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 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.
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North Texas VA Fisher House
After a fantastic dedication ceremony in Oct. 2008 (even T. Boone Pickens was there) this Fisher house started receiving families on Feb 19, 2009. Lydia Henderson, the House Manager, was away at the annual meeting but left us in good hands with her assistant Rita Alumanah. An undergrad degree in microbiology and and MBA in Health Care Admin, I would say so! Oh and one more thing, Rita's "kid" sister is a Marine. Now that is a top gun assistant. Rita's big smile and enthusiasm for "her" house was contagious. This new Fisher House services older vets (yes that means you Buba) from WWII, Korea and Viet Nam-and a few returning vets from Iraq and Afghanistan (spinal chord unit here). The very modern and hip decorating is quite different from the other homes we have visited. Shhhhhhhhhhhhh, don't tell but they also have: a garage, 2 cool golf carts (Thank you to a former customer of mine-Raytheon), separate rec room, a soothing fountain and the mother load of a barbeque! Keith's eyes were the size of saucers admiring that grill. I retorted no-way-Jose so he pleaded with Rita to come back and grill for the families. My personal favorite was the ice cream machine and ice maker, donated by the Jewish Vet foundation. Hello Dallas, so many opportunities to Volunteer- get in on the ground floor! 214-857-0428
Lovely Lunch with the Pritchards at Bent Tree CC
Mike is also retired SS like Buba but unlike Buba, too young and feisty to golf all week-so off to work he goes for the Hunts....as in oil. We had the pleasure to meet his ever so sweet N'Awlins born and bread wife, Lauren at the SS Hawaii reunion last year. We really clicked (who couldn't click with miss congeniality plus) and while Mike had to run Lauren continued to entertain us for a long and informative lunch. As a former HR Corporate guru, her insight to "dealing/communicating" with people is stellar. Bless her, trying to enlighten me. Dang, I hate when those pretty gals are smart too. Thank you both for your patience as we were lost and late for a fun date. God bless!
A Warm and Pleasant Evening with the Brummit's/ Lake Forest
We met Joann and Lee many years back in the sheet metal biz. Their company (Kar Lee) has been the company to lo
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ok up to for many years. Their Christian faith is evident in every aspect of their business- and everything they say and do. These Poodle lovers (smart like them!) are big pushovers and if I was a Buddhist and believed in reincarnation I'd def. want to come back as "precious". Their home is not only magazine gorgeous but ever so warm and inviting. It was fun watching the Fisher House and OCMC DVD's in their theater room in our pj's...never mind Buba's snoring. I think he took the "make yourself" at home to heart. And go figure, tiny size 2 can make a mean breakfast. Joann, you are ruining the curve!
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ok up to for many years. Their Christian faith is evident in every aspect of their business- and everything they say and do. These Poodle lovers (smart like them!) are big pushovers and if I was a Buddhist and believed in reincarnation I'd def. want to come back as "precious". Their home is not only magazine gorgeous but ever so warm and inviting. It was fun watching the Fisher House and OCMC DVD's in their theater room in our pj's...never mind Buba's snoring. I think he took the "make yourself" at home to heart. And go figure, tiny size 2 can make a mean breakfast. Joann, you are ruining the curve! 
