tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68784395260168068492024-03-15T21:09:10.656-04:00Through the LensHappytrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08604892750805362197noreply@blogger.comBlogger425125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878439526016806849.post-86272761736019214682020-03-11T20:26:00.001-04:002020-03-13T12:12:58.514-04:00A Break from Physical Therapy...A Quick Trip<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mike has been doing very well with his physical therapy...in fact so good the physical therapist gave him a couple weeks off. She can't take him to another level until he reaches 17 weeks. So with two weeks free we decided to see if the wheels on our Oliver still roll. They do!!!!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We didn't have long and so we decided to head to one of our favorite places...Rainbow Plantation (Escapee Park in Summerdale, Alabama) to have a little Mardi Gras fun with our friends. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This was the first time in about 9 months that we have been able to go anywhere and it sure felt great!!! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We left on Wednesday the 19th and arrived just in time for an early dinner or what is fondly referred to as lupper. Since we haven't been in this area for awhile we decided we wanted to visit all our favorite places. One of those would be The Fairhope Pier. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We love sunsets, water on the bay and that awesome pier to walk to the end and see Mobile in the distance. It was a overcast day and quite chilly and definitely no sunset this evening but that didn't stop us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> We got a few good pics before heading to one of our favorite places to eat....Big Daddy's Grill sits on the Fish River in Fairhope. We enjoyed a delicious lupper!!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the Fish River from Big Daddy's Grill</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thursday we enjoyed a wonderful lunch at our "special to us" restaurant...Jesse's Restaurant in Magnolia Springs. We have managed to celebrate several important family moments there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Friday was the kick off for Mardi Gras at Rainbow Plantation. We arrived</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and met up with our friends Don and Gloria Martin. We ate a nice dinner chatting with Don and Gloria and the others at our table. After dinner the fun began. The eating of the cupcakes to see who has the little baby inside which determines who the king and queen are for this year's Mardi Gras. So the king and queen were crowned and then the skits began. The theme this year was "down on the farm" so all skits centered around this theme. They sure were fun and really done very well. Rainbow Plantation sure has lots of hidden talent!!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Queen</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The King</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plenty of talented skits to enjoy</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Down on the Farm theme wouldn't be complete without a scarecrow!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The weather was pretty decent while we were there. It rained a little and was overcast most of the first three days but on Saturday we saw the sun peeking out and we both decided this might be a good sunset!! We were "free" from Mardi Gras activity so we headed to the pier around 5:00 for the 5:45 sunset. We were not disappointed at all. It turned out to be a gorgeous sunset. We sat on a bench and braved the chilly temperatures and wind coming off the bay and managed to capture some nice sunsets. We have always loved coming to the pier and watching sunsets and were so grateful God put on such a beautiful show this evening. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Another favorite place for us was this really neat little ice cream parlor named Mr. Green Bean. It is on a side street in downtown Fairhope. We ordered our cup that we always share (you save calories that way) and sat down and enjoyed a nice cup of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. What a nice day!!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Green Bean</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sunday took us to church...3 Circle in Fairhope. After a very nice worship service we ate lunch at Saracinos. This is truly a hometown place to eat. It is southern cuisine buffet and it is always and I mean always crowded. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It wasn't exactly a sunny day but we only have so many days here so we decided to head to the beach. We didn't stay too long but we did enjoy walking a short way along the beach and getting sand in our toes. We both love the ocean!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Monday and Tuesday found us participating in the fun and frolick around Rainbow Plantation. More food, more fellowship and more laughter watching fun skits. I can't tell you how much Mike and I needed this fun and laughter after going through two major surgeries since June. It really felt good</span>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fat Tuesday saw the the king and queen de-throwned. They were such a good king and queen but alas their reign was over. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We hooked up and pulled out of Rainbow Plantation Thursday morning and returned to our woodsy site at Chewacla State Park that afternoon. Mike sees the orthopedic surgeon March 12th and this should mark the beginning of phase III and the end of being tied down with physical therapy. We've been told he will be given exercises but he can do those on his own. Yay!! This should free us up so we can do more, see more and enjoy more adventures.</span><br />
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<br />Happytrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08604892750805362197noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878439526016806849.post-74892912368271938142020-01-22T21:31:00.001-05:002020-01-22T21:31:53.313-05:00It's About the People<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are slowly moving back into our Oliver!! Everything is still experimental as far as how long we will be able to do this but for now we are happy and content to be back in our sweet Oliver!!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Oliver nestled in the woods</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Mike's CPM chair ( continuous passive movement) was picked up yesterday. That was a huge factor in our being able to return to the Oliver. I know you find it hard to believe but there was no room for it in the Oliver. That was the main reason for moving into an apartment so Mike could accomplish what he needed to do for this surgery. He had to sleep in a recliner for no less than 3 weeks....this was mandatory by the surgeon and use the CPM chair 3x a day for 7 weeks which turned into 9. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So glad to be able to get rid of this CPM Chair</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He is now officially in phase II and the PT is picking up a bit. Getting those muscles moving again slowly as to not re-injure that area. There is light at the end of the tunnel!!!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But that is not what this post is all about!! It's about the people...all of you!! Some of you have had the privilege of knowing, meeting and possibly even camping with George and Suzie Yates ( <a href="https://geosuzie.blogspot.com/">Our Awesome Travels</a>). Mike and I, unfortunately, did not actually ever meet them but we have blogged together for many years. Through that blog we got to know George. George passed away January 15, 2020 after a courageous battle with cancer. But that is not what I am writing about...I'm writing about his life not his death. George touched most everyone he met including us. He was always smiling and happy wearing his iconic vest and hat. He took everyday and found the joy in it. I especially loved his "walkabouts" which he took almost every morning...early!! He seemed to love sunrises and sunsets especially in the desert southwest!! He and Suzie loved to travel but I do think it was about the people for George as well.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He loved his "social hour" and talking with fellow RVers, family and friends. He and Suzie would sit outside and read in the "e-readers" or "page turners" as he referred to them and then there were the "doggie fixes" for Suzie. I can't forget to mention the meals he created on his Weber Q....what a talent for cooking. He even has his recipes on his blog....you should check them out. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">George will be missed!!! There will be an empty spot in blogland with him gone but he left us with his zeal to live, smile and be happy.....George was truly happy!!! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-33VVowxl6Jk/XikBkPQHmdI/AAAAAAAAZzw/nJOrgGQp14c5zlPT1yXcJiZtUPvgYFtlgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2020%2B2018%2B08%2B02%2B01-IMG_0146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-33VVowxl6Jk/XikBkPQHmdI/AAAAAAAAZzw/nJOrgGQp14c5zlPT1yXcJiZtUPvgYFtlgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2020%2B2018%2B08%2B02%2B01-IMG_0146.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture of George was copied from his blog Our AwesomeTravels</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's about the people....it's always been about the people!! Oh, the places we go are incredible but the people we meet along the way stay with us for a lifetime!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy the journey and make those memories but always cherish the friendships!! Mike and I cherish your friendships even though we might not have met all of you. Hopefully, one day our paths will cross...somewhere down the road!!!</span><br />
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<br />Happytrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08604892750805362197noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878439526016806849.post-17745381878203773052020-01-02T20:51:00.001-05:002020-01-02T20:51:36.511-05:00What a Whirlwind !!!<span style="font-size: large;">Oh my gosh....it doesn't seem possible that its been since July that I wrote a blog!! I think I got so down about the turn of events that I just couldn't write....nope not a word!! Maybe I was speechless...yeah, speechless!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mike did so well with his spinal fusion!! He healed and physical therapy went really well. It went so well that the physical therapist noticed something not right with Mike's left shoulder. She worked with this shoulder and finally told us she didn't think the pain was related with the surgery at all. We had just thought it was painful from the cervical stenosis and the subsequent surgery and perhaps just slow in healing. So we headed to the neurosurgeon for a follow up and to discuss this new information from the physical therapist. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The neurosurgeon confirmed what the physical therapist suspected and sent us to an orthopedic surgeon since this didn't fall under the area of a neurosurgeon. The appointment with the orthopedic surgeon went very well. He examined Mike's left shoulder, took an x-ray and told us what he suspected but wanted an MRI to confirm. Fast forward...the MRI confirmed that Mike had a rotator cuff tear (completely pulled off the bone), torn labrum, arthritis, bicep tear and bone spurs. He told us not to wait much longer than two months to have this surgery. It was pretty bad. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Surgery was November 12th!! This orthopedic surgeon, who we've been told is one of the best in the nation, requires a CPM chair ( continuous progressive movement) as well as a recliner to sleep in for six weeks. As many of you already know, we travel in an Oliver Legacy Elite II which isn't going to quite have the space for a recliner and a CPM chair so we had no choice but to move out of the Oliver and into an apartment. You just can't make this up!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So off our Ollie goes to storage and off we go to live in an apartment....for recovery.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We weren't sure how long we'd be in an apartment or if we'd ever move back into the Oliver. The apartment is nice and comfortable...chairs, sofa, tables, king size lift bed and a huge TV with cable BUT it's not the Oliver!! We know we have to be here for rehab but we really miss the Ollie!! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post-op week 1</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post-op week 6</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We've visited a local preserve, Kreher Preserve, and enjoyed walking in nature. We've visited Chewacla State Park and enjoyed walking a few of their trails and it felt so good to be among the trees and hear the leaves crunch under our feet and the smell....oh the smell that only the woods can give. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kreher Preserve</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail at Chewacla State Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trails at Chewacla State Park</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So a few Sundays ago we drove to where the Oliver was in storage and set him free!!! Mike can't drive so I had to hook up the Oliver with Mike coaching me on what and when to do different things. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7saVd0WA5yc/Xg6ZiwlqsQI/AAAAAAAAZrk/3nKkKWL7ZTQLDByfBp9i5CHerICq7i8LwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG-6200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7saVd0WA5yc/Xg6ZiwlqsQI/AAAAAAAAZrk/3nKkKWL7ZTQLDByfBp9i5CHerICq7i8LwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG-6200.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I managed to line up the hitch and ball (yay me) and pulled him out of his storage spot and headed to a wonderful woodsy site at Chewacla State Park, about a 45 minute drive!! A site that we have camped on many times and love....nestled back in the woods!! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our site at Chewacla State Park</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am so proud that I managed to hook up the Oliver, tow him 45 miles and arrive safely at our site.....however, I am not good at backing up. This is where Mike took over, shhhhhhhhh don't tell anyone, he used his good arm and backed the Ollie right into that site with no problem. Wow!! I am jealous!!! Now we can enjoy the Oliver and one day soon sleep there again. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake at Chewacla</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So we are still in the apartment doing rehab. The CPM chair is part of physical therapy and Mike does this three times per day plus other exercises. The CPM part of PT will be over Jan 10th. We see the doctor Jan. 10th and phase II begins. This phase takes Mike out of passive movement and into strength training which will begin using his muscle for movement. The rehab for shoulder surgery is quite long but as he is getting better we can begin to return to our RV life albeit slowly! The physical therapist told us we could travel some in February for a couple weeks!!!!! We both about cried when she said that!!! Yippee!!!!!!!!!!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cRLNLL2vnI0/Xg6cxJiIQUI/AAAAAAAAZsM/nNMUUmnoq2MYasEarmNXmlpQo6UQQsulgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG-6223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cRLNLL2vnI0/Xg6cxJiIQUI/AAAAAAAAZsM/nNMUUmnoq2MYasEarmNXmlpQo6UQQsulgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG-6223.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">So that's where we are at this point. It's been a long journey but there is light at the end of the tunnel and we are very grateful that the shoulder is healing and Mike will be good again very soon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for stopping by and catching up with us!! We will be doing the same with you all as well. It's just been so time consuming but it's now getting better!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wishing all our RV friends a very Happy healthy New Year!!! Safe travels!!!!</span><br />
