Cappy's Corner

OH MY ACHING KNEES

I just had my birthday and I don't really feel any older, because in my mind its just another day not another year. Everyday I get up and breathe is a good day. I have put my body through so much in the past years and time is taking its toll. Breaking nearly every bone in my body, have surgery's to repair damage throughout the years and now my body is telling me that I can't do the things that I want to do. I came home from TaeKwonDo class tonight and my knees are just done. I have been doing so well and now we are practicing more jump kicks and spinning jump kicks all that twisting and impact is killing me. I wish there was a magic formula that would at least take the pain away. I am really starting to feel like an old lady.

The past two years have been good to me, I competed in TaeKwonDo tournaments and earned the State Championship in my division. Don't believe for a minute is was easy, there are a lot of women in my age group that are ruthless. There isn't always enough in my age group to compete with so I have to fight and compete with younger women, I do hold my own. I am taking this year off in order to get my knees back in shape, but they don't seem to be getting any better, if anyone has suggestions short of more surgery, bring it on. I will get my Black Belt hopefully in October this year and the following year I will begin competition again contingent upon my knees. I am tired of hobbling around like an old lady. Just had to vent, now I am going to get some ice packs and take a break, tomorrow I will do it all again.

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Mom's B-Day

Well, the story begins many moons ago. My mother came up with the idea that if she left her native country on her birthday, she would not increase in years. For the past few years, she had been boating over to Bimini for a few days, one of which being her birthday. Well, this year that was not the case. The seas were bad because of some tropical storm that we are about to experience soon. So there had to be an alternative.

Mom, by her counting is probably about 30 or so. I tell her that she is catching up!!! So trying to make her day somehow, I decided to decorate the living room. I had skipped going to Taekwondo to set up. In the meantime, she was at TKD, so I knew exactly how much time I had to work with. Once I was finished it looked like a streamer spider was in the house!!!!

I waited patiently for her and my brother to arrive back at the house. We were going to be taking her to dinner, but she did not expect to walk in to this...

She laughed hysterically as she broke her way through the streamers to get in to the house. The both of them had to go through an obstacle course to find a place to stand. Streamers were everywhere. It was a lot of fun decorating it too, thanks mom for giving me a reason to do something crazy!!!!!

After they took their showers we went out to a Japanese buffet, wonderful!!! Still stuffed as I am sitting here blogging. Back at the house of streamers, mom blew out a couple of candles and we ate ice cream cake. It was late already, so the night ended quickly.

HOPE YOU HAD A GREAT BIRTHDAY MOM, GLAD WE COULD SHARE IT WITH YOU!!!!!!

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TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY

This year I did not escape the US, but I hear if you have a backwards party you can reverse your age. Today I did nearly nothing as it should be. I did interview a potential new client for House sitting and animal sitting. The family was approved, I get to stay in a wonderful room with a giant tub and its in the country, so I have plenty of space to roam with the Kritters. My friends and family all called to say Happy Birthday! I just love them all.



Tonight I am going to go to my TaekwonDo class, during our bow out the Instructor, Jesse called me to the front of the class and had the whole school sing Happy Birthday to me. Shelah came walking across the mat with a Birthday Cake with one candle that I couldn't even blow out on the first try, due to our extensive work-out, what a great laugh everyone had. I looked so funny next to my Instructor which is 6'5" and me 5' nothing, I wish I had a picture, I am officially the oldest women in the school. After class my son and daughter are taking me out to dinner. I am really in the mood for seafood. We ended up going to a Sushi buffet and I ate until I couldn't move. But before we went I came home to a mass of streamers and I admit that it was hysterical, I couldn't even get in the front door. I had a great birthday and I am working on the next one, let the adventure begin.

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INDEPENDENCE DAY

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The best part of this weekend is that it starts on Friday and for me it doesn't end until Monday night. We started first thing in the morning with a Parade, the locals make their own floats and the kids were adorable, some decorating their own little bikes and wagons. After the parade I went over to my best friends house the Royal Ones. We had a great BBQ, you know some days hot dogs and hamburgers taste so good, especially after being on a diet for so many months. We swam in the pool and just chilled, because that's what we do best, my family and friends, well it doesn't get any better than that. We head out to the fireworks display down in Homestead to let the kids blow off some steam, the kids included everybody. I even got out there and tossed the Frisbee around for awhile. Dark came upon us and the display started, the sounds and smells remind you of how important the day really is. Just think if we were still ruled by the British, how different would things be? Good or Bad nobody knows for certain.

