Blackmon's in Tenn.

Southern Caribbean Cruise June 2010

2010-06-21T04:47:00.000-07:00

Waiting to fly to San Juan Puerto Rico to start our cruise.

In Old San Juan

From our hotel, Patty, Alesia & Nancy with the Victory in the background

In old San Juan

Leaving San Juan

Adios Puerto Rico!

Day One - St. Thomas (Port Charlotte Amalie)

In downtown Charlottle Amalie

Looking down from Paradise point to the harbor in St. Thomas

Our ship, the Carnival Victory

Day Two : Coming into Roseau, Dominica

Downtown Roseau

Shopping the market in Roseau.

Cooling by the waterfall

Day Three: Barbados

Leaving for our tour of Barbatos.

A Green Monkey from Barbados.

A local guys with a baby green monkey

The Atlantic side of Barbatos (known for its surfing)

Day Four: Coming into St. Lucia

Waiting for our tour in St. Lucia

The Victory in harbor at St. Lucia

Beside a Flambouant tree on St. Lucia

Overlooking the harbor at Casteries, St. Lucia

Day Five: Arriving at Basseterre, St. Kitts

Loading the Sugar Train near the airport at St. Kitts

One of any beautiful beaches at St. Kitts.

An old Anglican Church on St. Kitts

Riding the Sugar train around the island of St. Kitts

The Sugar Train singers entertained us on our 2 hour train ride.

The Golden Lemon Resort (Brad & Nicole's honeymoon site)

The island of Stacia in the background

A rare Rum Bottle tree at Sandy Point Town

The Victory at the Basseterre harbor

The St. Kitts Welcome Center

Flora at Basseterre

Spring Break 2010 in DC

2010-03-19T17:53:00.000-07:00

Baker Opens St. Patty's Day Surprises

Nana and Baker Rides the Train at the Dulles Town Center Mall

Visiting the Easter Bunny

Nana & Papa go with Baker to the Big Apple Circus

Grandma, the clown visits kids in the audience

Playing on the Jet Blue "Soft play" set at the mall

Nina (Nana) rides the Carousel at the mall

Baker gets to open his Easter Basket from Nina & Papa

Baker helps Papa do some houehold chores

Going to the Ringling Brothers "Elephant Walk" in DC

Thanksgiving / Early Christmas 09

2009-12-02T05:18:00.000-08:00

Baker opens Presents

Mamaw Knowles blows bubbles with Baker

Nana and Baker make a Gingerbread house

Times for "Just Chillin"

Fall Break 09 in DC

2009-10-24T07:10:00.001-07:00

Papa & Nana with Baker (20 mths) at home on 8th St.

Don't mess with the boy - while watching Elmo!

The boys are checking out a firetruck.

Nana & Baker color

Washing hand before dinner

Popping balls are a favorite for Baker

Baker has found Papa's water bottle.

The strobing pumpkin light was a hit in his

trick or treat bag!

Nana & Baker are decorating a Haunted House

The Teepee was another favorite!

Short Trip to Highlands, NC

2009-08-09T15:26:00.000-07:00

For those who do not know, Highlands, NC is on the far western tip of North Carolina about 126 miles from our home in Cleveland, TN. It sits on a mountain platau about 20 miles north of where the states of SC and GA come together with NC.

The 4100 ft elevation keeps it cool in the summer, while other areas swelter in the heat!

Patty awaiting lunch at the Main Street Bistro

The front yard at Main Street Inn

Andy at the Main Street Inn Bistro

The lake at Highlands, NC - elevation just over 4100 ft.

Dry Falls in North Carolina Mountains

A better view of Dry Falls

Andy & Patty on the walk down to Dry Falls (it is dry behind the falls and you can walk under)

Patty at Dry Falls, along the highway to Highlands, NC

Another view of the Blue Ridge Mountains outside Highlands, NC

Patty stands outside the entrance - just as it was in the late 50's

The Scaly Mt. Church of God - Papaw Knowles first church to pastor

The Scaly Mt. Church of God Parsonage (Patty lived in the home when she was 4 years old)

A view of the Blue Ridge Mountains from Scaly Mt.

Babysitting in DC - July 16-20

2009-07-23T09:43:00.001-07:00

On July 16 - 20, Patty and I went to DC to babysit our grandson Baker, while his mom and dad went to NYC to attend the wedding of Nicole's former boss.

This was excellent bonding time for us with Baker, since we live so far away from each other!

