Determination

Arriving to say goodbye

Our grandson, Frank, was running out of good weather to make his trip from State College, PA to Bluffton, SC and then on to Boca Raton, FL. It was Nov. 4 and cold weather had begun in PA. He had almost completely rebuilt his motor cycle to include two fuel tanks, a tractor seat covered with sheep wool for comfort, a special windshield, and some decorations like the horns (given to him by his Mother’s dad), the feather, and many other features I've lost track of. The bike was loaded down with camping gear as you can see in the picture. The plan was to stay off the interstates and take less-travelled highways to the Skyline Drive and then Blue Ridge Parkway. 




Adjusting his hat

 



 

I captured these pictures when Frank came to say goodbye to me before he headed off. His mother called to say he was on his way so I was prepared with my camera to capture the pictures as he turned onto the road to head my way and then head out. The camera time shows 3:30 p.m. It would be dark in less than an hour and a half.

On his way!




It took Frank ten days to get to Bluffton where he stayed for a few days. Most of the trip from Bluffton to Boca Raton required driving I-95 with the heavy traffic. It took a lot of determination from Frank to embark on this trip. He had a safe trip and made it all the way to his destination in Boca Raton where the bike broke down. 



Suuki - our granddog

Life wouldn't be the same without our granddog, Suuki. Several times a year, we get to take care of her when Mark and Kate, our son and daughter-in-law go on vacation. When we first get her, she is a little afraid but she quickly adapts when we take her to the park next to The Pennsylvania Military Museum in Boalsburg, PA. The grass is always mowed and soft and there's a nice breeze that flows over the park. She loves to run and row in the grass. She pulls on the leash and we follow. In the pictures below Grandpa, Larry, is helping Suuki play peek a boo with Grandma. I have to admit it's easy to giggle when I look at these two pictures. Grandpa is always up to little tricks. 

Peek a boo, Grandma

 

 





I see you, Grandma





Grandpa, Larry, and Suuki



Taking a rest with Grandpa, Larry, on the park bench



I'm ready for a nap!

The Blue Fish and The Turtle

In June 2015,  Larry, our grandson, Eric, and I had an opportunity to visit the National Aquarium in Baltimore, MD. We were taking Eric to the BWI so he could fly home to Boca Raton and decided to visit the aquarium before taking him to the airport.

Humphead Wrasse

There were many beautiful sights at the aquarium and I highly recommend you visit it if you can. I was intrigued by the blue fish Humphead Wrasse. He kept swimming away from where we were standing so we waited until he came around to try to get another try. Even though he is a very large fish, he seemed harmless and all he wanted to do was swim and swim.


Calypso's Story

We were all fascinated by Calypso, a green turtle, who swam tirelessly. She has three legs but swimming is no challenge for her.

The day at the aquarium with our grandson, Eric, turned out to another time when memories captured with my camera will be forever with me.

Click on the National Aquarium in Baltimore, MD and take a tour of the aquarium from your living room.

Enjoy!

Friends Gather Here



Retirement gift
 

"Friends Gather Here" is a sun catcher I gave a friend who retired last year. We had worked together many years, had shared many talks, and walks before starting our work day. I wanted to give her the perfect retirement gift because she cared so much about others and always took time to listen. She was also a wonderful coach at work. She had a strong work ethic and often worked long hours to be sure the job got done. I took this picture to help me remember how friends like to gather around her at company events and work. I found the sun catcher at Hallmark but you can find it by clicking on Amazon. My friend said she placed the sun catcher by the window in her reading room. When I look at this picture in my on-line album, I think of the good work days in her office and know that she is enjoying her   well-deserved retirement.

Do you have a favorite picture or craft or sun catcher that brings back fond memories? Don't you just want to walk around your home and look for memories?  Please share what you find on your treasure hunt.









Pictures Inspire Memories

Do you have pictures that you look at over and over because they have inspired you or have special meaning to you?

I have created this blog to encourage you to share your picture memories with others. If you do not have the technical ability to load your pictures on the internet, create an album that you can place on your coffee table or bring out at special gatherings or holidays. Even if you can load pictures on the internet, go ahead and create an album. Albums are like precious heirlooms that preserve our history through time.

The picture below was taken on May 7, 2011 at LongwoodGardens in Kennett Square, PA

This Longwood Gardens picture is important to me because it shows the beautiful flowers and plants behind me. When I look at this picture, I go back to that day in time. It was a special treat to be able to visit these gardens because I don't travel much. I will show more pictures of these gardens in future postings.

What place have you visited that holds a special place in your heart and you have a picture and story to share with us?