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<br />Happytrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08604892750805362197noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878439526016806849.post-18860293156336166112019-07-30T22:41:00.000-04:002019-07-30T22:41:20.097-04:00We Have Lift Off<span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday we journeyed to Columbus, Georgia to see Mike’s neurosurgeon and get his 6 week review!! Several days before this appointment he went for x-rays to see what progress had been made in fusing the bone the surgeon chipped off Mike’s old disc to create the new and improved disc!! So on Tuesday we went to Ridgeway Diagnostics in Auburn and had those done!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So with disc in hand we set out for Columbus a tad early so we could eat and shop a little. We ate a good lunch at Cheddars. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheddars, but not our car...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The food was good but the noise level reminded me of a school cafeteria...not good!! When we eat out we enjoy a nice dining experience and this didn’t happen there yesterday!! Oh well...the food was good!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We left there and enjoyed browsing among the many books at Barnes and Nobles!! We found a very nice book on sale showing all our National Parks published by National Geographic. Beautiful pictures and very informative! We couldn’t pass this up for $9.98!! We know we can find all this information on line but every now and then it’s nice to hold the book and flip the pages!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3oQ5rNp5cQM/XTsKMCzXjgI/AAAAAAAAYZA/ZpoRgJY1Scgyzl3HTcCxJuwwGSg41mtnQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG0326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3oQ5rNp5cQM/XTsKMCzXjgI/AAAAAAAAYZA/ZpoRgJY1Scgyzl3HTcCxJuwwGSg41mtnQCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG0326.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barnes & Nobles special sale</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We made our way over to the office complex where Southeastern Brain and Spine Surgery is located. Our 4 o’clock appointment proved to be a winner...nobody was in the waiting room!! That was a first!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The doctor examined Mike’s neck and took a look at the x-rays. He even showed them to us and we could distinctly see the titanium plate (cage) surrounding the two disc he created and the 6 screws holding everything in place! We could see the new disc and he pointed out the area in the middle where the bone had been placed and fused!! According to the doctor it looked exactly as it should!! Everything was fine for taking that neck brace off!! Yay...we have lift off!! Mike was told he could do most everything he wants except no more contact sports....oh darn!!! There goes his football and wrestling careers!! So after 6 long weeks the brace is off!!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brace off after six weeks, got it in my left hand</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are now heading for more healing with physical therapy!! That starts on Tuesday and should help Mike tone up muscles he hasn’t been able to use for nearly 2 years!! They will also work with range of motion in turning his head. The tingling in the arm and fingers is gone. There is a little soreness on the shoulders from time to time but no pain as he had before. He’s able to look up and that range should increase with PT. He can raise both arms and they are nearly the same height. So things are looking good.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I handed Mike the keys to the truck...after 6 weeks of him not driving</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We have another appointment with the neurosurgeon in 6 weeks and once again we will have x-rays a few days before. So we have 6 more weeks being stationery and then our wheels can roll again!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I hope they haven’t forgotten how!!!!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't think he forgot how to drive</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Auburn football starts the beginning of September along with the increase in prices so we are hoping to be out of here!! Gotta work hard in PT!!!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I also gave him to leash to walking Asher</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As you can imagine we haven’t done much that warrants a blog post with Mike not able to do much! I’ve been carrying most of the daily duties which included walking Asher, our 85 pound English Cream Golden. He’s a puppy so his leash etiquette wasn’t established and he loves people...all kinds, big ones, little ones it doesn’t matter. He thinks they all need a hug from him. So for 6 weeks I’ve worked hard on getting him to walk (without pulling) and the goal is a loose leash! We also worked on sitting every time we see someone. I’m proud to say when I turned the leash over to Mike yesterday he was much better than before!!! Hey, you gotta learn!!!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now Mike can walk Asher, while I will walk Nick</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So life around here is slowly returning to normal!! We have a little longer to go and all Mike has been through should be worth it and give him back his life...pain free and able to lift, look up and reach up with both arms!! God is good!!!’</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-va95LjEN2gc/XUD-8vGmkDI/AAAAAAAAYbc/Y8GZCRkkpbURX8daULjSPIKsmE9UCB0rgCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_DSC_3583_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1307" data-original-width="601" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-va95LjEN2gc/XUD-8vGmkDI/AAAAAAAAYbc/Y8GZCRkkpbURX8daULjSPIKsmE9UCB0rgCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_DSC_3583_1024.jpg" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This guy landed just below our patio for almost 10 minutes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8nVfhdMF2lA/XUD--TcbRCI/AAAAAAAAYbg/RX1O8szI0BsfKhqqg6CWsjvJzY0m70ERQCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_DSC_3601_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="418" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8nVfhdMF2lA/XUD--TcbRCI/AAAAAAAAYbg/RX1O8szI0BsfKhqqg6CWsjvJzY0m70ERQCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_DSC_3601_1024.jpg" width="464" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the talons on this hawk</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for stopping by!! </span><br />
<br />Happytrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08604892750805362197noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878439526016806849.post-57848533058835469292019-07-17T23:47:00.000-04:002019-07-17T23:47:18.250-04:00Kreher Preserve & Nature Center<span style="font-size: large;">I'm a little late with my blogging!! Life has been a whirlwind for me lately!! I never appreciated all Mike did around the Ollie until he wasn't able to do hardly anything!! Thank you, Mike....you're truly appreciated!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I spent Sunday week ago washing the patio side of the Oliver!! I might have mentioned this before but we have a gutter guard right behind the awning to stop any water from dripping on the patio during a rain. This gutter guard gets all kinds of debris such as pine needles, leaves, acorns and such in it and then the water, whether its rain water or the run off from the AC gets trapped in this area, gets very dirty and drips down the sides of the Oliver making a stain on each end. It takes quite a bit of elbow grease to get it cleaned out and white again. Couple that with being short I have a hard time reaching behind the awning and cleaning this area out. I think I was up and down the ladder at least 9 times going across the awning/gutter chasing this debris and dirt. It was hot and I was wringing wet. When I finished it looked good!!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gerri just after she finished washing the Oliver</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was resting and cooling off when our son called and said he wanted to show us something pretty cool. He knows how much we love birding and nature and he had been told about Kreher Preserve and Nature Center located right in the middle of Auburn...very near the campus because Auburn University maintains and runs this preserve. To put it in their words, <i>"to promote a sense of stewardship towards nature through quality environmental education, recreation, and outreach programs with Auburn University and its community partners."</i><b> </b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is at the center of the parking lot</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main entrance into the walking trails</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We discovered this area provides over six miles of trails winding through 120 acres where you can encounter area wildlife and seven different regional ecotypes. The preserve provides nature based education to area schools through awesome field trips.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are events scheduled throughout the year including "Bird Walks" led by birding specialist. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were standing behind a bird blind</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Workshops, programs and camps. There is even a nature preschool which is the only Nature Preschool in East Alabama. Last but certainly not least is the research that is conducted here on environmental engineering, wildlife sciences, forestry, biology and landscaping. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance into the fairy houses</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids made the fairy houses</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We spent about 3 hours here Sunday afternoon exploring one of the many trails. We walked approximately two miles just enjoying the beauty and peacefulness the forest brings to your soul. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen at the herb garden</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the walking trails</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fire pit near the amphitheater</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The amphitheater</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Kreher Preserve is definitely a place we will return to many many times when in this area!! We didn't have our cameras with us so the pictures are the ones we captured on my IPhone. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pond along the trail, we saw a snake swim into this right in front of us</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Guide...Stephen</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today marks 5 weeks for Mike since surgery!!!! That means one more week and he's made it to his six weeks. He has his x-rays on Tuesday that will show the progress he's made in fusing and growing bone. He sees the neurosurgeon on Thursday and we sure hope that brace comes off and all those many restrictions with it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We are getting a really bad case of HITCH ITCH!!!!!!!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YCRLikjGOxk/XS_nriK-MNI/AAAAAAAAYTk/lK3iCWrBUlsyrG5UBnMfURR4mn13O6PEgCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG-5218_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YCRLikjGOxk/XS_nriK-MNI/AAAAAAAAYTk/lK3iCWrBUlsyrG5UBnMfURR4mn13O6PEgCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_IMG-5218_1024.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small waterfall along the trail</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for stopping by and hopefully we'll see "down the road" very soon!!</span>Happytrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08604892750805362197noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878439526016806849.post-80661877909743014092019-07-08T18:33:00.000-04:002019-07-08T18:33:30.338-04:00A Hike A Cookout and Happy Independence Day and Canada Day<span style="font-size: large;">We are now officially halfway through our 6 weeks!! Mike has 3 more weeks in which to wear the neck brace! As with most things like this you get tired of the confinement both with neck movement and overall confinement in activities. After 3 weeks of holding your head in one position your neck muscles just want to go in a different direction. When we saw the doctor last week he was pleased with Mike's progress and said all things looked good. So 3 more weeks!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We took an easy walk/hike this week on one of the trails in Chewacla State Park. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail in Chewacla</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UG5Vm4UHXq8/XR56kPmhuKI/AAAAAAAAX7k/0Lrd15puq4kZabXP_yPERddZiqHFYf5swCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-5102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UG5Vm4UHXq8/XR56kPmhuKI/AAAAAAAAX7k/0Lrd15puq4kZabXP_yPERddZiqHFYf5swCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-5102.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interesting mushrooms on this tree</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4F5jACwpuWc/XR57NQY1gRI/AAAAAAAAX70/Ad0PwTMrEd02Ea227022SUqXjMf-9joQQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-5101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4F5jACwpuWc/XR57NQY1gRI/AAAAAAAAX70/Ad0PwTMrEd02Ea227022SUqXjMf-9joQQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-5101.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More of the trail in Chewacla</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> It was an easy trail...don't need to maneuver around roots, slopes and rocks on harder trails. We enjoyed just being in nature and the trees that surrounded us. We did meet a family along the way that were also out for a morning stroll. I'm hoping we were a little better looking than they were. Ugly aren't they?</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vf1_HEtX3K4/XR56X4gT4FI/AAAAAAAAX7c/6nrPg37wXdwahn8HyRWqWg7MsS4FllSwQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-5104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vf1_HEtX3K4/XR56X4gT4FI/AAAAAAAAX7c/6nrPg37wXdwahn8HyRWqWg7MsS4FllSwQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-5104.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bless their hearts, they just look so ugly...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our son has been coming by to visit and lend a hand as needed!! So glad he's nearby and such a good help. He's helped us a few times with Oliver maintenance such as cleaning out the gutter by the awning that gets lots of tree "stuff" in it and then when the air conditioner is on the water rolls down the sides bringing with it that lovely stain. He also has to clean the roof...I'm too short even on the ladder!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We had a cookout on July 3rd anticipating a rainy 4th!!! I had bought some shrimp from Gulf Shores when we were there this past winter and I wanted to cook them before freezer burn might get them. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_JG3gl006zg/XR58a4AlxZI/AAAAAAAAX8E/fAMA6541DWobdsgHI2BSL1mWtP7lcaFaQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-5118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_JG3gl006zg/XR58a4AlxZI/AAAAAAAAX8E/fAMA6541DWobdsgHI2BSL1mWtP7lcaFaQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG-5118.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the Gulf Coast shrimp for the kabobs</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Also, it clears up some space in an already small freezer. So Mike deveined them and made up a marinade for them and Stephen brought broccoli and rice. I had some yellow and red pepper and white and purple onion so we made a nice skewer with the vegetables and shrimp </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let the preparations begin</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2UkSttaTWlw/XR59pFn-Z3I/AAAAAAAAX8Y/5mPlSIv3swQCxCPA1gnxkZGxa3l5_ZS5ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-5117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2UkSttaTWlw/XR59pFn-Z3I/AAAAAAAAX8Y/5mPlSIv3swQCxCPA1gnxkZGxa3l5_ZS5ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG-5117.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lightly grilled peppers and onions for the kabobs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ta1gkjKgfSk/XR59nrsnFjI/AAAAAAAAX8U/7Q7sAddFHkc-e5fE2P1k0Z7lhOj2qB5KACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-5116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ta1gkjKgfSk/XR59nrsnFjI/AAAAAAAAX8U/7Q7sAddFHkc-e5fE2P1k0Z7lhOj2qB5KACLcBGAs/s640/IMG-5116.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen is putting the kabobs together</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and steamed the broccoli and he had already cooked the rice at his </span><span style="font-size: large;">house. I also got two bags of fresh blueberries from a friend so I made some fresh blueberry cobbler. We had a really nice dinner and Stephen cooked it all on our Blackstone Grill!!! YUM!!</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tasty Shrimp Kabobs</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today is July 4th and as expected we have had a rainy day. That is good and bad!! We needed the rain but it kinda puts a damper on all the cookouts people might have planned. The campground is not full which is pretty surprising but I'm not complaining!! I guess I'm getting older and sometimes the weekend or holiday crowds kinda grind on my nerves. Plus I'm the one walking Asher, the 85 pound English Cream Golden puppy that wants to meet and greet every person he sees. He's still learning how to walk correctly, which means not pulling me over on the leash or running up to hug every person he sees. We have done pretty good but have a long way to </span><span style="font-size: large;">go. I've learned to put him in a sit whenever we see someone and I'm using treats when he listens. He's getting better!!</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WsUNPORgK-g/XSPA0rzyWOI/AAAAAAAAYGw/XGK6slgFflMRALY22DrNwSOL3EBXF2oGgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG-5142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WsUNPORgK-g/XSPA0rzyWOI/AAAAAAAAYGw/XGK6slgFflMRALY22DrNwSOL3EBXF2oGgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG-5142.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asher waiting for a reward treat</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jDZ__snmZTs/XSPAmYbPXHI/AAAAAAAAYGk/1s4A72pPiDkOD7k_nN8eFv9w7VhOooDtACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-5138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jDZ__snmZTs/XSPAmYbPXHI/AAAAAAAAYGk/1s4A72pPiDkOD7k_nN8eFv9w7VhOooDtACLcBGAs/s640/IMG-5138.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asher is leashed in two separate places</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KohSi9f5Xkc/XSPAsRbfpeI/AAAAAAAAYGo/mtMZ1T2gwqoDiAJQI0g4KcedZxFf-i0xACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-5140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KohSi9f5Xkc/XSPAsRbfpeI/AAAAAAAAYGo/mtMZ1T2gwqoDiAJQI0g4KcedZxFf-i0xACLcBGAs/s640/IMG-5140.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asher is a happy camper</td></tr>