Playing with Nana.

Thomas the train was a favorite for Baker along with
Sesame Street on the tellie

Taking each and every toy out of the hamper.

Waking up is hard to do!

Baker loves to ride this tricycle and this is his attempt to put on his helmet by himself

I am almost sure he isn't allowed in this drawer (except when Papa & Nana are around)

Nana Patty works with Baker on saying words from flash cards (Baker just likes to pull them out of the box and throw them on the floor.)

Oh shoot, the top drawer has a safety latch!

I promise, this rectangle will go down in this hole!

Flowers of July

2009-07-11T08:55:00.001-07:00

Orange Crush New Guinnas in the front bed

Hydranjas - a gift from our neighbors

The begonnia's and daylillies are blooming

Our Knock-out roses are blooming

A bloom from the pink parisal plant

Patty loves to prune

Black-eyed Susans that my sister Nancy gave me last year

More garden work in progress

An almost gone, Mexican Hat Plant flower

Tiger Lilies (bulbs from my mothers yard in Mississippi)

Milkweed blooms: a horrible name for a great flower

Patty checks out the flowers

Summer Fun

2009-06-27T17:57:00.000-07:00

Baker's sprinkle pool

Mama helping him build up his courage!

Baker teaches Bleeker the ropes.

Nana takes Baker to see the flowers.

Papa takes Baker on a stroll on his new trike.

Baker visits Tennessee

2009-06-25T09:00:00.001-07:00

Baker discovers Balloon flowers

Papa, lets pick blueberries!

Rocking in daddies old rocker

Nana has Baker ready for church

Papa gets to hold Baker for a few minutes

The wonder and awe of it all!

Feeding Baker boy

Playing with Papa

Baker loves to take off and put on his Crocs

Our Trip Out West with the Westmore Sanctuary Choir

2009-06-14T10:20:00.000-07:00

A & P on Main street - Park City, Utah

Main street in Park City, Utah

"The Hunter is the Hunted" bronze in Park City, Utah

Park City, Utah street scene

On the street in Park City, Utah

The background of the Sundance Resort ( Robert Redford's)

Patty on the Sundance Resort ski Lift

Lupines blooming at Sundance Resort, Utah

Sundance wildflowers

A mountain stream in Sundance

We attended the "Air Force Week Concert" of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

A lifesize bronze of an early mormon pioneer family

The Mormon Tabernacle on Temple Square in SL, UT

The Meeting Hall on Temple Square in Salt Lake, Utah

Sandra Turner, the great, great grand daughter of Brigham Young.

She is a great defender of the Christian faith.

At Teton Pass, crossing over from Idaho to Wyoming (8,800 ft)

Andy, Joyce & Mary in the lobby of the Lodge in JH, WY

A stream around Jackson Hole

Elk Arch - official symbol of Jackson, Wyoming

Andy considering catching a stage out to Cheyenne.

A & P saddled up at the bar of the Cowboy Bar

Jackson Hole city center park (Cowboy Bar in background)

Andy conversing with a bear at the Lodge in Jackson Hole (our hotel for 2 nights)

A Teton, spying on the tourist

One of the Tetons - which peaked through the clouds

Wildflowers in Tetons National Park

Unsure where we were!!!!!

A "hot pool" at the painted pots area

Old Faithful beginning it's eruption

A & P at one of many geysers along the "loop road"

Bison on the "loop road" in Yellowstone

A & P at Upper Falls

Upper Falls (Yellowstone)

Lower Falls (Yellowstone)

Yellowstone Canyon

Trip to 241 8th Street - Washington, DC

2009-05-19T14:03:00.000-07:00

The kids just recently moved over to Capital Hill from Alexandria. We went up to visit them for the first time since the move. This is a shot of the "over 100 year old" Row House they moved to.

Just a few blocks from thier home is the "Eastern Market", a market which has been a part of Capital Hill since the 18oo's. The old building that housed the market burned last year and it has been rebuilt and opens in late June. Currently the vendors are in tents.

Picnicing at the Eastern market.

Yum!

Baker enjoys the outdoor eateries.

Checking out the sellers booths.

Fresh produce and flowers

So many choices.

Just a couple of blocks from thier house is a park with a great fenced in play ground with a spongy bottom. Baker found it was great for pushing a car.

Poor Bleeker was not allowed in the fenced area, so he and Brad watched from a bench.

Which thing do I try first?

Sliding with mom.

Making a new friend at "turtle park".

