Hickox Happenings

Still waiting!

2011-01-13T11:47:00.001-08:00

A very frozen driveway. This is our 4th day of ice and the high
will only reach 32 degrees. Will it ever end?

Georgia Snow Jam 2011

2011-01-10T13:32:00.000-08:00

Our house and driveway...

Snow capped vehicles.]

The ice fishing hole.

Our deck.

The side yard

The woods out back.

3708 Delena Farm Road

Yoshi forged through it all to get 'er done.

Doves, Cardinals, White Breasted Nuthatches and Woodpeckers are plentiful!

The bird feeders have been busy all day!

So, we're sittin' warm and cozy by the fire....

Happy New Year! Welcome 2011!

2011-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

2010- Chic Fil-A Bowl, Atlanta

2010-12-31T23:30:00.000-08:00

Jimbo Fisher gets a Gatorade Shower!!

Go Noles!!!!

FSU - 26 South Carolina - 17

Happy Birthday Kim!

2010-12-29T07:28:00.000-08:00

Kim and I celebrated her 49th birthday with a Mother-Daughter dinner at Houston's a couple of days late. The food, service and ambience were wonderful...
Still can taste the grilled artichokes...
We must do it again.

Wieland Christmas 2010

2010-12-25T14:17:00.000-08:00

The Wieland Family, handsome eh?

Aubrie and Drew enjoyed their new toys.

Jake and Nick loved all the new games.

Christmas Eve, 2010

2010-12-24T22:01:00.000-08:00

We went to Christmas Eve Service at the Church of Chapel Hill, had Christmas dinner at our house, and then went to Kim and Jimmy's for opening gifts and dessert...

Yoshi and Santa

2010-12-18T10:20:00.000-08:00

Yoshi enjoyed visiting with Santa. He was a good boy!

Douglas County CASA of the year

2010-12-14T11:00:00.000-08:00

I was honored with being selected to receive the 2011 Jacque Schwarzkopf Child Advocacy Award for Douglas County CASA

Ann Mathis, volunteer coordinator and me

Vienna Boys Choir

2010-11-28T10:22:00.000-08:00

We went to see the Vienna Boys Choir at the Cobb Energy Center.
They were fantastic...
After the show we went to the Cheesecake factory for dessert.

Douglasville Thanksgiving, 2010

2010-11-25T19:00:00.000-08:00

The crowd was so big we had to take our group picture outside.

Gimme a kiss!!!

Bathin' in Grammy's big tub!!!

The babes are here!!!

Eatin' cheerios off the floor. Fortunately it was just mopped...

Amy got in some cuddlin' time too.

Aubrie loves pattie cake with Grandpa...

Carrie and Karin have been friends since first grade...

Carrie has her arms full!

Trey and Bella love the babes!

Uncle Ray enjoyed meeting his grand twins, niece and nephew

We always wait too late for Mom to get a pic with the babes!

Messiah Rocks at the Fox

2010-11-21T20:00:00.000-08:00

My Christmas Present was attending the rock version of Handel's Messiah.
They were dancin' in the aisles!

Celtic Thunder - Irelands Call

2010-11-20T11:44:00.000-08:00

Joe and I went to see Celtic Thunder at the Fox. It was awesome! I cannot believe we didn't take any pictures. Even more, I cannot believe the voice coming out of that "kid". The best parts were when they sang "You Lift Me UP" and at the end "Ireland Calls" when they had on their formal kilts.

Halloween, 2010

2010-10-31T12:26:00.000-07:00

Wieland Halloween Goblins

The pumpkin patch and corn maze.

The Hickox kids - ready for Halloween:
The Pheline, Princess, Pilot, Phantom and Pirate.

Bolgokov's "Master and Margarita" Enchanted Ball, Moscow, Russia

2010-10-29T11:56:00.000-07:00

Colonel and Mrs. Joseph C. Hickox, Air Attache to Moscow

Staircase of Spaso House, Moscow
(the ambassador's residence)

Putting in the Palms!

2010-10-25T12:46:00.000-07:00

Our Seaglades Beach area

For years Joe has threatened to put palm trees in at our Florida rental property. Well, he finally put his words into action. Here they are. Hopefully they will grow.

Ta! Dah! The finished product...

Charlotte Weekend Getaway

2010-10-16T07:32:00.000-07:00

Karin and I thought we would hook up halfway in Charlotte, NC for a quick weekend "Grammy Fix". Things were going well, but when we got to church on Sunday morning the van decided to start acting up. After church we borrowed a car, had the van towed, and learned later on in the day that it had "died." So, Karin had to rent a car to get home. We didn't let that stop us and we went to the Discovery Place in downtown Charlotte on Monday. It was so much fun!

We sure hate to see you go...you have served us well!

Two little monkeys jumpin' on the bed!

We spent considerable time in the room while Mommy had to decide what to do with the very broken van!

When all else fails, J & N played DS .

The boys raced cars and did some really fun things at the Discovery Place!

The babes enjoyed the toys.

... and the rides.

Joanna loves the babes...through it all she was such good help with them.

