Dream

May 22, Mon: Sweet Home in Alabama

2006-05-22T10:53:00.000-12:00

I returned to where I started. Last Tuesday I made the drive from St. Louis to Florence and crossed the Alabama state line for the first time since early February, a feeling of many emotions. Home is and has always been a desirable place and one of such comfort, love, and family. So it definitely was nice seeing Mom and Dad and sister Anna when arrived the familiar address of 1610 Lamar St. The stay with the Harbins in St. Louis was somewhat abbreviated, yet another good experience with more good folks. They used to live in Georgia, so it was sort of a warm-up for re-entry into the good ole south (not that the other places are not good, they are truly good and unique, vastly different and beautiful in ways that only the northeast coast or northwest or west coast or mountainous ranges or greatly plained can be...but the south somehow remains the good and ole south).

So 47 states have been visited, 3 remain: Louisiana, Alaska, and Hawaii. Louisiana hopefully in the next month, AK and HI at later dates. The journey was and has been and will continue to be worthwhile. Being away has made me more appreciative of so much, relationships being high on the list.

Oh yeah, and seeing Laura for the past three days hasn't been a bad thing either :) Looks like things are going to be quite alright and I am looking forward to more time together over the months to come. I'll leave it at that for now, as I am extremely happy to be back in a same-state relationship.

Life off the road will take some getting used to I'm sure...but i'm sure I'll make several visits in thought to the places I've that lay fresh on my heart and mind. And perhaps I'll be a tourist in my own state a while and look at it with the new perspective lenses I now wear. And in all things I have to acknowledge the Almightyand unfathomable God and give the glory to Him through my role model, the super Jesus Christ.

May 11, Thursday...Leaving Lincoln

2006-05-11T04:02:00.000-12:00

For the latest pictures click here.

And after this entry I will make my way to Kansas City, KS and enter state #46 of the journey. The time here with Mr.Steve and Mrs.Ann has really been another great experience. It's something else to think back in February when I rose for the early sunrise to take pictures, little did I know I was going to meet my host fam for Nebraska. And that is an added bonus to traveling, unexpected surprises are always around the corner...and for the most part, as in this case, they are pleasant ones. So the time in Nebraska expires and the time in Kansas awaits.

Oh, and a special greeting for the ladies at the Cookie Company of Lincoln for such a wonderful peanut butter chocolate chip cookie :)

I'm off to meet up with Tawnya in KC, best friend in college of Niki from Denver. The adventure rolls on. Only 3 states remain for the completion of the continental U.S. This time last year I was preparing for college graduation...and was still contemplating what to do about this Laura girl. Welp, fast forward a year later and much has taken place, much land has been covered, much "news" discovered. New places, new faces, new friends, new experiences, new stories. And such good news it has been. And the end of this journey will only began the start of another one, whatever it may be.

I'm thankful and grateful, and my appreciation goes out to everyone who has helped out or been involved in some way throughout the trip, whether in greeting or in reading, in thought or prayer, or any other way. It is always about someone else, and none of the past year could have been possible on my own. My advice is to live, and to live freely. To enjoy whatever it is however unenjoyable it could be. To see life from the positive and discard the negative. To be better today. To attempt new things, discover new perspectives, and to realize the importance of relationships and conversations.

So now I step down from my platform and conclude with the saying from the bathroom picture hanging on the wall, to be seen while brushing the teeth:

"We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing."

Yes, the importance of work is not be undermined...but neither is the importance of play. So play on my young friends, play on. The world is your playground!

May 6, Saturday: the Homestretch

2006-05-06T03:07:00.000-12:00

The journey has brought me to Iowa City, IA, state 44. I'm staying with the Ahrens family who I met through Marcus Ahrens, a student from the University of Iowa, who happened to be in Malibu on spring break while I was visiting my friend Hunter at Pepperdine. So after hanging out a bit, some information was exchanged and here I am a month and a half or so later.

As for where I'm going from here, Lincoln,NE. I'm staying with a couple, the Lloyds, whom I met at the Grand Canyon. It has been a refreshing experience to come across so many friendly and open-hearted people. I've been slacking in my blog entries but the notes are down, the people I've crossed paths with will not soon be forgotten. I am appreciative for the people, the conversations, the stories, the relationships, friendships, laughter, wisdom, stupidity, sincerity, genuineness, and goodness, and so much more that has proved worthwhile over the past year. It's hard to grasp the concept of the homestretch and to think the road will soon lead home, and back to the beginning of it all.

I do feel I've changed. In spirit and for the good, with knowledge and an experience like nothing else before. Not that I have become wise and learned so much, but that I've experienced and tasted and given it a go. Seen what there was to be seen, breathed a different breath of a day, partaken in an adventure, and enabled emotion and passion to surface. I remain the same in many ways, but there is a change that has inevitably occured due to life on the open road. I've strayed from the path of normalcy, yet found that God has already been wherever I go and is not at any time far away. And though the trip nears end, there is still plenty of hope to know the journey will continue. At least now, I understand more of the words that I've read on the pages of books that someone else lived. And instead of being confined to the pages of a paper, enclosed within the covers of the book, I've made my own pages. And though nobody else may fully understand or know or even read those pages...I'm satisfied, content in knowing, dreaming, living, and experiencing my own story, a journey that has reemphasized the importance of relationships, conversation, time in the heart of nature and everything that is pure, and the value of inner happiness and simplicity, and the cause for a greater good. Everyone has a story and everyone's story is worth listening to, cause everyone should have something to live for, purpose. And without purpose, life becomes a maze instead of an open road. I don't know too much about Walt Whitman, but I can now better relate to his words. The same for several of the proverbs. Many words are no longer just words. These are no longer just words:

from the Proverbs:

When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LOrd will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared. Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.

A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.

All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. What a man desires is unfailing love, better to be poor than a liar. The fear of the Lord leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.

A man's steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way?

All a man's ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart. To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.

And from Walt Whitman's conclusion to Song of the Open Road,

Allons! the road is before us!
It is safe—I have tried it—my own feet have tried it well.
Allons! be not detain’d!
Let the paper remain on the desk unwritten, and the book on the shelf unopen’d!
Let the tools remain in the workshop! let the money remain unearn’d!
Let the school stand! mind not the cry of the teacher!
Let the preacher preach in his pulpit! let the lawyer plead in the court, and the judge expound the law.

Mon enfant! I give you my hand!
I give you my love, more precious than money,
I give you myself, before preaching or law;
Will you give me yourself? will you come travel with me?
Shall we stick by each other as long as we live?

(Click here for the entirety of the poem, Song of the Open Road)

Saturday, April 29: Eagan, MN

2006-04-29T07:27:00.000-12:00

Currently in Minnesota, the 10,000 lakes state, and #42 of my journey. I am staying with Lennie Gage, brother to Niki Nowell (Denver contact), here in Eagan, MN, just outside the twin cities of St.Paul and Minneapolis.

I arrived Minnesota Thursday and ate supper with the Mays, friends who I met while I was in Searcy, AR at the world mission sorkshop(through Norm). It was nice seeing Mr.Dave, Charlene, Ricky, and meeting some more folks. The networking/crossing of paths continues to be an amazing thing to experience.

I've stayed with Lennie the past 2 nights. I was able to visit the ridiculously enormous Mall of America yesterday(9.5 million square feet, the size of 78 football fields!). I really enjoy conversations and it's been nice getting to know Lennie...and see/taste some of his talents(license plate ripping, deck of cards ripping, unbelievable steak and omelette cooking skills).

That's all for now from the North Star state.

April 27, Thur: Updated Picture Album

2006-04-27T02:52:00.000-12:00

more pictures, click here

Picture Update

2006-04-24T07:22:00.000-12:00

To view the latest pictures(Salt lake and Arches in Utah) click here

April 23, Sun: North Dakota Arrival

2006-04-23T13:45:00.000-12:00

I write from the library at Valley City State University in Valley City, ND. I am staying in the guest room in Robertson Hall on campus. The connection here, like South Dakota, is through Dr.Erdmann back at UNA. One of Dr.Erdmann's high school football teammate is now the head football coach, Coach McCulloch, at the university here in Valley City. And so I met up with him earlier in the evening and we talked a bit, then enjoyed some chinese food at a local restaurant. The university is NAIA and has about 1,100 students. The guest room is nice and a bit more spacious than the Alero...and it never hurts to have access to running water and a shower. North Dakota becomes the 41st state of the journey and only 7 more remain before the return to Alabama, projected homecoming date of May 20. It's hard to believe this is the homestretch and in a month I'll be back to the starting point of the craziness. I came across a quote today..."Spend the day, you can't take it with you"...and so another day has been spent.

I left Sioux Falls this afternoon and the drive to #41 took about 5 hours. The Alero received new oil today, 10,300 miles since February and still going strong. The stay with TC (Dr.Erdmann's nephew) in South Dakota was a good one. I got to meet a good many of his friends and hang out with folks my age. TC played football for the university in Sioux Falls and is now a personal trainer. A group came over Friday night for grilling out and hanging out. I was introduced to the game Bags (or bean bags)... a real creative name for a horseshoe-like game involving the tossing of bean bags onto a board with a hole in it about 25 feet away...3 points for a make and 1 for leaving it on the board...provided some quality entertainment and it goes to show that pretty much anything can be competitive, good times.

An odd job of furniture moving yesterday covered the oil change and gas expenses for today...and car insurance is a good thing, especially when it covers a towing expense, so that is good news.

I'll end with the words of Edgar Allan Poe and his poem that I crossed today while waiting in the South Dakotan Wal-Mart:

A Dream Within A Dream

Take this kiss upon the brow!
And, in parting from you now,
Thus much let me avow-
You are not wrong, who deem
That my days have been a dream;
Yet if hope has flown away
In a night, or in a day,
In a vision, or in none,
Is it therefore the less gone?
All that we see or seem
Is but a dream within a dream.

I stand amid the roar
Of a surf-tormented shore,
And I hold within my hand
Grains of the golden sand-
How few! yet how they creep
Through my fingers to the deep,
While I weep- while I weep!
O God! can I not grasp
Them with a tighter clasp?
O God! can I not save
One from the pitiless wave?
Is all that we see or seem
But a dream within a dream?

April 19, Wed : Snowed In and stalled in SD

2006-04-19T08:53:00.000-12:00

So the plan was to be in Sioux Falls this afternoon and meet up with TC, a contact through Dr.Erdmann with UNA... but things happen and plans change. So I woke from the Alero this morning from the parking lot of the Black Hills Lodge Best Western in Spearfish, SD because the snow conditions were too hazardous to drive any further... plus the fact I had to get towed from the snow-embankment off the road earlier... didn't help things.

Yesterday, I left Denver (after a great stay with the Nowells...Benny and Niki, Max, Zoe, and Pete-- and Adam was there Thur - Sun. night-- just a great time) at 5 a.m. to go to Benny's brother's place to put some metal shelves together to earn what later turned into tow money. So around 7:30 in the morning, I arrived Laramie, WY, wearing shorts as the snow began to flurry. After a quick change into my black all-purpose pants, I entered the green doored garage and played with cold metal shelves and nutted and bolted around for about three hours. Upon completion of a hopefully approved job(Rex, Benny's brother, was gone to work), I headed for the northeast corner of Wyoming to see Devils Tower, the nation's first national monument. The 5 hour drive wasn't that bad and then I entered the snowy roads and near-zero visibility. My visit to Devils Tower will be remembered as a visit where all I saw was a sign making note of Devils Tower's history... although all I saw was the sign with a backdrop of a blizzard of snow, I did learn some fun stuff about the monument(though I'll have to return at another time to actually see the thing). So Devils Tower, the name of course given by a non-native, as are many names in America...the Sioux referred to it as Mateo Teepee or Grizzly Bear Lodge... and legend has it that 7 little girls were trying to escape the pursuit of some approaching bears and came to the place, which was not yet a tower. But after the girls prayers were answered, the girls ascended to the sky and the bears left there claw marks along the tower, which now apparently look like columns...though I couldn't see because there was a blizzard and it felt as if I were drowning in a bubble bath...to finish the legend the girls reached the sky and were transformed into the constellation Pleiades. So all I have is words, no memory of a vivd sight, but I'm sure it's quite the site to see at 1280 feet.

So I slowly made my way along the snowy roads, in hopes to make it to Rapid City for the night. And since I couldn't really see the sign that indicated a steep grade ahead... I picked up momentum as I was headed east along Wyoming road 24 and started skating, sliding through the other lane, missing the metal-reflector-post-thingies, hitting the snow and making a unplanned 180 degree manuver and ended up facing west. The door barely opened and I stepped out into about 2 1/2 feet of snow with a thought something like, "Great. Look at what you've managed to do this time"..."didn't see that coming"..."probably not going to make it to Rapid City." But in all actuality, it could have been way worse. The end result was that I kind of just pulled off a pretty cool stunt manuver...no scratches, nothing harmful.

There weren't many cars out...since the best advice to driving in the weather I was in is to not drive at all. Anyway, as I was parked/stuck roadside I thought out my next moves. Since it was a little chilly, I heard 26 degrees earlier and 45 mph winds...I decided to put on layers. It was only fitting that a truck went by in the middle of my failed attempt to put on my long underpants, though he didn't stop cause nobody was in the front seat(and little did he know there was a boy in a wreck trying to put pants on)...so I finally got situated back in the frontseat, opened the door with my pants half-on and started waving to the truck going up the hill...brake lights were a sign of relief and he reversed back down to the scene of the stunt manuver. His name Bob and he had On-Star and so he dialed 9-1-1 for a tow. And that was my crossing paths with Bob, thanks for the help.

So I returned to the car, got my layers put on and waited for the tow...fearing and dreading the announcement of the total fee. Nonetheless Pat and Aaron came to save the day and winched the Alero up the hill. Stunt moves aren't that fun when they cost $110...so I decided to avoid any more stunts and try to reach safety.

As I was in the lowest gear and driving somewhere between 5-7 mph, I didn't think I'd ever get to a destination and decided just to stop in Spearfish, which on the map doesn't look far from Rapid City, "the worst storm of the year" in the words of Pat the Tow-man, made the drive seem like a bad dream. So I arrived here last night, the power went out, I made a couple of phone calls from a payphone cause my cell has no service...and slept like a warm baby in the back of the Alero. And that's an update to the journey, now in its 4oth state. And since I'm snowed in, I have time to write a little...so that's what I just did. The snow is supposed to break tonight, though the road conditions should still be hazardous. So looks like I'm in Spearfish for a couple of days...and that's fine with me. Life remains great and God is still the receiver of praise. It could be worse, it can always be worse. So I guess I'll find something to get in to...I just hope it's not another snowy ditch.

April 11, Tue: Salt Lake City, UT

2006-04-11T03:47:00.000-12:00

And Utah becomes the 38th state of the trip. While here I've taken the time to go on a couple of tours, the Temple Square and also the conference center. It's a beautiful place and I've enjoyed getting exposed to the Mormon faith firsthand. It is estimated that there are over 11 million Mormons in the world and 65% of Utah's population is Latter Day Saints. I met and talked with several young sisters(women are sisters, men are elders), serving their mission here in Salt Lake City. I also was able to sit down and talk with Elder and Sister Jones, a retired couple doing their mission here also. People from all over, united by a commonality, a faith.

There are so many questions pertaining to faith, as numerous as the sand on the shores. Faith can take on so much. It can overtake and empower or it can scare and devour. It can lead to comfort as well as uncomfort. It can pierce every other thought and penetrate to the soul. It causes blindness and allows for clearer vision. It compares, it contrasts. Paul refers to one body, and one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, ONE FAITH, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

So what is to be said for all the religions, all the beliefs, all the faiths, all the this and thats...I'm not the one to answer that question; there are still many things I'm trying to figure out and learn...but these words help: Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

I've also come across these words in my travels...If you are no different at the end of the journey(though no journey is ever complete) than at the beginning, then what was the purpose of the journey?...that's a good question, a very challenging thought. If a journey hasn't produced some kind of a change, then what is the purpose of a journey? And aren't we all on some kind of journey?And like the journey, the answer may never be complete, and like life, change is constant. And like the journey of life, constant transition blends all the questions and answers together...and the outcome...??? And each individual remains on a journey...and where the end is envisioned determines what is done in the time between.

I may have overused my brain cells...that's all for now.

April 4, 2006: Day 58 of the journey west

2006-04-04T13:18:00.000-12:00

The mountains here in Jackson,WY are covered in snow. Currently sitting at a public library computer. The Alero has slept comfortably the last few nights. Answers to many of the questions are being answered about contentment.

The route from Oregon led me to Seattle, where I stayed with John Norsworthy a couple of nights and then with the Talburts a couple more. The time in Washington also led me to a new home, that of the Jensens. While in Little Rock,AR and atop the peak of the hike of Pinnacle Mountain with Cooper, a lady was taking in the view as well. Long story short, her name Jeannine and a fellow traveller from the Seattle area, we exchanged info. She said to contact when in the Seattle area.

So a week ago today, I had just finished a day in the barn, pitch-forking hay and playing in sheep manure with Jeannine's mom, Carolyn, who offered me the job. I left the Talburt house(new fam from WA) and met up with Jeannine for conversation and breakfast and then followed her to the house for some work on the farm. The worktime with Carolyn was nice, good labor but plenty of time to make a new friend. It's a humbling experience to stay with folks who make me feel so welcomed, as the case has been along the venture.

From Washington to Lolo, MT, where I met the Proctor family(David and Charmaine, Matthew-going on 10, and Joseph-going on 9). Last Wednesday through Friday nights were there in Lolo, another kind family(connection thru my Aunt in California...Charmaine's mother works in the lobby of the school where Aunt Marcella subs).

The road from Lolo took me to Butte to watch the final four last Saturday evening, and about 7 inches of snow kept me there at the Best Western lot. Since, I've touched into Yellowstone NP and witnessed the roaming of numerous bison, pronghorns, and elk. The Montanan road to Yellowstone was wide open, as were the lands being grazed by the wildlife in Yellowstone. Winter prohibited me from seeing as much as I would have like to, and many of the roads being closed led to my exit after a soothing sundown.

From Yellowstone to the potato capital of the world in Blackfoot, ID, where I took the tour of the Potato expo and saw the Guiness World Record potato crisp...amongst other things. Learned how important the potato has been in history. After a fungus in the potato in Ireland in the 1800s, the famine led to several deaths as well as many emigrations. One of the persons who fled from the famine was a man whose name I do not know, but the great-grandfather to the man known as JFK. Potatoes can be very educational as well as full of carbohydrates.

And now I'm in Wyoming...and not exactly sure the plan for the next few days, but that's what will keep you wondering until next time.

Blessings in the Spirit of Christ...

My Picture Albums

2006-03-25T16:03:00.000-12:00

Click this whole sentence to view all my photographs.

More pics on the way...

March 23, Thur. : Currently at Crater Lake

2006-03-23T06:36:00.000-12:00

I am currently posting this entry from Crater Lake NP in the office of a friend I recently met. There is 14 feet of snow on the ground and the lake is absolutely beautiful. Just updating and informing that I am alive and well and will continue the post at a later time.

Golden State continued Album

2006-03-20T20:17:00.000-12:00

the Golden State album:

the road winds on...

March 20, 2006...just another day

2006-03-20T19:24:00.000-12:00

My aunt substitutes at the school where all three of my cousins go. And today she subbed for Mrs.Scott's 1st grade class. I was the assisstant sub, quite the experience. Anna, you are to be commended and I appreciate the career path you have chosen. I do love kids...but I'm not sure if I could handle a day like today everyday.

Aunt Marcella and I prepared the classroom for the kids arrival. Not long after, the early readers enter the classroom. I was introduced. A 7 year old voice asks,"How old are you?" "Guess," I responded. "10." "Not quite, a little higher." "38?" I knew I was in for a treat. So the early readers were split into two groups, Aunt Marcella took half, and I had the privilege of attempting to control four (seemingly and apparent) sweet young ladies: Olivia, Savannah, Mariah, and Nicole. As I was trying to get them to respond to the flash cards and after much unsuccess, the conversation went like this...

"Are you an elf?" "You have pointy ears like an elf."
And though I can't fully remember how I responded to that, the girls continued.
"You talk funny." "Are you from Texas?" "You talk like a cowboy."
I wasn't exactly sure what to say to that either and since I though it was all somewhat humorous, I took out my scratch journal and began to take notes of the whole thing. That only fueled the fire.
"Are you writing in a diary?" "I thought only girls keep diaries." "Your chin is like an elf's." "Your nose is pointy too."
I stated,"I thought elves were small."
So the girls, since they have an answer to everything(imagine that, and apparently at any age), continued,"You're like the elf in that movie Elf."
So I decided to show them a picture of Laura, thinking maybe that could switch the topic from elves.
"Ooooh." "You are married."
My response,"No, she's just my girlfriend."
To which the attacking bees begged to differ,"That's being married. You're married."
And just when I though the madness was going to end...
"You have wrinkles on your face." "Are you old?"
Gotta love kids...and yes I do. They tell it like it is. Oh me, what a start to the day. And yes, somehow, we managed to get through the flash cards.

The day continued and without a dull moment. During their reading time, I made up a story for them, it was fun. Mrs.Scott returned after lunch...and the subbing duties were fulfilled. I left with several hugs and a classroom of little buddies...and yes, as an elf.

I write from my aunt and uncle's house in Hayward,CA (at approximately 11:30 pm Pacific time) where I've stayed the past four nights. Tonight is another night before continued travel, and it has been very good seeing family. I guess it has been since Grandmama's funeral in 2001 since I'd last seen the Pinsons. So seeing the girls and how they've grown, Aunt Marcella and Uncle Earl, hanging out and laughing and being silly, ...it has all been very fun, and a good time.

Yesterday, I went with the Pinsons to San Francisco and enjoyed a pretty day there. Walked around and viewed the Golden Gate Bridge, drove the steep streets, wound down Lombard, then ate dinner at the Rainforest Cafe. The time here with the family has been so nice, I hate to go, but the trip must go on. Tomorrow, I make my way to the giant Redwoods and plan to camp there. From there to Oregon and Crater Lake, then on to Seattle.

Shepherd's perspective...John 10. Sheep's perspective...23rd Psalm.

Latest Pics(March 15)

2006-03-15T19:31:00.000-12:00

For pictures from Death Valley:

For the latest from California:

Day 38 I believe...March 15, Wed., last night in Santa Cruz

2006-03-15T18:54:00.000-12:00

Here it is yet another last night in another city. I can say I've experienced this feeling before...another good stay with another good family.

So there I was struggling to get the wet suit on and from across the street I hear, "you've got it on backwards!" Yeah, that's awesome, I'm just a rookie surfer looking like a fool, don't mind me. After I suctioned my way out of it and back into it the right way, it was time to surf. Dan, friend and instructor through Lauren, gave me some helpful tidbits.

So as I was spitting out the saltwater from my failed first attempt, my thoughts were: man, this water is frigid and...oh boy, what have I gotten myself into? But after a little boost from Dan on another attempt, the wave took me clinging to the board, and though I probably looked like a 5 year old on a balance beam, I was standing nonetheless...surfing, such a fun feeling.

And afterwards I was "stoked" and excited...even though I had no feeling in my toes.

