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.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Day 116 CHI TOWN IN THE SUMMER...ALWAYS A BLAST!

-Air and Water Show

Pleep loved the annual Air and Water Show. The Jets couldn't be loud enough or go fast enough for the Pleepster. This show has been here 51 years and still going strong. 2 million people wandering the streets to see it seem to agree. Buba said no thanks to the traffic and parking issues-the city of pot holes. My sister Dawn's place is the perfect Chicago location right on the lake at the Millennium Park. The family likes to use it as a jumping off place for all the city has to offer. John and Kelly Pavich stopped by on the way to the Air Show with their kids Andrew and new baby Mathew.....a red headed Serb! John is my cousin Bob's son. He ran for US Congress for Illinois a couple of years ago....it was the most difficult donation check I ever wrote and signed....yes he's a DEMOCRAT. He lost. Should have won. Problem is, he's on the wrong Team. But we love him in spite of it.


CUBS - ANY TEAM CAN HAVE A BAD CENTURY
There's nothing like Father and Daughter bonding at a ball game. The upper deck, cold beers and a Chicago Dawg. Alex had a lot of explaining to do before Pleep understood the nuances of a true Chicago Dawg.


He didn't mind the no ketchup, thought the celery salt sounded good, but he was a little worried about the Neon green relish. Once he had one, Buba couldn't stop him from ordering several more.


Pleep had to have something to wash down all those dawgs. He convinced Buba & Alex that nothing goes better with dawgs & Cubs baseball than a cold brew or two. Pleep flagged down the beer vendor and ordered up brews for the whole row. He got a standing ovation for that move.


To Alex and Keith it doesn't get any better than this day at Wrigley. Plus this gave Alex & Pleep quality time for real sister/monkey bonding. During the breaks between innings, Pleep was telling Alex all kinds of stories about the road trip with Boca & Buba. Several of the stories were even accurate. Don't forget the peanuts and Ronnie WooWoo. Ronnie WooWoo? Yes, this homeless man used to stand around the outside of the stadium shouting Woo Woo. So the Cubs hired him and invited him in to go around the field with the WooWoo chant.


Pleep has a new job - he's become the new Mascot after the Cubs win. Maybe he's the ticket to break the curse at last! He teaches everyone in the section how to execute the proper monkey butt maneuver at the opposing team. The crowd went wild and cheered Pleep on to the next level. PLEEP! PLEEP! PLEEP! PLEEP! Reverberated throughout the stadium. Even Woo Woo gave it up for the Pleepster. Ahhh, a good day was had by all. Cubs over Pittsburgh.


BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER - "THE BLACK CROONERS"

This very talented troop started back in 1976 the same year Boca and Buba were married. They have a five play season...Dawnie has attended many times. It was outstanding...all about the music.

The motto of the Ensemble: To eradicate racism and its damaging effects on society through theatre arts.


Of course you remember the magical voice of Nat King Cole, the silky sounds of Johnny Mathis, and the seductive style of Billy Eckstine. All the phenomenal attributes of these men are highlighted in this tribute to the great Black Crooners. “A Tribute To The Black Crooner” (Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow) is the story of the Steven’s Family, three brothers and their sons, two generations of crooners who are facing the reality that the family business, Steven’s Place a 60 year old night club that has been the home for many of the greatest stars may be coming to an end. The production is full of dance and great music with a powerful message – Pleep says there’s a song that lives inside each and every one of us - never let anyone silence your melody!

We think Pleep must have been inspired by the show last night to find his "inner crooner". He claims it was just too hot to sleep in Alex's studio - no ac, plus he's been up north so long he can't take the heat anymore. Buba caught him on the computer recording his favorite song. Then he made a movie with it and some of his favorite moments on the trip so far. Of course many of them involve eating, drinking and generally monkeying around. Pleep says the blog readers will understand when they hear him singing. He also said to remind everyone that once they start playing the video they can see him on the big screen & in HD by clicking the buttons.






Posted by Sharing our Journey of Faith at 1:15 AM