Okay family and friends. Take a moment and vote for Rhyder. Yes we are partial in our hearts. He is one bright, happy, loving young man.

https://babyoftheyear.org/2026/rhyder-219d

Greetings from Charlottetown Prince Edward Island, Canada! We are in port for two days! Lots to see and do. We got a late start but made it to breakfast. I wanted an omelette for breakfast but the long line to order detered me. One person was giving multiple orders so I settled for the usual scrambled eggs again.

Once we walked the plank and onto the pier we were met by my photographer friend Ikedek (I-Kad-ee) who is putting together some special metal pieces for Heather and I. I took his picture before he took ours. Lol 🤪 In the first stop off the ship was our meeting point for our excursion. Heather was shopping around and bought some great shortbread cookies, yum!

Our bus ride to The Green Gables was nice. Our driver Ken navigated the streets like a true professional. He retired and moved here to get away from the big city in Calgary, Canada. We arrived and were told to be back at the bus in one hour by our monotoned guide named Carl. He has such an obsession with John Deer Tractors. He joked that if his wife and him had another child he’d name it John Deer. Also, our guide suggested to all on the bus to go straight to the house first. Then work your way around the grounds of The Green Gables. Got to the house and it looked like an hour long line. Wow so we went about and looked at the few things we could see. Quite disappointing to Heather and I. Best thing we did was get a Caramel macchiato and a peanut butter with m&ms beaver tail. Even more yummy. 😋 Heather made a quick stop in the gift shop and got a couple of stickers. Then back on the bus with a minute to spare.

We stopped for a smooch on lovers lane.

We never made it inside the house. When we went back the line was even longer.

The bus tour put us both to sleep luckily at different times so we could wake each other before the snoring got out of control. With one exception. The first time Heather started rocking the bus I was looking around for an injured moose. 🫎 Then I found out the island’s largest predator is a coyote. Go figure…The island does have livestock, no deer.

As we returned back to the ship we ran into our Kansas friends Jacob and Abigail. We caught up on recent adventures. They did the same excursion only a few hours earlier than us. We parted ways and went looking for dinner but decided to eat on the ship and save some money. We then walked to the terminal.

This plaque was mounted on the terminal wall. I spied it as we were returning to our ship. The Norwegian Jewel was our first cruise ship.

I told Heather we’ve been traveling so long, Mr. Rhyder is now driving. Thank you our favorite (Misty) for sharing. We will FaceTime later tonight.

We dropped our backpack off and headed to the buffet. Was filling but seemed flavorless. Our next stop was to find a bar open and order some bottled water! Yep 👍 H2O. Now we are kicking back relaxing. Watching Legally Blonde. The ship has a dated movie and TV series selections.

We pause for a moment and we reflect on our journey and give our thanks to God for allowing us to experience these moments, experiences, and creating memories for our lifetime.

We miss our family and friends. Secondarily, we miss the comforts of our home. We are just passing the halfway point and are looking forward to seeing more of God’s Glory.

We also miss the people and pets in our lives who have passed before us. We will carry them with us in our hearts forever.

“Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It’s splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.”- Lucy Maud Montgomery (Anne of Green Gables)

Hello Sydney, NS CA! Wow after a late night we are chillin like villains. 🦹 My legs and back are hurting from the stair master we were on yesterday. The tunnels had a lot of steps and the steep inclines on the hillsides. My knees are bothering me too. I am feeling old today. This endeavor hasn’t been easy traveling. Different hotel beds, riding in the car, and extensive standing, but the kicker has been the inclines. Very challenging for my back. Today we have to recoup and regroup. No excursions planned just winging it.

We ate a late breakfast and strolled down the gangway to Sydney, Nova Scotia Canada. 🍁 We got a few sprinkles this morning. Calling for showers this afternoon. Temperature is about 62 degrees here.

We saw Larry and Ron and their family on the boardwalk. Larry had to tell me that he forgot to mention he had a Mike Reed that used to work for him. He was sending an email to his board to tell them about the trip so far, and included by divine intervention we met another Mike Reed. Our friendship was meant to be.

Heather and I did a little local shopping and got some nice ornaments and local snacks. We got some Nova Scotia Oat Cakes yummy! And some fudge by the same shop owner, Rita’s Famous cookies. She was very nice and happy that we knew about her now famous oat cakes.

Back on the ship again and no probing enticement from Heather thank goodness. We ate a great lunch and explored the ghost ship, while everyone was in port. We found Skywalker club on the 18th floor. It seemed void of people because it is not widely known and accessible unless you know where it is located and which elevator to use. Now it’s nappy time…yAwn…you know you want to take a nap as well… but you can’t! So back to work minions! Just kidding, take your nap just don’t let your boss catch you.

We feel much better after our siesta with the exception of my back. Nolan Ryan has made it his business to keep setting off our front yard cameras. I think he is aware that his acorns are about to drop.

Scotty came by the house and mowed our yard. He is a great son and a better father. We love you and thank you so very much!

Dinner was good at the Sante Fe restaurant on our ship. The food menus are very much the same with a few different selections. So it really doesn’t matter where you dine it’s just a change in location. We were honored to share a table with two beautiful retired school teachers from New York City. We had an amazing conversation on many shared topics and disappointments in this present day. Thank you Debbie and Karen for your contributions and leadership of past generations of students. Hopefully they developed better grammar skills than I.

We stopped at the Wheelhouse Bar and enjoyed a nice jam session from the house band, playing some great jazz! The trombone was exceptional along with the rest of the ensemble.

Still wandering about the ship and stopped at the Silent Disco held in the Piazza then we moved to some Karaoke Battles at the Explorers Lounge. We listened to My Heart Will Go On with some additional sound effects. The contestants imitated sounds of a sinking Titanic. Not funny on a cruise ship but also very funny. Next stop SkyWalkers Club on the 18th floor of the aft of the ship. What a beautiful place. Heather and I made it here 30 minutes before it opens, 10 p.m. Atlantic Daylight Time.

It’s Beatles Night in the club. Heather was relentless. The begging, the pleading, the whining just to get me to dance and then her telling me all about how dorky I dance. She finally gave in and we barely managed to dance two songs. My back was singing 🎶 a long solo, Baby Don’t Hurt Me! I am glad we danced. It’s been a long time since our last dance and will probably be awhile before we do again. Early to bed for the youngest couple in the club….lol!

Here’s a shout out to one of Heathers favorite young ladies who we hope is enjoying our travel blog and pictures. Hi Miss Avery!!!

Thoughts to ponder: Ever wonder how many miles your thumb does by scrolling compared to how many taps your fingers poke out texts? Just saying…

Monday in the Bay of Fundy. We made it to port in Halifax, NB Canada. We hit something about 3 a.m. and kept going. Heather slept through it but I was wide awake. Not because we killed a whale or hit a speed bump. Just because of old man bladder.

We had breakfast at the buffet and headed to the theater to wait for our excursion. Our bus was late picking us up. Some grumblings from the natives as we walked the plank to disembark from the ship.

We got onto our bus and took a short ride to an awaiting ferry. Short ride around the island and Bam! We were there babies. Only our tour guide wasn’t there! Somehow a period dressed guide in his uniform gave a crowd of 50+ the short tour. He was very informative and explained cliches to us. “Last ditch effort!” was one. In case the enemy attacked the Canadians Ft. Charlotte they had dug a trench around their bunkers. If the enemy attacked and fell into the trenches they would be shot from portholes that faced the ditch. So those soldiers that fell into the trench could either stay in the ditch or give it their last ditch effort to escape or die. Leave it to the Canadians to shoot fish in a barrel. Never tested it out because this fort was never attacked! One reason was nobody knew about Ft. Charlotte on Georges Island. The island has the oldest lighthouse in Canada at its base.

Into the bunker we went. All of us walking down stairs with our impromptu guide. His uniform, the poor young man, looked like one that the flying monkeys wore in the Wizard of Oz.

After the Island tour we stopped at the Maritime Museum in Halifax. We attempted to view the Titanic Exhibit but it was way overcrowded and no one was going anywhere in that tight space. As we were leaving we ran into Ron and Larry. They were leaving as well. Frustrated from the crowding. On our way out we ran into Jacob and Abigail. We exchanged morning excursions events and disappointments and decided to hang out. The day turned for the better while getting to know our new friends. We walked the boardwalk and spotted our lunch (bucket list) menu spots. Again, with the lobster.

The three others had donairs as I went independent. A lobster roll. Half local flavor and half spicy with some locally produced lobster chips. It was delicious! The chips were crispy but didn’t taste like lobster to me. Maybe they feed the chips to the lobsters 🦞….just saying!

We all were up for ice cream. Cows is marketed as Canada’s best! We tried. It was good. Don’t have enough background to compare to the others Canadian ice creams, so for now it’s the best Heather and I have had in Canada. 🍁

Next up was a flight of beers. Some good, others were just different. We wasted none! Then a short walk to the ship. After avoiding any probing through security (Heather didn’t get me singled out) we made it to some midship seating. One more round of drinks then parted ways. Heather and I sat out on the balcony just listening to the ocean until it was dinner time. Look out Crown Grill I’m having the lamb chops! They were amazing and came with a mint sauce yum! My starter was the Lobster Bisque! I thought about the Steak Tartare but can’t bring myself to order it. My new friend Jacob has eaten it and also had some escargot. His bravery is exemplary! Not mine…bawk bawk bawakkk!

At dinner we met another couple who were in their 80’s. Jack and Georgia who are currently doing back to back cruises. He is a retired airplane mechanic who worked for TWA. It was purchased by Southwest Airlines and he continued to work for them until he retired. They get to fly for discounted rates and now they are getting into taking cruises. This is their fourth time this year. They love Sam’s Town in Las Vegas and have been going there for many years. We told them how much we enjoyed all the comps and our favorite is South Point.

We stayed up way too late. The Grand Casino had called to us, and we couldn’t resist. We had a lot of fun! Now, my pillow is calling to me like a hypnotist saying “Sleep, your eyes are getting heavy, sleep.”

Scotty finally sent one picture of Rhyder.

“Ignore all hatred and criticism. Live for what you create, and die protecting it.”- Lady GaGa

Today is our first real sea day. We woke up and had breakfast delivered to our room. Was really nice. The ship was smoothly moving along and I had to screw it all up. I said “Heather it has been so nice in the back of the ship.” “We have barely felt anything.” Then it happened, two minutes later the sea heard me and decided to churn up the waters. It’s been a little funny doing the drunk walk with others as we pass by each other. Dodge and weave. Not so funny when it’s an 80 year old grasping for handrails.

My vertigo has hit me hard now even with my Dramamine and behind the ear patches. Still rocking my own boat. The comedian last night said when it hits you just start drinking. Your wobble will straighten you out.

We had some great pizza for lunch today. We split a small pizza and a salad. Delicious! 😋

After lunch it was the passengers against officers playing Giant Jenga. Was a lot of fun to watch as the ship was shifting around.

I did have a Jack and Diet Coke. Nope doesn’t work with the walking. We visited the excursion center. The ship gave us a coupon for 10% off so we used it for Halifax tomorrow. We are going to George’s Island.

Our pre-dinner tummy stretch is on. We are lounging on our balcony listening to the sounds of ocean.

Misty and Scotty welcomed a new member to their expanding family—an adorable puppy! We’ll share pictures once we get them. HINT! HINT! Need a new Rhyder pic as well.

On a related note, Canada is an excellent adoption destination for Americans No Kill Shelters. They have a $1,500 adoption fee and the pet has to be spayed or neutered. Canada takes in thousands of dogs annually. However, the fee increases significantly if the dog is registered for breeding. Remarkably, over half of Canadian households have a furry companion. Pet ownership in Canada is highly valued, with strict penalties for neglect or abuse. Leash laws violations start at $240, and severe abuse can result in fines as high as $75,000. 🫪

We had dinner at the buffet and it was the same menu that was served at most of the restaurants. Just more selection options or side dishes.

Tonight was our first early night in a long time. We dined and dashed after stopping by the poolside and grabbed some refreshments for the room.

Some good advice: Remember to never buy your shoes from a drug dealer. You don’t know what he laced them with, and you might be tripping all day!

The memories of our family outings continue to be a source of immense strength for me. I vividly recall us all piling into the car, though I can’t recall the make or model. We embarked on long drives, with our destination always uncertain. Along the way, we passed by trees and possibly some road signs. The air was filled with a strong scent as we engaged in our chosen game or song to pass the time. Sometimes, it was the waving sticks or a net thingy. I remember a larger, older man we affectionately referred to as “Dad,” “Bud,” or “Steve.” We would eat something, or maybe not, and then we would likely head home. It seems that some memories remain etched in our hearts forever. Oh, Canada, Mexico, perhaps Albuquerque in the near future. Hot as in potato. Denver always an omelette of choice. I think we saw squirrels and a half-eaten Whoopi Pie! Just saying…

We had to set our clocks up another hour to accommodate our new time zone. We are two hours ahead of central time. We are now in Saint John, New Brunswick. Finally got our pic of our Terminal Friends.

Our tour guide is a 70 year old Mary Ellen who is very friendly and flighty of thought. Very funny stories but has a challenging time staying on topic. See that over there! Ohh I will tell you about that later… ohh where was I… this repeated most of our excursion. Her side kick the bus driver who name is Joey. I couldn’t help but giggle at the Canadian phonetic trait of Mary Ellen while saying Joey’s name. Joohe-eee. I can see how others perceive the Texas accent. He did not say much at first but Mary Ellen got him to speak on a few occasions by saying what do you think Joey? Joey could tell you cause I don’t know to much about that. Quite comical aye.

We had a great time and enjoyed the bus ride. Joey is very skillful in his bus driving skills. Narrow roads, tight lanes, covered bridges, and staying off the microphone.

We walked on the ocean floor as the tide was out and got some great pictures of the sea caves.

Mary Ellen told us as we were rounding the corner in a neighborhood on the way to the caves that there was a huge chance that her daughter’s father-in-law would be in his driveway smoking. She was so excited when he was there she had us all waving at him and calling his name. This is Doug smoking lol!

