Last night I was so excited to finish reading this book that I went to bed early just to read. After finishing, I must say this was an awesome story! It did have a couple sections I skimmed over because of content, but otherwise a wonderful book.
You meet Jacob, a worker for a circus, right before a disaster occurs in the menagerie. You read as animals stampede, people scatter in all directions, and a man is killed... Then you meet Jacob many, many years later. Jacob is in a nursing home when a circus sets up across the street. The residents in the home are excited with these new sights and hopes of going to see the spectacular show.
Then you're reading about young Jacob again, finishing school to become a vet when his parents are killed in a tragic accident. He learns his father's veterinary practice has gone under and he receives no money, the house is repossessed by the bank, and he is all alone with nothing. He makes the decision to get away and jumps onto a train that is passing through. It just happens to be a circus train.
The story alternates between younger Jacob and older Jacob, experiencing life in the circus and life inside the nursing home. The chapters of older Jacob in the home really opened my eyes to what some residents must be thinking. How lonely it must be, how it must feel not to be wanted by your children and to be placed under someone else's care instead.
I really love this book. I am excited to see the movie to see how it compares!
April 20, 2011
April 19, 2011
I Have a Fantastic Idea
Movies can have great stories, but sometimes they contain things viewers would rather not see: language, nudity, violence. There are many products out which help people to edit their movies by downloading filters so they can bring them down to a family friendly rating without dulling down the movie. Why can't someone do this for books on a kindle? I mostly try to stick to Christian Fiction because I know graphic scenes and language are kept to a minimum. These stories get old after a while, like reading only history books, eventually you crave something new.
The book I am currently reading, Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen, has a wonderful story, I can't wait to finish it! However, I'd really rather not get a detailed description of a stripper's dance, certain male reactions, and the like. Would it not be acceptable to say that the stripper was dancing minus the graphic scenery? How much harder would it really be to create a "reader friendly" version for those who would rather leave those things behind?
The book I am currently reading, Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen, has a wonderful story, I can't wait to finish it! However, I'd really rather not get a detailed description of a stripper's dance, certain male reactions, and the like. Would it not be acceptable to say that the stripper was dancing minus the graphic scenery? How much harder would it really be to create a "reader friendly" version for those who would rather leave those things behind?
April 16, 2011
One Home of Many
I was born and raised in Northern Georgia in a rural community. Here I lived for 21 years of life and will forever call it home. I drove through the countryside to visit a very dear family and was nearly brought to tears. I drove down a road and noted all the changes made to local businesses and how the flora has grown and the trees so green. I turn down another small street and pass the butcher's shop where momma used to buy the best meat and yeast rolls you've ever tasted. I keep going through the street lined with houses whose front yards contained evidence of children and many hours spent in the dirt planting flowers. I come to the four way stop and continue slowly, passing the cemetery where my sister and cousin are buried side-by-side.
There are so many memories down this road, such as when momma and I picked up our pastor because he had car trouble. My car overheating and waiting until daddy could pick me up. The house with the llamas. An old house where the nicest man used to live before he passed many years ago.
I pull into the driveway and blink back more tears, telling myself that I'm being silly, but glad to be home.
There are so many memories down this road, such as when momma and I picked up our pastor because he had car trouble. My car overheating and waiting until daddy could pick me up. The house with the llamas. An old house where the nicest man used to live before he passed many years ago.
I pull into the driveway and blink back more tears, telling myself that I'm being silly, but glad to be home.
April 13, 2011
I Love My Kindle
For Christmas this past year, my aunt MIL, (long story), gave Alan and I Kindles. We tore them open and have barely been able to put them down since! Well, until Alan stepped on mine and I had to get a replacement. :)
In the last two days, I have downloaded 17 books: free! Sometimes they are not so grand, but I have found a few that I really enjoyed. I just search Amazon.com about once a week and look at their top 100 free books and get my fill. The most recent book I read was Alice at Heart, by Deborah Smith.
In the beginning you meet Alice, in strange circumstances with strange habits: swimming nude in the mountain lake in frigid temperatures, webbing between her toes, and a diet comprised of canned tuna. Then you meet Griffin, a treasure hunter who, in the midst of an accident, hears a woman calling to him underwater. As the story unfolds, Alice and Griffin find their true homes. There were a few intimate moments of the book, but nothing that could be compared with a "romance" novel. If you like books that make you wonder and pull you into a captivating story, I think you will enjoy this one.
