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.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

DAY 120 BACK TO NAVY PIER













Cirque Shanghai
Cirque Shanghai at Navy Pier was quite the acrobatic spectacle. Pleep really enjoyed watching the young people perform Bright Spirit. Some jaw dropping maneuvers had Pleep monkey bopping.

Featuring such exotic acts as the "Roman Wheel," "Diabolo," the "Spanish Web" and the "Russian Barre," the group really wowed Pleep with this showcase of strength, agility and grace. He enjoyed this theatrical experience-I think watching anything in a big tent makes him feel at home. Full of energy, color, raw power and fluid movement, Cirque Shanghai Bright Spirit is a soaring celebration of life appearing only in Chicago and only at Navy Pier.

Pleep had a lot of fun with the performers. He was showing off his tricks and tried to convince them all his cowboy horse tricks would be a nice addition to the show. He really wants to join at least until the end of their run at Navy Pier. This gal begged Pleep for his autograph as she had heard much about his antics and travels. They invited him to join the troup and promised to send him back to Florida at the close of the show in Sept. Hmmmm sounding like a good plan to Buba as he can barely keep up with that darn monkey at this point....

HARRY CAREY'S
Pleep needed a Cubs fix so we headed to construction site for the new Harry Carey's. He wanted to test out the bar and chat up the locals about the bad run on the West Coast. While he has become a loyal Cubs fan I think a trip to Comisky Park (oh I mean The Cell) could change that....everyone says The Cell has some of the best food in MLB.

Pleep tried to convince Bocahontas that he needed another traveling partner since he left his cousin Murph the Moose in Alaska. He told us that while Boca and Buba were good with the grubs and drinks, it was no comparison to a play pal. Oh no said Boca-one darn Monkey on this trip has been more than enough MONKEY BUSINESS.



LOU MALNATI'S
Topped off the day with another Chicago favorite a Lou Malnati's Pizza. No gourmet food for this troupe. Between the Dawgs, Sliders and Chicago style pizza will we need to install the jumbo SUV seats for the last leg of the road trip. Of course the fight is always Deep Dish or Thin Crust. We solved that dilemma with ordering both of course. "Besides," Boca quipped "What's better than cold pizza for breakfast?"

Pleep and Buba's favorite is the Deep Dish. They've been trying to figure how to take some back to Boca. Pleep says his little cooler might do the trick....

UPDATE: Buba and Boca got up this morning looking forward to a little leftover pizza. All gone!! Alex claims Pleep ate it as a midnight snack. Pleep tired to blame Alex and then decided the better route was taking the fifth.
Posted by Sharing our Journey of Faith at 11:02 AM