Blast From The Past Saturday

Today I am taking Monkeys Jump and Brian to Meramec Caverns. This will be my second visit to the cavern. My first visit was many years ago on a family vacation with my parents and my sister, Kendra. I was probably 7 or 8 years old, so my memory is sketchy. We'll see how much comes back to me once there.

While I'm spelunking (there will be a full report with pictures), please enjoy the following images from days gone by...

My Daddy and me


My Mom, me and Mamaw Collins


My Aunt Francis and me


Maternal Great Grandmother

To Boldly Go Where No Gams Has Gone Before

I am having a wonderful time in Saint Louis! My daughter and her husband actually live in a little village called Charlack. The house they live in belonged to Brian's grandfather and before that, it belonged to the mayor of Charlack. The community is peaceful and quiet - so quiet, in fact, that you easily forget that you are so close to a large metropolis like Saint Louis! The house itself sits on a beautiful lot that is longer than it is wide with stately old trees that provide shade from the hot summer heat. One of my favorite spots is their front porch swing where I enjoy the cool evening breeze while watching the multitude of birds, squirrels and rabbits as they frolic - so peaceful and akin to a small slice of heaven on earth!
Saturday we went exploring (read Leia's account here) and had an awesome time just driving and taking in the scenery. We visited Grafton, IL by way of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway. The view was breathtaking with limestone cliffs on one side and the Mississippi River on the other.

One of my favorite places to visit while here is Main Street in downtown St Charles. The quaint shops, the folks in period costumes, and the city's historic significance are just a few of the reasons I love it. There were 2 couples being married at the gazebo and then enjoying a horse-drawn carriage ride while we were there.
We ended our day with a late-night viewing of the new Star Trek movie. Being a Trekkie, I enjoyed it immensely and appreciated the "back story" for the characters. If you are not a fan of the series/franchise, there is no need to worry - the story and action are compelling! There will be some "inside" jokes that non-trekkies won't get, but you'll never know that you missed anything! I highly recommend the show to anyone!

Blast From The Past Saturday

My Mom's parents and siblings



My Mom and me


Me and my Chatty Cathy

St Louis Here I Come

I will traveling to St Louis to visit my eldest daughter (Monkeys Jump) on Friday. I plan on staying a week. The drive is not too bad - only 4 hours from Indy and pretty much a straight shot on 70 West.
I am looking forward to spending time with my girl and her hubby but am looking forward to the wonderful food just as much! Indy just doesn't have the restaurants that St Louis does. My all-time-favorite pizza is from Nick and Elenas (I had her bring me 2 large pizzas the last time she came to town) and I can't wait to have it again. The crust is super thin and crispy and they have this wonderful cheese product called Provel that they use instead of mozzarella - it is glorious and melts to a creamy goodness instead of a rubbery, stretchy goo.
I'll have loads of pics to share but until then I'll be busy packing and visiting with my little guys before I leave.
See you in St Louie!!

I Heart Faces Entry Week 19

This is my entry for week 19 and obviously is in the amateur category. It was difficult to pick an all time favorite, but I kept coming back to this one for some reason. Hopefully the lack of technical skill will be overlooked and the cuteness of the face will prevail! Follow the link below the picture to see some amazing photos!!!!

I am submitting this photo into the http://www.iheartfaces.com/ Blurb Book photo contest. I am granting I ♥ Faces permission to use my photo in a printed version of a book for commercial use and possibly advertising of a photo book on both the Blurb and I ♥ Faces web sites.

Blast From the Past Saturday plus Proud Momma!!

Random shots of days gone by....


Gams and her JayBob


JayBob and my niece, Shelby up on the farm (my sisters place)



Daddy and the Dillybar

Big brother JayBob with the little Dillybar

My youngest daughter and my oldest nephew at the Indianapolis Zoo. She is now the beautiful mother of 3 sons and my nephew is now like 7 feet tall and in college!

Monkeys Jump when she was just a wee lass.

The above photo of my youngest and the Dillybar taken by http://monkeys-jump.blogspot.com/ who also happened to place 2nd in the I Heart Faces contest this week with another photo of her sister (this is the proud momma part)
http://iheartfaces.blogspot.com/2008/01/week-18-top-ten-winners-adults-category.html.

Some day I hope my photos will be as good as hers!

How Grows Your Garden?

I've not done much this year in the way of gardening. If my employment status doesn't change, I may have to make other living arrangements so I didn't bother with planting anything extra this year (why bother if I won't be here to enjoy the fruits of my labor). I have a few flowers that I planted last year that are coming back nicely.

I love the color of this Clematis.


Hostas have always been a favorite and are thriving.

If I do relocate, I will likely leave the plants behind in hopes that future tenants will care for them or at least appreciate them; however, this guy is coming with me! Geeko calls it the "beebee." He stops to say hello whenever he visits.


Last year I purchased a few flats and I thought it looked very nice - especially considering it was my first attempt outside of potted flowers.

I'll make due without the landscaping for this year in hopes that next year I can color my little corner of the world.
So, internet... how grows your garden?