In the last two days, I have downloaded 17 books: free! Sometimes they are not so grand, but I have found a few that I really enjoyed. I just search Amazon.com about once a week and look at their top 100 free books and get my fill. The most recent book I read was Alice at Heart, by Deborah Smith.
In the beginning you meet Alice, in strange circumstances with strange habits: swimming nude in the mountain lake in frigid temperatures, webbing between her toes, and a diet comprised of canned tuna. Then you meet Griffin, a treasure hunter who, in the midst of an accident, hears a woman calling to him underwater. As the story unfolds, Alice and Griffin find their true homes. There were a few intimate moments of the book, but nothing that could be compared with a "romance" novel. If you like books that make you wonder and pull you into a captivating story, I think you will enjoy this one.
April 12, 2011
Banananananana.... Bread
We love bananas, but sometimes they don't all get eaten before they are very spotty. I think that's why God gave someone the idea to make delicious, wonderful, banana bread.
Mom and I used a Paula Deen recipe to make the banana bread today and it turned out delicious!!
1/2 c butter, softened
1 c sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 c all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
3 ripe bananas (we used 4)
Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 9x5 in loaf pan. Combine butter and sugar and beat till fluffy. Add banana and mix till mashed. Add everything else and mix well. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 50 minutes.
We also added 1/2 c walnuts for a nice crunch. :) Spread a little cream cheese on just before eating and you'll have a little slice of heaven.
Mom and I used a Paula Deen recipe to make the banana bread today and it turned out delicious!!
1/2 c butter, softened
1 c sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 c all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
3 ripe bananas (we used 4)
Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 9x5 in loaf pan. Combine butter and sugar and beat till fluffy. Add banana and mix till mashed. Add everything else and mix well. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 50 minutes.
We also added 1/2 c walnuts for a nice crunch. :) Spread a little cream cheese on just before eating and you'll have a little slice of heaven.
April 11, 2011
Bear vs. Elk
Driving through the mountains of Colorado, you'll see various signs along the highway warning of animals that may choose that particular spot to cross. We were fine until Momma saw the sign for the bear. She grabbed my leg and gasped, "Did you see that?" I asked, "What, the bear sign?" Momma went on to say how much she hates bears and hoped we wouldn't see one.
A few miles later I saw a sign similar but for elk and I grabbed Momma's leg and gasped, "Momma, did you see that?" She nearly screamed thinking I had seen a bear and then realized I was talking about the elk sign... I got her good.
A few miles later I saw a sign similar but for elk and I grabbed Momma's leg and gasped, "Momma, did you see that?" She nearly screamed thinking I had seen a bear and then realized I was talking about the elk sign... I got her good.
April 9, 2011
Going, Going, Going
Momma and began our trip back to Louisiana today. We decided to take a different route that shaved nearly two hours off our driving time! And, lucky for us, my oldest nephew Oliver decided to begin sharing... his cold with Nana and Aunt Kk. Instead of driving and getting home sooner, we opted to stop and sleep for a bit.
Funny story: I dropped Momma off at the hotel entrance and went to park the car. As I was walking in, a guy, probably college aged, was walking out. Either he wasn't looking where he was going or I smelled really bad because he ran into the door on the way out! It was slightly humorous. Good, old-fashioned America's Funniest Home Video funny.
While we are taking a shorter route I am missing the old, abandoned buildings we frequently saw on the trip up. Those houses and barns were so interesting! One day, I would like to drive that way again and stop to take pictures of those places. Abandoned buildings surrounded by prairie and blue sky. Georgeous.
Funny story: I dropped Momma off at the hotel entrance and went to park the car. As I was walking in, a guy, probably college aged, was walking out. Either he wasn't looking where he was going or I smelled really bad because he ran into the door on the way out! It was slightly humorous. Good, old-fashioned America's Funniest Home Video funny.
While we are taking a shorter route I am missing the old, abandoned buildings we frequently saw on the trip up. Those houses and barns were so interesting! One day, I would like to drive that way again and stop to take pictures of those places. Abandoned buildings surrounded by prairie and blue sky. Georgeous.
