A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day.... 08-16-05 ....A Finest Ohio and West Virginia Adventure!

Mama_Bear, JustAmy, Dutchess, WVNan, DollyCali, PrissyMissy, Babychick

[Mama_Bear]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.   Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay, or a profile of another FReeper.

On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY

If you have a suggestion, or an idea, or if there's a FReeper you would like to see featured, please drop one of us a note in FR mail.

We're having fun and hope you are!
~ Billie, Mama_Bear, Dutchess, Aquamarine, DollyCali ~

JustAmy, PrissyMissy and MamaBear met some of the Finest people on the planet on their recent trip to Ohio and West Virginia! Today's post will run through Wednesday and is a compilation of thoughts and photos from DollyCali, JustAmy, PrissyMissy, Dutchess, WVNan and Scubachick's "Babychick". Today we present "Part I" - Columbus and Akron. Tomorrow will find the happy travelers in West Virginia for "Part II".

We hope you will enjoy this picture story of their freeper get-together.

First stop - Columbus, where they "do the zoo" with Sistah Dutchess,......then on to Akron to meet with more Ohio FReepers.....

The Zoo...The Zoo....
California Finest Freeper Friends are Visiting
....That’s What We’ll Do!!!!



My perspective....how could I entertain these very special people? They politely suggested the Columbus Zoo which Jack Hanna ran for years. That became the focal point. I've loved these gals from afar for years....but drove into Columbus with a little "trepidation". Knocked on the door, the door opened and was greeted with a great big “Mama_Bear” hug from Lori! What a lovely lady! Hugs also from Amy and Marissa, equally lovely and adorable (in that order :o)).



No one was sure of the next step so I, hating city driving, drove on a course to the zoo AND missing a turn happened upon a Bob Evans Restaurant where we had breakfast. Now...I know most Midwesterners know of Bob Evans sausage (he actually started the family business in Gallipolis, Ohio where it is still headquartered) Lori NEVER heard of it wondering if was anything like Jimmy Dean sausage... amazing huh? Needless to say we ate lots of carbohydrates…


Next step...the Zoo.



We had so much fun and the day went so fast. Lots of talking, bonding, okay…hate to admit it….we did do just a tad, wee bit of ”gossiping” (but only in the purist, cleanest form, of course!)



Speaking of directions (how’s that for a lead in?) I did a wrong turn exiting the zoo and Lori, Amy and PrissyMissy had to put up with the "scenic" tour of northern Columbus....I tried to portray total confidence (while I didn't know where the heck I was and was feeling the beginning of a panic attack!!!). Meanwhile, Marissa seemed “nonplussed”, making up and singing a kind of “rap” song about cats. I am not exaggerating that she has a great voice, sense of timing and beat. Anyway found our way back to the hotel and before I had to depart they asked me for directions to the next leg of their trip. (ME, directions?????) Fortunately they supplied me with a map! (although I still called Mr. D…otherwise they still might be on the road looking for their next destination)



Anyway, just want to say....if you EVER have a chance to meet a finest freeper...do so... You don't know what you're missing. So glad to meet you in person Lori, Amy AND Marissa!!!

For Dutchess, DollyCali, MollyPitcher, OhioWFan, DrDeb,
BoxerBlues, Dubyaismypresident and CommieWatcher.
Thank you for welcoming us to Ohio.

After a hearty breakfast at Bob Evans,
our day at the zoo begins.
But first, Dutchess makes sure her camera is ready.

The zoo is BIG and wonderful.
Marissa and I take turns riding. :)
At least we know where she is!

The day was far too short. :(

We met at Stan Hywet Mansion and Garden on Saturday.
The picnic lunch and the wine were fantastic.
Left to right are: JustAmy, Mama_Bear, MollyPitcher,
OhioWFan and Dr.Deb.

Dubyaismypresident, BoxerBlues and Commiewatcher
also joined us at the Stan Hywet picnic on Saturday.

DollyCali ..... thank you for planning and organizing a wonderful FReeper get together.
You did good.

Mama_Bear and JustAmy extend their
heartfelt thanks to DollyCali and all of the Ohio FReepers who came out to picnic with us.

Did I read that FReepmail correctly? Amy & Lori are coming to OHIO to visit us????

