Rest In Peace Mom!

My mother's obituary which may appear in some papers but thought I would share it here!  She was an incredible person and I was blessed to have as my mother.  Love and miss you Mom!

Gloria B. Winship, aged 89, died peacefully of natural causes Friday, September 25^th at her home in Laguna Nigel, California. Born Gloria Ruth Berg to B. Martin and Ruth (Coleman) Berg in Superior, Wisconsin in 1926, she graduated from Superior State College with a degree in music and went on to become a noted Music Teacher, Choir Director and Soprano Soloist, performing on stage, radio, television and recordings during her remarkable career.

Beginning in the late 1940’s she started as a music teacher for the Delavan Public School system in Delavan, Wisconsin.  In 1950, she married Warren A. Colley (deceased) and relocated to Chicago, Ill. Known as Gloria Colley during the 1950’s and 1960’s she was the soprano soloist for Chicago’s Euterpean Oratorio Chorus, Lindberg Chorus, Crescendo Club and Morgan Park Baptist Church, among others.  She was also regularly featured on WTTW’s “Chicago Sunday Evening Club” television program, broadcast weekly from Orchestra Hall.  After the sudden death of her husband in 1967, she began a 20 year career as a music teacher for the Glenview Public Schools in Glenview, Ill.  During this period she also privately taught numerous piano and vocal students, and served as the Choir Director for the St Peter's United Church of Christ in Northbrook, Ill.  In 1970, she married her second husband, Edward P. Winship (deceased).  Retiring from teaching in the mid 80’s, she moved to Florida and spent many wonderful years in Orange Park as a member of the Orange Park United Methodist Church Choir. Talented in the arts beyond music, she was also an accomplished visual artist and her hobbies included painting, crafts and a passion for building and decorating miniature doll houses.  As her health began to decline during her later years, she relocated to California to be close to her daughter and son.

She was mother to Ford Colley (Mary), Craig Colley (Karyn), Ruth Loomis (Tim), and Pamela Gaynor (Brian) and is survived by five grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to a memorial fund set up in her name supporting Norman B. Barr Camp, a non-profit summer camp located on Lake Geneva, Wisconsin that serves economically challenged children and young adults with special needs. Donations by check should be sent to:  Norman B Barr Camp - PO Box 70 - Williams Bay, WI 53191 or can be made online via credit card or PayPal at:  www.normanbbarrcamp.org/donate.html

A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the summer of 2016 in the Bowman Chapel at Norman B. Barr Camp.  Date and time of the service will be announced.  In addition, a song about her life, entitled “Gloria”, has been written, produced and performed in her honor by her son Craig and can be streamed or downloaded at:  www.121netradio.com/Gloria.mp3

A Football Update

Week 4 of College Football and Week 3 of  NFL Football are complete and my teams that I am following are not doing well.  Let's start with my College teams.  As a reminder I am following Northern Arizona University, Northern Illinois University, University of Florida, University of South Carolina, University of Missouri, University of Michigan and University of Oregon.  Of all these teams I expect Oregon, Missouri and NIU to be kicking butt but all are not winning,  Instead the Florida Gators are undefeated and are ranked this week.  Something that has not happen in the past couple of years.  Way to go Gators!
For my NFL teams I am following the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans and the Denver Broncos.  First of all I am always a Bears fan first over all these other teams and that is why it hurts to write this but can you believe the Bears have not won a game yet? Come on Bears you have a good coach now let's get serious and start winning.  As for my other teams the Broncos are undefeated!
Check out my standings below for my teams!  All I can say is that there is still a lot of season and I can only hope my teams begin or continue to win.  Let's go Lumberjacks, Huskies, Gators, Gamecocks, Tigers, Wolverines and Ducks!  Let's go Bears, Jaguars, Titans and Broncos!

