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.

Monday, August 17, 2009

DAY 118 THE CITY THAT WORKS- NOT ALWAYS

Chicago Closed for Business Today

Yes they ran out of money so the Mayor told the non-essentials to stay home. A city job in Chicago...hmmm so that would be 95% staying home today. The Mayor must be saving his money for the Olympics. Near as we can tell, the place runs better when more of the politicians & their friends stay home. Pleep wanted to know what a non-essential was. Buba had to tell him it was anyone who consumed tax dollars without producing anything. Pleep said didn't that definition apply to just about everyone on the city payroll except for bus drivers, garbage truck workers and the people who take care of the monkeys at the Lincoln Park Zoo? That is one smart monkey.



Lulu has become quite the city pooch and adept at negotiating the high rise life. She knows how to take the elevator down 20 stories straight away to the Dog Park.

Lu has made many friends in the building and at the park. She didn't understand why her Aunt Dawnie put clothes on her to take her outside when she first arrived in January but eventually she did get the hang of it. Lu was very glad when it became warm enough to ditch the coat. Yes, that is Lu's building where she has lived her city slicker life with Aunt Dawn. We're not sure she is ready for the back patio in Boca after all this action. Pleep says it's OK with him as long as he doesn't have to pick up after her the way Dawnie has to at the dog park.




Pleep's been in the mood for more gambling activities. He hasn't had much since Vegas & the pull tabs in Alaska. He was very excited to learn about the card crowd that Mitzie hangs out with. He convinced Alex & Keith to spring for a set of poker chips so he could practice up in his downtime. Pleep promised Alex that if she'd stake him for the entry into the game, he'd double her investment and then she'd have enough to buy an air conditioner or maybe a fan.



That's my baby-out to dinner with Alex and pal Diane. Quartino's was packed on a Monday night and we still managed to squeeze in some fun. Always an adventure going out with Chi Town Di.

After closely examining the menu, Pleep insisted we needed to eat more vegetables. He decided they really know how to do the veggies right in Chi-town - deep fried cauliflower with ranch dressing to dip in. What better way to increase your fiber and vegetable intake.


We topped the evening off at the Blue Frog with Diane's crew and a little Gay Bingo. Gay Bingo??? And Boca won! She will proudly wear her Blue Frog T-shirt . A true fashion statement. So Boca, what in the heck is Gay Bingo!!!!
Posted by Sharing our Journey of Faith at 10:00 AM