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.
A Lunch with THE ProfessorWhat a delightful way to spend my anniversary lunch...with Dr.Frank Hoy-Director of CEDARS (Center for Entrepreneurial Developing, Advancement, Research and Support) guru of entrepreneur a la academia at Univ of Texas at El Paso. We met in Atlanta when I was working on my Phd. That was 1990 and have been friends ever since. Don't blame Frank for me not completing, he thought it was a nutty idea to begin with! He was also gracious enough to bunk Nick for a nite when Nick drove out to LA a few years back. So it was a pleasure to catch up on kids, career, in laws, outlaws and some such. After 18 years at UTEP, he will be relocating to Worcester Mass....one of his first assignments is to speak in Finland in February. Frank, it isn't cold enough in Massachusetts? Best of luck Frank, they are lucky to get you! Hey, isn't there another Frank there? As in Barney? Yes , you'll have your work cut out for you Professor Hoy.
WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGEHello Missile Range- I am talking over 400,000 acres of space to practice. This Army installation tests our readiness a la missiles. People living and working here? Talk about hot and dry. WSMR has been used as an ordinance and explosives test facility since 1945. Nearly every type of deploy able ordinance is tested here. I really paid attention to the don't go off the road hazard signs. Keith heard about the African antelope, the Oryx, they had around the range so spent most of his time trying to get an invite to stay and hunt. Me? I started shooting my way and was immediately approached and told to please delete the pictures I just took. No problem sir. I had to demonstrate I deleted in front of the guard. As I fumbled along and under my breath do you think Bocahontas is a spy? Oh no dear man. I damn near bleed red white and blue. It really is amazing they let any "strangers like me" on this site? Why should they? God bless those folks out in that hot desert sun doing whatever to make the world safe for Cha Cha Collins. God bless America!
Then on to White Sands Monument....monument? Mounds and mounds of white sand for miles. Great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand engulfing 275 acres of desert-the largest in the world. who knew? Again, we entered the park with Buba's newly acquired Senior Passport taking the loop-16 miles round trip. It was a bit freaky....like being at the beach but no water. We counted 4 other cars while we were there. And who would camp here? Surrounded by White Sands Missile Range and oh by the way "we may have to close during testing"- average 2 x a week and lasting about 2 hours. Oh my. I must say Pleep did enjoy monkeying around all that sand. again working up his thirst....always looking for that cold beer and chips.
Pam and Keith's 33 Anniversary DinnerSubway and cokes in the room....passed out at 9! We're big spenders. Buba heard about the $5 footlongs. I'm thinking this is great, cheap and maybe we'll lose weight - didn't that Jared guy lose all his weight following the Subway plan? The meatball special goes really well with red wine.
A Lunch with THE Professor