We got a little rain here..luckily it wasn’t too bad. We ate at The Caves Chowder. They are a family owned business started in 1982. Very friendly people used to feeding cruise ships crowds.

We had dinner at The Sante Fe Restaurant on deck 7. We were seated and tonight’s menu was Italian food. A couple seated next to us are from Florida. We talked all through dinner. John and Jannie both retired are avid travelers. We exchanged stories on work, family, and travel. The are very religious and happy to spend time with their grandchildren. Nice people.

We all met later in the lounge for some great comedy. The comedian was Gary Delena who’s from Brooklyn. Forget about it! Youse talking to me! Aye! I know a guy! He’s been Ray Romanos’s best friend for 35+ years. Was an awesome show. Going to see him again tonight in his adult show.

Tomorrow is chill day. We are at sea heading towards Halifax, Canada.

“Every Canadian has a complicated relationship with the Canada Goose. It is our national symbol, and it will absolutely fight you in a Tim Hortons parking lot.” — Anonymous

So early, we woke up at 6 a.m. and I peeked out of curtains thinking I would see us docked but we were still moving. Heather and I waited with anticipation for a breakfast that would never come. It seems we didn’t put our request outside on our door handle last night. Duh! We went downstairs to get a snack before heading to the theater for our excursion disembarkation.

There we sat for a moment and off we went. Walking, walking, swipe medallions, walking, walking, and a little more walking. Hey, bus ride! Our driver has 35 years experience of driving a bus and it showed. She navigated the streets of Portland, Maine like a champ. Thanks Nancy for your skillful service. She said that in Portland before a couple could get married they were required to spend one night in the Lighthouse. That way they had no excuse not to know light house keeping. Her accomplice was the impeccable Jerry. He told us tons of stories, facts, and fiction about growing up in Portland. First stop was the Lighthouse.

After a quick stop we road through the city of Portland viewing landmarks, historical buildings and houses. Jerry described the changes of the seasons and how the colors brings more people to the area. We were able to see the start of the colors.

We finished our excursion early so Heather and I decided to walk around the port area. Glad we did. Picked up some cool souvenirs. We ran into our new friends Larry and Ron and he introduced us to some of his family. They were excited to see us cause his cousin knew us as Larry’s Terminal friends! Lol

We waited in line for a tasty potato donut 🍩 from the Holy Donut. More walking and we jumped into another line. This time was for my bucket list lunch. Nope 👎 not crab. We ate at The Lobster Company. They had a long line but took our order fast. I had the lobster roll with fries and a cup of clam chowder! Maine is famous for its Whoopi pies and we got one to go. Yum 😋 Heather refused to carry me back to the ship. Believe that…I told her she could just roll my carcass and she still held firm. Finally, I suggested she play Kick the Can and she was all in. Okay I am just kidding. We walked, and walked, and walked. We took a break on a bench until this guy lit his cigarette and decided to smoke us like a thanksgiving turkey. We got up and walked, and walked some more. Hey we made it. “Let the probing begin!” shouted Heather. Washy, washy, and back on the ship we were.

Napping time…then dressed for formal night and pictures around the ship. Had an amazing dinner. We didn’t eat at the Captain’s Table but we were one table over. The Lobster Bisque and the Filet Mignon out of this world. We skipped dessert just too much food. We ran into our Terminal Friends again and this time we all took a picture together. Would post but it hasn’t downloaded yet.

In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.
-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Today was an incredible day. I’m so grateful for all the amazing people here in Boston. Only half of you honked, yelled, or gave me the finger. Despite the challenges, I managed to navigate through the traffic safely and successfully returned Ole Gray the Sante Fe. It was a decent car, but it definitely needs new brakes, and I’m certain the oil change is far overdue. We drove it to the seventh floor of a parking garage and left it there running. Okay it is where the rental car agency is located and how the parking agent said to leave it.

We got an Uber and made it to the cruise terminal. It was awful. The longest lines and standing room only. We were grateful that it was only an hour long slow moving process. Heather was trying to get me probed again when going through security. My wife thinks it’s funny how I am singled out. I told her it is because of how I hung out so long with the criminal element. AKA Globe News folks, just kidding.

As we were being herded and branded Heather and I met an amazing couple. Larry and Ron who live here in Boston. Larry is an Ordained American Baptist Minister who manages a Methodist Retreat Center just outside of Boston. He and Heather have a lot in common and he had many questions for her. Amazing how we were in line together and initiated a conversation with these awesome people. We talked all the way through security and onto the ship. We hope to see them again.

Our room is at the very back of the ship and has a deluxe balcony that faces the aft end of the ship. Very cool view. Nice smooth cabin. Just a constant rumble from the air ventilation system.

Dinner was great at my favorite restaurant The Crown Grill. We met a couple from Kansas. He is an auditor and she works in housing for the State of Kansas. They were celebrating 15 years of marriage today. We talked all through dinner and dang it we forgot their names. They are from Hays Kansas. Update…Jacob and Abigail, nice people!

After dinner the wife and I strolled around the ship taking a few pictures and now it’s time to go unpack. We have an early excursion in the morning. Going to see someone about a lighthouse, a lobster roll, some clam chowder and Whoopi pies. Look out Portland, Maine the two Texans are heading your way.

Scotty is busy today. Here’s some of what he is working on. We managed to get a quick FaceTime while leaving Boston’s port. Proud of you Son and Misty. Missing our Rhyder!

“To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world.” -Dr. Seuss

You don’t know Boston until you come to bean town. It is a bustling city with a noticeably younger and diverse population. Boston has over 50 accredited colleges with student attendance of over 250 thousand. This doesn’t include Harvard or Cambridge Universities because they are not in the Boston proper. We messed up by going to these universities today. It was the first day back to classes and every student was out walking out in between cars. Plenty of crosswalks just few use them. Just like Deer, Duck, Elk, and Bear refuse to use theirs they get it from the humans. Lol 🤪

The city swells when classes are in session and noticeably eases as students go home for breaks our tour guide told us yesterday. It will always be a younger progressive city because of its influx and influence on education. Law, medicine, and the arts are the cornerstone in Bostons history and future. He also said it would be amiss if he didn’t say something about the architecture. Man we have some of the greatest designs and some of the ugliest buildings in the world.

We checked another item off my bucket list. Fenway Park! My mom’s dad, Granddad Hill was a true Boston Red Sox’s fan and would sit with me watching a black and white televised game. High tech back then for 1968.

Heather and I took a behind the scenes tour of Fenway Park including a trip to the top of the Green Monster! So cool, I even got to use the hoity-toity restroom exclusively for the elite season ticket holders.

The park’s capacity is 37,105 for day games and 37,555 for night games. It is the oldest and smallest MLB stadium. We learned lots of facts from our guide Doug who enjoys sharing his vast knowledge of the Boston Red Sox history.

We heard stories about Babe Ruth, the curse of the bambino, beloved owners, and secrets of the ball park. Enjoyed every moment. I felt my Granddad was watching and smiling 😊

After the tour we headed to get us some jerseys and some lunch. We ate nachos at an outdoor restaurant right across from the stadium. We enjoyed our great seats and the commentary from everyone around us. Seattle Mariners fans right in front and Boston fans everywhere else. One Seattle fan sitting in front of Heather had a voice that that could drown out a freight train’s horns! She was loud and proud (maybe a little tipsy) and not shy to be seated in opposition. Definitely, a great crowd. This game was focused on kids with cancer and who had beat cancer. They brought a large group on children, youth and their parents on the field in bright yellow shirts as This is our fight song blared through the speakers. A very special tribute. Heather may have teared up….okay I know she did… then the Sox’s lost again. Heather and I headed out an inning early and were still in traffic forever.

Dinner from Chic-fil-a and back to our hotel. Last night in Boston! We turn in the rental car tomorrow. Will have a total of miles to date along with a total of near misses regarding the running over thousands of college students wearing Beats headphones and staring into the abyss of their cellphones. I messed that incomplete thought up didn’t I?

Heather had an epiphany at the game. She said they ( the players) looked like babies. I said that her age is showing and that baseball is 50% mental! The other half is drinking cheap beer in the bleachers while yelling at a teenager in a striped shirt. Just saying…

Ta da! The rain poured down relentlessly, so we bundled up in our rain gear and loaded up the car. We drove a mile up the road and stopped at the Cracked Egg, a place we’ve heard great things about. However, we were in for a surprise.

Heather ordered a sausage patty, scrambled eggs (the only way they prepared them, which was a bit odd), hash browns, and a piece of toast. The sausage was absolutely disgusting! I could smell it across the table. It looked like a hamburger patty but was made of yak meat, we think.

On the other hand, I opted for a combo burrito. It came in a wheat wrap filled with brisket, shaved ham, cheese, hash browns, and “ketchup” (which was the strangest burrito I’ve ever had). The iced coffee we got there was delicious, though.

If you can drive in Downtown Boston, you can drive anywhere. However, all my driving to get here has not prepared me for the abuse, mental illness, and degenerative symptoms we endured today. Imagine cramming a million people into a fishbowl, then removing all the rules of using a crosswalk or proper driving etiquette. Now put some Beats headphones on half of the people, throw in some rain, and play the theme to the video game Frogger, Good luck! We managed to find a parking garage we had pre-booked, and I think my heart stopped several times this morning. Ohh the crazy driving and near misses. To our Cousins Rich and Corina, these people make drivers in San Francisco look good.

We had a fantastic day. As we were purchasing Heather’s National Park Stickers, we encountered a gentleman working in the gift shop. He revealed that he used to reside in Amarillo and was a cellist in the Amarillo Symphony. He moved to Boston to play in the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He inquired if Western Plaza was still in existence. We provided him with some updates on its current state. He was incredibly friendly and thrilled to learn that we drove from Amarillo to Boston, just like he did. He recalled that the distance was approximately 2,000 miles. We shared our own journey, which involved driving over 4,000 miles. We almost missed our trolley ride due to our conversation. I told him it was an honor to meet a musician of his caliber and told him how we just attended a Kenny G concert in New York. We told him that Kenny G attributed his career to his high school music teacher and the music programs in public schools.

We hurried to our pickup station and met a family. Grandad who owns a Mazda Dealership in Seattle Washington. He had his son and two grandsons (who live in Spokane) with him celebrating his 63 birthday by attending tonight’s Seattle Mariners vs Boston Red Sox game. We told them we were going to Fenway Park tomorrow. I said if you run into any Reeds in Spokane they are probably related to me. He laughed when I told him we were a Nissan family.

We made it to the Walgreens and got all of my medications and left in rush hour traffic. Bumper to bumper nightmare. White knuckles all the way with the exception of the last mile. By then I was in the groove. Just like Richard Petty in his prime. I became a part of the car. lol 🤪 Dinner was at the Cheesecake Factory and our meals were delicious. Of course cheesecake to go. We snacked a little but was still full from dinner. Yum!

We’re going to Harvard and Cambridge in the morning. Then a tour of Fenway Park before the game. I’m excited to scratch more off my bucket list!

I told Heather that I could drive a race car made of spaghetti. You should have seen her face when I drove pasta! I know you love the dad jokes so leave us a like or a comment.

Well, it’s the last day of the month, and payday. We’ve been traveling for quite some time now. Heather and I are quite excited about going downtown Boston today. Parking in this city is quite expensive due to high demand and to encourage people to use public transportation. We have to go downtown to pick up my medication refills from the Walgreens.

The first step is loading the car. Next, we’ll pick up our packing supplies from Walmart and head to the post office to send another box home. Although I’ve reduced the amount of underwear by leaving a pair of tighty whities in each state, we still have some items to send home.

We’ve attached our luggage tags and Heather did our laundry today, so we’re starting fresh tomorrow. When my medication is ready, we’ll have to travel to and from the Walgreens downtown Boston, which is an hour or more round trip from our current location. Therefore, we’re keeping the rental car for now.

Tonight is the Border Cafe a few blocks away and is highly rated. Its claim to fame is Tex/Mex & Cajun. Dinner was different. The food was definitely not Tex/Mex! We think it was more Jamaican. Spices were different and the only Cajun spice was blackened everything. Finally we are next door to a huge mall with a AMC theater. Spider Man’s new movie in 3D! Bring on the popcorn extra butter cause Heather likes it that way. The movie was great 👍 Heather and I agree that we should have watched the 5th Spider Man movie before seeing this one.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day with Tom Holland as Peter Parker and Zendaya as MJ. Definitely a great movie 👍

Today, we didn’t take many pictures because we were stuck in heavy highway traffic. However, we did see some fantastic pictures of Glacier National Park. The scenery was breathtaking, and of smiling faces of people we know and love. Here are a few of the pictures we’ll share with you. Thank you, Mom, for sharing these with us.

We’re constantly on the lookout for bears, especially while driving. Our car’s navigation system occasionally warns us of bears on the left and right, which can be misleading but ultimately helps us reach our destination. (Bear left and bear right)

Heather FaceTimed with Rhyder just before the movie and he was a hoot. He is now off formula and is on milk. He doesn’t like it cold. 🥶

Wow! America the Beautiful! We drove out of Vermont, winding up and down the roads, enjoying some of the most breathtaking views. On Sunday morning, Vermont’s State Troopers were out in force, working like a small army of speed enforcement teams. These Texans have never seen anything like it. Each direction of travel was covered by the mile. You would think that no one would even attempt to exceed the speed limit, but evidently, the word hasn’t gotten out or they simply enjoy the flashing lights of pure blue in their rearview mirrors.

Next, we headed to Brattleboro, Vermont, for breakfast at a pizza shop. Then, we drove to New Hampshire, where we found ourselves in small towns with the same amazing houses and the same flat-brimmed State Troopers hats writing tickets for the blue light lovers. We continued our journey into the state of Massachusetts, driving across the state and stopping briefly at a CVS store to gather information on how to proceed through Connecticut and into Rhode Island. We are currently staying the night at Bally’s in Lincoln, Rhode Island.

We continued our search for bears, as everyone was talking about them. With all our luggage, we finally made it to our room and began rearranging our belongings to determine what we needed to send home. I jokingly referred to it as downsizing the half ton. Our room is clean, spacious, and offers a beautiful view of a pond. We considered going to the pool, but unfortunately, time slipped away from us once again.

