Alabama

Helen Keller 1880 - 1968
"I believe that life is given to us so we may grow in love, and I believe that God is in me as the sun is in the color and fragrance of a flower. The Light is my darkness, The Voice is my silence".

Second on our list was the Helen Keller's birthplace and home at Ivy Green. Most of us have seen 'The Miracle Worker' and were impressed with the story of the 'First Lady of Courage'. At age 19 months, Helen Keller was stricken with a disease that left her blind and deaf. At age 16, she could speak well enough to go to preparatory school and college. In 1904, she was graduated 'cum laude' from Radcliffe College. We didn't realize Miss. Keller had written and published 12 books including her autobiography written during her years in college and published in 1903 . She acted in a movie about her own life. We learned she lectured in over 25 countries and spoke 4 languages She dedicated her life to improving the conditions of blind and deaf-blind around the world. The credits to this amazing woman go on and on. We haven't seen the movie 'The Miracle Continues' so will rent it soon.

Red Bay Alabama

Looks like we're going to be longer in Red Bay than expected. Just as we were about to leave Tues, the service tech found that the floor on one of the slide-outs is rotted. They ordered a new floor and will need to rebuild the slide. Meantime, we spent today touring.A visit to the Coon Dog Cemetery in the Freedom Hill area of Alabama was first. Cute stop. The first coonhound buried there was 'Troop' in 1937. Since then more than 185 certified coon dogs are buried in this graveyard, including several World Champions. This cemetery does have 'burial standards'. To qualify three requirements must be met. The owner must claim their pet is an authentic coon dog. A witness must declare the deceased is a coon dog. A member of the local coonhunters' organization must be allowed to view the coondog and declare it as such.

Back in the U.S.of A.

It is good to be back in the U.S. although we will miss the grandkids. Jack had his heart biopsy and his cancer pet scan last week so we await the results. John is on the last of his antibiotics for his bronchitis, pneumonia, sinus infection and Crohns flair up. Back on 'Eat Right 4 Your Type' and believe making a difference. Now in Red Bay, Alabama at Tiffin Service Center getting work done on coach. Stopped in to visit Don and Scarlett on our way here. Scarlett battling cancer and our prayers are certainly with her. When we're done here we will try to hook up with Tony and Barb for a few days as they travel home to California.

Exploring Georgian Bay

July 13th we left Belmont, Ontario and headed to Tobermory to begin our 11 day road trip with the oldest grandchildren. We had to leave Jack at home as too far from hospital in the event of a fever. So we left Sarah behind to keep him company. As it turned out, Jack developed a fever later that day and ended up in London Sick Kids for 5 days. Had a very pleasant stay at Happy Hearts CG in Tobermory. We all enjoyed the company of pirates and lots of fish and chips at the 'Shipwreck'. Up bright and early the next day and were first in line to board the Chi Cheemaun. Stormy day but everyone weathered their 2 hr voyage just fine. Three days at Batmans CG, Sheguiandah, Manitoulin Island turned out to be a fun time. We hiked, swam under the falls at Bridal Veil Falls and enjoyed the waters around the island. Batmans had been recommended and was a great choice. Power weak but plans in place to upgrade to 50 amp over the winter. Would def go back. On leaving the island, we arrived at Little Current just as they closed off the bridge. We climbed out of the rv and enjoyed watching the swinging bridge go around in order to let the boats go thru. Hwy 6 turned out to be an easy drive to connect to Hwy 17 onto Sudbury. We camped at Carols just outside Sudbury while we toured Dynamic Earth and Science North. Awesome!
We bought a 'Grandparent Pass' which is good for all of us for a year plus free and/or reduced prices into 150 more locations outside Canada. Will def take advantage of. The kids loved both places. We ended up the trip with a visit to Santa's Village in Huntsville and the Elvis Festival in Collingwood. We packed a lot into this trip but the kids will have awesome memories for the rest of their lives.

