Ghosts of Halloween's Past

And finally, I present my first ever Pinterest project.

 2015's costume:

Did you dress up for Halloween? See any interesting ideas?

Welcome to Dinosaur Park

This past weekend, I visited Backyard Terror's Dinosaur Park with my sister and her family. Little man shares my love of dinosaurs (not surprising given his status as a 7 year old boy), and wanted to take me to see all the cool displays.

The concept is fairly simple: life-size replicas of what different types of dinosaurs are believed to have looked like. 

We even were able to see the newest display, showing the bones (so to speak) on how they are built. For perspective in the photo above, look for the ladder which can be seen between the hind-legs of the structure.

Given that they aren't my children and I don't have their mother's permission to post photos of them, I've blocked out there faces. This particular dinosaur has bloody flesh in his teeth and the carcass of lunch between he and the little man.

The princess and I feigned terror when posing next to the infamous Tyrannosaurus Rex, but the attractions weren't truly frightening. I held the little man's hand through the dark raptor exhibit, but unless your party wants to scare you themselves, nothing jumps out at visitors.

I believe they have a night exhibit as well, but I can't speak to if it is scary (or how much so). The little man is super pumped, though to come back for the Halloween even this coming weekend.

Most intriguing about this park is the location and set-up. All of these dinosaurs live in the yard of a residential neighborhood. Once you go into the park, the property stretches for quite a piece, but its odd to walk through the front gate and see houses on either side.

There is a donation box near the gate, but entry is free. A gift shop is located in the park, and has another donation box. Prices of items are posted, and patrons contribute on the honor system.

My top 2 favorite dinosaurs were represented: the Compsognathus (aka Compy) and the Velociraptor (Raptor) were both well represented at the park.

Along the walking path, picnic tables are set up and visitors are encouraged to bring in a meal or snack. My sister said that the local pizza joint also delivers to the location. As we were leaving, we ran into a group setting up a birthday party.

All in all, it was a cool experience.

Do you have any off-the-beaten-path adventures in your neck of the woods?

Favorite Sayings - Friday's Five

Today is my introduction to a couple of fun different concepts. I've recently joined a writing group on Facebook, and the ladies are helping me get back into a routine with my blogging. Each week Kelly at Mrs. Disciple hosts a Friday Five link-up. This week's topic is favorite sayings.

Also, for the first time, I'm using stock photos on my blog. The same ladies introduced me to sites which provide images for free (no credit needed) or free-but-with-credit photos. Either way I was excited (and a bit scared - you'll see in a few moments) to search for pictures to go with my favorite sayings.

If any of my fellow bloggers are interested, I'd be happy to email you the links. Or else I can do a link-share post with all of their recommendations. 

Now, on to the main event. Ladies and gentleman I present to you Sammy's Sayings. Somehow that doesn't have the same ring as Justin Halpern's book title Sh!t My Dad Says.

• If ya gotta poop might as well do it on company time.

This saying has become a favorite amongst government workers, especially those who have complained until they received ultra plush toilet paper in their stalls.

Jay, however, can't get behind (ahem) the phrase. Before his self employment, he was on a crew building new homes. Construction porta-potties. I hope the rest goes without saying.

• I wouldn't sh!t you, you're my best turd.

This is my far my favorite response to the disbelief expressed in the colloquialism "You're sh!tting me?!"

My apologies for the profanity. Somehow "You're crapping me" just doesn't sound the same.

 

• Let's kick the tires and light the fires big daddy!

This gem is from the movie Independence Day. The characters portrayed by Will Smith and Harry Connick Jr., along with their fellow Air Force pilots, are being briefed on their alien @$$kicking mission.





The sound quality is horrible, but this is the only clip YouTube had to offer. Maybe one day I'll do a video clip myself. Or a video clip of myself saying it. 

This is my go-to phrase for pumping myself up and getting the blood flowing before a big race. Or a little race. Or any type of running that I get excited about.

Speaking of running...

• The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.

This quote is from author and marathoner John Bingham's book No Need for Speed: A Beginner's Guide to the Joy of Running.There are definitely times when lacing up those shoes, and making the first step is the most difficult - in training and in life.

