Professor Land

On Michelle's move to join Greg in Columbia, the car breaks down and I drive the pair and the contents of the car to their home in "professor land", South Carolina.

Our oldest son, Greg, recently began his job as Assistant Professor of Computer Sciences at the University of South Carolina.  His wife, Michelle, who worked as an electrical engineer in Minneapolis, was able to keep her job as a software developer and move with Greg to South Carolina.  I was more than happy to help and see their new home.

The Palmetto tree is the state tree of South Carolina. While not quite a palm tree, I thought I could get away with the palm tree paper!

2015

Elixir

My magic potion, no matter the season, is time with Bob.  The beautiful scenery is therapeutic too.  Pictures from Teter Lake, Prickett's Fort, the Reservoir, home, Casselman and Route 19.

2015

Nashville Wouldn't Be Nashville

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Meeting 2015 was in Nashville, Tennessee.  I love to attend the conference and expo, and especially like when Bob can go with me.  This year I got Bob a "guest" pass, which gave him access to the opening session and the 300 + exhibits.  

We drove to Nashville, taking our time and staying half-way going and coming.  While the weather was cold and raining on opening day, the rest of the trip was warm.  We dined every evening on Broadway Street, where there are country music performers providing entertainment in most of the establishments.  As a Nutrition Network Blogger and Stone Soup Blogger, I was invited to two receptions (both on rooftops) and Bob and I got to enjoy appetizers and I tasted some pomegranate moonshine.  

The verse is from song lyrics by Tim McGraw:

"It'd be just another river town.
Streets would have a different sound.
There'd be no honky tonks with whiskey rounds,
No dreamers chasing dreams down.
No tourists takin' in the sights,
No stetsons under Broadway lights,
No pickers playin' for pocket change,
No rhinestone boots in an old church stage.

You know it's true. . . 
Nashville wouldn't be Nashville
Without you."

2015

September Cards

We were married on Labor Day 39 years ago.  This is my anniversary card for Bob.

"I'll love you Bob until the end

I am so very lucky

I married my best friend.

With lots of loving thoughts

Of everything we've done

To make our life together

Such a happy one.

For all that you are

And for all that you do

And for all that makes me

Go on loving you."

This stylish birthday card is for my lifelong friend Vicki.  We got together for lunch last month.  (She just retired too.)  I included a picture of us on the inside.

"Today is your birthday

So celebrate in style

Have fun creating memories

To look back on and smile."

 A former colleague, Susan celebrated a birthday.  She is a "No. 1" worker.

"Today for you come wishes most sincere

Of health and happiness

May there be countless joys ahead

For this coming birthday year."

 

 Two of my colleagues lost their husbands this month.  The sympathy cards are for

Becky

"The sun warms the empty sky

So many questions, why, why, why

The years ahead no longer clear

But time will pass and there will be a day

When the clouds will part, you'll see a way

To live, to laugh, no longer cry

Your loved one's warmth fills the sky.

With sympathy."

Bonnie

"Memories are always precious

They are memories which will stay

And even though the times goes by

They will never be taken away."

 

One of the people I admired most in my work place retires this moth.  Paul, the director of facilities, always found a way to help me and included me in his circle of confidants.

"As you retire look back and be

proud of all the work you have done.

Look forward to friends and pleasures

that await you.  Enjoy every day.  

Good luck."

Bob's birthday was Sunday.  He told me he'd never received a better card-and this one was made by me.

"The day we met I knew that you're meant for me

Many birthdays we have shared

But each is more special

As we get older, we are growing more and more in sync,

How great this is.

Have a wonderful birthday my darling."

 

My niece Kaity celebrates a birthday next week.  Kaity has gorgeous red hair and is a smart, fun-loving young lady.

"A very happy birthday to you

Enjoy it all day through

Hope it's stacked with lots of fun

With memories to cherish too."

Woody Hershel Williams, West Virginia's only living Medal of Honor Winner, celebrates his 92nd birthday Saturday.  When my Dad turned 90, Woody sent him a card (at my request).  My Dad and Woody were both Marines at Iwo Jima.  This card is for Woody.

"A very special birthday greeting

is sent especially for you

To let you know there is no one

As wonderful as you." 

Byway Buffs

Byway Buffs is Bob's new name for us as we travel the backways, enjoy the scenery, take pictures and find a unique picnic spot.  We sure have fun.

2015

Pictures  (counterclockwise) from Audra WV State Park, Blue Ridge Va. Parkway, Gaudineer Monongahela National Forest and Conaway Lake in Tyler County, WV.   

The Kid in Me

As summer comes to an end, I'm missing the outdoor swims at the city pool.  As I drive by Deep Creek on my weekly visits to Moms', I'm thinking, next summer, I'll stop and swim in the lake.  Why wait till next summer?

The water is down, the kids are in school, yet the sun shines overhead.  Two lake swims in September feels so refreshing. . . the kid in me doesn't want the summer to end.  2015

A Little Brighter

We celebrated our 39th Anniversary this weekend with a trip down the top third of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia.  On the trip down, we picnicked in the Monongahela Forest of West Virginia.  The title of the page is taken from the card we received from my sister Terry.  It read,

"And every year, 

their love shined

a little brighter."

Like the sun streaming through the trees onto the mossy floors of the Monongahela forest and lifting the fog on the Blue Ridge Parkway, our love shines brighter as the years pass.

39th Wedding Anniversary

September 4 & 5, 2015