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COUGAR WOMEN

I heard a term today that I haven't ever heard before "Cougar Women". My friend Carolyn, told me I was a Cougar, she said it was because I have courage, aggression, self confidence, power and have dated younger men. I took this as a compliment, then I did some research on the Internet and found lots of opinions on the subject. It seems that the jealous ones call us predators, men don't seem to mind Cougar Women at all. They are self-confident and don't play the stupid games of the younger girls who haven't quite learned what they really want out of a relationship. No fault of theirs they have not experienced the dramas that make them the mature women. Unfortunately this takes years and lets face it ladies sometimes we never get it.
As for me how would I define this term "Cougar Women", women of character, courage, self-confidence, and intelligence. As per my definition I will proudly call myself a Cougar! Women ages 35+ you are targeted to be called this term, think of it as a compliment told to you out of sheer jealousy. Lets not think of ourselves as predators unless you want to, think of it as giving the younger generation a little competition. Check out this article I found msnbc says and be proud to be called a "Cougar Woman"

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MY BLACK HOLE

My answer to the question of the month. It was hard to figure out what it was at first but a good question indeed. Many years ago I was home alone in the country, when 3 young men broke through my front door, quickly grabbed me and drugged me, they put me in the bedroom and began rummaging around my house. I was out of it for awhile, but still able to think. My husband had a gun in the house but it was in pieces, the barrel, the butt and the bullet were in different areas of the room. We did that because we had children in the house. I quietly put the gun together, not knowing if I was doing it correctly. The sounds of the 3 men were getting closer, perhaps they were coming for me now. They were now at the doorway with a gun pointed at me, I stood up quickly held my gun at them and told them that I would kill at least two of them before they could kill me, because I had a bigger gun and a clip with 23 bullets in it. There was real shock on their faces, because they knew I meant it, they turned around and ran.

I realized that I could have killed them, thats my Black Hole, it is a part of me that I never want to surface again. Its something inside of me that could take the life of another if provoked. I hope that no one ever has to experience that feeling. I was lucky indeed that no one lost their life that day, including me. By the way the gun was put together correctly, I went outside after they had gone and fired it, it worked perfectly. These men almost lost their lives for a $20 bill and a pearl necklace. Life has to be worth more than that. Do you know what you would do if that happened to you?

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JULY BIRTHDAYS

My Mom, which passed away, was born on July 3rd, she was a wonderful lady, whose whole life was made just for her family. I am the eldest of the children, I have two sisters June and Cheryl and a brother Charles. We always had mom when we needed her, she could always find a way to cheer us up when we needed it. She always found a way to break it to Dad gently when something went wrong. She was the keeper of the family, which was no easy task in our group. My Mom had a mischievous side, I really think her favorite holiday was April Fools Day, I can remember how much work she would do to prepare for this holiday, busy in the kitchen creating amazing things to surprise Dad. Dad was always the one she played jokes on. Some of my favorites are: The old Swiss cheese and ham sandwich, except the Swiss cheese was a sponge that mom spent a lot of time on slicing it thin enough to look convincing. Dad didn't realize the joke until later, because he said he felt really thirsty all day. The chocolate covered soap was another great one. There was a couple of sandwich's made with plastic look-a-like foods, (plastic Hersey bar) mom discontinued those after Dad almost broke a tooth. Mom taught us to be creative and independent, she is so missed. I still pick up the phone from time to time thinking I would like to talk to her, then remembering she is not here on earth, but in my heart. I like to remember her on her birthday, because she was such a gift to all of us.

My Mom, Lovingly called by all, May. Maybe she adopted that name because the month of May, is so full of flowers with butterflies that sip sweet nectar.
I know that my Daddy cherished her as his wife, and I know without a doubt how she rates #1 as a mom. As I grew and didn't need her care as much, she molded beautifully into my best friend. A person who would advise without sugar coating. I grew knowing the truth no matter how much it hurts. I could always trust her because she couldn't lie to me. My mom, always made me feel wonderful about myself and no matter how far I fell from my pedestal she was certain that I would make the climb back to the top. I have been known to do a crazy thing or two, my mom would never let me feel like I was odd . When I cried, she could always dry my tears with her magical wit and her love, always telling me that I will do the right thing.

