Hey there!

Well I am back! Not sure anyone cares, but thought I would post anyway!
We just got back from Boston! Love that city! Awesome food, awesome historical places, awesome shopping! Don was in meetings, so I explored by myself! We did go to the JFK Presidential Museum. Wonder historical collection. I love the way they focus on the history of our country, not on the politics. I took a historical tour by myself, including Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library. Then did some shopping in and around Newbury Street! Found a lot at Vineyard Vines for Christmas! I was also excited to discover a JMacLauren store. Found a really cute dress for meeting! All in all, a wonderful trip!

"I HEAR THE DRUMS ECHOING TONIGHT"

Do you remember that old TOTO song, Africa? Well, I have been humming it for a few days now. Our 3rd son, Adam, is on his way to Ethiopia as we speak. He and his best friend left this morning to spend 2 month with the Cherokee Gives Back Foundation. There is no doubt this will be a life changing experience for him. Adam, our sheltered child, who went to Cary Christian School, then to Hampden-Sydney College. As his brothers said, there are no bow ties or seersucker suits in Africa! I am so amazed at his willingness to leave his comfort zone. I love the way he is willing to stretch himself, and I am so proud of his strong faith. He has a blog "Send Me."

As for the rest of us, we have learned so much in the last week. We are filled with hope and gratitude. Joe will come home on Wednesday. Prayers are needed and appreciated. Maybe one day I can share the journey with you.

Changes

We have had some life altering changes in the last week. Surfice it to say that life is what happens when you are busy doing other things. I don't know what people do who have no faith. Our faith has sustains us through this time. I thank God for the grace, peace and comfort he gives. In other news, we have a new puppy! He came home on Sunday. He is another Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. We missed our Kobie so much, that we took the plunge. He is such a joy. It is hard to believe that 6 lbs of fur can bring that much fun into our lives. His name is Linus. So far, he is a wonderful little dog. Anna is having a ball in England. This is her last week of "class", then they are off traveling. Can't wait to see her! Adam is almost done at Seagull. He will be home on Saturday. We are just enjoying the good things about every day, and thankful for our wonderful family and friends.

Daddy's 84th Birthday!

Today is my Daddy's 84th birthday! This picture when he and Joan went to visit Adam at Hampden Sydney. I think he looks fabulous to be 84. He is quicker then I am and just a delight to be around. Daddy was born to into a large family in western North Carolina. He was the 11th of 12 children. Despite his humble start, he was able to get an appointment to West Point. He went there and then also went to UNC and got his masters degree from the University of Colorado. He and my mother were raised in a Presbyterian orphanage. He says that it was a good place, they were safe, educated and taken to church. He met my mother there, and they were married after he left West Point. He became on officer in the Air Force, and there he began his love of flying. He has flown B49's, B52's, C141's and some little plane in Viet Nam that he doesn't talk about. Daddy has been awarded may medals and honors in his long career. He is never afraid of anything, I guess being in combat will do that for you! The thing I am most proud of is the way he took care of my mom when she was sick. Here is this big, forceful, powerful man lovingly caring for his dying wife. It was a wonderful tribute. He met a wonderful lady 3 years after my mom's death. They have been married for 5 years. In that time Daddy has battled cancer 2 times, once enduring a horrible whipple surgery. He has survived. Joan has taken such good care of him and he has the best attitude. His faith has also played such a big part. I never thought I would see my Daddy going to Sunday school, but he not only does that, but goes to 2 church services most Sunday's. I love this about him. I feel very lucky to have this man as my father, and I love him very much. Happy Birthday Daddy!!

NEW YORK CITY!

We are packing like crazy to get Anna off to Europe to study for a month! We are going to New York Thursday morning to have a little girl time before she leaves! So exciting!! We love the city and can't wait to go. Have alot planned, including seeing 2 plays, Hair and Next to Normal. I saw Hair YEARS ago when it first on Broadway. We are so excited to see Next to Normal. It won the Tony this year and the music is so hauntingly beautiful. I am sure we will cry!! Anna also wants to look at grad schools, NYU and Juliard. Also hope to get a little shopping in . She leaves Saturday for London, so I will take her to JKF. Then return home on Sunday. Fun times.

In other travel news, Adam is definitely going to Ethiopia in September. I am a little apprehensive, but he really wants to go. Cherokee Gives Back, take care of my little boy! We had both Joe and Boomer here for Sunday dinner, what fun! Boomer's apartment is flooded, OH NO! Joe was here looking at condo's. Shanty Joe is going to become Condo Joe! It is quite exciting!

Name Change

We have had an eventful week. If you have children, you know "eventful" isn't good. My husband thinks I should change the name of my blog to The Worried Mother. Doesn't have a preppy ring to it. I am a mother, we worry, that's what we do best.

We spent the weekend at the Blackberry Farm. It is possibly heaven on earth. What a beautiful inn. Every detail was attended to. The food was fabulous, our cottage was beautiful, and the whole property was amazing. I highly suggest it for a relaxing get away. Only drawback, they don't have any cell service, due to their location.


Our cozy cottage, the Blue Heron.

Cute Chapel on the grounds.
Free range chickens!

Almost everything eaten on the Farm is grown or made on the Farm! Wonderful getaway!

God Bless America