I continue the trip tomorrow to San Francisco to see my aunt(dad's sister), uncle, and cousins, whom I haven't seen in several years. I am very excited to see the family. I think the drive from Santa Cruz is just over an hour, so I'll get a little more taste of California's route 1.

California has been a good stay thus far...the fun Joshua Trees and the national park, Death Valley and the not-what-I-expected desert. Then the stay with Hunter Stanfield(he graduated high school with my youngest sister Bethany). We are now cousins to many of the people there...even passed as brothers to some of his friends. Pepperdine has a gorgeous campus in Malibu, yeah, not a bad spot at all. I enjoyed meeting several students and hanging out with Hunter and his friends.

Random story: once upon a time there was this guy who decided to jump from an apartment walkway about 15 feet high and landed partly on his head and back...after a partial slip off the railing.

The drive up the Californian coast to Santa Cruz was amazing. One of the best, if not the best, drives I've ever driven. Winding roads, rocky cliffs, blue blue ocean...quite the scene.

Last night in Santa Cruz...on up the bay tomorrow, the journey continues. Thoughts and prayers lifted high.

I'll close with words from Ray, a man I met for the first time earlier tonight, a troll in his own words, without a home but plenty of heart, and a piercing look deep in the eye..."each individual has to live out his own spirit."

Links for new pictures and some trip statistics

2006-03-09T21:37:00.000-12:00

For pictures of Arizona and the Grand Canyon click before the first word "click"(it should be lit up in blue and underlined):

For pictures of Joshua Tree N.P/Vegas/Hoover Dam/Red Rock Canyon :

Some useless information:

The Alero crossed over 100,000 miles while in Vegas.
Since February 6 at start of western journey: around 3,800 miles
during the 34th mile of the trip(Feb.6): crossed state line into Mississippi

during the 123rd mile of trip(Feb.6): crossed state line into Tennessee
in 156th mile(Feb.6): crossed into Arkansas, license plate reading:The Natural State and a motto that translates: The people rule

in 549th mile(Feb.11): crossed into Oklahoma, license plate reading: Native America, motto that translates: Work conquers all

during 915th mile(Feb.17): crossed into Texas, It's Like a Whole Other Country, motto: Friendship

in the 1,812th mile(Feb.23): New Mexico, Land of Enchantment, motto: It grows as it goes

in the 2,284th mile(Feb.28): Arizona, The Grand Canyon State and a motto that translates: God enriches

and mile 3,220 (March 5): crossed into California and stayed the night in Joshua Tree National Park

mile 3,581 (March 6): Nevada, the 31st state of the journey, with a motto: All for our country

Tomorrow I depart for Death Valley National Park. From there to the L.A. area. I can say that in the last 10 months I've been as far southeast as Miami, up the coast to Maine in Bangor, Canada and Michigan's upper pennisula, as far west as Clifornia, and still have 19 states to go...but it's definitely a great experience, I'd recommend it to anyone. Oh and a sidenote about the financial situation...since leaving in February, somehow managed to break even...not bad for the first month. And God only to be praised.

March 9, Thursday: Red Rock Canyon

2006-03-09T20:27:00.000-12:00

Realizing I'm somewhat behind on the blog and not sure exactly where to start in attempt to catch things up...I'll write of the events of earlier today.

So, on my fourth day in Vegas, I decided to make a visit to the Red Rock Canyon, not far away at all. It was a perfect day to spend in a natural setting. I upgraded my National Park pass and got a cool hologram eagle sticker--so I can pretty much get into any National Park and the like until my pass expires in a year...so I'll be head-hunting national parks...but with places like Death Valley, the Redwoods, Yosemite, Rainier, Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and many more ahead--I can't wait to flash my pass card!

Pardon the sidetrack, back to today. Arrived the park, started the scenic route drive, parked at Calico Tanks, and hit the trail. I started walking on the gravel path, in which the sound reminded me of the crunching of Cap'n Crunch, but that is neither here nor there...although the Blue Man Group did do a rhythmic beat while chomping Cap'n Crunch at the show the other night. Again, an apology for the sidetrack.

So I hiked the trail for a while, stopped and read for a while(Romans and Plato's Republic). Hiked some more, found a nice spot for a quiet time and lunch...and these were my words penned on the page of my scratch journal:

March 9,2006 Red Rock Canyon noon:45

And so here I sit atop an overlook in the Red Rock Canyon, surrounded by a Limestone quarry and thoughts so separate from the hustle and bustle of fast-paced life. Here, my thoughts are:

*that sure is an excellent breeze
*oops, my ziplock bag just got carried away by that excellent breeze-- and that, the most of my concerns
*there's nothing like a peanut butter/jelly sandwich-with-cashews-and-peanuts lunch to accompany a hike on a glorious sun-skied day
*it is very peaceful, the sounds are refreshing...the wind, the birds...other voices in the distance, they too enjoying the day
*quite the contrast from the Vegas hotel/casino experience...here no money is needed or has value. just a soul and the senses, for here, there is not much man-made...and the senses lead and point in the direction of something Greater
*the breeze blows yet there remains little motion. the clouds hover, the water ripples, and still the rock stands firm
*worries are difficult to think of, and new natural files are loaded into the mind's memory...troubles are few, peaceful thoughts many (end entry)

And with that I moved on to another overlook, one where the city of Vegas could be seen in the distance. So far removed. Climbed to the highest point I could get to and again, just sat, observed.

It was a good day in nature...and in closing, some of the words from the books I read today. From Plato's Republic, from a conversation between Cephalus and Socrates, and Cephalus speaking about his calm and happy nature in old age(not due to the comfort of wealth) quotes these words of Pindar:

'Hope,' he says 'cherishes the soul of him who lives in justice and holiness and is the nurse of his age and the companion of his journey;-hope which is mightiest to sway the restless soul of man.'

And the apostle Paul's words from the letter to the Romans:

What does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited him as righteousness."...Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed...Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness." The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness- for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

March 8 update: Las Vegas,NV

2006-03-08T05:03:00.000-12:00

currently: Las Vegas,NV -- 31st state
family: Maria and Greg Gex
connection: Maria is Jackie's mom...Jackie is married to my first cousin Tim Spivey
while in vegas: visited the Bellagio, the Venetian, saw the Blue Man Group, attended a birthday party for one of Allie's friends(Allie is Maria and Greg's 7 year old daughter), got beat by a 7 year old in Go Fish...
plans for today: Hoover Dam

I have an unfinished draft saved about the Grand Canyon, Arizona, and the time with the Millers...I'll get that up before too long. From Arizona I drove to the Joshua Tree Natl Park in CA, I'll update that also. And the link to more pictures will be up soon also. For now, it's time to go to the Hoover Dam.

Day 28(Cinco de Marcho, Sunday) My thoughts, my random thoughts

2006-03-05T03:28:00.000-12:00

And the sun shines brightly again, yet another gorgeous Arizona day. These are my thoughts on this Sunday morning from Mesa,AZ.

I've played the role of a construction worker(actually destruction, tearing off roof of a shopping center building) for the past 3 days, 26 hours of work I believe, not too bad.

Tuesday, I left Albuquerque and made the drive on I-40 across New Mexico and half of Arizona, then made my way to the Grand Canyon. The drive was beautiful and very scenic, from rocky cliff-plateaus, to mountains, and forests.

I arrived Grand Canyon National Park as the sun was an hour from setting, purchased a Natl Park pass and entered in. It is going to be very hard to erase the memory of my first sighting of the canyon. Simply breath-taking. Simply unsimplistic. Praise be to the Creator of the Canyon, what a display of amazing beauty.

I took some pictures of the sun setting and viewed it from as many different angles as I could. I had decided to stay the night in the park, so after scouting out some places, I found a nice hide-away off a trail, on the cliff but in between some trees- so I wouldn't plummit to a probably not so fun fall...although Randy(one of my construction buddies, when speaking about holding on while we were on the boom lift) said,"it's not the fall that will hurt you, it's the landing." That was only one of the many.

Anyway, so back to the canyon, I've never seen as many stars as I did that night - stretched beyond belief, it made me feel so minute and the world seemed so big...and yet it was very comforting.

Day 22 (Feb.27, Mon.) Last night in Albuquerque

2006-02-27T17:52:00.000-12:00

The time in state #29 nears end. A recap of the time in Albuquerque. The family I've stayed with, the Claycombs(Mr.Grant and Mrs.Jackie), have a daughter,Becky, that lives in San Antonio and is friends with my brother(she was part of the S.A. group that met up with me in Boston). Anyway, she accompanied me on the ride from San Antonio to Albuquerque this past Thursday and surprised her folks. They were very surprised and thrilled to see their daughter, good times. It was also fun having Becky along for the 11 hour drive, even though the Roswell Dairy Queen no longer serves their supposedly infamous nerds-blizzard. We survived the long drive and still consider each other friends.

Friday, I joined the Claycombs and we went to Santa Fe and checked out the Miraculous stairs at the Loretto Chapel. After a green-chile bacon cheeseburger at the Ore House, we made the drive to Los Alamos(production site of the atomic bomb) and explored the lifestyle of the Pueblos in Bandelier National Monument. I think it would be fun to live a day of a Pueblo.

Saturday, rode the world's largest aerial tram with Becky to the top of the Sandia Mountains. Also went to Old Town Albuquerque and looked around, listened to a guy play some kind of wooded wind instrument, and tried on goofy sombreros.

The time here has been another good stay, and tomorrow I'll continue westward to Arizona and the Grand Canyon. Meeting Mr.Grant and Mrs.Jackie, hanging out with Becky, meeting their son Bill and his wife Heather, being part of their intense Wahoo games(a board game involving marbles, kind of like Sorry), good times in New Mexico. The Natural History and Atomic museums, the New Mexican food, the unbelievable weather(average temp 65, clear blue skies- rumor has it the sun shines 360 days a year), the Cheri Keaggy concert--I just mention but don't go in detail for it is bedtime.

Psalm 23

Pictures of the Trip

2006-02-26T10:36:00.000-12:00

These links will allow you to see some of my pictures from the trip:

http://una.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2005270&l=b02ca&id=183402871

http://una.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2005271&l=db9fb&id=183402871

http://una.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2005168&l=a2c49&id=183402871

http://una.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2005237&l=20dd5&id=183402871

http://una.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2005173&l=988d7&id=183402871

http://una.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2005174&l=3987f&id=183402871

San Antonio, TX : Feb.20 - Adam's birthday

2006-02-19T18:40:00.000-12:00

Adam is now 26 years old, Happy Birthday bro! There isn't anyone else(other than my dad) that I respect more or admire than my brother. He is and has always been such a great role model, a man chasing the heart of God, an encourager, leader, influence, and smart person. It has been so good hanging out with him the past couple of days, and I'm glad I get to be with him on his birthday.

I arrived here in San Antonio Friday afternoon after a drive down from Fort Worth. I stayed with my good friend Josiah Thursday night and it was a good time, never a dull moment. This may not be funny in writing, but it sure was as it happened. So we were driving on the way to grab a bite to eat at a Mexican restaraunt and we passed a building/store that had a sign out front that read "RESHEST MILK"...and we were sort of puzzled, I hadn't ever heard of reshest milk, Josiah hadn't either. We wondered what in the world reshest milk could be and what it would taste like...and in the middle of our baffling we passed another building with a similar sign, except this one read "FRESHEST MILK"...and we let out some uncontrollable laughter, actually not much sound came out, but we were trying. Funny what the absence of one letter can do. And thus the phrase RESHEST was born, and we used it frequently throughout the evening.

I stayed the night in Plano Wednesday night with my new family and friends, the Gambles. I guess the time with Billy and Mary Nell was just over 24 hours, but it was a lot of fun. It's amazing how nice folks can be to someone they've never met before. Once again, people making the trip worth the while. The time with Billy, as we rode around Plano and Dallas, taking in the sites and talking about everything, was really nice. I enjoy listening to wiser minds than my own and I remember asking Mr.Billy about entering the business world and what his advice would be, he responded with the following: surround yourself with good people, be honest and ethical, and work hard.

My last night in Oklahoma(Tue. Feb. 14) involved another Okie ho-down and more senior citizen dancing, more two-steppin and more fun times, laughs, and quality conversation. I spoke a pretty good bit with Mr.Leon about all kinds of stuff, from real estate to travel, lifestyle to old army days. I liked the business card he gave me, it read: Leon Rogers. Retired. When I have the urge to exercise, I lie down until it passes over. No Phone. No Address. No Ulcer. No Business. No Worries. No Money. No Prospects.

Meeting Butch and PK, spending time with them (Feb.13-14) was a treat. Much has taken place since I got on the road 2 weeks ago. From Florence to Little Rock to Norman through the Dallas area, Plano and Fort Worth, and now currently in San Antonio. Not quite ready for bed, listening to some music as I type from Adam's computer...and I can hear him snoring through the headphones. And it his birthday, 26 years fresh. We went to Barnes and Noble the other day, and this is a fair microcosm of us as brothers. There we sat in chairs next to each other, sipping our hot drinks - his a coffee, mine a sweet hot chocolate with hazlenut and caramel. We each had books. He was on page 153 of a book he had just started reading a couple hours earlier. And I was looking at a book about ambigrams - that is where the word written out is read the same way when you look at it upside down. Adam is taking in the knowledge, bettering his mind, and gaining information...and I'm fascinated at these words while constantly flipping the book to make sure the words are truly ambigrammable. I've always been amazed at his mind, an incredibly beautiful mind. And though he can read 153 pages in the same amount of time I can look through a book with about 15.3 words, we still manage to relate. And I'm thankful he is my bro, my best friend, my role model. And it's the stories we share, the time we spend together that I cherish. He pooped his pants in the second grade one time while we were waiting on the bus...and it's knowing that he will sometime read this and hopefully laugh in his laugh that I love to hear - that makes me not care about sharing something like that. Let's face it, no matter how old you get, you can never out-grow a good ole pooped the pants story. Happy Birthday bro.

A journal entry from Day 8 (Feb. 13, Mon.) Shall We Dance?

2006-02-14T23:28:00.000-12:00

I pulled into Lloyd(Butch) and PK's driveway at 2:52pm this afternoon, after a few miscues from reading my directions. They welcomed me in, introduced me to Annie their dog, and we sat around and chatted. We filled in some gaps and informed each other- the typical first meeting stuff. Talked about the Don and Annie Lou Grimes, our mutual friends in New Jersey. Not long after we took off to Wynnewood(pronounced Winnie-wood) to listen to Butch(drummer) and his band play their Monday night routine. Ate at a good ole diner- Patty Jo's, the name is a combination of the two women that run the place, Patty and Mary Jo. The cheeseburger was a real cheeseburger- the kind that can't be good for you but is oh so good that you don't really care. Patty and Mary Jo were extremely nice and the restaraunt had the good small-town vibe along with a lot of Elvis memorabillia. The conversation with Butch and PK made me realize I was in good company, a continued blessed crossing with good folks.

Then began what I couldn't have ever seen coming. Butch's band plays old fashioned country western music at the Wynnewood Senior Citizen Community Center every Monday evening and tonight was a Valentines Special. Before the band started playing, Butch introduced his "beautiful wife and valentine of 42 years" to the crowd. I was the youngest in attendance by far, to say the least, yet I had a blast. I couldn't sit through a song without a lovely lady coming up and asking for a dance(I probably danced with 800 years worth of senior citizen). Ms. Bobby McGee was my first dancing partner, she helped me with the two-step- the dance that saved and got me through the night. Those ladies made me feel like a king. I liked the waterfall, where the men got on one side and the ladies on the other, then in pairs danced through to the end of the line repeatedly during the song.

I was able to meet several energetic elderlies and I think I had just as much fun as they did. Then I was sandwiched between Vina and Joy, scootin around doing something called the Butterfly, which I must add was a favorite, fun stuff. Bobby also was my waltz partner and she helped me three-step along, that's another fun one. Then there was Mary. Mary admitted that she was more of the dirty dancing type and I knew I was in trouble and in for a treat. She used the word "frisky" to describe the way she liked to dance...I'm glad she settled for the two-step. Only in Oklahoma.

Sitting and talking, meeting and dancing with the women was an enjoyable experience. The band was great and the night was so much fun. The seniors got their exercise, I learned a couple of new steps - though the line dance gives me fits. And Butch and PK- great people, I'm lucky again.

Day 8 (Feb.13, Mon.) Norman, OK

2006-02-13T06:48:00.000-12:00

Just got back from touring Oklahoma's campus, stopped in Memorial Stadium/Owen Field, checked out the spacious rec center, very nice.

I arrived here in Norman Saturday morning around 11:30 at Cartridge World, the store Coach Kelley Newton(the assisstant coach my last 2 years at UNA) now runs. He played ball at OU and moved back to Norman last summer. He and Kelly have a tiny cute 2 1/2 week year old girl, Kyla.

Coach hooked me up with a ticket and I was able to see the #20 ranked Oklahoma men basketball team put a hurting on Baylor(80-52). Last night I played ball on that same floor of the Lloyd Noble Center with Newton and some other guys.

I went to Moore Central Church of Christ yesterday morning. I sat next to a lady in class, Diane, and she invited me to sit with her and her husband, Bob, during worship. Such nice and kind people. They invited me to lunch at Applebee's and it was a good meal with new friends, they have a high level of my respect and appreciation. Bob serves as an elder for the church and is also a CPA. I like their story: Diane was engaged to get married, Bob was to be the best man in the wedding. Diane's fiance was to be gone for a while and he left Bob in charge to look after her. So he did, they were buds, nothing more. But after the engagement fell through, Bob jokingly says it was because of him, Bob and Diane later started dating. And I forget how many years they've been together now, but Diane still claims she got the best man. It's chance meetings with people like Bob and Diane that make a trip like this worth it.

I am meeting PK and Lloyd English today, friends of Don Grimes(now good friend I met through Dyers in NJ). I am staying with the Englishes tonight and tomorrow night, they also live here in Norman.

I spoke with Billy Gamble(Dallas,TX) yesterday, the plan is to stay with he and his wife, Mary Nell Wednesday night. They are friends of Ms.Judy of Florence.

I officiated some more basketball yesterday, 3 junior high games. The first two were well played and went smoothly. The last one made me wonder if some parents/fans have nothing better to do on Sunday afternoon. The ref I was calling with t'd up one of the coaches, pretty funny stuff. After the game an older gentleman asked if I needed to use his glasses next time. Actually I wear contacts and am just in town for a couple of days because I'm travelling the country, but thanks anyway, have a great day!

I also talked with Josiah Smelser, one of my good buddies living in the Dallas area. I amgoing to meet up with him sometime Thursday and crash at his place that night. It's always good seeing Josi and I know there will be plenty of laughs.

Friday or Saturday I'll meet up with my bro Adam and stay in San Antonio for a short while. I'm looking forward to seeing him and his friends and hanging out.

Currently in the 27th state of the journey, things continue to go well. All praise and glory to the Almighty God through Jesus Christ and the Spirit. Blessings to all.

Day 5 (Feb.10, Fri.) Snowing in Little Rock

2006-02-10T08:54:00.000-12:00

Yes, currently it is snowing in Little Rock - first time in a while since I've been in snow. The stay here has really been a good one.

I met up with Bo Wednesday night, met his wife Sheri and their awesome near 2 year old, Hayden. I enjoyed the chatting and catching-up with Bo(now 23 yrs. old), my childhood, neighborhood, and ball-playing buddy. It's cool seeing him at this stage in his life, transitioned from the days of playing putt-putt on closed courses, exploring the area surrounding our neighborhood, pulling empty milk jugs(connected by fishing line) into cars, and all that fun stuff. And now, happily married and with a little one. The time with them has been fun and Hayden has provided plenty of entertainment.

Bo works as a helicopter mechanic at the Arkansas Children's Hospital, a very good job for a bottle-pulling, kudzu jumping kid that my mind recalls. The first night I was at his apartment, we were sitting around talking and he received a phone call. One of his pilots reported a "funny" smell in one of the choppers, so we drove to the hospital to check it out. A blower motor needed replacing and I was fortunate enough to be able to experience the ride to the hanger. First time in a helicopter, and kid-happily enjoyed it. We flew over the capitol and the night lights of Little Rock look very nice from an aerial perspective.

Yesterday(Feb.9) was another interesting day. Back to the Presidential Library for some photos, then to the public library for some research about the book idea, and then to an antique shop to put the plan into action. I was redirected to a place around the corner and ended up talking and making friends with some ladies at Galaxy, a office furniture store. Suzie was the first lady I spoke with, then she introduced me to Jeri, the owner of the inside Argenta Coffee Co., and also Rhoda, a realtor from New Orleans. So I enjoyed some good conversation with them, along with a white chocolate latte, and we talked about the trip, people in general, work, the book idea, Little Rock, and it was a very serendipitous afternoon. The plan for the book may be somewhat delayed, but fresh ideas about raising money for a charity were formed, good things. Nice folks and a swell crossing of paths.

Back to current situation, still snowing, moreso than the weather channel predicted. The plan is still to make the trip to Oklahoma in the morning, but it may depend on the weather conditions.

Steven Hovater(Florence and Mars Hill native, now in Little Rock) mentioned something to me the other day about possibly speaking to some kids at a school about the trip. So earlier today, the teacher was kind enough to allow a guest speaker and I spoke to the fifth grade class at Central Arkansas Christian. They are doing state reports and it was fun being able to talk with them and answer some interesting questions. Several kids also recommended some places to visit along the way. Gotta love the minds of fifth graders, there were some dreamers in the classroom.

Lesson of the day: There is a lesson to be learned every day.

A Book Idea...starting today (Feb.9, 2006)

2006-02-09T06:30:00.000-12:00

While making the drive to Little Rock, from Florence,AL, I had a brainstorm book idea. The theme of the book is going to be tracking the process of the $1 bill that I am going to take and somehow turn into $1 million, then hand it over to a charity. Sound crazy? Yes. But that is going to be my new goal as I travel these next 25 states. I am working on putting together some letters and proposals to send to some bigger name people, but in the meantime, I have decided to go ahead and start the project.

February 9, 2006 : I make my way into the streets of Little Rock to find a place to spend the original dollar.

Day 1 WEST (Feb.6, Mon) An entry taken straight from my travel journal

2006-02-07T20:32:00.000-12:00

2-6-06 Day 1 of West Trip. Leaving Florence, AL 12:25 pm
96,305 miles on the Alero(18,828 since June)
I'm sitting in the car outside my house addressed 1610 Lamar St. The rain lightly drizzles and I pen this first entry in this journal, titled "Vagabond - a traveler's journal" given to me by Laura, the love of my life. Big Daddy O is playing in the background and these are the lyrics to the song that soothes my traveling spirit:

There are images around us, everything we see
Some are real and some are fantasy.
To the one who sees the vision, to the child who lives his dream
Now you're the one to decide what you're gonna be

(Chorus:)
So give it your best and don't worry about what some may say
Follow your dream, it's really all that you can do
Give it your best and remember that life is what you choose
Go on and follow your dreams and do what you love to do

Now there are places you remember and times you may recall
And faces that refresh your memory
And the thoughts that you will picture
It will help you come to see
Now you're the One to decide what you're gonna be
(Chorus)

(back to journaling)
And as I am packed and ready, I leave my hometown of Florence and the plan is not to return until June. There is a proverb that reads: "In his heart a man plans his course but the Lord determines his steps." And another one:"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." And lastly:"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." And with that, the journey west begins...

