Our Vacation to Topsail

Days 1 - 2:

We had a wonderful vacation to Topsail Island, NC. We weren't sure what awaited us considering the time of the year. It rained on our way down both days which we didn't mind since we were traveling. When we first started out it was quite foogy in the the low lying areas as you can see in this picture.


We stopped just in NC for lunch, but it had just rained so we couldn't sit at the tables. Since we needed to stretch we went ahead & got out to eat.










We stayed over in Wilson so that we could get to the beach house as soon as we were allowed which was noon on Saturday. It was so rainy & cool, we wondered what tomorrow would bring. Well, it was raining most of the next day, but tappered off. The house had a garage, so we could unpack without getting wet. What was neat was as we unpacked, dolphin were out in the water putting on a show for us, flipping & doing tricks. We didn't see them again the rest of the trip.

This is the picture of the house a couple of days later. Ours is the one on the right, the Blocker's is the one on the left.






You can click on the picture & see it larger.









The boys got to have the downstairs room with the T.V. They brought their new Wii & hook it up to play.


















Later that day, Dave & Carissa joined us. It was nice to have everyone there. Carissa had to go home the next day because she had to work, but she was so excited to have at least two days at the beach. The weather did improve though.

Day 3

I got up early the next morning at Scott's prompting to catch the sunrise. Fortunately, at this time of the year I had plenty of time to do that.

This was pre-dawn.

Here the sunrays are just coming up.

And here the sun is peeking over the horizon.

It wasn't much time before it was completely up.















The fisherman were already out & had been bringing in their daily load. They always had a flock of birds waiting to glean what they could for a meal.












Parker was so excited to be at the beach too, & to see his family.

Here are some pictures of our 1st full day at the beach.

Beach Time!

























This was high tide, I believe, or just the angle of the camera.

Later, Sunday afternon, Cousin Eugene & Betty came after church for a visit. We enjoyed a delicious dinner that Linda made.





Carissa & Cousin Betty chatting.












Linda's mom, Betty, & Cousin Eugene talking.
















Time to eat!












Now what is he saying?












Linda & Betty enjoying conversation around the dinner table. And Aaron knows where the good stuff is.

Dave sacked out.

And Carissa in a wonderful conversation with Cousin Eugene with football on in the background.

The Blocker stash so far.

More time for a swim.

There was a beautiful sunset to end this day.

We're Back!

We had a good trip to the beach & to Dave & Carissa's! God was so good to us, but I am way behind on my pictures so I'll be posting in the next few days.

Amish Country

Last week we went to Ohio's Amish country in Homes county. It was a beautiful day! We got going before the sunrise so that we can enjoy breakfast there. The 1st place we hit is Hershbergers, past Berlin, for their wonderful cinnamon rolls to go along with our coffee. We ate while watching them open the petting zoo area. Then we walked over & checked out all the animals. Afterward to get our fresh baked bread for our lunch, cookies for our snack, & lacy popcorn for home.

Then we meandered up to Walnut Creek. Our favorite part of the day is driving the back roads taking in the Amish sights. The country side is so beautiful. That county has such a wholesome atmosphere, because there is such a Godly influence. The farms are so well kept. You almost know immediately when you leave. The farms are scruffy & not as well managed. Most Amish farms are actually complexes with several homes & many barns. Their barns are usually huge because a lot of the Amish store loose hay in them. The Amish are very community oriented. If there is a need, many families will pitch is to fill that need & quickly. If you see a small house close to the main big house, that's where the parents (grandparents) live. They don't believe in nursing homes. They take care of the aging folks.

When we got to Walnut Creek, we headed to Hillcrest Orchard for cider. We get a gallon for the day & 4 to take home & freeze. We also got apples, peanut brittle, & pecans. I love visiting that place. It's so colorful! And its sit atop a hill with a breath-taking view! You'll see a picture of Scott petting the dog that he befriended. She didn't want him to leave.

Then we work our way up to Mt. Hope for our lunch meat. Because cheese is made right in the area, its not as expensive as home. Sometimes we'll stop at the farm up the road for fresh eggs, but at this time of the year she only has young chicks. The one thing about the Amish is that they live a very plain life, but they do love putting on such a wonderful display of flowers! And as I said before they keep their farms meticulously managed. Its not an unusual sight to come up over a rise to see a field of shocks. The old order Amish still do farming the old fashioned way. At one point we came upon an roadside market, & stopped. We purchased 2 of her pumkins, mums, & a dozen eggs. Then we stopped in Berlin to look at the shops & just to get out& stretch.

