Arlington

While I'm at my class this week in Washington, D.C. Bubbles is hitting the road and taking in all the sites. Today, first thing on her list was Arlington National Cemetery, Home of Heros. She wanted to go to section 60. Section 60 is set aside for all those who died in Iraq or Afghanistan. She found out that it is a Jewish custom to leave a stone on a grave to show that person is remember. She had a bag full of stones, about 250 of them. She came back to the hotel without any stones, but her eyes were full of tears. For some reason she was drawn to section 60, maybe to say thanks to all the fallen heros or maybe it was her motherly instinct to look after those that are the same age as our son. What ever it was, she came back to the hotel somewhat changed. In her words..."there, but for the grace of God, go I".

My friend Beau

This is my friend Beau. He came along our way as sort of a "empty nest" puppy when Alex graduated High School and went to the Air Force. He was suppose to be Bubbles puppy. As it has turned out he is my puppy. As a puppy he had trouble getting used to his new surroundings so he ended up sleeping on my side of the bed...now he thinks it's his bed. He likes setting in the front yard, guarding our house from the "evil" Blackbirds, cats and whatever else wonders around us. He is a gentle soul, we call him our "120 pound Tea Cup Shepard" because he thinks he is just as small as our other pet that past away about two years ago, Morgan. He has a good heart and a gentle soul and when we go for walks in the woods he never runs off, even though he could because I don't leash him up in the woods. He just walks down the path and then turns around as if to say "come on Dad" and then patiently waits for me to catch up. Bubbles says dogs choose one person to makeup with, I'm glad he chose me. My friend Beau.

Here's Your Sign!

Well, I've been living in Hurricane WV since, well for a long time, and this old underpass has been here since the 19 teens. For as long as I can remember when we would get a very heavy rain, like we did today, this underpass would flood...fast. Now maybe after the first few dozen vehicles got trapped by the flood water someone would put up a sign or pass the word that this place floods...fast and deep too. I know it flood, and just about everyone I know knows it flood. Well I guess someone forgot to pass the word or someone just thinks all the news reports of people getting stuck in high water is just bunk. Oh well...here's your sign!

River City Nights

On the way home from shopping Bub's and I decided to drive down thru St. Albans, WV on the way home. We came by the riverside park just as the sun was going down and decided to stop for a moment. The boaters were coming and going, some teenagers were setting on the walkway, and the ducks were everywhere. Bub's noticed this couple just enjoying the warm night air by the river. It really was a beautiful West Virginia sunset. I was reminded of a song mom used to sing..."Count your blessing, name them one by one..."

I'm a Luck Guy

This is me and my partner, best friend, soul mate, and wife. I traveled the world and found my love just up the street. We love our day trips and our long vacations. She keeps me going and keeps me focused. Our kids are grown now and we are hitting the roads, and maybe the

Grist Mill at Babcock State Park, WV

The recent rain has caused all the streams to have a magnificent flow which just adds to the photos. This was our, Bub's and Me, first trip to Babcock State Park and we fell in love with the natural beauty. We plan on taking a weekend trip here in fall when all the fal colors are out.

Angel Falls, WV

On our weekly day trip Bub's and I headed out for Babcock State Park in Fayette County WV. It is about a two hour drive and there is lots to see along the way. Angel Falls is just past Gauley Bridge and usually does not have nearly this much water running over it. However, this July was the coldest and possibably the wettest in history. The falls, and there are a lot of small ones, along Rte 60 were really flowing. I caught this shot with the sun peaking through the trees and feel lucky and blessed to live in such a beautiful state. I named this photo "The Blessing".