Lov'n Skype...

2010-10-14T08:18:00.000-07:00

When I can't get hold of those babies live, having Skype makes life so much easier....

Joanna's Fall Art Show, Dougas County Courthouse

2010-10-05T14:11:00.000-07:00

Proud Grammy and Grandpa

She receives her award from the Chairman of the County Commissioners

The artist with her art

Joanna's entry. We thought it was beautiful...

Sisters Trip, London September 14-21, 2010

2010-09-22T14:20:00.000-07:00

In Harrod's we shopped,

had Afternoon Tea in the Georgian Restaurant,

shopped,

and saw the Diana and Dody Fayed memorial in Harrod's basement.
The diamond engagement ring he was to give her is there.

We toured the state rooms of Buckingham Palace. August and September are the only months you can do this because the queen is away at her summer home, Sandringen. We were not able to get to the changing of the guard ceremony.

We enjoyed a wonderful French dinner at L'Escargot and

afterwards went to see "Jersey Boys" at the Prince Edward Theater.

We drove past Waterloo Underground and Train Station.

We had an English breakfast in a kiosk in Russell Square across from the Russell Hotel.

We toured Kensington Palace, where Diane lived with William and Harry

We saw English Bobbies....while waiting to see the Pope go by.

We walked through Trafalgar Square on a beautiful sunny day.

From the London Eye you have a wonderful view of the city and

another pod on the eye,

the Millenium pedestrian bridge,

St. Thomas Hospital where Florence Nightingale started the first school of nursing.

Buckingham Palace,

St. Paul's Cathedral,

the Houses of Parliament,

and the Thames River and Westminster Bridge.

London Underground and Big Ben

Westminster Abbey

Peter, our Beefeater tour guide at the Tower of London. He was great!

Tower Bridge over the Thames River

On our last night in London, we went to Shakespeare's Globe Theater
and saw "The Merry Wives of Windsor."

It was a good trip!

Family Photos, Destin - 2010

2010-08-03T08:34:00.000-07:00

Hail, hail the gangs all here!

The Turners

The Hickoxs

The Wielands

Mary Poppins

2010-05-11T08:01:00.000-07:00

Off to the Theater for girls night out!

The stage and props were great. Bert's walk up and down the walls and across the ceiling was pretty impressive, as was Mary Poppins floating through the air over the audience. "Practically perfect"... even better than the production that Mary and I saw in London several years ago.

All ages can enjoy this one...

Alison's friend, Brooke, came with us. It was her first time at the Fox Theatre...

Mother's Day, Reston, Virginia 2010

2010-05-09T14:31:00.000-07:00

This was the first year in many that I got to spend Mother's Day with Joey and his family.

Asheville Visit with Ray

2010-04-28T05:28:00.000-07:00

Together once again

The four siblings, Terry, Janet, Ray and Carolyn

Mom and Ray

Yoshi loves my shoes!!!

2010-04-16T05:58:00.000-07:00

Yoshi also snores!

2010-04-11T09:36:00.000-07:00

Such personality, Yoshi, the bouncing, talking dog.

2010-04-09T09:05:00.000-07:00

We're Expecting!

2010-03-17T09:10:00.000-07:00

Was looking for a dog for Mom and look what happened....His name is "Yoshi"..

Isn't he the cutest thing you've ever seen? Fell in love at first sight. We'll be picking him up in a couple of weeks.

Karin's Progressive Screen test

2010-03-17T08:15:00.000-07:00

Didn't she do a great job? That's my girl... the first drama queen in the family

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxebghaP2sg

Now isn't that fantastic?

74 and counting!

2010-03-10T10:36:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear Joe. Happy Birthday to you!!!!! And many more!

He especially loved the new book by his friend, Benny Wade "Julius, Please Get Back in the Car"

A toast to what Joe has read is supposed to be the happiest year of your life! And... butter beans, turnip roots and leaves, jalapeno corn bread,BBQ'd Spareribs and a slice of coconut cake!

The Statons are home for a visit!

2010-03-06T10:43:00.000-08:00

Tracey and Blake enjoy Benjamin's first baseball game of the season.

Caleb is learning about American baseball.

Hannah is working on her English, while Joanna is learning Thai.

Arabi Reunion 2010, Class of 1954

2010-02-27T11:07:00.000-08:00

(l-r)Donzell Reid, Geneva (Green) Mooney, Reba (Sinquefield) Gillis, Betty (Cross) Pope,Gloria (Wright) Faircloth, Shirley (Pate) Brock, Joseph E. Hickox

Annual Selph Reunion, 2010

2010-02-21T11:10:00.000-08:00

He's almost here!

2010-02-20T11:06:00.000-08:00

Wendy, Banny and Barbara

Return to Shallowater, Texas

2010-02-18T10:57:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Shallowater

West Texas, dry and flat.

The old homestead

Wayne and Claudine

Old friends are the best friends.

Todd, Leigh and family.

Snow, Snow go away....