(late night) 12:40 a.m. 2-7-06 Little Rock @ Coopers
I'm about to go to bed, turning in on what has been a great day. I arrived at the Coopers place around 5:30pm after 5 hours of being in the car and a distance of 299 miles. Michael Cooper met me in his driveway and then inside I met his wife Mindy, they have been married 3 years, good people, and they really have a nice place. The grilled deer meat was excellent and I enjoyed the conversations with the group of close friends. Shannon(Michael's brother), Steven Hovater(also a MHBS grad), Jarod/Shelby(2 kids, Hunter,?), Lane, Ben/Julie(Casen) they all made for good company. Good food, some laughs, ping-pong(got my tail whipped- Michael protected his fort), and later quality conversation with Michael. And that's how day 1 of the venture west concluded. Sidenotes: Coach Newton left me a voicemail this morning - he said I had a place to stay in Norman, OK. Also, Ms.Judy left a message saying she has a place for me in Dallas. Talked with Adam(bro), possibility that he and some friends may be in L.A. in March - so may be meeting up with him in Cali, that would be awesome; he also said he has a possible contact for Oregon.
Had some good brainstorming time while driving- may have a book idea that could be a winner. Another idea could possibly fund the western trip...only time will tell. Used my micro cassette recorder that I recieved as a Christmas gift- I can already tell it's going to be a useful tool. I lay my head on another bed, in another house, in yet another state. The adventure, the fun, the excitement, the thankfulness, humility, and appreciation continues. Pen down 1:01 am.

Day 2 (Feb.7, Tue.) A Full Day in Little Rock

2006-02-07T18:27:00.000-12:00

9 a.m. : went with Michael to the Dorcas House, a place that houses women who have been abused or mistreated, and help them recover and/or offer support. Michael works with the youth of the church he is part of in Little Rock. We sang some songs, talked a bit, and looked at the story of the widow that put in her coins(end of Mark 12). It was very interesting listening to a couple of the women speak and the conversation that took place. The helplessness. The emptiness. The way I really couldn't even begin to relate. The look on this lady's face. And yet to think, there is still hope, there is always hope...it just takes "something"...and I wish I knew what that "something" is.

After the Dorcas House: Michael and I made our way over to the Clinton Presidential Library, a very impressive structure and set-up. I'm not here to talk politics, just relaying my thoughts upon my visit of the library. I saw things from a different perspective, a different viewpoint. I don't think I would make a good politician, I'll just leave it at that.

The exhibits were educational and I enjoyed the replicas of both the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room that were on display. I took some notes of things that stood out to me on the timeline...words of the president, from three different State of the Union Addresses:

1995..."All Americans have not just a right but a solemn responsibility to rise as far as their God-given talents and determination take them, and to give back to their communities and their country in return."

1996..."Each of us must hold high the torch of citizenship in our lives. None of us finish the race alone, we can only achieve our destiny together. One hand, one generation, one American connecting to another."

1997..."America is far more than a place, it is an idea. The most powerful idea in the history of nations. We are now the bearers of that idea leading a great people into a new world."

From the library, we hungered our way into Flying Fish for some catfish filets and fries. Good food, but then again, I seem to say that about pretty much anything edible- seriously, good catfish. Oh yeah, Shannon(Michael's younger bro) joined us for lunch. There was an exchange of several humorous stories, involving things like friends falling out of trees and off bridges, near paralysis and the like. Stopped by the River Market and the Community Bakery for some tasty peanut butter cookies.

Michael is a disc-golfer/frisbee golfer. I am not. It was my first ever round and unless 22 over is average for first-timers, I probably didn't fair too well. Michael had a nice round of 3 over par, we played the tree infested red course. A gorgeous day accompanied our round of disc golf I must add, simply splendid. Completely opposite of my control of those unidentified flying objects. I think I hit 47 trees during the 18 holes. It was a blast though, I'm ready for round 2.

Back to the house for a short break, then changed clothes for the run/hike up Pinnacle Mountain. It didn't really go as planned. The plan was to go semi-fast to the peak. So we started running...Not long after we slowed the pace to a walk(I was just hoping Michael wasn't as good as scaling mountains as he was at ping-pong). He then mentioned something about the possibility of throwing up. Life as a catfish must be tough: Get hooked, abducted from the water, later fried then eaten, and then a possibility of even being thrown up -- that can't be fun. Anyway, pardon the sidestory, and needless to say I don't think anything ever came up, maybe the peanut butter cookie, but I don't think it was much. (I'm sure you'll appreciate that last little bit Michael, sorry - I have to attempt to entertain the reader somehow). We made it to the top, an oh so very nice view...again, the weather desirably nice. There was a lady already there taking pictures of the panorama; we talked to her and became friends with her. Jeannine, a fellow cross-country traveller, it was neat crossing paths with a common spirit. I would guess mid-30s for her age, home being Seattle, nice people. She told me to look her up when I made it up that way...cool, that's life on the vagabond trail. There is a common good out there, isn't there?

From the trail it was to the basketball court for a middle school ball game. The officiating was terrible though, these guys didn't seem to have a clue. It was like they pulled one guy from a crazy cross-country trip and plugged him in with another guy crazy enough to house a lunatic. Ok, maybe those last two sententes were a waste...let me start over, Michael and I officiated an 8th grade game. Luckily it was a blowout and there weren't too many calls to be made in the clutch. We even were given some compliments after the game, although now that I think about it, I think they were from the parents of the winning team. And I was rewarded 20 $1 bills for the effort, that's 20 double-cheeseburgers with no pickles from McDonalds, not bad for an hour.

Back to the house, a shower, and then to Shannon's. I teamed up with the Cooper brothers and we went to Juanita's, to hear the Salty Dogs(a college friend of Michael's is the lead singer, he also plays guitar). Some good ole country was blarin', and what happened later in the evening, you gotta be kiddin, I didn't even see it coming- how do you prepare for a 30-something year old woman coming up to you and asking for a dance? Little background: So there the three of us were, sitting around the table just soaking in the good,loud music...getting a kick out of the dance-alongers. Then about 13 or so songs into the show, the band decides to play a slow one, a song by whoever did "When a Man Loves a Woman"...and that's when I felt a hand on my shoulder and a voice muttering,"come dance with me"...I'll admit I was scared. Next thing I know I'm slow dancing (with a '97 graduate of UT-Austin named Cara who now teaches special ed in Little Rock) and talking about special education and cross-country travels and what is there to do in Little Roock? and yes I threw in the fact that I just graduated not long ago - that was kinda funny...and I didn't think the song was ever going to end. Anyway I'll just say she looked nothing like Laura - but I felt if I would have said no to her proposal, I feared my trip may have come to an abrupt end. Not that she was a beast or anything at all like that, it's just that it's not everyday that I dance with total strangers in a bar-like environment, oh the bliss of awkward moments.

So that was that. I did get to share my adventure with Laura later in the evening, she didn't hang up on me, so I think we're still good. So with all that, day 2 was a full day to say the least.

Sunday Feb. 5th, 2006 - Day before Western departue

2006-02-05T07:49:00.000-12:00

Tomorrow is the day. I've been stalled long enough and tomorrow I'll get back on the open road. First stop: Little Rock, AR (staying with Michael Cooper, a friend and graduate of Mars Hill, I was in middle school when he graduated). I am looking forward to the couple days with the Coopers. From there, I am going to spend a couple days with an old friend from my childhood days, Bo Wood. He is also living in Little Rock, is now married and they have a child - also looking forward to seeing them. My suitcase is almost packed -- I don't think I'll be taking quite as much "stuff" as I head west. The car will not be as packed and crowded with things that will more than likely go unused.

The planned route:

Feb. 6-10 : Arkansas (Little Rock)
11-14: Oklahoma (Norman)
15-23: Texas (Dallas, San Antonio)
24-28: New Mexico (Albuquerque)

March. 1-5: Arizona ?
6-10: Nevada (Las Vegas)
? 11-21: California (Los Angeles, somewhere central, San Francisco)
? 22-26: Oregon ?
? 27-31: Washington ?

So tomorrow the adventure continues. I'm hoping to do a weekly update of the blog, maybe more, but hopefully at least weekly. There are many people, places, experiences, and stories awaiting my arrival. I hope you'll follow the journey and maybe it will be something that will be worthwhile. My thoughts and prayer with you, until next time.

January 20...first entry of 2006

2006-01-20T07:23:00.000-12:00

Wow, it has been a while. But things are going great and I'm excited and gearing up for the journey out west. Much has been going on, much is going on, and there is so much to come -- and I could not be any more excited. At this point in my life, I'll have to say this is the best I've felt. Things are just great, spiritually things are great, things are just great. Maybe I'm excited partly because a crazy idea/thought has been planted in my head that could very well revolutionize a city(quite possible that it could be Florence). I cannot go into much detail about the business situation, but it would be something that would bring new business to Florence, outside businesses would want to join, jobs will be created...but the best part is because the objective or purpose of the business will be to benefit someone else...that's all I'll say about that...but in the next half year or so, I may have to go public with it.

The idea came to me yesterday while I was working at Lambert Book House, the place where my dad has worked for the past 18 years. I've been helping out however I can(and trying not to mess too much up) and it has been fun working with the friends/coworkers of my dad. I was helping bind books on the perfect binder when the "revelation" occured. But as of now, it is just a tiny seed, miniscule...but it is something I see the city of Florence able and willing to rally around. The suspense must wait.

Maybe I'm excited because I plan to leave in a couple of weeks and I only have 2 states lined up(which may not be a good thing in many books) but I'll just have to throw that under the category of adventurous/spontaneous...or maybe the category should be changed to stupidity/flawed-planning. Regardless, come sometime in February I'm hitting the road, gung ho to taste more of life's beautiful flavors.

Let me see if I can briefly summarize the happenings that have taken place since the last blog entry. Family time, family time - always a good thing. Time with Laura, New Year's with her - very nice, romantic and just right. Time with friends, hanging out, High School homecoming basketball game(with a date--first since like middle school :), spending time with my good buddy Dane and Brooks(10 year old super kid), a side trip to Auburn on the way to Anniston(my directions were inaccurate?), a business opportunity trip to Greenville, SC -- a truly great trip, one that has inspired much of my recent thoughts(though it does not pertain to the business that was hosting the conference).

But while I was at the conference, I was exposed to this question: If financials, or money, was NOT an issue, how would you LIVE your life? The emphasis being on lifestyle...and my brain has not stopped turning since.

I do not desire money, I repeat, money is not the end issue at the end of my day. Lifestyle. Lifestyle? What is lifestyle? My thoughts have been running wild and free lately, here and there, crazily out of control. After my return from the conference, I was able to read with fresh eyes because I had been challenged to think, to dream, to explore the depths of potential...and I came to the conclusion that I desire lifestyle. I realize that money is necessary, but it is not everything. There is a proverb that reads "money is a shelter, as wisdom is a shelter."

I was able to read Colossians with fresh eyes, and I stumbled across the word purpose. What is purpose? What is my purpose? What is the purpose of my heart?

From now until February I will be working, I may even try to sell some Krispy Kreme donuts as fundraising, 60 donuts for $10 -- $5 of that goes to KK, $3 of it goes to this missionary trying to raise support for a trip to Russia(for the plane ticket round-trip, he needs to cover the remaining 60 % of the ticket, 40 % is already taken care of), and $2 of that $10 card goes to whoever sells the card. So I'll probably be selling some cards in the next 2 weeks...500 cards would mean $1500 for the missionary, $1000 to support my trip west, and the buyer of the card would get a half-dozen donuts 10 times(60 donuts)...so please don't be annoyed if I ask some of you to buy donuts, it really is for a good cause.

That's all for now. Plenty of more to come. Colossians 2:2

Since the Last Time I Blogged...

2005-12-26T09:24:00.000-12:00

Today is the day after Christmas, only 6 days left in the year, and what a great year it has been. I apologize to all you readers of this blog, I've been slacking, but yes I'm still alive...sometimes not being around a computer makes it difficult to blog(and honestly sometimes I would just rather not be behind a computer screen :)

But since the last time I've blogged, this is what's happened:

Visited distant family in Saltillo, MS, the Nichols - Kent and Missy, Will and Abby. I enjoyed seeing and hanging out with them. My Grandma and some more of her side of the family came to Tupelo(not far from Saltillo, maybe 5 miles) to do some shopping; I was able to see them for a short while. I hung out with Bobby Mc on Friday(Dec.9), we went to the Tupelo Automobile Museum, an amzing private collection, estimated at 6 million dollars, I think. My favorite car was the black/mobster-model 1929 Duesenberg Model J.

I drove down to Biloxi on Saturday(Dec.10) and met up with the Powers - Mr.Joe and Mrs.Melba. Mr.Joe took me to the church building and showed me around to where I'd be staying. He gave me a key to the building and my home for the time in Biloxi was a classroom. The time in Biloxi was unreal, the devistation of Katrina still vividly evident, something that changed my perspective seeing it first-hand(there aren't supposed to be mattresses in the trees and the hotels completely wiped out). Another family, Renae Davis and her son Will(10 yrs.old), came down from Houston, MS and brought some supplies to be distributed to the church. I now have a good buddy in Will, we hung out and I was impressed with the young man...I'll neverforget a question he asked me that Sat. night..."Luke, are you too old to treasure hunt?...I laughed and replied, "are you kidding me?...so we had a little game of hide the matchbox car around the house...(I'm always looking for an opportunity for an excuse to act like a kid). The worship Sunday was good medicine for the attitude, seeing the attitudes of others who'd been through such a tough time and lost much- they still had a positive outlook on something. Monday, I helped Mr.Joe deliver some appliances, and really got to spend time with a great person. Mr.Joe has such a servant-minded heart, it was good to see all the help they were providing for the needy and hurricane-affected. Mississippi was no exception, more good people, another good stay.

I left Tuesday(Dec.13) around noon in the direction of Auburn to meet up with Laura. Mapquest showed the trip to last about four and a half hours...I thought I could somewhat reduce that. It had only been a couple of weeks, but I was anxious to see the lady. I don't know why, but during the trip I decided to see how long I could hold my breath...I made it through a 3-minute song on one of my cds, holding my breath over 4 miles - you can do the math to figure out I may have been speeding...or you can just ask me about the ticket I got. Women, nothing but trouble...they cause you to speed! Ok, I'm at full fault...and I was so mad at myself, but Oh the irony. 25 states, from Florida all the way up to Maine, all the way to Illinois, and down to Mississippi --no tickets, not one. Why? because I'm never in a hurry to get anywhere. And on the day I decide to press down a little more on the gas, yep, I recieved a ticket in my great home-state of Alabama...merry Christmas.

Nontheless I made it to Montgomery and met up with Laura, though I didn't speak to her because she caused me to speed. Jk, it was good seeing her. (note: I take full responsibility for the ticket, I was deserving and am glad Officer Locke taught me a lesson and ignored my plea for pity). 14,500 miles without a ticket and as soon as I complete the first half of the trip and head back home...unbelievable.

Ok, changing subjects...Laura and I met up and looked around the mall, then headed to her home in Hazel Green. Wed(Dec.14) we went to the mall, looked and shopped around some, then went and saw the Narnia movie, I really like it. Our 2nd movie date in 8 months...sometimes you have to pace a relationship.

Let's see, what else...My good friend from college, Rach(formerly Rachel Hunter), got hitched on the 17th...the wedding was in her hometown of Gallatin,TN and it was fun seeing some old friends from UNA. Laura joined me as my date and we had a good trip to TN and back. I got to see Seth Beaty, my good buddy from freshman year at UNA, he knew Rachel from high school and she went to UNA to play soccer, Seth played ball with me, and the friendship that was established then is one that will always be there...Rach is one of the nicest girls ever.

Laura and I returned to Hazel Green Sat. night, then Sun. morn went to Plainview Church of Christ, her home congregation. She then came to Florence with me, and we met up with Drew and Danny(both former basement-mates) at my house for lunch. Drew was in for a couple days, it was so good seeing him and hanging out with him, Danny, Dane, and the fam, and for Laura to be there was also really enjoyable.

Then Monday(19th) afternoon, Laura and I, Dane and Drew decided to go bowling. Laura and I teamed up and put a whippin on ole Dane and Drew. We won the first game, I was in the 150s and Laura broke 100. Next game, Laura bowled a 192 and we won again, though she turned on me and made it a point to note she outbowled me...good times. I thought her 192 was cute but didn't too much care for the fact that I got beat by a girl in bowling...not sure if we'll return to the bowling alley for any dates.

Then Adam got in town last Wed(21st) night. It is always good having the entire fam together. And now we are in Peachtree City, Ga, visiting my Dad's sister and family. Another great Christmas, though they seem to come and go much quicker these days. It doesn't get too much better than being around my fam for the holidays, they are the best people I know and amvery fortunate and blessed to call them family. I hope your Christmas was a great one, and that your last days of 2005 go well.

Oh yeah, I also ventured into new territory -- Christmas with an outside family(the Staffords)...and I survived, it was fun and enjoyable...I don't see how things could be better.

My prayers and best to you all, and to all a Happy Holiday season.

Where Am I Now?

2005-12-07T04:41:00.000-12:00

Still back home in good ole Florence. The week of Thanksgiving was awesome, spending time with the fam, eating lots and lots of good food, laughing and playing games, yes it was a special Thanksgiving.

Last week I had planned to go to Mississippi, but instead decided to stay home since my good buddy Dane was off work all week. It was just like old times, hanging out, playing Nintendo, staying up til 3 or 4, playing cards, having friends over -- another good week.

And here it is a week into December, another year creeping towards end. And these are my plans. Tomorrow(Dec.8): drive to Tupelo, stay Thur. and Fri. nights
Sat(Dec.10): drive to Biloxi, stay at a church, help out with whatever I can(hurricane relief)
Then Tuesday head back to Florence - though there is a possibility that I meet up with Laura in Auburn(semester ending the 14th). Then Christmas break will begin and the western trip will start around the 10th or so of January. January should consist of Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma - and progressing to California through February. Still working on the route for March through May, but it's exciting and before too long I'll be back on the road. Home is nice though. It will be nice seeing the fam again for Christmas, I love this time of year.

Who knows where the road may lead? Who knows, unless the road is travelled.

Wednesday December 7, Happy Birthday Mom!

2005-12-07T04:09:00.000-12:00

Yes today is my mother's birthday. She is an incredible mom, Christian example, wife, sister, daughter, writer, listener, secretary, friend, cook... and the list goes on. All who know her have nothing but good things to say; all who don't know her would need just one encounter with her and then they'd have something good to say. I can't remember her ever being mad or angry, maybe frustrated a time or two -- but with 4 kids and throw dad in the mix, I'll cut her some slack. She has never shown partiality to her children (but your secret is safe with me mom, wink;)wink;) She will play cards or Scrabble or whatever else; she is never too busy for anything. She somehow always managed to have a dinner ready on the table every night, advice whenever needed, and how her and dad were able to get my siblings and I to all those events- from ball to whatever else- on time, simply baffling. I remember her schemes on our long road trips to Virginia to see Grandmama, when us kids would start the trip with a handful of dimes and everytime we misbehaved or annoyed - we had to give up a cherished dime. Another thing about about mom is that she allowed many opportunities for memories - and every memory I have of her is a good one. And so with that I'll say Happy Birthday Momma, and love you very much, as well with many others who are very appreciative of you.

Tuesday, November 22, 2005 -- Florence, AL

2005-11-22T10:28:00.000-12:00

And I'm losing track of the days. Here it is already Thanksgiving break, and it is so nice being back in Florence and having the whole family together. The time that I've been able to spend with other families along the way has been a great experience. And now I'm looking forward to this week with my family, with a better appreciation and a realization of how thankful I am for them.

The trip is almost halfway through. I'll break for a week or so and then head to somewhere in Mississippi, then return to Florence a couple of days into December and be home for the remainder of the year for Christmas. Then sometime in January, the plan is to make my way out west and conquer the remaining 25, including Alaska and Hawaii.

Looking back on the trip thus far, these are some thoughts: I am so thankful and feel so indebted to so many families, so many people. It has been a truly unbelievable experience and the relationships and friendships that have been made are ones I hope to maintain. It is because of others, other people, that the journey has endured. God's hand has been here, the crossing of paths with so many people, the sights of creation and the surrounding nature, the answered prayers.

No significant car problems, no health issues or sickness, food has been abundant, the path has been guarded.

"Dream as if you'd live forever; live as if you'd die tomorrow"...James Dean

It is the proverb that I'm continually working on..."Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in ALL your ways acknowledge Him and HE WILL DIRECT YOUR PATH."

Auburn, AL (Nov.18)

2005-11-18T10:27:00.000-12:00

Currently in Auburn. Currently way behind on the blog. Things are great though, and soon enough I'll get things caught up. Here with Laura, that's always good. 24 states down, 26 to go and almost to the halfway point -- crazy. God is good and to be praised.

(November 14, Mon.) Nashville, TN

2005-11-14T07:38:00.000-12:00

And here I sit in a computer lab in a dorm on the campus at Lipscomb. Somedays I'm just not motivated to write or attempt to catch up what's been going on. Here's a quick recap, getting things up to date...

Friday afternoon(Nov.11): So, after the presentation of the checks by the governor, Brett motioned me up and he introduced me to the governor, and uncle Bill took a picture of us...I viewed it later on my digital camera and this is what I noticed...three guys in the pic, Brett, one of Kentucky's senators, then the governor in between, and then me on the right, with a big stain of some kind on my jacket.

That evening, we had a Zaxby's supper(Bill and Mary, Beth, Lily, and Robby and his friend Ethan). Most of the time I am in conversation with people I've recently met or even strangers, so it's always nice talking with family or people I've known for a while. Caroline was spending the night with a friend, and since Beth was to get up early the following morning to take Robby and Ethan to Louisville, Lily stayed the night with me and Bill and Mary. Lily has to be the cutest 7 year old out there. The plan was to watch some Harry Potter movies, eat popcorn and candy...but she was out around the time that Harry recieved the invisible cloak as a Christmas gift.

Bill and Mary were to leave for Florence in the morning, so we said goodbyes that evening...it was so good seeing them again.

I think that's the third time I've attempted to watch the first Harry Potter, and three times I've not been able to make it through the whole thing...oh well, one day.

Saturday(Nov.12): Woke fairly early and scrambled some eggs with Lily...she ate them, that was a good sign, but I'm sure they weren't what she was used to...and I eat pretty much anything edible. After breakfast, Lily wanted to play the alphabet game, so we lettered our papers from A- Z and proceeded to find something in the house that started with each letter...and she found a zebra on a lamp before I could and was the big winner...gotta love the youthful mind.

Later, went with Brett, Lily and Caroline to the Lost River Cave and did a boat tour, it was cool. Jesse James supposedly hid out there after his gang robbed a nearby bank back in the day. It was a fun tour and someday I'll have to go and see the Mammoth one up the road.

Returned to watch the much anticipated Alabama/LSU game. Oh well, not much more to say about that...it was a good game though. I was hoping to go down to Auburn supporting an undefeated team, oh well, it's still the Iron Bowl.

