Deer Season

This pic says it all------our 9 year old grandson first day to hunt and he bagged an 8 point buck.

Fall camping

Not sure what Willard will call this invention!

Ruth celebrating her 65th.

We are still at Montauk enjoying the beautiful fall weather. Willard, Glenda, & Doc and Ruth left this morning. But we are staying at least another day. His buddy, "Shorty" came in and he wanted to visit with him. Jack and Judy, Clara & Jim, are here for another week.
Ruth celebrate her 65th birthday on Thursday.

Palin rally in STL

Deb's car ready for the journey to the rally.

Sue, Jen, and Deb

Deb, Sue, and Jen enjoyed the VP debate and rally in STL Thursday night.

Oldest and Youngest

Brandon and Eric with the Mizzou mascot

Our oldest and youngest grandchild enjoying the events at Mizzou family weekend.

Wifi at Montauk

Well, Jack made it down and Clara is on their way. Another beautiful day here in Montauk. We are staying until Saturday at this point. The great thing about this is that we have wifi at the lodge/ store. Which needless to say I am enjoying at this moment while he is out fishing.

We are at Montauk

We arrived on Sunday as the campground had just open after campers had been moved out earlier because flooding. For a short while we were the only campers here. The fishing is great and weather too. Gas and diesel prices are still the same as P'ville. Checked them out today in Salem. So.....Jack and Clara come on down.
We have not been called yet but are on stand by. They say the problem is housing for the workers. So probably we go to Texas sometime next week.

No call yet....

We have been watching hurricane Ike as I am sure all are. Our unit has not been called out yet and probably won't be until later. Just returning home is mostly likely the reason for not going yet. It sounds like they will need help many weeks to come.

Unless a huge amount of rain is predicted for Montauk, we will mostly likely be heading that way for a few days. Two of his brothers and wives are making the trip also.

Another note our youngest is in Alaska climbing Mt. Mckinley, also known as Denali. I know I think it's crazy too.... She must take after her father. Please pray for her safe return.

Back in Missouri

We made it home last night. Tom from Advance FBC rode with us and kept us company. What a great bunch of people to work with. Ron and JoAnn Hahs are the Cape Girardeau Association captains for our group. They keep it going like a well oiled machine. They will surely have many stars in their crown when they reach eternity. As you know this is solely ran by donations for the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief and all workers are volunteers. All personal expenses getting to and from the site are the responsibility of each individual. We were preparing meals for the Salvation Army and which made the deliveries to various areas. But...we stayed in the facilities of the Annunciation Mission across the street, not affiliated with Salvation Army. They were soooo gracious. If you would like more info on Disaster Relief check out the site at www.namb.net and then the menu to Disaster Relief. There are units in many states and all are affiliated with the Southern Baptists Convention. As you can tell I am very proud of this organization.

Arrived in New Orleans

This is where we are staying.

Stirring one of the huge pots of chicken

The kitchen setup in the parking lot of the Annunciation Mission.

We arrived about 6:00 last evening and were put to work immediately. They prepared over 10,000 meals yesterday. Shortly after they were notified they would be shutting the kitchen down today after the evening meal. We will be heading out sometime on Sunday. Hopefully not to be called back because of hurricane Ike.

New Orleans

We will be leaving in the morning for New Orleans to work with the Disaster Relief unit. Our plans are to return the following Sunday. Believe me it is hard work but very rewarding. I will try to update on what is going on as often as possible. Sure hope there is internet available.

On a brighter note, our son-in-law, Chuck, is turning the big 30 on Saturday. Happy Birthday Chuck! Hope you have a great one.

Colorado again!

Rough trail up pass to Tincup

Beautiful view from campsite at Taylor Park--notice unique sky

Mirror Lake

Just returned from a trip to Colorado. Spent time riding the trails in and around Tincup, Taylor Park, and Pitkin. Temps were in the lower 30's at night and 60-70 during day. The Hancock Pass was very treacherous. We were about a quarter of the way and was told by other riders coming down not to continue. There had been a closed sign for the trail at the beginning and had been destroyed. As for myself I have a few bruises, lots of aches and great memories again. This trip was made by ourselves--no buddies this time. Missed them!
Our Disaster Relief team is on alert to be called out so we are home waiting for a call.
Life is what you make of it.

Medicare-------

Guess which kids are missing in this pic?

Yep, that's right he is officially of medicare age. I just can't believe I woke up with a 65 year old man in my bed this morning. We celebrated the day with a fish fry in his honor. Don, Carole, Doc, Ruth, Willard, Glenda, and of course Dwayne & family, Debbie & family. Sure wish that all our kids were here.... oh and Clara & Jim stopped by also. What a fun day!

Judy's blogging!!!!!!!!!

I've helped to create a new blogger today. Judy decided to give it a try and caught on quickly. Of course the lesson was done over the cell phone since she lives so "far" away. Check her site out----just click on her name on the right side of my blog under links.

MIZZOU

Debbie and I helped Brandon, our oldest grandchild, move into his dorm at Mizzou. Wow! Brings back those memories of 10 years ago when Sara started college. I am so thankful for those years------but even more thankful I am where I am in life.
Not much going on....might-maybe-could be planning a camping trip for the first 2 weeks of September. I know, seems like we are gone all the time. But not really just seems that way. Ha! Actually when the mood strikes, we just pack up and head out. The longer you procrastinate the more reasons you find not to leave, besides we are not getting any younger. (He will be 65 on Sunday) That is why we have no pets, part-time or full-time jobs to hold us down.

Branson Trip & THE BIG CATCH

Quite a job dragging this one in.

Look! It is as tall as Ethan.....

Eric got to ride the Ducks.

Look at that lip!