2010-02-10T11:49:00.001-08:00

I had to snag a couple of Nicki's photos on the incredible snow storm(s) that have hit the Washington D.C area since we left last week. And it is still coming down... expecting another 18 inches today! Very thankful we got home before it all hit.

Barbie's Photo Shoot

2010-02-01T11:12:00.000-08:00

Karin and Brandon

Aubrey Rose

Drew Montgomery

Jake and Nick

Reston, Virginia visit January 21-30, 2010

2010-01-31T19:13:00.000-08:00

Since we had missed seeing Joey and his family at Christmas, we decided to head north and drove through cold and rain for two days. Neither sleet, nor rain, nor cold, nor ice, nor wind, could stop us from getting through!

We made cheese fondue.

The "boys" went to see the new Smithsonian aerospace museum near Dulles Airport.

We did puzzles.

But there was one "we" started, but didn't finish.

GGMa with just a few of her great grandchildren.

We visited with family and friends.

We went to the American History Museum at the Smithsonian.

We attended Mary's one act play competition.

We shoveled snow! (or should I say, the boys did)

We went sightseeing in our nations capitol.

We had dinner at Uncle Julio's. What a great visit we had!

Happy New Year 2010!!!

2010-01-01T10:50:00.000-08:00

Send this eCard !

The babes are talking...or just like Grammy.

2009-12-28T10:41:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to Kim.

2009-12-27T10:44:00.000-08:00

Christmas, 2009

2009-12-25T08:46:00.000-08:00

Christmas Dinner, December 25, 2009

Most of the tree stands were closed by the time we looked for a tree on the 23rd. But lo, we managed to find this one which was one of the prettiest and most perfectly shaped we had ever found... and only $25, a definite bargain.

The Turners

Karin and Brandon enjoy their gifts

All dressed up and nowhere to go.

Grandpa and Aubrie

Jake and Nicky say "We were good Santa."

"Our girls"

Joe's favorite pic of the "babes." Aubrie says, "Hey Drew. Can I drive?"

and mine!

Western Cruisin' December 10-20, 2009

2009-12-20T07:43:00.000-08:00

Christmas is a wonderful time to take a cruise.

It was a beautiful ship!

Live music every night in the Atrium

Ofcourse there was a casino.

One of the pools and the large screen outdoor theatre.

Hallway to our room

The theatre was state of the art.

The Zebra Lounge was one of several.

You could enjoy live music each evening before or after dinner in the Atrium.

We took a wonderful tour of Cartagena, Columbia and Carolyn held a sloth.

Duran Duran, our tour guide

The water at Stingray City in Grand Cayman was very rough,

so Joe fed the stingrays while I watched from the boat.

While Joe was taking a zip line through the rainforest along the Eastern coast of Costa Rica..

Carolyn took a canoe ride through the rainforest, went to a sloth sanctuary,

and toured the Dole banana plantation in Costa Rica.

We took a ferry boat through the Panama Canal. Here we are in the locks.

Three formal nights. Joe got some good wear on his tux.

We went glass bottom kayaking and snorkeling in Playa Del Carmen

A Sunny Day on Deck

Baked Alaska for our farewell dinner

A formal night on the MSC Poesia

And a good time was had by all!!!

Radio City Music Hall Christmas Show

2009-11-28T08:48:00.000-08:00

Lunch at Mary Mac's Tea Room, an Atlanta Icon

The "girls" went to see the Rockettes. It was great as always, especially the closing live nativity.

Thanksgiving, 2009

2009-11-26T11:10:00.000-08:00

"Not what we say about our blessings, but how wise we use them is the true measure of our thanksgiving. " W.T. Purkiser

Halloween Goblins and other Fall attractions in the Fingerlakes

2009-10-31T10:50:00.000-07:00

The twins are not so sure about Halloween!

Drew.

Aubrie

Daniel's 16!! And, he's taller than Grandpa....

2009-10-26T18:00:00.000-07:00

Proud as punch!

2009-10-22T19:37:00.000-07:00

The Twins are a Month Old!

2009-10-06T10:03:00.000-07:00

Trying to smile but don't quite have the hang of it!

Fun together

New York Apple Pickin' 2009

2009-10-03T17:41:00.001-07:00

A perfect day for picking apples in the fingerlakes region of New York State. Many varieties of ripe, red and golden apples were waiting to be harvested. You could eat all you wanted as you picked. The weather was warm and sunny, and we had a wonderful time..even the wee bairns enjoyed getting out in the fresh air.

Karate!!!

2009-10-02T17:58:00.000-07:00

Karin tried to get Nicky to play soccer this year, but he loves to do everything his big bro' does, so like Jake, he is taking Karate this year. So far, so good.

Cindy and Walter come for a visit

2009-09-28T09:36:00.000-07:00

Walter and Cindy have been our friends since we were their host family back in the early 1970's and they were students at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. It was so much fun to get together with them today. Walter surely kept us laughing...

Grandpa's here!

2009-09-24T11:53:00.000-07:00

Mom Mom and Pop Pop's first granddaughter

2009-09-18T11:12:00.000-07:00

Grammy and Mom Mom - proud you say?