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</span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I bought him a new harness that is suppose to help with the pulling when walking. I was skeptical when I first heard about it from my blog friend, Micky Werk but he has been wearing it now for about 4 days and I see a world of difference in his walking. This harness clips underneath and it also has a clip on top of his neck. I bought a leash that has two leads and I clip him underneath and on top. The leash is called a "training leash" and it is rather short. Our goal is to get him to walk on a loose leash!! I think we'll make it but it will take some time and training. Growing out of the puppy stage will also help. Thanks, Micky for the recommendation!! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ImwHnIXt5Bc/XSPBNtE2RVI/AAAAAAAAYHA/_RnffCShE6UpCJGSNCfG7uPOutzLDU6PQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-5113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ImwHnIXt5Bc/XSPBNtE2RVI/AAAAAAAAYHA/_RnffCShE6UpCJGSNCfG7uPOutzLDU6PQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-5113.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We could not leave our little Nick out of the pics</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So we are taking things one day at a time!! Not as many left and we'll be able to see what physical therapy has in store in 3 weeks. The doctor talked like most of the PT will be teaching Mike what exercises he needs to do and then doing those at home. If that is the case, we might be able to get the wheels rolling!! Hitch itch is a serious ailment!!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I0mheLjvgKE/XSPDssAUcSI/AAAAAAAAYHM/URzh73lJb6MLHwKXNtiMxFOhHyL1J-zFACLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_DSC_8479_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="725" data-original-width="1084" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I0mheLjvgKE/XSPDssAUcSI/AAAAAAAAYHM/URzh73lJb6MLHwKXNtiMxFOhHyL1J-zFACLcBGAs/s640/thumb_DSC_8479_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice sunset at Chewacla State Park</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope all of our American readers had a Happy Independence Day!! I hope you enjoyed it doing whatever makes you happy as we celebrate our freedoms. To our Canadian readers I hope you had a wonderful Canada Day!! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for stopping by and visiting with us!!</span>Happytrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08604892750805362197noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878439526016806849.post-59746808786804914842019-06-21T22:33:00.000-04:002019-06-21T22:33:15.695-04:00Surgery Day Arrived<br />
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Well, the day finally arrived for my surgery. We had to be at the hospital at 6:30 Wednesday morning. So we got up quite early and arrived a few minutes before 6:30 thinking the surgery would be around 8 am. We waited and waited and waited.... </span></span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0quOAsMHmog/XQ1jVzfotzI/AAAAAAAAXJU/Vh0De2yntW4PQUCe052l6EbOgvPfV_sHwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-5066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0quOAsMHmog/XQ1jVzfotzI/AAAAAAAAXJU/Vh0De2yntW4PQUCe052l6EbOgvPfV_sHwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-5066.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> waiting before the surgery</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Four hours later they finally took me back…talk about getting tired of the wait. The actual surgery started around 11:30 and a couple hours later... the surgery was over. The wait was much longer than the surgery.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DBl755O42rs/XQ1jrVTxahI/AAAAAAAAXJc/r-thzp8AnCktUq6uurnTrSrB49krCJj6wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-5069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DBl755O42rs/XQ1jrVTxahI/AAAAAAAAXJc/r-thzp8AnCktUq6uurnTrSrB49krCJj6wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-5069.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just got to my room after recovery</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rnibFTF8UWc/XQ1khy_cgbI/AAAAAAAAXJk/bcBQEd6OdGgYmjjn1FC0ZPeXxwXDeAxCACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-5072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rnibFTF8UWc/XQ1khy_cgbI/AAAAAAAAXJk/bcBQEd6OdGgYmjjn1FC0ZPeXxwXDeAxCACLcBGAs/s400/IMG-5072.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well, now I wear my hard collar for 6 weeks</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The next afternoon they released me to go home...much to my satisfaction. Recoup and heal at home is always best. Now nurse Gerri takes over and tends to me.</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">When we got home to the campground, I wanted to sit outside for a bit and get fresh air and hear the nature around us.</span></span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The neurosurgeon told us that walking was really good and would help the healing process. The next day Stephen came over and we all walked around the campground and to the lake...What better healing than in God's creation and the beauty of the sun glistening through the trees and haze.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And of course a trip to the donut store is always a good thought for healing...at least according to me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On a different note, Gerri has been the real hero in all of this. She has taken on the responsibility of all of her tasks and added the things that I usually did. She has done and is doing a remarkable job and I cannot begin to say thank you for all you have done. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> Gerri herself is only 4 years out from her battle with cancer, I know she is tired and sometimes exhausted, but she still keeps at it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">THANK YOU GERRI!</span></div>
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Happytrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08604892750805362197noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878439526016806849.post-64002049308195349172019-06-17T22:25:00.000-04:002019-06-18T22:38:12.477-04:00Settling In<span style="font-size: large;">The big day is coming!!! Mike’s surgery is scheduled for Wednesday morning at 8:30!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We have been busy getting things in order for an extended stay here at Chewacla State Park!! We were in a beautiful site all tucked away in the woods but we quickly discovered that those trees liked to deposit little reminders of their beauty all over the roof of the Oliver!! The tiny area behind the awning and the gutter was a debris collector!!! Since Mike is going to be out of commission for several months the cleaning of the roof and awning and gutter would become my job!! I don’t mind washing and cleaning the Oliver while Mike heals but this job was constant!!! When the debris collects the water from rain or the A/C runs a brown looking stain down the front and back sides of the Oliver. This stain looks awful against a white fiberglass rig!!! </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NQc0BARWClY/XQhJcg3D00I/AAAAAAAAXIE/6KFwX3AQXYMShVYxwoxu2jUbCpgnWqbGACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-5003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NQc0BARWClY/XQhJcg3D00I/AAAAAAAAXIE/6KFwX3AQXYMShVYxwoxu2jUbCpgnWqbGACLcBGAs/s640/IMG-5003.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jwWqKgPQLfU/XQhJk26VY7I/AAAAAAAAXII/vmauT4zRZ_MmKegWDDDriBTpnlTM-XKHgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-5050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jwWqKgPQLfU/XQhJk26VY7I/AAAAAAAAXII/vmauT4zRZ_MmKegWDDDriBTpnlTM-XKHgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-5050.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">So off we went in search of a nice site but a bit more open from trees. We found a rather large site very near the campground host and closer to the front of loop 2. We have the Oliver parked and the patio set up as well as our Clam!!! We will place the zero gravity chairs in there along with our TV. This gives us a great outdoor area to rest and relax in while Mike is busy growing bone at his fusion!! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We can watch a little TV, read or take a nap!! I’m also closer to the laundry area as well!!! Did I ever tell you I hate doing laundry🙁!!! I sure miss our washer/dryer combo we had in our motorhome!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JISKSIkvox8/XQhKEKDRvXI/AAAAAAAAXIY/qrIo_QY-ZsogwBDemdSvZkBCZDwu5S6xACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-5059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JISKSIkvox8/XQhKEKDRvXI/AAAAAAAAXIY/qrIo_QY-ZsogwBDemdSvZkBCZDwu5S6xACLcBGAs/s400/IMG-5059.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EPHZAOE2zAM/XQhKCNUUpiI/AAAAAAAAXIU/SMpQ6BCl_F0Q6K8qwl7jAxvhjh97QX6gwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-5060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EPHZAOE2zAM/XQhKCNUUpiI/AAAAAAAAXIU/SMpQ6BCl_F0Q6K8qwl7jAxvhjh97QX6gwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG-5060.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">This site puts us much closer to the lake!! We walked down there a few nights ago with Stephen and Asher!! Asher has never been exposed to much water in his first year!! He probably saw the lake as a huge water bowl!! We hope to take many many walks to the lake with him this summer!! We will put him on his 16 ft leash so he can actually walk, splash or just stare at the water. Our hope is that he’ll learn to love the water....after all he’s a water dog!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oMymF7EApb8/XQmf-9yOdDI/AAAAAAAAXJE/yV5zruFTGqsQhCZaG80DSVQHiFPjTDbqACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-4995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oMymF7EApb8/XQmf-9yOdDI/AAAAAAAAXJE/yV5zruFTGqsQhCZaG80DSVQHiFPjTDbqACLcBGAs/s640/IMG-4995.JPG" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So that is what we’ve been up to lately!! The big surgery day is Wednesday and we are both looking forward to getting this surgery done so Mike can once again feel better (no pain) and begin to regain the strength in his arms and the ability to look up, reach up and all those things we all take for granite!! We are beyond ready to get this Oliver moving!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On Monday Mike and I went to Little Italy in Auburn to get some really good pizza before his surgery day...man, was it good!</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DRxhv3THQjs/XQhK2n2azFI/AAAAAAAAXIk/kX9aP-qmAzwuGa4eLsdvi_PYsm15KK2NwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-5053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DRxhv3THQjs/XQhK2n2azFI/AAAAAAAAXIk/kX9aP-qmAzwuGa4eLsdvi_PYsm15KK2NwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-5053.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you for dropping by and remember to enjoy each day to its fullest!!!</span><br />
<br />Happytrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08604892750805362197noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878439526016806849.post-50591474006858287432019-05-26T23:21:00.000-04:002019-05-26T23:21:41.531-04:00A Day at the Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">We arrived at Chewacla State Park and found the site we liked the best for our extended stay while waiting and recouperating from surgery. Our site is very spacious and nestled in the woods. To the far left we have some chairs set around for when we want to have a fire in the fire pit. </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-en-V-HYy6AY/XOnuy9FKdwI/AAAAAAAAXDE/MA0CX0iD7f8CJNeug4oWZNexhvK-yac5QCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_DSC_3515_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-en-V-HYy6AY/XOnuy9FKdwI/AAAAAAAAXDE/MA0CX0iD7f8CJNeug4oWZNexhvK-yac5QCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_DSC_3515_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The weather, even though a bit warm, has been beautiful so we decided to walk a trail at Town Creek Park in Auburn. It is a really nice park and the trails are easy to maneuver. Below is one of the entrances to the trails.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yib2ioNNPd0/XOnwcHKUzcI/AAAAAAAAXDQ/UZMmmcCe19YN4beHGF_QrnZg5Zlry6jDQCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_DSC_3523_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" height="425" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yib2ioNNPd0/XOnwcHKUzcI/AAAAAAAAXDQ/UZMmmcCe19YN4beHGF_QrnZg5Zlry6jDQCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_DSC_3523_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once you round the last of the walkway entrance there is an open view of the pond and gazebo overlooking the pond.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We were enjoying our walk so much, we decided to cross the road and walk a part of the trail we had not been on yet. This area is a Historic Tree Trail which the picture below will explain. It really is awesome with a lot of incredible history about each tree.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There were trees from acorns or seedlings from all over the country...one was from the tree at the Jefferson Memorial. Another from George Washington's Mount Vernon and others like that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For Auburn, there was a tree grown from an acorn from the oaks at Toomer's Corner.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We thoroughly enjoyed our walk and especially the history of the trees along the Historic Tree Trail.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was a good day and a grand way to pass time waiting for Mike's surgery.</span></div>
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Happytrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08604892750805362197noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878439526016806849.post-62454291316704211302019-05-06T21:27:00.000-04:002019-05-06T21:34:27.813-04:00The Journey Begins<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So the journey begins!! For the past 2 1/2 years Mike has been actively avoiding surgery on his cervical stenosis. Who wants surgery anyway? The neurosurgeon in Columbus, Georgia told him 2 1/2 years ago that it would only get worse....and he was spot on. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way to Jessie's in Magnolia Springs</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">About 4 months ago the pain decided to take on a new high!! The pain increased and now both arms are involved. He has lost strength in both arms and is unable to look up. But most of all the pain is constant. He saw a neurosurgeon in Mobile, Alabama who examined him and had an updated MRI done. Sure enough....it's gotten worse. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fountain at the pier in Fairhope</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So tomorrow morning we will be traveling to Auburn and our "home" base of Chewacla State Park where we will be hunkering down for the surgery and recuperation. Mike sees his neurosurgeon in Columbus, Thursday May 9th and we should have a date for surgery soon after that.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boardwalk at the pier Fairhope</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The surgery itself sounds horrible but doesn't all surgery?? The doctor assured us he "does this all the time!" They will make the incision in the front (kinda like slitting your throat) and move the muscles and structures aside so he can get to the spinal cord where he will remove the bone spurs, disc and replace with a cadaver and plate with screws to hold it in place. Mike will wear a soft collar and possibly a hard collar for several weeks following surgery. He will be unable to lift, drive or do much for several weeks. It varies with different people and different situations. Our job will be to take care of the incision and do all the things to heal....such as eating healthy and walking walking walking!!!! We can handle that!! </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The good news....when this is complete and Mike has healed we will be able to do more, go further and Mike will not be in pain. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Those of you that wish...we would love to have your prayers for a successful surgery and quick recovery!! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small marina at the pier</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So Sunday morning we will say our "see ya laters" to the Gulf Shores area...specifically Escapees Rainbow Plantation!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our cameras caught some sights on our last, for now, trip to the Fairhope Pier! Hope you enjoy!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Happytrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08604892750805362197noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878439526016806849.post-51517873007559867062019-04-08T18:45:00.000-04:002019-04-08T18:45:21.995-04:00Meeting Up with Good Friends<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">One thing that sets this lifestyle apart from all the others is the people you meet along the way!! We have met some wonderful RVers that became lifelong friends!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When we heard Mike and Peggy Evringham we’re heading to Rainbow Plantation (Escapees Park in Summerdale, Alabama) we knew we had to go there. We found a site and got all set up to meet up with Mike and Peggy. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our site at Rainbow Plantation</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When Mike and Peggy arrived there were plenty of hugs all around!! We started our week of feasting at the last supper at the clubhouse. A buffet of all that was left over...you know, you can’t carry this food over the next 7 to 8 months!! So everyone gathered at the clubhouse for food and fellowship!!