Watching The Blood Moon

Last night, after dinner, Pam, Brian, Lorraine and I watched the lunar eclipse - the blood moon.  It is a rare eclipse of a supermoon.  It is the time of year that the Moon is closet to the earth.  This eclipse will be best seen in North America.  This eclipse is part of a lunar tetrad. There were rumors that this eclipse will end up ending the world but it is not true.  It is the last eclipse of the year.
It was interesting to see and we ended up watching it with other neighbors and friends.  The next blood moon eclipse won't happen for another 18 years on October 8th, 2033.  My pictures did not show up very well so I am using an image I got off the internet.

My Mom

On Friday night I lost my Mom.  Gloria Winship, my Mom, died peacefully with my two brothers Ford and Craig, my sister Pam and I with her along with my sister in law Karyn and brother in law Brian.  I think Mom knew we were all there and after a lot of love, the Lord's Prayer and the song "Gloria" playing on her CD player my Mom took her last breath.  She did it with her children being there and she seemed truly happy.  "Gloria" is a song written about my mother and her life by my brother Craig.  It is a beautiful song and it seemed to be the perfect song to be playing at this time.  When she did pass, we all just began to sob and thank goodness we had each other.  There was lots of love and support in my Mom's room and it made our family even stronger.  I know my Mom is up in Heaver, reuniting with her Mom and Dad, brother and sister and all who went before her.  She is singing in the Lord's choir now. 
Last night my brother Craig had to sing at his "gig" at the Marriot in Dana Point. My sister, sister in law and I were there to support him.  We have seen him perform there for a couple of years now.  He had to be very strong because the show must go on.  He did a great job  and he even managed to sing "Gloria" to the audience.  He did not say why until the song was over then he shared with the audience that we had just lost Mom.  Singing the song and being together was a good way to honor our mother and put some closure to her passing.  Thank you Craig.
Mom we love you and we miss you!  We rejoice that you are no longer in pain and at peace.  You have been a great Mom and taught us well.  We will try to make you proud of us and live up to your expectations and standards.  We love you Mom!
'

The Outdoor Shower Part Two

Continuing with the outdoor shower project it is really coming along.  It is completely enclosed and was built with pressure treated wood.  The ceiling is now done and the pan is in place.  All that is needed to complete the outdoor shower are the fixtures and a shower door.  Which means The Outside Shower part three will be happening soon.  Nice job so far Tim and George!

The Outdoor Shower

Tim and George have been working on George and Lisa's outdoor shower.  It has been framed out for quite awhile but they finally have time to work on. It is located just before you walk up to their back deck.  The shower is a good sized one; bigger than our shower in the RV.  It will have hot and cold running water.  The test on the hot water will be later today.  Sure hope it works out well!

I Am Stuck For A Blog Topic

This is the first time in a long time that I do not have a topic for the blog.  With my mother gravely ill and not being at the farm I do not have much to report.  My days are spending time with my Mom and spending the evenings with my brothers and sister and that's about it.  Although I am very thankful for the wonderful Nurses that Hospice have provided with my Mother.  Thank you!
As far as what is going on at the farm I don't really know but since I have not heard anything so this will be a short blog.  Sorry folks!  With everything that is going on with my Mom I want to thank you for your patience during this difficult time.

Rory's Day At The Farm

Jenny, Nate and Rory spent a day with Tim at the farm.  Rory was not feeling well but she managed to have a good time with Grandpa anyway. She loves riding in the golf cart so between her Mom, Dad and Grandpa she managed to get lots of rides around the farm.  Nate did some target shooting with his new gun and I think Jenny did too.  Sure do wish I was there but I know there will be plenty more visits in the future.
Tomorrow Ace and Lily will be leaving the farm and head to Florida with Jenny, Nate and Rory.  They will be a family once again.  We will miss Ace and Lily especially since they were such good dogs but we know they will visit again too. It was just another fun day at the farm.