I had talked with a friend from high school earlier in the day, Megan Carr, she graduated high school between my sisters, and is now at Western Kentucky. It's not everyday that I'm in places with people I know, so it worked out that we could meet up. We met up at the Western girls basketball game and it was a good evening. It's funny because it was really the first time we'd really actually hung out and carried on lengthy conversation, but again, it's about people and conversations, and it was nice...

Day 165 (November 13, Sunday) Leaving Kentucky

2005-11-13T07:44:00.000-12:00

And another day begins. It's been tough keeping the blog up to date but things continue to go well. I am currently writing from my relatives' place in Bowling Green(I've stayed with Bill and Mary Clemmons, Bill is my Grandma's younger brother). It has been nice being around family and familiar faces. I've also been able to hang out with the Guthries, Brett and Beth(Bill and Mary's daughter, my Mom's 1st cousin) and their kids, Caroline, Robby, and Elizabeth(Lily). I am heading out for Nashville in the next 45 minutes or so, and will meet up with Anna at church. Tennessee, state #24 and almost half-way, wow!

The past few days here in Bowling Green have been nice. It was so good to see Bill and Mary again. Mary and I went to the National Corvette Museum on Thusday, shortly after the arrival. We toured Trace Die Cast, where Bill and Brett work, along with two of Brett's brothers. Thursday night, just hung out with the fam, talking, laughing, riddling and having a good time.

Friday, Veteran's Day, went to Western Kentucky's campus for a memorial/celebration, what a great country it is, what great heroes are to be honored. The memorial was held around the Guthrie Bell Tower, named after Lowell Guthrie, Brett's dad. Then, after the memorial, we went over to the basketball arena for food. I walked around with Mr. Lowell and he showed me the men's and women's locker rooms, first-class and unbelievable, the weight room was just as nice. I was able to meet Coach Mary and a couple of the girls on the team, I believe they are nationally ranked, so I may have to keep up with the Lady Toppers this year.

Later, Bill and Mary and I met up with Brett and went to the police station to hear the governor(actually he was presenting some checks), and since Brett is one of Kentucky's senators, he introduced me to governor Fletcher...

heading out, more later...

Day 162(November 10) Thursday Morning Thoughts...

2005-11-10T09:43:00.000-12:00

And another stay nearing end and soon I'll pack the suitcase and head for Bowling Green to stay with some family(my Grandma's brother Bill and his wife Mary). The stay here with Luke and Laura has been another blessing, we've really had a good time.
Yesterday(Nov.9,Wed.) was a fun day. I got to hang out with Luke and Laura, we went to Cave Hill cemetery, a beautiful place and the oldest cemetery in the bluegrass state, reminding me much of Hollywood cemetery in Richmond,Va. Saw Colonel Harland Sanders's grave, as well as some other prominent Kentuckians. My favorite one was the Gheens mausoleum, which featured a likeness of da Vinci's Last Supper painted on the back glass window. Also saw the grave of Patty Hill, whose name I didn't recall, but she is the lady who wrote the "Happy Birthday" song. And I started thinking about life and death and how some people are remembered long after they're gone...because they either did something or left some kind of impression behind...like ole Patty for example, her life, her name is now gone and buried, she is no more...but the kindergarten teacher's song is now sung on a daily basis. Nothing morbid, but one day I'll have a tombstone probably, not that it will contain my spirit, but it will mark the end of my life...and I wonder what it will be like 10 or 100 years or 200 years, generations and generations after...and think about some kid travelling around, or whoever just walking through, and looking at all the graves, and passing by all the names engraved on the stones, not knowing the story behind most...and that tombstone will represent all the days I've lived, along with all the ones I've yet to see...and I'm in the process, in the middle of this physical life, thinking it will go on forever...and what will my life point to, what will the story be, of self? or of others? of God? or in vain?...but the bottom line is that I'm just a tombstone in the making, and that's fine, because I don't believe it is just a physical world...
These are the ending words on the bottom of the Cave Hill cemetery guide/brochure thing:

"There let the rising sun cast westward the shadows, admonishing us of life's decline, and then let the evening shadows point to the eastern sky, in promise of another and brighter day. Amidst everchanging beauty and harmony where decay and renovation of nature may perpetually remind us that we must die, and that to die is to live again. There, let the dust return to earth as it was."

Pause..think...yeah, those are some pretty serious thoughts...but it is good to think deeply, outside the realms of everyday living, outside the box of normalcies and routine...

And so, after the cemetery, we went to the historic National landmark of Locust Grove, also in Louisville, and saw the home where Lewis and Clark stopped on their way back from exploring the west. It must have been fun going on a trip like that, exploring new territory, discovering life in a new way--I'd like to do something like that one day :)

The next place we went to was Bardstown, and host to My Old Kentucky Home, the house that inspired Stephen Foster to write what is now the state song. We actually picnicked before we visited the home, it was a nice fall day and we ate our ham and cheese sandwiches, talked and luaghed as the wind floated some leaves around. Then we looked at the home, walked around, and enjoyed the day.

Then back to the house, they had a couple of Bible studies with some of the youth from church(Luke is the preacher). Then we went to Wednesday night Bible study, good ole smalltown church, met and talked with more nice folks.

I then went with Luke and Laura across the river and saw the skyline of Louisville at night, a good view. We then went back and ate some spoaghetti and then played more of my new favorite card game,13 - a combination of Rook and Spades, very fun stuff. Luke played some guitar and he and Laura sang together, then we listened to some Big Daddy O, and just talked... and it was 2 o'clock before bedtime for the last time in Louisville.

And it is days like yesterday, spending time with new people, now new friends, that make journeys worthwhile, meaningful. I think back on all the people that I've been able to cross paths with, every crossing for some reaon, for some purpose...the time with Luke and Laura has been great, just like meeting Angi and Chris in Indiana, the Sanders in Illinois, Hope and John in Michigan...and the list goes on and on. And everyday I'm grateful, thankful...for life, for the many blessings this great nation affords, most of which I so often overlook...all under God's glory, that's my belief.

And so my road signs read "next stop: Bowling Green" and I'll be there through the weekend. And the plan is to be back in Nashville by Sunday and stay through Wednesday night. Wake up Thursday morn and head home to Florence, catch a ride to Birmingham and another to Auburn fot the Iron Bowl weekend...and then it's turkey time with the whole family together again, and yes I'm very excited...but that's then and this is now, another day clean slated, another day to live...

Day 160 (November 8, Tue.) Louisville, KY

2005-11-08T12:04:00.000-12:00

Another city, I think Louisville is the 45th city I've slept in since June, something like that. I woke this morning and ate a pancake and bacon breakfast with Luke and Laura,(imagine that) the host fam for the next few days. I'm currently at a public library and shortly will make my way to downtown Louisville. I arrived around 3 yesterday, talked with Luke and Laura, then went and met some of their family. Ate supper last night at Luke's mom's place. There was a state of Louisiana plate hanging from the wall, and through conversation I asked if she knew where Mt.Hermon was(because that is where my good buddy and former roommate is from)...and oddly enough, that's where she was from and used to live - crazy, Mt.Hermon is tiny...yes, small world stuff. After dinner we moved boxes and hung curtains and pictures, quite entertaining. In between hangings, I would take a peek at the Colts/Patriots game...looks like this may be the year for Indy...and I'm sure there was an exciting buzz in the city I'd just been in.

I'm excited about the time here in the bluegrass state, so off I go to see what lies therein...

(Nov.7, Mon.) Leaving IN, headed for KY

2005-11-07T11:04:00.000-12:00

Here I am at the same library where i last posted a couple days ago. The time here in Indiana has been awesome. I was able to cross paths with some amazing people, Angi being one, and Chris another. I drove into Indiana a couple days ago not knowing where I would sleep...so the first two nights I slept in the hotel Alero, which is never a bad thing, and always seems to give me a better appreciation for things. Well, the computer I'm typing from reads that I have 12 minutes remaining before my time expires, or it self destructs...probably expires. Anyway, there is so much that I've not written about, from the people I've chanced upon to the Pacers/Sixers game the other night, more about the trip to Florence, the Harlem Wizards game and playing ball with old friends...so much to write about. things continue to be awesome and the trip is indeed one for the memory books, and God continues to provide and do things that can only be His working...and I continue to continue, up and down unknown roads, to and through new places, in and with new faces, and everything continues to work out.

A quick recap of the time in Indy: (Thur, Nov.3) departed Nashville, drove to Indiana. Rest area home for evening. (Fri., Nov.4) Make way to Indianapolis, meet Angi, do some work around her house. Hang out in downtown Indy, walk around, eat from a bar at Chammp's and watch the Cavs/Spurs 1st half. Back to a rest area for the evening, good times. (Sat.,Nov.5) Back to Angi's house, do some more work around house, but the best part was just talking with her and getting to know her, she made us chicken and rice for dinner. Met up with Ryan Carr, a scout for the Pacers(contact thru Coach Champ), he had 2 extra tickets for the Sixers game, nice meeting and chatting with him. Then met up with Chris, the guy that took me in for Saturday and Sunday nights - a friend of Angi's friend through church. Went to the game, Pacers lost by 2 in an exciting game against Iverson and Philly. Steak'N'Shake after the game- love those strawberry shakes. Chris is a great guy.

My time is out and I'll have to continue later from KY, headed to Louisville.

(Nov. 4, Fri.) From a public library in IN

2005-11-04T23:52:00.000-12:00

Back on the road. The car slept well last night. And now I'm somewhere in Indidana writing about being somewhere in Indiana. The plans are to stay in Indianapolis through Sunday night, make my way to Louisville,KY Monday and stay three nights there. From there to Bowling Green for the weekend and then back to Nashville. I talked with Rich at the rest area this morning, a nice man from Gary, IN...he was letting his engine cool off and during that time we had a nice conversation. I drove from Nashville to a rest area in between Louisville and Indianapolis and just decided to park for the evening. It was a good time to do some reading, thinking, and catching up with some friends. Another day on the journey...maybe I can get this thing caught up one day...being home was so nice - seeing the fam, Grandma, friends, Laura, being back at UNA, Mars Hill, playing some ball with friends, hearing the cheer of the crowd, the fun feeling of just being on the court, the time with my family, back in Florence...and to think the first half of the trip is nearing end...crazy, but what a ride it has been.

...in All your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.

Day 155 (November 2, Wed.) from Florence

2005-11-03T10:00:00.000-12:00

Home sweet home. Being back in Florence has been so nice, the last 5 days have been awesome. Being away from things familiar, the normalcies, the comforts of old friends and family, makes being back a little more appreciated...

...and now continuing the post from Nashville. Today is day 156 in the journey, the 3rd day of November 2005. I am in my cousin Cody's room in the dorms at Lipscomb, I drove here yesterday and stayed the night. The plan is to drive to Indianapolis and stay through the weekend and then head to Kentucky. Who am I staying with in Indiana? good question, as of now, the answer is still in the works...and that is always fun and interesting.

And now about the homecoming to Florence...what a great trip home. Last Friday(Oct.28) I left the Sanders house in St.Charles,IL(another great stay and fam by the way) around 7 in the morning, and headed for Nashville, TN. It was a good drive, exciting to know that the day would hold seeings of my family and girlfriend...it was a drive of 7 1/2 hours or so. Met up with my sisters and it was so nice seeing them again. We hung out for a while at Anna's apartment, Craig(Anna's bf) and Cody(cuz) also came over. We then headed for the soccer field to watch Bethany and Lipscomb's last game of the season. Mom and Dad showed up not long after we did, and it was great to see them, oh reunions. It was fun watching little sister diving and making saves...and thoughts of backyard games with my siblings flashed through my mind, good times...she played great and it was just nice being with the fam(minus Adam, but we thought about him...Thanksgiving is not far away though). I also got to see my cousins Randy and Robbie with little Elsie, and also David and Beth, and that was an added bonus. The game was great, so good seeing the fam. And then after the game we dispersed...Anna stayed at Lipscomb, Mom and Dad headed for Birmingham, Bethany went with a friend to Auburn, and I drove to Hazel Green to see the lady...

Malcolm Singleton

2005-11-02T10:47:00.000-12:00

This guy is good. I listened to his debut cd, "This Feeling" the other night and really liked it. Malcolm is a friend that I've known since high school and have listened to him play on several occasions. His cd is out and available at the following places: Pegasus Records, Le Beau's Coffee, Cafe Le Crumbs, Ryan Piano, Counts Brothers Music, Coldwater Books or online at: http://cdbaby.com/cd/malcolmsingleton

You can call WQLT-FM/Q107 Radio at 256-767-1107 anytime and as often as you like to request his music. Also check out his website at www.malcolmsingleton.com. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for Malcolm, he is a true talent. Check out his stuff and I'm sure you'll like what you hear. I'm not just giving him a plug because he is a friend- his music will sale itself - I just want his stuff to be exposed to as many people as possible.

Home Sweet Home

2005-10-27T22:55:00.000-12:00

Tonight is my last night here in St.Charles, IL. The plan for now is to leave sometime between 7 and 8 tomorrow morning. I will drive the 7 or so hours to Nashville, hang out with my sisters and family, watch Bethany's last soccer game, and then make my way to Alabama. The last time I was home was way back in the middle of June...wow, hard to believe it has been over 4 months, but I sure have felt welcomed everywhere I've been. I am looking forward to seeing my family and spending some time with them, always good times. Then the time in Florence will be so nice also(and should have a special guest).

Prayers and my best for all...Dixieland, take me home.

Day 148 (October 26, Wed.) Chicago

2005-10-27T10:38:00.000-12:00

I type from a computer in St.Charles, IL, at the home of the Sanders, my newest host family(friends of my aunt and uncle in GA): Gary and Carol and their two sons Derek and Ryan. The White Sox are World Series champs and it has been neat being in the city the past couple days and experiencing the buzz.

Cathching things up
Day 146(Oct.24,Mon): Left public library in Bay City and stopped in Frankenmuth for another stop at Bronner's, the big Christmas store, and picked up some gifts. Left around 1 pm(Eastern) and made my way to Illinois, a town outside Chicago, St.Charles. The drive took me through Michigan, into Indiana(back on Central time), and finally Illinois, and after 10 Snickers mini bars, some music and rain, and a 5 1/2 hour drive, I arrived at yet another destination. Met the fam, talked a bit, and not too long after had a steak and potato dinner, very good. The night was capped with a Falcons/Jets MNF game.

Yesterday, Day 147(Oct.25, Tue.): Caught the 9:05 train from Geneva to Chicago, had some time on the hour or so ride to think about the opportunity in the day. Stepped off train, wandered through the station, ended up on Madison St. talking to a homeless guy, just to get a different perspective on things...through conversation and some time hanging out, he penned these words into my notebook, and now I'll transfer them here, these the words of Ron:

...........................................................
(first entry) Bam, Bam, Boom! went the drums; and when the music stopped the positive was free!

(second entry) We are the children of one father, provided for by his care...and the breast that one mother has given us to suck...

Let the bonds of affection therefore unite us together, that peace and happiness may dwell in thy father's house. And when we seperate into the world remember that relation that bindeth us together in love and unity...

If our brothers are in adversity, assist them.
If our sisters are in trouble, forsake them not.

.......................................................

And that was how the day started. I proceeded to the steps of the Art Institute of Chicago and just sat for a while, enjoying the happenings of the city, the sound of the violinist as he played for change, the traffic down Michigan, the people in forms of couples, friends, groups, and some like me, not bearded and clueless, but just taking in the day, the warm sunshine, the blue sky, taking pictures with the lion statues, outside the museum, because they were sporting White Sox helmets, crowds and crowds of people...

Since the museums are free on Tuesdays, I took advantage of the Art Institute, which was pretty neat. There were several Salvador Dali works and I've always thought his stuff was very interesting, no telling what went on inside that mind. There were also some Monets and much more that I knew I'd forget if I didn't write it down...oh well, the way art speaks is amazing, the same work can produce so many different reactions, and the ones I think are awful and unattractive are gold, I'm sure, to someone else, and vice versa. (bedtime- late Wed)

Continuing my thoughts, now Thursday(Oct.27) morning...

(Still talking about Tue.)After I left the museum I walked around for a while, made my way into a park with a big fountain, and then headed back for the train station. Caught the 3:40 coming back, arrived back at Geneva around 5. Back to the house, then went with Carol and Ryan to eat some Chicago style deep dish pizza. Another Carol and her daughter Tara joined us. We had a good meal and again, it's just nice talking with people. After the pizza, I went with Tara to a friends house and watched the first 7 innings of Sox/Stros game 3. Again more conversation with newly met folks, and the game was a good one. Tara dropped me off back at the house and I talked with my bro for a while and then went to bed...the game was tied 5-5 when I checked out.

I learned the next morning that the Sox won again in dramatic fashion, it has just been their year. And this brings me to yesterday(Oct.26,Wed.): Stopped by a public library to check my email and whatnot, and then caught the 12:05 train into the city. I decided to walk the long walk to Navy Pier, since that is a must visit while in the windy city, and so block after block, I walked. Stopped at Millenium Park, a beautiful park along Michigan (Ave,St.) and a neat place, fairly new I think...and there is a huge bean/globe-looking-glass/mirror-thing that reflects the city's skyline -- it's cool, reminds me of M.C.Escher's Hand with Reflecting Sphere. And after a brief stroll through the park, I continued on to the Navy Pier(though I wasn't sure the quickest route, well then again the bus would have been, but I felt like walking -- I could see the giant ferris wheel in the distance, it was just a matter of weaving my way through the streets). Found it. Walked around the pier, a very nice place, and the water was reflecting perfectly off the water leading out into Lake Michigan...sailboats, the skyline, the chilly breeze, the lighthouse, the American flags whipping in the sky, the people - I like wearing the hat of an observer sometimes.

And then I walked through the stores and shops, through the stained glass museum, through the shopping center and back onto the sidewalks of Chicago. The busy sidewalks of a big city, the business persons, the shoppers, the homeless, the family, the couples, the students, the guy with his hands full and trying to walk his bike at the same time...the fast pace, I prefer the slower pace, though the big city is something else to an easily entertained small-towner.

Many of my thoughts surrounded going and being home soon, seeing the family, just the comforts of home...and maybe a significant girl, too.

I stopped in a bookstore to pass some time before catching the train back. These were some quotes I agree with borrowed from a travel journal:

"It is good to have an end to journey towards, but it is the journey that matters, in the end." - Ursula K. Le Guin

"The voyage of discovery lies not in finding new landscapes, but in having new eyes." - Marcel Proust

"The use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are." - Samuel Johnson

"The man who goes alone can start today; but he who travels with another must wait till the other is ready, and it may be a long time before they get off."
- Henry David Thoreau

"When you come to a fork in the road, take it" - Yogi Berra

"Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart." - Confucius

I liked those, though I may not know too much about ole Ursula, Marcel, and Samuel, I do appreciate their words and can relate to them. And with those quotes jotted in my booklet, I headed to catch the 5:04 train back to Geneva...and on the ride back, these were my thoughts, what I've learned from being a traveller over the past almost half year:

A conversation will never start unless someone utters the first word...sure it may not go anywhere, but that's not to be found out until after the first words. Music speaks a language of its own. The open road is filled with many curves, bumps, and surprises - and along and in between those curves, bumps, and surprises lies adventure. It seems that just going and just doing yields a better return than not going and not doing. Seeing more of the earth adds a greater perspective for the One who created the heavens and the earth. A car fits better in a parking space than does a human; and though the parking space may not do much for a good night's sleep, it sure does something for one's humility. Two things that remain long after they're gone: an act of kindness and a genuine smile. There sure are a lot of people out there. A roof, a bed, and food - hard to believe they are not a part of everyone's day. Laughter, too, is a language of its own. Loneliness can do a lot for the soul. Might as well learn to like who I am because I seem to be everywhere I go. Differences there will be many, and though the similarities or common threads may be few, they do exist and can be found if searched for. A train makes a great place for thinking. Time won't stop if you stop to think, but if you stop to think - it will be worth your time.

Day146 (October 24, Mon.) Michigan to Illinois

2005-10-24T10:32:00.000-12:00

And here it is another travel day. Today's trip will be from the Bay City area in Michigan to the Chicago area in Illinois. I am at a public library in Bay City, left Hope and John's place in Linwood about a half hour ago, thought I'd catch up the blog before heading to the next stop. It appears that the drive will be a rainy one, the sign I passed not too long ago stated the temperature at 46. I filled up the tank at $2.47 a gallon, later saw it as low as 2.44, the lowest by far since Katrina. The Alero has weathered 89,050 miles in her five year life, 11,573 on the trip thus far, and around 375 to be added today. Something interesting: from any point in Michigan, you are within 6 miles of some form of body of water.

I really enjoyed the time with Hope and John in Michigan. The journey continued to be blessed by good people. A continued best for John and Hope and the little girl due at the beginning of '06.

Friday(Oct. 21): I rode with Hope up to Traverse City to meet John and stay for the evening. The foliage splendid, really something of beauty, and something fun for someone easily entertained(I happen to fall in that category). Traverse City is a nice town on the bay(located close to where the fingernail of the pinky would be if in the Michigan mitten). I walked with John and he showed me around the town(salmon ladders, fishermen, neat downtown). We ate some very good fire stoved pizza for dinner(nothing like Domino's though, www.glassfamilypizza.com) and just relaxed for the evening.

Saturday(Oct. 22): Woke at the get-away in Traverse City and watched some of college gameday, in preperation for some of the good football games for the day. Threw some football with John for a bit and then headed for another one of their places in Farwell, just to get a better feel for Michigan. Another pretty drive, on the back roads and even some dirt roads, and John and I arrived at the place on the lake around 2:15pm(their nephew Miles lives at the place and goes to college nearby). Watched some football, Bama and Tennessee the big game of the day, helped pressure wash the pontoon, watched more of the Bama game. Went with Miles to the neighbor's place for some Yahtzee and sloppy Joe's, and also saw the exciting finish to the Bama victory over those Vols, Roll Tide. Played some ping pong in the evening and then met up with some of Miles' friends and went and hung out at one of their other friends' house from college. Played about 50 games of pool, hung out with more strangers, just gotta go with the flow, game 1 of the World Series was on, it was fun. So another night in another city in Michigan, just adding to the list of stays on the journey.

Yesterday,(Oct.23): Woke from the bed in the lake house, journaled some, good verse thought: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. I am excited though about being home in a week, seeing the fam, friends, church family...so it's tough not being anxious and I know there is something in everyday...and I can be content with that.

The day included riding a four-wheeler, cleaning the pontoon some more, throwing and playing a little football, some ping-pong, driving back with John to the mainstay in Linwood, conversation with friends via cell, contact with the next family in Illinois - good to go, an excellent dinner made by Hope - some kind of squash-something spaghetti(her first time to make) I guinea pigged and it was fabuloso! Game 2 of the world series(White Sox up 2 games to none)...

I gotta go, the librarian is giving me the boot...off to Illinois, state #21 and the journey continues...

Day 143 (October 21, Fri.) Currently in Michigan

2005-10-21T10:05:00.000-12:00

Here it is October 21 and I'm in the 20th state of the journey. I'm staying with Hope Champagne(Coach Champ's sister, and expecting a baby girl in Jan.) and her husband John Grendel. They live in Linwood, MI, on the Saginaw Bay that pours into Lake Huron.

