Life is like a book – it is better with a glass of lemonade and should be enjoyed one page at a time.

The best things in life are not free. They cost us emotionally. And usually are well worth the price paid.

 

 

Tony sent me these photographs – looks like we are breaking ground!  Moving forward with our new project.

This is near Symsonia, KY.

 

Breaking ground

 

 

 

 

 

  The sky here is immense – and such an amazing blue in color.  The sky has been sprinkled with cirrusy white patches of clouds for the last few days.  Although the city sidewalks radiate warmth the actual air temperature is relatively mild.  This is especially true when you compare it to the excessive heat back in Illinois and Kentucky. 

  The warmth of the apartment we are staying in borders on a few beads of sweat but by evening the coolness of the air returns and before long the warmth of the afternoon heat is but a distant memory.  We do not have air condition here – gasp.  It is rare to find air condition in Sweden.  It just isn’t that warm!

  Stockholm is a clean city – as cities go.  It is my understanding that it beat out many other cities in Europe for the title of most green and enviromentally friendly.  Quite the achievement.

  Many locals here are on holiday.  Holiday is what the world outside of the United States calls vacation.  I first heard this expression  while I was in Canada.  I guess it sounds more festive than simply saying vacation?  🙂

  Everyone here receives five weeks of vacation.  Yes, I did say five weeks.  Five weeks of paid vacation!  It is almost bordering on a human right in Europe.  They take their holiday quite seriously, as I suppose they should.  I suppose five weeks would keep most people happy.  Especially paid vacation.

  We had a wonderful tour guide today.  Her name was Christina.  She is from the Stockholm area.  Her demeanor was one of patience and care.  It was if we had known her for years.  A gentle soul – as I like to say. 

  She knew most of the questions we would ask – before we asked them.  I suppose one becomes accustomed of being asked the same questions after interacting with hundreds of people over the years.  She never seemed bored – although I am certain she has seen the palace a thousand times.  She expressed excitement in her voice as she talked about the well kept grounds and the history of the site.

  So, as I mentioned, today we toured the palace of the king and queen.  A beautiful country setting, outside of Stockholm.  The palace is enclosed by a beautiful forest with a lake – there were many ducks and swans out enjoying the beautiful weather.  The water was like a fine crystal – shimmering in the golden sunlight.  The blueness of the water made me feel as if I had been transplanted back in time to a cleaner – purer age.  One where you could actually drink the water straight out of a lake or river.  Thousands of diamond like sparkles illuminated the surface of the water as the wind gently created little peaks and dips.  I thought that perhaps this is what Narnia would look like? 

  The grounds of the palace were well kept.with obvious caring hands who meticulously made sure that every branch was trimmed just right, every deep green blade of grass was in its place – trees were perfectly lined up like toy soldiers that a child might place while playing make believe knight in shining armor right before battling a fire breathing dragon.

  A whimsical, magical, and enchanting palace grounds – reminding me of a scene out of the recent Alive in Wonderland movie or a place that one might find in an old fairy tale of sorts.  At any moment perhaps a little smiling cat would come floating down from above – with just its teeth and smile visible.

  In the air was the smell of the lakes fresh water and the blooming of flowers on the palace grounds.  Several times I simply closed my eyes to enjoy the moment.  Taking it all in.  The smell of the fresh cut grass and the sound of birds chirping and singing in the distant trees.  Pretending that we were back in the 1700s or 1800s when only a horse and carriage would be seen traveling the grounds roads.  Thinking about the latterns candle flickering on the sides of the carriage as someone of nobility pulled up to meet with the King or Queen.  Perhaps on important business – perhaps just to say hello. 

  Glancing down along the waters edge was a white swan.  Along her side with seven baby swans.  A sort of yellowish gray in tone.  Occasionally they would dive below – a tuff of feathers and two little webbed feet were all that could be seen as they bobbed under the water for something to eat.  They scurried along in the water – more like floating.  Moving quite effortlessly.  The summer breeze perhaps pushing them along the sea of sparkling glass.  I am sure to them it was if they were on a great ocean – with water for as far as their little eyes could see.

  They had not a care in the world – oblivious to me and everyone else around them.  Simply going about their business of swimming and eating.

  Two little girls, no more than six or seven in age, dashed over to the side of the pier – giggling and smiling – erupting in laughter and pointing to the baby swans.  They cheerfully announced to everyone within ear shot "look LOOK – a swan and she has BABIES – lots of babies."  I looked over at them and smiled.  I thought about how the girls really didn’t care who heard them or if the whole world heard their shouts of glee.  They were as obvlious as the baby swans to the world around them.  Living in the moment – laughing and giggling.  Holding each others hands – they must have been sisters or perhaps best of friends.

  Eventually the baby swans disappeared under the pier and the little girls took off – skipping and hopping down the road to the palace.  They were just arriving to see where the king and queen live.  It wasn’t long and they disappeared – quite returned to the pier.

 

 
Even the swan and her babies were having a great day.  Joey took this photograph.

 

Standing in front of the palace
Morning at the palace

 

The King and Queen live here.

 

The palace grounds

 

Our guide today – Christina

 

 

 

 

There is art everywhere – everywhere you look – everywhere you turn. 

 

 

 

 

Zoom Zoom

 

This little toy was in quite the hurry to get somewhere…

 

 

 

 

Coming back into port from the palace

 

 

The buildings here in Stockholm are beautiful.

 

I have no idea – but I thought this was funny 🙂

 

Stockholm

 

This is where we had lunch today.  Yes that is a big chocolate chip cookie on the plate there to the left.  🙂 – I couldn’t help myself.

