To My Blogging Friends and Family

Tonight I want to reflect on thoughts pertaining to those of you who...... for whatever reason ....check in on this blog now and then.

It's the end of the day.....I'm sitting at my computer checking out one of the blogs I follow on a regular basis. .....

Beth..... through her blog has brought me a lot of insight into the HUGE value of close relationships......THE STUFF THAT REALLY MATTERS TO ME! Beth leads worship in her church and while reading her blog.....the thought hits me that I've only "heard her voice" through her blog pictures and text! I mentioned that in a comment....So...what's she do but send me an audio of her and her daughter singing which I'm now listening to for the fifth time! Beautiful stuff, Beth!

EVERY DAY I check Sam's blog to hopefully get another glimpse of the Grandaughter I have yet to meet....and to SEE.... HER .....and Sam .....and Mel whom I so love.

While sitting at Mohican Lodge with Pat and Heather at the end of our camping adventure.........just before shutting off the computer ..... I checked in on Bob and Claudia's blog. How beautifully Claudia conveyed through words and pictures things I hadn't thought of in years.......

New Years Day 1968 ...... the deep snow we had and the fact that it was that very night that Bob asked her to mary him! .......On her blog I saw again the signs that hung on our fence at home welcoming my Brother Bob back from Viet Nam......and the look on my Mother's face when he surprised her by walking in the door unannounced!!!! I could rehear her SCREAMS of joy!!!

So what am I trying to say.....that the closer I get to Heaven and the ultimate RECONNECTION with my maker....the more each of you mean to me ......and the more I appreciate the realtionships I have with each of you.....some of whom I've never met!

Eloise in Paris.....Chloe in Singapore...... and Beth in Norfolk.....

Each of you who blog.....and each of you who check in....THANKS FOR YOUR INTEREST!

.....thanks for maintaining the connection that means so much to both of us!!

Camping At Mohican

It has been a family tradition to camp at Mohican State Park for over 30 years. Having children in Virginia and France who are not able to join us on this trip.....we send these pictures especially for you.

Above is the way we typically show up....the Clampits arrive...with all the equipment and food for a 4 day adventure in he semiwild.

..........Heather tests the matress and interior set up of our home in the woods.

France....Take Note.....

....contrary to the steriotype of Americans by some "Frenchies," these and the following pictures are representative of how this US generation is "lean and green."

Pregame Warm Ups

Two Former Licking Valley Athletes Hook Up Once Again....

.....hut 1....hut 2.....hut 3.......

........back deep.......looking down the field.........

.........the release.......

.....going deep.....

........TOUCHDOWN....LV !!!

The Fall.....

Sometime ago Pat purchased a power trike "for the kids." still being a kid at heart she took a spin on it.........

....only to .....well......"spin out" so to speak...... Of course I was there on the scene quickly to assess the damage......

........ and to blog the results........

....only to get this response....I can't imagine why????!!!

We Thoroughly Enjoyed Having Tevis, Tammy, Brenden and Megan Austin in Camp

Brenden and Megan were a joy to have in camp. They provided us with a lot of laughs and really kept us entertained.

Tevis and Tammy are great parents and great friends.

........Brenden picks up fishing tips from Seth....

....Brenden sheds a tear for his sister......

Arriving Back At Camp To His Surprise Birthday Party

.....the birthday boy.....31 Years Old!!...

.......the singing card that played Macho Macho Man....

This Was What He REALLY Wanted For His Birthday!

..........right Seth....???

.......Now be a good boy and take this medicine for your sore thumb......

........who's the ghost woman....the head growing out of Seth's shoulder???

Camping Is Food....

Mary Hofacker, David's Mom, joined us and was a great help especially in the food department!