Tuesday(Oct.18) I woke from the Glass house in Cincinnati, ate breakfast with John and Janie, and Janie's mother, then returned and packed things up and got on the road for Michigan around 12:30 pm. It was around 4 when I crossed the Michigan state line and this on the state sign, "Great Lakes, Great Times." The drive from Cinci to the destination in Michigan was about 5 1/2 hours, more quality time from the comfort of the driver's seat, good thinking time.

Went to Hope's sister-in-law's for supper, met some of the fam. Had a great Thanksgiving-like meal and hung out for a while. Even got to sword fight with Spencer and Wesley, the 6 year old twins -- that Spencer is feisty, he kept blading my thumb with that stupid wooden sword, a fun and funny time nontheless.

Hope and John's place on the Saginaw Bay is so nice, what a view it is from the deck outside the room I'm staying in for the week, the moon has been shining bright the past few nights and the reflection sparkling on the water of the bay.

Wednesday(Oct.19) started with a nice sunrise, though it didn't wait for me, but I did catch it not long after it had risen over the water's horizon; made for good company as I walked the cool and breezy shores in appreciation.

Drove to Frankenmuth for the day,a small Bavarian town, where my first stop was at Bronner's, advertised as the largest Christmas store in the world(open I think 361 days a year). It was sort of fun hearing the Christmas jingles and being bathed in the Christmas spirit, making me forget it was the middle of October. The store was ginormous, and there was plenty of stuff to keep me entertained. After some time there, it was on to the village and a peek here and there into random stores. There were Red Hat ladies everywhere, dressed in purple and enjoying the day, talked to a few of them and they explained the whole society thing and poem, something like that. From my short day there, Frankenmuth is an interesting and fun little town.

Returned to Linwood for supper with John and Hope, then watched the start of the Astros/Cardinals game, which the Astros went on to win and advance to the World Series against the White Sox--and Chicago just happens to be my next stop, hmmm, we'll just have to see what happens.

And then yesterday(Oct.20), a good day, just another day. Slept like a champ(you know when you wake in the morning and stretch your arms high in the air and just feel good, like a champ)...slept to the sound of the waves and cool breeze coming through the screen door. Took a nice stroll along the shores of the bay, and the sunrise a thing of beauty, good for the soul. The air had a cool bite but it felt good bundled in layers, a good start to the day. I'm so thankful for so much, so many blessings, and God is to be praised. Since I wasn't really sure and didn't have any plans for the day, I just got in the car and started driving. I didn't know I would be taught a lesson as I started driving. So I stopped and picked up a hitch-hiker, Randy, fitting the stereotypical mold, unkept and bearded, with an aroma of cheap smoke, somewhere around the age of 45-50,a big bodied frame, and just needing a ride up the road. He then pulled a knife...ok, that's not funny, sorry I know I shouldn't joke and do know about the dangers of picking up strangers, though I don't like to assume things. No, I gave him a ride up the road and talked with the fellow journeyman for the 10 or so minutes and that was that. And this is the lesson I learned. A total stranger can be of much influence. In conversation, he talked about the Mackinac Bridge and the upper peninsula(U.P.) and how I needed to see it since I was so close(and since I was from AL), and so that's what I did - drove about 3 hours to see the bridge and cross into the U.P. of Michigan, mainly because a stranger had helped influence me. And on the drive up the beautiful, colorful country, I thought about if I had been of any influence on his day like he had mine. The foliage of northern Michigan was spectacular, the scenic drive far outweighed the cost of the gas, the gold and red and orange made it worthwhile. Then the 5 mile long Mackinac Bridge linked the crossing from lower MI into the upper peninsula, wow.

So I made my way to a smalltown, entered the small eatery, Bessie's original homemade pasties(pronounced pass-tees, not pay-stees). It was ok, reminded me of a chicken pot pie. Stopped and admired the bridge on the way out and it was back down I-75 to Linwood.

Went to Genji's Japanese steakhouse for supper - super delicio, with Hope and a friend from work, Michael. It was so good, a good dinner on a good day. Our chef-cooker guy was quite the comedian and more importantly did a good job with the shrimp, lobster tail, and rice and veggies, nice job Jose.

Back to the house and another day faded away. It was nice talking to certain people throughout the day, friends and family are good to have, great friends and great family are even better.

So this gets things up to date, though I still haven't written about the amazing trip to Searcy, AR and the time at the world mission workshop, that is to come. And also I plan to be in Nashville the 28th of this month and then in Florence through the 2nd of November...and looking forward to a brief homecoming.

Day 132 (October 10, Mon.)

2005-10-18T11:00:00.000-12:00

October 10, my teammate for 5 years and good friend, Pervis Key's birthday. Hard to believe the college years are gone, no regrets, plenty of memories...I'll always remember this one involving Pervis...during a game in our sophomore season, we were playing at a classic at Henderson St. and Pervis was on the floor(we were both guards)...Coach Elliot asked him if he was tired and needed a breather and Pervis said he did(only so coach would sub me in)...and that's Pervis, I knew he wasn't tired, and later on the bench, he just smiled and said, "we gotta look out for each other."

Coach Champ called me in the morning, catching me up on the conditioning status among other things, I'm also planning to stay with his sister in Michigan.

John had some business to attend regarding Domino's, so Janie and I went to see a castle nearby in Loveland, built by one man, all by himself, stone by stone - quite impressive. Though it was closed, I could still see it from outside the gate with an appreciation for the endurance and perseverance the man must have had(he died around 20 years ago). Top down in a beamer - not a bad feeling! We went to Cracker Barrell for lunch, gotta love the environment and homey atmosphere of the old country store.

Later met up with John and drove around Cincinnati, talked business(as well as other stuff, life in general) and also got to sit in on some meetings, got to see things from another entrepreneur's perspective. Even sat in on a meeting with the Coke guys at P.F.Chang's, but what went down is strictly confidential :)(Domino's and Coke are under contract) I enjoyed hanging out with John, he is a good businessman, but I like the fact that he is very ethical and really cares about others.

We (John, Janie, Jonathan, Kenny) ate supper on the deck, nice cool weather, brots and dogs hot off the grill, just a good time filled with food and laughter. After dinner, there was a air hockey tourney, quite entertaining, and then the Steelers and Chargers on Monday Night Football.

Headed to Searcy,AR

2005-10-13T00:24:00.000-12:00

It is around 12:25 am and I'm flying out of Cincinnati to Little Rock in less than 9 hours. I will stay tomorrow through Sunday nights in Searcy, AR for the world missions conference at Harding University. I am excited about the time there as well as the opportunity to see my hosts from Florida and Virginia, Norm and the Overbeys. It will also be nice to see some familiar faces and friends that will be there, so that's what the next few days hold. The time here in Cinci has been great, the time with the Glass family truly a pleasure. I'll fly back here Monday and proceed to Michigan on Tuesday.

Thoughts and prayers for all, and to all a goodnight from Cincinnati.

Day 131 (October 9, Lord's Day)

2005-10-12T11:56:00.000-12:00

Hallelujah Day! Worship with the smalltown church, more nice people. Again good to sing with the togetherness of strangers yet family. Met Cliff, who used to live in Montgomery; the preacher John and his wife Jenny; Bill, just a good ole jokester and beam of energy; Al and along with several others.

Went with the Glass family and John, Jenny, and Al and ate at Panera Bread for lunch. It was a good lunch and more time to talk about the happenings in life. On the ride back to the house, Janie asked if there was anything I wanted to see or do; John mentioned his plans of watching football, and I said I could pretty much see all I needed to from the comforts of the recliner...nice, and the games in high def on a projected 158" screen, yep, not bad. Dozed off for a little while, woke to watch some of the Braves game, and a good talk with Drew in Florida.

Back to the church building for evening services and several good points were made about walking with God, progressing with Him. I replayed a lot of the scenic places from the nature seen in the recent months...where does the hurried path lead? where does the worried path lead?

Back at the house...The Bengals had the Sunday night game and being in Cinci, the Glass family roots for the Bengals, and so I got to wear a Chad Johnson #85 Bengals jersey for the evening, along with John and Janie sporting jerseys as well. Janie made a Mexican/refried bean dip to go along with some chips, very good...and we watched the Bengals/Jaguars game, good times, though the Bengals were defeated for the first time this season.

Day 130 (October 8, Sat.) Travel Day: to Cincinnati,OH

2005-10-11T09:18:00.000-12:00

The suitcase again packed up, transferred my belongings back into the mobile home. Played some more Sequence with the boys, hung out and laughed some more. And then it was time to hit the road, with an appreciation for the Fousts - John, Laura, Eric, Zachary, and Josh(and Nathan though I've never met him). They sent me off with that Blue Highways book they'd let me borrow and a full tank of gas, just adding to the long list of helpful things others have done...things that will go full circle, in some way.

And with the rain keeping me company, it was off to Cincinnati. I opted for the scenic route(most of the time, the "scenic route" means that I made a wrong turn and went a little, or a lot, out of the way and is my way of covering up for the misdirection)...but I rerouted and got back on the right track, and enjoyed the trip across the winding back roads of Ohio. From June to now October,Alabama to Florida, Georgia, then the Carolinas, up to Virginia, sidetrip to DC, Maryland to Delaware to New Jersey, up to New York, back through NJ, then to Rhode Island, backtrack to Connecticut, to Massachusetts and Maine, then inland to New Hampshire and Vermont, sidetrips to Cooperstown and Niagara, down to Pennsylvania, over to West Virginia, and now Ohio...and that has been the road travelled thus far.

Arrived in Cincinnati and met the host family, the Glass family - John and Janie, and their 16 year old son Jonathan, Heather, 2nd year college, is out travelling other countries with a group from Freed Hardeman. They showed me the place, my room, then we talked some, and also watched some college football, projected nicely onto the wall in the basement...quite a set-up, and quite the comfy recliner/sofa.

It was good talking about the trip and learning about their family. John is a franchisee and owns 15 Domino's pizza stores and is the man in charge of The Glass Family Pizza name. And again, just one of those things - I could just tell it was going to be another good stay.

We went and ate supper at Skyline chili, famous for their unique chili, and it was gooood, chili spaghetti and chili cheese coneys. Back in time for the Ohio State/Penn St. game, and just a week ago I was in the heart of JoePa country, and now here in Buckeye country...Penn St. held on for the impressive win and remained undefeated and whited-out Ohio State.

A good start to another state, already am at home, and loooking forward to the time in Cinci.

Closing thought of day, in regards to certain relationships, travel plans, the unknown, the future, life in general: Trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding, in all my ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct my paths...

Day 129 (October 7, Fri.)

2005-10-11T01:39:00.000-12:00

Rainy, lazy day. Went to the public library for a while...and surely it's just a matter of time before the blog is caught up. Lunch today with John and Laura was at Binkley's, a mom and pop good ole deli eatery. Again, the Fousts, as the rest of the people on the trip - awesome.

A walk through the woods in a park: again I walked a walk through the heart of nature, noting with a pen my thoughts as I walked. This time the trail resembled a soul. A soul colorful and alive, filled with moving life and falling leaves, the sound of leaves catching raindrops, soft breezes. As I walked and wrote, what at first appeared to be a resemblance of my soul, after a while became a resemblance of the Creator's soul...like I was walking the path of the maker of life...deep stuff. Crazy stuff. Yet that's what was going on in my head. As if I were in full view and all I could see was a glimpse, just a piece of something that continued farther than my eyes could see. To anyone else it may just be a walk through a normal wood on a rainy day and "I can't believe I got mud on my shoes" but there is always a grander picture, if only I'll look...

Back at the house for the evening, more fun time with Zach and Josh, and the fam. It is so neat to see the interaction between all the families. The similarities, the differences, the interests...but one thing that stands out to me the most, one of the things I most enjoy...is hearing the different laughs, just hearing laughter and seeing smiles, that in itself is something of value. The laughs of Josh and Zach were good to hear, and there I was in the middle of them, laughing away...why? probably because I'm an madman, but also because I'm easily tickled and like to laugh. We played some Sequence, revealed some "magic" and hovered some grapes.

Watched Space Cowboys for the first time, thought it was pretty good. Spoke with John Glass, the stay looks good for Cincinnati the following day. The all too familiar feeling: the last night in another place, arrived as stranger, and leave with friends...a true blessing and an amazing path, and more great people to add to the list...the Fousts, family of the 18th state, good night West Virginia.

Day 128 (October 6, Thur.)

2005-10-11T00:52:00.000-12:00

Morning workout in shed/gym in back yard, nice facilities. Talked with my cousin Cody, same age as my sis Bethany and also at Lipscomb, possibility that he might meet up with me somewhere along trip, good talking with him.

Went with John and Laura to Marietta for lunch at the 3rd Street Deli, a nice eating spot. Gorgonzola chicken, something like that, it was good whatever it was. I don't know why I mention food so much or even if anyone cares, or even if I'll care when I reflect on this one day...if I didn't mention the following, would I lose the memory? and if so, would it really matter? Snapple and a good chicken sandwich, what a combo...but it is the meals and conversations with nice folks that will survive the test of time.

After a return trip to the house, Zachary replaced his mother and joined John and I for the trip to Holl's chocolates...oh, the sweet sampled satisfaction of the coconut truffle. I walked away with a four piece box of pure bliss. Ok, no more mention of food in this entry...

So for supper...poor joke. We stopped by the Trans Allegheny Bookstore in on the way home, not sure the exact details of it all, but its famous, built in 1905, something about a Carnegie library, and listed in the National Register of Historic Places(and more importantly my blog, right?). The spiral staircase was cool, an old-timey feel to the place, new and used books, just a neat little place tucked away in Parkersburg, WV.

Back to the house, chilled, shot some ball in driveway. Monterey chicken for supper(I couldn't help mentioning--and I don't feel like erasing the above afore mentioned false statement about food)...I'm too easily sidetracked.

Hung out with Eric since it was the last night to see him(he was going camping with a buddy,Nate, for the weekend). So we drove over to Nate's, dropped off his stuff for the trip, then went and drove around Vienna and Parkersburg, and captured some stuntwork on video.

Braves won game 2, 7-1 and Smoltzie got his ML best 15th post season win.

Day 127 (October 5, Wed.)

2005-10-10T07:29:00.000-12:00

Where do I want to go today?...That was my thought as I sat in my car looking at the atlas, unsure where my path would lead. In conversation with the Fousts earlier, they had mentioned Fenton, a place where glass is made...so that was stop #1 in the little city Williamstown, not far from Vienna. Fenton Art Glass, their giftshop was very alluring and I spent some time looking around for possible Christmas gifts, then made my way into the room where the tour starts.

The tour was interesting and pretty cool, and I enjoyed seeing the process of how the glass goes from material to furnace to finished product...and to think it all had to start with one person's idea, and through history and over time...wow. After the tour, looked around the gift shop some more, with a different perspective about what I was looking at... www.fentonartglass (where glass making comes to life :)

Next stop, Marietta, Ohio. I didn't venture far, Marietta is only 15 minutes from where the Fousts live, and Williamstown in between, but they were fun visits...and the Alero didn't thirst for too much petroleum. Marietta, an old city, hugging the Ohio river, full in history I'm sure - but I'm not a history teacher, so I will tell you about my visit to the town. After I parked and admired the view of the Ohio, I started walking to see where my feet would end up. I stopped in a My Favorite Things, where I was greeted with the smalltown friendliness to go along with the samples of coffee and fudge...gotta love the smalltown atmosphere. Talked for a bit, about travelling and what to see in Marietta, but since she was fresh to the town, she pointed me in the direction of an old leather store that had been there "forever." So I stopped in for a visit at the leather store, tried on some cowboy hats, and asked the lady what there was to see in Marietta...and couldn't walk away empty handed so I purchased a brown bandana, just the necessities.

So I decided to walk in the direction of the replica Nina ship that was in dock, though I never made it...but I did talk to a friendly older man who was looking for another boat, and walked cluelessly with him for a while, he was a lonesome traveller also, lost his wife 15 months ago, just seeing some sites...maybe 5 minutes of conversation, enough to appreciate the fact that he served our country, we shook hands and he went to the showboat Becky Thatcher and I continued my aimless pursuit. Ended up crossing an old train bridge into a small village, Harmar, I think...bought a $.50 cold drink from an old store specializing in Coke products and sat outside on a bench in the peacefulness of the day, in the middle of nowhere - not a bad place to think about how good life is, and just to observe.

Ended up walking around Marietta some more, not really touring, just wandering. Later returned to the Foust house, hanging out with the fam before supper...it was a 3-cheese something good. Random thought - the sites on the trip have been great, but it is the people that make the experience...it's always the people.

Went to Bible study with the Fousts, a 40 ninute drive through some back roads, and a good study with more strangers, but not really. An interesting study about Scripture and God-breathed and thoughts on inspired writers...

Another day, some good thoughts. Braves got beat in game 1 unfortunately. Talked to some friends...relationships, friendships, peopleships - isn't that what it's all about?

Day 126 (October 4, Tue.)

2005-10-10T00:48:00.000-12:00

Honey Nut Cheerios, year after year remains atop the leaders on the favorite cereal list. Exercised/ran...what is shape anyway, everyone's in shape, right? The shapes just vary. Had some flashbacks to the conditioning days, knowing my teammates from last year are currently going through pre-season fun. Oh, and Jerrell, here's your shout out...and I wonder who the 'let's get some energy in here' guy is going to be this year...keep up the hard work and don't get 'soft'...and Casey, A.J., Rep, Pete, Milton, Jacob, TMo, Gold Joe, and coach Wright...I look forward to seeing y'all play in a few months and expect big things from the purple and gold...does the parking deck still host a good run?

Back to the house, Laura took me on a tour of Vienna, located in the mid-Ohio River valley. Got an idea of possible nearby attractions. Later, went to the Vienna public library to attempt to catch this thing up to date, almost there...it is currently Oct.7 but I'm writing with the mindset, or attempting to, of a couple days ago.

Went to an open field, played quarterback challenge with the Foust boys. While here, I'm just one of the brothers. After supper, John let me borrow Blue Highways, a book about a guy who decided to drive around the country on the back roads. One of my professors at UNA had actually mentioned it to me before the trip...and the part I read was interesting...life on the road is indeed interesting.

Day 125 (October 3, Mon.) Belleville to Vienna, WV

2005-10-07T11:29:00.000-12:00

Packed things up, had breakfast with Donna at the Dairyland Cafe, a friendly hometown spot. My thoughts about the Garretts: truly genuine and sincere, open and loving; it's people like them that make a trip like this worth making, also a true blessing to cross paths with them, as the case has been with all the people thus far.

On the road to West Virginia, #18 and the time keeps passing. The drive would take me through the backroads of Pennsylvania, across the tip of Maryland, and into the rolling hills of West Virginia and mountain mama, take me home country roads. Another gorgeous day for riding in a car with the window down, another scenic drive, and the trees covering the mountain had some color to them, and I was appreciative.

Arrived in the town of Vienna, met my new host family, the Fousts. Laura(sister of my mom's best friend growing up) and John(librarian at Ohio Valley U) and their children Eric(11th grate), Zachary(5th), and Josh(4th)...also Nathan, but he is at Auburn, planning to graduate in May. I was shown my place in the basement, we talked some, then it was to the yard with Zach and Josh for some football, yours truly the all-time qb.

Went with Eric, after supper, to the gym at OVU and shot ball and played some 21...I miss that roundball on occasion, always good reuniting. There was also a girl who joined in on the game. Eric is a talented kid, and yes, got lucky and won the last game(though I won't mention how many games were played)...but he did leave the victor.

Drove around with him afterwards, he showed me the town, even crossed the Ohio River into Marietta, an old city in Ohio. So the day consisted of 4 states, a new host fam, and a good start to stay in #18.

Day 124 (October 2, Sun.)

2005-10-07T11:04:00.000-12:00

Bacon, eggs, toast...always a good start to a day. Sunday service in the small church was nice, met more of the families(Michelle, Derek's wife; Marty and Melinda from Minnesota). Bill filled in for the sickly minister and relayed a good message about fear, and the fear of the Lord...the beginning of knowledge.

We ate in the basement of the building for lunch, and I got to meet and talk with more people, sat with Brad and Sarah, Nate, Liam, Derek, and Carl...some folks just have a good energy about them, this was the case with them.

On the ride back to the Garrett farm, Donna was driving and Nate(Sr. at PSU), Liam(Fr.), and I were riding and we all joined in on singing some good ole Kenny Rogers love songs...quite entertaining, yep.

Several people came back to the farm, just to hang out, ride 4-wheelers, throw football, watch football(most of them are big Eagles fans), kicked back in a recliner, just an easy Sunday afternoon.

Back to church, although our group from the Garretts pretty much was the majority, it was nice singing and just being part of the family...Because He Lives, always has been one of my favorites. The lesson involved the discussion of disciples and disciplers.

That evening back at the house, we celebrated Rachel's birthday(the neighbor married to Elmer) and we had pizza, conversed, and all that. Last night in Pennsylvania, another great stay along the way.

Day 123 (October 1, Sat.) start of month 5

2005-10-07T10:38:00.000-12:00

A new month. The months of June, July, August, and September were a little different than in years past...filled with many happenings, sights, and new faces...all worthwhile.

Went to one of Donna's friends new house and helped them(Sarah and Jim) move in. One of my roles was to arrange the food in one of the cabinets...I did have to sample a couple of the mini candy bars to make sure they were still edible...inspection passed. Made friends with little John, the 5 year old son, and his sisters Emily,7, and Laura,3. In between moving and breaking down boxes, played some kickball, rode bikes in the driveway, and watched airplanes and parachutters. Also met Derek, whom I'd talked with over phone several times, son of the folks I was staying with, the Garretts are nice folks.

And then it was time for the main event, Alabama and Florida. Yes, I was a little nervous, but it didn't take long and I was in awe...what an outstanding game by the Tide...just like the crimson and white of old. Though the Prothro play almost made me sick, the game overall was amazing, 31 - 3, making the Tide 5-0.

Penn State, just up the road, won at College Station against Minnesota, so the locals in Happy Valley were indeed like the valley.

Also talked with Laura Foust in West Virginia, things set for the following Monday. I sat in the middle of the road outside the farm, there was a little spot where I had signal, made some calls and the darkness of the night allowed for a crowd of stars...and though the occasional breeze would stir the smell of the cows in the pasture, it was definitely overpowered by the show in the sky.

Day 122 (Sept.30, Fri.) the capital, Harrisburg

2005-10-06T11:09:00.000-12:00

Decided to go to the capital, a little over an hour drive. Made some calls on the ride, since there was no reception on the farmland. Arrived in Harrisburg, unsure of where the capitol was located, finally pinballed in the right direction...a pinball, that's how most of my traveling is done, go one way, bump into another, hey how bout over here, ok. Parked at a Dollar General and walked a lengthy walk to the square, but it was a nice day, even talked to my girlfriend for a bit.

Took some pics of the capitol from several places, even of the pink flowing fountain - for breast cancer awareness month. Made my way inside and saw a group gathered ready for a tour, they had name tags, I didn't, but I jumped in with them anyway. The group consisted of folks from all over, I mostly stayed quiet as I felt an intruder should, and the tour went very well...the building was beautiful, rich in its history, and the paintings are always so interesting. Throughout the tour I learned that one of the representatives from Pennsylvania was on the tour, he even talked to the group while we were in the House...his nametag read Art and through later research, Arthur Hershey is his name. The tour guide mentioned something about if the photographer being on time and the next thing I know, I'm front row far left, posing for a picture with a group of strangers and unsure what for...oh well, maybe the picture will surface one day and I can find out what the significance of it all was. Nontheless, the trip to the capitol was educating and eventful.