April 8, 2011
Life as a Military Wife
I love all my friends dearly, especially those who are military wives because we are all in the same boat. (No pun intended.) But... if all we do is complain about missing our husbands and wanting to be back home, what kind of life is that?
When we married our husbands, we knew (or should have known) what we were signing up for. Long days of work, his life being ruled by the military, being seperated (sometimes planned, sometimes not), long duty weekends, unexpected working days, and leave requests being denied. We knew that life was going to be hard, we would get the "short end of the stick", and that there would be times when we wanted to sit down and cry in sheer frustration. If we let this get us down, we are only making ourselves miserable.
So chin up! We all know it's hard, we are all going through it, and there's not a thing we can do about it. Look for the bright in life, the silver linings, that extra $40 you forgot in an old purse. We'll make it through. Just think about how estatic you will be when you are finally reunited with that special loved one of yours.
When we married our husbands, we knew (or should have known) what we were signing up for. Long days of work, his life being ruled by the military, being seperated (sometimes planned, sometimes not), long duty weekends, unexpected working days, and leave requests being denied. We knew that life was going to be hard, we would get the "short end of the stick", and that there would be times when we wanted to sit down and cry in sheer frustration. If we let this get us down, we are only making ourselves miserable.
So chin up! We all know it's hard, we are all going through it, and there's not a thing we can do about it. Look for the bright in life, the silver linings, that extra $40 you forgot in an old purse. We'll make it through. Just think about how estatic you will be when you are finally reunited with that special loved one of yours.
April 6, 2011
Aunt Kk
"Do, do , do, do, do, do." That's the sound of Oliver talking and playing with you. Way up high and way down low, he loves making noises. He has a workbench that Nana and Pops gave him and we like to hammer on the bench, hammer on Aunt Kk's leg, and hammer on Oliver's toes.
Oliver loves his guitar, playing songs and singing new lyrics. You should see him dancing around with his guitar and putting on a show. He loves music! Singing songs is one of our favorite past times.
The blocks are a fun toy too. Stacking the blocks by color is Oliver's way to do it. He likes to make sure the colors match. He has a toy that you put balls into the top and they wind their way down to the bottom and he likes to make sure the balls match there too. The red ball has to go in the red hole and the green one in the green hole.
He sure is a bundle of fun. This is really the first time I have been able to spend quality time with Oliver and I am loving it!
Oliver loves his guitar, playing songs and singing new lyrics. You should see him dancing around with his guitar and putting on a show. He loves music! Singing songs is one of our favorite past times.
The blocks are a fun toy too. Stacking the blocks by color is Oliver's way to do it. He likes to make sure the colors match. He has a toy that you put balls into the top and they wind their way down to the bottom and he likes to make sure the balls match there too. The red ball has to go in the red hole and the green one in the green hole.
He sure is a bundle of fun. This is really the first time I have been able to spend quality time with Oliver and I am loving it!
April 5, 2011
Traveling Fool
I have decided that enjoy traveling. I guess it's a good thing considering.
Sunday afternoon we began receiving calls that my nephew was being born, over three weeks ahead of schedule! Luckily, he arrived with no complications, just a healthy baby boy. Mom (Nana) and I (Aunt Kk) jumped into the car within about two hours of hearing the news and began the long journey to Denver, Colorado.
Momma and I are great traveling companions. We like similar music, chat up a storm, and have similar driving styles so we don't drive each other crazy. We took turns driving every 2 1/2 to 3 hours so we were always fresh and driving safely.
As we were leaving Dallas headed towards Oklahoma City, a storm decided to honor us with it's presence and dropped some rain, blew fierce wind, and even gave s a few hailstones. We decided it was time to pull over for a while. Sitting under a gas station, we watched the rain, the hail (which never got any bigger than a peanut), and the changing winds and were soon back on the road.
Driving through Oklahoma, Kansas, and Colorado we began to notice something. Every small town (and larger ones too) have their own museum of some sort and had signs placed along the interstate begging travelers to stop by or else we'd miss "the largest prairie dog in the world". Some places were as simple as "so and so's" childhood home but one of my favorites was the Land of Oz. We never actually stopped, maybe on the drive home.