 

Stunning beauty

 

 
St. Johannes church, Stockholm

 

Stunningly beautiful church – St. Johannes church, Stockholm

 

St. Johannes church, Stockholm – seriously it took my breath away.  I just was simply in awe of this structure.  It is huge – beautiful.  Towers into
the sky like a mountain in the middle of the city.  Simply incredible.

 

St. Johannes church, Stockholm – A SPECTACULAR church – one of the top scenic churches I have seen in the world.  Just incredible.

 

St. Johannes church, Stockholm

 

Now THAT is a car worth driving!

 

 
I know Tony will appreciate this photograph 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moments amd memories – it is 3:30 in the morning over here and the sun is already up.  Now, so am I.  The sun did not go to bed until past 10 pm last night.  Quite amazing.  I missed dinner because I thought we had more time – since it was still light outside.  By the time we looked at the clock and readied ourselves to go eat – it was already late.  So, we decided it would be best just to stay in.

I was laying in bed a few minutes ago and my mind was wandering about like a tiger in the jungle.  To and fro – back and forth.  I started thinking about Kay and Kim Comer (if you don’t have Kay and Kim on your Facebook then you should add them – Kay writes about her daily living experiences in Round Knob, Illinois),  I started thinking about Kay’s descriptions of being in the moment.  Living in the momemt.  Recognizing those moments for what they are.  A single spot in history – a single living, breathing, specific point at which something amazing occurs.  A moment in time that becomes a memory.  It doesn’t have to be something spectacular – perhaps something as simple as watching the deer play in your back yard (in Kay’s case – her front yard).  Or watching a lightning bolt streak through the summer sky.  Moments that we remember – moments that we share with other people.

I don’t think that Kay realizes the impact of the words that she chooses to share with everyone around here.  She reminds us of days gone past – moments in our lives that impacted ourselves and others.  Having grown up with Billy and Kay – and their children – I realize more and more that we can never relive that time.  We can remember it – we can share the memories- but we can’t relive it.  Kay, in her writings, reminds us of why we are here.  To watch the deer play, to share our lives with our family, to plant some flower seeds, to watch our grass grow, to love those around us, and to inspire others to simply be a better person.

Moments are mysterious.  We can’t choose what moments we will remember.  Many times moments that we remember – we would rather forget.  But sometimes the moments that our minds chooses to remember are moments that we hold dearly in our heart – forever.  Moments with someone we love – our grandmothers, our parents, our sisters or brothers – friends – those are the ones that we don’t want to ever forget.

I started thinking about how many times we allow moments to get away from us.  Rushing here and rushing there.  Rushing to see "something" – all the time moments are passing us by.  Moments that could become special memories. But in order to capture that memory – you have to slow down.  There is no way to measure just how many moments have gotten away from us.  It is part of the mystery of moments.  What we don’t experience – we don’t ever know.  I have a feeling, though, that thousands of moments escape us. 

I try to live in the moment.  But it is not easy.  Being ADD doesn’t help one live in the moment.  lol  You are constantly wanting to do something or mess with something.  Staying busy as my mom would say.  Living in the moment takes work.  It takes a concentrated effort to tell yourself to STOP.  Stop and listen.  Stop and see.  Not just hear and look.  But listen and see.

I look back through my photographs from time to time.  Maybe to make sure I am not getting too old to remember what has happened over the years.   I truly think there is a part of me that takes photographs in order for me to hold onto memories even longer.  Perhaps there will come a day when I can’t remember being somewhere.  But a photograph will remind me and take me back to that moment.  Anyway, I look at my photographs and I see moments.  Special moments – moments that perhaps to someone else might not have much meaning.  But – never-the-less moments.

Moments such as the time in Rome where I spotted the kid looking up in amazement at a naked statue of a lady.  The boy could not have been any older than seven.  But, the look at his face was priceless.  Moments such as the time we were walking in Munich and we noticed a street performer that had outfitted himself as a water fountain.  He was quite dramatic and animated – water pouring from his different spouts that he had arranged on his costume.  Kids laughing and adults taking snapshots and video to place on YouTube.  He wasn’t there as part of anything we had to pay to see – he wasn’t part of the planned schedule.  He just happened to be there at that time and place.

I have noticed in life that the most special moments are never planned.  Never orchestrated by anyone on purpose.  They just happen.  I can remember being caught in the rain once with some friends in Toronto.  we had to walk home that evening when the thunderstorm rolled in.  We were soaked to the bone.  But we all laughed and stomped in the water that was over our ankles.  We shivered.  We ducked when lightning would flash and the thunder would roll.  I remember it as if it was yesterday.  And yet it was many many years ago.  Why?  Why do I remember something as simple as being caught in the rain?  Why is that moment so special to my memories?

It is obvious to me that the best moments in life are never planned.  They are never expected.  They just happen.  Time – space – and you happen to cross paths during that special moment and it becomes a special memory.  Moments and memories are tied. 

We had a great day here in Stockholm.  Enjoyed the sites.  It was warm – but we can’t complain because everyone is burning up back home.  Temperatures have been in the 90s once again.  100 degree weather along the East Coast of the United States.  Terrible heat for them.  Nobody likes it.  Looks like it will continue.

We spent today walking around – we saw a lot of sites.  Some of the areas we were in today date back to the 1200s.  Quite amazing when you think about it.  Stockholm is full of beautiful buildings and art work.  I tried to capture the "feel" of the city today.