Then the long stroll back to the car, and an attempt to find the National Civil War Museum that was supposedly up the road. It was, and not very hard to find...someone must have strategically placed those signs. There was an awesome statue out front with an opposing soldier giving water to one in need, setting the tone for a visit through the time surrounding the 1860's. Seeing and reading about the events, and thinking back to some of the places I'd been in the last couple of months, from Ft.Sumter to Richmond and now in Harrisburg, not too far from Gettysburg - just an added dimension and another perspective of what took place in another time. Many lives lost, many lives impacted. Another lesson, a tour through the pages of history.

Returned to the Garretts, met little Hannah(Derek and Michelle's 4 year old), she was playing with Alan and Julia, the Amish kids from next door. Dave(married, living in Philadelphia, I believe) was also there, one of Bill and Donna's two sons. Also met Bill that evening, he was back from working in the Philadelphia area, pertaining to the asphalt business he's in. Bill and Donna cooked a nice supper, good steak, pork chop, brocolli and cheese(not sure how to spell, never really liked it, but now I eat almost anything - it was good). After supper, watched some of the Red Sox/Yankees game, the last series of the regular season, hard to believe October is right around the corner. Another month expired, yet another just waiting to start.

Day 121 (Sept.29, Thur.)

2005-10-06T10:37:00.000-12:00

The basement bed slept wonderfully, the cool air creeping in, so nice. From the porch outside the basement, with the quiet sound of the creek and the cool of the morning, it was quite the setting for a nice place to read. The study the night before had sparked my interest and I looked more into the story of Job...a lesson always waiting to be learned.

Went around the valley with Donna, touring and looking around the pleasant and seemingly peacefulness of the valley life, the Amish shops and stores, horse and buggies, whoopie pies and plenty sweet-tooth fulfilling goodies. We ate pizza for lunch and continued in more conversation.

We figured since there were plenty of people working hard and stressing out, we thought it only fitting to try and balance it out, so we went back to the farmhouse to relax for a while. A couple hours later, we went to an auction. When someone dies, the family of course takes some of the belongings, and with the rest they auction it off and split the money. So the late afternoon and evening was filled with the indoor entertainment of listening to the sweet jumbled flow of an auctioneer...what an experience! There were so many items auctioned off...arrowheads after arrowheads, unbelievable - there must have been thousands of arrowheads, it was interesting to see what all was being auctioned off. There were a couple of items Donna wanted to get, and she did, along with quite a bit more...though it was mostly for other people, watching her bid was fun. A gun for Bill and a nice painting were the main takehomers.

I was almost certain that I was going to have nightmares about fast-talking arrowheads, but luckily that wasn't the case.

Day 120 (Sept. 28, Wed.) Belleville, PA

2005-10-06T10:33:00.000-12:00

Cleaned up, packed up, checked out, the routine. First objective: find a place to service the car. A friendly man pointed me in the direction of a Firestone shop and that's where I went. As I waited I talked with a nice local lady, and through conversation learned that Mark Twain, Tommy Hilfiger, and the astronaut Collins were some big name locals from the Elmira area. The free inspection revealed the bolts missing surrounding the brake pads..."whoever put the bolts on last didn't do a good job of tightning them." And sure enough, I just happened to be involved in that guilty party, another oops. Maynard said it would be an hour or so, and there was a mall nearby, so I roamed there.

I didn't have to pay anything at the time and have three months to pay it off before the ridiculous interest kicks in. The Alero was good, I was good, the weather was good...and off we went to Pennsylvania, state #17. The drive was nice, plenty of hills and mountains, trees and scenery, went by State College and Beaver Stadium, home of the Nittany Lions of Penn St. Talked with Derek and got directions to his parents' farm, and made my way to meet the new hosts.

I arrived at the place, a gorgeous white farmhouse on a wide open farm, at the foot of a mountain. I was greeted by Elmer, the Amish neighbor who upkeeps the farm, and he directed me where to park. I then met Donna Garrett and she welcomed me and showed me the place.

Went to church with Donna(Bill was out of town with work), the small church reminded me of Hydes Chapel, where my dad used to preach. Met some very nice folks and it was good to fellowship, had a good study on Job...putting things in perspective. Afterwards, ate at OIP with Donna, it was good talking with her and getting to know about her and the family. Sports have played a large role in their family as well as traveling, so we had plenty to talk about.

On the return to the farm, several cows were out roaming, so Donna woke Elmer and I was out there for moral support as we rounded them up into the barn. From New York to a valley in Pennsylvania, a glimpse into the Amish life, and another start to another stay in yet another state.

Day 119 (Sept.27, Tue.) Niagara Falls

2005-10-05T15:30:00.000-12:00

After a night in the Knight's Inn, packed up the ole suitcase again, checked out and had a beautiful day to travel, oh yeah, my continental breakfast included 2 honey buns. On the road to Niagara, through and over the upper western part of the Empire State, a pretty drive. The car was still making a horrible sound...and of course, I kept on driving. I opted to go north and see Lake Ontario and then go to Niagara from the north. The lake was nice, at ease on the peaceful day...my brakes, a different story, but I wanted to see the Falls, so I just avoided using the brakes as much as possible - probably not the best driving tip.

Took an exit for the whirlpool of the Falls and glanced at the rapids gushing down the river, then into a whirlpool, which was pretty cool. The water was so powerful. I had heard that the view of the main falls was better from the Canadian side rather than from the US side, so it was back to Canada! I guess I answered the questions correctly and was allowed entrance into the northern country. The drive along the river just teased my appetite of the Falls. I could see the mist and the crowd of people, even a glance of THE NIAGARA FALLS, pretty cool. There were some parking lots asking $12, but I was certain there would be something better. There was, sure I had to walk a little farther, but free parking is free parking! It was neat walking the walk to the falls(with my total tourist look: video camera around neck, super cool fanny pack holstering my digital camera, a backpack, and I'm sure some sort of goofy smile), anyway, the river was rushing madly, total whitewater, very exciting. And the day - superb. As I approached the main falls, the mist could be seen escaping above, and because the sun was shining, hello pretty rainbow - a perfect day. So after the trek from the car and by the scenic river, there it was - the Falls of Niagara. Beautiful. Breathtaking. If you've been there, you know, if you haven't - go! Amazing. Under the category : some things don't make sense. Wow! My high expectations were definitely met...and again, etching a scene in my mind not soon to be eroded. There were hundreds of people, most of us wearing a common look of amazement.

The Creator, The God, The Almighty. I went and found a place in the shade, a hundred yards or so from the crowds viewing the Falls, and soaked in the sight. And after a while, walked back to the car...and that was Niagara, beautiful.

Drove back along the river and glanced one last time at the wonder of water and prepared for re-entry into the U.S. of A. I guess the answers were correct again, and the Alero was back in America. I had spoken with Derek Garrett earlier, and the stay for Pennsylvania was good to go.

I decided to drive back and stay at the same Knights Inn as the night before...so I made my way back to southern New York, around the town of Elmira, hoping the car would make it just a little farther...and it did. I stopped at a Wal-Mart, with the intention of getting supper, since I had a gift-card...and some how came out of the store with a can of Pringles, a variety pack of crackers, some pecan twirl things, a kit kat and reeses cups. After that, I had a little trouble finding the Knights Inn, actually I couldn't find it and ended up at the Fountain Motel, a $25 gem. I had 2 beds, an old-school tv, a toilet that flushed, an aroma of faint smoke, and a couple of flies to keep me company through the night...and that was home, and extended the hotel streak to a full week. Woke from a Knights Inn, saw the Niagara Falls, and slept comfortably in the Fountain Motel.

Day 118 (September 26, Mon.) VT to Cooperstown

2005-10-04T15:18:00.000-12:00

Checked out of the Red Roof Inn, a pleasant abode. Took the Alero to the Jiffy Lube for an overpriced but needed oil change, the 2nd of the trip. It was a dreary, rainy day for travel, but that's how it is sometimes...I left Vermont and made my way to see the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. Arrived a little after noon, still raining, and entered the historical museum. What a cool place. I really enjoyed seeing everything, from the beginning of baseball to present day teams, from names of people that lived and played way before my time, names that I speak of as if I know them, to actual names of players that I've seen in my lifetime...the stadiums, the history...flashbacks to the back yard, the little league days, the childhood dreams...the only thing was I wished my bro and Dad could have been there with me...I guess we'll just have to make a trip one day.

Walked the rainy streets of Coooperstown, peeking in different stores, looking at items as if I was going to make a purchase, all the while knowing I was just looking. Tradition has so much to do with our everyday lives...baseball, for instance, only in baseball do you find uniforms that are button-up. Are they necessary, it would be silly in any other sport...traditions.

Grabbed some healthy double cheeseburgers from MckieDs for a meal, sat and looked at the atlas debating my next move(where to drive?where to stay for the night?) I had planned on going to Niagara the following day, so I started the drive in that directiion. Drove for a little while until it started to get dark, decided to stop for the evening for several reasons: 1)the car was making a funny noise 2)Knights Inn,$32, not a bad deal 3)Tennessee/LSU were playing. So I stopped for the night and continued my hotel streak to 6 nights. It's amazing how little you can get by with and how much you can fit in a suitcase. LSU blew a big lead and allowed Tennessee to escape with a victory, a great game, UT wins in overtime.

Woke in Vermont, saw the baseball hall of fame, another hotel, back in the state of NY, and the trip continues...

Days 115 - 117 (Sept. 23 - 25) Vermont

2005-10-04T14:50:00.000-12:00

The stay in Vermont was a little different from the rest of the stays, since it involved a hotel, yet it was nice. I enjoyed the comforts of the Red Roof Inn, and didn't do a whole lot...I took a break from not doing anything to sit around and not do anything...something like that.

What did I do while in Vermont? Relaxed at the Red Roof Inn, watched the President's Cup on tv(golf), ate ham and cheese sandwiches and pb&js, talked and caught up with some friends and family, went to Waterbury and checked out the Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Factory - free samples included Sweet Cookies N Cream and Fossil Fuel, yummy! Stopped by and looked at the capitol at Montpelier, got a buddy pass so I can fly to Searcy,AR for a world missions conference Oct.13-16th (Norm, from Fl, and the Overbeys, from VA, will also be at the conference), watched college football. Met up with Coach Graffam,Vermont connection, for brunch and some good sports talk. Helped out(took up money, set up chairs) for a high school basketball showcase - Carl Parker from Maine was there(he, Coach Graffam, and Tom run the showcases), more laughs. Watched some NFL football, did some writing, had lots of quiet time...Vermont, state #16.

Day 114 (September 22, Thur.) NH to Rutland, VT

2005-09-26T00:03:00.000-12:00

Woke in the comforts of the Dun Roamin, cleaned up and made the 10am checkout. Said goodbye to Phil and Karen, nice folks. Made a stop at a public library within 30 minutes for internet access. Used mapquest to find my route, I was to be in Rutland around 4:30 or so, the drive was only projected at 2 1/2 hours, I had plenty of time. I took my time and enjoyed the scenic route that the back roads offered, with some leaves starting to change colors, just a bonus to another great weathered day.

Made a stop for gas, pizza, and 3 big York peppermint patties(3 for $1,can't pass up a good deal :) I was still a bit ahead of schedule, so I continued the nice paced drive and made another stop when my cell was back in service. I stopped at a Mobil station that had an art gallery next to it. I took my time and looked around the gallery at the different works of art. The lady working struck up some conversation, talked about art, then the trip, about several things. Her name is Chase, a very nice and friendly Vermonter. Entered the store a total stranger and left with a friend. She even said she'd like to help out with possible contacts in other states, friendly folks are fun to be around. We had much in common, an interest in owls being one.

Stopped at the Quechee Gorge, Vermont's "little Niagara" I think. Enjoyed a strawberry ice cream cone on my walk of the trail, more friendly folks. Back on road and headed to Rutland, arrived at the college of St.Joe's a little after 4:30pm. Coach Graffam, my Vermont contact through Carl Parker(Maine), is the head coach of the basketball team at the college, so I showed up at the gym and watched their practice. While I was in Maine, Carl contacted Coach Graffam and briefly mentioned my situation, so after practice Coach hooked me up with a room in the nearby Red Roof Inn for the week, my home for the week.

Nice king size bed, fridge/microwave, comfortable living quarters - nothing against the Dun Roamin, but quite the contrast from the night before. Went grocery shopping, ham/turkey, cheese, bread, cereal, milk - good to go. Chilled out and enjoyed the evening from the comforts of the Red Roof Inn, thanks Coach Graffam.

Day 113 (September 21, Wed.) What a day!

2005-09-23T23:13:00.000-12:00

And this is just an example of another day in the life on the road.

I woke from sleeping on the ground with two slugs attached to my squish pillow, though I could care less, I slept comfortably. The sky was blue and the weather nice, but little did I know at the time what all the day would hold. So I put my sleeping bag, pillow, and blanket in the car and decided to hike a mountain.

So I proceeded the climb up Mount Willey with a backpack that included some journals and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Now I will copy what I wrote in one of those journals, Wed. Sept.21:

I don't know where to begin...I don't know if I should talk about the hike up first, or the unbelievable view I have right now as I pen these words. Silence. The overhead sun warms my body(as I sit in my boxers, a complete feeling of freedom--sidenote but not written in journal-I was the only one around, at least I hope and I was drying out my clothes, maybe I should have just left this part out). Thought versus thought. The thoughts I had as I ascended the mountain versus the thoughts I have now overlooking a panorama of mountains, valleys, peaks, the motionless purity. The thought that I won't be able to vividly describe the scene I see, though etched it will forever be. These words will be all I have to remember this view by. I lay stretched out with my feet towards the distance below, on an area of rock with the sun shining comfortably on my skin. Little pine trees join me up here, still as can be. And in the distance ahead - that is where the difficulty begins, difficult because there is so much to try and put in words. Mountains as far as I can see, a dark green color fading to blue in the very back, back where the white, healthy clouds are suspended, frozen beneath the blue of the sky. Crevices, valleys, ridges, seperate the dimensions of the mountains. The shadows of the clouds slowly sweep across the floor of this scene, a scene that I must say is spectacular. I know I'm hyperbolic much of the time, but this is amazing, slap-me-in-the-face amazing! Back to my thoughts as I was hikefully climbing: "This probably isn't that tough of a hike","You sure do sweat a lot","Slow down, what's the hurry","ok, let's go, pick up the pace","seriously, when does this trail end","just a little bit more","ok,surely a lil bit more","I'm wearing a sweatsuit...I assure there is plenty of sweat in the suit","Yeah, pick up that stick, now use it like an old man","Keep on ascending, surely there's a good lesson that can come from hiking...always moving forward, one step at a time, the challenge lies up ahead in the unknown...you could take the easy way out, turn around, return to comfort"
and then I saw the sign with an arrow that read "outlook." And now here I am. Kicked back, enjoying another blessed day with an added perspective of the Greatness of the Creator, I lift my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? my help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth...so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know the measure of all the fullness of God.

And that's what I penned. It was incredible. Then I made my way down the mountain, affected by the view from the top, from a greater perspective. The hike down is always easier and more appreciated. After the hike, I ate at a little place there on camp, and a powerade and 2 hot dogs never tasted so good. It was close to 3 o'clock, and unsure what my next move would be, feeling somewhat a bit spontaneous...

So I decided to drive to Canada. I figured since I wasn't too far away, why not? it would add to the story at least. So I headed farther north, windows down, music playin, carelessly roaming the open road of freedom. I did think about possible trouble getting across the border with an expired license, but I kept driving.

So I made it through, crossing the Canadian border a little after 6 pm. Drove around the scenic countryside, laughing at the fact I was indeed in Canada. My stay in Canada lasted only about an hour, it was getting dark and I was going to look for a cheap hotel back in the United States, so my stay was brief. I didn't want to leave Canada without a story so I stopped in a little spot and paid $2 for a 7up. Sat and talked with 6 Canadians and a bartender...the moment didn't seem too awkward for me but I can only imagine what the conversation was like when I left...what is a guy from Alabama doing here in Canada?...who knows, just going where the wind blows I guess!

Getting into Canada was not a problem, but I had a feeling getting out may be a little tougher. I tried to maintain the conversation with the lady checking my license as long as I could...she then motioned me to pull ahead as she went in and I guess checked out the info...she returned with this response,"Excuse me, do you know that...your car is making a funny noise?" Relieved. "Yes ma'am, thank you, have a great evening." And I was safely back in the U.S. of A. I thought that was enough adventure for the day but I still had a cheap hotel to find...

On my drive from the border back through northern New Hampshire, there were several cars pulled over(I presumed looking for moose). I saw a car pulled over, it was dark, so I pulled over to see what the deal was. Lo and behold right beside their vehicle was a moose! Unbelievable, my first moose sighting. Excitement. I waited until the other vehicle left and no other cars were around...and I proceeded to video tape the moose and I think I may have actually tried talking to the thing...good stuff.

That was enough, I had to get back and find a place to stay, for the next day I was to meet Coach Graffam in Vermont, and a shower/bed combo is never a bad thing. Oh the nice drive back, the calmness of the evening, the stars twinkling in the night(no street or city lights anywhere), all peace and serene until I made a turn and nearly hit a moose! I almost messed my pants and I'm pretty sure the feelings were mutual(minus the pants of course)...just adding to the day. Nontheless after some failed stops in search for a cheap place, I came upon the Dun Roamin' Inn...and fittingly I was indeed dun roamin. Phil and Karen welcomed me and gave me the low discount of $35 for the one night, and I didn't mind sharing a restroom.

Yep, another day complete. A mountain hike, a trip to Canada, seeing a moose, almost hitting another, and a good night's sleep in a little place called the Dun Roamin' Inn...what a day!

Day 112 (September 20, Tue.) Camp Out

2005-09-22T10:35:00.000-12:00

Packed things up, got the blog up to date. I was expecting a package in the mail and it came around noon(a cd of some songs I requested that my good buddy Drew made for me). It was around 1 after noon when I left the Apgars' place and headed back towards the northern part of the state for the evening. I listened to the cd, some good songs that I've heard on the trip and reminds me of certain things, people, and good times on the road. One of the songs is titled 'Driving My Life Away', it's a good one.

I arrived in the White Mountain national forest and returned to my spot from the day before, above the railroad tracks on the edge of a rock with a view of two mountains on either side, a valley split down the middle, and mountains fading straight ahead, and that's where I chilled, thought, wrote, watched the clouds, just enjoyed the spirit of the day. It started to get dark so I made my way to a pay phone to contact Coach Graffam in Vermont about the arrangements. He said I had a place but not until Thursday night. So the stay for Vermont was confirmed and I had a couple of days to play.

I went to a nearby campground, talked with a guy and received the ok to camp out there for the evening. So I set up camp, started a fire(I wasn't prepared, already night-time, no firewood, etc.)...I don't have a tent, so I just spread my sleeping bag over a picnic table and that was my camp...oh yeah, the fire was out in about 10 minutes, which was fine, it wasn't a necessity.

It was so dark, my eyes soon adjusted, and what an awesome night scene. There was a huge mountain silhouetted to my left, the moon wasn't visible but its light projected over the mount, the heavy wind swayed the dark trees back and forth, through the holes in the fast moving clouds the stars appeared to be moving - I think I'm just easily entertained - anyways, it was a nice night.

I cacooned in the sleeping bag, shielding from the wind and temporary light drizzle, stayed warm for the most part. At one point I peeked out for some reason and discovered the moon in full view, casting shadows it was so bright. I did move to a hollow later, at the wee hours of the morn, where the wind was not a factor and I slept like a baby.

In the darkness of the night, in the midst of a strange place, there was a closeness to the Spirit and a feeling of comfort and safety(even though the guy I talked to earlier mentioned the bears and other things to look out for).

Day 111 (September 19, Mon.) White Mountains of NH

2005-09-20T12:36:00.000-12:00

Woke to a beautiful day, packed a lunch, headed up 93 to the White Mountains. Stopped at the White Mtn. visitor center, talked with the nice folks there. Drove the loop around the national forest, very mountainous, lovely scenery, and an incredible day for it. Stopped at several places along the route, one being the basin, where Henry David Thoreau once stood. The loop provided a spectacular view, regarded as New England's most scenic 100 miles. It was indeed scenic. Driving around, with the window down, just me and the ole Alero, my buddy, always dragging me around without much choice as to where we go, and yet I don't hear too much complaining, though she did speak up a little, but I think a little power steering fluid should be the remedy.

Saw Mt.Washington, New Hampshire and New England's highest point, over 6,000 feet. Made a couple of stops off the beaten path, walked the railroad tracks and climbed a rock, unveiling a breathtaking view. The day was full of sight after sight of things that made me wow. Saw the Mount Washington Hotel where the Bretton Woods monetary conference was held in 1944.

Spent the majority of the day driving the loop and stopping at various spots along the way. On the return trip, I drove through the lakes region, more scenic satisfaction. Talked with coach Graffam in Vermont, still arranging stay in Vermont.

Returned to the Apgar house, had some spaghetti, hung out with the fam for the last time. They even had me a little parting gift, very nice. Again, another great stay with great people, and God continues to provide. I again feel indebted to another family but truly believe good goes around full circle.

Day 110 (September 18, Sun.)

2005-09-20T10:01:00.000-12:00

Back through the doors of a church building, gathered with the Manchester church of Christ for worship. Church is not something I go to, it's something I am part of. Whether indoors or outdoors, from a pugh or a fallen tree in the middle of the woods, standing in the midst of people or creation, God is over all, above it all, in it all. It's all about love, there are so many issues, it's all about love.

Went to Ruby Tuesday with the Apgars and several others. Sat with Scott, Terri, and Matt- middle school teacher, age about 25, and Margery - Terri's good friend since 7th grade, mother of Nikki and Ellie. The food was good, the conversation was ggod, shared some stories, good people.

Since I had gone to the Robert Frost place Friday while it was closed, I decided to go on a day it was open. So I drove the short drive back to Derry and learned some things and looked around the house. I like "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" and it was one of the poems on display, written while in new Hampshire. I particularly like the ending:

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

I walked the path by the field and into the woods again, the lovely, dark, and deep woods, this time I went left. I had a great walk and talk time with God, on a worn trail through a canopy of healthy trees. The trail later opened to a nice big field with mountains in the distance, simple but nice. It started to rain, so I started back, though the trees sheltered my walk back, kind of soothing.

Returned to my car, parked facing the field, and took a little nap. Later made my way back to Bedford, some more text twist with the fam, a little Sunday Night Football mixed with the Emmy's, and a little blogging.

Day 109 (September 17, Sat.)

2005-09-20T09:16:00.000-12:00

Woke and journaled. Terri made breakfast, good conversation and good scrambled eggs, hash browns, and toast. Piddled around on the computer. Later went with Scott and Terri to her parents'house and attached the things on the gutters to keep the leaves out. Afterwards we sat around the kitchen and talked for a bit, and it would have been rude to turn down the offer for coffee cake, so more eating(a very dangerous hobby that I enjoy).