Baker loves the outdoors

Baker loves strawberries and blueberries.

Baker loves to play peek-a-boo with the curtains!

Patty's birthday was on Sunday May 17th and the kids surprised her with a family party.

Opeining the gift.

Showing off the loot.

Baker was PaPa's buddy - he loves Andy's built in pillow

Baker helped PaPa with some fix-ups

He loved the tool pail

The stick he holds is some left-over trim from our fix up task.

Baker with Nana

Our Yard in May 09

2009-05-04T13:36:00.001-07:00

A view of the grass on the back yard hill

Our Japanese maple and a view of the cul-de-sac

I planted 36 Orange-crush New Guinia Impatients in the front bed

Our large pot on the front porch

Black-eyed Susan and Dragon's tongue

Shamrocks and hosta along the back of the patio

Daylillies along the patio

Our Sun room garden

We have placed a stack-rock boarder around the back garden

A video of the "dry creek" behind our condo during a Spring rain.

Spring in Cambridge England

2009-04-11T18:41:00.001-07:00

Paris (Sunday March 29) our last stop on Independent Travel

2009-03-29T07:43:00.000-07:00

Grand Hotel Leveque on Rue Cler - our base in Paris

Rue Cler is a pedestrian street - like one BIG farmer's market - every day!

A produce stand on Rue Cler

On Sunday - under the overhead Metro, is another market with prepared foods!

Zaxby's has nothing on this man!

Just one of the 3000 pictures we have of the Effel tower!

Effel with orange fleurs!

Effel with Patty (#101)

Patty looking at the giant strawberries on Rue Cler

Ulyses Restaurant - making Nutella crepes.

Tour boat on the Seine River (on our Sunday walk)

Oh, did I tell you that it was freezing while we were in Paris!

I call this "naked woman and horse"

A gate on the Champs-Elysees

Cool signage on the Champs!

Munich & Fussen Germany

2009-03-28T20:25:00.001-07:00

We arrived in Munich late in the afternoon and after checking into our hotel, we headed out to "old town". Munich was just a layover for us as we were heading to Fussen, so we had to see the famous clock and the Hofbrauhaus.

Old town Munich at night.

The ceiling in the Hofbrauhaus.

Olm Pah band in the Hofbrauhouse.

Yum, large soft pretzels!

The old clock (glockenspiel) at Old Town city square with life size figures.

Our carriage ride up to Neuschwanstien Castle.

Ready for the ride (it was snowing while we were visiting)

We passed a carriage coming down the mountain as we went up!

A look at King Ludwig's childhood castle home (Hohenschwangau)

in the distance.

Snow on Neuschwanstien Castle

Another view of the castle on our ride up the mountain.

We had to walk from this point onward!

Looking through the carriage gates of the castle.

Patty loves the snow in Fussen, Germany

Another view of the castle.

A view of King Ludwig II's childhood castle home .

A hotel in Schwangau at the base of the castle mountain.

Andy checks out the horses

Downtown Fussen, Germany

Our hotel in Fussen

The castle in Fussen (2000 yrs old) just outside our hotel room.

A street in Fussen

Gimmenwald, Switzerland

2009-03-23T11:25:00.001-07:00

Esther's Guest House was our home base in Gimmenwald.

We wanted a "room with a view" and boy did we get it!

The white spray is snow being blown over the top of the mountain.

A mountain view from the village.

After walking around Gimmenwald for over an hour - we found a rest stop.

Looking down on the village of Gimmenwald from a high road.

Everyone has to "check their shoes at the door" at Esther's!

Standing in front of the schoolhouse

Is this a neat hostel or what?

Patty loved the sign!

The cow bells were hanging on one of the barns in the village. This was the most decorative one!

All the cow bells on display at this barn.

A lamb was licking Andy's finger.

The snow was so high the sheep walked out of their pen.

Frozen water falls on the far mountain

The snow was just 3 feet over Andy's head here.

A skier took this pic for us!

We ate lunch in Murren (A ski resort- up the mountain from Gimmenwald). This was the view from our table.

Fondue for Andy!!!

This was our way to get up to Gimmenwald from the valley below. Our village sat on a cliff at about 5,000 ft.