Here are some photos

 

That would be me 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
This statue/memorial is near where we are staying.  This was built to remember the labor movement.  More info http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Branting_Monument

 

The Branting Monument

 

As with most cities in Europe – there is plenty of sculptures.  One of the 
pieces of art work near the city center.

 

Near the center of the City of Stockholm.

 

Statue for Peace.  This work was inspired by the death of John Lennon. 

 

 

You will never guess what movie is playing.  🙂
This statue is called the Orpheus Sculpture.  Well not the Shrek piece
🙂 but the other.  It is located near the concert hall.

 

 

This church was founded in the 1200s.  Quite amazing.  It is called
the Klara Church – Church of Sainte Clare.

 

Church of Klara

 

 
Beautiful Stockholm.

 

 

 

This is located in the Sweden Cathedral.  This is where the royal couple got married a couple of weeks ago.  Fighting the dragon in this statue

 

 

Sweden Cathedral

 

This art work was on display inside of the cathedral

 

The smallest statue in the city.  This little boy could fit in the palm of my hand.

 

 

Joey in front of the memorial for the labor movement.  The Branting Monument.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Branting_Monument

 

Joey standing in front of the Vasamuseet.  This ship set sail in 1628.  It only lasted
20 minutes before it sank.  Poor design – to say the least.  They raised the ship out of 100′
of water back in the 1960s.  It was in amazing shape. 

 

A beautiful piece of work.  Lot of carvings on the boat.

 

 

 

 

 

Some of the amazing woodwork on the ship – this dates back to the 1600s.  They raised the ship in the 1960s.  It sank after only 20 minutes
on the Baltic Sea.  Vasamuseet is the name of the ship.

 

You won’t find a street any smaller than this one!

 

 

Beautiful city – love Europe

 

Stockholm, Sweden – July 7th

 

 

Joey in front of some of the amazing buildings in the city.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well, we made it to Europe.  This is our frist trip over here by ourselves.  So, it is a bit weird in one way and a bit cool in another.  Some bittersweet mixed in there.   This is also the first time we have been in Sweden. 

The plane ride took about 24 hours total – that was about waits and lay-overs.  We left Nashville around 9 am – the plane left around 11 am.  Then Detroit – then Amsterdam – then from there to Stockholm.  Not too bad. 

We were able to sleep on the plane.  The seats folder pretty much all of the way down.  We tried a new airline this time – one owned by Delta.  It was okay – but I will probably look at a different one next time.  I slept – Joey did not.  lol  Sooooo – guess who is tired and snoring right now?  If you guessed Daisy – you would probably be correct.  But, Daisy isn’t here.  So – guess again.  YES – right – JOEY is snoring.and worn out.

Meanwhile I have the dance music on and I am WIDE AWAKE.  Oh well – I went out in the rain and walked around for awhile – took a few photos – went grocery shopping – and hung out on the street.  Watching people go to and fro.  That is what I like to do.  Explore and then explore some more.  Joey keeps saying I go down dark streets where vampires could get us – or worse – ZOMBIES.  I seriously need to take his Zombie book away from him.

Anyway – I had a blast riding the plane over.  I have no idea why I love to ride the plane for that distance.  There is something fun and exciting about being on an airplane. 

We were in Nashville overnight for the Fourth of July – but it was fairly late and we were not able to see Sue and Jack.  Wished we could have gone down to see her showing at the art show.  But we pretty much had a swamped week from start to finish.  When we get back, though, we plan on going to see Sue – Caesar and Geri are going down, as well.  Perhaps in August or September.   See how everyone is feeling. 

We arrived in Sweden around 9 this morning – we don’t speak Sweden.  But we know just enough words to get along.  Joey’s job was to study the Rosetta Stone CD set that he had to have.  He promised he would learn enough language for us to be able to communicate.  Guess who hasn’t learned any words other than hello?  If you guessed me then you would be wrong.  I will just leave it at that.  😛

The rain falling here in Stockholm was a WELCOME change from what we have been having back home.  Temeperatures in the 90s with very little rainfall.  I LOVE THIS WEATHER here in Stockholm.  Rain makes me happy – for some odd reason.  Same as snow.  Got to have both.  Lack of weather is no weather at all.  Right?  Well some might disagree.  But – I will hold to that.

Hmm my quote of the day that I came up with on the plane ride over is – Memories are simply the present lost.  I ran it by Joey and he gave me his stamp of approval on it.  Unlike Ikecycle which he still says I should never say again.  But – whatever.  Meteorologists understood what it meant.

OK – it is getting late.  I promised my mom I would post.  My Blackberry is NOT working here.  YAY?  I think it is a YAY.  No cell phone for 2 weeks here in Sweden?  BUUHHHAAAA – I like the sound of that actually. 

Some photos from today

 
Joey going down the stairs of our apartment in Stockholm

A clock with strength!  Now that is what I can apprecaited.  I bet his arms hurt at the end ot the day.

Dinner tonight was at this location 🙂

 

These two angels were in a store window.  I thought they were pretty cool.  🙂

 

This church was built in the 1700s.  Adolf Fredrik.  It is right down the street from us

 

I really liked this car when I first saw it sitting on the side of the road.

 

Then I LOVED this car when I saw the license plate!!  Wonder how hard it was to get that for a plate!

 

 
Store window decorations – or the evening staff?  Unsure.  He doesn’t look happy.

 

Store window decorations in Stockholm – I think he wants out

Enjoying the evening – before the rain really set in

I was tired of reading Drudge and Freepers on Saturday – all negative all the time.  So, I googled Good News and came across some pretty cool items of interest.  One of them that I came across was this project in India.  www.joyhomeforchildren.com/index.html

They had some very specific needs – which I thought was cool. Tangible projects.  They had a long list.