We had a good time last weekend at Branson taking in the Ducks, the Baldknobbers, and of course shopping. The only disappointing thing was classic car cruiser club was there and it was very crowded.
The other post is about the guys catching their largest fish yet. I believe it weighed in at about 64#.

Throwed Rolls

Yesterday our "bestest" friends rode their Harley down to see us. While visiting and enjoying their company it was mentioned we should go to Lamberts. That's all it took and we were on our way. I am sure you can guess the rest..........came home feeling like we ate the whole thing.

Today Deb, Angie, and myself are heading to Branson for the weekend. That's right----no hubbys. (Wish you could be with us Sara.)

8 miles from Perryville

This a clip on youtube about Perryville and is pretty neat . It is called 8 miles from Perryville. Check it out. Just copy and paste. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-_0BKgj-9U

Family Tradition

We just returned from a camping trip to Sam A Baker. This is a tradition that has been going more years than I can remember. There were 19 campers and approximately 65 to 75 people attending. We left on Friday, but many stayed until today. Sorry no pics this time...
We returned early to attend church this morning. Our youth pastor/Sunday school teacher is leaving and this was his last day. He has been inspiration to all of us. We wish he and his family the very best.

Kentucky Lake, Sam A Baker

Look at the addition in this pic! Dream on Sara....

Paige and Katie

Eric

Ethan

Caleb caught a 4# small mouth bass

We just returned from Kentucky Lake and Sam A Baker. The first part of the week was spent with Dwayne and boys and rest of the week we met Debbie, Paige, and Eric at Sam A Baker. The boys had a very successful week of fishing and the rest enjoyed swimming and biking at Sam Baker. BTW I met a friend when we were leaving and she (Wanda) informed me she had internet at the cabins and they are planning on extending it to the campgrounds. GREAT!

More Great Memories!

Notice our "shower house". Had to park near a stream to supply the water.
And yes, the water was warmed by a solar bag. Oh the conveniences of camping or the lack of.
This iris was beautiful blooming in the 10,000 elevation with temps in 20's
A road we had just came over on the Monarch Pass.

Back home after traveling about 2500 miles. We stayed mostly in the Gunnison area in the National Forrest. As I said before "NO" campgrounds--only where we pulled off and set up our own camp. The scenery was absolutely great along with our "bestest" friends which made for a wonderful time. The temps at night were in the 20's and 70's during the day.
Before we arrived in Colorado and met up with the Hogan's, Henry had an accident with his bike and broke some ribs. But a sport like he is....stayed and suffered so they could ride together. He didn't ride as much as Arlin, 500 miles, but still was able to ride some trails.
Although these are great memories we are already thinking about the next adventure.
Our Grandkids think we are hilarious (or crazy) riding the 4-wheeler on Colorado trails.

Hogan's left us...

Check out the railroad at the Alpine tunnel, interesting site.

This morning the Hogan's left for MO and we are spending a few more days before returning home. We just left the North Pass and not sure where we are heading. Arlin has managed to put on at least 500 miles on the 4-wheeler.

Tincup

Cumberland Pass
Cumberland Pass near Tincup...
Looks like a scene from a Louie Lamour movie.

After checking out Crested Butte decided to move on to Tincup. As of today Arlin has put nearly 300 hundred miles on the 4-wheeler.
Today is Sunday and we are in Gunnison moving on again.

Crested Butte

we are at Crested Butte at this moment, 6/25/08 filling up with water, fuel and some groceries. been at Taylor Park Lake since Saturday, no hookups, just plenty of fresh air and beautiful scenery. Arlin put on about 200 miles so far on the 4-wheeler. as you see in the pic, Janey and I took it out for spin, too. Having a great time, of course.

Heading out....

The camper is packed, 4 wheeler loaded and we are ready to leave in the morning for Colorado. Henry and Janey are already there waiting for us.
I am hoping to keep my blog updated but just remember we will be boondocking (meaning no internet, hookups, or Walmart).

Ky Derby, Fishin',

Sara and Chuck at the Kentucky Derby this weekend.

The catch of the day 50# &32# catfish.

well, the martins have finally arrived.just a pic of the sky before the storm

Delivered Darryl and Michelle's camper on Wednesday. They have a trip planned to Montauk for the weekend. We haven't been this season ...but have reservations for Mother's Day weekend. Hope we can afford the fuel. We'll just have to stay longer to make it worthwhile.

Spring is officially here!

As Sara would say----the green, green grass of home
Sittin' on the front porch drinkin' coffee..................Fishin' in the mighty Mississippi

These are definite signs of spring at our house!
We returned Sunday from Enid Lake in Mississippi. Fishing was not the greatest, but still had a good trip. The next morning he went fishing and caught a 20# & 25# catfish in the river.

Happy Anniversary Sara and Chuck!

water, water, everywhere

Grandpa picking on Paige while she was hunting for Easter eggs.
This is looking down the old muddy Menfro creek. The water is not to get as high as predicted. We have a nice lake instead of a pond behind the house.

Spring is near

We did have a few days this week that made us think spring is near. He decided to clean the honeysuckle and a few trees from the patch of woods behind the shed. Needless to say there was poison ivy in this patch also and I got it "big" time. After getting a shot and medicine I think I am starting to get over it.

Don and Carole are Great grandparents again. Heather had a girl on Friday, weighing in at 7lbs and 11oz, 20" long, named (not sure of spelling) Lexie Marie. Check Southeast Hospital for the picture.

Ice!

The last 2 days was spent staying in and caring for the grandkids. Caleb, Ethan, and Paige enjoyed the time playing the Wii, computer games, and sledding. Darryl called and said they had at least 11 inches in Florissant. We just had the ice. It was beautiful if you did not have to be out in it.Looks like a day off for me today but could possibly be more snow tonight.