Welcome Back!

I would like to Congratulate Ryan & Jennifer (Ryan's Girlfriend)for graduating college. We are so proud of you guys and wish you all the best.

We had a good and safe trip to Mobile. We got to the hotel around 4:00 p.m., dropped off our luggage and headed to the Gulf. I talked up the beach thing to Katie. She had no clue what I was talking about, but she was excited anyway to see the beach. I told her it was a huge sand box. She loved it! I couldn't get her past the sand dunes to see the ocean because she was having too much fun playing in the sand and finding seashells. As soon as she saw the water, oh my goodness! Her eyes were so big - "WATER!" she said. We let her play for awhile, but I was getting concerned about the cameras being out in the salty air for any length of time. So, I kept asking Doug if we needed to go. She had fun walking around in the sand, picking up seashells and putting them in the ocean. We were to meet up with relatives at a local restaurant,"The Original Oysterhouse." Well Katie felt we could skip the whole supper thing. We had to pick her up kicking and screaming all the way back to the car. All sun worshipers had their meditation period interrupted, so they stopped and looked to see what was disrupting their silence. It's so embarrassing, but it's part of life. The restaurant we ate at that night was great and I recommend it to anyone who loves seafood. It was located right on the bay with windows all around, so you can see somewhat what is going on. We saw an alligator taking a late evening swim as we were eating. So cool! I had the "Crab Trio," it included fried crab claws, steamed crab leggings and stuffed crab. I'm not too fond of stuffed crab, so I substituted more crab leggings. They were succulent! As the night grew on, more air boats and other boats put on the best show by shining their lights all around. A few people at our table said it was to spot alligators along the sides of the bay. Saturday, a few of us went touring the big city of Mobile. We headed to Bayou Le Batre to see the shrimp boats coming in with their daily catch. What a sight to see! I took a landscape photo of the many shrimp boats along the bay. As soon as I get them published on the website, you'll have to check it out. I got the opportunity to watch a boat coming in to dock and it was amazing how they worked that boat to get it docked sideways. Amazing! I was so glad to witness how it was done. We left there and drove through the historic district to see all the old antebellum houses. I was more amazed with all the old oak trees - BEAUTIFUL! The trees lined both sides of the road and you could tell they had to be very old. I felt as if I stepped back in time. If you can close your eyes and imagine these old oak trees on both sides of the road and the branches arched over onto the other side of the road. I tried taking a picture of the beautiful sight, but you just can't capture what you have to see for yourself. That evening, we went to Ryan and Jennifer's pinning ceremony. It is a ritual that dates as far back as Nightingale (from what I understand). If you don't know, Ryan and Jennifer are officially Registered Nurses. Their Nursing Division graduating class was small, but real tight and had each others back. I think they had a very nice ceremony and very proud of their accomplishments, as they should. I know I was choked up a few times. After the ceremony, Ryan and other family members went to Mass, so us Baptists went back to the hotel and hung out. I knew Katie needed a nap before we attempted another supper outing. We met at a restaurant, not far from the other, called "Felix's." It was okay, but I really connected with the "Oysterhouse." The whole family including Jennifer's family couldn't all sit together, which was a bummer. The window scenery (looking out into the Gulf) was beautiful! As soon as we got to the restaurant, it started raining. While we were eating, looking out the window, we saw a spectacular lightning show. The wind was blowing so hard, it looked as if the pelicans and sea gulls were flying in place. Sunday, the graduation was outside along the trail of the old oaks. According to Kevin, the oak trees are over 200 years old. Believe me when I say, I believe it! The branches were so big and heavy, they draped down to where they touched the ground. Kevin also said, anyone caught cutting or doing any harm to the trees were prosecuted. I tried capturing the trees grace and elegance, but again you had to see it. We got there around 9:00 a.m. and sat in the shade, supplied by the oak tree branches, but it was still HOT! I believe the temp was close to 90 degrees. The graduation started at 10:00 a.m. and I believe we left Ryan's dorm room around 12:30 p.m. So, it wasn't a very long graduation ceremony. Ryan said there were 300 graduates walking. I've never been to a college graduation, so that seems like a lot to me. After the graduation, we all pretty much went our own way. We met up with a few of the relatives in one small town South of Montgomery for lunch. I was starving!

I want to wish Doug and Jonathan a very Happy Birthday! Can you believe Doug is 39 years old? It seems like yesterday, we were newly married. He was 27 years old when we were married. If you see him, please wish him a Happy Birthday! Thanks!

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mothers out there in the world. I hated we were out of town on Mother's Day weekend. We went out to eat with Millard and Peggy, for Mother's Day, on Thursday to a good local BBQ restaurant. We gave her a Bath and Body gift basket. Sandy & I went in together and got our Mom a Bath & Body Works as well. We got Peggy the Moonlit Path and my Mother Japanese Cherry Blossoms. I've always liked Moonlit Path, but I discovered Japanese Cherry Blossoms. Oh, my! I really like the cherry blossoms. I liked it so well, I bought me some lotion, bubble bath and splash. Now, maybe I can give my Burberry a break during the week. My sisters and myself put Mom's picture in the paper with a special message. I wanted to do the same for Peggy, but Doug insisted I do something else. Katie got me a pair of sandals and I love them, they are so comfortable!

There are lots of pictures that were taken during the weekend. As soon as I get them viewed and tweaked, I'll publish them on the web.

I want to thank Sandy for sending me thoses seasonings. We tried the Salsa Dip and it was really good and easy. I don't remember the brand name of the seasoning. So, Sandy if you are reading this would you please let me know what the name of it was again. I thought we kept the envelope, but I can't find it. The other seasoning was McCormick's Pulled Pork. I bought a Boneless Pork Loin Roast (I couldn't get a 3 lbs. shoulder roast), so we will can try it out tomorrow or the next day. Thanks again!

CONGRATULATIONS to Liz and Nolan! We found out this weekend, they will be having a baby boy.

CONGRATULATIONS to Allan and Sarah! We found out this weekend, they will be expecting their first child together. We are so happy for you guys and I know Emma is going to be so excited to be a big sister.

Take care and have a very blessed day!