Two Days in Venice, Italy

2009-03-23T00:01:00.001-07:00

Independent Travel (Pisa, Vernazza & Monterossa)

2009-03-20T15:04:00.000-07:00

Coming into Pisa on the Train

Along the River in Pisa

A street in Pisa

Shot # 100

Do you know how hard it is to get the hands placed correctly (shot # 99)

Andy and Patty and the Tower of Pisa

Our Hotel (Albergo Barbara - our room has the opened window)

Looking over Vernazza's harbor and bay (across the bay is Monterossa, Italy)

Looking down mainstreet Vernazza, Italy (our base city in the Cinque Terra)

A picture of the View from our hotel room (Albergo Barbara)

Eatting at our favorite Vernazzan Pizzaria (thats Rick Steve's picture on the wall with the owner.

Patty sitting over the train tunnel at Vernazza (grape terraces in background)

I think this was flavor # 7!

Looking down Main street of Vernazza, Italy (Cinque Terra)

Sitting outside the only Internet hot spot in Vernazza - talking to family on Skype

It was wash day in Vernazza - looking out our hotel window

Standing on the rocks near the harbor of Vernazza

A view of Vernazza, Italy from the harbor.

Patty amongst the fishing boats of Vernazza, Italy - our hotel is the pink building in the middle

Looking out our hotel window at Vernazza's harbor.

A view down on Vernazza from the cliffs above

Sunset over the bay in Vernazza, Italy

The train station at Monterossa, Italy (one of the 5 cities in the Cinque Terra)

Andy picnicing at "Old Town" harbor beach

Patty climbing the cliff to go to "Old Town" Monterossa; "New Town" is in the distance

Part of the old city wall at "Old Town" Monterossa, Italy

A look at the "New Town" Monterossa - Old Town in a natural harbor.

A glimpse of the Monterossa beach through the follage.

Lemons were in season all over the Cinque Terra!

A 40 ft. Atlas sculpture on the Monterossa Beach

Looking over the Beach at Monterossa, Italy (Cinque Terra)

Punting on the River Cam

2009-03-15T15:51:00.000-07:00

A Day in the Cotswolds

2009-03-10T23:24:00.001-07:00

The Cotswolds are small wool mill villages, which arose in England as the demand for woolen products became more prevalent in the 1800's.

These small villages are mostly to the west of London and Oxford.

They were built around small streams and rivers in order to harness the power of the water and most of them were made up of no more than 200 to 300 people.

The villages that we visited had names like Stow-on-the-Wold, Chipping Norton, upper Slaughter, Lower Slaughter and Bourton-on-the-Water.

These are the villages most Americans are familiar with because of the paintings of Thomas Kinkade.

On a bridge at Bourton-on-the-Water (Venice of England)

Bourton-on-the-Water

More Bourton-on-the-Water

A Church yard in Upper Slaughter

Looking across Upper Slaughter

Patty on a bridge in Lower Slaughter

Andy in Stocks in Lower Slaughter

A Week in London

2009-03-06T01:48:00.001-08:00

We arrive at our youth hostel in Holland Park - it feels like a return to summer camp! This is a photo of our room. Patty's restroom and shower was on the 3rd floor, although we were on the ground floor!

Holland House is a Victorian building in the middle of Holland Park, London used as a youth hostel.

Another view of Holland House Youth Hostel.

Windsor Castle

Guard at Windsor Castle.

Westminster Cathedral

Big Ben from Westminster Pier

The London Eye & Aquarium from Westminster Pier

On our Thames River Tour to Greenich

We go to see Jersey Boys in Soho

Sitting at the National Observatory in Greenich, England

Straddling the "0" longtitude in Greenich - Greenich Mean Time starts here!

Hands across time

Patty split into two hemispheres

Tower Bridge

Shakespere's New Globe Theatre

Egyptian tablet in the British Museum

Andy at an Assyrian Temple door post in British museum

A Babylonian wall frieze (on its side)

A Greek Cameo ring

A Cartier Ruby and diamond ring

Spring Flowers in Cambridge

2009-03-06T01:37:00.001-08:00

Crocus are blooming in Cambridge!

Patty and I spent the first Saturday in March in the Backs of the old colleges.

Our First Visit to Ireland - part 1

2009-02-27T12:44:00.001-08:00

We flew from Stanstead London airport to Shannon Airport Ireland on Saturday morning, arriving in Ireland at about 10:00 AM.

Patty and I had to quickly find a money machine to get Euros and find the bus stop, since our bus to Dingle left about 20 minutes after landing.

At Shannon, if I didn't know where I was, I would have guessed somewhere in Florida. The houses and palm trees around Shannon looked too tropical for Ireland.