2009-09-17T11:06:00.000-07:00

Sleeping Babies - together is best

2009-09-14T11:04:00.000-07:00

Tired Mama.... but oh so worth it.

2009-09-14T10:59:00.000-07:00

First Bath

2009-09-13T10:04:00.000-07:00

Aubrey loves her bath, Drew screams throughout.

Like Mother, Like Daughter

2009-09-11T10:43:00.000-07:00

The Babes: up close and personal.

2009-09-10T10:14:00.000-07:00

Aren't they beautiful??? As I always have said, "We don't got no ugly babies in this family."

The Babes are Here!

2009-09-06T09:57:00.000-07:00

Drew (left) at 7# 5 oz and Aubrie (right) at 7# 9 oz arrived early this morning. They are both perfect and beautiful. We are so proud.

Patiently Waiting

2009-08-30T11:53:00.000-07:00

Karin is officially 36 weeks as of Friday and according to the ultrasound the girl is at 7 pounds and the boy is 6 pounds 11 ounces. Karin is bound and determined she is going to hold out until 9-9-09 when a cesarean delivery is scheduled. She is pretty stubborn, so looks like she may make it, but carrying around almost 14 pounds of babies is not an easy task, and she tires easily. She has really been a trooper through all this, and has a great attitude. Brandon has been doing a lot of "extra duty" and I am glad I am able to be here to hopefully help take off a little of the load. Can't wait to meet the new grands!!

Swords and Shields, make believe is fun!

2009-08-28T08:26:00.000-07:00

Destin, 2009 - Sun, Surf, Golf and Fishing

2009-08-09T06:46:00.001-07:00

Florida's " Emerald Coast", Do you wonder how it got it's name???

Golf and Games

Emerald blue water, white sugary sand and lots of sun...

Good fishing with Grandpa on the New Florida Girl.

We are patiently waiting...

2009-07-30T05:23:00.001-07:00

The twins continue to grow and seem to be extremely healthy. It is now almost 32 weeks and the boy is 4# 13 oz and the girl is 4# 11 oz - almost 10 pounds of babies growing inside! Wish I had names to call them by, but will have to wait until they get here. Am still praying they stay "in the oven" for another 4 weeks or so, Karin is hoping for a 9-9-09 birthday. We will see......We are so blessed.

Growing Up!!

2009-07-23T12:44:00.000-07:00

Daniel is 15 and measures 6 feet tall today!!!! Catching up with Dad..Atleast he gets it honestly..

30 weeks and growing!

2009-07-16T05:33:00.000-07:00

Another leg of the "Trip" Deming, NM to San Diego, CA

2009-07-14T07:06:00.000-07:00

Joe has been running/jogging 700-800 miles a year for exercise for a long time. A few years back he decided to run from one geographical location to another in order to keep track of his mileage ... not literally, but figuratively speaking. The first time he did this and told someone he had gotten to Chicago, the innocent response was "How did you get back home?" He had to explain it was in his mind only that he ran those miles. He has been running toward the west coast for several years now, and on April 7, 2009 having completed the latest leg of his journey, he "dipped his toes into the Pacific Ocean" at San Diego. The only sad part about this year's completion of the run, was that Molly, our faithful dog who has run many a mile along side him, left us before we could get a photo that included her (as in past ones). Joe really misses his running partner.

Birdseed Robbery

2009-07-10T10:48:00.000-07:00

One day last week I saw a squirrel on one of the sunflower seed bird feeders in our yard. As he patiently shook the container and seeds dropped below, about six other squirrels on the ground underneath were feasting on the dropped seeds. Today, Joe noticed a visitor on the bird feeder that hangs on our front porch. Here he is "robbing" bird feed. Joe says we have the fattest squirrels in the 'hood and I am inclined to agree!!!!!

BRONCO STATE CHAMPIONS!!!!

2009-07-09T23:45:00.000-07:00

Ben the All Star

2009-07-06T20:09:00.000-07:00

Tonight Ben's All Star team, Boundary Waters, won again 11-4. Everyone played well, as did Ben. His new Louisville Slugger bat did well by him as he got a couple of hits and RBI's. Also caught a high fly ball in left field. Calm, steady and reliable, that's our Ben.

Independence Day 2009

2009-07-04T12:52:00.000-07:00

If you live in Atlanta on the 4th of July, the 10K Peachtree Road Race is the way to start the day...or at least for the 55,000 runners, joggers, and walkers who brave the heat and humidity to receive a precious T-shirt that is awarded at the end of the race. The "Peachtree," as it is more lovingly known, is the biggest 10K race in the world according to the Atlanta Journal and Constitution. This year it began at Lenox Square and ended at the entrance to Piedmont Park, as it has done for most of the 40 years it has been held. Fortunately the temperature and humidity were at unusually low levels (in the low 70's and 65% humidity), making it not nearly so difficult as it has been in many years past. As a spectator, among the tens of thousands who watched the race along the way, I saw a microcosm of our nation participating in the race which included young children, pregnant women, young men and women, old men and women, those of varying skin colors and languages, a man in a tux carrying a glass of champagne, those dressed in various red, white, and blue outfits, those carrying large and small flags and banners, and a soldier in full battle dress with a huge camouflage backpack among the 55,000. Joe ran his second Peachtree this year (last year being his first). By some miracle I managed to find him as he made his way to the finish line, and by a second miracle located him at the designated meeting location in the Piedmont Park "meadow." Later in the day we gathered at our house with family and friends for hamburgers, hot dogs and all the usual holiday goodies, including some home made peach ice cream. In the evening we took our place to view the local fireworks show. It was a great day! Surely hope everyone else enjoyed our nation's birthday as much as we did here. God Bless America!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL THE DADS!!