In Kansas we began seeing signs for "Post Rock Country". Momma and I kept wondering what post rock was and finally decided it must be a landmark like the chimney rock. Then we saw fences with rocks as their posts. Oh! That's a post rock! A light beige in color and always shaped in perfect squared posts. It was fascinating seeing all the fences made with this rock, even houses and grain silos made from it as well.
Sunday afternoon we began receiving calls that my nephew was being born, over three weeks ahead of schedule! Luckily, he arrived with no complications, just a healthy baby boy. Mom (Nana) and I (Aunt Kk) jumped into the car within about two hours of hearing the news and began the long journey to Denver, Colorado.
Momma and I are great traveling companions. We like similar music, chat up a storm, and have similar driving styles so we don't drive each other crazy. We took turns driving every 2 1/2 to 3 hours so we were always fresh and driving safely.
As we were leaving Dallas headed towards Oklahoma City, a storm decided to honor us with it's presence and dropped some rain, blew fierce wind, and even gave s a few hailstones. We decided it was time to pull over for a while. Sitting under a gas station, we watched the rain, the hail (which never got any bigger than a peanut), and the changing winds and were soon back on the road.
Driving through Oklahoma, Kansas, and Colorado we began to notice something. Every small town (and larger ones too) have their own museum of some sort and had signs placed along the interstate begging travelers to stop by or else we'd miss "the largest prairie dog in the world". Some places were as simple as "so and so's" childhood home but one of my favorites was the Land of Oz. We never actually stopped, maybe on the drive home.
In Kansas we began seeing signs for "Post Rock Country". Momma and I kept wondering what post rock was and finally decided it must be a landmark like the chimney rock. Then we saw fences with rocks as their posts. Oh! That's a post rock! A light beige in color and always shaped in perfect squared posts. It was fascinating seeing all the fences made with this rock, even houses and grain silos made from it as well.
April 2, 2011
la Madeleine
Momma and I went to Kohl's, one of my most favorite places to shop! (Yes, most favorite!) We both found some cute things and I scored on a purse for only$3.50!! Kohl's is a short drive away, in the next town over and amongst an up and coming community. Previously, Momma had been driving through and had seen a restaurant that we loved to get dessert at in Atlanta, la Madeleine! We had neve eaten in the cafe portion, only getting yummy to-go treats like a Strawberry White Chocolate Cheesecake. Heavenly.
We stopped for lunch after a morning of shopping and were pleasantly surprised! You walk in and go through the line, ordering your food (most of the time it gets to you before you leave the line) and paying at the end. Momma ordered a chicken salad crossiant with a side of the house pasta and I ordered a Mediterranean salad with chicken. It was delicious!
We were hoping this restaurant would have the same cheesecake as the Atlanta one did, but they did not. Instead, we selected many small treats, perfect for a tiny dessert after a meal. Lemon tarts, fruit tarts, creme brulee tarts, strawberry cheesecake, tiramisu, fruit parfait, and a chocolate cake layered dessert. Momma and I also bought a couple lemon madeleine's to eat on the way home. Oh man were they good!!
We stopped for lunch after a morning of shopping and were pleasantly surprised! You walk in and go through the line, ordering your food (most of the time it gets to you before you leave the line) and paying at the end. Momma ordered a chicken salad crossiant with a side of the house pasta and I ordered a Mediterranean salad with chicken. It was delicious!
We were hoping this restaurant would have the same cheesecake as the Atlanta one did, but they did not. Instead, we selected many small treats, perfect for a tiny dessert after a meal. Lemon tarts, fruit tarts, creme brulee tarts, strawberry cheesecake, tiramisu, fruit parfait, and a chocolate cake layered dessert. Momma and I also bought a couple lemon madeleine's to eat on the way home. Oh man were they good!!
April 1, 2011
Strawberries
In Japan, the strawberries are always delicious! Sweet and rich in flavor! Strawberries are in season here in Louisiana and boy are they good. We have eaten through 4 boxes of strawberries already in the last week. I would love to share a recipe that has become a family favorite, Crunchy Strawberry Salad.
1 pkg ramen noodles
1 c chopped walnuts
1/4 c butter
1/4 c vegetable oil
1/4 c sugar
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp soy sauce
8 c romaine lettuce
1/2 c chopped green onion
2 c fresh strawberries, sliced
Break noodles into small pieces and saute them with the walnuts in the butter until golden, about 8-10minutes. In a jar (or screw top container) combine oil, sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce and shake well. Combine all ingredients and toss just before serving.