Ontario Canada

We have been busy since the first of April, staying close to Belmont in the event Dione needs us. Anyone clicking on the link to Jack Hildenbrand's journal knows he is now home having completed his 5th and final round of chemo. He has done extremely well and now has clinic in Toronto. He will take the first clinic on Tues in London because of the G20 in Toronto. London is so much closer to home. We have been dog sitting a yorkie mix named Harvey for 10 days and are returning him to his owners tomorrow. Will miss him. He is well behaved and easy to have around. However,,,,we do get Sarah (age 3) back. Dione's two oldest girls are in school all day so if we have Sarah, she and Bob can get stuff done. Sarah is extremely entertaining and keeps us on our toes. I have been busy organizing our "Trip Around Georgian Bay" and having difficulty finding campgrounds that can accommodate our rig. We are booked at Happy Hearts in Tobermory to start the adventure. Then will put the rv and car (and the 5 grandchildren) on the Chi-Cheeman ferry to Manitoulin Island. We can't reserve the ferry because of our size so will go early to get a spot in line. We are booked in to Batman's RV Resort on the island for 3 days (highly recommended). From Batman's we will visit Deep Earth (the nickel mine) in Sudbury. We are trying to find a cg closer to Sudbury so we can visit Science North. Then we will move on to Santa's Village in Bracebridge. Their cg 'Whispering Pines' has low wires and they don't believe we can get in. So we'll look for something close by. The kids should likely have an awesome time and I'm sure will wear us out. But isn't that what grandparents are for? Making Memories!

Owen Sound

We are in Owen Sound for the weekend to visit family. Brought the 3 girls and staying in motel. Indoor pool being repaired so disappointed that can't use and it's cold enough to snow. Oh well. Good thing we have the girls to entertain us. Will see all the Smart family tonight at our nephew's wedding reception. Should be fun. Then back to Belmont Sunday by way of a hockey game in Stratford. Jack handling chemo well and is showing his true self as the fighter he is.

Jack

Our grandson, Jack, is in Sick Children Hospital in Toronto battling cancer. He has been in and out of hospitals for the past month while they conducted all kinds of test, finding nothing. Finally on March 29th, they removed a mass in his colon that they had found with a Pet Scan the previous week. He had chemo immediately and the doctors and nurses are aggressively working on removing this major scare from his little body. Jack spent his 5th birthday on April 1st in Sick Kids. He is a fighter and is handling things well. He has a medical web site at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jackhildenbrand which is updated daily by his mom. John and I are 'parenting' Jack's three siblings which is NO problem for us. We enjoy being with them. Spring Lake RV Park just south of Ingersoll opened early to let us in. We have been there before, it is only 10 minutes from Dione and Bob's home in Belmont, and they know us as well as the kids. We have been getting a lot of prayers, love and support for Jack so can only expect the best. Jack is receiving thousands of "hands in prayer" from across Canada and United States showing support through prayer. This one from Tony and Barb's grandson, Sawyer, is one of those.

Kerrville, Texas

We moved out of Llano Grande RV Resort, Mercedes, TX on March 22nd north to Buckhorn RV Resort in Kerrville, TX. Texas Hill Country. We have been having a great time touring the countryside. Shuttle from Buckhorn took us to dinner at 11 St Cowboy Bar in Bandera where Sheila spent the evening dancing to a live band, under the open sky with 'George Strait'. We took our own steak to cook on their pits. Went to tour the grand town of Luckenbach, TX. Sheila rode the wild bull. Interesting country. Today is a 'down day' and then we'll go to Sea World Thurs, horseback riding Fri and Wimberley Flea market Saturday. No rest for the wicked.