2009-06-21T07:17:00.000-07:00

WE MISS YOU LOTS DAD (AKA DADDY, POP, CHARLES, CHARLIE) .......
CHARLES FRANCIS GLOECKNER
January 3, 1915 - August 2, 2002

Gettin' Ready for the Peachtree

2009-06-20T08:48:00.000-07:00

Cordele Watermelon Festival Run 6-13-2009

10.5 K Blake Gammill Run, Douglasville 6-20-2009

Here she is!! ( rather, Here they are???) 24 weeks and growing!

2009-06-16T15:13:00.000-07:00

Karin posted this photo on her facebook page. Thought I would share it for all the world to see on my blog also. The babies are both over 2 pounds and doing exceptionally well. We are all praying for her to make it until the end of August (she's due 9/24, don't think that will happen). A boy and a girl for sure. Ain't grands great????

God Bless America

2009-05-25T12:23:00.000-07:00

Today is Memorial Day. This the day that we as Americans celebrate and honor those who serve to help us continue to live in a free society - those both living and dead. As a military family, having lived and visited in other countries, this holiday is one which we appreciate possibly more than many other Americans. We are so fortunate to have been born in this country of more than plenty and freedoms that most others in the world can only dream of. God has truly blessed us as a people and a country.

Americans celebrate this holiday in a variety of ways, but most often it is a day for family activities, BBQ's and picnics in addition to memorial services honoring the military. We started the day today in Cordele, with Joe running in the Kiwanis 8K run. He was pleased to receive a trophy for finishing second in his age group I might add. After having a late breakfast with Joe's sister, we headed home to hopefully miss all the later traffic, which fortunately we did. Now like so many others, we will cook hotdogs on the grill and eat watermelon we purchased on the way at a local farmers market.

Happy Holiday!

2009-05-22T18:52:00.001-07:00

Happy Memorial Day Weekend. Hope everyone stays safe.

A Homeschool Graduation Day!

2009-05-16T18:57:00.002-07:00

Today our firstborn grandchild, Alison, graduated from High School. It was a graduation to remember. You may or may not know that Alison has been home schooled her entire education up to this point. If you have never attended a home school graduation and get the opportunity, please go. It is a very meaningful, family oriented event. For the past four years Alison has attended Koininia, an organized home school group that offers a curriculum that is accredited to award a high school diploma. Parents teach most of the classes, combining their collective specialty areas, and students supplement the courses they take at Koininia with other courses they take at home. So, if a parent is fluent in Spanish, he or she might offer a Spanish language course, and another parent, who may be proficient in another content area, would teach that course to a small group of students. If enough students need a particular subject area, such as an upper level math course, a qualified teacher might be hired to teach that course. When I tell people that Alison and all her siblings have been home schooled since day one, I continue to get the response (or something similar to) "but what about socialization?" If you have ever met Alison, you would know that she is one of the most outgoing and "social" people you will ever encounter, as are all the Turner kids.

You will see here a few pics from the ceremony this morning and tonight's celebration party. Each student that graduates prepares a display table of things that are significant to them personally. Being the photographer that she is, Alison's table was primarily a collage of photos. Alison was especially proud of the fact that both her sets of grandparents and her great grandmother were able to attend the day's events.

As each individual student came forward a previously recorded videotape of personal comments and thank yous by each student was played. Following that each received their diploma. Today, when it was Alison's turn to receive her diploma, it was not a principal or headmaster that presented it to her and each other student. It was the parents, (in her case, Kim and Jimmy), that stood with her on the stage, each of them giving personal comments expressing their pride and joy in her many and varied accomplishments. She has done so many things to be proud of, and is a true leader within her peer group as well as her church. For now, her plans are to attend Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida next year to study communication, youth work, or mission work. Who knows what the future holds? Our entire family is excited to see where the future will take her. Congratulations Alison, we love you!

Seattle Space Needle

2009-05-10T08:03:00.000-07:00

After my city tour yesterday, we attended the final event of the convention, which is the awards banquet. The women were dressed in cocktail wear and the men wore mess dress or a tux. It is a fitting way to end every convention. Both military and civilian airmen and women were given awards for safety and bravery- those things that go above and beyond the call of duty. There is not time to relate the many stories of heroism, but leave it to say everyone attending left with a new sense of pride in what this country is and all it stands for. There were so many heroes among us!

