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Spending A Beautiful Day With Friends...

Yesterday was an absolutely gorgeous Fall day. We met around 8:45AM, piled into Judy's truck, and set out for the Dothan Area Botanical Gardens. Our main interest was to enjoy the many displays of "scarecrows" throughout the gardens. During the month of October a "Scarecrows In The Gardens" contest is held for our area. Families, school groups, and businesses join in to provide a great outdoor contest.

 

Enjoy a little online visit to our DABG through our eyes.

 

 

 

The "People's Choice" Award was awarded to one of our school's LinC programs. They were presented a check for $100 in the school category. Their entry is shown in the below collage...bottom right..."Neil Armstrong-Ultimate Hero".

 

While we were out enjoying such a beautiful day, we were also spending time with a "Birthday Girl." Many, many wishes to a great friend!

 

 

The Rose Garden was full of color. The "Bride of Frankenstein" waits for her beau just outside the garden as she is dressed and ready for her husband-to-be.

 



An interesting way to express one's love for another.

 

It was so refreshing to spend the day outdoors at DABG just walking around admiring God's great beauty as well as enjoying the many "Scarecrows In The Gardens" displays. It was a fun-filled day.

 

 

And of course, one must nourish the soul.

 

 

 

*********

Friends are those rare people

who ask how you are and

then wait for the answer.

~Author Unknown~

Celebrating a Birthday...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAPA!!!

 

 

Cecil Ralph Franklin

October 15th - 87 yrs. old

 

Grandson Garrett ~ Papa ~ Son Glenn

 Son Glenn ~ Papa ~ Daughter Gloria

Brother & Sister Playing

"if My People..."

As our nation
is approaching Election Day
for President of the US,
we are called
to examine the candidates and
determine in our hearts
the best choice to lead our country.

In preparation
many have elected
to participate in a “40-Day Prayer”
leading up to Election Day.

Thru their website,
(www.ifmypeople2012.org)
which offers a daily email, or
thru their booklet
we read scripture and
a prayer for the day.

Voting is a privilege…an honor.

 

I trust that each of you

 will seek God and pray for our nation.

 

 I trust that each of you

will pray for the candidates.

 

I trust that each of you

will take careful inventory

of the candidates.

 

 I trust that each of you

will vote.

 

AJG 2012

Our long awaited trip began on September 30th.

Conflicts for the past two years kept us from joining

our friends as they traveled to Colorado both years.

 

 

Traveling is an adventure for both Glenn & I.

We love to travel especially in mountain areas so

we were excited to head to Asheville, NC.

 

Traveling provides great entertainment.

I'm amazed that they would charge

2-3 or 4 cents for a Toll.

Crazy!!!

 

 

We love to stay at The Grove Park Inn.

Our room was on the Historical Wing.

 

On the fifth floor of the Historical Wing

there is legend of a ghost...a mysterious Pink Lady.

Around 1920 a young lady dressed in pink

fell to her death at the hotel's Atrium.

Unexplained severe cold chills in Room 545 and

an apparition in a dense pink smoke

is said to be a very gentle spirit.

 

We didn't see the Pink Lady but

a wood-burning smoke smell briefly

permeated our room.

Made me sit up and take notice...

cuz the fire in the lobby

was a bit away from us.

 

It's always a nice time

when spent with good friends.

We enjoyed a wonderful meal,

good fellowship, and lots of fun.

The "Hookah Hook-up" store

was just funny.

Glenn turned down a "one-way" street

only to turn around. But

he was only following

the instructions of the GPS Lady.

We had a good laugh (at the Lady)!

 

 

Our program indicated that "Due to National Security...".

This was our introduction to our night's speaker.

He was "Mr. Doubletalk" Durwood Fincher

from Candid Camera.

We laughed and laughed and laughed.

 

The spouses took a tour beginning

at the Asheville Visitor Center.

We then traveled onto the

Blue Ridge Parkway towards

The Folk Art Center 

that showcases local artisans.

This is a wonderful place to find a unique gift.

 

 

Always purchase a unique remembrance.

 

Deerpark, which is located 

in a structure original to the estate,

 is an open-air courtyard

encircled by four wings.

Majestic trees and scenic vistas

provide a world away from hectic activity. 

 

Our lunch was so nice. I really enjoyed

my chocolate rosemary cake.

 

Monday was an overcast day with slight rain.

Hubby was so excited on Tuesday

when the sun shone.

It was a nice golf day.

 

 

Love eating at the Stable Courtyard.

This facility at one time housed

up to 25 horses and 20 carriages.

No longer housing horses,

the stable was transformed

into several shops and

a uniquely styled restaurant.

Actual stalls now hold dining booths,

the ambiance is quite unique, and

the food delicious.

 

 

 

We dined on the top level

and enjoyed a warm, friendly atmosphere

with a great group of friends. 

 

 

Our table, from the Alabama Pool,

always enjoys sharing time together.

 

Bob Bush, AJG

 

 

After the honoring of Bob and a wonderful meal,

we all left for a short walk to the Biltmore Home

to begin our tour of this incredible home.

 

Even though this was not my first tour

I am still amazed with the history of this estate.

 

We left our friends that evening

after "good-byes and well wishes".

For you see, my friends,

we were leaving the next morning

for our home only so I could

wash & dry a few things for my hubby's

next trip..."his trip" with the guys.

 

So I sit here in quiet solitude...absolutely loving my time

with hubby away and oh yes, son is away too.

Reflecting and remembering and

just being outright L.A.Z.Y.

 

I am grateful for...

...my marriage

...spending time with hubby on his trips,

...good friends,

...spending time with girls on his trips, and

...mountain areas (reflecting on God's nature side).

 

Thank you Lord!