The list can be read here

www.joyhomeforchildren.com/joy-home-charity-needs.html

One item they really needed were bunk beds.  Right now the kids are sleeping on the floor.  So we are going to get them bunk beds 🙂

They still have a bunch of other needs – some are small and some are larger.  If anyone reading this wants to help then just follow the links.  They need chairs – that is about $135.00 (for all of them).  They are need some tables.  The tables are about $132.00 (for all of them).  Also some smaller items but important items such as rice, chicken, food.  Toiletries.

Sounds like they are trying to raise money for a septic system, as well.  Hmm maybe they need some teddy bears and Superman Comic Books from Metropolis!

More on what they do www.joyhomeforchildren.com/joy-home-what-we-do.html

This charity was one of the winners of the Optimist Charity Awards – 2010.  Link optimistworld.com/Charities.aspx

 

 

 

Hopefully they will have their bunk beds soon enough!!!!

 

 
Photos of the kids currently at the orphanage

 

 

I will update with some more pictures once they get the bunk beds.

 

I found a cool web-site while searching for good news on the internet.  There is so much bad news that I got tired of all of it!  I figured there must be some cool positive news web-sites.  I found this site http://optimistworld.com/News.aspx

Then I found this – which I thought was pretty cool!  http://www.88bikes.org/home/index.php 

From their web-site

It doesn’t always take a massive relief organization to tip the scales for joy and sustainability in places where children and young adults are challenged to be their own heroes. 88bikes provides a simple and direct opportunity to make a difference for a young person in the world: buy a child a bike!

Hmmm – June is over?  Already? 

Went to the movies last night with the kids – had a great time.  Some vampire movie.  I don’t know.  Team Jacob did not win.  🙂

Trying to get ready for Europe.  Writing sticky notes everywhere.  See if I can remember what to bring and what needs to be finished up here at the house.

Had a nice lunch with Gil today – was good to see him!  Going to meet with my mom and Julie here in a bit.  Then Tyler has a baseball game! 

Zoom Zoom

 

An evening with the camera (glad I got my camera back)

 

Nice sunset this evening!

 

 

I took these photos while we were in Alaska.  Click for larger image 🙂

Hot here again today.  90s.  Blah – not a fan.

I have been watching the riots in Toronto – hate to see the city tore up like that.  A few vandals have caused a lot of problems.  Some dramatic photographs on some of the news wires.  Hopefully things will go a bit more peaceful today.

 

 

My mom in Victoria, Canada earlier this month 🙂

 

The world is now so full of multi-media sources that everyone is looking but nobody is seeing. Sensory overload will rob many of the visual art around them. The world needs a pause button.

Well, it was an eventful week up here on the farm.  Between the snake and the rabbits – the snake didn’t really bother me.  I like to have a natural mouse trap around.  Although I will say that crawling under the house to plug up those wire holes was a bit sketchy.  I tried not to look around too much – that way if there was a big snake under there I would not see it.  What I don’t see can’t hurt me – right?  Well, maybe.  🙂

I didn’t see or hear anything while I was under there.  Plugged the four wire holes and got out.  Nice and quick!

Joey had two tomato plants growing, but it appears the rabbits decided to eat them.  I didn’t think they would last long – but Joey was insisting that he could take care of them.  Even though I was the one watering the plants.  He went out last week and one of them was gone.  Just a stub left.  Then our friend Reese came over to visit and she spotted a big rabbit chewing on the second plant.  Now it is gone – the plant not the rabbit.

We did capture a big rabbit on the trail cam.  Daddy said he saw some baby rabbits.  I think the "big" rabbit was actually a pregnant mother rabbit.  Now there are baby rabbits running around.  I am fairly certain Eek (our big snake that is wondering around) is probably stalking the rabbits.  Poor rabbits.

Daisy is heading out today for Levi’s.  Her cousin – bigger dog but scared of Daisy.  Daisy is excited, but I don’t think Daisy realizes we will be gone a month.  I am sure she will have fun – she will be missed, though!

We leave for Europe next Sunday.  First Sweden and then Germany.  Going to explore and see what interesting museums we can find.  Should be a lot cooler than the weather here.  Supposed to be in the 60s.  I can only hope.

The hot weather here continues – day after day after day after day of 90s.  That gets old after awhile.  Looks like it will continue into tomorrow – then a bit cooler next week.

First tropical storm of the season is impacting the Caribbean.  My forecast has been for a Mexico or south Texas hit.  That appears to be on track.  🙂  Models were taking it into Louisiana and Mississippi – they have slowly changed their tune, though. 

Art class is going great.  I am really enjoying it.  🙂  Few more weeks left – another month or so for that class.

 

OK – well it was bound to happen. 

Happy Father’s Day – to my dad today!  He has been my dad for as long as I can remember!  Which by my count is quite a number of years!!!!

We are also celebrating Tony’s birthday today – Mariah’s birthday – and Joey’s birthday!!!!!  Meeting at Tony and Deena’s to spend the afternoon.

🙂

 

Wow – it is freakin hot.  90s every single day – high dew points.  This is getting old and fast.  I believe we have had more 90s this year than all of last?  I would have to check.  Seems that way.  No break in the heat for the next week or two.  Let’s hope this pattern doesn’t hang on into summer.  It is still spring you know!

Went to see Toy Story 3 last night – funny movie.  Enjoyed it! 