You can't come to Seattle without seeing the Space Needle, which has stood in downtown Seattle since the World's Fair that took place here in the early 20th century. We had to take a look at Seattle from the top. What a view! Although it was not as sunny as yesterday, it was quite clear and one could see for miles. After a trip through the gift shop, we headed by foot (not realizing what a walk it was) to Pike Market. We walked along the water front, and saw several docked cruise ships, heading for Alaska no doubt, on the way. The Market was as busy as yesterday and we just meandered through the stalls and enjoyed the musical offerings of local musicians. After we had walked back to our parked rental car at the Space Needle, we figured we had walked at least 4 miles - surely enough to warrant the nice marguerita and Mexican dinner we had later in for dinner.

City Tour

2009-05-09T07:45:00.000-07:00

Joe attended seminars again today (after all it is his Daedalian Convention), and I went on a city bus tour. It was a glorious, sunny and warm day! We saw many interesting sites, but my favorite for the day was Pike Market (no doubt a surprise to those of you reading this who know how I "hate" shopping.) It was so interesting. I saw a million colors of fresh flowers, fishmongers hawking and "throwing" the fish around, foods of a variety of nationalities (I had Russian piroshky for lunch), and the original Starbucks store.

Museum of Flight

2009-05-08T19:00:00.000-07:00

This evening we went to the fantastic Museum of Flight. We were able to quickly tour the various planes and other relics of air and space travel and the museum was very interesting. The highlight of the evening was the dinner and program which was presented by Captain Wendy Lawrence, a four time shuttle astronaut. Her size might have fooled anyone as she almost needed a footstep to get up to the microphone, but her presentation was great. She talked about attending the Naval Academy and her career moving up through the ranks to Captain and from there to astronaut. Having just viewed her photo mounted on the wall of astronaut photos, it was a little surreal. Since she had trained in Star City, Russia with Russian cosmonauts, and spent over 2000 hours on the Mir space station, it was especially interesting to hear her take on the experience. Joe even got to practice a little of his Russian on her.

A Water Community

2009-05-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

Today I took a lake cruise with some other conference attendees while Joe attended his "Airpower Symposium Seminars". Seattle has some very interesting buidings that line the many lakefront properties in the area. We went by the University of Washington, which is a beautiful campus. I saw many "floating houses" which are not actually floating, but anchored in the water and hooked up to city water, sewage and power. Some even had small trees and shrubs adorning their "yards". Each has it's own personality - no row houses here. One of the more interesting was the floating home that was used to film "Sleepless in Seattle." Points of interest was a large floating bridge, which they say is somewhat unique to Seattle, and seeing Bill Gates home (which has 6 bedrooms and 24 bathrooms by the way). Think you can figure which is which in the pics. I did miss a photo op of a bald eagle sitting on a buoy.

When I returned to the hotel, Joe was having lunch with Michael McKenna, who had coincidentally been a speaker at today's symposium. Joe said he did a great job.

A tour of McChord AFB

2009-05-07T07:25:00.000-07:00

We arrived here on Tuesday and wouldn't you know it, it was raining! "Surprise, Surprise" as Gomer Pyle might have said. Never to let rain deter us, Joe went golfing despite an off-and-on drizzle, and I went on a bus tour of McChord AFB. After getting a briefing on the day to day operations of the base, we were able to get on board a C-17, not as big as Joey's c-5, but none the less a big cargo airplane! The loadmasters answered all our questions concerning loading, flying military standby and I decided it probably wouldn't be a lot of fun in the jumpseats that line the aircraft. However, the loadmaster did say that they will let you take a sleeping bag aboard and you can lay down to sleep. It is cheap, but think I will stick with American Airlines for now!

Time to Say Goodbye

2009-05-04T06:55:00.000-07:00

Tonight Carol and Mickey took us to the Fairmont Hotsprings Resort for dinner which is located not far from Anaconda. We will be leaving tomorrow for Seattle. We had a relaxed, and delicious, dinner while watching people enjoying the warm springs fed swimming pool and hot tub (which doesn't need a heater I might add - they say sometimes it is too hot!).

Montana Sunshine

2009-05-02T17:07:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful day in Montana! The sun has been shining brightly all day. This morning we drove up to Missoula to watch Michel take off in his F-18. It was a wonderful sight and sound, that brought back many memories of our days in the Air Force. After Mickey and Carole showed us around Missoula, including their old house there, and the University of Montana.

We also toured the Big Sky Brewery. For those of you not in the "know", this brewery is home of the following labels: Moose Drool, Honey Bear, Old Blue Hair, and Ivan the Terrible Stout to name a few (see labels below).

On our way back to Anaconda, we went through Phillipsburg. It is a small, picturesque, restored former turn-of-the-century mining town. We had a wonderful ice cream cone at the local soda fountain and enjoyed visiting with the proprietor. Of interest were a couple of local events that take place during Montana's summer season. One is called "Maggottfest" and the second is the "Testicle Festival." I've included a pic of the signs advertising the events just in case anuone should want to attend. Mickey says he's never attended, but the "Testicle Festival" is a particularly wild shindig. I wonder why???