I had met them 6 months prior in DC at the Inauguration in January 2005. We didn’t have too much time together as for all of us a lot was packed into the 48 hours I was in DC. But I did wish we were not a thousand miles plus away from each other.

Well, I had read it correctly and the months didn’t go fast enough until the day on July 23 where we would all meet for a FReeper get together. They didn’t have a whole lot of time & had a lot of real estate to cover in Ohio & WV so we had to chose ONE locale they wanted to see.. Offerings such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, First Ladies Museum, Warther Museum, and the Inventor’s Hall of fame all took fell off the draft table when they took a look at the possibilities of the Stan Hywet Hall in Akron Ohio. A turn of the century Golden Age mansion on an immense and gorgeous estate was the choice.

Next followed many FReepmails & posting on State board to see who could come for a PAR_TAY. It is summer & people were going to be on vacations, at weddings, or otherwise committed but we did have a nice. although small, group. None of the WV folks were able to attend. Wanted to keep the cost low for travelers so decided to provide a picnic wine/lunch & ask local folks to bring something to share.

The weather was perfect. After weeks of stifling heat & humidity, God blessed our time with a gentle breeze, mild temperatures and a gorgeous blue sky with puffy clouds & bright sun. The California gals simply could not understand why we were always complaining.

Attendees were Molly Pitcher (who lives the closest); Dr.Deb (who drove the farthest); ohioWfan; Commiewatcher; Dubyaismypresident; boxerblues; JustAmy; Mama_bear; PrissyMissy; and DollyCali. It was good to have boxerblues with us as she had lost her 51 year old husband to cancer a few months prior and currently has 2 sons in military - one in Iraq and so was very ready for sharing time with good FReepers.

Over wine in crystal we toasted the occasion & chatted for hours about the weather, politics (OF COURSE!); Iraq; gossip ( OF COURSE AGAIN); our pets; Jim Robinson (OF COURSE); tattoos (YEA, we did); and the normal chit chat that goes dozens of directions.

Plenty of food was prepared, but I had to chuckle when I called Amy on her cell phone about a half hour before our rendezvous time to check if they were on schedule and heard they were at BURGER KING!!! Guess people always get a little nervous/worried when they know a vegetarian is preparing the meal.

After chat & eating a few of the folks had to leave (one to play poker!) but some took the tour of the Stan Hywet house. It is big, impressive, fun. The Sieberlings were GOODYEAR & friends with the likes of William Taft, Helen Keller & the Von Trapps (of Sound of Music fame). Mrs. Sieberling was a professional opera singer & canvas artist and the guests & performances at Stan Hywet were the talk of NE Ohio. The entire mansion contains all of the original furniture & appointments. It was fun but the day went much too quickly.

That evening was a live professional presentation of a Midsummer’s nights Dream on the grounds of the estate.. Amy & Lori were bushed & decided to just go relax at their room in Cuyahoga Falls at the Sheraton Suites.

Below we are about to say goodbye for the day & PrissyMissy was kind enough to take our picture. Amy & Lori & PrissyMissy left the next morning to visit Nan who was … well, that is somebody else’s story.

Dutchess is calling for directions.
I hope we're not lost.

We didn't get lost.
Dutchess found "King Louie"
of Jungle Book fame.

It looks like ketchup.
DrDeb says it isn't.
She is right, it doesn't taste like ketchup.

MamaBear and I checked out
beautiful view at Cuyahoga Falls.

It is important to get your beauty rest
whenever and wherever you can.

06-28-05 HALL OF FAME #12

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 08-15-05 Military Monday

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' Every Thursday at the Finest The guy's good, folks!

[Mama_Bear]

[Mama_Bear]

If you would like to be added to the Finest ping list, we would love to have you! Click -----> PLEASE ADD ME.
If you would like to be removed, click -----> PLEASE REMOVE ME.

[WestVirginiaRebel]

My neck of the woods ping!

[Mama_Bear]

My neck of the woods ping!

Hey, your neck of the woods is God's country! I have never seen such a beautiful state; lush and green and the people were some of the friendliest I've ever met. This California girl felt right at home in West Virginia.

