August - December

As a friend pointed out to me, I haven't updated the blog since we returned home from our 11 week RV trip.  Time flies when you're having fun.  August was spent catching up on everything we missed over the summer and getting the yard back in order, which was a disaster for us.  All came together quickly.

We love bluegrass music and there are many festivals in late summer, so we were able to spend 3 weekends traveling in the RV and listening to bluegrass.  We had to give up our spot for next year in one of our favorite places near Columbus Ohio since we will be in Europe next year - bummer.

We spent a long weekend in the Ohio Amish country and went to the Swiss Cheese Festival.  No pictures since it rained a bunch, but we came back home with our car loaded down with every cheese possible, cider, vegetables, pumpkins and wine.  Really fun trip.

In October, we met up with friends in the Smoky Mountains and also drove to Asheville to see the Biltmore.  Really fun trip and great catching up with friends.

On our way we stopped to visit a child we've been sponsoring for the past 9 years and who lives in the Appalachia area of North Carolina.   Really great spot and fun to finally meet her and her family in person.

November was a busy month with a weekend at the Cleveland Food Show where we got to see chefs like Bobby Flay, Robert Irvine, Michael Symon, etc. prepare recipes.  Fun trip.  Greg went to the Ohio State/Penn State game in Columbus with a group of friends.  Sad outcome for our Buckeyes, but a fun trip for him. 

For Thanksgiving, we went to Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Connecticut.  Normally we would go to Las Vegas, but thought we would try something new this year.  Really nice resort, except for the cigarette smoke.  Loads of restaurants and shops.  Greg absolutely loved the poker room.  I guess it probably helps when you're getting some good cards and making some money--well that, and the fact they served free milkshakes!

December started out with a trip on the Polar Express with our niece and her family.  Fun time and really got us in the holiday spirit.

Waiting for the train - Greg, Brody and J'Lyn

Cheers with hot chocolate

Christmas carol time

Next we were off to New York City for 3 days.  We love just walking around the City, looking at decorations, windows and smelling chestnuts roasting.  We were able to go on weekdays this year which was so much nicer as the crowds weren't nearly as bad as the weekend.



Next week we're off to the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort to celebrate an early birthday present for me and then we're packing our bags and heading to Florida for two months.  We've truly turned into snowbirds - hard to believe.  We'll be spending New Years Eve in Charleston and we are really looking forward to that stop.

Two months in Orlando will include many trips to Disneyworld in preparation for our June trip with our great niece and nephew.  We also have several other friends who have retired and moved to Florida, so we will take some time and visit with them.  I'm sure the two months will go by quickly, but no worries, because when we return, we will have two weeks at home and then off to sunny Mexico for two weeks.

Just so everyone doesn't think our life is all fun and games, we're doing some good for our community as well.  We have both been appointed as Guardian Ad Litems for our juvenile court system.  We are a voice for the children who have been either neglected or abused.  We are assigned cases and work with the children to make sure they get their say in court.  Lots of sad stories and it's heartbreaking work, but we feel we are helping.  I'm also volunteering at the Forever Safe Farm, which is a non-predatory animal sanctuary for exotic animals.  I get to prepare food and feed the camels, zebra, pot bellied pigs, etc. and also am teaching the numerous goats how to walk on a leash so they are easier to take to the vet.  I love animals so am enjoying this immensely.  Greg is working with our County in helping them accomplish goals with their ever tight budget.

Hope everyone is well and enjoying life as we are.