ON THE ROAD AGAIN

A friend of ours heard about our "journey of faith, fisher, forests, family, friends and fun" and suggested we set up a Blog. A what? So here we are....on the road again with Bocahontas and Buba. Blessed with the freedom of time, we were inspired by two of our favorite causes. So we organized a road trip to Alaska which should not only be fun but also an opportunity to spread the good word about The Fisher Houses , The Orthodox Christian Mission Center/Programs and some of our National Parks. We are participating in a 2 week Mission in Tyonek, Alaska with the OCMC group in June. Feel free to check out the planned trip on the calendar link. Caribou Cabins? Blue Moose? Tundra Lodge? and our soon to be "favorite" Motel 6. Any and all suggestions, prayers and good karma are welcome and very much appreciated....poor Buba, in a car with Pam for 5 months. Lions, and tigers and bears oh my! Toggle down to the calendar and see where we are over the next months. We ask for your prayers.

Grab yourself a cold one and come along for the ride. Enjoy and laugh along with us viewing the daily blogs which are archived on the left side of this page in chronological order. We started April 22- Happy Trails!

THE LONG & WINDING ROAD

THE LONG & WINDING ROAD

The Fisher House

The Fisher House program is a unique private-public partnership that supports America's military in their time of need. The Fisher House Foundation, through the kindness of donations received, provides "comfort homes" that are built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable America's military families to be together during extended treatment for serious illness or lengthy physical sessions....very much like the Ronald McDonald homes for families of children in a similar situation. We were first introduced to Fisher House while visiting Brooke Army Medical Center (Burn Center) in San Antonio. We were so moved by the dedication and love of the staff and volunteers that we returned for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Currently there are 44 Fisher Houses (more in the works) and our goal is to visit all of them and spread the good word to family and friends. Please feel free to peruse their website for a detailed explanation about the Fisher House Foundation and programs. Perhaps you will be inspired by the work this group does on behalf of our Armed Forces.

Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC)

The Orthodox Christian Mission Center is the official foreign mission agency of all the Orthodox Jurisdictions (i.e. Greek, Russian, Serb etc.) The goal of the OCMC is to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ where it presently does not exist and to establish vibrant Orthodox Eucharistic Communities throughout the world. We have had the privilege and pleasure to admire the work of this organization (headquarters located in St. Augustine, Florida) for years and now that we are retired we have the blessing to participate. We are on the road to Alaska to join a Mission Team in Tyonek for a couple weeks to do some construction and teaching in an Athabascan Indian Village. "If I had a hammer"...you'll be happy to know I deep sixed the acrylic nails in anticipation of caulking and painting. :) Please take a peek at the OCMC web site for details on all of the programs they are involved with throughout the world. And do stop in to see Father Martin and his kind and loving staff when you are in St. Augustine! We will also be visiting family, friends and Orthodox Churches while on the road to share the marvelous work of the OCMC.

National Parks

Most people know that the National Park Service cares for national parks, a network of nearly 400 natural, cultural and recreational sites across the nation. The treasures in this system – the first of its kind in the world –have been set aside by the American people to preserve, protect, and share, the legacies of this land.


People from all around the world visit national parks to experience America's story, marvel at the natural wonders, and have fun. Places like the Grand Canyon, the Statue of Liberty, and Gettysburg are popular destinations, but so too are the hundreds of lesser known yet equally meaningful gems like Rosie the Riveter in California, Boston Harbor Islands in Massachusetts, and Russell Cave in Alabama.


The American system of national parks was the first of its kind in the world, and provides a living model for other nations wishing to establish and manage their own protected areas. The park service actively consults with these Nations, sharing what we've learned, and gaining knowledge from the experience of others.


Beyond national parks, the National Park Service helps communities across America preserve and enhance important local heritage and close-to-home recreational opportunities. Grants and assistance are offered to register, record and save historic places; create community parks and local recreation facilities; conserve rivers and streams, and develop trails and greenways.


We hope to see you soon in a national park and invite you to explore the ways we can help you preserve what’s important in your hometown.

Friday, August 14, 2009

DAY 115 MY KIND OF TOWN CHICAGO IS

DAY OF BEAUTY

Amen and raise the flag. Alex booked us an appointment at Charles Ifergen on Oak Street. My dear pal and Blogmeister Peggy turned me onto Chas 30 years ago. And Alex has taken over the tradition. So PLEEP and I scheduled a long visit.


So much to do and so little time. Olga did her magic with the roots and highlights. This Ukrainian colorist really enjoyed Pleep's help handing her the foils. He begged to do the chemicals but Olga said he would have to take a few more lessons before she handed him the recipe to the secret sauce and the brush.

On to the darling Korean hair cutter. Hane did a fabulous job on reshapping Boca's locks that have been recently cut in places inside COSTCO. Hane had to listen to Boca's advice about the boyfriend and of course agreed with Hane's mom and dad. Go figure. On the other hand Pleep did not...I think he was just buttering Hane up so he could have some scissor fun.

He also had a blast running under the hair dryers. He said it fluffed up his fur very nicely. Pleep wants to look good for all the big city girls. His Pedi and Mani gave him an opportunity to scope out the not being used baby janes over his right shoulder. The next thing we new Pleep was dancing like a loon in his new shoes convinced Alex is going to take him out pubbing after his big day at the spa.

Ending the day with Hispanic Zenia the make up artist. This place is a regular U.N. The word must have been out about Boca and what her name stands for...."One Who Buys Anything Promising To Improve The Situation". So not only did we get a whole new make up bag of tricks we now have the Li Brow and Li Lash. Boca told enthusiastic Zenia that she tried the Revitalash months ago...promising new long long luxurious lashes and a body to match. Boca's NY gal pals swore by it but alas no results for Boca. Zenia's product promised Purified Eyelash Stimulator -a favorite of eyelash extension wearers (huh, is that the modern day version of the maybelline false eyelashes?). Zenia promised HER Stimulator would stimulate just like our President promised his Stimulator would stimulate...right? Improving all things in Boca's world. Same idea with the Li Brow-Purified Eyebrow Stimulator. Boca's facial lady has pretty much waxed off most of her brows (she will never admit her age has anything to do with missing brow hair). All this stimulation talk made Pleep think his check was on the way and his President would pay for the newly acquired potions and magical answer to the meaning of life. Pleep insisted he give the eye brow stimulator a shot as all that fish boiling in Wisconsin left him a little bare....in spots.

And to complete the day of beauty we had to top it off at....WHERE IS MARSHAL FIELDS ! Pleep yelled. He was looking forward to the atrium and frango mint madness...all he could find was the MF placard and Macy's plastered all over the doors and shopping bags. No No No. Macy's ain't no Marshal Fields. Oh well, he had to make due with the Starbuck's on the first floor. As he slurped down his Banana Double Latte with a Twist he asked Boca is this what they mean by CHANGE in Chicago????