Back at the Apgars I got in touch with the contacts I had for Ohio and Pennsylvania. So things are looking good for the next four states on the list, VT, PA, WV, and OH. Still working on the sidetrips to Cooperstown and Niagara, which would only be for a day in each...I may just have to go camping!

The boys, Eric and Tyler, had a soccer match at 3, so I joined Scott and Terri as we cheered from the sidelines in our fold-out chairs. Good game, the good guys won 1-0. It was entertaining listening to some of the other parents' yelling/coaching, most of which was useless jabbering.

Got back in time to see most of the Bama game. Those crimson jerseys sure did look good as they put it to South Carolina. Three wins in three games and things appear to be going in the right direction. Roll Tide!

Supper with the Apgars consisted of meat and potatoes, gravy, carrots, and the excitement of a family dinner. After dinner, they taught me how to play cribbage and we played several rounds. We had a good time laughing and playing(sidenote: Eric and I were in the lead when we stopped).

Watched some of the Florida/Tennessee game, talked with Drew and my girlfriend, and that was another day in New Hampshire.

Currently

2005-09-20T01:00:00.000-12:00

It is 1 oclock Tuesday afternoon. I'm about to leave the Apgars and head for the northern counrty for a camp out, to spend the night under the stars. Another good stay and again it's time to move on. But like everywhere else I've been, I'm leaving with more than I arrived with, a piece of another family and another part of the journey. And the road continues on...

Day 108 (September 16, Fri.)

2005-09-18T23:11:00.000-12:00

Overslept...not really, it is hard to oversleep when there is no place to be. My plans for the day consisted of taking a trip to Derry, NH, home to the Robert Frost Farm. Frost lived at the farm for 10 years at the start of the 1900s. Unfortunately for me, the house is only open on the weekends after Labor Day. But I did get to see the place and walk through the woods that I'm sure he once walked. I was also inspired to attempt to write some thoughts, though I can't reveal them...you'll have to wait for the book! :) Being there did incline some thought and question...I wondered if really good writers or poets are extremely talented or gifted?... or if they just seem to position themselves in the right places(like in the heart of nature)?... in places where time is of no concern, where one can observe freely and think openly and simply let the mind run and roam...I'm sure it is a combination of many things...though I(simple in reasoning and averagely educated, far from anything scholarly) felt as if I could write something of value...and my mind wanders.

In walking through the woods and being around the farm where Frost once lived, I thought about a couple of his poems, ones that have influenced and inspired me: "Birches" and "The Road Not Taken" are two that came to mind. I remember reading "Birches" as a kid and soon thereafter going out and climbing trees to the top, then leaping while hanging on for dear life, and riding the tree back to safety. I am also reminded of many trees that snapped in the process, bringing me to the earth quicker and more uncomfotable than I imagined, though providing exceptional laughter. And then "The Road Not Taken" - probably my favorite poem, truly inspiring...and it does make a world of difference following an unknown path.

A simple reminder that there is power in words, there is influence, life, creativity, and simplicity...and so much more. And that is today's philosophical moment of the day.

The rest of the day...returned to Apgars, played Text Twist, a computer game(rearranging of tiles into words, like scrabble), with Caroline and the fam. We had pizza for supper and then the youth group from church came over to the house for a devotional. More meeting and greeting, a good period of devotion, some good thoughts.

The next thing I know I have my head to a plunger...hard to explain, should make for a fun attempt. Shawn, the youth minister, had a couple of games lined up...the first required partners, and involved a double-headed plunger(duct taped) with a ball attached by string to the plungers(more duct tape)...(with each partner's head connected to the plunger, the use of hands not allowed) the object was to sway and wrap the ball around the suspended plunger...I'll just leave it at that.

The next game consisted of the group laying belly-down in a circle, about 4 ft. in diameter, and then a ping-pong ball was dropped onto the field of play, and with hands behind the back, everyone attempted to move the ball using only the gust of breath provided by the lungs, if the ball hit you, you were out. Quite entertaining, harmless fun.

In conversation with the two of the girls in the youth group and talking about Alabama, they asked if I knew Josiah Smelser...and once again it is a small world. Josiah, a good friend of mine(from school at Mars Hill, I also graduated h.s. and am good friends with his sister Lauren), was a counselor at a camp in Maine 3 summers ago and these girls were campers. In New Hampshire talking with people that know a good friend from Florence, small world.

Day 107 (September 15, Thur.) Bangor to Bedford, NH

2005-09-16T10:55:00.000-12:00

Dear diary,
I arrived in another state today and met my new host family, the Apgars. Scott and Terri have been married for 19 years and have 3 kids, Caroline, Eric, and Tyler, grades 10th, 8th, and 6th respectively. I left Bangor this morning around 10:10 and stopped in Freeport, ME to see the big L.L.Bean Retail store, which is open 24/7, 365 days a year. I feel kind of funny acting like I'm writing to you diary, sorry but I'm going to have to let you go.

interesting sight of day: huge boot outside of LLBean, 5x my size
food of day: lobster roll from vendor in Freeport
"I can't believe I just did that" moment of day: paying $9 for the lobster roll(but I must admit it was quite tasty)
interesting read of day: Farmer's Almanac
weather description: mostly rained all day, yucky day to travel, but I think it should be good for the foliage, so maybe I'll see some colors soon
deep thought of day: I could have got 5 hotdogs for the price of the 1 lobster roll
city awakened in: Bangor, ME
city to sleep in: Bedford, NH
miles traveled: close to 230
exciting moment: cell phone back in service, 11 new messages
verse of day: Proverbs 20:5 The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out
People I talked with via phone: bro Adam, Laura, Dane,Coach Graffam(VT), Mom/Dad, Seth G., sisters Bethany and Anna
trip related: New Hampshire, 15th state, 3 1/2 months on the road
psychic closing thought of day: I bet someone is reading this line right now

Day 106 (September 14, Wed.) Last full day in Maine

2005-09-14T23:11:00.000-12:00

And the blog is finally up to date! It's been a while since I've written about events of the same day. Didn't have an exact plan, so I decided to start it with a run. I took off and thought 10 miles seemed like a challenging distance, so I kept runnin and runnin...until it seemed like it had been long enough/my body was struggling. I returned witht he thoughts "why did I just do that." It was a good run, though I later measured the distance by car and it was only 9.5 miles, and it felt like at least 12.

After cleaning up, and since I'd done something productive, I felt like eating a lot of food, though my eyes ended up being bigger than my appetite...and Arby's chicken tenders and fries was probably not the best post-run meal out there.

Went to Best Buy and the mall, just looked around. Returned to the house and worked some on the computer. The stay here in Bangoe has been great. I've really enjoyed meeting Carl and Cynthia, family 14. They treated me to dinner again tonight, Carl and I were talking earlier in the week how good deeds are supposed to come back ten fold...so everytime a good deed has taken place this week, the number has increased...and after dinner tonight it makes it thirty fold. It has been fun meeting the Parkers, seeing the beauty in Maine, being in the cool air, just adding to the experience. Before the arrival in Maine, I was still unsure of New Hampshire, Vermont, West Virginia, and Ohio...and now, things have again worked out, thanks God. Another last night in another city and state, though like always, I'd love to return and reunite with the good people that I've fortuned to meet. Maine, the end of the east coast, and I shall now return inland. The days keep on rolling by, the time continues to be enjoyable, and the trip goes on. A trip with 14 states complete, 3 1/2 months young, and much more in store. I'm so glad the opportunity is now, so glad the road has been paved, to know I'll be able to one day look back at the happenings in my 23rd year of life and be glad I decided to go, even though there were uncertainties, the unknown, fears, doubts, and many questions...though outweighed by optimism, hope, and faith...and endless good people along the way.

Day 105 (September 13, Tue.) Baxter State Park

2005-09-14T23:04:00.000-12:00

I decided to go and see Mt.Katahdin, the highest point in Maine. It was about an hour and a half drive, a pretty drive, even saw some red leaves mixed in with all the pine trees. The lady said I was too late to hike the big mountain, around 8-10 hours roundtrip, so I settled for walking some other trails. I was in Baxter state park, isolated from all distractions. My cell phone doesn't get reception in Maine, so I didn't have to worry about that. I couldn't hear any outside noise, no vehicles or machinery, no construction or anything...just nature. I found a comfortable place and just soaked up being in the heart of nature. Stillness. Peacefulness. Serenity.

After some quality time in that spot it was time to move on. So I started walking a trail, not sure where it would lead...and that's pretty much my life right now in a nut shell. I thought about Robert Frost's poem The Road Not Taken, and though I'm sure this is not what he did, I got out my notebook and started writing as I was walking(not near as dangerous as drinking and driving)nontheless, this is what I wrote...

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood...just kidding, it's just that I'm hesitant to reveal some of my inmost thoughts, my secret Frost-like potential...anyways, this is what I inked on the paper:
.......................................................

And not knowing where the path will lead, I start walking
And not knowing where the path would lead, I kept walking
Wondering what the minds of others were thinking
as they walked this very path
For indeed I'm not the first
Encompassed by trees and their stillness
Are the spiders laughing as I walk through their webs?
Or perhaps angry at the lonesome traveler?
Still surrounded by the trees and an occasional breeze
And deeper into the unknown I go
Unsure why I keep walking
Only to chance upon a pond
Motionless like a photograph and hidden from any and all distractions
And this is where the journey leads, not complete by any means
The reflection of the trees

To remind me of peace
To remind me of hope

To see the serenity and calmness that the soul should reflect
Reflecting the purity and gracefulness
As Cranberry Pond does the pines
All alone at the mouth of the pond
Quenched of my desire for a lesson learned.

.........................................................
Deep, I know? Take some time to let it soak in...ok. It was nice, peaceful and...so disconnected to the hurries and worries, and yet so connected to creation and the Creator, such a good feeling. So I started whistling, as loud as I could, and nobody objected, so kept right on whistlin. And that was my visit to Baxter state park, four hours of peace and quiet.

Headed back to Bangor, stopped at Subway for a bite to eat. Returned to the house, Carl returned from school, talked with him. Chilled out and later on watched Secondhand Lions on tv, such a great movie, one of my new favorites.

Since my cell phone had no signal, I hadn't communicated with anyone outside of email. But I got to talk with Laura for a good while that evening, we've decided to spend some time apart...jk,oh the humor,things are good, unlike my attempted humor:)

Day 104 (September 12, Mon.)

2005-09-14T15:09:00.000-12:00

Went for a good 6 mile run in the morning around Bangor. Met and ran with Carol along the way, a to-be 50 year old training for another marathon(she said she had medaled at Boston before), just a friendly runner. I returned home albeit a bit winded.

Cleaned up and went to the public library to research some stuff and try and catch the blog up to date, didn't get it caught up, still trying and almost there. After the library I walked around the downtown, ate at Lunchbox cafe, and wandered in and out of some stores.

The weather was nice again, so I went to a park, did some writing, the typical masculine stuff. On the way back to the house I had to stop by Dunkin Donuts, I wonder if they need a spokesperson?

Later met Carl and Cynthia's daughters, Abby and her son Evan, and Cortney and her daughter Kate, who'd stayed with her mammy the night before. The Monday Night Football game was between the Falcons and Eagles, that Michael Vick sure is fun to watch.

Earlier in the day I spoke with Laura Foust(sister of my mom's best friend growing up/college roomie) and lined up the stay for West Virginia. Also,later on, I spoke with the Apgars(friends of Don and Annie Lou Grimes - whom I met in New Jersey), and lined up the stay for New Hampshire, the next stop.

This may be interesting: 1.Alabama(family I stayed with-Gordons) - through friends of friends at Auburn...2.Florida(Norm)- through Mrs.Beverly, teller at my bank...3.Georgia(Harpers)-through a friend(Karessa) from Texas who I met in Brazil...4.South Carolina(Boyles)-through Coach Champ, brother-in-law to Bob Boyle...5.North Carolina(Cox family)- lined up day before I left for NC, through Norm in FL...6.Virginia(Overbeys)- again Norm, he was the best man in the Overbey wedding...7.Maryland(Spradlins)-through my cousins(Spiveys)who went to college with the Spradlin's sons...8.Delaware(Nichols)-through Ms.Judy, the UNA basketball administrative assistant, old neighbors to Jack and Sally Nichols...9.New Jersey(Dyers)-their daughter Jill is friends with my sis Bethany...10.New York(Mundies)- through friends of friends in Auburn(Highfield sisters), later found out Laura and April Mundie were roomates their freshmen year...11.Rhode Island(Nappas)-through Bob Boyle in SC, he and Steve Nappa were college roomates...12.Connecticut(Hansons)-through Coach Champ, another one of his brothers-in-law Kevin Hanson...13.Massachusetts(Lalibertes)-through Lindsay Walker, friend/basketball manager at UNA last year...14.Maine(Parkers)-again, Coach Champ, he and Carl Parker are basketball buddies...(upcoming visits)...15.New Hampshire(Apgars)-through Don and Annie Lou Grimes whom at church with the Dyers in NJ...

And that is how the web has been woven thus far...the journey continues.

Day 103 (September 11, Sun.) already 4 years?

2005-09-14T09:35:00.000-12:00

Doesn't seem like that long ago, in the dormroom, waking as my roommate said something about what was on tv and being bombed or something. Throughout the remainder of the day and the days/weeks to come I'd learn of the events surrounding 9-11, a day etched forever in my mind. And four years later, the world has gone through many changes because of that day. I also remember the unity of the nation, the togetherness of so many people, from all walks of life, and that's what makes America so great. But why is it that it takes a tragedy to jumpstart the love, the brotherhood, the goodwill? Katrina is just another example. The differences are always going to be there, but so are the similarities if we look hard enough.

9-11-05. Decided to drive to Bar Harbor, on the coast of Maine, to Acadia National Park. I guess it took about an hour to get there, at an enjoyable pace, with the window down to enjoy the brisk wind and cool air. Arrived at the park, talked to a helpful park ranger. Drove the coastal drive until I found a place to park, then got on the trail. It was great, and I realized that it is just one of those things...one of those things that a camera cannot capture and do justice, sort of like trying to write about it...even if my vocabulary was better or my wording just right, it's one of those things where you just have to experience and see with your own eyes...and that's how much of this trip has been. I've found that pictures are just there to remind the mind of what was seen, but still just a replication of the real thing...yet in the mind it continues on.

I sat for a while on a rocky cliff, overlooking the bay that turned into the Atlantic Ocean, the richest blue. I camped under a little tree that provided just enough shade, and combined with the breeze and the fact I had kicked off my shoes, oh the bliss :) it was a fine moment in the Almighty's creation.

In reading Romans, there were so many verses that seemed fitting for the day (1:20; 8:26-29,35-39) just to name a few. There is much comfort in having a sense of being in the presence of something greater.

I left and thought I'd head back to Bangor. But on the way out, my curiosity led me to follow the signs to Mt. Cadillac. I wound my way up the mountain...and along the way was awed...and at the top was speechless...quite possibly the greatest display of creation I've ever seen...it was that nice. Again though, one of those things tough to describe. Acadia National Park, the kind of beauty that slaps you in the face.

Returned to the Parker place in Bangor and watched...yep, some more football. A great matchup between the NFL's best offense and defense, and the Colts got the best of the Ravens.

Day 102 (September 10, Sat.)

2005-09-13T17:34:00.000-12:00

Slept until 10am, which Carl enjoyed stretching and making it seem like I slept all day. He gave me the dime tour of Bangor, showing me the house where Stephen King lives, along with the baseball field and swimming pool King donated to the community. Bangor, a town of close to 50,000, reminded me a bit of Florence. After the tour we went to the gym for a workout and then returned to watch college football. So I sat comfortably in a recliner with a blanket shielding me from the cool bite in the air, summer no more.

There were several good games on, nothing like lounging around on a lazy Saturday and watching college football. The Notre Dame/Michigan was a good game, ND pulled out the upset and looked good. I also got to meet Cynthia, Carl's wife. The three of us went to a new place Carl had been wanting to go to, a Texas Roadhouse. Carl and I had the 22 oz. steak, a good meal along with good conversation. Back to the house for more football. Georgia and South Carolina was a good game, UGA barely escaped with the win. At 7:45 I got to see Bama play for the first time this season, it was fun cheering on the Tide from Bangor - I'm guessing there aren't too many Bama fans in Maine, but on this day, there was at least one:) Sweet home Alabama, roll tide roll. I also watched the Texas/Ohio St. game, flipping back and forth with the Bama game. Man, what a productive day, but somebody has to do it.

It felt so nice sleeping with the windows open and the cool air breezing in, night 2 in Maine.

Day 101 (September 9, Fri.) Massachusetts to Maine

2005-09-13T16:51:00.000-12:00

Woke early enough to see Joey and Emma before they left for school. I really enjoyed being around the kids and spending a couple of days with them. I appreciate the goodness and kindness of the Lalibertes, it was a great stay. I was talking with Beth before I left and she said Emma asked her the night before if I was ever going to come back and stay with them again...it made my day. Packed the suitcase, made some sandwiches for the road, and departed for Maine around 11:20 am. In talking with Carl Parker the day before, their school's soccer team had a game at 4pm, so I planned on arriving sometime between 4 and 5. The Alero, still plugging along, with 7,000 miles for the trip as I headed to Maine.

Crossed the New Hampshire state line and later entered Maine, the pine tree state. It was a gorgeous drive, a very nice day filled with cool air. I was a little ahead of schedule so I stopped for a vanilla cone and looked in a shoe store to waste time.

I arrived at Nokomis high school in Newport, Maine, sometime after 4. In talking with Carl the previous day he said to look for a guy with no hair, so that's what I was looking for as I watched the soccer game. I talked with the high school basketball coach, asked if he'd seen Carl, then he helped me out and pointed me in the right direction.

I met Carl and the adventure began, I know he'll read this so I'll say he is quite a character and leave it at that :) After the soccer game we went to a house warming for Mary, I forget her relationship to the school but there were several others associated with Nokomis there. Carl is something else, the life of the party, and everyone was curious as to how I ended up in Maine and even moreso with Carl. It was neat meeting the folks from Maine and hanging out for the evening.

I was welcomed to Maine and could tell it was going to be another fun-filled and interesting stay. Later Carl took me back to my car and I foolowed him to his house in Bangor. It was a dark ride through the country, not many lights, making the stars appear extremely close, making for quite a spectacle.

Carl is just one of those people who seem to roll with the punches and have a good time. I had arrived at the next stop along the journey, Bangor,ME. SO I slept in Maine, close to 1,500 miles from Florence, AL.

Day 100 (September 8, Thur.)

2005-09-13T01:00:00.000-12:00

Day 100, wow! Didn't do too much while the kids were at school. Did some trip stuff on the computer, swam and had a nice pool workout, read some. Talked with Carl Parker and made arrangements about where to meet up in Maine the following day.

Joey had karate after school, upon his return we played billiards and more ball in the front yard, his eye looked pretty rough but he seemed proud of it. Beth called from the front yard and said supper was ready...just like the good ole days, playing in the yard, only stopping a game because mom called for dinner or because we ran out of daylight. I had a good supper with Dave and Beth, pork tenderloins and corn on the cob, mmmm mmmm.

I've enjoyed being around the northeast and its sporting atmosphere, especially with 2 returning champs(Sox and Pats). I watched the Patriots and Raiders game, the kickoff to the NFL season.

It was my last night in Massachusetts, another good stay with another good family. The kindness of the Lalibertes is greatly appreciated, many more good memories have been made.

Day 99 (September 7, Wed.)

2005-09-12T11:05:00.000-12:00

Bagel with strawberry cream cheese - Dunkin Donuts is a awesome! Went for a good run. Returned and jumped into the pool, super refreshing. Worked on some stuff for the trip, still trying to line up certain places. Met Ashley, the Laliberte's new nanny, talked with her for a while.

Played baseball with Joey in the front yard when he returned from school, homerun derby. His friend Michael came over to play and swim, a hyper-handful of a 10 year old. Threw football to them as they jumped in the water. Then more baseball.

Took a little break to read some, then went and ate at Friendly's with Joey,Emma, and Ashley. The kids are so fun and energetic, very good kids. Good honey bbq chicken tenders, some ice cream, we had a good time.

We returned to the house and decided to play more ball in the yard. Joey and I were playing catch and Matt and Jack, his buddies stopped by to join in. They wanted to see how far I could throw a baseball, so I got to bring the ole arm out of retirement for a while. Though I felt the pain later on, it was fun somewhat entertaining them...until I threw pop ups. They also liked when I would throw the ball as high as I could to them, so they could attempt to catch it...all was going well until I threw one, unfortunately Joey kept his eye on the ball but didn't see the wall he ran into with his face...then came the screamful cry - and the parents were not home. Ashley thought she was going to be fired on her first day, I was prepared to pack my bags, and Joey looked like he'd been attacked by a dog.

We calmed him down, doctored him up, and even made some jokes about it...he said he was going to tell everyone he got in a fight with a professional wrestler. Then we played the waiting game until his parents returned, we even played some more ball, that Joey is a tough kid.

Dave and Beth returned from their date night, we told the whole story about Joey's face, everything turned out ok...they didn't kick me out and Ashley is still the nanny as far as I know.

It was a good day, especially hanging out with Joey and Emma,laughing, having a good time, doing magic tricks and playing ball. Another day in Massachusetts.

Day 98 (September 6, Tue.) Cape Cod

2005-09-12T10:35:00.000-12:00

The drive to the end of Cape Cod to Provincetown was a little over 2 hours. It was a gorgeous, beautiful day. The beach wasn't too crowded, most schools in the New England area had started back, perfect for a little rest and relaxation. Bluest of skies, soft grainy sand, a nice breeze, the conditions were just right. I haven't really read that much on the trip, so I started Waking the Dead, John Eldridges follow-up book to Wild at Heart. The part I read triggered some good thinking, it kept my interest(very hard for a book to do). I had stood in the water earlier, very brisk. Later, I threw myself in the bay and went for a chilly swim. The undertow was stronger than I thought, and allowed for a good workout. I debated going for a swim because of the water's temp and afterwards was so glad did, so refreshing.

I was very impressed with the beach and scenery at the Cape's end, and the day couldn't have been better. Cape Cod and another view of the Atlantic. Spent the majority of the day on the coast, returned to watch the Red Sox on tv, as they won in dramatic fashion, a walk off HR by David Ortiz, which little Joey claimed he predicted.

Day 97 (September 5, Mon.) Labor Day, Boston to Needham

2005-09-10T23:50:00.000-12:00

Packed things, another day of moving on. What a great time in Boston: seeing my bro, his friends; Harvard, Cheers; staying up and talking, watching slideshows; many, many laughs, the trolley tour, MIT museum; first-time at Fenway with my big brother, the hooligans that sat in front of us; the unforgettable night of 7-11 and the slap heard round the world; the Salem witchcraft, jump shots; Dolce Vita and so much more...just an overall great time in Boston.

We packed our belongings, checked out of the hotel and loaded the van, made our way to the airport. Sat around for a while and then said the goodbyes. I am so glad my bro has such a solid core of friends in San Antonio, and glad they were able to make the trip.