Maybe a new project?  We shall see.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had more thunderstorms yesterday – some severe.  Some nice clouds up here on the phone.  Poured for about 30 minutes – picked up 1.30" in a short amount of time.

Looking out the window

 

 

 

Shelf cloud ahead of the storm

 

 

 

 

Storm damage from the storms on the 15th – Massac County

 

 

A series of severe thunderstorms moved through our region this afternoon and evening.  Numerous warnings were issued by the Paducah, Kentucky National Weather Service Office.  They did a great job!  Lot of wind damage reports scattered over the region.

Some photos I took from the house here in Massac County – beautiful cloud structure.

 

Mammatus clouds

 

Severe storms over western Kentucky

 

Mammatus clouds

 

 

Looking east into western Kentucky – severe storms

 

Looking at Mammatus Clouds over the house here in Massac County

 

 

 

Mammatus Clouds

Cumulus clouds towering over west Kentucky – Tuesday evening

Western Kentucky

 

 

Rain shaft over Mermet, Illinois

 

 

 

Mammatus clouds over southern Illinois and western Kentucky

 

Severe thunderstorm over western Kentucky

 

 

Mammatus clouds

 

 

 

Rain shaft over Vienna, Illinois.  Damaging winds were reported with this cell.

 

 

Thunderstorm moving over the farm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you get a red X on the photos below – hit the REFRESH button or RELOAD the page.  That usually fixes it.  🙂

Okay – I have been a lot of places in the world.  I have seen some beautiful sights – but I have to say that this Alaska trip was probably the best trip I have ever been on.  INCREDIBLE beauty – everywhere.  The mountains were amazing – the glaciers were spectacular – the ocean and rivers were perfect – the weather was awesome – Victoria, Canada is incredible – seeing mother enjoy all of it was awesome.  We had a great time with Jason and Jess.

Best trip ever!  Hands down.  I am going back – especially want to go back and explore Victoria.  It is going on the list!!!! 

Took a lot of photographs – will post them below.  Put many of them on my Facebook, as well.

Temperatures were in the 40s at night and 60s during the day.  It only sprinkled on us a couple of times.  We arrived back home late last night – everyone is worn out.  Temperatures are in the 90s here in southern Illinois.  I am not a fan of the heat and high dew points.

Mihai is coming to visit from Romania next weekend and then we are heading to Europe for a month.  Going to explore Sweden and Germany.  Hopefully the weather will be nice!  🙂  Looking forward to leaving the heat behind us.  At least we hope.  Temperatures tonight are in the 50s in Sweden. So, that is not too bad.

OK – some photos from the trip 🙂

Time to say goodbye to Daisy – she is going to visit her
Cousin Levi for the next week 🙂 while we are away on the ship

Ready to go!!!

Where are we going????

Someone is falling asleep on the way to Levi’s

Mother ready to board the ship

Joey – heading out from Seattle, Washington – on the Rhapsody of the Seas Ship – Royal Caribbean
Seattle is in the background 🙂

Mother and me 🙂 with Seattle in the background – heading out!

Seattle, Washington – leaving port

Seattle

Joey with Seattle in the background 🙂  Time to head out to sea!!!

Leaving for Alaska

Mother and me on the Rhapsody of the Sea – ship
They have formal night twice during the cruise.  Dress-up
time 🙂

Mother and me – dinner on the ship – I am pretty sure we are all done with food for awhile.  No
shortage of food on the boat.

Joey on formal night

Getting ready to head to dinner

Mother and me – getting ready to go to dinner on the boat

Out at sea – near Alaska – it was actually chilly out there!  Temperatures were in the 40s at night and 60s in
the day.  Local people thought it was hot.  🙂  They should try living in our region for awhile.  I don’t think they could
make it!

Some music on the boat – they had music playing a lot.

Joey all dressed up and ready to go to dinner

Joey on the deck of the ship

Don’t blink because you won’t see me dressed up very often 🙂

Mother trying the snail 🙂

Joey and mother – at sea near Alaska – planning the day out

On the ship Rhapsody of the Sea

Enjoying the view!  The Pacific waters were an amazing blue color.  Pretty!

Out at sea – watching the waves off the balcony

Some art on the boat

Art

Time for some BINGO on the boat.  We did not win.  🙁  We played three different
days. 

Joey loving the model ship

My mom found someone to dance with on-board 🙂

At sea – heading for Alaska

Enjoying the view from the ship

At sea

Rhapsody of the Sea – Royal Caribbean ship

Mother watching the water go by

 

 
Joey had a birthday while we were away at sea 🙂 – we ordered
this cake and thought it was a real cake.  It ended up that it was
a cake made of flowers.  Now what are you supposed to do with
a cake made of flowers????

While in Juneau, Alaska we went to see the whales – they were jumping out of the water – we were able
to see their full bodies.  Quite amazing!!!

Whales in Juneau, Alaska!!!!

Beautiful creatures.

Joey in Juneau, Alaska

The views were INCREDIBLE – to say the least.

Watching for whales in Juneau, Alaska

The trip of a lifetime – Jason and Jess in Juneau, Alaska

ALASKA!!!!