Dinner was Asian cuisine, and it tasted just like the meal we had in Chinatown, San Francisco. It was truly delicious!

In summary, Heather says Today was a good day! I think 5 states and we made it safely is a great day! Definitely learning new driving skills and hearing the harsh accents of the indigenous peoples as they speak, gesture, and honk for my slow pace of driving has annoyed many of them. I can say I am not getting a ticket because they are in a hurry. I don’t like blue lights in my rear view.

Have you ever witnessed a semi-truck carrying toilet paper in an accident? You’d remember the skid marks for miles! Just saying…

Last night, we finally got some good sleep. Our room at the Hampton Inn in Niagara Falls was clean and quiet. It was on the first floor, close to the lobby. The only downside was the breakfast. The dining area was crowded, and the food was mediocre. We grabbed coffee and yogurt and headed back to collect our luggage. On the road again.

Our drive today spanned over 6 hours, taking us across New York State and into Vermont. We’re currently staying at a charming ski resort and spa. For dinner, we had pizza and a sub, and then we returned to the lodge. The air is filled with smoke, possibly from the Canadian fires.

Relaxing now. We’re finalizing the details of our Boston Marathon trip. We’ll be leaving Vermont, traveling through New Hampshire to Massachusetts to Connecticut, Rhode Island, and back to Worcester, Massachusetts, for Sunday night. We’ll need to drop off the rental car at a specific location and time. We’ll also need to purchase tickets for the Tuesday game and a stadium tour. We’ll pick up medication from the Walgreens downtown Boston. We’ll explore our public transportation options and routes. The two Texans are planning to visit Harvard and take the Red Brick Trail, also known as The Freedom Trail. Finally, we’ll arrange transportation to our ship with our luggage.

I’m definitely in need of a break from driving. I’ll provide the final total of miles driven when we return the car. It’s definitely overdue for an oil change and having the brakes checked. We’ve been fortunate to have an average gas mileage of about 26 mpg. Not too shabby for the squirrels working overtime under the hood.

Remember if your hotel doesn’t have an elevator, there’s always some steps you can take! Just saying…

We went to bed early again because we had to drive back from the concert. We needed to get gas and battle the fog. The fog in the hills and turns, combined with the native wildlife, made for a nightmare. The deer in this part of New York State are enormous! We managed to make it by the Grace of God. Heather’s quick actions in figuring out how to use the car’s defroster/defogger saved the day. So, we went to bed early around 2 a.m. lol

Heather found us a breakfast stop in Sherman New York. We walked into the restaurant and it was the bakery side. We sat down at a table and Heather said that I was going to love it here. Our waitress came over and was dressed in traditional Amish clothing and took our order. The cook also dressed in Amish clothing was an older woman who repeated back all food orders given to her. Was kind of funny. Not quite Yoders but very good.

We ate a wonderful breakfast then stopped at the bakery for six cookies. Heather purchased a new table runner for our home that is absolutely beautiful. Two of the six cookies didn’t make it to the town’s limits. Don’t judge me! You know you would have done the same!

After indulging in a hearty meal, the two Texans embarked on their journey to Niagara Falls, specifically the American side. We arrived at Parking Lot 1 and paid the parking fee. It seems they’ve found a way to extract every last penny from their visitors. They boast about clearing the old Niagara Falls of shady characters and carnival performers, only to replace them with new methods of exploiting the working class. They showed us a movie about the shysters and corruption built around the old Niagara Falls.

We got a nice soaking at The Cave of the Winds. We believe the Canadian side is more organized and has a few more experiences but the American side is building more stuff and gets you closer to the water.

Both sides are tourists traps. The beauty in the falls is masked by to many tourists. Been there done that. We will only join the crowds there again with the Grand kids.

Heather and I walked over to the Seneca Hotel and Casino and signed up for some freebies. We had a fantastic free buffet with prime rib. I had unlimited shrimp! The sweet potato pie was absolutely delicious. There are some incredible statues at the entrance. Tonight, we’re going to bed early, around evening time. Heather has to catch up on the receipts and I will figure out our driving strategy for the next few days. Tomorrow is definitely a long drive day just over 6 hours from here to Albany New York.

I’ll leave you to contemplate this statement: Yesterday, I mentioned to my wife that she was drawing her eyebrows too high. She looked surprised! 😳

Ever stay up all night and forget why? Then it dawned on me…just saying. Ohh the eclipse, it’s a several nights event.

We certainly had a busy day ahead. We started early and loaded the car. Our first stop was an emotional and somber experience at the Flight 93 National Memorial. On September 11, 2026, it will be the 25th anniversary of this tragic event. Forty people lost their lives on that flight. Hearing the courageous stories and recordings from President Bush and the news coverage brought chills down our spines. Heather and I will never forget the exact moment and location we were on that day, as many lives were lost.

After an hour driving in silence with deep thoughts and emotions, we regained our strength and started to focus on the positive. We were only two hours away from our second destination. This place has been a dream of mine since childhood. First, we stopped at a small spot in the town of Indiana, Pennsylvania. The food was delicious, and the people were friendly. Homemade food! Not quite Amish though.

Okay, let’s talk about my bucket list, which included visiting the home of Punxsutawney Phil. We drove to Gobblers Knob, but unfortunately, Phil wasn’t there. Instead, we found him and his wife, Phyllis, downtown at the Zoo. However, his kids, Sunny and Shadow, were here, and that made for an amazing experience. Gobblers Knob, the Groundhog display, and the cool gift shop with clean restrooms all contributed to a memorable visit.

All throughout the town of Punxsutawney they have statues of Phil dressed as on location. Really cool stuff.

We drove for another two and a half hours and finally arrived at our resort, Peek n’ Peak, in New York State. After unloading the car, we drove 30 minutes down the road to the Chautauqua Institute.

Of course Heather is going to run into a friend! Cara G. from Fort Worth.

We met the hosts of the Disciples of Christ House. Diane B. gave Heather a quick tour. Then, we met Greg and Brenda in the second Disciples of Christ house. Greg and his wife are the current hosts and are members of the UCC. I told him about one of my favorite churches is UCC in Friona, Texas. He was very friendly and took Heather’s and my picture with the second house in the background.

Next, we attended the Kenny G concert held in the Amphitheater here in Chautauqua one house down from the DOC houses. The live music was incredible, and the venue was fantastic. We had excellent seats with ample space, sitting six rows away from the stage. Heather, who had missed winning a saxophone by just three numbers, was disappointed. However, a couple in front of her managed to purchase the winning ticket. Kenny G graciously autographed it and serenaded the winners. He was also quite entertaining during his commentary on the history of jazz, using his saxophone as a prop.

As we trudged ten miles back to our car on well lit walkways, we engaged in a conversation about food and fuel. We managed to find fuel, but unfortunately, all the restaurants were closed. On our way back to Peek n’ Peak Resort we stumbled upon a Tom Hortons, a Canadian restaurant (it too was closed)! I couldn’t help it by saying: If a King chooses to change the name of poutine because he can, he is doing it to piss people off! (Canadian food dish of fries and cheese curds with gravy)

What a wonderful and busy day we’ve had! We’re enjoying our time together and meeting new people. We believe my medications have been ordered for pickup in Boston next week. However, it was a bit of a challenge getting my insurance to cooperate.

Ending our day with a pondering question. Have you ever had one of those days when you carried a stick and everyone looked like a piñata? Don’t do it!!!

Early to rise, I found myself sipping a cup of Joe, the fog enveloping the camp in a mystical embrace. This place is truly special. Heather, having slept in a bit, joined me with her own cup of Joe.

Time to get busy! Heather meticulously organized our receipts, and I meticulously plotted our route using my trusty road atlas. Ha ha! Before we knew it, our morning had slipped away, and a fantastic group of Camp Committee Volunteers arrived with snacks and drinks for our tour and special lunch. They were thrilled to see us and had numerous questions about camps and how we operated in Texas. Notably, most DOC camps are still owned and operated by their respective regions. Texas DOC camps, however, are self-sufficient and operate under their own 501C3’s.

We embarked on a history tour of the camp, where they reminisced about recent events and expressed their deep love for this place. It was truly inspiring to hear the incredible stories shared by some true disciples and one United Methodist who has great ties to this camp.

The camp spans over 100 acres, with a portion leased to a farmer who currently has a corn crop. The camper capacity is approximately 80, excluding the farmhouse that houses the staff during camp operations.

The three crosses placed here in 2015 were part of an Eagle Scout project and serves as a remarkable spiritual site. Calgary has been the venue for weddings and a gathering place for all campers.

I inquired about this old picture that hangs quite prominently in the dining hall. Lisa shared that this house was once an orphanage situated on the former Camp Indian Springs property. In 1961, the county government acquired the property. Subsequently, in 1963, the search team discovered this farm property, which is now known as Camp Laurelview. The picture captures a moment in time when so many children were housed here. One of the orphans managed to escape from the grounds and cross the country line. Lisa’s father, who was involved with the old camp, was contacted. As a Disciples of Christ minister, he took the child in at Camp Laurelview until they could find him a suitable new home. The picture is a reminder of children in need.

The Committee gifted us both t-shirts and a delightful Amish-made lunch! Lisa presented Heather with a book on Camp Ministry, while I received a Disciples Song Book. These are truly remarkable gifts that we will cherish and share with others.

We concluded our gathering with a better understanding of our different operational means, but we share more in common as the importance of camp. For instance, developing our youth into church leaders is crucial.

An adult member of Heather’s Regional Yoitj Counsel is Jordan. His parents met here at Camp Laurelview.

We made it to town and back after having dinner. The food was yuk. I think Heather and I are tired of road food and we have a long way to go. We pray for some better meals, more Amish prepared, and more crab. lol 🤪

Sam visited the nurse for a scratch on his finger. The nurse cleaned and dressed his finger and then asked, “When was your last bowel movement?” The next day, Beth went to the nurse for a scraped knee. After she was treated, the nurse asked the same question, “When was your last bowel movement?” The kids after their treatments returned to their cabins and shared the nurse’s question with the other kids. They realized that the nurse would ask this question to anyone she treated. This realization led the nurse a way out of treating any more campers. “When was your last bowl movement?” 😜🫪

Breakfast and check-out at our hotel in Georgetown, Delaware, were quick. It felt like I had been driving for hours, navigating through numerous turns and encountering State Troopers at every corner. I glanced at the clock, and it seemed to be moving backward. Along the way, I marveled at the scenic views and historic towns. However, avoiding tolls is definitely not for the faint of heart. One wrong turn, and you might end up with; Give me your wallet!

We made a stop at a rest area to walk around and take a break from the car. I snacked on some Jalapeño cheese popcorn we picked up at our Buc-ees stop a few states back. Then back on the road. A hundred years later and many more hills, mountains, turns we made it to Camp Laurelview. Wow a beautiful place and a restored farmhouse.

We met Bonnie. Her and her husband take care of the property. She unlocked all the buildings for us so we could take pictures and look around.

Next was the Camp Directors and Staff building.

Then the Girls Cabin holds 26

Boys cabin.

Pavilion, gazebo, and basketball court.

We drove 12 miles to town for dinner at a Ruby Tuesdays restaurant. The food was okay. Afterward, we went to WalMart to buy drinks and snacks. Heather had a face-time with Rhyder, who now frequently pounds his dad’s phone into the floor and hangs up on her. He had his first haircut and has no more curls.

When we arrived at the Camp, we were greeted by a large group of geese gathered near the pond. As we headed to dinner, the number of geese increased significantly. However, when we returned, they had mysteriously disappeared. We eagerly anticipate the possibility of encountering them again. Additionally, we were fortunate enough to witness a beaver 🦫 gracefully crossing the road near the shop. Unfortunately, I was too slow to capture the moment with my camera. Heather managed to spot the impressive creature and didn’t get a picture either. It was pretty cool! 😎

Ending our day wishing everyone a safe night. Lots of storms in Amarillo tonight. Be careful peeps.

Heather and I are truly fortunate to be Disciples of Christ and on this journey of discovery.

Crossing the lower Chesapeake Bay on US Route 13 takes you across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel in Virginia. This 17.6-mile marvel of engineering costs $16.00 one-way for passenger vehicles, features a mix of low-level trestles and two underwater tunnels, and takes about 20 to 25 minutes to drive.

This morning, we embarked on a journey from Virginia Beach, arriving in the charming town of Bethany Beach. The town’s rich history is deeply intertwined with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Bethany Beach was established by Disciples members from the Washington DC area and Pennsylvania. The town’s first building, a tabernacle, was dedicated in 1901. Camp Bethany Beach, situated on 15 donated acres, was intended to serve as a “haven of rest for quiet individuals.” Over time, the town gradually grew around the tabernacle, eventually adopting the name Bethany Beach in honor of the camp.

The Town of Bethany Beach is inviting residents and visitors to commemorate its 125th anniversary with two special events. The first celebration will be Founders Day Weekend, held over Labor Day Weekend, September 4–7. This event will mark Bethany Beach’s 125th birthday and also recognize America’s 250th anniversary, creating a unique joint 125/250 celebration honoring both milestones. Heather and I are a bit early for this momentous occasion. We will be celebrating Labor Day on the Sapphire Princess, a cruise ship departing from Boston, Massachusetts, and heading to Quebec, Canada. It would have been an honor to have been here to commemorate this milestone.

We had a guided tour of the camp with the new camp manager. We provided our names, but she never shared hers. She proudly declared herself a Greek Orthodox, not a Disciple. She repeatedly emphasized our neediness. She was underpaid and overworked, having only a few days off since starting her job. We had scheduled this visit with the camp for months. However, yesterday we received a text informing us of an emergency and that she couldn’t provide a tour. We arrived to inquire if we could simply explore the camp. She offered a 15-minute tour, but we were grateful for her time, even though we felt like a burden and a means to vent. The camp is a beautiful and well-maintained place. She informed us that her camping season lasts for six weeks and that she has seven interns working for her, but needed more help.