And finally I can't forget about my favorite quote from the book For the Love by Jen Hatmaker. God's will for my life (and yours) summed up in 3 small phrases:

• Be Kind. Be You. Love Jesus.

What are some of your favorite sayings? Movie quotes? Lines from a favorite book which have stuck with you over time? 

A post script: I'm sorry if my use of photos, and words on photos has been distracting. I've had fun playing around with images (both stock and photos I have on file) and adding words to them. Please feel free to speak up if you have any words of wisdom to share about how to best integrate these things into my blog.


photo credit: Ladies & Men via photopin (license)
photo credit: Neighbor via photopin (license)

Cruisin' - Nassau

Since we leave tomorrow for vacation, I figured now was as good a time as any to finish up blogging about the cruise. Not sure why I haven't done this sometime over the past month, but whatevs yo. 

Nassau was the last port on our cruise, Jay and I had gone it alone the other two excursions. The beer walk we had decided upon, however, drew the rest of the crew (save the wine-o) out and about with us.

The tour took us to 3 different craft brewpubs, and at each we got 3 samples. Walking from bar to bar we were given a brief history of the City. It was a fun excursion, made even better thanks to the crowd along for the ride...erm...walk.

At the last stop, a few in the group took advantage of the free WiFi, and discovered a rum distillery within walking distance. After purchasing some souvenirs, enjoying a few more pints of the darker beers, we set off for part 2 of the adventure.

We walked around the grounds and facilities, then headed to the gift shop for some sampling. Chatting up the bartender, we learned that he was dating the gift shop attendant who had originally greeted us upon our arrival. This really highlights our trip - talking to people and hearing their stories.

We saw this church on our walk back. I have no clue what I'm doing in this picture. Storming the castle perhaps? Back on the ship, we prepared for our last formal evening of the cruise. 

I borrowed my dress from my niece - one of her (much older) friends had gifted it to her. She loves to sew, and she was planning on deconstructing it then rebuilding her own masterpiece. I'm just thankful to have gotten my hands on it for the cruise.

All week, we'd had the same wait-staff. Joseph, the head server, was sweet and funny, not to mention great at his job. So thankful we were able to get a group photo with him. 

While the professional photos were expensive, the impromptu goofy group shot turned out better than the one of us perfectly posed. I'm so thankful Holly and Todd purchased this one! 

Sail Away - Days at Sea

Despite being cruise newbies, Jay and I knew all the tips and tricks of season veterans. My friend Holly and her husband Todd had gotten the trip together in order to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary. Having never experienced a ceremony. they wanted to do a vow-renewal ceremony.

Jay and I drove 4 hours Friday to spend the night with them, then Saturday morning we met up with the rest of the crew - Mike & Karen and Mark - and caravaned to Savannah. They wanted to get on the boat early, so we were on the boat, in the dock for hours before we ever set sail.

We all had our first drink immediately upon boarding and Jay experienced his first (and only) bar sticker shock. For the rest of the cruise we took a "its vacation" approach. We had the money to cover the bill so we made an effort to enjoy ourselves instead of nickle and diming things. I considered it our reward for being so frugal the rest of the year.

After our cabin rooms were ready, we dropped off our carry-on luggage and head around the boat to explore. We found the walking track which surrounded the mini-golf course on the very top deck. 

 Jay had never been to Charleston before, so Mike & Karen gave us the tree-top tour, pointing out the tops of the the tallest buildings in the City.

Leaving the port we saw our first and only dolphins of the cruise. We also watched as the armed Coast Guard boat guided our ship to see. With a machine gun at the helm, it was a tad intimidating despite the relative smallness to our vessel.

Dinner dress-code regulations weren't in effect the first evening, since some people may not have had their luggage. Jay had a bit of dread for these events because he loves flip flops and stretch shorts (basketball shorts with elastic waist bands), but we ended up attending every evening. Through the mornings and afternoons we did our own thing, then our group would meet up for dinner and spend the evening together getting into some form of foolishness.