Jason and Jess Darnall

AMAZING 🙂 🙂 🙂

Joey on the whale watching tour

Mother and me – whale watching tour in Juneau

Jason and Jess

Mother – Juneau, Alaska

Juneau, Alaska – beautiful to say the least

🙂

This is where we had lunch – during the whale watching

Near where we had lunch – Orka Point Lodge

Orka Point Lodge – lot of Eagles around

Orka Point Lodge – boat out on the water

Where we had lunch – during a break in the whale watching – Orka Point Lodge

Jason – Orka Point Lodge – Juneau, Alaska

Juneau area

Jason out on the whale watch tour

Watching for whales

 

Juneau area

Whales jumping out of the water 🙂

Beautiful Alaska

Glaciers near Juneau – Mendenhall Glacier

 

Mother and me with glacier in the background – Mendenhall Glacier

Mendenhall Glacier

Mendenhall Glacier

Whales!  Near Juneau, Alaska

Joey with glacier in Juneau area – Mendenhall Glacier

The glacier is melting about 100′ per year.  Mendenhall Glacier

Joey broke the glacier – well at least part of it.

Spectacular sights – Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau, Alaska

Juneau, Alaska

Whale 🙂 – rare to see them jumping out of the water like this.  It happened three or four times while we were
there.  The tour guide on the boat said we should never go whale watching again because we would never
see something like this.

Mendenhall Glacier

Mendenhall Glacier

Roar – be careful there – might bite.  Mendenhall Glacier area in Juneau, Alaska

We did not see any live bears 🙂

Waving 🙂  Juneau, Alaska

Juneau, Alaska

Enjoying Victoria, Canada – Butchart Gardens

Enjoying Butchart Gardens in Victoria, Canada

 

Butchart Gardens

Butchart Gardens

Butchart Gardens in Victoria, Canada

Tea in Butchart Gardens

 

Jason and Jess Darnall – Tea in Butchart Gardens

Butchart Gardens – Victoria, Canada

Mother with Jess in the Butchart Gardens

 

 

Mother – Buthcart Gardens – Victoria, Canada

Tea in Butchart Gardens

 

Butchart Gardens – Victoria, Canada

Mother and Jess

 

Butchart Gardens – Victoria, Canada

Mother and me- Butchart Gardens

Butchart Gardens

Jess taking photos of the beautiful flowers

Butchart Gardens

 

Butchart Gardens – Canada

Butchart Gardens

 

Butchart Gardens

Joey – Jason – Jess – Mother

 

Joey in Butchart Gardens

Butchart Gardens in Victoria, Canada

Mother in Butchart Gardens

 

Butchart Gardens

 

 

 

Butchart Gardens

 

Skagway, Alaska

 

Skagway, Alaska

 

We went for a train ride in Skagway – the train took us to the top of the mountain – we crossed into British Columbia
by the train – INCREDIBLE views

 

 

 

Waiting to get on the train in Skagway, Alaska

 

Skagway, Alaska – White Pass Scenic Railway Ride

 

On the train 🙂 – White Pass Scenic Railway Ride

 

Mother on the train – White Pass Scenic Railway Ride

 

White Pass Scenic Railway Ride

 

White Pass Scenic Railway Ride

 

 

View from the train – White Pass Scenic Railway Ride

 

White Pass Scenic Railway Ride

 

White Pass Scenic Railway Ride

 

White Pass Scenic Railway Ride – heading into Canada – British Columbia

 

Train view 🙂 – White Pass Scenic Railway Ride

 

White Pass Scenic Railway Ride

White Pass Scenic Railway Ride

 

White Pass Scenic Railway Ride

 

White Pass Scenic Railway Ride – near Skagway, Alaska and British Columbia

 

Mother enjoying the view on the train!!!!!!!!!!  White Pass Scenic Railway Ride

 

Train ride up into the mountains – pure beauty – White Pass Scenic Railway Ride

 

Arrived at the top – in British Columbia.  Mother – me and Joey

 

White Pass Scenic Railway Ride – my mom

 

Skagway, Alaska – getting off the boat

 

White Pass Scenic Railway Ride

 

White Pass Scenic Railway Ride

 

White Pass Scenic Railway Ride

 

Once the train stopped 🙂 – this is where we arrived – British Columbia.  Way up on the mountain!  Above Skagway

 

Mother – White Pass Scenic Railway Ride

 

Jason and Jess – White Pass Scenic Railway Ride

 

Joey Dillon – White Pass Scenic Railway Ride

 

Skagway, Alaska – our ship in the background

 

Mother – White Pass Scenic Railway Ride

 

That would be me 🙂  White Pass Scenic Railway Ride

 

 

Top of the mountain – at least one of the mountains.  White Pass Scenic Railway Ride trip.  Fraser, B.C.

 

That would be me in Fraser, British Columbia

 

Mother in Fraser, B.C. – Canada

 

BEAUTY – Fraser – British Columbia, Canada

 

Mother looking out over the lake in Fraser, British Columbia

 

Fraser, British Columbia

 

 

Rhapsody of the Sea – Skagway, Alaska

 

 
🙂  Beautiful

 

Skagway, Alaska

 

I found WALDO in Skagway, Alaska!!!!  I have looked forever and a day for Waldo!!!

 

White Pass Scenic Railway Ride – on the way back down the mountain we stopped here – border of British
Columbia and Alaska

 

Up on the mountain 🙂

 

Jason and Jess

 

The train we road from Skagway up into the mountains.  White Pass Scenic Railway Ride

 

Skagway, Alaska

 

 

Skagway, Alaska – can you imagine living here???

 

 

Ever wonder how they remove the snow from the train tracks?  🙂
Skagway, Alaska

 

Skagway, Alaska.  The snow removal equipment for the railroad tracks

 

Skagway, Alaska

 

Skagway, Alaska

 

We just had to stop in here 🙂 – Skagway, Alaska!

