Big Creek Trail, Laura S. Walker State Park

Since the desiccated disk in my neck is ailing again, Sweetie took me for a much needed walk at our local Laura S. Walker State Park near Waycross, Georgia. It's a lovely, quiet place. We strolled through the mature growth piney woods and made observations along the way.

The start of the trail is across a paved road just outside the camping area.

The trail is well marked.

Shady trails add to the adventure.

(I wish our driveway was this overgrown ... no mowing!

I'm really into 'natural' gardening these days.)

Anybody out there know what this is? Anybody? No?!

Ok, it's a 'cat faced' Long-leaf pine tree.

This tree was once tapped for turpentine.

Lions and tigers and bears ... oh MY!!

NOW they tell us!!?? Yipes!

Closed?? Close to what?

After that bear sign, I'm NOT leaving the trail!

Sawtoothed Palmetto are prevalent in our woods.

The little birdie's love palmetto bushes, especially the Towhee.

"The long and winding road ..." uh, trail.

There's one area that crosses the swamp.

It was very cool, dark and damp there.

Last leg of the journey.

The Bald Cypress is the only conifer in the US that is deciduous.

And, that's all there is. Journey is over.

I hope you enjoyed the walk as much as I did. I know I say it frequently, but this part of Georgia is so pretty and so very photogenic. It's especially nice when the bugs have disappeared for the rest of the year. [smile] There is something about 'communing' with nature that always makes me feel even closer to God the Father.

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Butterfly Award

I received The Butterfly Award this week from Joann and Jack! This very nice couple live in Virginia. I am greatly honored that they think so much of me, especially considering that their blog is so much better than mine! This does inspire me to take better care at snapping photos and also the quality of what I post at my blog. I will try harder to be more inspirational and appealing.
So, to use a common vernacular, and with tongue firmly ensconced in cheek, here be da rules:

1. Put the logo on your blog. [Check]
2. Add a link to the person who awarded you. [Did that]
3. Nominate 10 other blogs for this award. [Oie, vey ... 10!? .. sigh]
4. Add links to those blogs. [I can do that]
5. Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs. [I can do that too]
6. Give a reason why you consider their blogs cool. [Cripes! I have to write something about each entry! Holy Toledo! Brain ... don't fail me now!?]

My Nominees:


1. A Little Birdie Told Me So.
2. Bygone Beauty.
3. Carey's Corner.
4. Chachaneen.
5. Chicken Soup ...
6. Cpaphil Vintage Postcards.
7. Muse-Swings.
8. Nana's Living The Dream.
9. Tea Time With Melody.
10. Wiregrass Musings.

I will lump my writing into one review. I've reinjured my neck and am having severe neck/shoulder pains again [looks like another doctor's visit is called for ... and I thought I was done with that for awhile ...]. Therefore, I am having a difficult time focusing in on my thoughts and sitting in my office chair. I apologize for taking poetic license.

With no further ado, I would like to say this about all my nominees:

First, Wiregrass Musings is my husband and is therefore not included in what is written below because, of course, I do know him personally. I know he's a good person. I hope it doesn't bend the rules to award him too. His blog is always so well written. He is a great guy and a terrific writer. Hubby is new to Bloggy Land.

Anyway, the remainder of my nominees are all blogs I read daily because they're informative, well written and they make me feel good about life in general. These are good people that I feel are not just good in this artificial cyber world. I think I know them all by their character [some are more character than others .... smile]. They're the type that if you knew them in 'real' life, there would be an instant rapport. They're the type that would stop and help you on the side of the road if it appeared that you were in distress. That to me, speaks volumes about a person's character. Actions do speak louder than words.

So, congrats everyone! Have fun with the new award. Keep Blogging!

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WebStar West Clipart

I have a real weakness for pretty, creative clipart to add to my blog or web site. As my husband would say, I have to 'trash it up' and make it glitter. [lol]

This evening I found a nice web site title WebStar West that offers Blossoms, Butterflies, Fairies, Fish, Florida, Frames, Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, Birds, Lancaster, Flower Arrangements, Backgrounds.

Thought you might want to check this out for yourselves. Do y'all have any web sites that you frequent for such inspiration or to enhance a blog / web site? Please share. I'm always on the hunt for the 'perfect' graphic (especially if it's FREE). Or do you create your own? I can create simple graphics but nothing elaborate or animated.

Have fun!

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A Tribute To A Friend - John W. Bond

John Willard "Johnny" Bond, Sr.

(15 Jul 1932 - 18 November 2008)

Jacksonville, Florida

My husband lost a friend and the world lost a very good person yesterday. He and Johnny were long time co-workers at BellSouth (formerly known as Southern Bell). Johnny was a kind-hearted and generous man. He will be missed greatly by all that were priviledged to know him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Even though Johnny did not die suddenly, his demise was very quick. He was diagnosed with a form of melanoma (skin cancer) about a month ago, I think. He was placed in Hospice and now he's gone. All these phone men work outside most all their lives. IF any of you are outside a great deal, please cover up as much as possible and also point out any changes one notices on one's skin to a medical professional. You just never know when this cancer will strike.