Before the day was over, we went up to the quaint town of Winesburg. That's usually where Scott & I will stay when we get away. We stay at the Grapevine Inn right on Main St. She has a beautiful garden in the back. After dinner at Troyer's, we headed home.

I've posted a slide show since there were sooooo many pictures. Enjoy!

Just a Conviction

I am having a real hard time with the media realm. It really bothers me more now that I do not watch TV, that when I do catch something, it kinda sickens me. Why is it that we feel we need to know so much about another person whom we do not even know? These news magazine or talk shows, for the sake of shock, I guess, seem to think we need to know other peoples' business. And the people are willing to watch it! Its one thing when someone asks you to be a part of there lives, but its another when watch something that's none of our business! Have we become so base in our nature as a country that we have nothing better to do than to be busy-bodies? Lord save us from ourselves! We need to get away from watching the boob tube & other forms of media. In stead of feeding a the trough of the world, why don't we use that time to be with the Lord! People say, "...but I use that as my down time" the best down time is one spent with the Lord! It truly is.

Bring the Rain

I was reading the latest post on my niece's blog and in it was a link to a link. It is the final link that has me up until 1:15 in the morning reading. It's an incredible story of a mother (the wife of Todd Smith from the group Selah) who is pregnant with a sweet little baby that will not survive once she's born. She is being used of God most definitely to share her pain, joys, & amazing lessons from her wonderful Lord. In one post was a prophecy given to her by her 3 yr old (I think) daughter. The wisdom she has for being such a young Christian & young mother is profound. With every post I read, I just sit back & say, "Wow!" God has gifted her in the art of story-telling, & using it to be glorified. Please, when you get a chance, take time to read her story from the beginning on through & sit back & be amazed by the hand of God.

You can find her diary of her pregnancy with Audrey Caroline, as wells as pictures, @ http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com . It's entitled "Bring the Rain" & the story starts when you click on the link at the left-hand side bar.

Thanks Jordan!

A Fall Sunday Drive

It has been a long time since my husband & I took a Sunday drive & since the fall colors were just bursting on the scene, temptation over took me & I begged to go out for that drive. It was also a nice for my husband & I to spend some time together. We haven't been by ourselves in awhile so during the drive my husband surprised with a stop at Frosty Kiss for a Sundae. It was good! Since it was starting to get chilly we shared a pot of coffee (the lady said that she probably would not sell any for the evening & asked if we just wanted to take some for the road!). That was so nice of her! Anyway, here are the pictures of our afternoon out & about.


The 1st place we came to had pond. Scott actually took this picture. He had a better angle.












Scott took me to where he & Dave would hunt. There were all kinds of trees which made for pretty colors! This one road had a canopy of colors.

With a blue sky the colors were more dramatic.

Later, as we were driving along, I just happened to turn to my right with camera in hand & saw this cool tunnel created by the
colorful trees.

















I thought this little scene was neat with the rustic shed standing in the field.







One of the small towns that we drove through was kinda picturesque. This tree was in someone's front yard.





Towards the end of the drive we came upon Sunny View Farm. It also happens to be an Inn. It was a nice view of the farm, so I took several shots. Here's one:













This picture of the barn was down at the end of that fence. As the sun was going down, it made a pretty photo. So I took it, of course.





That was our drive. I hope you enjoyed the view as much as we did.

Check It Out!

Aaron has updated some more on his blog. We are working on even more yet to come, so keep on checking.

September Birthdays

Dave & Carissa came up to celebrate our September birthdays with us. Scott's was the 22nd & Aaron & Andrew's were the 27th. That Saturday everyone went their various ways while I stayed home (or came back home, I can't remember which) & baked a cake. Parker helped me.



Don't you think he did a good job! Dan help to decorate it when he got back.

Andrew was trying to figure out what was in the package, especially when all they wanted was cash.

Andrew enjoyed playing with Parker's ear - Super Parker!

The birthday boys sitting down for their dinner.Dave helped make the meal & boy was it good!

Cake time

Gift & cards time

Dave was throwing sticks with Parker. Here he's just playing with him.

Then Dave played a few rounds of basketball with the boys before he left.










Or maybe it was tackle basketball!

A good picture of Andrew with Parker!

It was a good weekend & we enjoyed having Dave, Carissa & Parker join us for the celebration.