</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our friends at Rainbow Plantation</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The eating continued through the week with Big Daddy’s Grill, Saracenos and Mellow Mushroom!! We enjoyed time with Mike and Peggy, Don and Gloria Martin and Norm and Linda Payne. All longtime good friends!!! It was a lot of fun catching up and sharing travel adventures which included Mike and Peggy’s recent trip to Israel. They toured the Holy Lands with a group led by Mike Huckabee. What a wonderful trip and awesome pictures and video!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The fun didn’t stop there. We left on Wednesday to travel the very short distance to Meaher State Park in Spanish Fort, Alabama. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our site at Meaher</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our friend's site</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> This state park is just outside Mobile right on Mobile Bay!! This is where we connected with John and Ellie Souva!! We last saw John and Ellie 4 years ago!! Even though distance in miles separated us we continued to stay in touch and our friendship flourished!! We had the pleasure of meeting John’s mom, Millie on this trip!! She is just delightful and traveled and camped most of her life!! Such interesting stories!!</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at Meaher State Park</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The weather hasn’t been too cooperative though! Wednesday was beautiful and we all managed to get some walking in around the campground. This is a very nice state park with full hookups!!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boardwalk to the Delta</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We walked what the gate called “The Gateway to the Delta”. This is a very nice path that leads to a boardwalk through a delta area. On this walk we saw a ribbon snake, a Nutria, a Prothonotary Warbler (so pretty) some black birds and ducks. A nice walk!!</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GBKfOE2-6M8/XKl5FHU9iUI/AAAAAAAAWw4/yoKjey_oZB8QNnu7fGpwnVqvxq-Dvi-5wCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_DSC_3261_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="729" data-original-width="1078" height="432" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GBKfOE2-6M8/XKl5FHU9iUI/AAAAAAAAWw4/yoKjey_oZB8QNnu7fGpwnVqvxq-Dvi-5wCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_DSC_3261_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prothonotary Warbler</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the Nutria in the middle</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ribbon Snake</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">On the other end of the campground there is a very nice pier to walk and on this day several fishermen and women were catching a few Crappie.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meager State Park</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">After a rainy Thursday we ventured down to the pier where we were told there were a couple quite large gators. Sure enough they were there just floating in the still water. There were also four gators right out from the shore on our way back to the camper. We were hoping for more movement from them since it’s mating season but this morning and afternoon they just wanted to float!!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-bellied Whistling Duck</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A wonderful lunch was enjoyed by the five of us at Ed’s Seafood!! Delicious!! We sat on the covered patio overlooking the bay!!! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ed's Seafood Restaurant covered patio</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Good friends, good food and blessed fellowship!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It has been a grand week!!!</span>Happytrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08604892750805362197noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878439526016806849.post-71371186944408522082019-04-05T21:50:00.000-04:002019-04-05T21:50:57.513-04:00Life Gets Messy<span style="font-size: large;">It’s been awhile....I hope you all still remember who we are!!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bellingrath Home</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I went back to take a look at where we left off and it appears Mike had just gotten a good heart health report. It was a scary time and we are so thankful that God led us to a great cardiologist and he was able to stabilize Mike’s blood pressure that apparently was causing the issues with mitral valve prolapse. We were all set to begin traveling and Mike had a physical therapy session....remember his ruptured disc? During that visit the therapist must have done something and all of a sudden Mike’s cervical stenosis became horrible to bear!! The pain is immense....no sleeping comfortably, strength in both arms has diminished and he can’t look up. We saw a neurosurgeon in Mobile, Alabama at the Coastal Neurological Institute. He evaluated, including a current MRI to compare to the one done two years ago and immediately said the cervical stenosis was worse and he would need surgery. So, if it’s not one thing it’s twenty!! But we are not discouraged because he can get better with surgery!! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There is an 85% recovery rate...not bad!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I’m not going to say we haven’t thought long and hard about what we are doing!! Do we get a bigger rig? Do we get a condo/townhouse? Do we just stop full-timing/RVing? What to do?? The neurosurgeon was totally in favor of travel, RVing, walking, hiking anything to stay active!!!</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So we actually chose all but stopping full-timing/RVing. We actually bought a fifth wheel....a very nice one!! We were going to park it on a lot/site at Rainbow Plantation and keep the Oliver for travel. Sounded like a good plan and then along came the dead heat of summer in the Deep South. We couldn’t keep that rig cool for anything...we brought the Oliver around to the side of the fifth wheel and turned on it’s AC and we stayed inside of it to keep cool. We have an older Shih Tzu that was really hot and having difficulty inside the fifth wheel.. Then a few other things happened structurally (it was a new rig) and when the slide came in and ripped off half the slide trim inside, a drawer and the trim under the refrigerator we said...enough!! Ollie may be small but we never had any of these issues.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then we decided to try leasing a townhouse until after Mike’s surgery!! Once again, this sounded like a great idea!! The townhouse is brand new and very nice!! Located in a gated area and I even have my own screen porch. All that was great until they decided to build more townhouses behind us!! We get our wake up call very early every week day morning with huge equipment doing whatever huge bulldozers do....dig, clear, smooth out and then dig again. Our walls actually shook and pictures moved. Needless to say there is no peace and quiet in the townhouse so forget the nice screen porch ambience....you can’t sit out there and enjoy!!</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We found ourselves missing the Ollie more and more!! Each time we thought we might sell the Oliver neither of us could do it!! Do we have a weakness here?? It’s called loving the lifestyle along with its freedom to go whenever or wherever you want, the ability to meet amazing people and visit those we’ve already met. The peace and quiet and the simplicity of it all. The idea that life happens no matter where you are or what you’re living in. It happens!! And last but not least....we love the Oliver and we are just not ready to give her up yet!! There seems to be some miles left to experience with us and Ollie so we are going to stay with it...at least for a while longer!! Maybe another year, maybe two, maybe...never mind you get the point!! Travel is good for the soul!!</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Since we have missed blogging for awhile I’ll leave you with one of our last outings in Mobile, Alabama. Bellingrath Gardens!! It is actually in a city called Theodore, Alabama which is just southwest of Mobile by about maybe 15 miles. It is a beautiful place and we look forward to visiting in different seasons to see what is blooming!! Hope you enjoy!!!</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<br />Happytrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08604892750805362197noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878439526016806849.post-49150161827449018572018-12-01T22:28:00.000-05:002018-12-01T22:28:11.303-05:00Crazy Summer and Frightening FallNo, we haven’t fallen off the face of the Earth!! But it has been a crazy summer with Mike’s ruptured<br />
disc and all the treatments that went along with that!! I will spare you the details but he has probably gotten as far as he can. His back is good now but he did have nerve damage in his right leg and his right foot. He continues to have something called “drop foot” that doesn’t bother him only sounds weird when walking!! <br />
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We haven’t been allowed to travel much so we’ve been pretty stationary at Escapees Park...Rainbow Plantation. If you have to be stationary it’s a good place to be.<br />
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We watched many beautiful sunsets from the pier in Fairhope Alabama. This pier overlooks Mobile Bay and is one of our favorite spots in the area. <br />
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We made a couple trips to Baton Rouge to visit our son. Nothing blog worthy just a nice visit with family. We stayed at the KOA which is not our favorite but happens to be the only decent park in the area. A little pricey but convenient!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the hallway into the banquet buffet we dined in for Thanksgiving </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The outside of the restaurant overlooking the Mississippi River</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just outside the restaurant</td></tr>
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The frightening part of fall happened when Mike’s blood pressure became quite high and for six weeks remained that way while the doctor was trying different medications to bring it down. Mike started to experience chest discomfort, heart palpitations and extreme fatigue. We were alarmed and once again saw the doctor who had an Echocardiogram performed and we discovered Mike has mitral valve prolapse. The doctor was concerned at how quickly this came about. In August the doctor heard nothing when listening to his heart and now moderate regurgitation. So another test was scheduled along with an EKG. This showed no blockages...thank God!! The final consensus was the prolonged high blood pressure had caused the mitral valve prolapse. The stress from the pain and aggravation of the ruptured disc probably caused the high blood pressure.<br />
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The Good News—-the blood pressure is stable and the extreme symptoms are subsiding. Mike still has heart palpitations but that can happen with mitral valve prolapse. Yes, this was frightening!! The heart is sorta vital for all of us!!!!<br />
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With that all said...we hope to be back in the saddle with our blogging!! Hopefully we’ll be moving more now!!<br />
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We hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving and are looking forward to a grand Christmas season!!!<br />
<br />Happytrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08604892750805362197noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878439526016806849.post-50813069508780852032018-10-12T00:16:00.000-04:002018-10-12T00:16:27.792-04:00Baton Rouge to Natchez Mississippi<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">After being stationary for a couple months to complete physical therapy for me and treatments for Mike's ruptured disc and damaged nerve, w</span><span style="font-size: large;">e decided to make a trip over to see Stephen in Baton Rouge. We got lucky because it was fall break for the students which meant his work load was reduced and the added bonus was LSU was playing an away game. So we were able to really enjoy some family time. We stayed at the KOA in Denham Springs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Monday we decided to head up to Natchez Mississippi and pick up on the sightseeing we started in June. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We arrived at Riverview Campground in Vidalia, La around 2:00 and got all set up in our site facing the Mississippi River. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is a very nice campground with concrete pads and beautiful green grass...very clean!! </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once we got all set up we headed over to Roux 61 for some lupper!! This restaurant was recommended by the campground and we were very pleased. It is quite unique with a quirky cool atmosphere. The portions were crazy generous and the food delicious. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After getting our bellies full we made our way over to the Welcome Center where we learned more about the Natchez area and its unique history. We gathered ideas of places we would visit and tour during the next couple days. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Because it was getting late we decided to start by driving around in the historic area and get our bearings. One place we wanted to see was Natchez Under the Hill. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This area is part of the original Natchez and this street, Silver Street, is all that is now left.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> During the 19th century there was a Natchez proper and a Natchez improper. Natchez proper was the town above and Natchez improper was the area below the bluffs where boats would dock. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is looking at Silver Street zoomed from my camera at Riverview RV Park</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> During the 19th century this area developed a reputation of being one of the rowdiest ports on the Mississippi River. Today it has cleaned up its act with restaurants, gift shop and a saloon. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We had a busy and full day and look forward to exploring more of the history of Natchez!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Happytrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08604892750805362197noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878439526016806849.post-46955532486054708142018-10-07T21:14:00.000-04:002018-10-07T21:40:57.120-04:00A Birthday Celebration and Gordon<span style="font-size: large;">Sorry this post is late getting in, but we have had issues being able to get online with our laptop.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking at the Pier in Fairhope</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As you know, this has been quite the summer!! With Mike recovering from his ruptured disc and going to treatments we have been pretty "site bound." But September 2nd was Mike's birthday and since we hadn't gone anywhere in so long we decided to take a trip over to Baton Rouge to visit with our son and celebrate Mike's birthday together. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown Baton Rouge from the Pier on the Mississippi River</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We left on Thursday, August 31 and arrived at the KOA in Denham Springs, La which is only several miles from Baton Rouge where our son lives. Since this was a quick decision and it was a holiday weekend we found all the good sites to be filled. We did manage to snag a fairly decent site and that was good enough for us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Since we have been here before and know the area pretty well we decided to do a little shopping while waiting on our son to get off. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately, our timing of the birthday and the holiday along with the opening of school at LSU we found ourselves with lots of shopping time. That's ok....a little time together is better than no time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">He did manage to come over Saturday afternoon and spend some time with us at the Oliver before having to head back to campus and work. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Then on Sunday we had lunch together before he had to return for another "opening" activity. Monday we did spend some time together as we had all decided to celebrate Mike's birthday on Monday with a really nice lunch out followed by a special cake back at his apartment. The best made plans.......</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">All during this meeting up and shopping out in the Atlantic there arose such a storm. A tropical storm named Gordon and it appeared to be heading right toward New Orleans but nobody knew for sure. We kept watching and Monday morning "they" finally projected it to make landfall around Gulf Port, Mississippi. The target looked like I-10 would be swamped by rain, wind and some flooding. I-10 is of course the interstate we travel back to Summerdale and Rainbow Plantation on. Since we were towing and didn't want to get into high wind gust we made a quick decision to leave as soon as we ate lunch and had our cake.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We hurried up and ate our lunch at <a href="https://walk-ons.com/">Walk- Ons Bistreaux & Bar</a> in Baton Rouge and then headed over to Stephen's apartment for the grand finale....the cake. Unfortunately, we had to hurry on the one day he didn't </span><span style="font-size: large;">have to hurry. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We left the KOA around 4:00 and made our way back to our site at Rainbow Plantation (Escapee Park) and pulled in around 8:00. We have to stop quite often and let Mike walk and stretch due to his disc issue. Once we got back we realized they were calling for high wind gust in our area of up to 70 mph. Why stay for the high wind gust when you can do something more fun?