Sometimes we look at sights in nature but don't really see. While hiking in the woods the other day, it became a realization that we need to open our heart and eyes to see the beauty of the simple things in nature with each season. There is so much order and purpose in His creation. God has given us awesome beauty in this world to see and enjoy... if we would but stop to see and feel it. Join us as this blog is about stopping to see the real beauty around us...to touch and feel it... "Through the Lens".

Our Friends

Monday, December 4, 2017

Home Again, Home Again!!!

           
We have had a grand time for the past few months!!  Being able to travel is such a blessing...we never want to take it for granted!!  With Thanksgiving upon us and Christmas down the road in a few weeks we decided to head "home" to Auburn!!              
We left Rainbow Monday morning, Nov. 20th, heading for Chewacla State Park, our home base.  We weren't exactly sure we'd have a site since this was not only the week of Thanksgiving but the BIG game, the Iron Bowl, with Auburn playing Alabama!  It is definitely a BIG game and as we discovered a big draw to the area for RVs!!  We called the state park on our way to Auburn to see if there were any vacant sites and learned that there had been a cancellation that very morning so we were safe to come on in!!  A huge blessing since every other campground in the area was full!!

When we pulled in Monday afternoon we noticed right away another Oliver sitting in the site right next to where we had been assigned!!  It was our "Ollie" friends from Texas, Kiefer and Brenda Vermillion. What a wonderful surprise!!! They had decided to come to Auburn to visit their daughter and family!  Hey!!!  A mini rally!!!          
We visited with each other each evening and just had a great time together!!   We stayed on the site next to our friends the entire week until they decided to return home to Texas on Friday!  Our site wasn't quite as large as our previous site, we couldn't put our Clam up because it was too close to the fire pit!!  So as soon as the crowds cleared out Sunday.....we moved to our old site, #12.  We will be here until the end of January.  January is the month of a few doctor's appointments.  I have to see my oncologist every six months and this January is my yearly CT scan as well.  I welcome your prayers!!
              
I have always been a big fan of Christmas decorations and loved decorating my home in LaGrange!
So it is only fitting that I try to make our Ollie as festive as possible in such a small space.  I have managed to put up two trees (little trees) inside our Ollie and a small tree in the Clam.  I also bought a few small items to sit around to make it as colorful and warm as possible.  The finished product looks pretty good and we both feel it gives us a warm Christmas feeling inside as well as outside in the Clam.  It feels good to be all set up for the holidays!!         




We decided this year to have our Thanksgiving dinner at The Mariott Grand National in Opelika, Alabama.  This is nearly a first for us.  I can count on one hand the number of times I haven't cooked for Thanksgiving!!   The Mariott Grand National is a beautiful place and the meal was delicious as well as the ambiance!!  Needless to say, none of us left hungry!!  We always enjoy our family time together but on a special day such as Thanksgiving it becomes even more special.  It doesn't matter where or what you eat...you are together and that is the true blessing of the season!!


Gerri and our son Stephen
Mike & our son Stephen 
Mike & Gerri                   
So with Thanksgiving behind us and the shopping almost completed its time to begin to really sit back and enjoy this wonderful season that we set aside to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!!                    
I hope each of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and wish you an amazing Christmas season ahead.
Don't forget to take time to just sit back and relax and take in the true blessings of this season!!






17 comments:

  1. Your Ollie does, indeed, look cozy and festive. Those two things don't always go together, but you made it happen. Love the floor mat. Nice to see the family pictures, too. The decorated covered bridge is gorgeous. Hope the oncology visit at CT scan reveal that you're totally healthy. Wishing you a most blessed Christmas.

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  2. Nice to spend some time there with family for Thanksgiving and now Christmas is on the way !

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    1. Thanks and we truly hope your Christmas is special and all you hope it to be.

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  3. So glad you were with family during the Thanksgiving holiday.
    I love how you decorated. My favorite...the mat. What a hoot.

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    1. Thanks for your comments Marsha. Hope you guys had a great Thanksgiving and are enjoying this Christmas season.

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  4. What a lovely post. So much to be thankful for. Friends, family, a great "home" base in lovely setting with a beautiful decorated home. Blessings all.

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    1. Thanks Phyllis, there is truly so much for us to be thankful for and not take for granted.
      We hope you and Len have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy this wonderful season.

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  5. I love the decorations in your little home.It looks cozy and welcoming and so bright.Thanks for your visits to my blog and FaceBook posts.

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    1. Thank you Ruth, we enjoy reading your blog and FB and also seeing those beautiful pics. I am glad we crossed paths, even if it is through FB and blogging.

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  6. We have tried to get a campground in that area around a game time, just no way:) Maybe a new Thanksgiving tradition has begun!

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    1. It is difficult in this area during football season, especially around the Iron Bowl weekend...which is also Thanksgiving weekend. Sometimes cooking a big Thanksgiving meal for three becomes easier to go out and eat.

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  7. It's always wonderful to run into friends on the road. Bet the campground was a rowdy place after the game. wishing you guys a wonderful Christmas and New Years. Hope all the doctor stuff works out to your liking....jc

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    1. Jerry, thanks for your comments and well wishes on my doctor visit and CT scan..I always get nervous before my scan. I hope you and Wanda have a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy 2018.

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  8. Ah---I love how you have Ollie decorated for Christmas.... SO precious!!!!!

    Sounds like you had an awesome trip --and Thanksgiving.... Seems like the holidays are passing by quickly.

    Prayers for a good report from your scan... I sent you an email (not sure I have the correct email address) telling you some about our 2017...

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  9. Great post...and what a magnificent "Homecoming"...I enjoyed being able to "come along" on your adventure....There is so much to see. and most folks have no idea its right their back yard...Enjoy, relax, and have a wonderful and blessed Christmas....Will have Positive thoughts on your Health status! Horst sends

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    1. Thanks for your comments Horst, and especially for your positive thoughts towards my CT scan next month. I can truly say we enjoy reading your posts and seeing those beautiful pictures you take...yes, there is a lot to see all around us and not just the "big" places. Hope you and your family have a blessed Christmas and a healthy and happy 2018.
      Take care.

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  10. Don't you love it when you get in because of a miraculous cancellation! Great homecoming! You two look ready for Christmas after a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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