A Roller Coaster Week End

We had a roller coaster week end here in California.  My Mom, a week ago, was doing so well and then last Tuesday she did a flip and she became ill again.  X-rays were taken and the blockage had filled in again.  My Mom was very ill but was too weak for surgery so we had to make a tough decision on Friday.  We decided to call Hospice and met with a representative Friday afternoon.  A very warm and rosy picture was painted which helped us all feel at ease until the next day when the Hospice nurse came to begin the discharge and then we felt like we had just been punched in the face with reality.  What we were told and what was going to happen were two different things.  We were so distraught that my brother asked the Doctor taking care of my Mom, in the hospital,  if we could possibly stay longer until we figured out what to do.  The Doctor was very kind and arranged for my mom to stay in the hospital for two extra days and started comfort medication.  I have never known of a hospital to allow this but we sure were grateful.  On Monday we met with another Hospice nurse that put our mind at ease but also explained the reality but much more compassionate.  With that we agreed for her Hospice group to begin.  Monday afternoon my Mom was transported to her home where she is now back in her own bed and has a Hospice nurse with her for the day.  He is a very compassionate Nurse and is teaching the caregivers where my Mom lives how to take care of my mom.  So after a very emotional week end we have all survived and now we begin a new ride for my Mom.  Once again, all I ask are prayers for my Mom.

Family Fun At The Farm

Our family was all together at the farm but without me.  Carrie and Daniel, Jenny, Nate and Rory spent yesterday afternoon at the farm with Tim.  Jenny, Nate and Rory also werereunited with their dogs again.  Lily and Ace were so happy to see their Mom and Dad and Rory was so happy to see her pup pups again.  Tim surprised Jenny, Nate and Rory at their hotel with the dogs.  They all went back to the farm where they joined Carrie and Daniel and then the fun began.  Once all together on the farm Lisa took them all down to the orchard and garden where Rory got to pick her first pair.  Daniel was holding Rory up high near the pear tree so Rory could pick the good pears near the top of the tree.  She picked a few pears and placed them in her bag.  They all also picked figs, okra, green and red peppers and tomatoes.  Lisa split up the harvest to send home with them all.  She also added butternut squash and sweet potatoes that she had picked previously. 
After the harvesting they all toured the farm via Turkey Trot with Jenny, Nate and Rory in the golf cart and Carrie and Daniel in the Gator.  Rory loved the golf cart and wanted to just keep riding it after the farm tour.  Jenny and Nate, with Rory, had fun driving the golf cart all over.  While the kids were out having fun Tim was busy grilling burgers and cooking baked beans for dinner.  Lisa and George joined them for dinner and they all had a great meal.  Carrie and Daniel got to do some target practicing later with their guns in the woods on the farm. 
It sounds like they all had a great day with lots of fun and making great memories.  One of the best moments was when Rory reached for her Bumpa, Tim, and they took a walk together with all the dogs following.  A little while longer while Tim was holding Rory she was enjoying loving him and rubbing his beard.  I know Tim was one happy Bumpa and Dad having the family all together.  I sure wish I was there with them but at least I got to talk to everyone on the phone and I was sent pictures of some of the events.  Today they are all headed to Gatlinburg for the day; have fun!

The Backhoe

Tim and George spent most of the day working on George's backhoe.  They replaced the the steering ram which wasn't too bad.  Then they started to replace what they both refer to as " the most difficult fan belt ever devised".  To get to it they had to take off several other things just to get to the fan belt so they could replace it.  That took most of the day and I am pretty sure that neither one will want to do that job again. The good thing is after all that work the backhoe should be ready to go for more projects around the farm.

Happy Puppies Waiting For Mom and Dad

Carrie and Daniel came to visit the farm on Thursday and this Sunday Tim will have a houseful.  Jenny, Nate and Rory are coming to the farm for a couple of reasons.  One reason is to visit Tim and the second reason is to pick up their puppies Ace and Lily.  We have had Ace and Lily since July 31 so it we have gotten into a comfortable routine.  They are both really good dogs and have been very easy to take care of.  I even think Shadow enjoyed having them around.  So on Sunday Tim will have Carrie and Daniel and Jenny, Nate and Rory.  I wish I could be there but I know they will take lots of pictures.  Have fun family!

