Wednesday, June 29, 2005

50th Wedding Anniversary in Iowa

We spent a wonderful five days in New Hampton, Iowa visiting with Glen's family. We were there to help his sister and her husband celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Our Montana found a home in the campground at East Park where we were very comfortable. It was a short walk to Betty and Jack's home where most of the activities took place. Terri flew in on Thursday night and Brett, Maureen, and the girls arrived on Friday at suppertime. It was so good to see everyone. The celebration on Saturday was very nice and the weather was very cooperative. What a lovely family we have....in our opinion.

On Monday morning, June 27th we drove to our new campground south of Yankton, SD. It's a lovely setting on the Missouri river, Lewis and Clark Recreation Area. The bridge over the Missouri River is especially unique....a double decker. It was built in the 1920s. I've never seen anything like it.

We're having a great time visiting with Judy's brother and his wife and Judy's sister and her husband. Most of the time is spent sharing meals and chit chat and just enjoying this opportunity to be together. Even our doggies get along!

In just two days we will officially start our trip to Alaska. I don't think it will be quite as emotional as leaving those of our children who were in Iowa last Monday. But it's another milestone, one that we have planned for and dreamed of for over a year. We thank the Lord.

Among the visitors, Aunt Terri and Gracie Posted by Hello

Jack and Betty, Glen's sister and her hubby celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in New Hampton, Iowa. Posted by Hello

Brett and Maureen and the girls in New Hampton, Iowa  Posted by Hello

Here we are at Betty and Jack's 50th anniversary celebration. Posted by Hello

Monday, June 20, 2005

Our first week on the road

We've already finished our first week on the road. It's hard to believe.

We had a great time camping with our grandson, Daniel. His paternal grandparents were camping with us and Aunt Terri joined us for three days, too. Fish were caught, campfires were lit, ducks were fed, and, of course, technology continued. Daniel enjoys "updating" Grandma's computer. I may be in line for some surprises in the future.

The weather was absolutely perfect and we enjoyed camping right by the lake. One day Daniel was fishing with a bobber and jig which caught the attention of a young duck. She made a dive and came up with the jig in her mouth, "crying" in duck language. The momma duck was next to her in a flash and they were both swimming frantically. Fortunately the young duck dropped the jig without getting hooked and a wild duck fight was avoided. It was pretty intense for a couple of minutes. Sure hate that you missed it!

We've since moved on to Sandwich, Illinois and are parked out in front of Judy's father's home, actually in the neighbor's driveway. On Saturday we attended the 93rd Tendall reunion in Huntley, Illinois. The Tendalls are the family of Judy's paternal grandmother. We got lots of family pictures. In attendance were Judy's aunt, uncle, and dad who are 102, 94, and 91, respectively. Those Tendalls do know how to cook!

On Wednesday we move to Iowa where we will help Glen's sister and her husband celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. More later.

Camping buddies Posted by Hello

Tendall reunion visitors Posted by Hello

Technology continues Posted by Hello

Helping Grandma dry dishes Posted by Hello

Great buddies Posted by Hello

Camping in Tennessee Posted by Hello

Terri and Boyd Posted by Hello

A serious fisherman! Posted by Hello

Saturday, June 11, 2005

Officially on the road!

The adventure has begun. We are parked at Seven Points Recreation Area on a lake just east of Nashville. It's a beautiful campground and one of our favorites. Glen and I were here last year and made plans to return as it is very close to our favorite (and only) grandson's home. The fact that it is a Corp of Engineer campground makes it very reasonable for us old folks. The Golden Age Passport offers half-price camping for those of us 62 and older. We will be joined by Daniel, John (Daniel's daddy), Aunt Terri, and Daniel's paternal grandparents during the week so we're sure to have a great time.

Our scheduled departure was supposed to be this morning, June 11, 2005, but by some wierd coincidence, we were ready to leave a day early. So we did! Isn't retirement great? It was a wonderful way to celebrate my 'social security' birthday. We also added to my birthday celebration lunch with Boyd in Birmingham, a rousing chorus of 'Happy Birthday' from our favorite ladies in Texas, and dinner with Terri the night.

We were delighted to find out through a call to the campground that the site we had reserved for the week would be open for us on Friday night. So here we are, site 19, right on the lake. There were mallard ducks and Canadian geese here to greet us although they've made themselves scarce since Greta expressed her opinion to them.

Tomorrow after church Daniel will join us for the night. Aunt Terri will surprise him by staying a couple of nights, too. That will certainly pick up the pace.

The weather is gray and drizzly from Tropical Storm Arlene but our spirits are high and we're eager to see what the Lord has in store for us down the road. We are so thankful that He has given us this time to enjoy His creation.

Thursday, June 02, 2005

Denner's Divine Adventure

Denner's Divine AdventureJune, 2005 We've had an interesting and busy spring since Glen's retirement. A trip to Savannah and Jacksonville was most refreshing and interesting. We enjoyed riding our bicycles and walking on the beach. A weekend on Pensacola Naval Air Station also found us camped on the beach. We were entertained by the Blue Angels as they practiced and Glen visited the Naval Aviation Museum, which is a fascinating place.

Somewhere we found enough time to visit our favorite grandson, Daniel, in Tennessee. We had an enjoyable visit with him and his daddy but a sad farewell with both Grandma and Daniel in tears.

Our next trip was to Pigeon Forge with the Dixie Ramblers, a Good Sam camping club. The members were very enjoyable and we had a wonderful time. We attended several shows, many with a refreshing Christian flavor. It was a delightful weekend.

Soon after arriving home we left for Texas to visit our two precious granddaughters and their parents. Soon after Grace's kindergarten graduation, the girls left with us for Lake O' the Pines near Longview, Texas for a few days of camping with Grandpa and Grandma. We had a wonderful time fishing, swimming, playing nerfball, and walking Greta. Greta loves having the girls with us since they keep her well supplied with doggie treats. And Brett was able to join us for a couple of days of camping.

Now we are home and preparing for our big trip to Alaska. These days are busy with last minute packing and planning and modifications. Such fun! The excitement is building.

Camping at Benbrook Lake near Fort Worth Posted by Hello

Our favorite grandson Posted by Hello

Grandma and her girls Posted by Hello