The tabernacle and dining hall can comfortably accommodate 80 guests, while the entire camp can accommodate 125 people. The camp boasts Campbell Hall, a superior-designed building with two floors that can be used for various purposes. Additionally, the camp generates income from paid parking due to its convenient location just two blocks from the waterfront, with an agreement in place with the city. They also have a children’s park, a chapel, and a few older buildings that are in excellent condition.

Heather and I walk down to the boardwalk sat down for a minute and walked back to our car. We decided to have lunch at my choosing. I spied a restaurant on the other side of the Church and away we drove to Claws Seafood in Bethany Beach. Yes we paid for parking to eat lunch.

The crab legs were great, the battered fish had no flavor and I didn’t have a fry cause they were grease soaked. Heather had a chicken breast and it was rubbery. Definitely would not recommend if you are ever in Bethany Beach.

We are now checked in at our hotel in Georgetown Delaware. We have a long drive day tomorrow going to Camp Laurelview, Pennsylvania.

Tip of the day: Don’t use “Beef Stew” as a password. Apparently it’s not stroganoff!

Believe that the call of the sea or ocean has to be heard by the thousands! As I opened my eyes, I could see the sun beginning to rise, and I thought, wouldn’t it be wonderful to witness this beach with the sun rising above the ocean, devoid of people? No way! Even as the sun made its appearance, the beach was already teeming with people. Umbrellas and pop-up shades stretched as far as the eye could see. Bicycles, tricycles, Vespas, covered pedicab cars, balance scooters, scooters, and skid loaders. Wow, the dedication to the sea!

Heather glanced out the balcony window and noticed the activity outside. Skid loaders were diligently setting up access points for the upcoming crowds on the beach. This week marks the 64th East Coast Surfing Championship, which explains the early arrivals. We’ve been captivated by the surfing spectacle today. While some surfers displayed remarkable skills, others seemed to be at the mercy of the waves. It’s been an exhilarating experience to witness this from our balcony.

Brunch was just a few blocks away at The Sunshine Cafe. We both thoroughly enjoyed the food and the excellent coffee. My omelette was cooked to perfection, and Heather savored the French toast. However, we’ve noticed that greeting people as we pass can sometimes elicit a disapproving look. Despite my unwavering belief in humanity, my collection of the dreaded stink eye is steadily growing.

Our plan on visiting Norfolk has changed. For reasons unknown, but suspicious that there are no tours available and scheduled until Tuesday. We made a decision to enjoy a laid back day and organize our travel plans for a clearer picture from here to Boston. We are trying to avoid tolls. We’re booking hotels and breaking up the drive miles. As I am writing this I got a notice from My Life 360 that I have Beep! Beep! Driven 936 miles this week.

I added a bucket list stop along our way. We are traveling to Punxsutawni, Pennsylvania where I am going to check out my shadow and see if there’s more crab legs in my future!

I mentioned to Cousin Corina when we were in San Francisco that I was crabbed out. However, I had crab legs at the Slobster in Amarillo (sorry again, Misty) and then the all-you-can-eat crab legs at The Seven Ponies. I think I’m back peeps! Please bring on the crab legs! I think there’s some just around the corner.

Well we walked a half mile or 12. They feel the same after a while as we made it to Big Sam’s Inlet Cafe and Raw Bar. We walked by a trash can and it turned our stomachs as it reeked of fish. There was a long wait time in a sardine packed space. We left and headed to our designated back up. Another half mile or 12 walked the Two Texans. We arrived at the Waterman’s Seaside Grille. We still had a 30 minute wait. The food was just okay. I couldn’t bring myself to order seafood because the smell from the trash can was stuck up my nose. Heather said she thought I was having the crab. I think the crab would have had me.

After dinner, we decided to touch the sand. This gesture thus documented our trip as bonafide and confirmed that we had officially visited Virginia Beach.

We watched several surfers catching the waves. It was enjoyable to see multiple surfers riding the same waves. Our hotel neighbors, a father and son, loaded an elevator with several surfboards. The son held the elevator door with one hand and called for his dad to hurry. The dad made it just in time. Unfortunately, there was no room for Heather and me, so we waited for the next elevator. Just as we were leaving the hotel, we met the son again. He grinned on his way past us “My dad forgot the one thing he went back to grab!” “Go figure!”

I hope you all had an amazing weekend. We’re off for a long drive tomorrow. We’ll be going up the coast to Bethany Beach, Delaware, and then on to Georgetown, Delaware. We are taking a long toll bridge and will have to shell out a few clams. (Note the seafood reference!)

Leaving you tonight with this supporting statement: I don’t think I need a spine. It’s just holding me back!

We had planned to visit Camp Caroline, another camp in North Carolina. However, due to the distance, financial constraints, and delayed responses to our emails, we’ve decided to change our plans and travel to Virginia Beach instead. Virginia Beach is on our route to the Norfolk area before we head to Camp Bethany Beach in Delaware.

Adios, North Carolina with your vibrant scenic views. Your friendly people are a pleasant surprise, but your drivers are truly inconsistent with the rest of the world. Most of the world’s drivers are either mean or crappy, but not both. Just saying…

Our first destination was The North Carolina Zoo, the world’s largest natural habitat zoo. Spanning 2,800 wooded acres, it houses over 1,700 animals. The zoo is divided into Africa and North America continents, separated by internal trams. These trams wind through approximately five miles of scenic walking paths. Currently, the zoo is expanding to include additional continents. The spacious enclosed spaces provide a great environment for the diverse animal species.

The zoo also has a botanical garden and the best butterfly experience we have been able to share. The zoo has 5 gorillas, and a great number of other primates.

We definitely managed to get our steps in again. Our bodies are achingly weak from all the up and down steps and inclines. We spent as much time as possible before hitting the road again, as it was another 5-hour drive to Virginia Beach. We made one stop for gas then lunch at McDonalds next door. Back to the road drove the two Texans. Heather still missing her bestie!

We arrived in Virginia Beach, where parking was scarce, likely due to the weekend and the beautiful weather on the beachfront. Our room was pleasant, and Heather and I are accustomed to comfortable accommodations during our travels. While this hotel is on the lower end of our preferences, it offers great value for money. The location is excellent, but the room appears dated and worn.

Dinner was at Chix, a local restaurant just down the boardwalk. The food was delicious, and the restaurant was packed. A live band was playing outside on the boardwalk, attracting crowds who gathered to enjoy the music. This was the place to be on a Saturday night in Virginia Beach!

Heather and I had an incredible day together. We’ve embarked on a journey from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, witnessing a diverse array of remarkable wildlife and meeting with family, friends, and new acquaintances along the way. We’ve learned so much about different cultures, listened to personal stories, and witnessed the beautiful landscapes of this continent. Our adventure is far from over, and we express our gratitude for the blessings that have been bestowed upon us. We offer our deepest thanks to God for all that has been given to us and for guiding us towards a more spiritual purpose in life.

Ponder this thought: Why do superheroes wear their underwear on the outside?

As we found our spot to meet for the comedy bus tour, I struck up a conversation with the security guard working at this bustling collection of restaurants. His name is Jessie, and he works this job only once a week. He mentioned that it’s just a way to supplement his income. He also shared some insights into his family life, mentioning that his son believes his dad goes on vacation way too much.

Jessie, a minister who’s on the advisory board for his denomination and travels locally to three different locations as a shared ministry. He has traveled to the Pentecostal Church of the Holy Spirit in Amarillo and has been there numerous times. When we discussed Heather’s travels, he was aware of the demands of ministry and the stresses it places on one’s family. He mentioned that he tries to take his family along whenever possible, and they find activities to keep themselves occupied while he works. I shared that I also find things to do, so that my wife can keep me in pretty things! He laughed.

I talked about Heather and my visit to the Golden Corral last night. He mentioned that the city has three locations, and he agreed that the one we visited was the best. He suggested several other places we should try, but I’ve forgotten all of them. I did tell him to avoid the Golden Corral when he comes to Amarillo. He wished us well and for safe travels, and he suggested that we stop by and meet his fellow ministers when we too visit Amarillo. lol

Clergy Joke: A church needed to repair its roof. The minister announced, “I have good news and bad news. The good news is we have enough money to fix it. The bad news is it is still currently in your pockets.”

The night was filled with thunder and lightning. Granny was at it throwing more strikes as the rumbling continued for quite some time. I peered out between the curtains of our hotel window to see if our rental car was still there. The rain was coming down in sheets and local flash flooding could be expected. This area although plush and green is in a drought. Today heavy thunderstorms are coming this afternoon.

Good morning, Vietnam! Just kidding, good morning to everyone. Heather had oatmeal, and I had scrambled eggs, sausage patty, biscuit, and gravy. A very polite gentleman approached our table and asked if we were enjoying our breakfast and our stay. Naturally, we regaled him with tales of our constant enjoyment of our stays at Drury Hotels. We had a pleasant conversation with the brand new General Manager, John Shrader, who was on his first day at the property. Steven had moved from St. Louis, Missouri, and had previously managed the Drury Hotel next to the Big Arch. (No, not the McDonald’s Arches, but The Gateway to the West.) John’s career began as a young man working on riverboat cruises along the Mississippi River. His paddleboat cruise line promoted him to a larger boat, and he eventually moved to work in Florida cruising all over the East Coast up to Quebec, Canada. Throughout his career, he gained valuable experience working for various hotel chains, which helped him become an assistant general manager. When he applied for the position at the Drury Chain, his years of experience weren’t enough to secure the job of general manager, he had to start as an assistant manager. Drury executives explained that while he might have been a good manager elsewhere, he lacked the specific experience required to run a hotel in the Drury style.

Heather is an excellent navigator and got us uptown and parked in record time. We had 20 minutes to spare before we got on the comedy bus tour of Charlotte, North Carolina. Our driver was so professional yet incredibly knowledgeable and funny. We learned so much history about this beautiful city and how carefully it has been built around its founders and its future.

The city was named after Queen Charlotte solely to secure financial assistance from the British government for its construction. Despite never visiting America, it took seven years to complete the city’s development. Remarkably, when the city was finished, the residents of Charlotte were the first to send a letter to the British authorities expressing their intention to secede from their rule.

On this tour, we visited numerous surviving homes and mansions in Charlotte. The city is divided into four wards, each with its own distinct significance. The stunning architecture and grounds were truly remarkable. Notably, the cemetery depicted was visited by George Washington during the war to pay tribute to his fallen soldiers.

We also visited the NASCAR Hall of Fame here. We bought all-inclusive tickets and were delighted with their value. We had lunch, entry, unlimited simulator rides, and discounts at the gift shop. We bought a couple of NASCAR jerseys, but it was best to leave Heather behind so she could work at the gift shop and pay for all our merchandise. It was a blessing that Ryan Newman hasn’t been inducted into the Hall of Fame because she would be working there for a long, long time.

As usual, Heather and I raced head-to-head, and I lost again. She’s definitely the better driver. Heather, you’re my hero! I admit defeat, but we did race again. I immediately took the lead by intentionally wiping out two other cars behind the pace car, blocking my wife. I maintained my lead and won! However, after the race, the scoreboard didn’t work, so there’s no official record of this. So, it never happened… but we know, don’t we, babies?

As we made our way back to our car, the heavens opened up, showering us with downpour. Soaking wet as we finally made it to our car. We drove back to our hotel, navigating through a lightning storm while struggling to defrost our car windows. Unfortunately, we decided against venturing out tonight. Although I was tempted to try the Golden Cow after we ate at the purple cow, we’ve chosen to stay in. Good night, everyone!

“Your beliefs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your values, your values become your destiny.”

— Mahatma Gandhi

Waking up without a cup of joe should be a crime against humanity. Then again a hot shower and a cool morning breeze made things better. This is a great place to be. We did our own self guided tour and learned a lot about how Camp Christmount came into existence.

The Denominational Conference Center for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Christmount sits on 600+ acres with over 90 private homes in their community. The camp manages the water, sewer, and electricity systems which provides steady income for the camp.

Mission Statement: “A place for everyone to discover community, acceptance, and purpose.” The camp manager, Reverend Rob Morris, is a West Texas native. He accepted the invitation to lead Christmount here in North Carolina about a decade ago. His innovative approach has inspired the development of the camp and its facilities. The camp has invested in the community by opening a new daycare center. There are several ongoing projects, including new cabins that are pre-built and ready for installation. Additionally, a sign indicates that a new lodge is also planned.

Rob informed us that the camp has become a new entertainment destination for a touring bus company. They’ve opened the doors of a venue that can accommodate up to three buses simultaneously. They serve a BBQ meal and bring in local entertainment. The buses arrive and depart on a scheduled night, spending approximately two hours in total before leaving. Rob mentioned that they perform a quick cleanup and benefit from the sales generated during these visits. It seems like a straightforward arrangement again sharing with the community.

Heather and I decided to return to the Black Mountains whenever we can, so we can spend more time there and share this spiritual place with our friends and family. We also want to witness Rev. Rob’s future developments and know that he will continue to inspire others through his faith and leadership.

On our exploration of the camp this morning we decided not to live on any mountainous terrain. The winding narrow roads were a bit too much. Especially when you don’t expect to come across a scene like this:

We ate a late lunch at a Mexican restaurant called Ole Guacamole. The food was delicious and too much on our plates. Heather rolled me out to the car where we proceeded to the town’s only laundromat.

We drove two hours today with our clean underwear in tow. Ended up at a Drury Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina after more long winding roads. This time we encountered endless bumper to bumper traffic. Yikes! That’s going to rattle anyone’s nerves. The hotel is comfortable and convenient, and we will enjoy a good breakfast in the morning. For dinner, we decided to go to Golden Corral. We both thoroughly enjoyed the selection and the cleanliness of this restaurant. It was one of the best buffet meals we have ever had. No pictures taken at the Golden Corral but I did pig out. Transitioning into our running into finding this diner in Kentucky. So sad it was closed…. Opportunity missed, could have pigged out here too!

Thank you, Drury Inn of Bowling Green, for providing us with a wonderful stay. The breakfast and appetizers were delicious. After enjoying our early breakfast, we loaded up the car and headed to our first destination, which happened to be a Buc-ee’s!