Carrie And Daniel Came For A Visit

Carrie and Daniel were our first visitors to the farm last year and they returned last night.  Carrie and Daniel are in the area for Daniel's family reunion and so Tim had the chance to have them at the farm for dinner.  I know Carrie and Daniel saw a lot of things that were either not there last year or were being worked on.  The Crafty Cottage is completely finished along with George and Lisa's house.  Some other projects that were not started before they came was our shed, golf cart, fences, deck and the sign I made.  Tim grilled pork chops and had baked beans and French bread too.  George and Lisa joined them for dinner and a good time was had by all.  I wish I could of been there but I know they all understood why.  Have fun Carrie and Daniel with Daniel's family on Friday and Saturday and with Dad on Sunday and Monday. 

Manual Or Automatic

Manual or Automatic what?  For years I have driven a car with automatic transmission and didn't think anything about it until now.  For the past year I have only driven a stick shift (manual transmission) car.  Our Jeep is a stick shift and so I was a little concerned at first but it was like riding a bike, driving it was easy.  Who knew, with all the driving I have been doing back and forth, that I would actually have to think about driving a car with automatic transmission.  I kept waiting to shift then realized the car did it for me.  It truly was a weird feeling.  In some way I didn't feel I had full command of the car but that eventually passed.  I miss driving my little jeep until I get stuck in Southern California traffic and then I am so glad the car is automatic.  Who knew?

It Was A Roller Coaster Kind Of Day

After finding out my Mom was improving greatly and due to be released from the hospital and go home, going up on a roller coaster, then my mom got sick and it was decided by the DR to keep her in a little longer, going down on the roller coaster.  That pattern has continued now for two days.  Today we are headed for the hospital to get some answers and see what my Mom's options are.  Wish us luck and say a prayer because these DRs at Mission Hospital are hard to figure out due to the fact that there are too many hands in the pot.  The Nursing staff, on the other hand,  are wonderful and are taking really good care of my Mom.  So, let's hope the roller coaster comes to a stop and my Mom begins her journey to getting better. 

Lunch With Friends

At the farm yesterday it was lunch with friends minus one; me.  Lisa and I had invited our good friends Larry and Linda for lunch on Monday.  We always enjoy our visits together so I was looking forward to seeing them again.  The lunch went on without me and it sounds like they all had a good time.  Lisa made her famous Meatloaf which, in my opinion,is the best meatloaf ever  and I was to contribute the sides.  Since I wasn't there Lisa had to do it all.  It all looked delicious. I heard about the dessert  that Linda made that she calls "sinful".  It is chocolate chip cookie dough placed in a pan then covered with Oreos that is then covered by brownie mix and baked in the oven.  They look delicious and I can only imagine how good they tasted.  When I get back to the farm I will have to convince Linda to make them again so I can try one.  I am glad lunch went so well and that the weather was perfect.  Thanks for coming Larry and Linda!

First Week Of The NFL

So what could possibly be the worst team to play for the first game of the season for the Bears?  The Green Bay Packers of course and that is exactly what happened to the Bears.  I did not see the game but kept track of it on my ESPN App.  I was told the Bears had a great chance and blew it so I guess that caused their own loss but to the Packers on the very first game.  Come on Bears, you are so much better than that!  The Jaguars lost their first game too.  The Broncos won and I got to see a lot of that game and the Titans won really well.  So week 1 is almost over, Monday Night Football, and my teams are 50%. 
There were some surprises with my College teams on week 2.  To start off with Oregon Lost!  So they dropped from #7 to #12.  South Carolina also Lost but Michigan won...YAY!!!  NAU, NIU, Florida and Missouri also won their games. Missouri moved up in the rankings from #24 to #22.   I Unfortunately I was only able to watch the Oregon game and their Loss but at least I caught one College game. 
So Football is really underway now and so far the season has been full of surprises.  My Bears lost but I know they will really start playing to win now.  Stay tune for more football
A quick update on my Mom.  She is doing so much better and will hopefully be released from the hospital soon. Thank you for your prayers!