Mom constantly told me that the most important thing that she ever wanted for me was happiness. I took her words as law and in turn I try to extend that wisdom to my children. As a grandmother, and great-grandmother, she never treated my children any different than her own, except maybe spoiling them just a little more. Always being the best friend a person could ever have. Never judging always loving.

I think about my Mom everyday, with every step I take and every breath I make. She was so much a part of my life. I don't know how I will go through the rest of my life without her laugh and her smile. I feel sometime like my sunrise has been taken away and now I will only live in darkness. If she heard me talking this way she would kick my butt. So, instead I think of her never fading smile and wit and wouldn't you know it, the sun begins to shine it doesn't matter what time, day or night. I only hope that my life can touch just half as many lives as my mom did.

Another July birthday is a very good friend of mine, who's name is Carol. This woman, what does she mean to me? First she is a community leader, someone who is involved in everything, I couldn't possible give you a list I would need an entire Blog to do it. She has been given awards and accommodations that I don't think she can even count. Her husband and son all do this together and never shy away from the truth or their beliefs. Her son Trae was a gift to her, he was born a day before her birthday.

I met her when I had become her employee. Many years have gone by since then, we have spent a morning together in her kitchen almost every week for over eight years. We became friends almost immediately. We could tell each other anything, and there isn't anything she wouldn't do for me. When my mom passed away, Carol was the first to send over food and goodies to keep me going, her warm words were never empty, they are always genuine and she has become a person that I can only hope to be. She never sees a battle she can't fight, she is strong and beautiful and I love her. I know that Carol is worshiped by so many people I am so proud to be one of her friends.

Another beautiful lady that has a birthday this month is Iva. I have not known Iva very long but the time we have spent together has been a learning experience. She has told me stories of the days during the war, how the beauty of the world around her never dulls. She spends everyday on a walk and keeps going by belonging to Senior groups, her family is close by and she cherishes the small things in life, especially Happy Hour. For Iva I wish the best 90th Birthday and many more.

I am a July baby, I don't know what most people think of me, what I do hope is to impact my children's lives as my Mom did mine. I love my children and grandchildren and hope that they will experience everything in life that they want. Happy Birthday to all the July babies and may your world be wonderful. Make sure you celebrate all week long (advantage of weekday birthday). I keep my world fresh and new I leave the country for my birthday as I have done for years, this way I never get older, because I'm not here, I can't possibly get older. It works for me, currently holding at 29. I am just a kid trapped in an old ladies body.

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JUNE'S QUESTION OF THE MONTH WINNER

All the replies to June's question of the month , What is the best thing you found digging through the trash?, were great, the winning reply was sent in by Doc. Congratulations and thanks for your participation. Read the winning reply and tell me what you think.


Once when I was about six, I found a sweater, wrapped in plastic as if it had never been opened, in a dumpster behind our house in Okinawa, Japan. My sister's birthday was coming up, so I decided to give it to her as a present. Of course, when I gave it to her, the question came from my mother, "where did you get this sweater?" You see, I wasn't old enough to drive and we lived on an Air Force Base miles away from the Base Exchange, so there wasn't a way for me to buy anything, even if I did have money, which I didn't. Being young and "innocent" I replied with the truth..."in the dumpster out back." The whole place erupted in laughter, but I don't think my sister found it so funny. When she opened it, I realized why the previous owner had thrown it away...the sleeves were not the same length and it was quite possibly the ugliest sweater I've ever seen.
Doc

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH

This question will make you think. What is your Black Hole?

Leave your response in the comments or check to see what others wrote.

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BROKEN BRIDGES

I watched Broken Bridges last night and I am not really a fan of country music, but it certainly got my attention and perhaps changed my opinion. The story was about five men who lost their lives in a military exercise and it took place in the small town they lived in. The main characters are well defined, and all have some demon that is haunting them from the past. Its a heart warming story, like the good old days. About community, death, love and living. I don't know how many times I cried during the movie, but if you are looking for a story that touches your heart and soul I highly recommend this movie. I don't want to give the ending away, so check it out and give me your opinion, bet I'm right.