When we make this, we skip the butter step to save a few unnecessary calories and you can adjust the dressing to you taste, sometimes I like to use less oil and more red wine vinegar. This is delicious by itself or with a grilled chicken breast on top of it.
Also, we like to make Strawberry Pie, a quick and easy, hard to mess up, recipe.
1 graham cracker pie shell
1 package of strawberries, sliced
1 c sugar
3 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 c water
I like to begin by pulling a few of the "not-so-pretty" strawberries out of the package and mashing them up really small. I put these strawberries in a sauce pan, add the water and bring to a boil to get all the flavor out of the strawberries. Then you can strain it if you want those little strawberry pieces out of the glaze. Combine the sugar and cornstarch and add to the strawberry essenced water and cook until thick. You can add a few drops of red food coloring if you want the glaze bright red. Allow the glaze to cool then combine the glaze and the strawberries, mixing thoroughly, and pour into the pie shell. Refrigerate a few hours until set. Serve with whipped cream!
I have also made this pie using a reduced fat graham cracker pie shell, splenda, and a tad more corn starch and it turned out delicious.
1 pkg ramen noodles
1 c chopped walnuts
1/4 c butter
1/4 c vegetable oil
1/4 c sugar
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp soy sauce
8 c romaine lettuce
1/2 c chopped green onion
2 c fresh strawberries, sliced
Break noodles into small pieces and saute them with the walnuts in the butter until golden, about 8-10minutes. In a jar (or screw top container) combine oil, sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce and shake well. Combine all ingredients and toss just before serving.
When we make this, we skip the butter step to save a few unnecessary calories and you can adjust the dressing to you taste, sometimes I like to use less oil and more red wine vinegar. This is delicious by itself or with a grilled chicken breast on top of it.
Also, we like to make Strawberry Pie, a quick and easy, hard to mess up, recipe.
1 graham cracker pie shell
1 package of strawberries, sliced
1 c sugar
3 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 c water
I like to begin by pulling a few of the "not-so-pretty" strawberries out of the package and mashing them up really small. I put these strawberries in a sauce pan, add the water and bring to a boil to get all the flavor out of the strawberries. Then you can strain it if you want those little strawberry pieces out of the glaze. Combine the sugar and cornstarch and add to the strawberry essenced water and cook until thick. You can add a few drops of red food coloring if you want the glaze bright red. Allow the glaze to cool then combine the glaze and the strawberries, mixing thoroughly, and pour into the pie shell. Refrigerate a few hours until set. Serve with whipped cream!
I have also made this pie using a reduced fat graham cracker pie shell, splenda, and a tad more corn starch and it turned out delicious.
March 31, 2011
Suntanning Squirrels
Here in Louisiana where mom and dad live, there is a large population of squirrels: large in quantity and large in size. Everywhere you look, you can see squirrels eating, running, playing, and even tanning! Well, we say they are tanning. You can see them laying on the ground, legs up, eyes closed, and enjoying the sunshine! Typically they lay in the road because we figure that is the warmest spot. Except today is cloudy and I saw a squirrel suntanning... Hmm...
Settling In at the Gym
I came out extremely well in a gym membership today. I had seen a "no contract" offer posted at a gym near mom and dad's house and decided that I should check it out. As I walked into the gym today, I quickly figured out.. it was huge! There are two sections, one for children and one for adults. It has multiple group classrooms for yoga, bodypump, spinning, and more that I haven't even heard of. The enire second floor is reserved for cardio equpiment, strength training equipment, and a core workout area complete with mats, balls, and free weights. The ladies locker room is amazing, furnished with lockers (made from wood, not metal), showers, sauna, and hot tub. The gym also offers wireless internet for those of us who simply cannot be away from the internet, a cafe complete with coffee and nutritional drinks, and outdoor heated pools for anytime swimming.
March 30, 2011
Leaving Japan and...
A week into staying at my parents, a storm begins brewing threatening flash flooding, hail, and tornadoes. Whew! I thought I was getting away from the natural disasters but they seem to have caught up with me.
So far, no word as to when I can go back. I am looking into joining a gym today so I can have something to keep me busy (also it'll keep me healthy).
