After the Vacation

Photo # 1 is Sarah Kathryn
( Kate & Ron's) first fish. #2 is Sam and her roommate at first football game wearing shoulder boards of others. Sam's boards are from a junior at the USNA doing an exchange program @ USAFA
#3 is Sam and another cadet at 2012 retreat.

#'s 4&5 are Bobby, Barbara, Mary Agnes & I at Furman tailgate.

#6 Mary Agnes' 65'th BD Party with Old Aunt Sarah and friend Ellie.

#7 Under the Gazebo at Biltmore.

#8 Belmont Abbey entrance.

I guess I've been a bit of a failure in my Blogging efficiency. I'm turning over a new leaf after many family and friends say they feel out of touch during the lull in my writing. So, here I go again.

As I previously mentioned we made our trip to Greenville, SC and Furman University on 9/20 with Bobby and Barbara for the Delaware game. Even though Delaware lost, 23 - 20 it was a great trip. I have learned one thing though when traveling with Barbara and Mary Agnes. DO Not Stop at CRACKER BARRELL!!!!!!!! It's not an eating experience, it's a shopping experience.

Just outside Charlotte we made a pit stop in the tiny town of Belmont, NC and spent some time riding around the tiny campus of Belmont Abbey College. If your ever down that way take ten minutes, just off the interstate, to see the campus.























I must say the southern hospitality people speak about is fact. We chatted with many Paladins, mascot of the Furman University. We were welcomed with open arms and thanked for making the trip. They are very proud of their school, and rightfully so. It is a beautiful campus. Back in the tail gate area after the loss, we were actually consoled and their was no bravado for their victory. We tailgated with John and Maureen, two great football friends of Bobby and Barbara who made the trip down from Wilmington.

We found a neat little restaurant our last night in Greenville, it served anything you could think of. It was kind of a throwback to the old diners of the 50's and 60's that we grew up with. Our waiter, a young transplant from Mississippi was an entertainment guru. Uncle Bob wanted a beer, now that's hard to believe, isn't it? After asking for a Coors Lite, he was told they were out of Coors. This was after the waiter went to look for one. Next up was a request for a Yingling, Ah, we have Yingling. Only problem was it was warm and still in the trunk of the car after being purchased. Later we were to learn that a cute young lady helping to serve our food was the girl friend of the waiter. It was an experience of culinary excellence.

One thing of note was that gas was in short supply in the general area. When we could find gas it was almost always over $4.00 and the prices varied by as much as 40 cents from one station to another.

The day prior to the game we made the trip to Ashville, NC and spent the day at the Biltmore Estate. Yes and once again shopping was the culmination of the day. We did a wine tasting, bought wine, go figure that one. We attended a Southern Living Magazine Mixology class and had a day of the finest weather anyone could ask for. If your ever down that way, it's a must stop!

A great trip with great people and enjoyed by all.

On 09/23 I started a house sitting job for for 22 days 3 miles from our home. The folks I'm sitting for have a vacation home in Sedona, AZ. I've been to Sedona, it is truly a beautiful place. Any way, my job of house sitting also includes the feeding and giving of medication to seven (7) cats. Tar Baby, age 19, medication for Thyroid abnormality, Mr. Gray, has a sinus problem and snorts snot everywhere, Nooley and Prowler and Buffy and Bitsy. Last and saving the best is Jane. Jane is Miss personality, greets me on arrival, goes in and eats and then back out.

The job of house sitting and taking care of the cats could be a simple one if not for the work force. You see, the owners are undergoing a major renovation. Several days this past week there were three painters, two carpenters, two electricians and the builder there working at 0700 hrs. upon my arrival. Also the builder has his brown Lab roaming around outside. Sometimes all doors are open, cats in, out, hiding or just gone. To compliment things even further their are two young fox in the area. Once while leaving dry food outside for the no shows they appeared. They sat a scant 10 feet from the back of the house just waiting for me to leave. It was a real showdown and not till several pine cones went their way, did they leave. To say the least, it has been a real adventure.

Last weekend was the Sea Gull Century Bike Ride, Salisbury to Assateague on the Ocean. We had seven friends of Kathy's in for the weekend. Kathy and Jeff entertained four. Granny and I spent our time in our hideaway Annex. All in all, great people great times and a fine spaghetti meal with twenty and a glass or two of wine.

Jumping to Colorado Springs, Sam seems to be fitting in nicely to her Air Force adventure. She is on Face Book for any of you who use that venue. It sounds like her greatest challenge is Calculus, so she is availing herself of extra help. This weekend Sam is in Denver at a retreat with 45 other cadets. It is a weekend she has been looking forward to so I'm sure she is enjoying it. Weather wise she's going to see highs in the mid 40's and lows below freezing for the next 3-4 days.

Yesterday was another good day for AF football with a good win over San Diego State. Last week Navy went to Altitude and came back to Annapolis with a victory, only Army stands in the way of another Commander in Chief's trophy.

We're enjoying great weather, good health for all and think of all of you often.

Go Navy, Beat Army!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On a sad note, Maine beat Delaware yesterday 27 - 10. Loss #4 for the Blue hens.

I shall Blog more often!