Miracles Do Happen

So after thinking I could lose my Mom Thursday night to finding out yesterday that she is doing well and the tube may come out today is a miracle.  My Mom's blockage is breaking up on it's own and she is doing great!  It was wonderful news!  So now I am in San Diego for an extra month, I was suppose to come visit in October, and will be able to spend more time with family and friends.  Thank you Pam and Brian for letting me stay!  Thanks for all the prayers, they worked!

Hello California!

I am in California, after taking an early morning flight, because my Mom is very ill.  We were told one thing about her illness then along comes a new Doctor that wants to try a new treatment because he did not see the grim results.  Yay!  It was an emotional roller coaster yesterday and we are hoping that the new treatments work!  The great thing is my mom is so happy and that makes us all feel great!  All I can ask for now are prayers!

Bull's Gap, TN

We took a little road trip to Bull's Gap, TN to look at a building for the Farm.  Bull's Gap, TN is a small town west of Greeneville, TN and about 40 minutes from Parrottsville.  Bull's Gap was named after the town founder John Bull, a gunsmith from Pennsylvania in 1792.  Bull purchased 55 acres of land on Bays Mountain.  He settled and opened a trading post and stage line through the natural passageway that became Bull's Gap.  In 1857 the Tennessee and Virginia Railroad began construction of a rail line from Bristol, TN to Knoxville, TN which made use of the passage.  During the Civil War the gap and rail line were important to the Union and Confederate Armies.  In the early 1900s the railway serving Bull's Gap became part of the Southern Railway System and became a major rail hub.  One famous person did live in Bull's Gap.  Archie Campbell. the legendary country comedian, was a native of Bull's Gap.  Campbell referred to the town in many of his classic comedy routines.  His house has been preserved and is a museum and tourist attraction.  U.S Route 11E through Bull's Gap was renamed Archie Campbell Highway following his death in 1987.  Every Labor Day week end the town has an annual three day celebration honoring Campbell with a car show, food and live music.  We missed it this year but I think we will check it out next year. 
While we were in Bull's Gap we visited Yoder's Country Market which is a family owned and operated. The market offers a veritable selection of deli meats, cheeses, beef jerky and fresh made daily ready to eat meals.  The bakery offers homemade breads, pies and cakes.  It also has a fully stock grocery section too.  It is a unique market that has some great things.  It was fun to walk the aisles and look at all of the packaged items.  It was too early for lunch so we will have to try out the food another time.  We will be returning to Bull's Gap again; it is a quaint little town.

From Summer To Fall In An Afternoon

Now that we are in the month of September and Football has started I would hope that the weather would begin to show signs of Fall.  What I didn't expect is it to happen in one afternoon.  We started the day off with cool temperatures but high humidity and one the sun came up it got hot.  Most of my day was spent in the Crafty Cottage working on Christmas items so the hot weather did not help in getting some Christmas inspiration going.  About 3:00 that changed.  A storm front came through followed by a cold front and we went from the 90s to the 70s.  It was very refreshing and even though I got caught in the rain going up to the RV to fix dinner it felt so good I didn't really care.  The weather report last night more is coming and possible overnight temperatures this week end could get down into the 40s.  That may be a little to chilly right now.  Once the rain quit the view of the mountains was pretty with all the "smoke" that was created from the rain.  I know I get to look at the Smokey Mountains every day but even after a year it is still quite a sight!