 

Monument in Skagway, Alaska

 

This is where we had lunch in Skagway

 

Skagway, Alaska

 

Which way should we go 🙂

 

Skagway, Alaska

 

We had some ice cream in Skagway 🙂

 

Fire station in Skagway – nice 🙂

 

Skagway, Alaska

 

Jason and Jess ready for the train ride

 

The cars in Skagway are nice 🙂

 

Skagway, Alaska

 

 

Glacier near Skagway, Alaska – amazing!!! 
Tracy Arm Fjord the Sawyer Glacier

 

 
Tracy Arm Fjord the Sawyer Glacier

 

 

Tracy Arm Fjord the Sawyer Glacier

 

 

Tracy Arm Fjord the Sawyer Glacier

 

 

Tracy Arm Fjord the Sawyer Glacier

 

 

Mother in the Tracy Arm Fjord with the Sawyer Glacier in the background.

 

 

Tracy Arm Fjord and the Sawyer Glacier

 

 

Tracy Arm Fjord with the Sawyer Glacier – mother and me 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mother in the Tracy Arm Fjord with the Sawyer Glacier

 

 

Tracy Arm Fjord with the Sawyer Glacier

 

My mom Judy – Tracy Arm Fjord with the Sawyer Glacier in the
background

 

 

Tracy Arm Fjord the Sawyer Glacier

 

 

My mom and me – glacier in the background!!  Tracy Arm Fjord the Sawyer Glacier

 

 

Sunset at sea 🙂

 

 

My mom and me – formal night on the boat

 

 

Mother and me

 

 

My mom had a great time

 

 

Joey and me on the boat – formal night

 

 

Formal night on the boat – as formal as I get 🙂 

 

 

Happy birthday Joey – this cake you can actually eat – unlike the
other one

 

 

 

 
Happy birthday Joey

 

Joey had a birthday while we were away 🙂

 

On the ship – they had music

 

 

ALASKA!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Everyone is having a GREAT time in Alaska.  No dostractions of anything – just fun.  The weather has been AMAZING – so far.  Lot of  sun and mild temperatures.  It was even a bit warm today.  Mother is having the time of her life.  So is everyone else we.

We saw a large number of whale today – first for me.  🙂  First for mother and Joey, as well.  They loved it.  The whales could jimp out of the water as if they were dancing some sort of song.  he then waves at us as he went under one last time.

It was cool – to say the least.

I have been upoading photos to Facebook.  So check them out over there – under my name Beau Dodson.

Got some whale video to turn in, as well 🙂  Joey took the video while I did the photos.

Having a GREAT time and look forward to the coming days.

Well, I think we are packed.  Less is more on this trip.

We are meeting Jason and Jess in Paducah – leaving from Barkley Airport.  Hopefully the plane will be on time – should depart around 2:50 pm for Chicago – then we fly into Seattle.

Hope for a safe and smooth trip!

 

You know, I found a nice place in the house hill on the hill near Round Knob.  A place to sit down and relax.  To look out over the living room and dining room.  I just fall into the chair – it takes me somewhere that I can’t explain.  Relaxing.  Quite.  Peaceful.  I can see across the room and into the kitchen.  I look over everything I Have – how beautiful it looks to me.  Everything is in its little place.  Nothing is crooked or out of place.  Perfect.

Just to way I like it – I think to myself.

It is so quiet in the room now.  I feel at peace.  I take a deep sigh and then another.  Thinking back over the years.  Gosh, there was a day when I didn’t have anywhere to stay.  Back in the 90s.  Sleeping in a tent outside of the old youth center.  First a big tent – but it flooded and nearly caught on fire one night.  I actually had moved a couple of pieces of furniture into the tent.  A place to sleep and keep some of my clothes.  I don’t know what I was thinking.  I just needed a place to lay my head.  I was too proud to ask others.

Then I got a smaller pup-tent.  It slept pretty much just me.  Although one of my friends stayed with me once or twice.  I had a sleeping bag in it.  It was cold – winter.  We had a huge snowstorm near our region one weekend and I literally thought I was going to freeze to death.  But, I didn’t.  It was a challenege to me – of some sort.

I was trying to pay bills.  Trying to save money.  I had several jobs at the time – 2 or 3 jobs.  One at Wal Mart and one at Southern Seven Health Department – and oh year the hotel.  Don’t forget the hotel job.  Worked midnights there and Wal Mart.

Those were long days.  To say the least.

Then during the late 90s I had the most profound identity crisis.  I had no clue as to what direction I was going.  Where I was heading.  What I would do next.  Talk about hopeless.  I really felt hopeless.  I thought it was all over – many days and nights.  But, I help on – barely.  But on none-the-less.

That is what I am thinking about while I set in this chair in the middle of this room – in the middle of this beautiful house.  I think back to the day that all I had was a tent.  I can’t say I was happy living in the tent – but I can’t say I was sad, either.  At the time that was the only thing I knew.  So, I guess I was happy just to have a place to sleep at night.  I didn’t think about the obstacles that were being put before me.  I just thought about surviving and get to the next day.

Which I did.  🙂

Life is funny – you never know what tomorrow might bring.  You never know what might be around the next corner.

We all sleep below the same moon in the dark sky.  We all sleep under the glittering stars that are sprinkled above by some rhyme that we can’t understand or fully grasp.  We may sleep in different houses, we may sleep in different cities, but we all sleep under the same sky, the same moon, and the same stars.  Even as we change, some things never change, thankfully.

 

 

 

Well, we are packing for Alaska.  We leave tomorrow – mother hopefully has packed!  I know she is usually a bit slower to pack.  She keeps calling me and asking me questions – so I guess that is a good sign.