Most all of the evenings were spent in the Majestic Lounge. Our server came to know us by name, drink order, and finally room number - to the tune we didn't have to show our room key to charge to our accounts. 

We chose the lounge because it was the one place with a TV for Jay to watch the NBA finals. Every-other evening we watched basketball and the other evenings we watched NHL. Finally when both sports crowned their champion, we explored other evening activities. We caught a couple comedy shows, "The Game of Love" interactive game show, an adult scavenger hunt, and listening to a performer in the piano bar.

I cannot overstate how lost Jay and I were the first day at sea. We are used to action-packed vacations and we felt like we were missing something. By the second day we had no problem kicking back, ordering a drink, and enjoying the slow pace of the cruise. 

Cruise Countdown: T-minus 7 Days

Not sure how its possible, but I feel as if our upcoming cruise has been planned forever and up on me all at the same time. Here I sit, a week away, and I'm not really sure I'm ready.

This time next week, we'll be on our way to Charleston, South Carolina to meet our floating home for the following week. I'm really not sure what I'm going to think about it. My claustrophobia is weird and doesn't really make sense (does any phobia?), so I'm a bit concerned about being trapped on the open water with no escape.

Then there is the small room. Many moons ago (perhaps a decade) a friend suggested a rolling duffel as the perfect solution to the cramped quarters. This way a cruiser could unpack, but then stow the case under the bed and out of the way.  I bought the bag then never took the cruise. I love it though. when it tears up I plan on buying another - even if Jay and I don't catch the cruising bug like a lot of our friends. 

Hold please while I add hangers to my master packing list. 

Jay doesn't have a proper suitcase, so I'm borrowing one from a friend. Since we'll be attending a on-board vow renewal (the friends we are traveling with are celebrating 20 years of marriage) Jay and I will both be packing nicer-than-normal attire. For this, I'm borrowing a garment bag from my parents. 

Perhaps I'll spend the next week doing other SOC posts about my preconceived cruise thoughts. While there will be no posting while I'm gone, I hope to write up this vacation as it happens, then of course post it when we get back and logged onto the Internets.
 
Linking up with Jaime for Stream of consciousness Saturday. If you've like to join us, just set a timer for 5 minutes, let the words flow, and link up. Be sure to let me know in the comments if you participate. I'd love to read about whatever is on your mind. The crazier the better - in my crazy opinion at least!

Trail Report: Rainbow Falls to LeConte & Back via Bull Head

Yesterday I participated in Wordless Wednesday with a GIF of my experience at Mt. LeConte. My friend Gretchen and I took a hike on Memorial day to enjoy the climb (and the view, and the snacks that are mandatory).

My only other trip to the top via Rainbow Falls had been in the winter, and she had never been before. Once we got past the falls, the remaining 4 miles were a new adventure.

Instead of covered in snow, like my previous visit, the loose rocks affected the stability of our footing. The path seemed to be covered in many places, as if it were a dry creek bed.

With the air warm and humid, we stopped several times along the way up for snacks and water, but left the majority of our lunch for the picnic tables just outside of LeConte Lodge.

Snacks, a (non-flushing) toilet, and a quick post to Facebook (yes, she had service up there) then we were ready to finish the climb to some of the best views in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

We stopped to add our rocks to High Point. As the name suggests, its the highest point on LeConte. I'm sure the same rocks get added and fall off all the time, but its a fun way to commemorate each trip up to the top.

The path continues even further, now traveling at a slight decline to get to Myrtle Point. From the lodge and our chosen route to the top, the point about three quarters of a mile (one way) further and worth every step.

I'm not a photographer by any means, and its probably difficult to believe but the pictures just couldn't do the scenery justice. Jay always says just a couple of clouds on a clear day make for the best pictures. If that's the case we couldn't ask for a better day. Layers upon layers of mountains, puffy clouds, and sunshine made it perfect.

We took in the view, relaxed, then goofed around and got some pictures.

As always, this photo isn't what it seems. My legs were hidden, laying on a rock just below the rock which I am grasping. If it were truly dangerous, pictures like this wouldn't be entertaining, they'd be foolish.