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LOBSTERS EVERYWHERE

Yesterday we went out on the boat, my son and nephew. When we arrived at the marina it seemed a bit windy, but we were there anywhere. It was one of those times where our plan was to collect tropicals for our saltwater fish tanks, so diving and snorkeling were are main objectives. We head out the channel from Matheson Hammock Park, heading through the Stiltsville channel to the ocean we notice it is getting rougher and rougher. The last two channel markers are usually the telltale sign if it will be too rough, we began getting tossed around pretty good, so the decision was made to head back in. Turning back toward home, I said to the crew "why don't we try a place protected from the sea?", the guys didn't really want to go in, so we headed behind some of the barrier islands south of Stiltsville. Carefully navigating the shallow waters we stopped when we found some deep spots in the middle of the grass flats. Jason jumped in to scout out the location and he said that it would be a good location for tropical collecting. We got the hooka ready, the hooka is a floating air compressor, that allows us to go diving without all the equipment, it is a surface supplied air source, so that we can dive and air is given to us by demand. That is as long as the gas holds out. We can stay on a shallow dive more than 4 hours on a tank full of gas.
As we decended there was an amazing sight indeed, there were very few rocks and they were litterly stuffed with lobsters (florida crawfish) we watched them, so many of them they were fighting for holes to hide in, the lobsters were walking around everywhere, when one found a hole it pushed another out, they were just walking around everywhere. Lobster are currently out of season and taking them is prohibited, our main objective was tropicals and these lobsters made it difficult to do so. They would get in the way and they would come towards us to see what we were doing. We had to shoo them away like flies. We also ran across a green moray eel, and Jason kept putting his leg over the hole he was in, the eel would smell him, and luckly didn't bite. We found some angle fish and returned to the boat.
The current was making diving very difficult, we moved to a couple of different locations, our last location was near a little reef, just beautiful with lots of tropical fish, but the current was really was strong, so diving was impossible, we snorkeled and Jason found some giant starfish to show us. It ended up being a beautiful day. A bad day of boating is better than your best day at work!

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KIDS SAY THE DAMNEST THINGS

It was 7:10 AM on Thursday morning, damn it, something isn't right. I normally am out the door and on the way to dropping the kids off at school. You got it, I forgot to set the alarm. So off to getting ready. I start yelling out to the kids "it is time to get up," no answer. They are both sound asleep in my bed. We all fell asleep to Hannah Montana. Again, "it is time to get up." Jazzy starts to move, yes, some reaction and signs of life. JT, well, he just laid there, as if REM just started, out cold. I walk up next to him and start to rub his belly, "JT, time to get up." No answer, as if he had been drinking all night, 3 years old and hibernating. His arms cocked back behind his head, kind of the position you would find an old man enjoying the fruits of a good old fashion hammock. "JT, time to get up." He finally spits out the word "stupid," still half asleep. I start to rub his belly again. "Stupid." Wow he is an angry little man when he does not want to wake up. I move to other means and give him a zerbert. For those of you who are not familiar with the phrase, it is when you take a big breath of air and press your lips against a surface and let out the oh so famous fart sound. So I pull up his shirt and proceed. I then get the flying fist of furry right to the top of the nose. Checking to see if the little shit busted my nose, I smirk in aw and there is a little bit of laughter, yes, I am a bit amused by the whole situation. Once more, "JT, time to wake up." He replies, with eyes still shut, half ass asleep, "waking up is stupid." For those of you who do not know JT, he really is the sweetest little boy. More like that teddy bear you could never give up. He has this squeaky little voice, like a chipmunk on helium. His innocence is so nostalgic of your happiest childhood memories. Back to the story. Still nothing is working, just can't get this little booger up and going. The next step, bounce the bed. I feel this will annoy the hell out him and should do the trick. To my surprise, with a crumpled little expression, I get the shock of a life. My little angel, replies in reaction to the bouncing bed " you stupid fuck, I am sleeping" Wow, normally this would not fly in my household, but, today is just one of those days. I about bite my bottom lip off to keep from laughing. Jazzy has both hands over her mouth trying to hold back from laughing. Lets just say he finally got up and the day started. They say it only takes one emotion to set your day off, today, it was all good.

