Vacation Week

My New Orleans adventure came to a close on Friday as we arrived home about 5 o'clock or so. There was no time for rest or unwinding as Collin and I had planned to leave the next day in the camper for a week of vacation. We were actually splitting the week with two separate outings.

I slept in for a bit Saturday morning to get a little rest as we were in no particular hurry to head out. Collin had some things to do while I carried out some clothes and some food items to the pantry and refrigerator. We were off to Denton's Ferry on the White River at Cotter, one of our favorite spots that we have frequented several times. We were staying through Wednesday.

Upon our arrival, we met two very nice couples camped out in the adjoining sites. We pulled up chairs and visited for the evening. The next evening, they invited us to join them for fish, fries, and hush puppies. It was delicious. Another night, they shared taco soup with us. We had the best time getting acquainted and visiting with these folks from Texas. By the time we headed out home, I told Collin that I felt as though I had known these people forever and that they were old friends. He felt the same way and said we might have to make a trip to Texas one of these days. Here we are devouring the feast. Meet Tommy and Gale, Buddy and Charlotte.

Having come home on Wednesday, we had Thursday to regroup and head south to Hot Springs with Dennis and Regina to enjoy the 4th of July. We found a great KOA park. We did some shopping in Hot Springs, took a ride on the Duck throughout the city and on Lake Hamilton, and had dinner with friends, Neal and Rhonda. They grilled for us and their home is overlooking the lake. It was wonderful--the meal and catching up on the latest.

Here we are riding the Duck.

All to soon, it was back home Monday afternoon and back to work. Collin had been out a week and had plenty waiting on him. It was time for me to do a little laundry and see about things on the home front. Traveling is great and we always have a good time, but it's also good to be back home.

I'm actually traveling again next week to Little Rock, but it's work related. Yet a whole other story of the unexpected wherein I got quite the surprise. More on that one later.

Next adventure--Osh Kosh; Airventure 2010!

Marcia

Setting Up House

I'm way, way behind on blogging. I have been on the road the last two weeks to the tune of over 1400 miles. I have a number of posts to catch up on, but will try to break them down into smaller portions and tell about each one. It has been planned vacation time as well as some unexpected travels that have kept me from the computer, but here is the first in a series of several.

Nearly three weeks ago, Micah called with news that she and Rhyne were getting keys and garage openers to their house. They were starting to move boxes to the new house and movers would be there in a week to carry over the big furniture. Everybody was excited. That same night, our neighbors, Steve and Robin told they were headed to New Orleans the next week for a few vacation days and invited me to ride down and they would drop me off for a visit with Micah. I didn't know; I thought she might want to move and set up on her own. It was after all her first house, but definitely not a first move. I called her back and told her they had offered me a ride if I wanted it. If she would like for me to come a couple of days to wash dishes and help her, I would be more than happy to come. She said, "You want the ride." The next week I was headed south strong of back with willing spirit and Steve's truck loaded down with boxes of stored dishes, linens, and miscellaneous kitchen items that she had never been able to enjoy due to lack of space.

Tuesday night the kids took me out to eat since for the obvious reasons the apartment was just a bit shy of groceries. When we got back home, everybody began more packing of boxes and carrying over the small stuff to the house. The movers were coming the next morning. Here we are working together in the kitchen.

I was dressed and over to the new house the next morning by 7. I had awaken and thought I might as well go ahead and get started; we had a lot to do. I'm not one to sit around too much when I know there is so much to be done in such a short amount of time. I slipped out and left Micah asleep, but that was OK. She was extremely tired and I knew it. She could use a little more rest. I began loading the dishwasher, moving stuff off the counter tops, and kept a sink of water going all day Wednesday. We went from this

(and I had already done some work before I remembered to make a picture) to this.

Our efforts were most productive and I felt good about our progress at the end of the day.

Thursday was another day of emptying boxes, cleaning, washing several loads of laundry, and hanging a few pictures. Again, some of our finished efforts.

Micah was a little tired--just one short power nap.

Some of the faculty wives brought dinner Thursday evening and did we ever enjoy that! You know, bringing over a meal for such times as these is very SOUTHERN and hospitable. We were tired and this kind gesture meant so much. I'm so glad I live south of the Mason-Dixon line! What great traditions! There still wasn't too much in the house to eat. There hadn't been time to grocery shop. We had other priorities.

I took a little house warming gift from the family. Micah has always loved and admired my flags, so about 2 years ago, I got this bright idea to start a collection for her. I knew the day would come that she would have a house and I wanted to be ready. I think she was surprised and pleased. Here is she and Rhyne opening up the surprise,

and here she is late Thursday afternoon getting the first flag outside to signal life and activity in the house.

Isn't she the cutest thing?! You cannot imagine how happy this child is to finally have a house. She said she finally felt all grown up--after nearly 5 years she actually had a house with a yard.

Steve and Robin came early Friday morning to pick me up and we headed home. I was thrilled to get to help out a little. Nothing brings a mama any more joy than to know she is still needed and can be useful even when her daughter is a big girl and quite capable on her own. She and Rhyne have a beautiful house, and I know very soon if not already, it will be home.

Travel--Series I complete. More to come.

Marcia