We fueled up the buggy and drove to Beverly. Not really! We drove to Camp Wa Kon Da Ho, located here in Kentucky. Although we didn’t actually reach Beverly, we did arrive at the camp on time! We met with the Reverends Mike McColl and Rob Schrader, who served as our guides for this camp. The camp spans over 100 acres of authentic Kentucky woodlands, exuding the rustic charm and ambiance of a classic campground.

Camp Wa Kon Da Ho has undergone several upgrades, including the installation of new heating and air conditioning systems in every cabin. Recently, they have constructed a spacious and functional new bathhouse. A definite upgrade to the benefit of all the campers.

Heather and I thoroughly enjoyed learning about this spiritual place and its rich history. Mike and Rob’s enthusiasm for preserving and improving this Desciples of Christ campground is evident. They’ve witnessed numerous changes over the years and are actively advocating for further enhancements to create a more fulfilling experience for those seeking spiritual growth and support.

The Camp Manager Linda has taken care of this place for many years. She started as a cook in the kitchen and has taken on this challenging role. After saying our goodbyes and thanking them for their time, Heather and I embarked on our journey to our next destination, which was two hours away. We had lunch at the Huddle House, followed by another hour-long drive to our second Buc-ee’s stop to refuel. We also took a moment to inspect the restrooms before continuing our drive through miles of mountainous road construction. The construction was quite unpleasant, but there were some positive aspects, such as the breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains.

The mountains are a beautiful and ever-changing sight, with clouds and sunshine creating a mesmerizing display of colors. Amazing!

We arrived at Camp Christmount about 6:30 p.m. It was a long drive day on some beautiful but challenging roads. Heather and I unloaded part of our car and quickly headed to dinner. Cousin Mike suggested an Italian restaurant named My Father’s Pizza. We found it downtown and busy. It was great! Heather’s circle of friends/ministers/family all have opinions on pineapple on pizza. We ordered the Hawaiian pizza and we were very impressed. Pineapple goes (hands down) on pizza!!! Sorry Scotty, your Momma has spoken!

We returned to our room in Christmount, found a couple of rocking chairs, and spent the night rocking away, albeit for only five minutes. The cool, crisp night air, accompanied by the hum of cicadas and katydids, created a welcoming ambiance that sets the laid back tone for this stay in North Carolina. Unfortunately, we lost an hour and are now on Eastern Standard Time. Good night everyone.

Today began with a delightful cup of coffee, two creamers, and two sweet and lows. This indulgent indulgence was merely a prelude to the scrumptious breakfast of scrambled eggs and sausage gravy served on a warm biscuit. As we savored our meal in quiet contemplation, a woman and her husband made their way out of the dining room and paused. Their conversation was filled with admiration and shared interests. “I absolutely love your shirt!” said the woman. “And I’m a huge fan of wolves!” I was wearing my new Alaskan T-shirt. They engaged in pleasant conversation, and it turned out that they are from the Ontario, Canada region. Their visit to Bowling Green was to pick up their corvette, which had been on display at the National Corvette Museum this past month.

Ray and Donna are incredibly kind people who shared the story of their Corvette. Ray’s uncle had purchased the car to be built. He rarely drove it before his health declined. To prevent theft, he hid the car in the back of his property and covered the car with a tarp. He then strategically placed various items, including branches to conceal it. After several years, Ray’s uncle passed away, and the car became his inheritance, but they had to clear it from its hiding place.

This past month, the Corvette Museum featured this beautiful 2016 Stingray Z51 Convertible. It boasts a unique blue soft top that was factory-installed. The Corvette factory that built this car is conveniently located across the street from the museum. Donna surprised Ray by visiting the Ministry in Canada (similar to our DMV) to obtain the special license plates. She had to try several different ways and finally got the approval. These plates are truly fitting for the car.

An hour later, Heather and I were chasing snakes on another winding road heading towards Mammoth Caves National Park. We arrived with seconds to spare of our tickets entering time. Our Park Ranger Sue gave us our initial instructions of the do’s and don’ts of Mammoth Caves rules. Down into the depths of the abyss we went. Awe the cool air. We were both glad to be wearing pants. It started out getting cooler then after a while, the sweat started.

Heather and I met another Park Ranger, Steve. He answered our questions and even shared some fascinating information about caves and the history of the tools used to illuminate the cave system. We were grateful for his knowledge and assistance. As he was about to change his duty station, Ranger Chrissy took over and answered a question Heather had about the vertical lines in some of the formations.

We knew we had a steep climb ahead, and our calves were already aching. Heather’s allergies were acting up, making the ascent even more challenging. We took frequent breaks at every other bench, and eventually, we reached the summit by taking breaks at every bench. At one point, I jokingly asked Heather to promise me she wouldn’t let the buzzards feast on my carcass. She couldn’t resist the humor and made no promises.

After lunch, we drove around and ended up in the countryside. The drive to the Green River was beautiful, and we returned to our hotel to change into shorts. We then visited the National Corvette Museum, which was well worth the trip. I couldn’t help but think of how proud Ray and Donna were about their car on display. As we walked in, another couple was dropping off their car inside, and the sweet rumble of the engine as they drove it to its display spot filled the air.

Heather wants one now as I continue to contemplate my carcass again being picked clean by the financial buzzards!

In conclusion, we had another great day and a day without sunshine is like, you know, night!

Early to bed and early to rise makes Heather and I tired with drooping eyes! The besties met for breakfast, and I tagged along. These two chatted until it was time to reluctantly part. There were a few tears as expected.

After a short 1.5-hour drive, we arrived at Camp #2, nestled on 40 acres in the beautiful state of Kentucky. Camp Kum-Ba-Ya!

As we pulled up from the gate, we were warmly greeted by the camp manager, Becca T. Her friendly and welcoming demeanor immediately put us at ease. She shared fascinating insights into the camp’s history and the ongoing improvements that are being made. Becca and her husband, along with their family, are devoted Disciples who embody the love and vision of our faith. They are committed to transforming this camp into a fun, educational, and spiritually enriching experience for all who visit. Becca also mentioned a unique retreat she organizes twice a month for veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

This camp features a charming rustic collection of A-frame cabins, some of which are primitive. There are also several newer bunkhouses equipped with air conditioning. The camp is divided into separate male and female sides, and there are nice bath buildings with large showers.

Heather and I had a guided tour via a ride in the camps side by side, which allowed us to explore without the extra effort. The weather was warm with cloud cover, making the heat bearable. Becca drove us to their Vespers, which was truly a special place. It had a cross with a chalice, and they had plans identical to LBCR, including canoe and kayak storage. The dock was long with boat anchoring. We were informed that on July 3rd each year, is during their senior camp, they cookout with hotdogs and a canoe full of iced drinks. Boats from all over the lake would anchor for a spectacular fireworks show provided by the resort from across the bay while campers line the beach to watch.

After our tour, we bid our goodbyes and expressed our sincere gratitude for her time and hospitality. The two Texans (one of whom was missing a Texessian) continued their journey to Bowling Green, stopping at a McDonald’s for lunch. We have a comfortable and spacious room at the Drury Inn, where we will be staying for two nights. Exhausted but excited, we eagerly anticipate the wonderful experiences that await us tomorrow.

We express our gratitude for the safe travels and the friends we cherish. We appreciate your prayers and support. We eagerly anticipate the friendships we will forge on this journey.

Started our day in the Tennessee heat. No, not the BBQ sauce, or the Christ-centered athletic organization based in Mount Juliet and Wilson County, Tennessee. Just hot! Humid, sticky sweat, dripping from your eye-balls and change your underwear type hot.

We left our room at noon and headed to a Taco Bell. Unlike the typical fast food joints in Amarillo, this place was clean and served the items we ordered. The food even resembled the pictures on the menu, and it tasted even better. Perhaps it was the result of the intense heat in Tennessee, causing dehydration and making everything taste better!

Next, we met up with our favorite Tennessee family, Jinger, David, and Gabriel, who were finishing lunch at the nearby Panera. Jinger closed her eyes and climbed into the back seat of our rental car, embarking on an hour-long drive to Heather’s goal of visiting our first Disciples camp of our journey, Bethany Hills Camp.

This place serves as a sanctuary for reflection and solace. Camp manager Michelle T. shared a poignant story about Camp Christmas, a time when families were displaced after their homes and belongings were lost during a tornado outbreak. Bethany Hills emerged as a haven where these families were brought together, and Christmas trees and presents were generously donated to aid their recovery. This inspiring testimony comes from a state whose mottos are “Tennessee the Volunteer State,” and “America at its Best.”

It’s a beautiful place with a capacity of about 150 persons. The views are spectacular. This like many campgrounds were not built with air conditioning. Some buildings have window units. On this Tennessee heated day, Heather, Jinger, and I took frequent breaks inside our car to get a break from the heat.

We departed from this spiritual place and took a more scenic route back to Clarksville. More winding roads, up and down, left to right, drove the two Texans and one Texessian. (Texas-Tennessee) We were in pursuit of cold water, tea, in need of hydration. With a quick stop and a lot more winding roads we made it back to our hotel. David and Gabriel were waiting and we gathered for more stories from the two besties. Time flew by and we said our goodbyes to David and Gabriel. We scheduled a breakfast time to meet Jinger for a departure breakfast meal. I’m sure there will be a few tears in the morning.

Heather and I had a delightful dinner at the Steak and Shake. As we were about to order, a young man walking by mistook my shirt for a Florida Gators jersey. However, he quickly realized it was a shirt from a church camp. We couldn’t help but laugh. I quickly exclaimed, “TCU! Go frogs!” He chuckled and remarked that if it were any other Texas team, he would have to ask us to leave. I responded with a smile, “I can respect that!” He laughed again, and we both enjoyed the moment.

With this we have an early start to our morning and wish you all a great day and good night.

Just remember an expensive laxative will give you a run for your money! Just saying…

What a wonderful day it was! Heather and I decided to sleep in this time, and we truly enjoyed catching up on some much-needed rest. Heather is struggling with her allergies, and the near 100-degree temperatures and extremely sticky humidity are making it difficult for her.

Our first stop was to fill up the car with petrol. Next, we met up with Jinger and her family. After a short drive to Nashville, we arrived at Missions BBQ. The food was delicious, and the company was great. Heather and I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with our friends and exploring the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. David and Gabriel guided us along and shared experiences and stories about this beautiful place. From the Christmas Season to differences of night and day, their memories enriched our day. Thank you for sharing. Okay on with the facilities. It’s a massive building with multiple levels and shops. The atrium was particularly impressive, featuring giant elephant ears, peace lilies, and the largest hosta plants I’ve ever seen. There were also waterfalls, fountains, and beautiful flower gardens. I know Heather’s dad would love this place. No, Dad, we didn’t spot any Mexican top hats. There were simply so many plants and flowers, it is truly an incredible place.

Next, we parted ways with Jinger, David, and Gabriel and drove across the street to our paid parking for our first visit to The Grand Ole Opry House.

We had fantastic seats! The concert was incredible. Every performance was amplified by the nostalgia and ambiance of being in this venue. We were thoroughly impressed by several performances. None of them will be forgotten. We saw both new and emerging artists like DEK of Hearts (known for their harmonious vocals) and the classic Oak Ridge Boys (introducing new members to the band). It’s hard to believe these artists are so much older yet their music remains timeless. I just wish I lived closer so I could come back each week to see and experience all these amazing artists.

We concluded our Grand Ole Day by driving back to Clarksville and stopping at an IHOP for a late-night breakfast. It was delicious! We indulged in more pancakes with sugar-free syrup and coffee. As we prepared for more rest, our hotel room called to us. Poor Heather, with her allergies, took her medicine and promptly fell asleep. On the other hand, I had an exciting day to share. Thanks for following us along the way.

“My granddad used to say, If everybody liked the same thing, they’d all be after your grandma.”

Gary Mule Deer

This is the story of Nolan, Gabby, and friends.

Our house has five bur oak trees. Two in the front yard and three in the back. Each are beautiful, providing plenty of shade, but are so messy with their huge acorns. Every fall season, these trees drop thousands of acorns, which provide an abundance of food for the local rodent population.

Scotty, our son, as one of his many chores, was required to assist in the cleanup of these acorns. As he worked raking and shoveling, the squirrels in the would also be working on their harvest. Zing, thud, chuckle seemed to repeat again and again. Every now and then, Scotty would shout at the squirrels when one or more would make a direct hit!

Fast forward a few years. Scotty is grown and moved away, and I am left to continue the process. Enter the Nolan. He is a medium-size squirrel who has ruled my front yard for a while. This squirrel has a throwing arm equivalent to that of the famous Texas Rangers pitcher Nolan Ryan. A fastball of 108 mph. I have been on the receiving end of Nolan’s (squirrel) acorn throws to know I need protective gear!

Just like Scotty, I would enter the house with stories of being pelted with acorns by the squirrels and sometimes have a knot on my noggin to prove it. Heather took interest in my misery and found amusement in my tales. AKA Squirrel Tales. I have security cameras around my home that has captured many of the moments of the pelting incidents. I started sharing and embellishing photos for family and friends. Our daughter Jennifer is a teacher and has shared the continuing saga of Nolan and Friends.

Awe the taunting continues. Heather would be in her office and could hear the commotion outside of Man vs Squirrel. On an average year I would remove 5 big trash cans full of acorns. Each year I would name a new squirrel. Introducing Gabby my noisy backyard squirrel.

There’s Chuck and Perl who prefer my neighbors’ pecans, but they like to hang out in my trees. All of the squirrels were pure entertainment and torment for our two dogs, Max and Bennie. (Both have passed on.) Bennie would defend his yard and run tough. Max, depending on the day, tried to seek friends or couldn’t care less and go about his yard business.

Consider this before you go: squirrels bury food for winter only to forget where they hid it, yet they routinely dig empty decoy holes just to trick watchful thieves. If every hole they dig is destined to either be forgotten or intentionally left empty, did they ever really leave anything behind at all? Just saying…

Traveling by car across America with today’s technology isn’t as simple as it seems. First, one has to know how to attach this thingy that we use to make phone calls. Then you have to erase every known user of the rental car before you so it can connect to the vehicle. Once you figure out how to get “Kim’s favorites” and her “contacts” from displaying, you’re halfway there! Now, some guy named “Ray” cannot ever be deleted from the car; you just have to live with it. Apparently, Ray’s contacts show that he’s quite “The Player.” Heather is definitely my go-to tech support for all things newer than my underwear.