Written By Jason

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READ THE FINE PRINT

I had a conversation with a friend today, who had just received a certified letter in the mail. The letter stated that in 45 days they were going to throw him out of his house.
Oh I know you want me to explain this one. He lives in an area that has Association Fees, what does that mean? Well, its a community that requires an association to keep everything maintained and beautiful. So they say. What they actually do is go around looking for houses that perhaps their lawn has gotten to long, or it could use a paint job, or even have some rust on the house from the sprinklers, and guess what you pay for this service. If you don't comply with these ridiculous persnickety things they fine you.
Anyway back to the letter, it so happens that my friend, through an oversight of some kind did not pay his 400 dollar a year fee for Association Dues, they filed a lien on his house, without informing him, and now what they are going to do is throw him and his children out on the streets in 45 days if he does not pay this amount. Which because of attorney fees has escalated to over a thousand dollars. He didn't recall getting any notification about the dues and out of sight out of mind, sometimes a person forgets these things. I made some inquiries and I found out that you could indeed loose your home for $400. Imagine that a person puts their life saving and family love into a home and a company simply removes it from you. Who the hell passed the law to make this kind of thing legal? I can't imagine any of the people who live in this world would do such a thing.

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6 STATES 9 DAYS

Day 9

Well unfortunately, today is the day that we head home. Don't really want to but we have to go back to work at sometime. Money doesn't last forever! We started to depart from Stone Mountain at about noon. Now we have a long drive ahead of us. We have to go all the way from Georgia to Florida. As we were driving, the kids watched movies. At some point that evening my kids were going to be picked up by their dad. How can we arrange this? Well, my father lives in central Florida, so he can meet us there. We crossed the border at 4 pm. We only had about 3 more hours of drive time to get to dads.

We arrive at my dad's house at 7 pm, not bad not bad!!! Unknown to me, dad was going to have a little celebration for mine and JT's birthday. Mainly for JT, since he is the kid. During the trip I celebrated my birthday, so it really wasn't important. But of course, my daddy had to do something for me. We had cake and presents. The kids dad showed up at about 9 pm, and then they left. So now what, we have to drive to Miami. Ahhh!! Well that is going to be a 5 hour drive, at least. But it was cool. We arrived at home at 3:30 am on Monday morning. Jason was ready to clean out the RV, no way, too late, or early however you want to look at it.

I am sorry that I don't have any more pics to show, but this day was sort of uneventful, I didn't even take pics. I hope you all have enjoyed my trip, I know that I did. Maybe we will take another adventure soon!!!

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TEEN PREGNANCY

Teen pregnancy! It is on the rise, or are we just noticing it more. It certainly seems to me like its become some kind of fashion trend. The stars are doing it, well then it must be cool. Or what ever kids say these days. Well the thing about fashion is it changes every year or so, the problem with being pregnant is this fashion is going to last a life time. I really can't criticize because I too was pregnant very young. Then again, it was an accident, but in the 70's we were much more mature and we could go out get job and raise a family. What will these girls do, work at what wages, where are the baby daddy's? With today's economy there is no way to get a place to live on the salaries they can make at that age. Let me just mention that being pregnant can only be the least of their worries, how about the things you can get from unprotected sex. What if they get a fatal disease on top of being pregnant, then who takes care of this poor child, well guess what tax payers. The responsibility again goes to the over burdened public. Girls what are you thinking? You have to look past the initial thrill to see you are responsible for some little persons entire life. Think! Think! Keep your knees together and your brains working!

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6 STATES, 9 DAYS

Day 8

Today we started out early, we had to start making some distance. We were only one day away from this beautiful vacation ending, boo hoo!!! So we jumped in the RV and headed out. We drove about 2 hours south, still in Georgia. Jeff got a phone call from his dad during our drive, he was recommending that we stop again in Ga. at Stone Mountain. OK, sounds good, something else to see before the fun has to come to an end.

We arrived at Stone Mountain campground at around 3 pm. We were very surprised at the sites, very nice. We had to eat like usual, but we were going in to the little town for that, so some snacks for now. We walked down to the lake where we were going to catch a water taxi to head to the mountain.

We were told it was something amazing to see. We could have walked to the top but with 5 kids, no way jose!!! When we arrived across the lake we took a tram to the base of the mountain. It was a quick ride, but man, it was HOT out!!! You could tell we were getting close to home.

So once we were dropped off, we chose to take the aerial tramway to the top of the mountain, how cool. Jeff was interested in how much weight the tram could hold so I took these pics for him, he is soo technical sometimes, another reason I love him.