Llano Grande, Mercedes, TX

South Padre Island with Dewayne and Nancy turned out to be perfect weather for exploring. Grama was able to collect 'Texas' sand for making rocks with the kids this summer. Papa and Grama practiced a little Tai Chi. We enjoyed watching folks fishing in the Gulf. They seemed to be having good success around 8 am and then again at 3 pm. The merchants are really struggling. Business seems to be down due to the economy as well as a very rainy winter this year.

Did I mention that we booked in until the first of March? Tai Chi is going well for both of us. Line dancing three times a week is keeping Sheila in shape. (well would be if it weren't for the happy hours). Sheila driving to McAllen for Spanish classes weekly. We are enjoying the Killer Bees hockey games and getting in short visits with the coach, Chris Brooks and his family. In spite of the weather, it is turning out to be an awesome winter.

Llano Grande, Mercedes, TX

Nancy, Gloria and I enjoying the 'Lights of Hildago'. It was a large and beautiful display and a fun filled evening with friends.

Our turn to host the 'happy hour' and, as you can see, we were able to enjoy many 'rent-a-friends'. In all seriousness we really are enjoying the friendships here at this park. Very tempting to return again next fall.

John and Roy had just returned from a cruise where the dreadlocks seemed to bring out their 'secret' side.

Christmas

We flew from McAllen, TX to Ontario, Canada to spend Christmas with the kids. Of course, Papa is just lucky to have somewhere to sleep while Grama was in demand. We took the kids to Owen Sound to see the Christmas lights, which are awesome. Stayed in a hotel and got some quality time in with family. Sheila's mom was delighted to see (sort of as she is blind) the kids and hear them sing Christmas Carols to her. She gave them each presents which they were delighted with. Just a 'totally awesome' visit.

Texas

Went to the Iwo Jima Memorial in Harlington Texas Wed. and were really impressed with the museum. We watched a 35 min video and learned that this was one of the most tragic battles in American history. The marines were sent Feb 1945 to capture the island from Japan in 3days. It took 36 days, 6800 deaths and 23,000 wounded. Will get the movies 'Shores of Iwo Jima' and 'The Outsider' to watch again. Will mean more to us now that we are more familiar with the story. There were articles at the museum about the 'Code Talkers' and that adds to our interest in going to the Burger King in Kayenta,AZ. Larry, at the museum, recommended to go to Windowrock NM and Gallop NM. Also recommended books by Tony Hillerman.

Llano Grande RV Resort, Mercedes Texas

We arrived here October 29th and decided to stay a month to try it out. Well, we soon paid for Dec and Jan to extend our stay. We are loving it here. Sites are a good size, lots to do and great facilities. Web site is www.LlanoGrandeResort.com . We start our day at 7 am with Tai Chi lessons followed by a workout at an awesome fitness center. Then we go to line dancing lessons. Have been to Mexico for pedicure $9. Manicure, pedicure and 1/2 hr body massage is $40. Life can't get any better. Outlet mall nearby. So far weather has been great. Grapefruit, lime and avacado trees around the resort. 5000 people when full and will be by Jan. and everyone is so friendly. Spanish lessons start in Jan. They welcome beginners so we fit right in. Dances every Sat. nite.

San Antonio, Texas

The Shrine at the Alamo. We learned more about American history and about Texas fighting for their independence from Mexico. Then photos taken on the Riverwalk. It was very impressive. The bridge that John and I are standing by was in the movies, Selina and Cloak and Dagger. Will have to rent them. Miss Congeniality was also filmed on the Riverwalk. We took a narrated ride on one of the riverboats but still did a lot of walking. Stopped at a couple of the restaurants for beer and snacks along the way. Def a 'must do' in one's travels around the U.S.

French Quarters, New Orleans

We met Bob and Patsy from Cape May, New Jersey at the rv park and hooked up for some fun times. They are headed to Texas so will likely see them again. Patsy and I bought funky earrings and scarves at one of the shops at the French Quarter so now we are 'with it'. Really enjoyed our new friendship.