Today is our long drive day. A full eight hours of driving. We tried to eat at Denny’s this morning in Fort Smith, but that story is not worth telling except we did not eat there. We drove on and ended up in Conway, Arkansas. We stopped at The Purple Cow. A local chain restaurant based on decor and theme from the 1950’s.

We got there right as the lunch rush started, and they were busy. On our way in, we were greeted by a friendly group of staff, and Heather and I made great conversation by introducing them to The Purple Goat! Yep, Stephenville, Texas.

They laughed as we shared pictures of this famous café and a nice picture of the goat. We had a great meal, and the manager gave us some free Purple Cow stickers for Heather’s computer. The Purple Cow Shake was the bomb!

After lunch, we drove and drove and drove some more. Then, after what seemed like a long way, we turned off I-40 and found ourselves on a snake farm. Every few miles, this winding road sign would appear in the shape of a snake. We went up and down and left, then right. Finally, we made it to our destination. As we were checking in, this young lady came up behind us and said, “Reach for the Stars, Hombres!” Maybe that’s an exaggeration, but it’s close. Jinger snuck up on us, Texas style. We never had a chance. She had her husband David and son Gabriel with her, they were able to lend us some muscle so we could get our luggage to the room. We were all happy to see each other and set a tentative goal for tomorrow.

Heather and I ate a quick dinner at Logan’s. Then we headed back to our room for some much needed rest. Later gators…

Sometimes you just gotta stop and enjoy the moment and here was one of our moments from today.

What a great day not to be working! That’s what she said. Heather, that is! I say it all day, every day. Glad to be a part-time “Chauffeur” and “Traveler” with my beautiful wife as my compadre in crime.

We escaped from Thackerville, Oklahoma, and drove to Durant, Oklahoma, for a buffet lunch. With a quick stop at the Denison Dam.

The food was delicious, and we love eating at Butterfield’s. It’s named after the Butterfield Overland Mail stagecoaches. The coaches traveled at an average speed of 4.5 to 6 miles per hour. Operating 24 hours a day, they covered roughly 100 miles per day to complete the 2,800-mile journey between Missouri and San Francisco. It only took about 24 to 25 days to make the trip.

Anywho, we left Durant and proceeded on to Pocola, Oklahoma. Our room was ready and waiting. We got the VIP treatment, and our room was huge! I mean Texas big! My first apartment wasn’t this large. And it was all gratis. (Free)

We got organized and went down to our restaurant, the Seven Ponies, for dinner and it was amazing. Yes you guessed it. All you can eat Crab Legs! Heather had the beef stir fry. I had two serious servings of Crab Legs! I’m back babies! The crackin, the snapping, the little flinging of crab boil seasoning flying around! Awe the joys of that sweet steak of the sea. We even got 25% off our check. VIP has its perks. Sorry Misty for having some crab again without you!

We have now relaxed in our huge room and are getting ready for some sleep. Tomorrow is a huge drive day! We are coming Jinger.

Breakfast of champions, pancakes for all. Heather had peanut butter with hers, and I had blueberries with sugar-free syrup. We dined at the Terrace Cafe with a great view. After coffee, we wandered back to our room to change into our swimming gear. Nope, no snorkeling gear allowed. We did, however, pack the sunscreen.

The Cascades is a group of pools that are by paid entry and have full waitstaff and various degrees of amenities, including an all-adult section in case you need a break from any rug rats. We got the VIP package that included 2 bottles of water. Yep! Highfalutin we are! The sunscreen worked well on everything we used it on. So sad after the fact I noticed my missed elbows and the tip of my nose. I think Heather got a good coating; she’s not complaining about any crispy parts.

The water and lounge chairs were so relaxing. Heather spotted a beached whale and managed to get a photo or two.

All this relaxation took a toll on us, so we took a break under the air conditioning in our room. Heather read her book, and I chilled with the remote control. Dinner came early as we again skipped a meal and used our discounts for super cheap buffet meals. The poor shrimps never stood a chance. Three different types of shrimps. Bubba Gump would have been proud! Broke, but proud.

We are winding down tonight, looking forward to our next two stops tomorrow. We have lunch plans in Durant, Oklahoma, and dinner at the Seven Ponies in Pocola, Oklahoma.

We’ll leave you with a thought to ponder this evening. If you can place the sole of your foot directly on your ear and listen intently, you might just hear your hip dislocating. Just saying!

Last night, Heather and I tossed and turned, up and down, sleep evaded us at every turn. Somehow, we managed to get up and finish our necessary packing before heading to the airport to pick up our rental car. They gave us a Hyundai Santa Fe. We started our trip with 20,434 miles on the odometer.

Heather backed the SUV into our driveway, and the loading began. Plenty of room for our stuff. I grabbed a couple of portable window shades since rentals have very little tinting. We said our goodbyes about 11 a.m. to Astro, our bed, and our recliners. Heather drove us to Iowa Park before letting me drive. We both got naps in, albeit in not-so-comfortable seats. We are just spoiled by the comfort of our Nissans.

Our first stop is in Thackerville, Oklahoma, at the WinStar. We have two free nights and discounted meals. We plan on taking our physiques and testing the waters in the Cascades. It is a beautiful and quite large collection of pools. They have cabanas and lounge chairs and a secluded 21+ pool. The backstroke babies! We are going early tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’s hot here, like 102 every day.

We had a good dinner at Toby Keith’s I love this bar restaurant. Great dinner specials and way too much food. We walked around before grabbing some free coffee and headed for our room. We hope sleep is better tonight. We do love the rooms and beds here, especially the Pool Tower. The view from the 17th floor is amazing. More to come after the fun in the sun tomorrow and a relaxing day by the pool while using 100 proof sun block on my head. I don’t want to make the lobsters jealous.

What an early riser Mr. Rhyder is. Probably the conditioning of having two working parents and a need for clean diapers and clothes before a busy day at daycare. He has been happy, sad, fed, changed, and very, very, mad at Nonie. He doesn’t like the word “No!” Especially when used with his name “No! Rhyder Scott D! No!” It is a plus that he gets over things pretty quickly. We hung out and played a good part of the day. Nonie knows how to tickle monster this little guy and he eats it up!

Great Grand-mommy and Grand-daddy came to spend some quality time with the three of us today. Was a pleasure catching up and chatting about past and future adventures for all of us. They are traveling with Kenneth and Becky, their grown children and families. They are flying to Montana and exploring Glacier National Park. We wish safe travels for all and plenty of lasting memories.

Time passed way too fast today. Before we knew it Scotty was here to claim his lineage and his son’s accoutrements. Heathers parents left at the same time leaving Heather and I to finish our remaining chores before having a microwaveable dinner. Yum! But easy. Thanks Healthy Choice for your convenience and selection. I ate my lone tomato as it seemed appropriate. It was delicious, thanks again to Gabby and Chuck for sharing.

Tomorrow we will be continuing our adventure bright and early. Kind of excited and kind of nervous about the travel ahead but here we go. Goodnight everyone. Here is to us all getting a lot of rest tonight.

I like to say thanks to my backyard squirrels Gabby and Chuck for leaving me a lone ripe cherry tomato. Heather says there are several green ones, so I feel the squirrels will have to take ownership of any remaining tomatoes. Our time at home seems rushed. Packing for the seasonal changes, formal nights times two, and all our medications.

We also have to prepare our house for the extended absence. We are fortunate to have a two-fold security system with professional monitoring along with our robot named Astro. He autonomously roams and monitors the interior of our home. We check in with him on occasion just to remind us of our comfortable bed and furniture. He can raise and lower a camera and record anomalies. He is also programmed to play our music subscriptions and interact on command.

Besides our GPS navigation, I brought out our travel atlas as a backup. For those times when there’s no signal, you’re roaming the streets of Baltimore and need to make a right turn. Heather printed out our daily schedule and probable stops. We haven’t completely committed to our route around the congested DC area. We are leaning towards going to Baltimore since we did Washington, DC last year. It could change if we set a lunch break with Cousin Bill.

We are giving Mr. Rhyder a needed break from his parents and have him for tonight and tomorrow. He came in tired and sleepy, so we fed him, and Heather gave him a bottle while rocking him. Fast asleep, he’s out. He’s here with his red wagon and his seagull.

With the coffee maker set and after dinner dishes done we bid all a good night!

What a great day today knowing we are celebrating Rhyder’s first birthday. His birthday is actually tomorrow. We are using the youth center at FCC Amarillo to hold the masses of people expected to attend. The turnout was fantastic for this event with 32 loving friends and family all celebrating his birthday.

First thing was the last-minute shopping spree from Misty and Scotty spending mega-bucks purchasing necessary items for the selected theme of the party. Based on the movie The Last Airbender, along with the purchase of a high chair for Mr. Rhyder to stay at Nonie’s house after the smash cake clean-up.

Lots of presents opened, and he started off clean in front of the cake. We sang “Happy Birthday” while he selected pieces of icing and cake. His Aunt Meggan made this beautiful cake. His Daddy decided he wasn’t messy enough, so he assisted in his son’s facial decoration of clumping cake and icing in a gentle face dive. Poor cake, it didn’t stand a chance, and Rhyder didn’t miss a beat. He continued his easygoing demeanor of consuming his cake.

Cleaning Rhyder was a team effort as all went well. Rhyder had a great time with his Grandpa Scott wheeling around in his new wagon. He was just amazed he fit in the little wagon. He really did enjoy his ride. Great Grandmommy and Granddaddy were there today enjoying the antics of the many children in attendance. Heather and I helped clean up after the party and had inclanations of dinner at the Red Lobster. (Sorry Misty, we knew you were busy, so next time I’ll share some crab.)

It’s Crab fest, babies! Heather selected a baked potato and brussels sprouts, and I, under some pondering dilemma, chose the Admirals Feast. I got two kinds of shrimp, some snow crab with a claw, a lobster tail, steamed broccoli, and a baked potato. Naturally, we had the trademark cheddar biscuits. Yum, and Heather got her free birthday dessert from a coupon they sent her, the chocolate wave cake with ice cream.

It seems today had a cake theme, along with gathering of family and friends to share in this achievement.

Ending today’s blog with a special thanks to all who love and support my son and his wonderful wife. They work hard to keep up with the vast amount of family and friends while raising such a fun, adventurous, positive young man who has opened our hearts for many years to come. Thank you, Scotty and Misty, for doing such a great job, even when you don’t have all the answers; you follow the right path. Trust in yourselves and your faith in God. We all love you.

Yippee! We got some much-needed rain early this morning. The clouds were rumbling with rolling thunder. Granny was bowling strikes in a perfect game. Heather and I were up and down, passing in the night. I went to get a drink of water, and Heather had been checking on the rain. Back to bed went the two Texans, for sleep was still in our forecast. Today, we accomplished sleeping in and awoke to the smell of freshly brewed coffee. Awe, the simple pleasures.

Today started for Heather going to see her friend Ben, who does her pedicure. He is a very friendly person who shakes his head a lot and speaks broken English. He takes good care of Heather’s feet and works with dedication in getting them right. I went with Heather her last time and got my first pedicure. I got worried when my technician pulled out a cheese grater and went to town. Panic tried to set in as I was losing skin fast. During my session, I had a group of elderly ladies giving me some weird glances. I guess I was growling, grunting, or crying when the hot stones contacted my calves and feet.

Again, Heather was having way too much fun with me in another situation. Anyway, back to the present day. I stayed home sorting and packing winter gear. Organizing my medications for travel. I then jumped to preparing for the arrival of Mr. Rhyder. His daycare upon pick-up told Heather that the wipes and diapers were in Rhyder’s bag. Nope, she had to make a stop to get them and found out the hard way. So Dollar General was the next stop before home.

Rhyder has arrived with a full head of the blondest, curly hair. Oh, he has grown. Walking when he wants, but he knows he’s faster crawling. Yep! Heather and I were busy keeping up with Rhyder.

This young man is fast! We got our new luggage today from Amazon, and of course, Rhyder went for the box. It’s now a fixture in our living room. He ate like a horse and loves Paxton’s and Payton’s old table and chairs. He loves the chair; it’s his size.

His Nonie kept him entertained with songs and dance moves. All three of us played together, rolling soft animal-decorated balls back and forth. He likes to throw them just like his dad does. Not a Nolan Ryan yet, but he will get there.

Before we knew it, time got away from us as I started preparing for dinner, as Misty and Scotty would be joining us. Heather fixed the main course, for a salad pile-on, and I made some stuffed mushrooms. Dinner was delicious, and our conversation was even better, catching up on the Simmons. They need a blog for us to follow e.g. The Adventures of Rhyder. He napped until it was time to say good night.

So good night to all our friends and hope you had a great day as we did.

Today is Doctor’s Day! Both Heather and I have dual appointments at Creek Stone Integrated Medical Chiropractic, then at West Texas Family Care Clinic. The staff and doctors at Creek Stone have helped me on my path to recovery. They truly care about improving the lives of everyone they care for.

I am also grateful for the great people at West Texas Family Care Clinic for taking such great care of Heather and me. Dr. Jennifer Turner takes the time to listen and answers any questions or concerns you may have.

Another honorable mention goes out to ‘The Pancake Station’. In between our doctor’s appointments, we knew we had no lab work, so we stopped at one of our favorite local restaurants. Some of the best coffee in town with great daily lunch specials!

Heather had some business at the Westgate Mall, shopping for a new belt and getting some length added to her birthday necklace. I haven’t been to the mall in years, thanks to Amazon, and was surprised to see how much it has changed. The murals on the entrance walls were definitely Amarillo-themed. The downtown cattle drive is my favorite.

