GOOD DAY

A pleasant day. Terri and I shopped and visited. Tonight George, Terri and Emily attended a graduation dinner. Maddy hung out with Calvin, Charlie, Lucy, Sweetie and me. We went frog hunting, had dinner and then released the frogs. Terri and Em looked so sweet and pretty.

Birthday party

Arrived at the Morrisons about 1:30. Just in time for Lucy's birthday party. She is 14 years old. Madeleine made a doggie friendly birthday cake. Emily planned the party.
It took awhile for Charlie and Lucy to get aquainted. Charlie went to Madeleine for protection. Sweetie and Lucy let Charlie know Lucy is da boss. The puppy really shows in Charlie. Sweetie is such a girl. Just acts like she is above it all.

Florida

We stopped about 50 miles west of Tallahassee. Will arrive in Jacksonville tomorrow. A nice easy day. The pictures are of Charlie checking out Florida somewhere between here and Pensacola.

Still in Louisiana

Left Shreaveport about 10:30 and drove until about 4:30. Have no idea where we are but know it was time to stop and get comfy.We are a few miles from Slidell I think. We seem to be in a resort area of sorts.We decided not to go to New Orleans so took the high road (on the map(HWY 12)). The scenery was beautiful part of the way. Most of it was just highway and trees. We stopped at a park and all three of us took a walk. There was a walking trail, dog park, benches etc. Forgot to get pics. There was a Japanese family (about 8 people) that tried to talk to us about Charlie. They seemed to like him or at least there was a lot of smiling. When we got in the car I told Charlie they really liked him or were really hungry. He didn't think it was funny. Charlie doesn't have much of a sense of humor.
We are all tired so will spend a quiet evening resting up.
BTW - did pretty good at the casino last night. Ended up with some extra cash for gas. ;-) Well.....one of us did pretty good.

Here we are in Louisiana

Well we made it to Louisiana. Day 2 on our trip to Florida. Nothing has changed my opinion of the state. Charlie and I are ready to get on with the trip. It is hot, humid and everything looks dirty. I'll keep looking...I'm sure eventually I'll see something really great here. We are going to the casinos for a while later this evening when it gets cooler. I'll let you know my thougths on the casinos tomorrow. lol

There was a large park beside the hotel. Charlie was ready for some running and playing so we spent a couple hours just hanging out.

Celebrate YOU!

In Reality

You'll not get me into an argument about religion or politics. No one ever wins. If I am to reach someone I want to influence them by my gentle nudging and by the life I live. I have discovered that arguing only creates distance.
Frankly, the differences of opinion in both those areas excites me. I celebrate our differences.
What I try to focus on is where we are connected.
For me the most difficult thing to define is "reality."
I just had a long conversation with a friend about his perception of his life. His reality seemed dim, dark and doomed for destruction. As hard as I tried, I could not see his life that way. He fought with me and was angry because I could not validate his demise.
Everyday I receive messages from people who have locked themselves in a cell limited only by their perceptions.
When I had my radio show a few years ago, a young man called to say, "You make me sick!" He went on to criticize my Pollyanna views of the world and life itself. I never got upset with him and continued to praise him for taking a stand like this. "No matter what you say, or how you view me, I still will see the hope I have for you and a happy life if you want it bad enough." After a few minutes speaking he suddenly said, "I've got to go."
"Please don't leave, yet!" I replied. "No, I have to. I'm beginning to like you."
So I have asked myself this question, "What is my reality?" Here is what I've decided.
Reality is how I choose to see my world, not an image dictated by others.
There once was a time when I saw my life as never meeting expectations. I wasn't young enough, slim enough, tall enough or smart enough. I didn't have the right car, clothes, house, income, attitude or career. I wasn't raised in the right community, I didn't hang around with the right people, have the right ethnic heritage, nor go to the right school. I was foolish enough to believe this was reality.
Reality was, I was a failure, an odd ball, an outcast.
Then one day I felt this gentle nudging. I can't quite pinpoint the event or moment. Was it created in loss or was it realized in a moment of joy? But I began to see through the barriers of the world and there, just beyond them, I discovered "Hope."
Here is what is real in my world today.
The warmth of my wife lying next to me at night giving me a sense of security and reminding me of love.The sound of my children's voices confirming that all is well with them and knowing that they are my greatest contribution to the world.My dogs wagging their tails when I come home...they are happy to see me. Some times the only ones.The velvet touch of a rose petal between my fingers and the sweet smell it leaves behind reminds me that the finest things presented to all my human senses, are not manufactured but created by God.The brightness of the sun rise cries out "Celebrate! You are born again into a new day."The gentle touch of a stranger's hand when first we say hello and connect palm to palm. Considered a ritual, a formality by some, I find it a moment of connection on a spiritual level.The sounds of life carried by the wind; the cries of a hawk, the waves crashing on the shore, the chatter of an anxious squirrel, and the bells on a distant ice cream truck carrying with it the sweet cream treats of childhood memories.The tears I shed for someone's pain.The smell of fresh cut grass.Laughter.The wisdom of someone older than I.The wisdom of an innocent child.The taste of mashed potatoes and melted butter.The smell of a turkey roasting in my oven producing instant flashbacks of family gathered around in celebration of life.The sound, "You have mail!" on my computer.The words, "Thank you!" "My friend" "Love" and "Hope."Watching commercials about fast cars, designer clothes, being thin, being young, being wealthy and knowing they aren't as important as being happy with who I am...in reality!
Bob Perks