I have some beautiful photographs of a side trip we took down to Beckley and over to Hatfield and McCoy territory. I will be posting some of them tomorrow. Be sure to come back by our thread. :-)

[Mama_Bear]

Below are names of some of our FReepers' loved ones who are serving our country. If you have someone you would like to add, please address a post to Billie; Mama_Bear; Dutchess; Aquamarine; DollyCali, and we will add their name to this list. As we pray for them, we pray also for all our nation’s leaders, and military personnel, and their families and friends. May God hold them close to His heart.

Please keep these FReepers
and their loved ones in your prayers.

Maigrey...............................cousin ladtx......................................2 sons scubachick.......................husband gator girl..........................husband severa................husband, brother LBGA.........................................son Hostel...................................cousin SpookBrat..........................nephew Himyar......................................son boxerblues............................2 sons the piper....................................son sheeza...............................husband kemathen7.......................husband Diver Dave..............nephew, niece deadhead.............................cousin JimRobinson................2 nephews Armymarinemom...............3 sons Darheel.................................niece dixie sass............................nephew Diver Dave..............niece, nephew BeAllYouCanBe.......................son AgThorn...............................2 sons kneezles.....................................son The Mayor..............................niece ValerieUSA...........................2 sons StarCMC............................brother TexKat........................son, stepson Spruce.............................daughter ODC-GIRL....................active duty Dubya.................................nephew Donaeus.............................nephew SunflowerGal.................grandson katykelly...................................son Repubmommy...................brother Lakeside...............................2 sons philman_36....................2 nephews Veloxherc.....................active duty mrstank............................husband WVNan........................friend's son american_ranger......................son AF_Blue........................active duty lula.................................son-in-law auboy....................................cousin jamaly.....................brother-in-law Leofl...........................................son wingnutx......................active duty chena.........................................son LakeLady............................nephew LUV W........................................son cjk.................................active duty misty4jc............................husband mhking................................cousin The Mayor.................friend’s son Bykrbayb...................................son Colorado Slim...................nephew sneakers...................................son ariamne...........................2 cousins nelibeli...............................nephew Alouette.....................................son CGblue..........................active duty bigghurtt........................active duty Palladin.............................grandson Skimask.....................................son Gonzo...........................friend's son Its_me_K.E.T.............................son Socratic................................nephew veeceeque........................active duty Jemian.........................................son

OhioWfan.....................................son mystery-ak....................son, husband Gogrammy............................grandson Inspectorette..................................son Blessed American..................nephew Slip18......................................nephew anniegetyourgun...................nephew Pippin.......................niece’s husband Doug from Upland............son-in-law weldgophardline...........brotherinlaw Future Snake Eater.................cousin WaterDragon...............SIL,grandson BeforeISleep..................................son Consort...................2 daughters, SIL Warrior Nurse............. ...active duty SK1 Thurman.................active duty David Osborne.................active duty fc2tomschermuly.............active duty bkwells.............................active duty LongCut...........................active duty Trish.................................active duty LadyX..................................grandson fawn796..................................nephew Homeschoolmama................nephew Tiffee4Bob..........................boyfriend Atomic Conspiracy .......half-brother Atomic Conspiracy ....niece, nephew MozartLover...................son, nephew visualops...................................cousin thumperusn.......................active duty cookcounty.....................................son RoseinRoseBear....cousin’s husband Conspiracy Guy................2 nephews MrsMike31...........................husband Notwithstanding..............active duty Q6-God/twin brother.......active duty eaglesiniowa.................................son spotbust1...............................husband Don Simmons..................active duty bjcintennessee..................son, niece campfollower............................fiance Ladysmith......nephew, friend’s son Painter...................................nephew ProudAFDad................................son MontanaCowgirlCop...........brother Katydidnt.....................................son Old Sarge........................active duty tina07............son-in-law and friend Hope and Glory............................son Tapatio................................2 nephews ak_daddoo................................nephew SilentServiceCPOWife.....husband Walkenfree...2 G’sons, G’daughter Walkenfree......................3 nephews Zechariah_8_13.........brotherinlaw Zechariah_8_13....................cousin DirtyHarryY2K...................daughter DirtyHarryY2K...................soninlaw El Gato....................................nephew frankiep...........................active duty MississippyMuddy.................sister MississippyMuddy.........2 nephews kimmie7................................brother Kramster..............................stepson jkphoto..................................nephew JRios1968.......................active duty freema............................son, nephew

< /CENTER>

[MEG33]

I loved reading every word and enjoyed every picture!