I could have stayed up there all day, but we had another 7 miles to hike to get back to the car. Begrudgingly, we packed up and headed down the trail.

Safe to say, the rest of the afternoon was downhill from there. Tee hee. See what I did there? During the winter Bull Head is reported to have good views, and I could see slivers through the trees on Monday. However with the trees and bushes ready for summer, they were more "stop and look" views, rather than those which could be appreciate in passing.

We ended up covering 14 miles in just over 6 hours, making for an excellent holiday.

High on Life

 

Taken at Myrtle's Point on Mt. LeConte

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Thank You, Part 2

Thank you Jesus. My life is so incredibly blessed, the stressers I face are almost laughable. Almost, because while they seem small in comparison to the struggle of others, they sure press down hard upon me.

Yesterday, I entered gift #6000 into my journal. That, itself, is a gift - to still be recognizing, recording those glimmers of heaven. Another day, month, year has been presented to me. I can appreciate it, if only I allow myself the time to meditate on that which surrounds me.

With the changes coming, both actual and anticipated, the temptation to become a malcontent will be great. The paradise I enjoy now isn't staying the same, and may well be ruined.

This doesn't give me license to complain or even become annoyed.  The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away.
Praise the name of Yahweh. Job 1:21

5959) Opportunity to help random lady at the grocery store
5960) Pre-mother's day dinner with Mama & Mamaw
5974) Nature walk + talk with the girls
5989) Words of grace to share with the hurting on Mother's day
5995) Watching new TV shows with Jay
6000) The Princess's 11th birthday
6006) Enthusiasm over new training plan

Do you look at changes with dread or excitement?
What this past week have you been thankful for?

Weekend to Assemble

Friday

Have you had a chance to go see the new Avengers movie? If not, go. Now. I'll wait. Okay so maybe I'll carry on without you. But still its good. GO! Then hit me up on Twitter to chat about it!!!

Since Jay is comic-book stupid, I headed north to see the movie with my sister, BIL, and her kiddos.

*He pays so little attention, he commented on my love of Wolverine. Not understanding that the X-men movies and the Avenger movies are totally different. My sis tried to take up for him, citing Wolverine's role in Super Hero Squad** with the other avengers, but his knowledge is limited to what he's encountered via me. And up until this weekend I'd never watched SHS.

**Did you know there is a SHS member who's super power is turning into a dinosaur? My nephew knew I would love Reptil, and he was right. Best of both worlds!!

All 5 of us wore our Marvel gear (you can see the reflection of my shirt in the car window). My BIL has an Iron Man shirt, my nephew a Captain American tee, and the 3 girls had shirts with pictures of several of the heroes.

Saturday

My niece had a sleepover at school after the movie, so we headed out early to go pick her up. Apparently 5th graders don't eat a lot, because I made out with some waffles, pizza, and a leftover cookie cake which the parents didn't want to take back home with them.


We had some time to kill before my nephew's soccer game, so we hit the playground of the park. Unlike runners who taper and rest up before a big race, apparently energy is limitless for children  and its no bigs to run around like a crazy person.

Despite the 5-12 age sticker on the playground equipment, I followed him around trying to keep up. Unfortunately, there were some places that 12-in-spirit just didn't count. Dangerous is fun! he proclaimed walking on top of the monkey bars.

After all our fun on the playground, my nephew went on to score 8 goals at his game. Technically they don't keep score at kinder-soccer, but he knew. We all knew.

Aren't his cleats just the coolest? I wish they made running shoes with skullz on them. They would totally be mine. I have the swimsuit with skullz for tri-training. Now to lose 10 pounds so I don't look like a stuffed sausage.

My sister, niece, and I went fabric shopping after the game. The Princess is now a fashion designer - complete with her own Etsy shop. Creative just isn't my thing (my sister says the same) so how she got the eye for pairing fabrics amazes me. I hand picked my own material and will be blogging about her store again in the future. Perhaps a giveaway??

Back at the house, my nephew and I played army outside. He has an electric car (hand-me-down from his big sis, which he transformed from purple to camo), so I borrowed a bike to have wheels for myself. I'd heard tales from my mother of how exhausting running after the car could be.