Bob Perks, National Writers Association member, has been in the business of helping people all of his life. But for more than a decade he has traveled with his inspiring message, "I Believe in You!" touching the lives of thousands.
You can contact Bob through is website at: www.bobperks.com

Weatherford TX

Left home late this morning thinking we would get to the east side of Dallas today. WRONG!! We traveled in a bad storm most of the way to Weatherford. It seems we were going about the same speed as the storm. YUK. Hate driving/traveling when you can't see. Anyway it seemed we were going to hit the evening rush hour traffic, plus driving in a storm, so we stopped at Weatherford. I expected to have a problem finding a motel that would accept the mutt, but no problem. Charlie quickly made himself at home after a hard day snoozing in the car.

Shhh..dont' tell Charlie...he is not the baby anymore

Baby Calvin Tye ONeal

DOB - 5-21-07

Home again

Lake Lavon, again

We are back on Lake Lavon. Left Poteau Friday morning after Jane and Jim came by and visited. A baby bunny rabbit came by to bid us farewell also. Arrived in Dallas about 4:00.

We went out to eat with Pam and Max. We always have good food when we are in this area. We went to Barnes and Noble after eating. Purchased a puppy training CD's. Hopefully we can find some tips on training our puppy brat. Homeward bound for a few days before setting out for Florida.

Heading home

We have changed our plans and are heading back to Andrews Texas tomorrow. We have decided to wait until later in the year to go to Mt Rushmore.
Charlie when to the doggie spa today. He came out a clipped dog. Not the cute fuzzy puppy anymore. No picture...he was too embarrassed.

Fort Smith

We spent the day in Ft Smith. Going to museums and historic sites. A quite evening at Jim and Jane's, and early to bed. Charlie doesn't have much to report today. He spent a good part of the day playing in the yard and waiting for the grownups to come home.


The following are two emails I recieved today. Hmmmmmmm......

"Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you help them to become what they are capable of being."
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe1749-1832, Poet and Novelist

It's not that folks act a certain way around you, but that you attract certain types of folks based upon your thoughts, beliefs and expectations.
Now that is really, really good news, huh?

Runestone State Park

We went to Runestone State Park. http://hic4.kazserv.com/~alc01/places/runes/index.html
Charlie had a good time exploring. He was pulling on the end of the lease the entire time. He was pooped by the time we got back in the truck.
We had lunch in a restored/refurbished passenger car of the old Southern Bell Kansas City Train. Apparently it was 'the' passenger train of its day. Built in 1905. In the early 40's it ran between Kansas City and New Orleans. It went 868 miles in 21.5 hours, or so the story goes. A fun day.

Charlie thinks he has found a new home. I think we have the makings of a rotten dog.

Jim sent a message in the morning to bring the dog home.

I left the computer plugged in at the trailer and there was an electrical storm while we was at the park. When we got home last night the computer wouldn't work. I thought it was totally gone. Jane did some research and all it took was taking the battery out and plugging it back in. Whoopeee!

Quiet day in the city of Poteau

We had a nice quiet day. Just sat around eating, visiting, eating, watching TV, eating, napping, and eating. Charlie enjoyed being off the lease and playing in the yard. He really took up with Jane and Jim. In fact at one point Calvin commented we may have lost our dog. Brownie, the resident dog, is not able to physically play with a puppy so Charlie stayed in the front yard. He would stand and whine at the fence wanting Brownie to play. Charlie had plenty of attention without Brownie. In fact, Charlie had a very happy day. The picture of him in the large leafed plant was him sniffing out a horseradish plant. BTW the green frog is his favorite toy. We bought the frog the day we got Charlie. He carries it around hitting it on the floor (or people's legs) so it will squeak.

Arriving in Poteau Oklahoma USA

We left Searcy this morning after having breakfast with Laci, Alisha and Blaine. Charlie hadn't been in the truck for a couple of days, but fell right into his traveling mode. We arrived in Poteau mid afternoon. Jane and Jim came to visit us at the trailer. Sure was good to see them. Visited awhile and then went to dinner. Jane and I walked Charlie awhile after we got home. Partly for him and mostly for us. Too much dinner.

There is a pasture near the park with a couple of horses. Charlie let them know who's the boss with several barks and jumps. The horses didn't seem too impressed but Charlie knows who rules, and it aint a horse.

I love this story....