</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The river below our site at Gunter Hill</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Early the next morning we got up, never unhooked the Oliver, and headed a little further northward to Gunter Hill COE campground just outside of Montgomery, Alabama. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We landed a beautiful site right on the river!!! We stayed as long as the site was available!! </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> We had a great first day and the rest were a bit rainy. This is a great COE campground and we have been here before and have never been disappointed. We were able to rest and relax and get a few walks in and a few drives around the campground. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Our first time in this campground was during Green Eggs and Ham Casita Rally always held in March. Even though there weren't any little eggs in the campground this trip it was still fun and enjoyable. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When we returned to The Plantation we found everything in good order and Praise the Lord nobody had any damage from Gordon. I don't think the wind gust got quite as high as they predicted but thats ok....we enjoyed our detour to Gunter Hill!!</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset over Mobile Bay in Fairhope</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Happytrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08604892750805362197noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878439526016806849.post-21186691403140725982018-08-25T17:37:00.003-04:002018-08-25T19:19:29.489-04:00We Got A Lot of 'Splainin' to Do...<span style="font-size: large;">Where have Mike and Gerri been? Wow!! That’s a long story so I won’t bore you with all the details but the short version goes something like this. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mike has continued to really suffer with these ruptured discs. His leg is painful and the top of his foot extremely painful. He's been doing spinal decompression along with laser and Estem treatments. He still cannot wear long pants because anything touching his leg gives way to pain and he's been wearing flip flops because nothing can touch the top of his foot...very sensitive to touch. He had a lumbar epidural two weeks ago and he feels like it helped some. He can now wiggle his toes and has some feeling in the big toe. He is scheduled for another September 13th. It has become quite obvious that this will take some time.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vKj6FJgc6aM/W4G_B57SnaI/AAAAAAAAUhc/RjbvraL5il47JDwN4S5zNtsqC5_B44ncQCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_DSC_2668_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vKj6FJgc6aM/W4G_B57SnaI/AAAAAAAAUhc/RjbvraL5il47JDwN4S5zNtsqC5_B44ncQCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_DSC_2668_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">During all of this I have been doing the chores for both of us. As you all know, we have a young Golden that at this time was learning to walk on the leash and be a "good boy". Well, he pulled a bit whenever I would walk him and low and behold the back of my knee began to hurt whenever I was walking. I didn't pay too much attention to it....just kept on going. Until.... one day I was in a bit of a hurry and got into the truck a little too fast and felt a pop or snap in the back of my knee. I grabbed it and screamed because the pain was immense. I couldn't walk...not a bit. I got home and managed to get out of the truck which wasn't a pretty sight but I got out. I also had to butt scoot up the RV steps to get inside. I got in bed where I remained for 6 days....yes, you read that right, 6 days!! I elevated the leg, iced it on schedule, compressed it from time to time and mainly just rested it. I couldn't go to the doctor yet because I couldn't get into the truck. The nurse I talked to felt that what I was doing was good and didn't sound like anything was broken or fractured so I could wait a few days to see the orthopedic doctor. It turns out that when my appointment day came I still couldn't get into the truck so we rented a car for the occasion. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The doctor took a few x-rays and did his exam of the knee and then asked me why I felt it was a knee problem? Oh my!! Maybe because that's where the pain is and where I heard and felt that awful pop/snap?? He said he felt it was my back, osteoarthritis and a weak hamstring. I have continued to improve each day and no longer have to use crutches. It took the longest time to figure out those RV steps. I googled this...you know you can google anything these days. It said to use the heaven/hell approach. The good leg is heaven and it goes UP the steps. The bad leg is hell and it goes DOWN the steps. I tried it and it works!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today was physical therapy day!!! The therapist did her own exam of the knee and concurred it was osteoarthritis, a weak hamstring and IT Band Syndrome...which means Iliotibial band. This is the pain I felt on the right side of the knee and behind the knee each time I would walk and probably what I felt "snap" when I got into the truck. She saw no evidence of a back problem...Yay!!</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So this is what we have been doing for nearly a month!! I apologize for not being on the blogs lately. I (we) have read your blogs but just have both been too tired and hurting to be on line long enough to write comments. Hopefully, we are getting back in the saddle again.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We did manage during some of the time before my injury to get to the pier in Fairhope and see some beautiful sunsets and cloud formations. Since we haven't traveled anywhere except to the hospital, doctor's offices and physical therapy I thought I would spare you that excitement and instead share some of our evenings on the pier at Mobile Bay!! I hope you enjoy...we sure did.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pi6JgK-2TbM/W4HH7-lOn9I/AAAAAAAAUjk/Qa0TcD0eeVsmMsKmRs7ySrkbVu0RMZlcACLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_DSC_2645_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pi6JgK-2TbM/W4HH7-lOn9I/AAAAAAAAUjk/Qa0TcD0eeVsmMsKmRs7ySrkbVu0RMZlcACLcBGAs/s640/thumb_DSC_2645_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today on Facebook my friend, Ruth Hiebert wrote this....</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"God writes the Gospel, not in the Bible alone, but also on trees, and in flowers and clouds and stars". </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nTCyU2IyUFY/W4HKvT78QQI/AAAAAAAAUj0/ZRFpNu1UN_AixYpKNIMSW9RDQtG4eDtggCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_DSC_2639_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nTCyU2IyUFY/W4HKvT78QQI/AAAAAAAAUj0/ZRFpNu1UN_AixYpKNIMSW9RDQtG4eDtggCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_DSC_2639_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you, Ruth for that insight!!! He sure does!!!</span><br />
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Happytrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08604892750805362197noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878439526016806849.post-52815579693445623122018-07-13T23:05:00.000-04:002018-07-13T23:05:02.106-04:00Ruptured Disc and a Trip to the ER<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rcoxk2hXXV0/W0llVQdRn4I/AAAAAAAATyE/S39ZkDGy3hAzeaQTNG1n4OtzXKfyZf8HgCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG_2764_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rcoxk2hXXV0/W0llVQdRn4I/AAAAAAAATyE/S39ZkDGy3hAzeaQTNG1n4OtzXKfyZf8HgCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_IMG_2764_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just a quick update to explain why we have not made comments lately on your post!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We arrived at Rainbow Plantation Escapee Park on Friday, July 6. We secured our spot and settled in for a 3 day stay. Sunday Mike complained of a sore back and started taking Tylenol thinking all would clear up soon. Monday morning, our travel day, I got busy readying things inside the Oliver while Mike began getting things unhooked outside. He came inside about the time I had finished and I assumed he was ready for the final check and load myself and our fur babies and get rolling.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Instead he wanted to lie down on the floor! </span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YBeuzVhXIQU/W0lllgc3aMI/AAAAAAAATyM/srX5RsuPKxM1ru1YDcKVfhddl_p4cqVqQCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG-2740_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="1024" height="608" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YBeuzVhXIQU/W0lllgc3aMI/AAAAAAAATyM/srX5RsuPKxM1ru1YDcKVfhddl_p4cqVqQCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_IMG-2740_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I could tell he was hurting and asked him if felt like even traveling. He wasn’t sure so he laid there on the floor for a few minutes. We both finally decided traveling wasn’t going to happen on this day. So I began to put things back together to stay another night. I looked at Mike and I knew....he was not just hurting but in excruciating pain!!! I asked him if he needed to go to the ER and he said “yes!”</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So off we head to Thomas Hospital in Fairhope, Alabama. We arrived at the ER but Mike was unable to walk so I got a wheel chair and that’s when the kind folks at this hospital went into action. They got him checked in while I got the truck parked. We immediately, without any waiting, went into an exam room and was taken care of by the nurse and doctor assigned to him. </span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hfoKGOaI7W8/W0llxbta9wI/AAAAAAAATyQ/X2pGoyfCNds6YbwSWzm0_aZrTMBo2jYpwCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG-2741_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hfoKGOaI7W8/W0llxbta9wI/AAAAAAAATyQ/X2pGoyfCNds6YbwSWzm0_aZrTMBo2jYpwCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_IMG-2741_1024.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">They began administering a ton of meds which included morphine, oxycodone , ibuprofen, and who knows what else. Nothing</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">was relieving the pain. They ordered a CT scan and those results showed ruptured disc. They admitted him for the night. </span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EmP5iLGnWz4/W0ll7AKr2lI/AAAAAAAATyY/1sg5653DICMH_Vx0cOlBxcE2zJAT3SPMACLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG-2742_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EmP5iLGnWz4/W0ll7AKr2lI/AAAAAAAATyY/1sg5653DICMH_Vx0cOlBxcE2zJAT3SPMACLcBGAs/s640/thumb_IMG-2742_1024.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Early the next morning they ordered an MRI and this along with the CT scan showed the location and severity. He had ruptured L4 and L5 disc. They continued to administer pain medications. We met with the hospital doctor and the orthopedic surgeon as well as his PA. Sometime during the early afternoon a physical therapist came and worked with him. He had him use a walker because at this time Mike still could not walk steady due to the pain.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He was finally discharged around 5:00.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U3WFAimuurk/W0lmCN6FwuI/AAAAAAAATyg/5k7-VbtyzDAHMhXxbGgee4R5UmJxGa1VwCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG-2743_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U3WFAimuurk/W0lmCN6FwuI/AAAAAAAATyg/5k7-VbtyzDAHMhXxbGgee4R5UmJxGa1VwCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_IMG-2743_1024.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After a day of Morphine and Oxycodone I was ready for anything...lol</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When we had our follow up appointment with the orthopedic surgeon we learned, by actually looking at the MRI, the damage. There is quite a large rupture!! His recommendation is for Mike to have a lumbar epidural. That will be scheduled sometime in about 2 weeks. Then after the epidural we will have a follow up visit with the doctor to see how effective the treatment was.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So we will be at Rainbow Plantation for approximately a month. We aren’t sure after this what our time looks like.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The good news is he is feeling better everyday, but still has numbness in his right leg!! Thanks to the prednisone and muscle relaxers, he no longer takes the pain medication. I am now the designated driver!! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OKVGPRh0els/W0lmMzYY1vI/AAAAAAAATyo/U5Uf-fRGCr4HTD9uThxMvKv_1qxQloq6ACLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG-2749_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OKVGPRh0els/W0lmMzYY1vI/AAAAAAAATyo/U5Uf-fRGCr4HTD9uThxMvKv_1qxQloq6ACLcBGAs/s640/thumb_IMG-2749_1024.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asher wanted a bed, so we let him borrow Nick's until we get on big enough for him.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We will (we have permission) drive the truck only, no Oliver, to Lagrange Wednesday of next week to complete the doctor’s visits we had scheduled. Remember that crown....yep it’s still waiting for me!! I also have my biannual oncology visit! We will get this done on Thursday and return to Rainbow Plantation on Friday!! Whew!! That will be a quick trip but necessary!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So this is why it’s been kinda silent at Through the Lens these past few days! We plan to get back to blogging and catching up with all of you very soon!!!</span><br />
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<br />Happytrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08604892750805362197noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878439526016806849.post-3472227528030249862018-07-07T23:05:00.000-04:002018-07-07T23:05:20.493-04:00Mike the Tiger<span style="font-size: large;">Every university has a mascot!! Auburn has their tiger, Aubie!! LSU has their tiger, Mike!! Aubie is not a real tiger but instead it's a "character" tiger usually dressed up as Aubie or perhaps a blown up version to show school spirit!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">At LSU the tiger is a real live Bengal tiger!! There have been seven Mike the Tigers and we went to visit the current one...Mike VII.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ioLUdI8gP2Y/W0F4xrS8HyI/AAAAAAAATvU/XfJbDQWdqXAuTKvmfbF_4-6pKq9HVD-dgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-2575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ioLUdI8gP2Y/W0F4xrS8HyI/AAAAAAAATvU/XfJbDQWdqXAuTKvmfbF_4-6pKq9HVD-dgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-2575.JPG" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4myA2P3q-X8/W0F43TG6b2I/AAAAAAAATvY/rXcz4Icg1xwjSOWw6XxRN9_gGrQrEs7pwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-2576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4myA2P3q-X8/W0F43TG6b2I/AAAAAAAATvY/rXcz4Icg1xwjSOWw6XxRN9_gGrQrEs7pwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-2576.JPG" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hf_4TA35LkM/W0F4859ZvII/AAAAAAAATvc/x2fo2QkZeP8WVZhiOYnhX8vARE5iMMB3wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-2577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hf_4TA35LkM/W0F4859ZvII/AAAAAAAATvc/x2fo2QkZeP8WVZhiOYnhX8vARE5iMMB3wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-2577.JPG" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We found him living in his 15,000 square foot habitat right outside the LSU Tiger Stadium...Death Valley and across from Pete Maravich Assembly Center. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-erwSwYMeYeg/W0F9tt3MdVI/AAAAAAAATw4/c1wRVinB-bsWxB9iv3mdWcI9vSkJqiykQCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG_2755_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-erwSwYMeYeg/W0F9tt3MdVI/AAAAAAAATw4/c1wRVinB-bsWxB9iv3mdWcI9vSkJqiykQCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_IMG_2755_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rMtZlDIppnM/W0F9jgtuGfI/AAAAAAAATw0/Lv5B1pvWag4yLVa8ssQoq1vWEUW44-49ACLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG_2753_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rMtZlDIppnM/W0F9jgtuGfI/AAAAAAAATw0/Lv5B1pvWag4yLVa8ssQoq1vWEUW44-49ACLcBGAs/s640/thumb_IMG_2753_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basketball Stadium<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L_rJGkM3Ff8/W0F5iPBaRsI/AAAAAAAATv0/v7GTHcxoaSkh8RLA-2c1qDSmk4NzAUzzQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-2589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L_rJGkM3Ff8/W0F5iPBaRsI/AAAAAAAATv0/v7GTHcxoaSkh8RLA-2c1qDSmk4NzAUzzQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-2589.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kBbqoHG3bv8/W0F5tHaeuTI/AAAAAAAATv4/8k5diYrybjA2ds3C2iAGcuRZh-yPO0xxACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-2591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kBbqoHG3bv8/W0F5tHaeuTI/AAAAAAAATv4/8k5diYrybjA2ds3C2iAGcuRZh-yPO0xxACLcBGAs/s640/IMG-2591.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mike's habitat consist of lush plants and trees including a waterfall, stream and large swimming pool. In 2005 $3.7 million dollars was funded to create this beautiful habitat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mike VII began his reign at the beginning of fall semester of 2017. He has both Siberian and Bengal characteristics and I might add he is quite handsome!!</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lQnma71IwlE/W0F5AwGQrqI/AAAAAAAATvw/hzTA6bwC8Kw-CuzvpfPPXCAwrhvpdzIAACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG-2584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lQnma71IwlE/W0F5AwGQrqI/AAAAAAAATvw/hzTA6bwC8Kw-CuzvpfPPXCAwrhvpdzIAACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG-2584.