I've been shopping and I think I'm set now, got a few more clothes since clothes shopping in Japan is semi difficult. Everyone there is extremely trim so unless you follow suit, clothes could be a challenge.
Latest news from Japan: plutonium was found in soil samples around the nuclear reactors, but right now it's no higher than levels naturally found in soil in other parts of Japan. The TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power Company) chief says that right now, he has no plan as to how to they are going to fix the situation. There is a large portion of underground water that has been contaminated with radioactive particles. Also, they are still trying to fix leaks from the reactors. Aftershocks are still occurring with the rolling power outages and very cool weather (they had snow last week!). The sea water used to help cool the reactors left behind salt residue that has to be cleaned out not mention the sea water itself became contaminated with radiation.
Please keep Japan in your prayers.
So far, no word as to when I can go back. I am looking into joining a gym today so I can have something to keep me busy (also it'll keep me healthy).
I've been shopping and I think I'm set now, got a few more clothes since clothes shopping in Japan is semi difficult. Everyone there is extremely trim so unless you follow suit, clothes could be a challenge.
Latest news from Japan: plutonium was found in soil samples around the nuclear reactors, but right now it's no higher than levels naturally found in soil in other parts of Japan. The TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power Company) chief says that right now, he has no plan as to how to they are going to fix the situation. There is a large portion of underground water that has been contaminated with radioactive particles. Also, they are still trying to fix leaks from the reactors. Aftershocks are still occurring with the rolling power outages and very cool weather (they had snow last week!). The sea water used to help cool the reactors left behind salt residue that has to be cleaned out not mention the sea water itself became contaminated with radiation.
Please keep Japan in your prayers.
March 29, 2011
Green Onions
In all my 23 years of being alive, I was told today that I was using green onions wrong! Typically, I would begin with the green end, trim a little, then begin chopping until I got down to the light green part and stop. Momma was watching me and asked if there was a reason I wasn't using the ends. I just thought that was the way to use green onions. Momma went on to tell me about my great grandmother who would eat a "sweet onion" at every meal and eat the lower portion of the onion leaving the dark green parts. I guess you learn something new everyday.
I'm still adjusting to driving here and can proudly say, I was able to stay on the right side of the road! (Only by repeating "right side, right side, right side") Once in a parking lot I forgot for about a second but luckily Aaron was with me to remind me. :)
I'm still adjusting to driving here and can proudly say, I was able to stay on the right side of the road! (Only by repeating "right side, right side, right side") Once in a parking lot I forgot for about a second but luckily Aaron was with me to remind me. :)
March 28, 2011
Riding on the Trace
This morning, Momma, Daddy, and I got loaded up and drove over to the St. Tammany Trace. It is an old railroad track that has been paved over and is used now for walking/jogging/biking/skating. It is a beautiful trail filled with local flora and fauna. Today we saw Cherokee rose, Army worms, and swamp life.
As you begin, you cross a few roads and then ride the shaded path. You pass a small pond-like area which is filled with lily pads blooming with flowers. As you keep riding through the pines, you can see houses close to the trail and more roads to cross, some with heavier traffic than others. A small bridge comes up surrounded by the green trees and a small picnic bench. More swampy regions pass with a small creek running beside the trail (today it didn't have much water in it). Near our turning point, a bush with purple flowers lines the right side of the trail. Momma says rabbits live in these bushes that will run out at you while you ride by. Luckily we did not encounter the rabbits today. Finally you reach the big bridge and we stop to take a break. The bridge crosses the Lacombe Bayou where you see pretty river houses and wildlife. Today we saw a few turtles poking their heads out of the water and it is rumored that an alligator lives there too.
We made our way back, passing other people riding, walking, and jogging. They are very friendly, almost everyone saying hello as we pass. We get back to the Expedition, pleasantly exhausted, and head home after riding 11.5 miles.
As you begin, you cross a few roads and then ride the shaded path. You pass a small pond-like area which is filled with lily pads blooming with flowers. As you keep riding through the pines, you can see houses close to the trail and more roads to cross, some with heavier traffic than others. A small bridge comes up surrounded by the green trees and a small picnic bench. More swampy regions pass with a small creek running beside the trail (today it didn't have much water in it). Near our turning point, a bush with purple flowers lines the right side of the trail. Momma says rabbits live in these bushes that will run out at you while you ride by. Luckily we did not encounter the rabbits today. Finally you reach the big bridge and we stop to take a break. The bridge crosses the Lacombe Bayou where you see pretty river houses and wildlife. Today we saw a few turtles poking their heads out of the water and it is rumored that an alligator lives there too.