Walgreens for prescription pickup had to reorder because they restocked it even though they said they would hold it for me. Anywho, we had groceries to be picked up from the Wally-World and United Supermarket and a big box…

Once home, Heather went her way sorting out her travel clothes while I prepped our hoodies and jackets, knowing the Canadian Rockies and Yellowstone National Park early October would be cold. It’s definitely a logistical challenge of the unknown. Then, as I thought Heather was going to settle down and watch some TV with me, she wrestled a big box out of the back of Ruby. She pulled, clipped, measured, and assembled straps and padded parts. Then out-to-the-extremely-hot garage she went. A few minutes later, she came back inside dripping with perspiration. Ryder’s new car seat installed! “I’ll wait till tomorrow morning to put the camera in!” she said. “Way too hot in the garage.”

We are looking forward to having Rhyder at our house tomorrow. We will be picking him up after Heather’s pedicure appointment. Got him some snacks!

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There’s no place like home… sometimes Heather and I forget the familiar comforts of our sheets, pillows, and bed. We like traveling and exploring with the few items from home. For me, it’s my squishy pillow and the boys’ favorite toys. Heather travels with the gamut of things, trying to prepare for every situation. Sometimes it’s a bandage or cough drops. Sometimes it’s her tablet and a pillow. We are glad to be home. Our gas meter was replaced, and we had to wait for the gas company to come and turn it on. Yippee! A hot shower tonight with the big bottles of shampoo and conditioner.

Steadily washing clothes, separating what is going back into the suitcases for our even longer travels. The change of seasons and weather is going to be a challenge. We plan to take what we think we need, and as fall approaches, we will ship home our summer clothes and pair down before we cruise from Boston in September. Our medicines will be a challenge as to schedule pickup along our routes. Luckily, Heather and I have the same wonderful doctor who can telemedicine with us.

We have to carry a yellow card from our insurance company for proof of coverage while driving through Canada. AT&T says we will have service throughout Canada with their partner companies, Bell Telephone Companies. (Remembering Southwestern Bell and all the different regions.)

Going through our stack of mail, sorting, and paying bills. Most are on auto-pay with the occasional medical bill snuck in.

Amarillo has been hot, hot, and too hot! The crackling of my once beautiful grass beneath my feet as I retrieve my bounty from my poor, burnt garden. No bell peppers, no beefsteak tomatoes, no okra, just a lot of droopy leaves. On the positive side, I still have sweet potatoes growing in abundance. My cucumbers were few, and the squirrels like my cherry tomatoes. I picked 2 red ones from the vine and harvested 4 cucumbers.

Luckily for Scotty he will not have to mow my crusty lawn until it recovers from this intense heat. Such a refreshing day at home. Like the character Sheldon on ‘The Big Bang Theory’ I too have my spot. That special recliner with my butt print and can honestly say that we missed each other.

Heather was busy folding and sorting through the tonnage of items to distribute when the occasions are right for their dispersal. We shared our chores with the exception of removing the battery tender on Ruby. That’s what she named her new car after I totaled her other car Violet back in February.

Not much else to share today, so wishing everyone a great and happy day.

Today is our last day in San Francisco. We miss our pillows, the recliners of our couch, and of course, family. We will miss the noise of emergency vehicles and the constant traffic, but not the great food and views of eclectic architecture. Okay, that’s reversed. Our luggage is going to strain the airlines’ fuel budget, but it’s just underweight. Awww, more stuff to fill our house. That’s why your first house is called a starter home; that’s when you start getting more stuff and need a bigger house. We are mid-downsizing, so we buy stuff, give it away, so others need bigger homes. Sorry, Scotty and Misty, Rhyder needs more stuff, and it’s on the way.

We have been busy moving doctor’s appointments for tomorrow so we can sleep in a little bit since our plane lands around midnight. This will be our red-eyed flight. Our hotel gave us a late checkout. We arranged transportation by Lyft (WAYMO doesn’t go to the airport ‘Rattts’ we tried!!!) that will pick us up at noon California time. So long, WAYMO.

Our Lyft driver was exceptional. He treated our metric ton of luggage with ease and drove us to the airport without any problems. We thanked him for his efforts and onward forged the two Texans into a quiet airport. Nice not being overwhelmed audibly with constant announcements. The TSA people gave me the full treatment as Heather giggled non-discriminately as I was sent through the screening machine 3 times before passing. Then I was selected for a random full-body scan and finally a pat-down. Next, my bag required a search because of my Mounjaro shots. Laughing and smiling, Heather enjoyed it way too much. I was fortunate enough though to avoid the alien probing.

We had $50 dollars worth of food at the airport from a place called the Melt. Was better here than in town maybe it was the price driving the quality. Was delicious!

Well, just as everything seemed smooth, American Airlines put the screws on our flight plans five minutes before boarding. It seems some Yahoo had preferential credentials, and the airline bumped Heather from the front seat in first class to regular economy. They downgraded her seat and were going to give her a few dollars for her seat. The attendant we spoke to at first was very patronizing and unprofessional. We spoke after the plane was mainly loaded to a supervisor, and he was polite but offered little explanation of the reasons why she was bumped and why such short notice. Not happy with this airline and the lack of communication. We were able to get Heather in the first class cabin a few seats back after the airline paid another first class passenger $300 to downgrade. Still not the same as what we had scheduled. We will not use American Airlines ever again! You pay a premium for comfort and pick your seat, and some privileged individual takes it away from you five minutes before you board and the airline allows this injustice. Already writing our complaint seeking compensation for aggravation and reasonable notification. We know this will go nowhere. This occurs when a person or business fails to give fair, timely warning before taking an action that affects another party’s legal rights or expectations of accommodations.

We have landed in Dallas at DFW with a leisurely walk about from C to D terminals. Still in disbelief as to American Airlines actions. Heather is searching the airport 7-Eleven for some grub. She had ordered a cheese plate for our flight here and the guy got to eat her food. On the other side she couldn’t eat the meal cause it had mushrooms and olives.

Going to end today’s for now. Hopefully arriving in Amarillo about midnight.

It’s Monday in the beautiful Bay City of San Francisco. I’m certain it’s Monday wherever you are, assuming we don’t have any world travelers reading our blog.

I appreciate the presence of police cars and officers on every other block. Despite the City of Amarillo’s investment in the latest new SUVs every few years, the City of San Francisco uses its older models for many years saving money.

We got a later start today and again used the WAYMO Jaguar. Really liking this transportation. We caught our ride from Union Park to Golden Gate Park to pick up a couple of e-bikes. Got our helmets and bottles of water and insurance along with instructions on proper use. We took a practice drive up and down these mountains/streets and convinced ourselves that we could do it! Turns out putting a 64-year-old man on some speedy technology and asking his short-legged, beautiful wife to entrust those around us not to let us kill ourselves was asking too much. We realized it wasn’t worth the risk, so we returned the bikes with blades of grass hanging over the handlebars. Don’t ask, won’t tell…

After turning in the bikes, we got another WAYMO and took it all the way to the Golden Gate Visitors Center, many miles away. We know now we absolutely did the right thing. We got some great information from a park ranger, and onward we forged the two Texans. People in parkas and snow boots with snowmobile suits. Okay, I’m kidding, but they were dressed for bear hunting weather. It was a little chilly and breezy. Nice for Heather and me until we got onto the bridge. Very windy and cold, with bouts of mist coming from some fog along with a sprays of water from pressure washing by construction work on the other side of the bridge. We then dressed for our bike dodging adventure as we proceeded further down the bridge. Ring ring was constant and bikes wizzed by and joggers and people, lots of people, and bikes and traffic noise and people and more ring ring!!!

We walked past the halfway point of the bridge, kissed for luck (thanks, Corina), and came back to the Welcome Center and spent some money on a couple of books. After that it was WAYMO time babies to the Painted Ladies. Wow, what views of the city, this amazing neighborhood, and park. How many of us would get freaked out having thousands of people each year flock to your house, set up camp across the street, while posing for photos of your house for their background?

Tons more beautiful houses along with all the professional dog walkers. We took another WAYMO back to our hotel to chill before our dinner with Rich and Corina.

Rich found Heather and I wandering aimlessly in a sketchy alley here in the Union Park District. Then the three of us wandered some more before accidentally finding our restaurant. Corina drove (not a WAYMO) and parked her car a couple blocks away.

Ohh, the ears of all relatives must have perked up. Discussions of Heather and my trip were embellished with grandeur and exaltation. Along with the showing of our grandchildren’s pictures and achievements. We love you all as remembrances of how we are now and how we all were in years past. The years are slowly winning, but the promises of better days are still within us. Time is running differently now. Dinner and our gathering of family were great. Thank you, Rich and Corina, for dinner and sharing your time with us.

As technology advances and so does my age, I have wanted to ride in an autonomous car. I didn’t know Heather’s and my first would be in a Jaguar! WAYMO cars in San Francisco, they are everywhere and blend in with a vast array of transportation options. Bikes, electric bikes, peddle cars, peddle rickshaws, electric rickshaws, scooters, sit-down and stand-up, Uber, Lyft, taxis, water taxis, boats, sailboats, yachts, dinghies, buses of all kinds, traditional street cable cars, trolleys, three-wheeled rentals, cycles, motorcycles, vans and cars, limousines of all types. The other autonomous vehicles are from Zoox and they are all over the Las Vegas Strip. We just haven’t seen rental-able unicycles or horses yet. Ohh, I did see where to buy a rubber chicken in Chinatown a robot dog standing and begging on Pier 39 and a guy dressed like a clown on his train-looking car blowing bubbles everywhere.

We really enjoyed the driverless car and would definitely recommend it. We felt safer with it than with a real person driving. The safety features were outstanding. From people pulling out wildly in front of us seemingly testing the safety limits, our car handled the situation flawlessly. Can’t wait to book a cross-country trip and nap in the back as it takes us to our destination, arriving fully rested or perhaps after several winning rounds of Five Crowns!!!

Good morning from San Francisco! What beautiful weather today, and plenty of sunshine. Even though I tried my best to find shade, the medications I’m taking aided in my lobster-esque color. You know it’s true that we are what we eat. Look out, SpongeBob, for I am the Crusty Crab!

We started this fine day with a ride in an autonomous vehicle. A Jaguar, in fact. Story in a separate post. We got to see the Lombard Road winding down the steep road. Nope, I wouldn’t drive it for fear of replacing my brakes afterwards.

Our destination was Pier 39 and we made it before the crowds started. Up on the Skyride to see great sights from above. Lots of fun enjoying the sights.

Lunch at a Simmons restaurant called Eagles Landing. Heather had a good burger and I the fish and chips. Onward we went, charged the two Texans! Shopping and viewing and shopping and viewing repeatedly. Ohh we stopped and took a break with the sea lions. Lots of videos.

After a few hours, my stomach spotted a Nathen’s Hot Dog stand, and yes, I grazed on a hot dog. Yum. Heather and I watched a robot dog do its thing and were a little unnerved seeing how nimble and fast this robot could maneuver. This one looks like the military versions minus weapons attached. The big robot seems like a movie prop that could become a real war weapon. We like our Astro as is, barely can tote a Dr Pepper and a bag of chips, not a machine gun.

Onward again, this time to catch a ride on a streetcar (not named Desire) heading to the chocolate factory.

We sampled chocolate and wandered around vast forests of shops filled with all sorts of delicious chocolate products from cocoa to fuzzy embroidered logo bears. What great marketing for saving memories. Yes, I got another bear! Heather and I split some ice cream with Ghirardelli salted caramel square in a salted caramel fudge sundae. Delicious… and of course non-fattening.

We took a Lyft back to the hotel with a very nice driver from Turkey, who told us of great plans of creating a partnership with his friend to buy a farm in Idaho and raise sheep. We called our family to check in and saw Rhyder take two more steps and then fall down. We talked to Mom and Dad also. We then headed to dinner at a nice local 50’s cafe that had a full car inside with the RCA dog Nipper on top famous for his tilted head with ears angled to listen. We both had breakfast for dinner. Awww great coffee!

This concluded our day

We woke early today being congested from our ever changing environment. The sun was no longer my nemesis and waited longer to make its appearance. The Ruby Princess docked early and the sign outside reminded us we were back in San Francisco.

Our last breakfast on the ship was pretty good. I put fresh pears in my oatmeal! Yum! Heather had oatmeal missing pears. It was a clean getaway from our 10 day commitment with the view of Alcatraz in the background as we made our escape.

Our Uber driver was rushed off and missed our scheduled time because the ship released us 5 minutes late. Port police made our driver go on and we were charged by Uber anyway. Heather reschedule our pickup and our original driver came back and was apologetic and had reported the incident to Uber. He was very friendly and helpful with our questions about the city. We made it to our hotel named Boutique Hotel which is nicely updated. Our room wasn’t ready so they stored our bags and away we went into this great city.

We found a Walgreens of course up hill, lol and got us some decongestant and cough drops. We picked up a couple of boxes of HotTamales and one box of Milk Duds. Then off to China Town babies, only a few blocks down then up and down and back. Our calf muscles were definitely being challenged. I was excited to visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie! Free samples yum, yum, and yum! The line was long but moved efficiently. Once inside the selection of fortune cookies and flavors were overwhelming. Two women (as the sign reads: beautiful ladies folding fortunes) worked incredibly fast producing custom products. We then Googled a nice lunch spot named the Clay Pot and we were not disappointed.

We rode the streetcars all over then went to check into our hotel. We took a short break resting the footsies…. and encouraging our grandson to take some major footsteps and HE DID! Then got a Lyft ride to our night at Alcatraz. More extreme uphill/downhill wear and tear on our exhausted bodies. But was a tourist attraction of another National Park in desperate need of cleaning (dust bunnies the size of Lubbock) and in need of repair along with extensive wildlife control. The birds were out of an Alfred Hitchcock movie and their butt droppings everywhere. We ended the night by walking several blocks to again ride the rails of this great city all the way to get food.

Heather and I did not know we took opposite pictures of each other until we posted our photos. The double shot of Carmel Macchiato was truly an eye-opener, especially after skipping breakfast.

