Looking Ahead: year of Mediterainian conquest, a search for greek roots in the islands, until there was fighting in the streets and helping Noni..

2009 The Cruise that almost wasn't.

It was a festival of firsts, favorites and a few frustrations. The Cruise to Bermuda was a great seven day adventure on the high seas. more to come, see the pictures on Picassa.

Nawlins (a.k.a New Orleans) 2008

Why not play the family vacation at the last minute every year! The French Quarter was attacked by the Brantley Quintet. Luke was amazed at grannies wearing pain on Bourbon Street. Susanna my quick pass of Auburn, Tulane, FSU, and and Lolyola. Wendy found a fellow-Mr. Bingle's jingle caroler and was astonished to stay in the former location of Mason Blanch department store. Frances loved the experience of catching beaded necklaces from a street party early on a Tuesday afternoon. John enjoyed the food and the music in the streets.

The return trip included a stint to St. Simons Island at Epwoth-by-the-Sea for pastor's school. The speakers were a memorable as in previous years, but it was good to get to ocean and make a few sand castles. The pool was nice at the King and Prince, as always.  This summer with gas at $3.95/gallon we only drove one half the distance of last year when a gallon cost $2.??

States Traveled: Alabama, (don't tell anyone), Mississippi (please don't tell anyone), Louisiana, and Florida

Wildlife: Alligators, very close

Modes of Transportation: Battle Ship, Submarine, Car, Bus, Trolley, Air Boat, Pontoon Boat, and Taxi.

Thoughts to Remember: We only thought we were crowded in the car last year.

Music Listened to along the way: Individual ipod selections.

Pins collected: USS Alabama, Bourbon St. Simons,

Sedona 2007

Who says you can't plan a big trip out west in 24 hours! Thanks to Mikey's generous sharing of RCI and Marriott points it's just a matter of time and gas and we are off on another great adventure. This time our destination was Sedona, AZ. The beautiful red rock formations and proximity to the Grand Canyon made it a great place to visit.

States Traveled: Nashville, TN; Fort Smith, AK; Amorilla, TX; Albuquerque, NM; Sedona, Grand Canyon, Four Corners, UT; Devner, CO; Kansas City, KS; St. Louis, MO; Louisville and Lexington, KY; Knoxville, TN.

Wildlife: Moose, Mountain Lion, Elk, Deer, Buffalo/Bison, Rabbits, Lizards, Silver Fox, Crow, Finch, Dogs,

Thoughts to Remember: Arkansas, "

Music Listened to along the way: Umbrella, Hannah Montanna

License Plates Seen: AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DC DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY

Cow Counting Game: Luke, Campian thanks to a cattle processing ranch with several thousand head of black angus units.

May 2006

We had a terrible phote event. The computer and the backup drive both went down.

My advice, back up to CDs too and/or off site services.

November 2006 New York

January 2005 Venezuella

November 2005 New York

October 2004 Disney World

July 2004 Brazil

November 2002 Cancun

October 2001 Bermuda

November 2001 Cancun

October 2000 Bermuda

Disney 2000

January 2000 Paris

October 1998 Mikey's Playground

Number of Sundays missed between 1985 and 1998, count them, (4).

Number of passport stamps 1980 - 1999: (2)  Number from 1999 - 2008 (7), I like the new trend.