It was a site to see once we were standing on the top. We learned that the mountain was created, oh some millions of years ago, by hot magma cooling with the rest of the earth around it eroding to expose the granite rock. So, that is mother nature at her best.

We saw carvings in the rock dated back to the 1800's. You could also see in the rock where water pooled, when it rained, and then poured down the side of the mountain. There was a gate around the whole thing so visitors would not fall off, that would suck!! The kids really enjoyed it, but also got bored with it quite quickly. Kids!!!

Once we were back at the bottom, we decided that it was time to eat. We went into the first restaurant that we could see. It was also a fun experience. They sat us all at a square table. The servers were all dressed up in the traditional southern dress. It was great, hot, bad service, but still great. I only say this for one reason. As we were finishing our meal, the server came by and asked us if we were ready for our check, we replied "yes". Shortly after that Jason says " Is my sister shrinking", huh!! Well then we looked at the table, it was rising. It went all the way up which was to my head, it was as funny as can be. Jeff stopped and took a pic once it was part way up.

Once we were finished with dinner, we headed to the base of the mountain for the 25th Anniversary Light Show. We sat right in front so that we had a good view. The carving on the mountain was of the three generals that fought in the war. It was done with blow torches, not sure how long it took, but still amazing none the less. Also not sure of exactly who the generals were, not too good with history. I will have to ask Jeff about this one.

The kids played around as we waited for it to get dark. What a way to end the last night of our trip, with a light show! I do want to thank Jeff's dad for his recommendation. As it was getting dark, a train passed right in front of us, that was cool. Well now we are anxious, we can't wait anymore. It all started with fireworks, which was the only thing that I could capture.

Not sure how clear it is, but you can see the carving on the mountain through the fireworks, awesome. The light show lasted for about an hour. Once it was over, we had to head back to camp. We took the water taxi back, which took about an hour itself, just because everyone had to get back and it was the last taxi of the day.

Once back at camp, the kids tired again, hit the sheets. It has been a long and exciting vacation, lots to see and do. No wonder everyone was beat. Well, I guess that we will see you in the morning.

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6 STATES, 9 DAYS

Day 7

Today is a big day. We are headed to Helen, Ga., where we would float around all day. The town of Helen is a very small Swiss town. They have all kinds of little shops and eateries. We didn't want to spend any time doing that, so we signed up to go on the Chattahoochee River.

We took an old school bus ride up the river for our two hour tube ride. It was an easy float for the most part. There were some sections that got a little rapid, but not too much that a small child couldn't handle it. I tried to stay back a little to make sure that everyone was ok. This was hard because depending on which part of the river you were on, you could speed past someone else quickly. I eventually had to hold on to some rocks to get some distance. The water was cool, but it was such a hot day, nobody minded flipping their tube. The water was also shallow, so there was nothing really to worry about.

While on the river, Jeff spotted a rattlesnake. The girls also saw a snake, but they weren't sure what kind. There wasn't much wildlife or fish to be seen, so they were lucky.

After the tube ride, we were all hungry. We stopped in at a restaurant that had a great selection of food. Everyone ate good, ok, time to head back to the RV. Well, there were cries of pain, "I can't walk anymore", so Jeff and I fetched the RV so no one else would have to walk. Aren't we thoughtful!!!

We were now headed to Lake Hiawassee, which was recommended by some fellow Floridians that we had met on the river. Well not to be coarse, but it wasn't exactly what I was expecting. No place to swim, what, on a lake. Can't be....but sure enough, it was. So needless to say, the kids were not happy about that, which in turn made me unhappy also. During the whole trip I had tried to keep them happy, nobody wants a nasty kid on vacation, much less five of them.

The kids played for a while on the playground that over looked the lake, and of course, I had to find the positive side to this. So this is what I found!!!

Alright then, this is a reason to deem it a great place to stay. The sunset was awesome that night. The first night that we actually paid attention to it, horrible thought, but it was magnificent!!! Sunset only means one thing, that it is getting dark and time to hit the hay. Day 8 coming tomorrow and it is going to be fun!!!!