Why We Go To Costco Once A Month

I have had my Costco membership now for two years and it is only in the second year that I have really used the membership.  Costco is about 1 1/2 hours from where we live but making the drive through Knoxville is worth it because of one major thing - Costco meats.  They are really good quality and buying in bulk is a little more expensive but we only have to do it once a month.  To do so meals have to be planned in advance but only the main part of the meal.  Sides can always come later.  Now that we have a big freezer we are able to buy in bulk.  One of my money saving  buys is a pork loin.  I always buy a big one, at least eight pounds, and then I cut my own pork chops from the pork loin.  This time I was able to get at least 22 pork chops that will give us quite a few meals.  I also bought 6 pounds of ground beef that I use to make hamburger patties and freeze them all prepped.  I was able to get 16 patties and a couple of pounds of ground beef to be used for other meals.  I love their bacon and buy their four pack which will last us a couple of months.  Bacon freezes well.  We also buy the 4 pack of Kirklands Cheese pizzas.  When we want a pizza, which we cannot get delivery where we live, all I have to do is add some toppings and pop it in the over.  Since we have lived here at the farm we have done so much more cooking because we are in the middle of farmland.  It is okay though, I have begun trying all sorts of new recipes and most of them have been keepers.  On yesterday's trip we also visited Bed, Bath and Beyond, Kirklands Home and World Market.  When we go to town we make sure we make the most of the trip.

Other Projects On The Farm

Since I have been back from my trip to Jacksonville last week there have been a lot of little projects going on at the farm.  Tim and George put on screen doors on George and Lisa's Front door so now the front and back doors have screen doors and pretty soon the air conditioning will be able to be turned off and the doors and windows can be open to enjoy the cooler air.  George has been busy putting screen around the bottom of the his house and then working on some landscaping around the house.  Tim has been busy with little projects in the shed and clearing some more of the woods behind the RV.  This fall we are hoping the acorns will not be dropping like bombs on our roof.  Lisa has been busy putting all of her canning supplies away and getting the kitchen back to normal.  I have been busy in the Crafty Cottage working on Christmas cards for Pam's November SAS. I will share them at a later date.  It is weird making Christmas items while it is 90 degrees out.  Maybe it is time to play some Christmas music for some inspiration.  Today we are headed for Knoxville to do some shopping; it is our monthly Costco run!

NFL Football

So yesterday I shared all of my college football teams I will be following and since NFL Football starts next Sunday I figured I would share my NFL teams.  First and above all the Chicago Bears are and always will be my team above all NFL teams.  The Chicago Bears, who have had good times and bad, have never lost my loyalty to the team.  That said, I do follow three other teams but if they play Da Bears I will root for the Da Bears!  The three other teams I will be following are the Jacksonville Jaguars.  I lived in Jacksonville for over 20 years and I was there when the announcement was made that Jacksonville would be getting an NFL team.  The next team that I have followed for the past couple of years is the Denver Broncos.  Why the Bronco?  I have been following them since Tim Teebo played with them.  After that I just liked the team.  The new team I am following this year are the Tennessee Titans.  Now that I live in Tennessee and most of the games will be shown on TV I just feel the need to follow them.  So, next week - Go Bears, go Jags, go Broncos and go Titans!

College Football Has Begun!

College Football Season 2015 has begun and this year I am following seven College teams.  I have been following Northern Arizona University (NAU Lumberjacks), Northern Illinois University (NIU Huskies), University of South Carolina (Gamecocks), University of Florida (Gators), University of Oregon (Ducks) and University of Missouri (Tigers)  This year I added University of Michigan (Wolverines). So, after the first week of College Football six out of my seven teams won.  Michigan lost. Congratulations to my other teams.  I attended NAU and NIU that is why I follow those two teams.  Florida Gators because my family loves the Gators.  SC Gamecocks because of Steve Spurrier, Oregon Ducks because they keep things interesting, Missouri because of Tim, and Michigan because of Jim Harbaugh. So for the next several weeks Saturday's will be devoted to College Football.  So will Monday's, Tuesday's, Thursday's and Friday nights when my teams are playing.  Go Lumberjacks, Huskies, Gators, Gamecocks, Ducks, Tigers, and Wolverines!

I Got A New Toy!