[MEG33]

This is so wonderful to read about..The pictures are terrific..Thank you for sharing.

[boxerblues]

Thanks for the ping

never knew we had such a beautiful place in Ohio lol
It was great meeting Freepers for a picnic, hope we can all get together again before the weather turns on us.

BB

[MEG33]

HUGS...I felt like I was there sharing the fun..Nothing like having out of state visitors to get us informed and inspired to look at what is near our own backyard..

[The Mayor]

August 16, 2005

Handyman Genius

Read:
Ephesians 4:11-16

He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, . . . for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry. —Ephesians 4:11-12

Bible In One Year: Jeremiah 37-39

My father-in-law Pete is a genius. No, he didn't develop any scientific theories like Einstein did. His genius is that of a handyman. Just ask him about an ailing furnace or a clogged garbage disposal. He can intuitively diagnose the problem and come up with a solution. When my in-laws visit, it looks like a home repair TV show. I often take notes. In many ways, as I watch Pete, I am equipped to do the repairs on my own.

In the church, there are spiritual leaders whose job it is to equip us for ministry. In Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus, he wrote about equipping the people for service (Ephesians 4:11-12). The word used here for "equip" is the same one used to describe the disciples' mending of their nets when Jesus called them into service (Mark 1:16-20). For 3 years, Jesus "mended holes" in their "ministry nets" so they could be effective fishers of men (v.17).

If you don't know how to get started in finding and participating in a ministry, watch for people who can show you how it's done. Observe the way they use the Bible, pray, and work with people. Soon you will find that the Lord is using you more effectively in the lives of others. All you need is to be equipped. —Dennis Fisher

By God's design, there lies in wait for you
Important work that no one else can do.
Just as the planets find their paths through space,
You too must grow to fill your proper place. —Thayer

Are you following the right leader?

FOR FURTHER STUDY
Who Qualifies To Be A Church Leader?
The Church We Need

[GailA]

Good morning Mama_Bear and All. Looks to be a hot, dry day here in Memphis. Lovely thread.

[Molly Pitcher]

Great thread....great pics....terrific visit...wonderful FRiends...:-))

[DollyCali]

Bravo Sistah Lori!!!!

What fun it was for Molly Pitcher, Dubyaismypresident, Dr.Deb; boxerblues and commiewatcher to join me in greeting the "California gals"

What fun it is reliving the meeting via the thread.

A funny recollection is that when Amy, Lori & Marissa landed in Columbus Marissa(who is 5) wanted to know where the water was. She thought she was going to Hawaii (which I guess when you are 5 sounds a little like Ohio).

Looking forward to part 2 tomorrow & see what "almost heaven" was like via our dear Nan.

[freema]

Maybe I'm PMSing, pre-menopausal.
More likely it's the events of the weekend, the response, the prayer, and these pictures : ) I sure am weepy again these morning : )

I spoke to my Marine last night and was able to tell him the story, and am emailing him the link today. This guy of mine never knows what's next with his Ma : ) and I could hear in his voice this story was a very pleasant surprise.

Today is my late father's birthday. The man (Marine) who made me the woman I am today : ) He's smiling today, knowing someone's looking after his Marine.

Then these pictures took me down memory lane. Once upon a time, in a land far away, I was that little girl- at the Columbus Zoo.... with my mom and a bunch of aunts and a few uncles who loved me. Funny how a person can unexpectedly turn and find herself somewhere in never-never land, never expecting to be able to go back again. And Mom, as it happens, arrived in Ohio for a visit with my aunts last evening. Thanks, for the memories-!
I'm in search of tissues again : )
Geez.

[Temple Owl]

Sounds as though you all had a wonderful time. I am pleased for you. I hope you all continue to have an enjoyable time.

[JustAmy]

Mama_Bear, thank you for presenting our adventure.

Thank you for helping with you know who. :)

[OESY]

A very nice idea. Great pictures, great people.

[JustAmy]

Good morning, Meg33.