Sunday

Yesterday wasn't really blog worthy, but I feel like I must include it to be able to title this "weekend." Church and Bible study yesterday morning, then I went home and took a long afternoon nap. When Jay and I woke up, he went out to do yard work while I cleaned toilets. Exciting stuff huh?

We ended the evening with more relaxation - this time in the form of a Netflix movie and TV shows in our DVR.

What was your favorite part of the weekend? Any recommendations on must-watch shows to catch up on during the summer hiatus?

SOCS - Travel

I referenced my upcoming cruise a couple of posts ago. I suppose I haven't talked about it much because it seemed so far away. One of those too-good-to-be-true kinda things. Its been in the works for months, so its hard for me to realize its about 6 weeks away.

Last summer, my friend Holly mentioned wanting to renew her wedding vows to her hubby for their 20th anniversary, because they didn't have a wedding. She invited Jay and I (along with some other friends) to join them, and asked me to be the matron of honor at her ceremony.


When I visited in March, she and I went dress shopping. She'd already picked out and ordered her dress, and we were able to find one complimentary for me. I'm excited to share pictures of it after the big event (you'll get no photo spoilers here!) because after trying on at least a dozen choices, we found one that looks great for my body type.

She & her husband, along with the other friends on the cruise, are all seasoned travelers. Jay and I are the only 2 going who haven't been on a trip like this before. I've been picking her brain these past few months for random tips. (I'm always open for more if you've cruised and have sage advice for this newbie!)



I'm sharing this post over at Jaime's today as part of her Stream of Consciousness weekend series. The only rules are as follows: set a timer for 5 minutes and write whatever is on your mind.
 
Are you linking up? I try to catch everyone who posts on Jaime's page, but also please let me know in the comments. Of course the crazier the post, the more I love it. Don't leave me hanging! Please and thank you.

Fiesta Time Again!

Once again Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies hosted the Sevier County Food Ministry Fiesta. My parents and I decided to join the fun, and headed up to Gatlinburg after work on Monday. Unfortunately my husband is a poopy head Jay had to work and couldn't join us, but I had enough fun for the both of us.

First we registered for door prizes, then it was time to peruse the silent auction items. I wanted to bid on these guys, but the home owner's association of our community wouldn't be too thrilled with them.

We didn't take home anything from the auction, but it was fun to look through the items they had. A couple items interested me, but thankfully for the Ministry, the bid price went too high for me.

 The aquarium itself hasn't changed much since the last time we were there, so we didn't spend a ton of time on the exhibits. I did, however, enjoy snapping several pictures as we walked through.

I attempted a family selfie on the shark-tank conveyor belt, but the area wasn't light enough for the picture to turn out.

In addition to seeing all the featured creatures, my dad and I enjoyed the hands-on experience offered by this hard-shelled dude. My mother yelled to startle me right as I was about to touch it, so I got her back by flicking the water in her face.

A good hand washing later (as instructed by the signs surrounding this particular tank), and we were headed into the main hall to hit the buffet.

Thankfully the menu included ground beef and chicken, rather than marine life. (Although the final dish I did not partake of might have included shrimp).  As the event name suggests, the fare included tacos, nachos, rice and refried beans. I may or may not have gone back for a second helping of beans, queso, and nacho chips.

We ended up running into and enjoying dinner with my dad's sister, his niece and her hubby (plus their baby twin grandkids) as well as another nephew with his wife and kids. Yes, you read that right. I have a first cousin with grandkids. His family is crazy-big, plain crazy, but also fun.

As we sat around talking, we heard the winners of the door prizes. My mom won a "penguin painting on a black background" we imagined something along the lines of a velvet Elvis, only replacing Elvis with a picture of a penguin.

Instead, she got this:

In case you couldn't figure it out, that's the artist MoMo on the right. And her (his?) painting on the left. Who knew penguin art was a thing?  Of course my smarty-pants father questioned if the white streaks were paint or penguin poop.

All-in-all, a fun night for a great cause!