I received a wonderful surprise that was delivered by Fed Ex.  My sister Pam sent me a Vagabond.  It is a cutting and embossing tool for paper.  A few weeks ago I wrote about my Big Shot breaking but Tim fixed it.  Well the Vagabond is basically the same thing but it is electric which will allow me to cut and/or emboss faster.  Pam has one and I loved using hers.  It looks like a suitcase but when you open it up it has a double platform, like the Big Shot, but it does not have a crank just a button to push and the vagabond does the rest! Thanks to Pam I now have my own which will allow me to be even more productive.  Thank you Pam; you are the best sister ever!

A Bumper Harvest

So do you know what happens when you don't pick a garden for a week during harvest time?  You get a huge amount of veggies.  At least the ones that are left.  Lisa and I went down early to check out the garden and we picked over 30 pounds of butternut squash and over 30 pounds of sweet potatoes.  We also picked two big bowls of green and red peppers and a few more tomatoes along with more okra.  To our surprise we did get two watermelons that tasted pretty good.  We picked all of the butternut squash that we could because the vines are now gone. As for the sweet potatoes I now really dislike them.  They are not easy to harvest especially the huge ones we were digging up.  I am not sure exactly when I did it but in harvesting the sweet potatoes I wrenched my back.  I am hoping it will begin to feel better soon.   The garden is coming to an end but for now there will still be some tomatoes, red and green peppers and okra.  The sweet potatoes are still going strong but I am going to let someone else pick them.  It was another bumper harvest.

The Golf Cart Has A New Pad

While I was down having fun in Florida Tim was busy here at the farm.  Tim had to miss going to Jacksonville and the wedding because we have Lily and Ace.  So, to stay busy Tim spent a couple of days working on a new parking pad for the golf cart.  The area where the cart is parked gets muddy after some rain and it does not dry quickly.  We originally had a carpet over the dirt to keep the mud at bay but after a while the carpet just pulls up.  Tim bought pavers and created a parking pad for the golf cart.  He did a terrific job and even put gravel around the paver .  Thanks Tim, I love it!

We Are Back At The Farm

We are home (Lisa and I) and it was an easy uneventful trip yesterday.  Okay, we had one event.  We left the Jacksonville, FL area with the sun shinning but as we drove closer to the Florida/Georgia border it began to cloud up.  Once we crossed into Georgia it began to rain and rain and then downpour so much it was a whiteout.  I slowed down but continued to drive.  Luckily I was behind a semi truck so I followed behind him and eventually made it through the storm.  While I was driving I asked Lisa to look at my My Radar App to see how long the downpour would last.  As far as she could tell we would eventually run out of it so I continued to follow the truck and we did.  The rest of the drive was easy and we got back home in good time.  It is really an easy eight hour drive as long as the weather cooperates.  We met Tim and George in Newport for dinner then headed to the farm.  All the dogs were excited to see us.
It was a great week!  Seeing family and friends is always great and it was even more special because I got to be with both of my girls.  It had been 5 years since we were together like that!  Being with Nate and Daniel was also great and especially being with Rory!  She is so much fun! The Wedding was beautiful and hanging out with friends was so much fun.  A big thank you once again to the Celis family for letting me stay at their house! It was a good trip!  Now it is time to get back to normal, whatever normal is for us, and see what new things we can do around the farm and the area!

Last Day In Orange Park!

I have enjoyed my visit here in Orange Park.  Being with my girls and their families have been wonderful.  Of course being with Rory was so much fun especially since she really knows me.  We have had some great bonding times and I loved every minute.  A big THANK YOU to the Celis family for letting me stay with them.  You made me feel very welcomed!  It was also wonderful to see so many friends at Church, the wedding and especially at lunch yesterday!  Debbie, Jean and Sharon thank you so much for our time together!  Last night I had dinner with Jenny, Nate, Carrie and Daniel and it was so good to be together!  I love you all.
Today Lisa and I head home to Tennessee.  I know Tim has been busy working on a project while I was gone so I am excited to see what he has done.
Thank you to my family and friends here in Orange Park; I had a great time!