Extended Trip

On November 4th we left for what we thought was a one job trip to Mississippi. God had other plans for us and He graciously provided work in Michigan and Kentucky also. So here's a look at where we have been for the last six weeks.

Deja vous?
No motor home breakdown this time, just a night at the same rest stop. Whew!

We arrived in Waynesboro, MS and found a beautiful state park to call home for a few days. We discovered later as we drove around the park that we had spent a night there one other time in a different section. Weird.

Misty Mississippi Mornings.

Mississippi Monster.

Yuck. He was on the door window and nearly scared me to death.
I decided to wait until he left to go outside.

Mississippi Mischief

Wandering into the forbidden area.
The park host said they know of three alligators in the lake and said to keep a close eye on the dog. She could disappear in a "snap". Not Good.

Next stop, a layover in Lewisburg, Ohio, where we had the privilege of being with family for a little. Mike and Kay have such a convenient place to park the RV and are so gracious to let us use their beautiful place to call home for a time.

This time we got to see their new house all finished and inhabited.

It is a very feel-at-home place to be!

George and Mike being George and Mike....

...encouraging Moose (the very playful dog) the go after the cattle.

Yeah.. I caught you!

It was good to spend some time with Robert and Sue again and we got to meet Tina's little guy,

Trey.
What a sweetheart.

I didn't take many pictures in Michigan; too busy with inside things, I guess. It was a beautiful area but we didn't drive out much.

The little dusting of snow on Thanksgiving Day

Another "shortest route" GPS adventure when we were trying to figure out how to get to the mill from the RV park. George almost had to put the truck in 4-wheel drive, but we made it to a paved road at which point I changed to "fastest route", which turned out to be only one mile farther. It was quite a ways to the mill but we were so thankful to find a place to plug in! Most RV parks up here are closed this time of year.

Retrieving a coat that he thought he might have to leave in Michigan; there wasn't anyone at the mill but he found an unlocked door. Good thing, as it got cold in Kentucky!

Elle, glad to have him back and to be traveling again.

Our final stop was in south central Kentucky, north of Bowling Green, and we spent almost two weeks there. It grows on you, and I enjoyed every day.

Tobacco drying in the barns.

On a cold, windy day we drove Nashville and after

the city sights

and city streets

we were ready to get back to country sights

and country roads.
Ahhhh... much better.

At the mill, George discovered work hat 'headlights'.

And at a little fabric store I discovered new friends!

A Trip with Guests

A job in Lincoln, California, gave us the opportunity to bring guests!

Working guests, as Danny did ALL the driving and helped George at the mill.

It was so fun to have them along.

From Lincoln we went on to Mom's for a few days.

And a special day trip to San Francisco for me. For a very long time I have wanted to visit the grave site of my Great-grandpa Gibbons at the Presidio and this was the time. He has fascinated me from childhood.

So, through the gate....

...down the drive...


...and there it was!


The patient spouses : )

Lunchtime, take out from the Grotto No. 9.

The patient husbands in Chinatown.

And Jodi, you just thought you saw the final episode of Monk.

Then it was time to say goodbye... love you two.

Thanks, Dan and Ann, for the help and the memories.

Starting Over

It's been so long since I've done a post that it almost feels like I'm starting over. Anyway, I'll give it another try. September was full of birthday parties and for once we actually got to attend!

First up was Max...

and a surprise celebration held along the Willamette River after his raft trip with Jake and Daddy,
complete with a bring your own picnic (great idea, Jodi!).

And the best part, being the one who gets to open all those packages...

while the rest of the kids have to sit back and watch (heh, heh)....

...but darn, those ribbons can be tough!

Next came the Edewards Double (oops, make that triple...Happy Birthday Grandma Pam!), to which we arrived from a trip (another post coming) JUST in time to go to the park for the party.

Many more shared Happy Birthdays, you two!

The soccer player and her horse cake.

Such a cute cupcake...

Mmmmmm, tastes good, too!

Forget the hands, I think I'll just dive in.
Aren't first birthdays fun?!!

Although not last by the calendar, the last to be celebrated.... Dominic. Unfortunately, I didn't get a good photo of just Dom. However, I liked this one taken right after a birthday spin-around with Mommy.

As requested, a police car cake. Complete with a customized car number.
You girls never cease to amaze me.

But when the REAL policeman showed up at the party, I was surprised at how in awe Dominic was even though it was Uncle Ben. So fun to watch as Dom checked out all that stuff that's a part of a policeman's attire and vehicle.

And though not birthday boys...

...too cute to miss.

Each and every one, a gift and a blessing from the hand of God.