Took the shuttle from the airport back to the Park and Go where I had left my car several days earlier. Contacted Dave Laliberte and got directions for the stay at his place in Needham, Mass. It was only about a 40 minute drive and arrived not long after 2pm. Met Dave(Beth was at the hospital working)and his kids Joey and Emma, watched the Red Sox game on tv and talked some about the trip.

Ate a steak, potatos, and corn-on-the-cob supper with the Lalibertes, family #13 in the city of Needham. Made plans to go to Cape Cod the following day. Settled and rested in another spot.

Day 96 (September 4, Sun.)

2005-09-09T09:12:00.000-12:00

Once again, Dunkin Donuts in the park. Then the ten of us went to an open area in the park and worshipped in song and prayer, it was very nice. It was good to be around such a great group of hearts, family and friends. The weather again was perfect, a good start to another day. Again, comforting to know that no matter what state or wherever, God is near, very comforting though at times it can be challenging.

We decided to spend the afternoon in Salem, home of the witchcraft, a very interesting place. We went to the witch dungeon museum where there was a reinactment, a tour, and much history. Spooky, crazy. The Salem witchcraft trials, very interesting and thought provoking.

Then we walked to the ice cream shop, taking and making jump pictures along the way...they can be viewed on Adam's blog...that was a fun and humorous time. It was just a gorgeous day, walking by the water, hanging out with my bro and friends, being silly and typical tourists, good times.

Trained back to Boston, got ready for the formal dinner(my attire consisted of jeans and a borrowed shirt from my bro:) We went to Dolce Vita, had reservations but ended up waiting a couple of hours, and yes it was worth the wait. It was the best restaurant atmosphere I've ever been in. The food was great, what seemed like never ending courses...there was music and singing by two Italian men, as well as most of the restaurant if the song was known, or not...I know I made up a lot of words. It was a nice finale to the stay in Boston, Dolce Vita- a highly recommended spot if you make it to Boston, authentico Italia. The group paid for Adam's meal, in appreciation for all the organizing and work he'd done...he is just a swell brother. It was so nice to be reunited with my bro, friends, and more memories. Last night in Boston, the inevitable once again. Boston, maybe a tie with New York...like Forrest Gump though, that's all I got to say about that.

Day 95 (September 3, Sat.) MIT, Fenway, and drama at the 7-11

2005-09-09T09:07:00.000-12:00

Dunkin Donuts again for breakfast, ate in park with Adam, Sarah, Sara, Cretia, Christy, and Becky. After breakfast, Adam,Chad,John,and I had some fun in the park with the video camera, doing stupid and silly stuff, stuff when you later view it you wish you had not done, yeah some of that.

The girls went shopping that afternoon and the guys went to the MIT museum. It was like a grown man's playground, so cool. There were all kinds of neat interactive displays, holograms, a very fun place. There was a giant marble maze game, the maze was projected on the floor with a marble that would move in response to where you stood on the floor, there planks and holes on the maze and if the marble fell in the hole - game over. (wherever you stood on the game floor, the board would tilt and the ball would come towards you like gravity) Anyways, the object was to get the marble from start to finish without it falling in a hole. Sounds simple...after an hour of frustration and taking turns with different people, I finally conquered some intellectual's maze and felt like I had really accomplished a milestone, realizing I had just spent an hour trying to do so...but it was fun. Chad actually accomplished the feat first, with a crowd watching in suspense, it was funny. Chad proved it could be done, and I followed him...back-to-back maze conquerers...I just spent way too much time talking about that, I still have to write about Fenway. Nontheless, the MIT museum was a blast. On the way out we started taking jump shots, a picture of people jumping as the camera captures the moment, fun times.

We returned to the hotel, readied for the visit to Fenway. Crammed into the packed subway, made our way to the best ballpark in all of baseball. There was a buzz surrounding the stadium, scalpers doing there thing, and first-timers like myself, transformed into little kids. I continued the tradition and came away with 6 t-shirts, a blanket, a towel, and more bad credit. I tried to take pictures from as many different angles as I could, from field level to the roof seats.

Finally made it to the center-field bleacher seats, where our group was, awesome seats. A beautiful day at the ballpark, at Fenway with my bro, what a great experience. We were seated behind some characters from New Hampshire, a newly wed husband of 2 months and his groomsmen (he got them Red Sox tickets for the gift), they were ex-collegiate football players, matching all the stereotypes - made for an interesting 9 innings. Oh yeah, the baseball game was entertaining as well. What an atmosphere! Take me out to the ballgame in the 7th, Sweet Caroline...bomp,bomp,bomp...in the 8th, just a great day at the ballpark, and the home team wins.

To top off the evening, after we returned to the hotel, we went to the 7-11 for late night snacks...and came away with more than we could have imagined...

I'll try and summarize briefly...walked into 7-11 with Adam and 5 others from the group...filled up my gulp drink, proceeded to check out...Sarah also checked out...next thing I know, one of the store attendants grabs a lady, catches her red-handed trying to steal food snacks(nutter butter under her shirt, crackers and various other snacks in her purse and pockets)...she replies "I'm homeless and hungry"...the guy takes all the snacks, throwing them on a counter...tries to check her purse, she wouldn't allow it...then, the purse and all its belongings are all over the floor(including snacks)...they scuffle...she attempts to push the guy in the neck region...he slaps her across the face...down goes Frazier...the lady lay face-down on the 7-11 floor, I along with the six others from our group am stunned and speechless, shocked and perplexed at what we just eye-witnessed...the other store worker behind the cashier calmly responds,"next," like it was an everyday ocurrence...slapper-man calls the police, the lady gets up and continues to make a scene, the others in our group check out...the lady pleads for sarah and I join her side as eye-witnesses...I was still speechless, all I could do was motion to the surveillance camera and say it captured the whole thing...our group was out the door...they scuffled more, shoving each other as we walked away...and on the walk back to our hotel we passed the cop headed to the 7-11...we went in for a big gulp and came away with a whole lot more, un-be-leeee-vable! Yeah, that was the Saturday in Boston...MIT, Fenway, and the now infamous 7-11.

Day 94 (September 2, Fri.)

2005-09-08T11:16:00.000-12:00

Found a Sovreign Bank and cashed the check I had recieved for the day of construction in Rhode Island. Ate breakfast at Dunkin Donuts with Chad,Jen,Christy,and Cretia. Purchased tickets for the trolley tour of Boston, then walked to the state house and waited for the trolley. It was just an incredible day, unbelievably nice, and we learned of Boston's history via the trolley. We stopped and visited the U.S.S. Constitution museum, the first warship of the original Navy. Nicknamed "Old Ironsides" because cannonballs would bounce off the side of the ship though it was made out of live oak wood.

Next stop, Quincy Market for a hot dog and pizza lunch. Back on the trolley for a ride, then we walked around Beacon Hill and supposedly saw John Kerry's place. Walked back to the hotel, a long yet scenic walk along the water. Boston is such a cool city. Stopped in the park on the way back and enjoyed the beauty of the day.

The evening consisted of a movie by the harbor. Every fiday night in the summer they show a movie, a pretty neat set up, a big screen at the water's edge. The movie of the evening was Kiss Me Kate, I'd never heard of it, didn't really care too much for it, but thought the overall experience was awesome(though some of us left at intermission). Several of us went on and made reservations for dinner at Legal Sea Foods restaurant, then sat on some park benches, in the cool of the evening, talking and hanging out.

Dinner was good, more quality laughs and good times with Adam and the group. Adam ordered the lobster and was very entertaining with trying to get the bib on. We walked back to the hotel, then watched a slideshow of the pictures from the day on Adam's new laptop.

Another good day in Boston, and it only gets better...tomorrow, Fenway Park and the Red Sox.

Day 93 (September 1, Thur.) Stamford to Boston

2005-09-08T10:15:00.000-12:00

Woke early enough to see Martha, Anna, and Karl, also Liz before they left for school. Then I packed up the suitcase for a four-night stay in Boston. I said goodbye to Kevin and around 9 made my way to beantown. Stopped for gas, as the prices continued to soar with the aftermath of the hurricane (paid $2.95, a $.20 increase from a couple days earlier).

It was a perfect day for traveling, clear skies, sunshine, and a cool breeze through the window. I really enjoy approaching a big city for the first time, the skyline, the rush of traffic, the history. I drove right by Fenway Park on my way in, and to think I'd be there in a couple of days, exciting stuff.

Drove around the city, had some time to kill before Adam's flight came in at 3:17. Parked at the Logan Park and Go, and the shuttle took me to the airport. I was anxious to see my bro and his friends. They arrived at 3:30 and we greeted and all that, got the luggage and went out to the rented van. We were transported to the hotel, the Omni hotel, very nice, home for the next four nights.

Adam brought 8 of his friends from San Antonio: Chad, John, Sara, Sarah, Becky, Cretia, Christy, and Jen, making 10 in our group. Our first visit was to the Granary Burial Grounds where Paul Revere, John Hancock, and others are buried. Next, we went to Harvard, walked through the campus, took some group pics.

We ate at John Harvard's restaurant that evening, it was nice talking with Adam and hanging out and seeing familiar faces, many good laughs. We went to Cheers that evening and saw the inspiration for the tv show, where everybody knows your name. There was a park across the street, so we strolled through it. It was such a nice evening, cool and just right, and it was nice being in Boston with my bro.

We stopped by 7-11 for snacks and returned to the hotel. I shared a bed with my bro, just like old times in the hotels we'd stay at while on trips or family vacations, though the beds seemed so much bigger when we were younger!:) Day 1, welcome to Boston, the 22nd city to watch me sleep on the journey.

Day 92 (August 31, Wed.)

2005-09-07T15:00:00.000-12:00

Last full day in Connecticut. Researched Boston a little bit, found a place not far from the airport to park and leave my car for the days I'd be in Boston.

Ran errands with Martha, Anna, and Karl as they had their last official day off before school began. Talked with Adam, made arrangements to meet at airport. Hard to believe it was only a day away.

Cleaned out my car, rearranged some things, what a messy home! Spent the day getting ready for Boston, the plan was to head out early the next morning. I did check the trap with Karl, nothing was there of course, fun times.

Ate supper with Kevin and Liz at My Favorite Place, ran by one of Liz's friends. It was very good, a bbq cheeseburger and fries. We watched and talked about the situation surrounding Katrina, just a tough situation.

Last night in Stamford. Talked with my buddy Seth about Alabama football, it had been a while since I talked football. I was excited about the start of the football season and the Crimson Tide.

I enjoyed the Hanson's company and getting to know them. Another good stay along the winding path...next stop Boston, excited to see my bro and some familiar faces.

For Boston Pictures

2005-09-06T23:50:00.000-12:00

If anyone would like to check out pictures from Boston, you can do so at my brother Adam's blog : www.adamcopeland.blogspot.com , he has an incredible blog, such a great mind, truly thought provoking. I am still in the elementary level blogging, no pictures or links, just words and craziness. The pictures are quite entertaining, it was a great time with my bro and the 8 others.

Day 91 (August 30, Tue)

2005-09-06T19:30:00.000-12:00

Had planned to go to the city, ended up staying around Stamford. Not too much going on, drove around the downtown area of Stamford. Ended up at a bookstore and sat down to look over the trip plan and outline. Somewhat overwhelmed at some things I needed to have lined up and didn't.

Later contacted Dave, the father of the prospective next family in Massachusetts. Worked on some more trip related stuff, emailed, researched some stuff on the computer. Talked to Norm in Florida, talked about the world missions conference in October at Harding University. The original route has me in Ohio during that time, but I am making arrangements to be in Searcy,AR the 13th-16th of October. Not really sure how it will all work out, but then again, when do I ever?

Went to the fair with Anna and Megan. The summer in Connecticut was nearing end and school was soon to begin. So the fair was packed with children, kids, adults, people of all ages. Fair food, always a treat, enjoyed a pizza frita(funnel cake with sauce instead of powdered sugar). Typical fair stuff, always entertaining.

Currently in Needham, MA

2005-09-06T09:15:00.000-12:00

I am in Needham, outside of Boston, with another family. The 4 days with Adam and the crew was incredible. The weather in Boston was perfect, so nice. We laughed, we joked, we enjoyed being tourists, they enjoyed their vacation(just another stop for me, jk:) It was just an overall great time and I'm so thankful and glad they were able to make the trip, what an amazing group of friends my bro has.

Trip plans: in Needham, MA thru Thur(Sept.8)
leave for Maine friday(Sept.9), stay thru 15th
Bedford, NH (Sept.16 - 20)
somewhere in Vermont? (Sept. 21 -25)
sidetrips to Cooperstown and Niagara Falls(26 - 28)
Pennsylvania (end of month - first of Oct)

Day 90 (August 29, Mon.)

2005-08-31T20:35:00.000-12:00

A corn muffin for breakfast, like the ones at Famous Dave's, only bigger. Worked half a day with Karl at another one of Kevin's home projects. We moved some boards, broke out the Hilti and made a big hole in the concrete, making sure to avoid the pipe. Around noon we headed back to the house for lunch, stopping for gas on the way. Paid $2.84/gallon(regular), the highest I've had to pay thus far. After lunch, pulled some weeds and then proceeded to climb more trees with Karl. Karl is a good tree climber, likes being outside and always into something - as I'm sure I was at the ripe ole age of 13. And now at 23 years old, still climbing trees! We climbed a 70 - 80 footer, it was a good climb, the view was incredible. There I was, perched atop a tree in Connecticut, hanging out and shooting the breeze with my buddy Karl.

Cooled off in the indoor air conditioning, watched some tv, then returned to the great outdoors. My good friend Dane and I spent the majority of one summer learning how to and making traps, mostly snares for squirrels or any small animals. We never caught anything, but we did learn how to make them and the traps were triggered most of the time. So I figured Karl would enjoy the passed on knowledge of setting traps.

Yep, that's what I'm doing these days, after basketball and a degree in business...I am climbing trees and setting animal traps...and the craziness is bound to continue.

Took Karl to Target later in the evening so he could get a card that adds minutes to his cell phone; I picked up some d.o. and snacks. Stopped by Dairy Queen for a tasty strawberry milkshake and returned home. And that's mostly what happened on day 90 of a hopeful 365 - 395, wow!

Day 89 (August 28, Sun.)

2005-08-31T20:30:00.000-12:00

Psalm 23 and some Nehemiah. A good breakfast of sausage, egg omelet, and bagels with Kevin, Liz, and Karl. Another Sunday, another place, another start to another week.

I hadn't seen a Braves game in a while, so it was nice to watch them that afternoon, Andruw Jones hit 2 HR to add to his major league total, the good ole Braves.

Went in the woods with Karl and Anna, climbed some trees and walked around, reminding me of the days of old in Suncrest subdivision in smalltown Alabama. Later, several folks came over for a chicken and pasta supper.

Spoke with Lindsay Walker, friend from UNA/manager of ball team, and got the number to contact her cousins in Boston. Watched some tv, then went for dessert with Martha, Anna, and Megan. Martha will be a high school senior, Anna a sophomore, and Megan a junior - I felt like an old man,jk, it was fun hanging out with the girls.

Day 88 (August 27, Sat.) Go Yankees

2005-08-31T10:34:00.000-12:00

Woke, breakfast, picked up Pancho and Balenten for a half day of work. We returned to the same house as the previous day and had another adventure, this time we were joined by Karl. We filled buckets with gravel, transported them in a wheelbarrow, and dumped them alongside the garage to help with drainage. Our next job was to dig three trenches along the side of the house. We then pulled some sod, dug out some weeded grass and replaced it. The final chore was to rake the hill at the entrance of the driveway. All in all a productive half day, filled with many laughs and miscommunications. Dropped off Pancho and Balenten and returned to the house for a pizza lunch.

Cleaned up, relaxed for a while, made some phone calls, then headed to the train stop to catch a ride to the city and see a Yankees game at 7:10 pm. At 3:57 I boarded the train headed to the city. I arrived at Grand Central Station at 4:40.(I've never tried one of these, but here is my attempt):

A roundtrip train ticket from Stamford,CT to New York City...........................$18.50
Snack food - Ritz and cheese crackers and pertinent sunflower seeds ...........$2.50
Riding the train wondering if I'll even get a ticket to the game...........45 minutes
A one-way metro ticket for the subway..........................................$2.00

Waiting on the subway not really sure what direction to go, finally seeing a guy with a Yankees shirt on and asking him if he was going to the game (so I could follow him), and hearing this response..."I just left because they were getting beat"...then realizing it was Saturday and it was a day-game and not a 7:10 night-game...........................................priceless, yeah right...........$23.00

Riding a train 45 minutes to New York City for a $2 street-vendor hotdog.....................................priceless

I couldn't help but chuckle as I walked out onto the streets of the city grasping the humor in the reality of the moment. So no Yankees game, oh well, I guess I'll just have to return in another season.

Walked around the city for a while, went in some stores, then just chilled on the street and observed the diversity of the people passing by. Later, returned to Grand Central, made the ride back. Returned to the Hanson's place, revealed th

Day 87 (August 26, Fri.)

2005-08-30T10:03:00.000-12:00

Kevin builds houses and does add-on projects, constant work, so I spent my friday as a day laborer. On the way to the job site we picked up two Mexicans and were off to work. Kevin explained what he wanted done and we began raking the rocks out of the dirt, making it level, preparing the yard for grass seed. Pancho and Balenten were my sidekicks. My Spanish is not very good, Pancho can speak and understand a a little English, and Balenten only speaks Spanish - we had all the tools for an interesting day.

Despite the language barrier, we found ways to communicate. Soccer, being the international sport it is, opened the doors for conversation, as we joked about which soccer players we thought each other looked like. We raked the yard along the long driveway, sledge hammered to break the stones being salvaged from the concrete, and raked some more. A good day of grunt work in the Connecticut sun. Working with Pancho and Balentino made for a memorable day, the three amigos...or stoogesos.

Had pizza for dinner with the Hansons, then sat around and talked and hung out with Martha, Anna, Karl, and Megan. Later, went to the train station to pick up Suzanne, their one-time nanny. Stopped by Dairy Queen before heading back to the house. Talked some more, met Adell, Suzanne's friend. Another day complete. The plan for the morrow was to pick Pancho and Balenten up for some more workday fun.

Day 86 (August 25, Thur.) Providence to Stamford,CT

2005-08-28T23:57:00.000-12:00

Packed my belongings, said goodbye to the Nappa ladies, on the road again. Stopped by Steve's warehouse, sat around the office for a while, and then headed for Connecticut.

I enjoyed another stay with another great family. I felt very welcomed and appreciate the hospitality and kindness. Talking with Steve one night, something he said really stood out, "when you're done, leave things better than you found them." Good stuff, a good time in Rhody,and adding to the continued education of life on the road. A thanks again to the Nappa family: Steve and Sarah, Nina and Isabella, two dogs(Lily and Rocko), and the cat.

10 am : on road to Connecticut
11 am : stopped at rest area to enjoy the day
later : arrived in Stamford, no contact with the host family

So I went in some stores, then ended up in a bookstore. Read some for a while, then made my way to a vacant lot to rest in shade. Not too long after, heard from Kevin, the father of the host fam, got directions and headed to the house.

Arrived at the Hanson house, met Karl,13, the youngest of the 3 children. Also met Martha,17, and her friend Sam. Also met Liz, Kevin's girlfriend. Sat on the front porch, talked, and watched Karl as he entertained Martha,Sam, and I with his skateboarding tricks and humor. Later met the middle child, Anna,15.

Hot dogs, steak, and chicken for supper, along with the typical first-time conversation. Coach Champagne was the go-between here also, he and Kevin are brothers-in-law, and I had already stayed with his other brother-in-law in South Carolina, Bob Boyle. Thanks coach, hope school and the season gets off to a great start(almost that fun time of year again for conditioning and those early mornings:)

Watched a movie with Karl, the Last Castle with Robert Redford, it's a good one. Day 1 in Connecticut, state #12.

Day 85 (August 24, Wed.)

2005-08-28T23:21:00.000-12:00

Went for a good run in the morning. Later walked around town, got some pictures of the state house. Throughout the stay with the Nappas I'd seen a Dunkin Donut commercial for a Turtle nut frozen latte, so I casved, stopped by one, and made the purchase. It was super sweet, good and quite tasty... but filled, like a cavity, with so much sugar. Then did some driving around, just looking around.

Closer towards the evening I went on Brown's campus to see what it was like. Today was the first day of college back home at UNA, so much transition had taken place in a year. Wow, and that's why I'm sure one day I'll look back and be glad this journey was attempted. Now is always the best time to live life. To dream all one has to do is sleep; you have to get out of bed if you want it to come true.

Ate supper with Steve, Nina, and Isabella. Dinner on the back patio on what felt like a true fall evening. Nina and Isabella always seemed to be smiling, lively young girls. For dessert we went to Ben and Jerry's, good stuff. Back tot he house for the last night in Rhode Island.

Day 84 (August 23, Tue.) beach day in RI

2005-08-26T19:42:00.000-12:00

Woke, shaved the 15 day beard, packed a lunch, and headed for the beach. Went back to Newport where I'd been the previous Saturday with Steve and BP. This time there was no fog, an incredibly gorgeous day. It was nice viewing the vast array of sailboats from the wharf, driving the scenic ocean drive, checking out the ridiculous mansions(from the car window). I then proceeded to 2nd beach, paid 10 bucks to park, grabbed the chair and umbrella, and set up shop facing the Atlantic again from a different perspective. I've seen it from Florida, South Carolina, Delaware, New Jersey, and now Rhody. A splendid day- the sun was shining, the clouds were scarce, and there was a constant breeze to shield the heat.

The simple things. Toes covered in sand. Feet in a crashing wave. Looking to the horizon. Kids trying to hit the seagulls with rocks. Life seems to be better when things are simple.

Good things, God things, all over the place. Another good day at the beach. The beach is a nice place to think, reflect, enjoy, relax, write, just to be.

Drove back, heard "Sweet Home Alabama" twice on the radio, rolled the windows downed and adjusted the volume a tad bit, only fitting. Slowed in some traffic,but there are no worries when there's nowhere to be. Returned to the house, good cheeseburgers for supper with Steve. Enjoyed some phone conversation with Drew,preparing for Phy.Therapy school at UF, and Jeremy,can't believe a junior is on the way. Also talked with my bro, looking forward to seeing him in Boston.

Watched some of Con-Air, I'd forgotten how good it was. And that was what happened on the 84th day.

Day 83 (August 22, Mon.) working construction

2005-08-26T19:02:00.000-12:00

Another workday, this time as a temp for Nappa Building Corp. I sat in on a brief safety meeting with the real employees then rode over to the job site at Lincoln school with Ben(a praised carpenter by Steve). I scraped paint and painted, making sure I used every bit of my collegiate education:) It was not a bad day, got to see wide variety of the going ons and different tasks of construction. Another chore added to the list, aiming for jack of all trades, remaining king of none!

Returned to the Nappa home, called and talked with Carl Parker for a place to stay in Maine. Still nothing confirmed for Boston, but working on it. Traveling accompanied with spontaneity can be so interesting...and probably foolish...nontheles providing adventure and quite the experience.

Watched a soccer match via the satellite, got to see Ronaldinho play, one of Brazil's amazing products. I enjoyed sitting back, kicking off my sandals, and taking a break from the everyday struggles and stresses associated with being ...sarcastic, what a tough life:) A laid back evening in Rhode Island, has it really almost been 3 months on the road?