At the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris, the sport of canoe racing was added to the list of international competitions. The favorite team in the four-man canoe race was the United States team. One member of that team was a young man by the name of Bill Havens.
As the time for the Olympics neared, it became clear that Bill's wife would give birth to their first child about the time that the U.S. team would be competing in the Paris games. In 1924 there were no jet airliners from Paris to the United States, only slow ocean going ships. And so Bill found himself in a dilemma. Should he go to Paris and risk not being at his wife's side when their baby was born? Or should he withdraw from the team and remain with his family?
Bill's wife insisted that he go to Paris. After all, competing in the Olympics was the culmination of a life long dream. But Bill felt conflicted and, after much soul searching, decided to withdraw from the competition and remain home, where he could support his wife when the child arrived. He considered being at her side his highest priority, even higher than going to Paris to fulfill his dream.
As it turned out, the United States four-man canoe team won the gold medal in Paris. And Bill's wife was late in giving birth to their child. She was so late, in fact, that Bill could have competed in the event and returned home in time to be with her when she gave birth.
People said, "What a shame." But Bill said he had no regrets. For the rest of his life, he believed he had made the better decision.
Bill Havens knew what was most important to him. Not everybody figures that out. And he acted on what he believed was best. Not everybody has the strength of character to say no to something he or she truly wants in order to say yes to something that truly matters. But for Bill, it was the only way to peace; the only way to no regrets.
There is an interesting sequel to the story of Bill Havens...
The child eventually born to Bill and his wife was a boy, whom they named Frank. Twenty eight years later, in 1952, Bill received a cablegram from Frank. It was sent from Helsinki, Finland, where the 1952 Olympics were being held. The cablegram read: "Dad, I won. I'm bringing home the gold medal you lost while waiting for me to be born."
Frank Havens had just won the gold medal for the United States in the canoe racing event, a medal his father had dreamed of winning but never did. Like I said, no regrets.
Thomas Kinkade eloquently said, "When we learn to say a deep, passionate yes to the things that really matter, then peace begins to settle onto our lives like golden sunlight sifting to a forest floor."

SEARCY

The GRADUATE and THE dog

Arrived in Searcy Arkansas Friday afternoon 5-11-07. Laci and Alisha showed us around campus and helped us get checked into the trailer space. After we got the trailer parked we went out to eat. We took Charlie for a walk around campus right before the rain storm hit. What is it with this weather? Every evening a storm. Around 10:oo we went to a coffee house with Alisha and Blaine where some of their friends showed up. Interesting place. Apparently it is a hang out for college kids. A huge building with clusters of odd and ends of furniture. Tables, chairs, sofas etc. All sorts of board games. Great coffees and snacks.

Graduation was this morning at 10:00 (5-12-07). The Gov of Arkansas was the key speaker. Surprisingly good talk for a politician. lol After picture taking we had lunch and went by an Alltel store to have the computer checked. Wonders of wonders. It is cured.

Charlie thinks everyone loves him. No matter who he sees, he runs to them and wags his tail so hard his entire butt is wagging, waiting for some petting. Its all about CHARLIE!!! He is relentless. What a dog!! The pics are him pestering Laci.

Hot Springs

Charlie is the toast of the camp. I am known as Charlie's mom. A lady came up to me in the laundry and said, "I didn't know you are Charlie's mom". Some people from Dallas brought thier two female cockers (Sadie and Maggie) over to meet Charlie this evening. Charlie was a bit shy at first but after a while he was jumping and barking and being a real pest. The other dogs looked at him as if to say, just go away. We have met some interesting people. I'm surprised how many people travel in RV's. The parks fill up fast.
We spent part of the day in Hot Springs, Calvin did a little antiquing, and part of it driving around. It is so pretty here and the weather has been great. Well except for a storm or two. Charlie waited out the storm by chewing on a foot.

Kinda hate to leave but I can see we will be back this way again.

Uncle Paul

We are in Hot Springs. Super nice park. Very private with tall trees, a walking trail and duck pond. We may never leave. Visited Uncle Paul and Aunt Juanita in Malvern last night. It was a pleasant evening. Paul remembered visiting with Pamela and said she is a sweet girl. Charlie wasn't too happy to sit it out in the pickup and made us pay dearly when we got home. He was still ready to play at midnight. He is a good traveling dog. We had our daily storm yesterday afternoon. We have had storms every day of the trip.

Duck hunting

A nice quiet day. Spent the afternoon and night in Texarkana. There is a nice walking trail. Charlie did a little duck hunting. Fortunately for him he was on a lease. There was also a mother duck with about 9 tiny ducklings. When I tried to get close to take a picture she would get between me and the babies.

On Arturo Toscanini's 80th birthday, someone asked his son, Walter, what his father ranked as his most important achievement. The son replied, "for him there is no such thing. Whatever he happens to be doing at the moment is the biggest thing in his life - whether it is conducting a symphony or peeling an orange."
Enjoy all the moments of your day. We are.....

On the road

Finally on the road. Long day of driving. Parked in a quiet place on Lake Lavon. We spent a few hours with Pam and Max. Charlie was not too happy around the big dogs. Duke and Ginger were a little imtidating for a baby cocker. Pam had a delish meal prepared for us, of course. Early to bed and a good nights sleep. Charlie was a trooper on the road. As you can tell from the picture Charlie is riding shotgun.

Ruff Ruff!

Are we there yet?

Preparing for trip

I have spent the last week packing the trailer and getting ready for a month long trip. Trailer is packed and we are ready to go. Charlie is anxious to see the world outside his backyard.