We enjoyed bringing you our adventure in pictures. It was a wonderful experience meeting old/new FRiends. We had so much fun that we want to do it again. :)

[DollyCali]

{{{ freema }}}

tears of a loving woman are beautiful. sob on !!!!

[JustAmy]

Good morning, BB.

Reading and seeing everyone's memories this morning makes me realize our vacation was too short.

It was wonderful to meet you; hope we can get together again.

Remember FResno in September ... if not this year, how about next year?

[DollyCali]

AAAWWWWWKKK!!!!!

How could I leave out dear ohioWfan

but I did. Sorry FRiend.

[MissTargets]

How wonderful you guys all got together. You are looking well.

[JustAmy]

Pinging you to Ohio and West Virginia.

Well ... We will be in West Virginia tomorrow.

[tuliptree76]

Beautiful thread! Thank you for sharing your adventures.

[freema]

Easy for you to say! I'm sitting in a puddle : ) lol

[JustAmy]

Good morning, Mayor.

Thank you for bringing nourishment for the soul with coffee again this morning.

[JustAmy]

Good morning, Molly Pitcher.

It was wonderful to be able to meet you and spend some time together.

It is great to see that FReepers are as nice in person as they are here.

(((( Hugs ))))

[Enterprise]

Country Roads - John Denver

Almost heaven, west virginia
Blue ridge mountains, shenandoah river
Life is old there, older than the trees
Younger than the mountains, blowing like a breeze

Country roads, take me home
To the place, I be-long
West virginia, mountain momma
Take me home, country roads

All my mem’ries, gather ’round her
Miner’s lady, stranger to blue water
Dark and dusty, painted on the sky
Misty taste of moonshine, teardrop in my eye

Country roads, take me home
To the place, I be-long
West virginia, mountain momma
Take me home, country roads

I hear her voice, in the mornin’ hours she calls to me
The radio reminds me of my home far a-way
And drivin’ down the road I get a feeling’
That I should have been home yesterday, yesterday

Country roads, take me home
To the place, I be-long
West virginia, mountain momma
Take me home, country roads

[DollyCali]

;-)

[Aquamarine]

Mama Bear you did such a beautiful job of giving us a cyber trip to Ohio, I loved seeing all the pictures of everyone's happy face as they got to spend some time with each other. Can't wait for this next chapter to this story.

[b9]

Thank you Amy!
What a treat!!!
We got to drive through Columbus and northern Ohio on our way to Maine from San Diego in June, driving a 25 ft. UHaul "mastodon" truck, with a trialer hitch on the back, towing daughter's truck. So we didn't get to exactly stop and see the sights.

We wisked through Columbus pretty fast -- had no idea it's so pretty. Ohio's so GREEN compared to CA!

So fun putting faces to names. Everyone's adorable. Give that Missy a great big kissy !!! ":^)

[Pippin]

Hi, (((Lori)))!

Did you get to visit with Phancy and Guffy?

Thedy live in Columbus.

Wished I'd have known of your get together, I would have loved to come and meet y'all.

[JustAmy]

Good morning, Dolly.

It is great to see all of our memories in one place this morning.

Thank you again for helping to make our time in Ohio wonderful.

(((( hugs ))))

[Mama_Bear]

I loved reading every word and enjoyed every picture!

Oh, thank you. I am glad you did.

As I was compiling all the contributions from various people, the thought occurred to me that this is a bit like sitting down and forcing people to look at one's vacation photos. LOL. It was nice to get up this morning and see that people actually are enjoying seeing them, matching names and faces. :-)

[MEG33]

Well, it was a "family" vacation and for those who do not get to see the FR Finest family..pictures are the next best thing!

[Mama_Bear]

Hi boxerblues! It was great meeting you and the others. It was sure a beautiful day, in more ways than one. Whenever FReepers get together it is a day to remember.

Thanks, MEG, for pinging the picnickers. Dummy here forgot to add them to the ping list. I do have an excuse though - it was after midnight and my brain was asleep when I posted the thread.

[b9]

Peggy Noonan had a very cool column about her recent trip to West Virginia.

[DollyCali]

It was so very nice to see you again. If you do this next year, and I am still in ohio, we will selfishly keep you here longer & give you the two bit tour~~~ I have about 5 major attractions I like to share with visitors. .. and that is without the national park & my "outdoorsy stuff"..