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On the day we visited he was enjoying the shade provided by a group of trees. It was quite warm and he seemed happy lounging in the shade! What a magnificent animal!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We really enjoyed spending some time watching this gorgeous tiger!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our son's apartment is in the downtown area of Baton Rouge and so he gets to experience lots of the downtown activities such as a Saturday Farmers Market. Now I have been to various farmer's markets but this one was most unique!!</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m5SXzr0haBg/W0F7RuRHJUI/AAAAAAAATwY/-1xv6rbFtXMKbMqD-3mRVsDEVr0b3dDNwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-2608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m5SXzr0haBg/W0F7RuRHJUI/AAAAAAAATwY/-1xv6rbFtXMKbMqD-3mRVsDEVr0b3dDNwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-2608.JPG" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QNSJezVT35s/W0F7Z0IuPbI/AAAAAAAATwc/FgmeZpS9Sig1-MBY2vq3-xWn_3YNWyvwwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-2603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QNSJezVT35s/W0F7Z0IuPbI/AAAAAAAATwc/FgmeZpS9Sig1-MBY2vq3-xWn_3YNWyvwwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-2603.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gentleman is walking to the side entrance of the market. They closed a block of a one way street for the market</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> First of all, it was quite large with an indoor area to purchase plates of different kinds of food to purchasing essential oils, bread, paintings etc. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rkmGDTZkkiY/W0F8YRip29I/AAAAAAAATws/KlnznCV6xPk2dsQbL5M3RxLitnaBM6J3wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-2610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rkmGDTZkkiY/W0F8YRip29I/AAAAAAAATws/KlnznCV6xPk2dsQbL5M3RxLitnaBM6J3wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-2610.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen got a bacon egg biscuit and a fresh berry muffin inside</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The outside area had more of the local farmers and their produce, meat, fish and shrimp, plants and for good measure a local band played for our entertainment.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tHYN7NnBLfE/W0F62EqeMQI/AAAAAAAATwM/Bli_tyBMYWszBatbH51yl1eP5fytn5lGACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-2606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tHYN7NnBLfE/W0F62EqeMQI/AAAAAAAATwM/Bli_tyBMYWszBatbH51yl1eP5fytn5lGACLcBGAs/s640/IMG-2606.JPG" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jAAfM9uto88/W0F605Gvi4I/AAAAAAAATwI/5OcnUWyOGH82B-Kn5_YiNSGffFVhnF6DQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-2607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jAAfM9uto88/W0F605Gvi4I/AAAAAAAATwI/5OcnUWyOGH82B-Kn5_YiNSGffFVhnF6DQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-2607.JPG" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We purchased fresh tomatoes, squash and some homemade jellies. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I can't begin to tell you how delicious those tomatoes were. We had tomato sandwiches and steamed squash for several days!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was a fun morning in downtown Baton Rouge!! We have never been big city people and certainly not big city "downtown" people but this was nice and I am sure Stephen will enjoy the young vibes in this area.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-USepkr2QUgQ/W0F-bY32SLI/AAAAAAAATxA/UxR-KD0yk4g6e57lqEB6r6HAZNC6Y2r4wCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_DSC_2634_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-USepkr2QUgQ/W0F-bY32SLI/AAAAAAAATxA/UxR-KD0yk4g6e57lqEB6r6HAZNC6Y2r4wCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_DSC_2634_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">With Stephen moved in his apartment and our dog sitting services no longer being needed we will be getting ready to move on very soon. We have enjoyed exploring a little in this capitol city of Louisiana and meeting some very nice folks as well. Thank you Stephen and Baton Rouge for a great visit!!! I am sure we will be back to catch some of those beautiful plantations in the area!! I can't wait!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Happytrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08604892750805362197noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878439526016806849.post-91934041062857524762018-07-03T12:03:00.002-04:002018-07-03T12:09:21.195-04:00An Old Capital Tour<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BVYWCb36mnQ/WzuVDr0B5AI/AAAAAAAATss/ACBhP_VRhb8xje7nHpct02TYQCPGVNimgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-2513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BVYWCb36mnQ/WzuVDr0B5AI/AAAAAAAATss/ACBhP_VRhb8xje7nHpct02TYQCPGVNimgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-2513.JPG" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thursday we decided to take a drive downtown and visit the Old State Capitol Building. We had heard there is a lot of history in this old gothic style building. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><i>Louisiana's Old State Capitol, a Gothic architectural treasure, stands high on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. The 165 year old statehouse has withstood war, fire, scandal, bitter debate, abandonment and an occasional fistfight. Today, the building stands as a testament to bold, inspired leadership and active citizenship.</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The state capitol saw its first Legislature in 1852 and remained the seat of government until January 1861. This is when the legislature voted to secede from the Union in the House Chamber. During this time a fire broke out while occupied by Union forces. This fire destroyed the interior of the building but the brick walls remained intact as did the wrought iron fencing around the grand building.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HT4dpG8jeIQ/WzuUvuIc__I/AAAAAAAATsk/5pUHuR_EmvgM5eiKfcQXcBXEOeIeLkd0gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-2512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HT4dpG8jeIQ/WzuUvuIc__I/AAAAAAAATsk/5pUHuR_EmvgM5eiKfcQXcBXEOeIeLkd0gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-2512.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a side view showing the fencing around the capital</td></tr>
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</span><span style="font-size: large;">In 1880 a fourth floor was added and the beautiful stained glass dome for which the building is known. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was built to look like a castle and many locals refer to it as "Louisiana Castle or Castle of Baton Rouge and Castle on the River." </span> <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View looking out from the House Chamber </td></tr>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DbRIgxsF2vU/WzuWG1g_HDI/AAAAAAAATtA/0Era5YuDAjoJOK8T2ykcD3q0D3EooBRjACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-2567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DbRIgxsF2vU/WzuWG1g_HDI/AAAAAAAATtA/0Era5YuDAjoJOK8T2ykcD3q0D3EooBRjACLcBGAs/s640/IMG-2567.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">We spent most of the afternoon just rambling around the many rooms in this building. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side entrance to the Old State Capital<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second floor atop the stairs<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up to the second floor and above<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">House Chamber Room<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the second floor of the Old Capital</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R3CvqifPaFs/WzuXWhEQc5I/AAAAAAAATt4/REzXVHiHn-ERC50MSAbBf0HiUgq7ZYOhQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-2553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R3CvqifPaFs/WzuXWhEQc5I/AAAAAAAATt4/REzXVHiHn-ERC50MSAbBf0HiUgq7ZYOhQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-2553.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Senate Chamber into the rest of the building<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qG6YUSqU2ZY/WzuY6yIVA_I/AAAAAAAATug/_odX9XZ-C78cwxwKHYxia15Z-2vNmPY_wCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG_2722_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qG6YUSqU2ZY/WzuY6yIVA_I/AAAAAAAATug/_odX9XZ-C78cwxwKHYxia15Z-2vNmPY_wCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_IMG_2722_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well, we not only mad it up the stairs, but...<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">also down the stairs...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o96zYoq3gMo/WzuYBCtSUqI/AAAAAAAATuI/SkL3BsYERVQDXbFjLgrkZmeOoNtcplb8QCLcBGAs/s1600/CAPITOL-BUILDING_64E2A259-7771-454D-BAE94025FB48D674_8a5c9fdb-5111-461b-8b527c3ce28db41f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="601" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o96zYoq3gMo/WzuYBCtSUqI/AAAAAAAATuI/SkL3BsYERVQDXbFjLgrkZmeOoNtcplb8QCLcBGAs/s640/CAPITOL-BUILDING_64E2A259-7771-454D-BAE94025FB48D674_8a5c9fdb-5111-461b-8b527c3ce28db41f.jpg" width="426" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: center;">The Louisiana State Capital building is the tallest capital in the United States. It stands 450 feet tall with 34 floors. This capital will forever be entwined with the political career of Huey Long as it was his idea to construct a new capital building in 1928 when he was running for governor.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We finished off our Thursday with a light dinner and nice evening sitting outside our Oliver enjoying the night sounds....not to mention the humidity!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Happytrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08604892750805362197noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878439526016806849.post-78540704570413527972018-06-27T18:30:00.002-04:002018-06-27T18:30:54.062-04:00We are here...Baton Rouge<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We arrived at the KOA in Baton Rouge on Thursday afternoon just before a nice rain shower came through the area. Luckily we were all set up before the rains began to fall. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">After getting set up and Stephen getting off work we made our way over to his new apartment to deliver his doggie, Jo Jo. His apartment building is basically right downtown. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ywWS3mv7J0/WzQCKKHYGKI/AAAAAAAATo8/gDyUX1KBkiQvg7mntqNJ3d53YKHLivAUwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-2492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ywWS3mv7J0/WzQCKKHYGKI/AAAAAAAATo8/gDyUX1KBkiQvg7mntqNJ3d53YKHLivAUwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-2492.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Apartment Complex First floor is 1 level up</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> He doesn't have to fight the traffic in the mornings or afternoons for work and its convenient. It's an older building with concrete walls so he doesn't have any noice issues there at all. It is a nice apartment and much larger than the one he had in Auburn!! He is going to turn his second bedroom into a media room!! </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parking by the lake at the apartment, Governor's Mansion across the lake and the trees<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from his living room window</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We have a nice site but I will confess....its not the kind of campground we prefer for lots of reasons. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The first being the price!! As those of you that travel know, KOAs are upper in the price range. Don't get me wrong, its a very nice campground with concrete sites and patios laid with pavers. Right across the road from our site is a beautiful grassy area to walk the dogs....well, to walk Asher. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M__x7STYsZw/WzQFTeNzIqI/AAAAAAAATpk/sCpruyvpJu0AjRVk_q8Pc1n2xq1A6RYEwCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG_2687_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M__x7STYsZw/WzQFTeNzIqI/AAAAAAAATpk/sCpruyvpJu0AjRVk_q8Pc1n2xq1A6RYEwCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_IMG_2687_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Nick is old and doesn't wish to cross the street to do his business. There is a very nice pool with hot tub and patio area and out front is a very well kept putt-putt golf course for the kids and kids at heart. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tdl0muaU3Pw/WzQFrG262dI/AAAAAAAATpw/2tPK8hYxRQQY2ojw8-v35_PMzbE0kPLDQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tdl0muaU3Pw/WzQFrG262dI/AAAAAAAATpw/2tPK8hYxRQQY2ojw8-v35_PMzbE0kPLDQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2691.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CeW2brM0B6A/WzQGDjGkO1I/AAAAAAAATp4/8UKmwazXx-wisIx9CFmUKrYzJjX9ES2xgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CeW2brM0B6A/WzQGDjGkO1I/AAAAAAAATp4/8UKmwazXx-wisIx9CFmUKrYzJjX9ES2xgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2690.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The second reason its not our cup of tea is there are very few trees. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I know all KOAs are not treeless but this one is. We like nature!!!! I sure miss my birds chirping in the morning and the beautiful trees and hiking trails. This campground is the closest to our son's new apartment so for this trip its the campground of choice.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IeWRSZxEn6k/WzQGikjZ3vI/AAAAAAAATqE/b47SDA99p2Yzu4ZN2lr4Gyyxp6FTSVzcQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IeWRSZxEn6k/WzQGikjZ3vI/AAAAAAAATqE/b47SDA99p2Yzu4ZN2lr4Gyyxp6FTSVzcQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2692.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">We've enjoyed the people that have come through and most have seemed very friendly. We've been asked lots of questions about our Oliver and have enjoyed talking Oliver with those that are curious.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got to do an outside close-up on a Newell Motorcoach...awesome</td></tr>
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</span><span style="font-size: large;">We will be here another week and then begin our trek back to the Auburn/LaGrange area to first collect my new permanent crown for the dentist. Then Mike and I will be doing the doctor thing with our PCP. The week after that is my semi-annual oncology visit. This should, Lord willing, be a short visit of only lab work and a visit with the doctor. The day after this visit we will be heading back toward Baton Rouge to say hi and bye to Stephen as he will be traveling to California on business and we will be traveling to Texas for our domicile. Whew!! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">We haven't done anything blog worthy since arriving here. To be honest....resting has been nice!! Once we get our "travel legs" on we will begin to plan things a little better. We traveled too many back to back days and that just wore us out. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We do plan to get out a bit beginning tomorrow and see what we can see in this area. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XZkNr1CFnEg/WzQL7hCYduI/AAAAAAAATqg/nATmpEDzPC0mTFzip4lZilSZw_ZCuaqigCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG_2512_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XZkNr1CFnEg/WzQL7hCYduI/AAAAAAAATqg/nATmpEDzPC0mTFzip4lZilSZw_ZCuaqigCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_IMG_2512_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Our little guy, Nick, had a "spell" of some sort about a month ago. He woke up and couldn't walk very well and his head did a lot of jerky motions. We both thought he might be having a seizure or stroke!!! We gave him a Temaril P which contains a tiny amount of prednisone. By the time we got him to the vet he was pretty much his old self again. Our vet in LaGrange checked him over real well and said he felt like it was something with the brain stem, like some fluid build up or swelling. He prescribed prednisone (1/2 dose once a day) and it cleared things up real well. We hate for him to be on prednisone so when he started getting lots better we decided to give him 1/4 of a dose every other day and he seemed to be doing good with that. No more episodes. So in bringing Stephen his doggie to Baton Rouge we let the dose go to about 3 or 4 days. Last night he had another episode!! We immediately gave him 1/2 dose of prednisone and by bedtime he was walking pretty good and the head jerking had stopped. We called the vet this morning and he said we needed to continue the prednisone...I guess this means we can't begin a career as a vet any time soon. So we will do one more 1/2 dose and then go to the 1/4 dose everyday for a few days and then try the every other day but no more than every other day. High doses of prednisone can cause Cushings Disease in dogs but the vet felt like the 1/4 dose would not cause this. Bless his heart...our furbabies so become part of our families and when they are not feeling just right we aren't either. Please say a prayer for our little Nicky!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork. Psalm 19:1</i></span></div>
Happytrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08604892750805362197noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878439526016806849.post-25161160729738394732018-06-24T00:43:00.000-04:002018-06-24T00:43:31.659-04:00Finishing the Natchez Trace Parkway...for Now <br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m8KB7Y-gRk8/Wy8Rs9KPV_I/AAAAAAAATl4/F7jKOridmA0t051U8jjvd8B3ThDCIej6QCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG_2638_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m8KB7Y-gRk8/Wy8Rs9KPV_I/AAAAAAAATl4/F7jKOridmA0t051U8jjvd8B3ThDCIej6QCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_IMG_2638_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Well....we decided to take our time leaving Davis Lake to head down to Jackson, Ms which was about a two and half hour drive. So we packed our new addition(Asher) in his crate, put him on the back seat of the truck, put JoJo beside the crate on the other side of the seat and put Nick in his usual seat next to Gerri, and off we went on the Natchez Trace Parkway toward Jackson, Ms.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An Indian Mound we stopped at along the Trace Parkway</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Since we had driven this section before, we didn't stop too much along the way. We did find a good pull off and stopped there for lunch and a walk-about for us and the dogs. We decided to stop in Jackson for an overnight at Lefleur Bluff State Park. Although there were a few scenic areas in this park, it was kind of old and a bit dirty, so I would not recommend this for an extended stay. In fact, we didn't even unhook the Oliver.</span> <br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kqEV7mQo6rg/Wy8TR746CQI/AAAAAAAATmQ/-O1ye1-PzlYsEAO9e6No-WN5RSZSV6uigCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG_2632_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kqEV7mQo6rg/Wy8TR746CQI/AAAAAAAATmQ/-O1ye1-PzlYsEAO9e6No-WN5RSZSV6uigCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_IMG_2632_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e8SoqELM-Xw/Wy8TX5-RFLI/AAAAAAAATmU/v4SpvvBhdZoh2I1wjg1KC_nqMTrU9HqMgCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG_2634_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e8SoqELM-Xw/Wy8TX5-RFLI/AAAAAAAATmU/v4SpvvBhdZoh2I1wjg1KC_nqMTrU9HqMgCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_IMG_2634_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our site at Lafleur State Park</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We headed down the last part of the Natchez Trace to Natchez Mississippi. This section we have not driven, so we were glad to be able to finish up the complete Parkway with this trip. Just outside Port Gibson there is a pull-off to see the a part of the Sunken Trace. </span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7MGO0jxy-d8/Wy8W18zjBtI/AAAAAAAATns/K66w5_aLf-oLn9kO6GDSWUVh2ckP-njrgCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG_2641_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7MGO0jxy-d8/Wy8W18zjBtI/AAAAAAAATns/K66w5_aLf-oLn9kO6GDSWUVh2ckP-njrgCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_IMG_2641_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NiId4xt26YA/Wy8T-ITKCHI/AAAAAAAATmk/Gtvha59xve0KHnXcJGP5BVN5NfH-sZ0OgCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG_2645_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NiId4xt26YA/Wy8T-ITKCHI/AAAAAAAATmk/Gtvha59xve0KHnXcJGP5BVN5NfH-sZ0OgCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_IMG_2645_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6YgYzRqbwio/Wy8UX1y0nKI/AAAAAAAATms/46FNb6EWj3I0uLhvr32eZaYv3TNhDhNQACLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG_2647_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6YgYzRqbwio/Wy8UX1y0nKI/AAAAAAAATms/46FNb6EWj3I0uLhvr32eZaYv3TNhDhNQACLcBGAs/s640/thumb_IMG_2647_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The way back up from the Sunken Trace</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> It was really interesting to see how much the path there had sunk over the years of travel. We got out and walked down to that part of the Old Trace to see how deep it had sunk...amazing. I even took Asher down and let him walk some of the path, and oh how he enjoyed it. Just beyond Port Gibson we took a windy drive to see the Windsor Ruins. </span> <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DY7GGs3_-Ko/Wy8UxkBNcjI/AAAAAAAATm0/kfxWXeVQPdImm0jb2Qxn5Nvbc52vN80ygCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG_2655_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DY7GGs3_-Ko/Wy8UxkBNcjI/AAAAAAAATm0/kfxWXeVQPdImm0jb2Qxn5Nvbc52vN80ygCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_IMG_2655_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vSYzkoeHLM8/Wy8U6q-LnDI/AAAAAAAATm4/44OHFliyqoYE8WJGdlJv32xz8afj9kldQCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG_2657_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vSYzkoeHLM8/Wy8U6q-LnDI/AAAAAAAATm4/44OHFliyqoYE8WJGdlJv32xz8afj9kldQCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_IMG_2657_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Instead of me writing about it, Gerri took a picture of the sign explaining about the ruins. Wow, I can't imagine what the house had looked like when it was standing in it's entirety.</span><br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5k4umRqt1FI/Wy8VbjjVUiI/AAAAAAAATnA/YGf1Hwku-xsIBkd0o-gify9mC6CSaJyTQCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG_2652_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5k4umRqt1FI/Wy8VbjjVUiI/AAAAAAAATnA/YGf1Hwku-xsIBkd0o-gify9mC6CSaJyTQCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_IMG_2652_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, we finally arrived in Natchez Mississippi, but because we had a deadline to get Stephen's dog to him, a return trip to Natchez for several days is in order down the road. We stayed at River View RV Park and Resort in Vidalia Louisiana...wow, is it really a nice campground.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The open area from the RV Park and the Mississippi River</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the open area</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MaotA4oHdpQ/Wy8V4ols_iI/AAAAAAAATnQ/SDwCbGWKFlwr-jQ3IjtduL6cjYEhA1QKACLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG_2661_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MaotA4oHdpQ/Wy8V4ols_iI/AAAAAAAATnQ/SDwCbGWKFlwr-jQ3IjtduL6cjYEhA1QKACLcBGAs/s640/thumb_IMG_2661_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view toward the bridge over the river from the rv park</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Yyvf7SJtf0/Wy8WYyWPzhI/AAAAAAAATng/6_0637OcCAEFiZpHFDoKXsEWOF2EPFMkgCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG_2667_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Yyvf7SJtf0/Wy8WYyWPzhI/AAAAAAAATng/6_0637OcCAEFiZpHFDoKXsEWOF2EPFMkgCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_IMG_2667_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Campsite</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PCkGU2WFKRI/Wy8WePX3VTI/AAAAAAAATnk/w5rcGMA1P5A-SK7W39xhJyzZ8_RYtuNWACLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG_2671_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PCkGU2WFKRI/Wy8WePX3VTI/AAAAAAAATnk/w5rcGMA1P5A-SK7W39xhJyzZ8_RYtuNWACLcBGAs/s640/thumb_IMG_2671_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking through the open area toward the club house</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> It is right on the Mississippi River and was so peaceful and calm. We will definitely stay here again when we return to tour Natchez Ms. and the surrounding areas. </span><br />
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<br />Happytrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08604892750805362197noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878439526016806849.post-35890354535865916112018-06-21T00:01:00.000-04:002018-06-21T00:01:00.862-04:00The Wheels are Rolling<span style="font-size: large;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vqsgZTwJUIc/WynhN6llhQI/AAAAAAAATko/VqtA2YgroJ4v6g04mk4Uzd-8n4IDhfbJACLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_DSC_2573_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vqsgZTwJUIc/WynhN6llhQI/AAAAAAAATko/VqtA2YgroJ4v6g04mk4Uzd-8n4IDhfbJACLcBGAs/s640/thumb_DSC_2573_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise at Davis Lake Campground</td></tr>
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We left Chewacla State Park a little later than we normally leave on a travel day. We went over to see our son and fetch his doggie, Jo Jo and wish him well on his move. We will catch up with him in Baton Rouge in a few days or so. Our journey was to take us to Van Vleet, Mississippi which is right off the Natchez Trace and about 20 miles south of Tupelo. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WC30MZT0Lt8/Wynf3DUgkWI/AAAAAAAATkI/kSPbxBofZDoyALrZP0G2OP7jmqHhXIXeACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-2416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WC30MZT0Lt8/Wynf3DUgkWI/AAAAAAAATkI/kSPbxBofZDoyALrZP0G2OP7jmqHhXIXeACLcBGAs/s640/IMG-2416.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen's dog JoJo</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We decided to stay at Davis Campground in the Tom Bigbee National Forest. This is not a huge campground but it is very very nice!! It sits on Davis Lake and the sites are concrete with water and electric and lots of ambience!! We landed a site right on the lake!! </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZI8ig_w9_mY/WyngHMVXGbI/AAAAAAAATkM/r-030KBVNQEZtOo5majOKAtGHPMAtjCGgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-2399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZI8ig_w9_mY/WyngHMVXGbI/AAAAAAAATkM/r-030KBVNQEZtOo5majOKAtGHPMAtjCGgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-2399.JPG" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RHtACljXauI/WyngTJ0dXVI/AAAAAAAATkU/5oZURJR-QR0g5lm9piZ4XrtfYzXfcXDKACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-2400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RHtACljXauI/WyngTJ0dXVI/AAAAAAAATkU/5oZURJR-QR0g5lm9piZ4XrtfYzXfcXDKACLcBGAs/s640/IMG-2400.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering the Davis Lake Campground</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jF6sUmB9k-8/WynglE-44iI/AAAAAAAATkc/mfLDIqFIEk4BXLN7IQrogimzFeItYaJuACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-2404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jF6sUmB9k-8/WynglE-44iI/AAAAAAAATkc/mfLDIqFIEk4BXLN7IQrogimzFeItYaJuACLcBGAs/s640/IMG-2404.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our Back Window</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mg4kupfZmq4/WynhChyDnHI/AAAAAAAATkk/4FFJNRpYrNcN7WITzrO87bIxnBIKwxzMgCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_DSC_2571_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mg4kupfZmq4/WynhChyDnHI/AAAAAAAATkk/4FFJNRpYrNcN7WITzrO87bIxnBIKwxzMgCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_DSC_2571_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">After getting all set up we went over to Southern Charm Kennels. We were there to take a look at an English Cream Golden Retriever. I want to add that we did exhaust the area for a rescue Golden. We have a 12 1/2 year old Shih Tzu, Nick, that has hip and shoulder problems and is getting at an age that his eyes are not that good. All the rescues that we found that met the age requirements all said either...no children, no other dogs, fenced in backyard, lots of energy and so on. We only saw one that met what we thought we might need with Nick and full-timing and he was already spoken for. So we took our search to a lady that breeds the English Cream Golden Retrievers. We got to pick between two male Goldens and decided on the light blue one. She ties colored ribbons around the necks of her puppies so she can target their progress and keep them separate.</span> </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l292k0rSzFY/WyniGsjDAgI/AAAAAAAATk0/Ytah9z5rkdIAQW7oL3nawyBnNK1qCqQFQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-2408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l292k0rSzFY/WyniGsjDAgI/AAAAAAAATk0/Ytah9z5rkdIAQW7oL3nawyBnNK1qCqQFQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-2408.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asher</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NAi_zxcjOaU/WynijT0sJDI/AAAAAAAATk8/f-vRFZ_ORBQkZko1_qJCAxkoXe4sDuifgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-2443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NAi_zxcjOaU/WynijT0sJDI/AAAAAAAATk8/f-vRFZ_ORBQkZko1_qJCAxkoXe4sDuifgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-2443.JPG" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">They were all cute but the light blue boy just seemed to speak to us.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He is no longer called "light blue boy" but Asher which means happiness or blessed in Hebrew.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O-zZiBebmkA/Wyni2gesKOI/AAAAAAAATlE/uAix9xGqRHwCFZHuhVUcb0eQHFUoxDrogCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG_2619_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O-zZiBebmkA/Wyni2gesKOI/AAAAAAAATlE/uAix9xGqRHwCFZHuhVUcb0eQHFUoxDrogCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_IMG_2619_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last night he enjoyed some things for the first time...a walk on a leash, toys, his own bowl of food and sleeping beside our bed. I am happy to say he played well, slept well and got along with our Nick and guest doggie, Jo Jo. In fact, all of our doggies did very well last night. Things will be a little better whenever there is only the two doggies but Jo Jo is a good little fellow and is honestly no trouble whatsoever. So our "three dog night" is going well.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r3tYLXefyeI/WynlPILqcRI/AAAAAAAATlc/4NA9xmAqm98w7C2_5jQDcdHVJh277ZFKACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-2406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r3tYLXefyeI/WynlPILqcRI/AAAAAAAATlc/4NA9xmAqm98w7C2_5jQDcdHVJh277ZFKACLcBGAs/s640/IMG-2406.JPG" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We left Davis Lake this morning and headed down the Natchez Trace toward Jackson, Mississippi. This is about half way to Natchez, Mississippi which is our destination for Wednesday. We have completed the Natchez Trace all the way to Jackson but no further south so we are finally going to be able to complete the Trace. After that we will make our way over to Baton Rouge and take a look at the new apartment and see how Stephen is doing in his new "home."</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YfrrJwoxFho/WynjX6JpMSI/AAAAAAAATlQ/hkH-9rMUqw4t2lCQYx7flC1VIUTCEKLHQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-2398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YfrrJwoxFho/WynjX6JpMSI/AAAAAAAATlQ/hkH-9rMUqw4t2lCQYx7flC1VIUTCEKLHQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-2398.JPG" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We have certainly seen a lot of beautiful, peaceful sights in just two days. Everywhere we go, if we slow down and look, there is beauty to behold. I hope you enjoy what we have seen "Through the Lens."</span><br />
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<div class="line" style="font-family: 'sentinel a', 'sentinel b', gentiumplus, ezra_silregular, georgia, times, serif; letter-spacing: 0.25px; line-height: 2.7rem; padding-left: 8rem; text-indent: -6rem;">
<span class="verse" data-last-offset="19" data-ref="18012007"><span class="verse-num inline" style="font-family: "gotham a" , "gotham b" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 1rem; line-height: 0; margin-left: -2rem; margin-right: 0.5rem; vertical-align: super;"> </span><i><span style="color: white;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“<span data-offset="1">But</span> <span data-offset="2">ask</span> <span data-offset="3">the</span> <span data-offset="4">beasts</span>, <span data-offset="5">and</span> <span data-offset="6">they</span> <span data-offset="7">will</span> <span data-offset="8">teach</span> <span data-offset="9">you</span>;</span></span></i></span></div>
<div class="line indent" style="font-family: 'sentinel a', 'sentinel b', gentiumplus, ezra_silregular, georgia, times, serif; letter-spacing: 0.25px; line-height: 2.7rem; padding-left: 8rem; text-indent: -4rem;">
<span class="verse" data-last-offset="19" data-ref="18012007"><i><span style="color: white; font-size: large;"><span data-offset="10">the</span> <span data-offset="11">birds</span> <span data-offset="12">of</span> <span data-offset="13">the</span> <span data-offset="14">heavens</span>, <span data-offset="15">and</span> <span data-offset="16">they</span> <span data-offset="17">will</span> <span data-offset="18">tell</span> <span data-offset="19">you</span>;</span></i></span></div>
<div class="line" style="font-family: 'sentinel a', 'sentinel b', gentiumplus, ezra_silregular, georgia, times, serif; letter-spacing: 0.25px; line-height: 2.7rem; padding-left: 8rem; text-indent: -6rem;">
<span class="verse" data-last-offset="21" data-ref="18012008"><i><span style="color: white; font-size: large;"><span data-offset="1">or</span> <span data-offset="2">the</span> <span data-offset="3">bushes</span> <span data-offset="4">of</span> <span data-offset="5">the</span> <span data-offset="6">earth</span>, <span data-offset="7">and</span> <span data-offset="8">they</span> <span data-offset="9">will</span> <span data-offset="10">teach</span> <span data-offset="11">you</span>;</span></i></span></div>
<div class="line indent" style="font-family: 'sentinel a', 'sentinel b', gentiumplus, ezra_silregular, georgia, times, serif; letter-spacing: 0.25px; line-height: 2.7rem; padding-left: 8rem; text-indent: -4rem;">
<span class="verse" data-last-offset="21" data-ref="18012008"><i><span style="color: white; font-size: large;"><span data-offset="12">and</span> <span data-offset="13">the</span> <span data-offset="14">fish</span> <span data-offset="15">of</span> <span data-offset="16">the</span> <span data-offset="17">sea</span> <span data-offset="18">will</span> <span data-offset="19">declare</span> <span data-offset="20">to</span> <span data-offset="21">you</span>.</span></i></span></div>
<div class="line" style="font-family: 'sentinel a', 'sentinel b', gentiumplus, ezra_silregular, georgia, times, serif; letter-spacing: 0.25px; line-height: 2.7rem; padding-left: 8rem; text-indent: -6rem;">
<span class="verse" data-last-offset="16" data-ref="18012009"><i><span style="color: white; font-size: large;"><span data-offset="1">Who</span> <span data-offset="2">among</span> <span data-offset="3">all</span> <span data-offset="4">these</span> <span data-offset="5">does</span> <span data-offset="6">not</span> <span data-offset="7">know</span></span></i></span></div>