Big Sky Country Spring

2009-05-01T16:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday it was in the 80's in Atlanta. We arrived in Butte, Montana around noon. There was snow on the ground (left from the 25 inches they had gotten on April 1 and the 8 inches they got last week), it was 32 degrees, and snowing. Today the sun is shining brightly, it is in the high 50's, and Joe is out playing golf (they say the greens and fairways are pretty clear, just a "little" snow in the sandtraps). Carole and Mickey are dear Air Force friends that we have known from our early marriage years at Craig AFB in Selma, Alabama. Although Carole is a native of Mobile, Alabama, Mickey grew up in Montana and so they retired here some years back. They now live in Anaconda, a town of about 3,000 and about 30 miles from Butte.

Yesterday evening we attended a program in Anaconda at the Washoe Theatre. On the outside it appears to be a movie theater straight out of the 50's, bright flashing marquee included. But inside, what a surprise - a beautiful and grand theater with wonderful chandeliers, velvety draperies, and gold filigree. It reminded me a lot of the Fox Theater here in Atlanta, but on a smaller scale. The performance of the Synergy Brass, a brass quintet that tours around the country was fantastic. To see such a talented group of musicians, who have performed with the Boston Pops, Mormon Tabernacle choir, and on PBS, to name only a few venues, perform in this small town was amazing. We both thoroughy enjoyed the performance.

Coincidentally, their son, Michael (Carole reminds me I attended his birth when Mickey was TDY) is here from Whidby Island, Washington where he flies with the Navy, and soon will command a squadron of F-18's. We have had a wonderful time reminiscing, laughing, and telling stories of past military experiences as well as our children and grandchildren.The photo above was taken at the "cabin" of Michael and his brother, Chip. It is up a little higher than Anaconda and thus has more snow. In fact it is very near the ski run where Mickey teaches downhill skiing in the winter. And of course you can see the golfers on the left.

Silver it is! Happy 25th Wedding Anniversary, Jimmy and Kim.

2009-04-28T12:58:00.001-07:00

1984

Our firstborn child, Kim, and her husband, Jimmy, are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary today! It is difficult to believe that so many years have flown by since their wedding day in 1984. Many of you reading this will remember the day as I do. It rained the morning of the wedding, but just as the ceremony ended in the Baptist Church of Palmetto, Georgia, the sun came out! I can't remember if rain on a wedding day is supposed to be good or bad luck (and quite possibly a lot of work and compromise?). But if Kim and Jimmy's marriage is any indication, it brings very good luck. Over the years their marriage has become increasingly solid and a model for others. Their strong faith in God, family, truth, faithfulness, and commitment shows at every turn in them and their children. We wish them many, many more years of ''wedded compatibility." Happy, Happy Anniversary!!

Gemelos; Doubles; Gêmeos; Gemelli; Zwillinge; близнецы; TWINS!!!

2009-04-26T18:37:00.000-07:00

No matter what language you say it in, it means the same. We got great news today. Karin and Brandon are expecting TWINS!! A Big Surprise, and double blessing. We are soooo excited!!! One is a girl for sure, and think "Baby B" is another boy. Yeah! Grammy can start looking for Pink stuff. Life is Good.

Summerzcool 2009 Tour

2009-04-16T05:23:00.000-07:00

Tonight, Terry and I went to see Jimmy Buffet at the Hi Buys Amphitheatre (formerly Lakewood) here in Atlanta. The last time we went to one was a couple of years ago. That year Joe and Bruce went with us. It RAINED - by that I mean a deluge! We had to wait in the car for 30 minutes until the main downpour stopped, then we wadded through acres (0r so it seemed) of mud up to our ankles. Throughout the concert there was a slow, steady shower of light rain. But, if any of you has ever attended a Jimmy Buffett concert, you know a "little"?? rain never dampened anyone's spirits.

This time, the weather was beautiful - cool, but comfortable, with clear skies, and no mud anywhere in site! We found a great parking spot and made it into the concert in plenty of time to get a t-shirt, drink, and slice of pizza (for ridiculous prices I might add). The music was great as always, and a good time was had by all. However, we have decided that our most favorite Jimmy Buffet Concert was the one we attended at the Waikiki Shell in Honolulu a few years back. So, we figure before a few more years have passed we have to see him there one more time!

The gift of Easter ..... He is risen!

2009-04-12T16:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter from Topsail NC! The Hunt is On!!

2009-04-12T03:53:00.000-07:00

Story Time and Dragon Tales

Nicky finds the prize egg!

GOOD FRIDAY

2009-04-10T08:03:00.000-07:00

When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. At three o'clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, "Listen, he is calling for Elijah." And someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink, saying, "Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down." Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, "Truly this man was God's Son!"

