OUTER BANKS, NC

Joseph and I leave for the Outer Banks off the coast of North Carolina this Wednesday. We will be staying at the KOA on Cape Hatteras and will be getting together with other volunteers from Chesapeake Bay Retriever Relief and Rescue (www.cbrrescue.org). Jedi, Bailey, Gracie, and Ella are going with us. We will be staying in a small one room cabin right on the beach. Should be interesting. Hats off to Joseph for agreeing to make this trek to the coast. With this post are a few more pictures of Bailey & Gracie swimming (from this past weekend).

Ole Miss vs. Vanderbuilt

Joseph and I just got back from a quick trip to Oxford, Mississippi. We went to Oxford to watch a football game and to see our friends, Matt & Melissa Zerfoss. Last year Ole Miss got killed by Arkansas and this year got beat by Vanderbuilt. There is nothing like the tailgating scene at Ole Miss. It is CRAZY. Tame, but crazy because of how passionate fans are about Mississippi football and how early they come out for the games. Ole Miss college students dress for the game in outfits more appropriate for a cocktail party. One thing is for sure, I would never have fit in as a college student there. High heels and skimpy cocktail dresses at a football game....NO THANKS. Joseph went against the mold and dressed rather casually for the game, as did I, but that's typical!!! The drive was approximately 9 hours each way and was a long way to go for such a short amount of time, but the drive was totally worth it. Joseph drove 99% of the time while I read my book sprawled out in the back seat (now known as the "queen's quarters"). Anyone looking for a good book to read, go get Lone Survivor. It is incredible.

Boxer Puppies

Our neighbors a few houses down bred their boxers and the bitch had her puppies three weeks ago. I brought Bailey over to see how she would react to the pups and to take a few pictures. They were soooooo cute. Bailey, of course, was a gem around them... She was more interested in playing soccer with our neighbors than interacting with the puppies.

Happy Birthday Susan Goetz

As many of you know, my mother died of cancer 11 years ago. Today is her birthday and, if she were still alive, would turn 65 today. Happy Birthday Mom.... Yes, we still think of you often. Here is a picture of my mother with her brother, Chip Collin.

Running Times Magazine-Go Get IT!

I just found out my cousin's daughter, Mackenzie Carter, and her high school running teammates are on the cover of Running Times Magazine, October 2008 issue. The team is a two-time national champ. Mackenzie is the most forward blond on the left. She has followed in the footsteps of her very athletic parents by competing and excelling in sports. Here is a link: http://highschoolsports.syracuse.com/news/article/-201016795/

Thoughts and Prayers

A few days ago I called my friend, Barb, who had just returned home from visiting her parents in NY. She informed me that her parents were in a bad car accident on their drive home after dropping her off at the airport. Her parents were hit head on and due to extensive injuries are now in critical care...another friend, Jen, recently informed me that her mother, who has battled cancer for the past few years, has stopped chemotherapy and now has hospice care. Neither situation is easy. Barb's parents recovery will be tough, as they are in their eighties, but I am hopeful they will make it through. They are both quite active for their age. As for Jen and her family, hopefully she/they can share some good laughs and happy tears over the next few months. This is one strong family. I am confident, that day by day, Jen and her family members will make it thru this tough time. Both friends and their families are in my thoughts and prayers.

Dog Therapy Incorporated

Bailey passed her 3rd clinical observation en route to be a therapy dog. All I have to do now is send the paperwork in and she will be certified!!!!! She completed all of her observations at Shriner's hospital. All the children there loved Bailey's coloring and staff loved the texture and curl in Bailey's hair. Bailey's 3rd observation was not without incident. A new dog who was there to complete his first observation demonstrated aggression (lunging, barking) toward Bailey. This dog was about 140 lbs, twice the size of Bailey. To the disappointment of his owner he (named Baby) did not pass the observation and will not be a therapy dog. Go Bailey!!!!

Recent Events

The U.S Pro Cycling Championship was in Greenville this past weekend. Joseph and I got to go this year. The riders completed 110 miles of intense riding in hot temperatures. A few riders from Winston-Salem were among the crowd as was the rider who Joseph beat when he won Mt. Mitchell. I never fully realized how huge a Mt. Mitchell win was until this weekend. It's incredible... On a completely different topic, Bailey, our chesapeake bay retriever, has her last observation for her certification to become a therapy dog tomorrow. We will be at Shriner's hospital in Greenville. If she passes the observation, she will become a certified therapy dog. Will keep you posted.