<div class="line indent" style="font-family: 'sentinel a', 'sentinel b', gentiumplus, ezra_silregular, georgia, times, serif; letter-spacing: 0.25px; line-height: 2.7rem; padding-left: 8rem; text-indent: -4rem;">
<span class="verse" data-last-offset="16" data-ref="18012009"><i><span style="color: white; font-size: large;"><span data-offset="8">that</span> <span data-offset="9">the</span> <span data-offset="10">hand</span> <span data-offset="11">of</span> <span data-offset="12">the</span> <span class="small-caps" data-offset="13"><span data-offset="13"><span class="small-caps-upper" data-offset="13">L<span style="text-transform: uppercase;">ord</span></span></span></span> <span data-offset="14">has</span> <span data-offset="15">done</span> <span data-offset="16">this</span>?</span></i></span></div>
<div class="line" style="font-family: 'sentinel a', 'sentinel b', gentiumplus, ezra_silregular, georgia, times, serif; letter-spacing: 0.25px; line-height: 2.7rem; padding-left: 8rem; text-indent: -6rem;">
<span class="verse" data-last-offset="16" data-ref="18012010"><i><span style="color: white; font-size: large;"> <span data-offset="1">In</span> <span data-offset="2">his</span> <span data-offset="3">hand</span> <span data-offset="4">is</span> <span data-offset="5">the</span> <span data-offset="6">life</span> <span data-offset="7">of</span> <span data-offset="8">every</span> <span data-offset="9">living</span> <span data-offset="10">thing</span></span></i></span></div>
<div class="line indent" style="font-family: 'sentinel a', 'sentinel b', gentiumplus, ezra_silregular, georgia, times, serif; letter-spacing: 0.25px; line-height: 2.7rem; padding-left: 8rem; text-indent: -4rem;">
<span class="verse" data-last-offset="16" data-ref="18012010"><i><span style="color: white; font-size: large;"><span data-offset="11">and</span> <span data-offset="12">the</span> <span data-offset="13">breath</span> <span data-offset="14">of</span> <span data-offset="15">all</span> <span data-offset="16">mankind.</span></span></i></span></div>
<i><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;">Job 12:7-10</span></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Happytrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08604892750805362197noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878439526016806849.post-87936068456835254372018-06-18T00:32:00.000-04:002018-06-18T00:32:03.449-04:00Getting Ready to Roll and a Golden Plan<span style="font-size: large;">We spent most of the day getting things ready to roll. When you sit for awhile it always seems harder to "get going." We love the Oliver and the ease of travel and finding awesome places to camp but I don't think I (we) have this minimalist thing down right yet. I seem to acquire too much especially when we are sitting and not doing too much!! But there is a place for everything and everything is in its place...mostly!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As most of you that read this blog already know, our son is moving to Baton Rouge to continue his work with Chartwells Food Service at LSU. He is excited and a bit nervous but that is normal and most times a good sign. We are going to be the resident "dog sitters" while this move is taking place. We will take his dog, Jo Jo with us tomorrow and head north!!</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JgUWbdnEyG0/Wyc0WrYUkgI/AAAAAAAATjg/hXMwaziaZJUv-o-2HYjr_sqBnnquA8LAgCLcBGAs/s1600/20180521_105213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JgUWbdnEyG0/Wyc0WrYUkgI/AAAAAAAATjg/hXMwaziaZJUv-o-2HYjr_sqBnnquA8LAgCLcBGAs/s640/20180521_105213.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JoJo</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I know, I know, Baton Rouge is NOT north of Auburn!! But we are taking the looooong route!! Actually, we are heading a little south of Tupelo to a city called Van Fleet where we are going to take a look at a English Cream Golden Retriever. We had a Golden Retriever about 3 years ago that we dearly loved. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RDNQp-l4HLg/WycwvzWpaFI/AAAAAAAATic/o39CQBpJcVcc4daI6u-LyPY3sif9-9DcQCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_20160618_093214_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="624" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RDNQp-l4HLg/WycwvzWpaFI/AAAAAAAATic/o39CQBpJcVcc4daI6u-LyPY3sif9-9DcQCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_20160618_093214_1024.jpg" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jackson</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> He came to our family at probably the absolute worst time. We had him one month before I was diagnosed with cancer!! With the surgery and then the months of treatment to follow there just wasn't much time to work with him, socialize him and help him with obedience. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Grxl3NjCKg/WycxpKMtd4I/AAAAAAAATio/4Z1OVbSt4x8lzttjVT8-ms8MO_ifZst3gCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_20160507_105847_HDR_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1182" data-original-width="665" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Grxl3NjCKg/WycxpKMtd4I/AAAAAAAATio/4Z1OVbSt4x8lzttjVT8-ms8MO_ifZst3gCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_20160507_105847_HDR_1024.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jackson</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He was big, quite big and strong and during this time he managed to pull or I should say jerk Mike's shoulder pretty badly and shortly thereafter Mike was diagnosed with cervical stenosis in his shoulder/neck. Now we don't know if walking Jackson caused that or not but it was a reality...a painful reality. Our neighbor at that time also had a Golden named Nelson and Jackson and Nelson were best buddies. They asked us one day if they could adopt Jackson since we were so bogged down with medical issues. We were so relieved and happy that Jackson would be able to live with Nelson and agreed to let Jackson go. We still miss him and see him every once and awhile. He is doing great!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">That brings us up to the current. We have always had a Golden in our life. The first time we full-timed we had our sweet Cody traveling with us. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--TeLcXLgGQo/Wycy-tlakXI/AAAAAAAATjM/CEN18DhEkGwVkmM2yXzpwVVoLk2484bEACLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_DSC04092_thumb_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="279" data-original-width="420" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--TeLcXLgGQo/Wycy-tlakXI/AAAAAAAATjM/CEN18DhEkGwVkmM2yXzpwVVoLk2484bEACLcBGAs/s640/thumb_DSC04092_thumb_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Cody<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c7cRgDtUwiE/WyczCZfzV9I/AAAAAAAATjQ/vc2NaM6-brE7KZtitboWL2tKt349IlzfgCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_DSC04084_thumb_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="420" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c7cRgDtUwiE/WyczCZfzV9I/AAAAAAAATjQ/vc2NaM6-brE7KZtitboWL2tKt349IlzfgCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_DSC04084_thumb_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So we located a breeder of English Cream Goldens in Mississippi and have been in touch with her over about three weeks. We have agreed, if we like him, to adopt one of her puppies from the parents, Baron and Aspen. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S39HwkwrG9I/Wycx-KhSSvI/AAAAAAAATiw/VUg1fh7c_uYxeW_bYkqTlhhDnrVooDiZQCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_DSC_0427_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="800" height="568" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S39HwkwrG9I/Wycx-KhSSvI/AAAAAAAATiw/VUg1fh7c_uYxeW_bYkqTlhhDnrVooDiZQCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_DSC_0427_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baron </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-acwANDk_t38/WycyPg6BLHI/AAAAAAAATi4/Z_RTXbQNa2w4GdlJQlT_BCMPkzmW_tSyQCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_image1%2Bcopy_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1122" data-original-width="700" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-acwANDk_t38/WycyPg6BLHI/AAAAAAAATi4/Z_RTXbQNa2w4GdlJQlT_BCMPkzmW_tSyQCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_image1%2Bcopy_1024.jpg" width="398" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aspen</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">They are beautiful!! He is a male and from the pictures looks like a nice boy!! We have never owned the English Golden before and look forward to falling in love with these sweet Goldens. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4oXgTEAJXb4/Wycyn6VxZpI/AAAAAAAATjA/0odnvlAybOABO7vaECbjY2D0icLFToIuACLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG_4641_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="786" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4oXgTEAJXb4/Wycyn6VxZpI/AAAAAAAATjA/0odnvlAybOABO7vaECbjY2D0icLFToIuACLcBGAs/s640/thumb_IMG_4641_1024.jpg" width="490" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Puppy</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So our plan is to head to Van Fleet, Mississippi tomorrow while our son packs his moving trailer Didn't we get lucky?? Too old for that kind of work for sure!! He will head to Baton Rouge on Tuesday and we will head that way....soon!! There just might be things to see along the way you know!! Looks like we will be having a few Three Dog Nights coming up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My crown arrived early!!! Yay!! I was able to get the permanent crown put on last Tuesday. While I was </span><span style="font-size: large;">there I had the dentist take a look at my front tooth that had developed a tiny problem during treatment...that stuff is awful!! Anyway, it had developed a tiny spot on the front and I wanted it fixed. Since this tooth had already had a tiny filling in the back and now this one at the top he felt the tooth had been compromised too much and would be weak and possibly break. Well who wants a chipped front tooth so I told him to go ahead and fix it. You guessed it...another crown!! I saw him Thursday and he prepped the tooth and put a temporary crown on. So I am now waiting for that permanent crown!!! This time it will have to wait till July 10th. I will be very careful with it in the meantime!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope all the fathers out there had a wonderful Father's Day!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> Happy Father's Day!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Happytrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08604892750805362197noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878439526016806849.post-6094238025326154852018-06-12T22:58:00.000-04:002018-06-12T22:58:03.859-04:00A Morning Hike<span style="font-size: large;">It seems winter hung on for as long as it possibly could!! Just when you thought it was going to warm up...another chilly day!! So finally, old man winter decided to give it up and just as many of us thought, we skipped most of spring and went right into summer!! </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uhR2mLb47W0/WyB_mpWqLzI/AAAAAAAATd8/L-5YKCBOLuoWuc4d66lnjyBOPgSC-EuBgCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG_2583_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uhR2mLb47W0/WyB_mpWqLzI/AAAAAAAATd8/L-5YKCBOLuoWuc4d66lnjyBOPgSC-EuBgCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_IMG_2583_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But last week we had an unusually nice couple of days. Really pleasant temperatures but best of all....no humidity. In the south that is huge, wonderful, amazing and nothing short of a miracle!!! </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a2wH_nNgJKE/WyB_4auDBpI/AAAAAAAATeE/GryQOjdSM7kFedHB6GK8WXbPWPMIn_whACLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG_2603_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a2wH_nNgJKE/WyB_4auDBpI/AAAAAAAATeE/GryQOjdSM7kFedHB6GK8WXbPWPMIn_whACLcBGAs/s640/thumb_IMG_2603_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Mike and I took advantage of the nicer cooler temperatures and decided to go for a hike in the woods. Not a walk in the campground but a true hike!! We used to hike a lot but recently we've been somewhat sidelined but we are now getting back in the groove. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ffbeffHBaoY/WyCAlhIL63I/AAAAAAAATeM/f3aUuPWyJZAL9rhQA8sCF5m_Q1Tm0As6gCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_DSC_2517_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ffbeffHBaoY/WyCAlhIL63I/AAAAAAAATeM/f3aUuPWyJZAL9rhQA8sCF5m_Q1Tm0As6gCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_DSC_2517_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">We chose one of the many hiking trails in the park and set off with our cameras to enjoy and have a great morning!! It was a beautiful hike with such solitude...we had both forgotten how nice it is on a trail early in the morning!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xPnKVJuTW9o/WyCBO_XuQ7I/AAAAAAAATeY/Ab9GN_-bz9gNU10aAAiEaoxBAcnNxzm6gCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_DSC_2516_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xPnKVJuTW9o/WyCBO_XuQ7I/AAAAAAAATeY/Ab9GN_-bz9gNU10aAAiEaoxBAcnNxzm6gCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_DSC_2516_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I will just let the pictures tell the beauty!! I hope you enjoy and thank you for stopping by to visit!!</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This guy and a few other animals is all the wildlife we saw on this hike<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Esj3xz0nnh0/WyCEOM0LyFI/AAAAAAAATfQ/_dtd_ylh2J0UKa0MIso7r2Fcfz490Fr5gCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG_2599_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Esj3xz0nnh0/WyCEOM0LyFI/AAAAAAAATfQ/_dtd_ylh2J0UKa0MIso7r2Fcfz490Fr5gCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_IMG_2599_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M6W05z8euLU/WyCG2duPNFI/AAAAAAAATfc/6unPz30aXZ0H1Zzu46ZWrQPgrHp_nRi6QCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_DSC_2536_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M6W05z8euLU/WyCG2duPNFI/AAAAAAAATfc/6unPz30aXZ0H1Zzu46ZWrQPgrHp_nRi6QCLcBGAs/s640/thumb_DSC_2536_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>"Lets take our hearts for a walk in the woods & listen to the magic whispers of the trees." Anonymous</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Happytrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08604892750805362197noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878439526016806849.post-24736769632052867532018-06-08T00:41:00.000-04:002018-06-08T00:41:06.069-04:00<span style="font-size: large;">It seems it has been raining ever since we got back from the Oliver rally in May!! How do you say...water logged!!</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We returned to our "home base" to get a few things in order before our son moves to Baton Rouge. We got a little lazy and rented a storage unit here in Auburn to store a few RV related items and our Christmas stuff. Our main storage unit is in Lagrange and it houses our furniture and most of our boxes. Having one here meant we could leave things we weren't using whenever we were in the area or pick things up when needed. So we knew we had to close out this unit since this will no longer be our "home base." It is amazing how much stuff a person can collect without even thinking about it. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iZgvNTEFB2Y/WxoGZt9WLbI/AAAAAAAATc4/yXfKlhiz75oVPkofqkYxuuUO8C0OKr5owCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iZgvNTEFB2Y/WxoGZt9WLbI/AAAAAAAATc4/yXfKlhiz75oVPkofqkYxuuUO8C0OKr5owCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2333.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">About two weeks ago I was eating something and ooops!!!! I broke part of one of my back molars. As luck would have it my dentist in LaGrange was going to be gone for a week. I was able to see him briefly, get an x-ray and he filed part of the rough edge down so my tongue wouldn't be getting nicked each time it hit it. Last Tuesday I was able to get in to see him. He drilled out all the old filling and put on a nice temporary crown. My permanent crown won't be in for about three weeks. Since we won't be here I will have to wait until the end of July when I return to LaGrange for my doctor(s) visit to get it put on. Unless....it comes in early!! </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As you can see...no excitement here!! Things might begin to get more interesting in a week or so. We plan to go to Baton Rouge and help our son, Stephen, get settled into his new apartment which probably means we'll be taking care of his two doggies!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If all goes well we will scoot over to Livingston, Texas and become Texans!! With Stephen no longer living in Alabama we have had to get a mail forwarding service through Escapees in Texas. We've had our mail sent to Stephen's apartment lately. We knew we needed to decide which state we would domicile in and after reading and researching we decided to make Texas our domicile. This is what we did when we full-timed before and it worked for us then so we feel like it should work for us again. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We should be pretty busy for awhile and hopefully get in some fun exploring as well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for stopping by and visiting...even though things are kinda boring right now. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Be true to yourself. Make each day a masterpiece. Help others. Drink deeply from good books. Make friendship a fine art. Build a shelter against a rainy day." John Wooden</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Happytrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08604892750805362197noreply@blogger.com7