A Truck, The Circus, and a Goofy Grey Dog

Busy weekend again here at the doghouse. Alan brought his new UPS truck home so he could get all his stuff set up in it. It took up the entire driveway it's so big. Caleb got to see it before we headed to Waco to go to the circus. He was a bit wary of it, don't think he was prepared for just how big a truck is up close. The tires are taller than he is. He seems to think it's pretty cool though that Granpaddy drives a truck. Caleb is a huge fan of the movie Cars and Mack the truck is one of his favorites.

Saturday afternoon was spent in Waco. Caleb was very impatient to get to the circus so we arrived quite early. They had things going on before the show started that kept everyone entertained. Caleb really enjoyed the first half of the show, and laughed and clapped and was quite awestruck with some of the acts. The second half of the performance began with the White Tigers - which he had talked about all week. Don't think he was quite expecting them to be as large and ferocious. Frightened him a bit along with the fact that it was getting to be late and the day long and him not having had a nap we decided on a early exit. He slept all the way home.

Finally got a half decent picture of Schindler - still working on the other two. Darby seems to be sleeping alot more and Bonnie has trouble sitting still (unusual for a Jack Russell Terrier). I'll keep working on them.

South Carolina Vacation

We returned Friday afternoon from a short trip to South Carolina. Alan had a 4 day orientation for his new job with UPS freight. I tagged along hoping to get out and see the sights while he spent his days in the classroom.We took the new Fit and drove out leaving Gatesville on July 5, our 12th wedding aniversary. I accomplished my goal of doing several hikes! I saw a total of 5 waterfalls, only 2 required any length of a hike. Saw the City of Greenville, quite a lovely downtown. Made it to the Outlet mall in Gaffney for some retail therapy. nothing like a good bargain to lift ones mood! Alan and I also had two very good dinners out. If you are ever in Greenville I can recommend Handi on N.Main for excellent Indian, and Saskatoon on Haywood rd. for Game and fish. I really enjoyed the trip it was a much needed break. Alan had a successful orientation and will be starting on Monday with UPS in MacGregor - much closer to home. Here are a few pictures that I took. The photos just can't do the actual view justice.


One of many flowers blooming along the trail to Raven falls.

This is Raven Falls in Ceasar's Head State Park. It has a total drop of 400 ft. To see this waterfall I had a total round trip hike of 4 miles. That gets you to a lookout post several hundred yards from the falls. There is a second trail to the head of the falls but it's a 8 mile hike, don't think I could have made that one. Raven Falls is one the the highest waterfalls in the Southeastern US. The hike in was almost as scenic as the falls. I really enjoyed it.

This is Ceasars Head, elevation 3200+ ft. Luckily I didn't have to hike this, just a really fun drive up the mountain with several hairpin turns (love my Honda)! The view was just amazing.

Came across on this old covered bridge on Wednesday while driving to Ceasars Head state park. I'd taken a few turns off the beaten path and saw a signpost to it, made the turn and stopped for a few minutes.

Took this picture during a stop at Table Rock State Park. This is looking west towards the mountains. The tallest peaks are over 3000 ft.

This is Station Cove falls . I really enjoyed it as I was able to walk right up to the falls. It was about a 2 mile hike (round trip). Very relaxing to sit at the base and listen to the sound of the water trickling down.

This is Isaqueena Falls, This area of North Carolina is in a severe drought so the falls weren't gushing water. Was still a pretty sight.

Downtown Greenville, I just loved the tree lined streets.

Reedy Falls, Downtown Greenville.

Now we know what the Geico Gecko does on his day off.

Busy little geckos! Think he'll lose his job as the Geico spokes lizard if I take these public?

If it's Wednesday, It must be Caleb.

For the past 17 or so months on Wednesday mornings Caleb and I go to storytime at the library. You could count on one hand the days we have missed (2 or 3 times). He really enjoys it during the summer as they have additional activities and the summer reading program. They get a library buck for every 10 books read and they save them up to buy things, and for his age you can count the same book everytime it is read. Caleb has very quickly caught on to this and I sit and read the same books over and over. Last week was "Oh Cats" that was was a real page turner. This weeks is "The Firehouse". They have a special bonus this year for the first 5 books read the kids get a free ticket to Ringling Bros. Circus. Guess where Alan and I will be with Caleb on July 19? I'm looking forward to it. We will probably make a day of it in Waco with him.

Finally got the video of Caleb on his tractor. Hope it plays ok. The other pictures are ones that Caleb took. Looks like another budding photographer in the family.

Andre made it safely home from Prague last week and speaking of pictures she shot 18 rolls of film. Guess I'll need to set aside a day to look at them all. She looked terrific. 6 weeks away would do wonders for anyone. She saw most of Czech republic. She took the train to Vienna Austria. And of course met up with Matt her boyfriend in Paris. It was so expensive they went to Barcelona after a few days and hung out there. Sounds like she had a great time and had some good adventures and some mis-adventures - got lost in Prague on a few occasions and had Martina fairly worried. She was fairly wrecked after her long flight but glad to be home.

Country Boy

Well today was the Shivaree, Gatesville's answer to a summer fest, a pretty lame attempt though. Caleb enjoyed it. He was very impressed with the petting zoo. He is becoming quite the country boy. He loves to go fishing ( has caught quite a few catfish recently). And Carrie has had the opportunity to take him horseback riding a few times. Of course he has his own tractor - a blue pedal one that he parks beneath his tree house in our backyard. I hope to get some video soon of him riding it and post it here. Enjoy the pictures of him at the petting zoo.

More pictures of Caleb!

Carrie and I took Caleb to have pictures made this past Friday. I think he has a career modeling, he was such a poser. Don't think I can remember a 2 year old playing it up so well for the camera. I'm still trying to get some cute pictures of the dogs - wish they'd be as cooperative as Caleb. So enjoy the pictures!

Woof woof news.

It's been nearly 2 weeks since I've posted any news, just been quiet I guess. We did hear from the insurance company today. They sent an adjuster by to inspect the roof. Looks like we'll be getting a new one, we got hail damage on this one from the storm 2 weeks ago.. We won't know until Wednesday or so just how much they will cover. Timing was pretty good as this will really top off all the exterior work we did this spring. We weren't planning on a new roof for about 5 more years. It seems though that very few roofs survive their life span in this part of Texas before getting hail damage.
Everyone here is doing fine. Andre is still in Europe, should be back in Prague now after a week in Paris - which she just loved. I'm kind of afraid she may decide to stay there. Carrie and Caleb are doing well. Caleb had a nasty rash on his face but after a trip to the Dr. on Tuesday it is starting to clear up. Speaking of rashes Bonnie has had one for several weeks now and it just won't clear up. Darby's hearing has been bad. Have to tap him to get his attention. And well Schindler is well - Schindler, what more can I say. I've been trying to get some good pictures of the 3 of them lately but they haven't been very cooperative. Hope my luck will change soon.