French Quarters, New Orleans

We arrived in New Orleans on Thursday and spent Friday at the French Quarters. Really enjoyed walking around the area and are taking the free shuttle from the rv park to Jackson Square again tomorrow. Met Bob and Patsy who are going with us. Bob got us tickets to the House of Blues Sunday Gospel Brunch. Lots of places to go and most restaurants and bars have entertainment. The man with the dog did not move the entire time we were in the area.

Yes, that's water we're driving through !

We left Canada on Monday October 5th after attending Derek and Amanda's wedding in Owen Sound on the 3rd. Headed to New Orleans but decided to stop in at Tiffin in Red Bay, Alabama to finally get the ice maker fixed. Arrived at the Allegro CG on Thurs, they put us in to the express bay Monday and got us looked after just fine. As usual they pampered us. Left there Tues and drove south on 59 for most of the day. Decided to stop at an Elk Lodge for the nite and found this one in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. It was a challenge getting to the site but it was fun. And only $10 with water and 50 amp service.

Ontario Canada

After Woodland, we moved the rv to Bus and Jane's dairy farm in Springmount for two days. Ended up staying a week. Too fun. Lightening hit their phone line and blew out their computer, phone lines, printer and modem. Also hit a tree beside the rv. Good thing the huge branches fell the other way. John and Bus cut up over 4 cord of wood and stacked in the barn. Jane got her computer up and running at a minimal cost so all is well that ends well. Jane and I went to the Keady market Tues morning and I loved it. We went to the Hanover Raceway Wed afternoon where I donated a few dollars on the horses and on the slots. Had dinner at the track and the food was good. Ate fresh veggies from Jane's garden, had a LOT of laughs and brushed up on our eucre skills. Girls still the best. Looking forward to going back next year.

Waterloo, Ontario Canada

Back at Green Acres in Waterloo with internet again. Wow I miss it when we are in Canada. Had 120 email to download when we got here. Have been busy. Before leaving here the first of July, we went to see Jersey Boys in Toronto with Nat and Candy. Loved it. Spent a lot of time with Ty and Tate and attending their soccer and hockey games. We then moved to Spring Lake in Mt. Elgin (just south of Ingersoll) where we spent a lot of time with Abby, Grace, Jack and Sarah. It was so much fun to have the grandkids on board agn. We attended a stag and doe for Derek and Amanda in Woodstock on the 18th. It is their wedding that we are staying in Canada for Oct 3rd. Then July 20th we packed up 5 grandkids (except Sarah, who is too young yet) and travelled to the KOA in Port Huron. Awesome campground for kids. They had a riot, in spite of the rain. After almost a week there, we returned them to their parents and moved ourselves in to John and Charlene's driveway in Stratford. It was good to see them again and we had a lot of laughs. We then moved north to Woodland at Sauble Beach, stopping over for a few nights at Pike Lake in Mount Forest. We stopped just south of Pike Lake to fill up with gas and ran in to Ced and Shirley from Orillia (the couple we met in Florida 3 yrs ago). Great visit. If you go to Pike Lake to stay and golf, ask for a site in 'f' section. Their overnight sites are brutal. Woodland never fails to impress us. We are already booked in next year July 29th to Aug 9th. When we got to Woodland Campground, people on our site had their dates mixed up and were not ready to leave. Their driver was away for the day. They said they would move off the site if someone could drive their Prevost. That was John's excitement for the summer, getting to drive a Prevost. Good lesson for us tho. We will now pay close attention to our check in and check out dates. Bill and Gail booked in to Woodland at the same time (Bill was bestman at our wedding 43 yrs ago) and we had so many laughs together. While at Sauble (which is the second longest freshwater beach in the world) we spent a lot of time at Sprey Lake where our family were spending the week. A friend of Scott and Kathy's (John's brother) had given them their resort to use while they went out west. Scott invited all of our family to stay either in the cabins or in their own campers. We had a great time. The resort was amazing! Hope we get invited back next summer.