We have someone watching the house while we are away.  So, that is taken care of.

We had big storms today – wind gusted to 52 and 53 mph up here on the hill.  Pea size hail and lots of rain.  The wind sounded horrible on the house – really hit it like a wall.  Just went from nothing to 50+ in almost no time.

Looks like the oil spill continues – BP is in a lot of trouble.  Terrible for the Gulf of Mexico.

 

  We had a great time at Tony and Deena’s for the Memorial Day weekend.  Tony made hamburgers – the kids and adults went fishing – took the paddle boat out for a ride around the pond – and just hung out.  I think everyone had a nice and relaxing day.

  Daisy stayed home – but I guess we should have brought her down.  Sparky and Bubba were there.  Daisy stayed home, though, and slept!  She is heading to visit Levy later this week as we head to Alaska with Jason, Jess, and my mom.  Should be a fun trip – I am sure it will be a whole lot colder than here.  We have been having daytime high temperatures in the 80s and 90s.  Not the best weather.  I would rather have 70s!

  John came over today and we watched the Cardinals play the Reds.  Of course the Cardinals won because they are a MUCH better team (although John won’t admit this).  We stopped by Dip’N’Dots and talked with Dione for just a bit.

  Thunderstorms are moving in this evening – guess we will have a bit more rain.  It has not been an extremely wet month here at my place but Jason over i Benton, KY has had almost 7 inches of rain.  Of course Nashville and areas down in TN had severe flooding.

 

 
Daisy relaxing today with her toy.  Protecting it I guess.

Tony and Tommy making hamburgers

Joey

Mother and I out on the pond at Tony and Deena’s house

Tony’s mom watching the kids play in the pool

Tony’s mom and Tyler

Family fun on the pond

Taking my mother out on the paddle boat at Deena and Tony’s house.

Mother and me out on the pond – enjoying the day

Dylan chillin

 

My dad hanging out at Tony and Deena’s enjoying the day

Deena chillin

 

Lots of good food 🙂

Tony with dinner in hand 🙂

Flashback to last week when we went to the Paducah Lowertown Arts Festival 🙂
My mom.

Lowertown Arts Festival – Downtown Paducah

Julie and me at the Lowertown Arts Festival – Paducah (last weekend)

Julie and me – arts festival

Joey and Dione hanging out at Tony and Deena’s for the holiday

Miss Daisy – hanging out

Tommy and Dione out on the pond – Memorial Day Weekend

Fun on the pond

 

CONGRATULATIONS MARIAH – WE ARE ALL VERY PROUD OF YOU!  YOU LOOK SO BEAUTIFUL IN YOUR CAP AND GOWN!!!!!

 

For all the images go here

http://beaudodson.smugmug.com/Family/Mariahs-Graduation-2010/12372974_zY4Dm#884301560_JBCRx

The very large sizes can be found on that page – just right click and save it to your computer or you can order a print right off the site.  They have really good prints.  I don’t get anything off of the sale – just an easy way to order photos.  That is how I order mine – from that site.

You can also click on the photo and it will bring up a larger version – you can save that image and then print it wherever you like (for family)  🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations, Mariah!!!!!  Class of 2010 🙂 

Will have to work on the photos tomorrow!

 

Well, we spent the last couple of months getting teddy bears from Russ Bears.  But, they are all here now and they look great.  Nice and soft!  But – they have been here at the house long enough.  Time to move em out – I am sure there are plenty of kids that are in need of their hugs.  These bears will be going to the Purchase Area Sexual Assault Center in Paducah.  They are one of two places that we give bears to. 

We have a mixture this time around – cats, dogs, frogs, lots of bears, and a few other animals.  We learned that kids like to choose their animal.  From what the staff has told us.  We never get to meet the kids of course.  But, I am glad to hear some stories today about how the bears are being used and loved by a lot of kids.

Getting the bears ready for their trip across the river

Scoot over –  I get the front seat

Joey loading the car up

Carrying the bears in

Time to show the bears their new home 🙂

The staff – holding some of the animals

 

Counting the days down until colder weather – in Alaska!  Another week.  Won’t be long now!

 

So, I got an invitation from Mariah for her graduation. It was handmade (which I guess is always the best – something from the heart). Joey and I both were excited to see that we were invited. I don’t take anything for granted in life.

Then it dawned on me that the reason the invitation was hand written was because someone didn’t order invitations. Now, I am not going to play the blame game (this current administration in the White House does that and does it well) but I am going to have to say that someone dropped the ball here (and I am not talking about the recent dodge ball game – although there were plenty of dropped balls at that time, as well – but I digress).

Anyway – here is the wonderful invitation. Click image for full size.

🙂 

 

EDIT:  DIONE RESPONDS TO THE INVITATION

I would like my response posted on your blog in response to your pointing fingers about the invitations.

First of all, I am one of the busiest people in the world.  If you don’t agree then all you have to look at is my family and my house to see that.  Ok…so Mariah did ask me about the invitations about a month ago…and I told her at that time…that we didn’t need invitations because everyone in the family already knows when the graduation is.  Invitations are very expensive and take a whole lot of time to write out (see sentence one) I told everyone in the family about the graduation…time, place etc.  (I left out the money part though)…though this is very nice of everyone to help with the car situation.

Tommy has already given me the 3^rd degree about the invitations.  So in the mist of everyone getting onto me about them all I have to say is a little help goes a long way with me.  I also told Tommy that when we have our baby and they graduate that I will indeed buy graduation invitations ok ….so leave me alone. He just gave me one of those looks that I know very well….