Johnny believed in Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Saviour, so that even though we say Good Bye in this life, we know we'll meet each other again in the next.

OBITUARY

The Florida Times-Union

Jacksonville, Florida

BOND > John W. Bond, Sr., went to be with The Lord on November 18, 2008.

John was born in Hagerstown, IN and came to Jacksonville, FL, serving his country in the U.S. Navy. He was assigned to the Fighter Squadron-171, NAS Jacksonville. He served form March 1951 through March 1955. John retired from Southern Bell in November 1987 with 32 years of service. He worked his way up through the ranks of repairman to Maintenance Supervisor to Quality Control supervisor on staff. He was a charter member of The Fellowship at Celebration Baptist Church. He loved God, his family, his church, and all people, young and old. They loved him in return. He will be deeply missed.

John leaves behind to cherish his memories, his wife of 28 beautiful years, Lila; daughter, Lynn Strickland (Hank) of Tampa, FL; sons, John Bond, Jr. (Pam) of Jacksonville, FL, Frank Bond (Liz) of Dallas, TX; and daughter Deeann Spears (Wayne) of Jacksonville, FL, their mother Dee Dee Royal; grandchildren, Mindee, Sara, and Harrison Strickland, Haley Bond, Kyle and Jeffrey Bond, Andee Spears; brothers, Phil Bond and Gayle Bond, both of Hagerstown, IN; sister, Debbie Taylor of Hendersonville, NC; nieces, Stefan Taylor, Cristella Bond, Jennifer Muschell, Debora Flemming, Kathy Flemming Carver; nephews, Jon Bond, Jeff Bond, Andy Bond, Kent Flemming, Eddie Gales; great niece, Karmon Bond; great nephews, Luke and Max Bond; and many supportive friends.

Family will receive friends TONIGHT, November 20, 2008 from 6-8:00 PM at Arlington Park Funeral Home, 6920 Lone Star Road, Jacksonville, Florida. Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 21, 2008 at 1:00 PM at The Fellowship @ Celebration Baptist Church, 13720 McCormick Road, Jacksonville, Florida. Interment will follow at Arlington Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, family requests that donations be made to The Fellowship @ Celebration Baptist Church, Children's Building Fund in his memory. Please Sign the Guestbook @ http://www.jacksonville.com/

Leave a virtual flower at the FindAGrave Memorial: John W. BOND, Sr.

The Final Flight

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free,

I'm following the path God laid for me.

I took his hand when I heard his call,

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,

To laugh, to love, to work, to play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way,

I've found that peace at the end of the day.

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

Ah, yes, these things too I will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My Life's been full, I savoured much,

Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,

Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and share with me,

God wanted me now, He set me free.

Author: Unknown

God bless,

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Wordless Wednesday (11/19)

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Lemonade Award

SoulBrush graciously gave me another award. This one is made by Laughing Wolf. I'm not sure what it means, or if I should do anything, but the thought is very appreciated.

Thanks gal! See ya in the funny papers!

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The Grape Escape

Here we go!! After much preparation and planning, The Grape Escape is here! Yay!



Reservations were made, packing was done, and I had my passport all ready as I wait for my special flight. This is my first passport, by the way. Except for visiting Canada, Mexico and Hawai'i I never been on foreign soil.




Greg showed up to fly me from my humble surroundings in Georgia to glamourous Italy. (Hubba Hubba)


Greg kinda messed up (he said I distracted him by looking in his eyes so much … aw well) and we ended up in Egypt!! Opps! My Bad! [blush]




So, we finally made it to Italy. Greg got in some reading and I caught up on some much needed rest …




... David Niven stopped by. So he and Greg squeezed in a little swimming while ....



… I took a little ride with a few of the locals … WAHOO!!!



Then y’all showed up …
OK, all these distractions had to stop and we stomped the grapes.
This is my first attempt at wine making.
Don’t worry, I washed my feet first, and it wasn’t even Saturday.



Hey, now that we’re done with the stomping, how about we tour the ruins?
Huh, can we? Huh?!
I want this to be my ride (those are Moto Guzzi‘s, by the way).



The always lovely and gracious Audrey showed up and said we had to get ready for the party … PARTY??!! OK!! There went my motorcycle tour.
Does anyone have a tiara I can borrow?
Mine is in the shop this week. (Along with my Lear Jet and Lamborghini ... yeaaaah, RIGHT!!)


I made the reservations for Vespas to convey all my bloggy friends.
Keep saying “Momentum is your friend …” and you’ll be fine.
I'll be in the rear where it's safer.

Hope you don’t mind, some of y’all may have to share.

Thought I’d better pop off a postcard to Sweetie back in the States. I already miss him so but he had to stay behind and babysit our three dogs.
(Thanks Vintage Postcards for the Picnik.com free on-line photo editing.)

Looks like this shindig has started! Might wanna hurry up ….

I’ll help pour the bubbly .. ! Let the unabashed imbibing begin!

Better keep Vodka Mom away from the bar. :o)

I haven't had this much fun since the world was young. Let’s do it again next year.

Thanks for inviting me Muse Swings.

Now if I can just find Greg so he can fly me home. I hope he doesn't take the long way around the barn again ....

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