We're Back in Texas!

Daisy and I got to Texas a little bit ago. We've been on I-20 heading west since mid-day yesterday. We spent last night in Meridian, MS, and today traveled thru' Vicksburg and almost to Longview, TX. On to Abilene tomorrow!

We weren't planning to get this far today, but my planned exploration of the areas north and south of Vicksburg--other Civil War sites--was prevented by the exceptionally high flood waters of the Mississippi River. We were able to tour the Vicksburg Battlefield itself and took some nice walks, and then headed out, driving a bit further than we had planned so tomorrow will be a shorter drive to Abilene.

I was able to get near the river just south of the town of Vicksburg--right by I-20 and some casinos. Some are open--the one I took pictures of is not as it is flooded. The water looks pretty scary, and I hope we all are praying for all the people affected by high water up and down the Mississippi (and other rivers).

So now we have a quiet late afternoon/evening (Daisy is napping in her crate) and on to see family (and their dogs) tomorrow!

Off to Kentucky

Daisy and I had a great visit in Wilmington, NC, last weekend. She and Chester ran and played all day every day. The humans had a blast going out on the boat to the beach for 7 hours Saturday and then a shorter ride to lunch Sunday. Good times with good friends.
We leave tomorrow for Kentucky to see cousins and join their annual Derby party Saturday. Pics to come!
Happy Mothers' Day weekend to all.

We Miss Cameron

My last blog was months ago, when I told everyone that Cam (Bonnie's dog of over 8 years) had cancer. Well, we put him to sleep Saturday at VSH (Veterinary Specialty Hospitals). Dr. Ruslander, who had cared for him so very well these last 7 months, came in to administer the drugs himself, which we appreciated. My cousin, D, was here and helped us out A LOT.

Now it's time to think about traveling again. Bonnie, Daisy (the World's Most Spoiled Dog), and I are going to see friends in Wilmington this weekend. We are looking forward to getting out of town, as we have spent the last few days recovering from Cam's death and starting to get our houses back in order after 7 months of intense dog care.

Daisy and I will go to my cousins in Kentucky te following weekend for their annual Derby party (I won last year--that is, the horse I randomly chose won) and then onto Annapolis to see friends and family for a couple of days.

Not long after that, Daisy and I will head to Texas, and go to Abilene FIRST this time, since we have missed seeing everyone there the past 2 falls when we have been in TX. Then we'll go on to Austin for Memorial Day weekend. Not sure when we are coming home...got lots of people and places to see.

I'll post a few blogs along the way, especially if we see anything new or very interesting that I've not talked about before. Hope everyone has a great May--we will...on the road again....

Cameron

Daisy and I were having fun in Austin, Texas, a couple of weeks ago, planning a trip to the coast and then up to Abilene to see more family. I was planning to post some great pictures from Oktoberfest (in Fredericksburg, TX) and the trip to Rockport. But Daisy and I had to come home.

Bonnie's dog, Cameron (the World's Second Most Spoiled Dog), has a tumor in his sinuses. It is inoperable, but he has now received 5 palliative radiation treatments, and they seem to have eased his pain. He's now on more meds than many humans, and Bonnie and I have to keep a log to just to keep up! We are hoping for a few months more with him; his quality of life will dictate how long we have him. Right not he is doind well. Daisy and I are staying with Bonnie and Cameron for a while to help out. I've posted a few pictures of the poor boy, with his head shaved and marked for radiation. he also has to wear an "E collar" much of the time to keep him from scratching his head and tearing the fragile skin. We go back to the specialty vet in a week to see how he is doing. More to come....

Never Forget

I'm in NH visiting my family, and as always it's wonderful to spend time with them. I rode with my sister in law and niece to R's first ballet lesson of the season. As we rode, I saw so many flags at half mast.
Today all across America people are remembering that awful day 9 years ago. Facebook is full of posts about the sacrifices made, lives and innocence lost, etc. As many have said, we must never forget but we also must NOT let the memory of that day drive us to hatred, uninformed biases agains certain people(s), and the like.
I hope that this year and in all years to come we can focus on how blessed we are to live in a country that is diverse in so many ways; a country stronger because of our differences; a country that was founded on religious tolerance. Let's not dishonor our flag or the many who have sacrificed for our freedom by engendering intolerance and hatred.

Knight Family Reunion 2010

Daisy loves playing with cuzzins.


Sunrise



More sunrise

The World's Most Spoiled Dog loves the farm in KY

Cows on the farm

Sunset

The 22d annual reunion is winding down. Daisy and I are the only guests left, and we're leaving in an hour or so. We had glorious weather--lows near 50 and highs in the 79s; slept with windows open so we could hear cows in the early morning and coyotes at night.

As always we had wonderful meals and a rousing game of dominoes--why does the hostess always win?

David's thinking about a lavendar farm (inside joke) but Daisy and I resue to work it. We've got too much traveling to do!

Off to New Hampshire next!

On the road again

Daisy (The World's Mst Spoiled Dog) and I are at it again. We spent 10 days in Annapolis w/ Cuz D (and Cameron and his mom and Belle [D's black lab]). Got to see some other cuzzins and friends and generally had a blast. The next 2 months are BUSY!
We leave Friday for our annual Knight Family Reunion in Winchester, KY-- can't wait to see friends and family there. Then the next weekend I fly to NH to see brother and his family. Less than 2 weeks after that, Daisy and I will set off for another big adventure in Mississippi, Texas, and who knows where else. Looking forward to seeing lots of family and friends, maybe a Civil War site or two, and just relaxing in South Austin w/ my favorite Unc and his dear wife and the rest of their families.
I'll post some pics along the way. Let's hope the weather stays good for all who travel this fall. NO HURRICANES!