is actually posing for me. Click on the photos and see for yourself.

Hamilton and Talladega Alabama

We traveled to Hamilton, Alabama three weeks ago and visited churches in the area for a week. While traveling we marveled at the beautiful landscape around us. Forests everywhere. Creeping foliage draping the countryside(note foliage on bridge.) Next year we plan to visit the Natural Bridge-largest one Eastern side of USA.

For two weeks we have settled in Talladega which is southeast of Birmingham. We're staying at one of our famous Florida Sports and Recreation Network resorts that costs WBS less than what we would get at a motel room. And yet we get two bedrooms, two baths, full kitchen, fireplace, upper and lower deck.

Labor Day Weekend @ Houghton Lake Michigan

Tom with Garrett and Nikki with Madison while we are all boating on the pontoon with Captain Don Sr.

Jamie with her friends (Kristen on right), Kristen and Jeff

Rick and I had a great time at his sister's cottage (Don and Jeri Garrett) at Houghton Lake. Don Jr. brought his Baja speedboat (for the younger people) and Don Sr. brought out his new pontoon boat (for the older group with the little ones.)

Tonyas Officer Commissioning Ceremony

Pool party at Tonya's Capital Plaza Hotel celebrating her 2nd Lieutenant commissioning. Zane loves the water!

We are so proud to Tonya and appreciate her invigorating energy and determination.

Tonya finished her first year at Chase Law School at Northern Kentucky University last May. She went to Las Vegas with her sister for a quick weekend get away. Then flew back to catch another flight to Florida with her friend from school to join Rick and I in Orlando. Spent a few days at Daytona Beach, then a few more in Kissiminee. They flew back to Cincinnati and she did a one week internship with a lawyer from the congregation is attends near NKU. She loved the experience!
Then off to Fort McClellan in Alabama she went from early June through August 6th, in the heat, carrying a very heavy load, demoralized, praised highly, only to be demoralized again. Saturday, August 16, she is commisioned 2nd Lieutenant Army National Guard in Frankfort, Kentucky.

Pensacola Beach

Pensacola Beach sign is brilliant at night. We went back to the beach two days later because "Crabs" restaurant looked like a great dining experience. Sign to entrance from beach stated, " No shirt, No shoes, No problem! We knew we were in for a treat.

Mercedes wants a Pina Colada and Meriah wants a Strawberry Daiquiri (virgin of course!) Wonderful seating from our upper deck open view of the ocean, Crab races below, a booming canon shot at sunset surprises us, but the locals say it gets them too. The moon casts its own shadow--very beautiful. The kids are pleased with their shrimp and crabs legs ordered off the kids menu! Rick and my meals are awesome as well.

Pensacola Florida

Rick and I took grandkids Mercedes and Meriah to Florida. First stop Pensacola! Just on the other side of our pool is the beach. Meriah spelled out her name in the sand. (Right)

Mercedes most unusual pose with her pool toys.

The following day we went to Pensacola beach but were not impressed with it. Tough act to follow Daytona and Deerfield near Miami, but the sand was near perfection. It felt great under the toes. The following day was the rescheduled Blue Angels Air Show on the Pensacola Navel Base. Much like the Thunderbirds that come to Bowling Green, but they also have a museum and IMAX theater where we saw "Flight of the Blue Angels" (puke bag please) and Mercedes and Meriah visited Desert Storm flight in the Simulator (puke bag for the girls please.

Awesome sunset