We made our way back, passing other people riding, walking, and jogging. They are very friendly, almost everyone saying hello as we pass. We get back to the Expedition, pleasantly exhausted, and head home after riding 11.5 miles.
March 27, 2011
Being Home
Home is wonderful. The only thing I wish is that Alan were here with me. He left for Guam three weeks ago and is expected to stay in Guam until we get the "all clear" to return. However, the possibility of something going terribly wrong and not being able to return before Alan's cruise lingers on my mind. I would not be able to see him for an additional six months. But for now, I'm trying to think positive.
Being home has brought many adjustments: riding on the right side of the road, not seeing kanji on every sign, not seeing the town filled with Japanese nationals, not using my iphone, humidity, green grass, and temperatures warmer than 55 degrees.
Home also brings crab legs (yummy), beautiful scenery, anything that you could possibly want at your fingertips, clothes, Walmart, more than 20 channels on the tv.
Although I'm glad I'm here, I cannot forget what is going on back in Japan. On the news this morning, it was stated that, "God is punishing the Japanese". For what?! The crime rates in Japan are lower than anywhere in the U.S., despite this crisis, they are calm, patient, and grateful for any help they receive. There has been no looting, riots, or uprisings. They are some of the kindest people I have ever met.
I do pray the situation gets under control and recovery efforts move quickly and efficiently.
Being home has brought many adjustments: riding on the right side of the road, not seeing kanji on every sign, not seeing the town filled with Japanese nationals, not using my iphone, humidity, green grass, and temperatures warmer than 55 degrees.
Home also brings crab legs (yummy), beautiful scenery, anything that you could possibly want at your fingertips, clothes, Walmart, more than 20 channels on the tv.
Although I'm glad I'm here, I cannot forget what is going on back in Japan. On the news this morning, it was stated that, "God is punishing the Japanese". For what?! The crime rates in Japan are lower than anywhere in the U.S., despite this crisis, they are calm, patient, and grateful for any help they receive. There has been no looting, riots, or uprisings. They are some of the kindest people I have ever met.
I do pray the situation gets under control and recovery efforts move quickly and efficiently.
The Trip Home - part 2
On the shuttle back to the airport, I talked with a girl who traveled with us who was headed towards Kingsland, Ga (where my Uncle David lives). We chatted and went in together because we were on the same flight to Atlanta at 6:10 in the morning. Delta has kiosks to check in so we went up some and punched in every number on our itinerary and could not pull up our reservations. We asked an agent to help us and she tried once and said, "Oh, well I guess you'll have to go through the line". We looked over at the line, by now filled with about ten people, and headed over. Twenty minutes later, 4:20, we had not moved and the one agent was still helping the same person. I began getting ancy and decided I needed to do something about it. Now typically, I'm not the "take charge" type, but this morning, there was NO WAY I was missing that flight. I found a different agent and began explaining our situation and she agreed to go find some more agents to help us.
We quickly moved through the line, breezed through security, and had time for some breakfast before boarding the plane. The little over 4 hour trip to Atlanta passed uneventfully.I purchased the in-flight internet because I was extremely tired, getting grumpy, and needed something to help me pass the time. It seemed that in no time, we landed and I was on my way.
In Atlanta, Aunt Jan and Grandma met me and helped me get checked in for my next flight and we chatted and talked because I had a five hour layover. Well, I thought it was only going to be a five hour layover. A couple hours before my flight I decided that I needed to go ahead and get through security (where I found a half-empty water bottle in my carry on) and headed towards my gate. I arrived and sat down for the short wait to board when I glanced at the screen at noticed that my flight was not expected until 9:15, more than two hours past my original flight time.
Once again, I turned to the internet to keep me entertained, chatting with Momma and friends on Facebook. I was lucky enough to get a seat near the charging station so I was able to plug in my laptop and go. The plane was delayed due to storms in Pittsburgh, tornadoes, lighting, and torrential rain. When we finally boarded the plane, I was so relieved to be on my last leg of the trip.