We had lunch at the buffet and it was hard to find a table, but were able to travel vast distances with plates in hand. Yep, you guessed it, I had a plate of peel-and-eat shrimp! Of course, various vegetables, including purple cauliflower. Heather had beef fajita meat, and vegetables. The true standouts were the cakes they made specifically for the last cruise day. Ohh, the Boston-style cheesecake was my favorite, and Heather’s favorite was a rocky road candy. The proof is missing from the plates. Yum!

Then it was Jimmy Buffett time by the pool, where we found our friends who had been stalking who? Bill and Anna, two very nice people, thanked Heather and me for all our travel knowledge shared with them. It wasn’t much but helped them with future Princess Cruises. We look forward to seeing/ stalking them again.

Someone has been busy on this ship. Any ideas of whom it might be. Ducks are everywhere as well. The kids are squeaking duck farts/sounds all around.

Lastly, Heather and I have spent time together chilling and enjoying each other’s company. We had to fit everything into the all ready full suitcases we brought and weighed each one trying not to push them too much. It behooves us not to purchase any more souvenirs.

One last day at Sea

Again we slept in late. Almost to 9am. Whew. Then it was time to start packing luggage and sorting what we need the rest of day and tomorrow morning. They pick up all of our luggage tonight to have them on the docks first thing in the morning. It is crazy, but we have gotten the rhythm of that now. Off to the pool deck for a late cup of coffee and more relaxing waiting for 11:30 to come and lunch will be served.

The seas are much calmer today and we planning on enjoying the last full day of there are lots of send off performances and shows so stay tuned and we will let you go with us.

Awrrrr, as in pirate, just hanging with my sea mate, Heather. Full day on the Pacific Ocean heading towards San Francisco. We slept in past 6 a.m.and headed to an early breakfast. Was a nice night to catch up on some sleep on the rocking ship. Yep, lots of Dramamine for yours truly. And later on in the day, I added behind-the-ear patches. They seem to work better for me.

Today I will be dining alone for lunch. I can truly say it was a feast of nothing I have ever experienced and was saddened my bestie couldn’t share it with me. The Crab Shack! The Crown Grill transformed from a steakhouse to an impressive seafood restaurant. I had shrimp and hush puppies and more shrimps and clams and mussels and more shrimps and corn and claws and crawfish. Ohh and the main element of culinary delight: Alaskan crab legs. Yum!

Ohh, the carnage of cracking shells and the splatter of clarified butter. Somehow, I managed to get power through. Undoubtedly, my dream meal was fulfilled.

Okay, enough of the crustaceans. Afterwards, I was in communication with my spouse. Briefly, we met before parting ways. Heather played Bingo, and I would walk the plank.

Tonight was the second formal night, and we primped and prepped, packing layers upon layers of beauty upon us. Mine didn’t work, but Heather transformed into my princess of the sea. Wow, she looked great. Evidence photo coming soon. We had complimentary champagne and chocolate strawberries delivered to our room for a slight dinner mishap, and all was great.

Okay, it took a brief moment to get last nights pictures downloaded. Maybe because we are sailing in the middle of the ocean and tada here is the evidence. My beautiful wife. Ignore the Monkey with her lol.

Today is the last day for us to stop at a port. Today’s port was Prince Rupert in Canada. We were only there for 5 hours so made for a really quick port. It was overcast but not cold and we did tons of walking. not a whole lot to see or do here so glad it was a quick port. We came back on ship to eat lunch and take a nap. Did not realize how much we needed that.

The rest of the afternoon we rested, played a few ship games, musical bingo and true or moo, heard a comedian that made us laugh and a musical group with an amazing singer who was singing Elvis. It was a great evening. As sailed away from port, Mike noticed a container boat being loaded.

More PICS to come.

When we pulled out to sea heading to Prince Rupert Island, I noticed some unusual patterns of movement in the water. Once I zeroed in on the anomaly, I could see what I thought were dolphins. I could see a group of them seemingly playing a good distance from our ship.

With the help of AI technology, my guess was wrong. They turned out to be several Dall’s porpoises (Phocoenoides dalli). It is the largest porpoise species, known for its distinctive black and white markings, robust body, and high-speed swimming in the North Pacific Ocean. Unlike most porpoises, they are very social and actively bow-ride fast-moving vessels, creating a unique “rooster tail” splash as they surface. They are named after naturalist William Healey Dall and are considered the fastest small cetacean, reaching speeds of up to 34 mph.

Our bus driver, Randy, is a true Alaskan native. He holds multiple jobs and is an active member of his community. His ancestors were among the earliest settlers in the region. Notably, one of his ancestors was the second oldest recovered cadaver found and subsequently DNA tested from the melting glaciers.

The knowledge of his heritage he gladly shares with all who will listen. We made friends instantly.
From working as an accomplished fisherman, hunter, and school bus driver, he finds the time to help his neighbors and community. He showed me recent pictures of a brown bear, mainly from the bear’s back side. His ninety-year-old neighbor had two deer to process when the bear came out of nowhere and took off with one of the deer. She, being half-blind, picked up her broom and started beating the bear. The bear paid no attention to her and ran off with his bounty. Randy heard the commotion and got there just in time to snap pictures of the escaping bear’s butt!
The ninety-year-old woman didn’t miss a beat. She grabbed the remaining deer and dragged it inside her house and came back for her broom.
Randy and the whole team of local people involved in our excursion impressed Heather and me as some of the earth’s true caretakers, being a raven or eagle of their tribes.

Another exciting excursion day…..except we had to get up super early. 5:30 am with the idea of being downstairs around 6:10 to fight hundreds of people for coffee, did not thrill us but room service did not start until 6:30 and that was to late since we had to be at the theatre to get on the transport boat at 6:50 ugh. But we beat most people down stairs and were the first in the theatre. Breaking all kinda of McColl rules….early…on time…never heard of it.

Today we were in Skagway, and we took a wildlife expedition to a little town called Hanes AK. We first had to take a ferry over to the island then we got on a bus. They drove us to all of the hotspots in town known for wildlife. As we were traveling by ferry we saw seals. Tell me how many seals you can see..

They are called rocks by locals sometimes because you can not tell them from rocks.

Once we got to the island and got on the bus, we drove to the local wildlife hotspots

Along with the big wooden bear, we saw squirrels, fish, eagles and there was a rare Mike sighting. we had a great day stopping at these places and then doing some hiking in a wooded area. We kinda hoped to see a bear(while others in our group were not so excited to see one) but we had a real bear deterrent with us, a young chatty 8 year old who was loud and funny and enough to keep any bear away. We still had a blast.

The locals were very happy that their salmon count was up this year already from last year and it is the first week of the spawning. They strive for 80,000 a year and are over half way there. I am not sure how we missed the picture, but how they count is the have the stream blocked except for one small opening and a person sits on a platform above the opening and manually clicks the clicker as salmon pass through. There are two guys who do this that rotate. They do get paid fairly well. lol.

Ok here is a photo I pulled offline to show you what we saw It was crazy

After we got back to Skagway we walked around town and took some pictures like we had 10 years ago. It was a great day.

So here is our brown bear siting. It was exciting for sure

Ok maybe this is actually what we saw 😂😂😂😂🤪

You Know Juneau in July

A beautiful day yesterday with a temperature about 60 degrees fahrenheit and a cool rain. Sorry Amarillo peeps expected temperatures above 100.

We slept in and were up by 7 a.m. again enjoying our delivery of our cup of joe. Nice view from our extended balcony as we were docking in the Juneau Harbor.

What a long walk to town in the rain but so worth every step. The crisp clean air and the deepest green trees lined with bushes with berries. Again with the shopping with a little more intensity on specific places. You know in Juneau Heather has to gather new stickers for her new computer. Then some lunch at the Hanger! You know in Juneau Mike has to have some King Crab! Yes I/he splurged as Heather sat amply by avoiding the splatter of cracking shells while dodging any and all remanent of potential overspray.

Not really, she had the chicken sandwich.

We enjoyed some Canadian made ice cream before returning to the ship. So tired we changed clothes and went about investigating more of the ship.

A night of specialty coffee after dinner at our favorite steakhouse The Crown Grill. Yes I had even more seafood, the lobster bisque, a lobster tail and we both skipped dessert. Heather enjoyed another filet mignon and my companionship. Poor thing is gonna need a break from me. I have been telling everyone her birthday is Tuesday. Please send wishes that I survive and her birthday condolences. She keeps on giving me the stink eye and I know she’s eating it up. Especially her birthday brownie that couldn’t wait two more days to eat. caught ya…

The Three Bears and a Golden Ring…

A knock at the door came way too fast. The sky barely dimmed and again was making a bright comeback. Breakfast coffee on a tray delivered by a perky steward and away she went.

Heather was sound asleep until her driver/husband woke her to our cabin filled with the aroma of fresh brewed coffee. Wake ohh weary one. Time to rise and head to a new breakfast spot on the aft end of our floating sea. We had not yet made it to port in Ketchican Alaska.

We had a wonderful breakfast with our new friends it seems by fate we see daily. One would think by chance of over three thousand people, what are the odds of seeing Bill and Anna for breakfast let alone be seated at adjacent tables. We joked “Let the stalking begin!”

Well the story continues with Heather and I disembarked at 8:30 a.m. to do some shopping before our bear excursion. Little did we know our time went flying by as I found an Alaskan Gold Rush aka “Oracle Ring” calling loudly… “buy me!” and I did. It would be ready for pick up after our expedition. We spent so much time shopping we barely made it to our excursion meeting point.

We took a bus ride through the rain forest and unloaded for a restroom break before loading into a jet boat. A young man gave vast amounts of interesting stories, folklore, and knowledge of wildlife, origins of the settlers, and the Alaskan educational survival requirements.

All 8th graders have to complete a 3 day wilderness survival course before they can graduate to the next grade level. Wow! I couldn’t even imagine sending my kids to the Wal-Mart alone.

We learned of the different fishing boats, types of salmon, and the stories of the three bears. Polar, black, and brown bears. Nope, nothing about Goldilocks or grizzly bears and yes, bears do scat in the woods!

Heather and I counted three black bears on this endeavor. Over 50 bald eagles and 2 million salmon! Well worth the effort of tracking over 5 miles.

Once back in the town of Ketchikan we had 25 minutes to run a mile get my golden nuggets and scadoodle back to the boat. We made it with 5 minutes to spare.

Video of Bear vs Salmon

1st try…..😂

2nd and go…. Who do you think wins?

Relaxing Days at Sea: Food and Fun and Relaxing

Today Friday the 24th we woke up to a misty morning with a definite chill in the air. Coffee arrived right at 7a.m. And helped my struggling eyes still not used to moving back two full hours from our time zone only to realize we would move back one more tonight.

Breakfast at the buffet along with a brief talk with Nick Jans a world renowned author made for an amazing morning. His books are based on his true life experiences in Alaska to which he signed with dedication of his late friendship with an Alaskan wolf named Romeo.

To work off a big breakfast we then cruised (pun intended) about the ship. A few pics from the aft then on to a presentation about Alaskan Wildlife presented by Nick Jans.

Lunch at Botillos was excellent. I had the octopus and a lobster roll that was to die for. (Heather had the chicken). Was a relaxing day that passed way too fast! We ate dinner at my favorite restaurant of all times The Crown Grill!

Lobster roll heaven is what Mike says

Today was our first full day at sea. We have had full day of great programs, great shows, and all kinds of food and laziness. We just enjoyed our down time, had breakfast delivered to our room and were able to causally cruise the ship. We listened to Nick Jan’s talk about a wonderful wolf, and played bingo. Tonight was the captains champagne waterfall and formal night. So we got dressed up and went to dinner and then a show. It was wonderful. I think some of the most fun we have had is just talking to anyone who sits near us. Another successful day in the books.

IT IS CRUISE DAY!!!! We caught an uber this morning down to Pier 27. The Princess pier in San Francisco. Another intense driver but one that did not scare us and was very capable to navigate that crazy San Francisco cruise port traffic. It was insane!! We got to the Princess Ruby and got ready to sail away to Alaska. From

The time we got on the ship, we watched our safety videos, went to our muster stations and explored the ship until it was time to disembark. we went to the front of the ship and joined in the celebration. We sat and talked to several different couples and just relaxed. We were on our way. The last Princess cruise they played the Love Boat theme every time we embarked and disembarked. We found we missed it this time but quickly forgot and got swept up in the fun. As we went to sea we passed by Alcatraz and then under the Golden Gate Bridge. So cool. Had a great steak dinner and desserts at the Crowne Grill which was as good as the previous ship. From there we explored some more and watched some Karaoke. It was fun. One of my favorite things from today is Mike had ordered some flowers for me for our room. They are beautiful and unexpected. He is so sweet. I am lucky to have him take care of me. Well goodnight all. Let’s see what adventures tomorrow brings.

Well we got off to the airport, thanks to my parents, Thank you Mom and Dad for taking us. And we got on our plane and headed to San Francisco. Flights were smooth and great. We flew first class this time on American and I don’t know how we will ever go back. The attention they paid to us and the food not to mention the great wide separated seats. Uhhh so spoiled. Once we got to San Francisco we caught an uber, totally crazy and insane driver, to our hotel in NobHill. The Holiday Inn Golden Gateway was good to us and gave us a great view. For dinner we found a great little Italian sandwich shop, Limoncello. The food was phenomenal and the sandwich is one of the best things I have had. If ever in San Francisco give it a try. Well that is all for today. See you tomorrow.

Today was filled with packing and getting ready for our trip. Pick ups from the dry cleaners, trying to make two weeks fit into our suitcase and make sure we didn’t forget a thing. We are ready, sleep is waiting for us so we can wake up to go to the airport.

We thought attending church at our home church before our sabbatical began, was the way to begin our adventures. It is always a blessing when we get to church and Jerry Steen is singing a solo for the special music. Jerry was one of our singers at our wedding over 20 years ago and has been a great partner in ministry and a friend. What a special day.

Even though we are beginning this blog today, the fun began Saturday. Mike and I joined my parents at their house for dinner and games. One of Mike’s favorites is 5 Crowns. We played two complete games and there was a clear winner. Evidence will be posted. To say there were some sore losers…..well maybe it had to do with all the gloating but what a way to kick off this Sabbatical .