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TAEKWONDO BELT GRADUATION

We tested last week and tonight was the evening event, Belt Rank Graduation. If we failed we would be notified prior to our arrival. We knew we had passed our testing, no phone call. My daughter Monica and I were the only ones in the family who could attend. The evening is always a wonderful event for getting people together and having something to eat afterward. We always try to bring something besides sugary snacks and such. This time I brought my world famous Smoked Fish Dip. Seems a little strange in the middle of donuts, cupcakes, chips and cakes, not to mention all the sugary drinks. Anyway, by the end of the evening people were scraping the plate to get the last bits off of the lettuce garnish. If you would like the recipe email me www.captmary2@yahoo.com

Back to graduation, I received my Red Belt Decided and Monica and Jason received their Red Belt Recommended. We have worked really hard to get to this point, so close to getting our Black Belts, the rest is going to be even harder though. With my bum knees and arthritis I keep plugging, I thought it was a personal achievement to ignore all my pain and continue toward my goal. Well, it did not go unnoticed. Tonight special awards were given out. Some of the children received personal achievement awards, they worked extra hard and were noticed. Another award that was given out was for Black Belt Attitude. Our Instructor Jesse announces that these awards are generally never given to adults, but in this case for the loudest Ki hap in the school and for practicing even with bum knees the award is given to Captain Mary. I was nearly in tears.

Stephanie

The Black Belt Ceremony for those who made their goals was a beautiful experience, some of the kids so proud they were giving their speeches with tears in their eyes. I really can't take this, so I end up crying and one of the kids, Stephanie added my name to her speech thanking me, well that was it, tears rolled down my face, Courtney had me in tears too, her speech was heart felt and then she tells us she will be leaving the school. I have fallen in love with this group of people who I now call my family.

Courtney

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6 STATES, 9 DAYS

Day 6

Well, like I had said before, we were only about 5 minutes from the border of South Carolina. We decided that we would take it easy in the morning, no rush. We crossed the border at 12:15 pm. Since it was about lunch time, and the kids were getting sick of sandwiches, we headed in to town to get some pizza. We stopped at a little Italian restaurant, in South Carolina, hmmm, ok! Maybe they were on the witness protection program or something. Seemed odd. But it was a great little place nevertheless. Funny story there was after we were finished eating we proceed to pay. Wouldn't you know it...they don't take plastic. What, where are we, what year is it? Doesn't everyone take plastic? Guess not in these small towns, only checks and cash. So we had to leave Jason there while we went back to find an ATM machine, somewhere in this little town. Load the gang up, poor Jay, I'm sure he made good conversation. So finally back to pick him up, and then on the road again.

Our plans were to stay at the Devil's Fork State Park. It was beautiful. The campsites were nice and clean, and they each had their own sandbox for the kids. Awesome! At the bottom of the mountain range was a huge lake, this is where we spent our entire day. Some of the locals said that the lake was down 25', that is a lot of water. Lots of fish to catch too, but you needed a license and we were only there for a few hours. The kids swam, built sand castles, wrote in the sand and played monster trucks. Not much of an eventful day compared to the others so far, but just as fun. It started to get dark, so we packed up our beach supplies and headed back for showers and dinner. The kids were pooped that day, so right after dinner, they were out for the night! While the guys were cooking, I went for a walk in the dark. I wondered off to the beach area just to admire the starlit sky, it was soo amazing. There were no lights to block the view. When I returned, the guys went on their own walk, this time to look for bugs and stuff. Funny thing is that while they were flipping rocks, they found, more than one, black widow spider. Not so cool, thinking that the kids were playing with the same rocks on the beach just earlier. They came back with some cool pics though and now time to relax then hit the sheets. We have a pretty long day ahead of us!!!

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NOTHING TO DO DAY

It is monday morning and as usual I get myself together to head toward work. I pull my truck up to the job and begin getting my supplies together I hear a BANG!, what the heck! I go inside and my customers are sitting there in the dark, well I can't do my work without electricity. So I packed up my supplies and went home, look at that an extra day off. After this weekend I sure needed it. Traveling out of the country, cooking fish and having friends over, then picking up afterward, I was exhausted. When I got home from almost work I was greeted by my dogs and the kitties were at the back door looking in. This will be a great opportunity to clean the house. It does seem to be a joy once in a while, when I know it will stay clean. After the scrubbing and mopping and laundry I made a sigh of relief, sat down and took a NAP. It has been a long time since I have slept that good. A day with nothing to do. Everything happens for a reason, thanks for the power outage.

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