When I landed for the very last time, I started crying, relieved to be finished, to be home. I met up with Momma and Daddy and we very quickly got home. When I finally did the math, I figured that I had been awake for 53 hours and had only gotten 4 hours (at most) of sleep.
We quickly moved through the line, breezed through security, and had time for some breakfast before boarding the plane. The little over 4 hour trip to Atlanta passed uneventfully.I purchased the in-flight internet because I was extremely tired, getting grumpy, and needed something to help me pass the time. It seemed that in no time, we landed and I was on my way.
In Atlanta, Aunt Jan and Grandma met me and helped me get checked in for my next flight and we chatted and talked because I had a five hour layover. Well, I thought it was only going to be a five hour layover. A couple hours before my flight I decided that I needed to go ahead and get through security (where I found a half-empty water bottle in my carry on) and headed towards my gate. I arrived and sat down for the short wait to board when I glanced at the screen at noticed that my flight was not expected until 9:15, more than two hours past my original flight time.
Once again, I turned to the internet to keep me entertained, chatting with Momma and friends on Facebook. I was lucky enough to get a seat near the charging station so I was able to plug in my laptop and go. The plane was delayed due to storms in Pittsburgh, tornadoes, lighting, and torrential rain. When we finally boarded the plane, I was so relieved to be on my last leg of the trip.
When I landed for the very last time, I started crying, relieved to be finished, to be home. I met up with Momma and Daddy and we very quickly got home. When I finally did the math, I figured that I had been awake for 53 hours and had only gotten 4 hours (at most) of sleep.
March 25, 2011
The Trip Home - part 1
When I finally knew I was really going on that plane, I was so excited. I thnk I had one of the worlds biggest smiles on my face! We waited about another hour until the plane was prepped and ready and then we were called to begin boarding. Since I sat in the exit row, the back of my seat didn't recline. One girl who had been selected like me was complaining and really made a big deal about it. Then again, she was wearing some fluffy feathery creation on her head with leather pants and three inch heels. Interesting choice for airplane wear.
I was lucky enough to have plenty of leg room! Sleeping was a challenge and I knew that I rarely sleep on a plane. What little sleep I did get was on the tray table in front of me. Too bad there was also a little boy sitting that chair who, when he saw me tryingto catch some shut-eye, would shake the chair!
First we flew from Atsugi to Anchorage, a little over six hours, and then sat on the plane while it was refueled and loaded with more food, about two hours. From there we flew to Seattle and quickly went through customs and had iteneraries inland for our final destinations.
From there, I was taken to a hotel nearby to spend the night since my flight was at 6:10 the next morning. At the hotel, which was very large, I had my own room and began settling in for, what I hoped would be, a night of sleep. It turned out my cousin, Missy, and her husband and son, Dan and Jordan, were just down the road eating dinner! Missy came to pick me up and we ate a delicious dinner at The Cheesecake Factory.
Back at the hotel, I made a few phone calls with the free calling card supplied by the American Red Cross and tried to get some sleep. I woke up two hours later. That did give me plenty of time to re-pack my bag and clean up before the rest of my journey. Before I knew it, I was out the door on the shuttle back to the airport.
I was lucky enough to have plenty of leg room! Sleeping was a challenge and I knew that I rarely sleep on a plane. What little sleep I did get was on the tray table in front of me. Too bad there was also a little boy sitting that chair who, when he saw me tryingto catch some shut-eye, would shake the chair!
First we flew from Atsugi to Anchorage, a little over six hours, and then sat on the plane while it was refueled and loaded with more food, about two hours. From there we flew to Seattle and quickly went through customs and had iteneraries inland for our final destinations.
From there, I was taken to a hotel nearby to spend the night since my flight was at 6:10 the next morning. At the hotel, which was very large, I had my own room and began settling in for, what I hoped would be, a night of sleep. It turned out my cousin, Missy, and her husband and son, Dan and Jordan, were just down the road eating dinner! Missy came to pick me up and we ate a delicious dinner at The Cheesecake Factory.
Back at the hotel, I made a few phone calls with the free calling card supplied by the American Red Cross and tried to get some sleep. I woke up two hours later. That did give me plenty of time to re-pack my bag and clean up before the rest of my journey. Before I knew it, I was out the door on the shuttle back to the airport.
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