I had a hard time chosing pix to use. I took quite a few, as I normally do.

If I can ever get back onto Domania I will post a few more today or tomorrow. Still not able to link in. It has been quite a few days.

Need to email Paul again

I can't recall, did you get to the butterfly area at Stan Hywet?

[Mama_Bear]

Good morning, Gail - our Finest quilt-lady!

Whenever I see a beautiful quilt, I think of you. And we saw some exquisite (and VERY expensive) handmade quilts at "Tamarack" in West Virginia. I would have dearly loved to have brought one home. I didn't even look at the prices on the full size quilts after I saw a baby quilt for $800! But, I wouldn't sell one for less, had I put that kind of work into making it.

[Mama_Bear]

Great thread....great pics....terrific visit...wonderful FRiends...:-))

Hi, Molly FRiend! Meeting you in person was such a delight! Thank you so much for joining us for the get-together. I was a day I will long remember. :-)

[Mama_Bear]

Looking forward to part 2 tomorrow & see what "almost heaven" was like via our dear Nan.

Good morning, Dolly! Thanks for your "BRAVO", but I couldn't/wouldn't have attempted to do this without the help of you and the others. It was a joint effort. :-)

I know I have thanked you before, but I need to say again how much I appreciate the time and energy you put into that picnic and getting everyone together. I loved every minute of our visit with you and the Ohio FReepers.

Yes, tomorrow will be our visit with the one and only Nanster in West Virginia!

I am so irritated that my .ram file of "Country Roads" doesn't seem to work anymore....at least my RealPlayer won't play it. It used to. Maybe it is just my computer that won't play it, so I will post it here and see if others can get it playing. This was from the West Virginia post I did with WVNan several months ago.

[Billie]

Who is that pretty lady in the pledge photo? :) Cute, cute, picture, Nan!

What a nice thread today; have been looking forward to your stories and pictures - they are wonderful.

(Pssst! Prissy, don't tell Amy, but I like your table the very best of all!) :)

Dutchess and Dolly, you are such fun to read - you both have a very entertaining way of story-telling, and your tables are so pretty. :)

Looking forward to *the rest of the story* tomorrow. Thank you, Lori, for putting this all together in such a neat package!

[Mama_Bear]

I'm in search of tissues again : )

Oh, gosh....you have me sniffling too!

Welcome to our thread.....the Finest bunch of FReepers you will find anywhere! As you can see, I added you and your Marine son (and nephew) to my prayer list. When you next speak to him, tell him again how much he is appreciated by Americans who know and appreciate what freedom is and what it costs. They can't hear that often enough, IMO. :-)

I am pleased that our Columbus Zoo photos brought back good memories for you. Now, I too have great memories of a day spent there with three special FReepers; JustAmy, PrissyMissy and Dutchess.

[Mama_Bear]

Morning, Temple Owl. Always a treat to get to say hello to you here. Have a wonderful day, FRiend.

[dutchess]

(((((lori)))))) Wonderful job putting this all together. Sistah billie, have a confession to make, I did my write up but lori did the tables, pictures etc. Thanks Lori!!!! (I think I'm the sistah who delegates the most :o)!!!! )

[Mama_Bear]

Awwww.......what a pretty table and cute bear!

'You know who' is becoming quite the traveler and was really fun to be with. Thanks for inviting me along on your trip. I enjoyed every minute........except that LONG flight from Dallas to Fresno. LOL. I know it was only about 3 hours, but it seemed like 6!

[countrydummy]

Hello!!! Hi!!!! :)

Hinton, WV...........(Beckley, RN...) 44 yr. old....Aug. 20. 1960........

Sheila (countrydummy)...:)

[Mama_Bear]

Thanks, OESY. Glad you enjoyed the photos, and, yes, FReepers are the greatest. :-)

[Mama_Bear]

Beautiful thread! Thank you for sharing your adventures.

Thanks, tulip. It's always fun getting together with FReepers, and those we met on this trip are the cream of the crop. :-)

[Billie]

Sistah billie, have a confession to make, I did my write up but lori did the tables, pictures etc

LOL! You didn't fool me on the photos - I recognized Lori's work! :)

P.S. I LOVE this picture of you!!!