Mark 15:33-39 (NRSV)

Tattered and frayed... on this Good Friday, we hear again the passion story. Hearing vividly once more about our Lord, betrayed and beaten, hanging on the cross to die for our sake, we begin to catch a glimpse of just how tattered and frayed our lives are. We realize that we need to give Jesus our rags - all that is tattered and frayed in our lives - today and every day. We also need to treat each other as Jesus would treat us and serve each other as Jesus continues to serve us as he takes what is tattered and frayed in our life and offers us new life in him.

Tattered and frayed... if you haven't read Walter Wangerin's story "The Ragman" recently, or even if you have, on this Good Friday I would ask you to read it. If you don't have his book, you can find the story at the link below:

http://www.angelfire.com/tx2/jbrown/ragman.html

Heavenly Father, our lives are tattered and frayed, even as we Cherish Our Children and seek to protect them. Give us the strength and the will to lay all that is tattered and frayed in our lives at the foot of the cross. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

More Prom pics

2009-04-04T07:25:00.000-07:00

Prom - A Family Affair

2009-04-03T14:00:00.000-07:00

Today is Alison's Senior Prom. Being a homeschooler, the family is involved in this milestone. So, not only Alison (grade 12) and Daniel (grade 10) attended the event, but Mom and Dad came along to see what all the fuss was about. It was a lovely event, and everyone had a wonderful time - from the delicious dinner to the dancing. Don't we have some handsome kids and grandkids???

ALLES GUTE ZUM GEBURTSTAG CLARA!!

2009-03-30T21:32:00.000-07:00

Claras 9 Jahre alt heute! Glücklich, alles Gute zum Geburtstag!! Wir lieben Sie - Grammy und Großvater

Senior Pics

2009-03-29T14:06:00.000-07:00

This is only one of many great senior pictures taken of Alison. It sits on my bedside table and is the last thing I see before I turn out the light! She's our first grandchild to graduate from high school. She will be starting college in the Fall. We're very proud.

The Family Matriarch is 90!!!

2009-03-28T20:55:00.000-07:00

My Mom, AKA Grandma and GiGi Ma, is 90 years old today! Even the off and on rain and overcast day would not dampen anyone's spirits. I wish the entire clan could have been here to help us celebrate, but the ones who were able to be here are shown in the photo above. Actually, had all the family shown up, we probably wouldn't have been able to get everyone in the photo. Our Mom has four children (plus related sons-in-law), 12 grandchildren (and more in-laws), and 26 great grands with three more on the way. The photo above is just a mere sampling of the Charles and Mary Gloeckner progeny (as my Dad would have said). We have definitely done (and continue to do) our part in maintaining the population explosion! A handsome bunch I might add. The day began with Terry and Jannie taking Mom out to lunch. It was supposed to occur at the Swan Coach House at the Atlanta History Center and culminate with a meringue swan atop a dessert. Unfortunately, with all the rain, they ran into a terrible accident on I-285 and ended up at a Cracker Barrel, still a favorite of Mom's. She even ended up with a new quilt for her bed (which Terry and Jannie funded), so all was not lost. Michael and his family (minus Jonathon who is struggling through bootcamp) arrived in the afternoon as did Kim and her girls. At dinner time we headed to Social Circle to have dinner at the Blue Willow Inn - known for it's sumptuous buffet. When I had told Mom we were going there for her birthday dinner, she said, "Well, you will need to take me somewhere for crab legs later." Wouldn't you know it?? We were blessed with mountains of crablegs on the salad bar and everyone had their fill. The food was wonderful, the company was great, and a good time was had by all. Just a small thank you for a Mom who has been one of the best.

Mom got a rose plant from Tim and Jen, Anaclairs (her most favorite candy) and lots of birthday cards and gift cards from all over the country!

The Gloeckner Girls

2009-03-28T20:45:00.000-07:00

48 Years of Wedded Incompatibility

2009-03-27T07:12:00.000-07:00

This is one of the sayings that my Dad would jokingly use whenever he talked about his marriage to my Mom. In fact, they were opposites that attracted, as are Joe and I. But it was always very obvious that my Dad worshiped my Mom. Somehow, over the years Joe and I have come to realize that marriage doesn't come with any rules, it is lots of work, and requires much compromise on the part of both parties. When Daddy died in 2002, my parents had been married for 63 years. Guess something worked right for them. We are very blessed to have had them as a role model for our marriage.

69 and holding!

2009-03-26T07:16:00.000-07:00

This morning I was having my morning cup of coffee and reading the paper. The date jumped out at me as I suddenly realized today is my birthday! Today I am 69 years old. How did I get here so fast? When I turned 60, I was very depressed and cried for two days. Since then I have come to realize that age is really just a number. I don't feel like what I always thought 69 should feel, people say I don't look my age (whatever it might look like), and healthwise, I feel great most days. I have gotten to a point that when I read the paper each day, I read through the obituaries. Fortunately, I most often don't know anyone there, and mainly look at the ages. Well, today everyone in the obituary section of our local paper was my age or younger! What does that make me??? My Mom (who will be 90 in a couple of days, which gives me hope) called to wish me a Happy Birthday. When I told her about the obituaries, she said, "I made a New Years resolution to not read the obituaries any more." Sounds like a plan to me. I'm off to Curves.....