As we approached Limerick this began to change and things began to look more "old world".

Arriving in Dingle, we began looking for our Bed & Breakfast, walking down colorful streets.

Dingle Harbor was lined with fishing boats of various sizes.

We took a private taxi tour of the Dingle Peninsula on Sunday morning. The roads were narrow and hugged the steep cliffs.

This is a point known as "Slea Head".

Looking out to the Blasket Islands from Slea Head point.

On the beach near Slea Head .

Andy reflecting how Great Grandfather Gault must have felt as he glimped this last point of Ireland as he was coming to the USA in the 1800's.

Baa Baa black sheep - have you any wool?

A sheep pasture with a view

Our First Visit to Ireland - part 2

2009-02-26T23:10:00.000-08:00

This is a view of "the sleeping giant" - which is one of the Blasket Islands off the western coast of the Dingle Peninsula. This is the farthest west you can go in Ireland. The locals say - the next stop is Boston!

The three peaks is referred to as the "three sisters". The white specks in the middle distance are holiday homes, which are used in the summer for vacationers.

Patty on a cliff overlooking a beach.

We are at an inlet where history says, Saint Brendan sailed to North America in a small boat - 1000 years before Christopher Columbus!

This is the front of our Bed & Breakfast in Dingle - The Captain's House - built in the 1800s.

Crossing the stream in from of The Captain's House.

A part of the Old City Wall that circled Dingle during the middle ages to keep out the Vikings.

A street in Dingle.

A view of Dingle and Dingle harbor from a street high on the hill above the town.

The sign gives the "Irish" name for Dingle .

The back entrance to our apartment at The Captain's House. Notice the center "doornob" - when we were at our other house in Cleveland, we were Irish and didn't know it! Almost all the old doors in Dingle had the middle door nobs!

Main street in Dingle.

Mailing your post cards from Dingle.

A midieval Bee Hive house and storage tower. This was the type homes the ancient Celtic peoples of Ireland lived in and the towers were for their defense against the Viking raids.

Andy on the beach at Dingle harbor looking for shells and sea glass.

An Irish lady told me - this be the "yellow fars". We found out they are "yellow firs".

After Leaving the Dingle Peninsula - we made our way to Dublin, since our flight out of Ireland would be this city. My only real interest in Dublin was Trinity Colleges museum with the "Book of Kells" - the only mideval document surviving with hand scribed sections of the Bible".

Patty at a flower market on Grafton Street in Dublin.

Our hotel in Dublin - Jury's Inn. It was just across the street from Dublin Castle.

The Lieffy River flows through the middle of Dublin. This view of the bridges was just a block from our hotel.

Temple Bar (a famous old pub in Dublin) This area is very much like Canal Street in New Orleans (bars, pubs, restarants - just no nudey joints - Thank God!)

We ate lunch at this pub.

Patty at a pub where she ate potato & Leek soup with Irish brown bread.

A statue of "Sweet Molly Malone" - know affectionately as "The Tart with the Cart".

The gates at Dublin Castle.

The SIE group sitting at the Dublin Airport - waiting to fly back to England.

Reintroducing Patty to Cambridge

2009-02-17T08:40:00.000-08:00

This week was reintroduction to Cambridge week for Patty.

In front of student housing.

To Snow Drops blooming around town...

To Bikes and small mideval steets ....

To College quads .....

To the Cambridge University Press Bookstore - where you can see Kings College Chapel in the windows reflection.

To Cambridge University Senate House .....

To fence bill boards - where you can know all the plays and choirs and speaches happening in Cambridge.

To being with her hubby in England....

To the Hamilton Hotel ....

To enjoying hanging out with the best students in the world ...

Welcome Back Patty!

Feb 06 - 14 : A Week Away from my Kids!

2009-02-14T18:25:00.000-08:00

As most of you know by now, I returned to the USA on Feb. 06 to attend the funeral of my father in law - Clifton Knowles.

I missed the students (My kids) who I had spent the past 3 weeks with in Cambridge, Stratford-on-Avon, Oxford and Bath.

Tomorrow (Feb. 15 - Patty will be returning with me to England and the last 7 weeks of the SIE 09 experience. I am excited about Patty meeting some really "great students", who we will know from this point on as "our kids".

Listed below are some group pictures of SIE 09.

The monument in Oxford

The Guildhall in Bath

At Addison's Walk in Oxford.

Feb 02 - a Sad Day / a Happy Day

2009-02-02T03:59:00.000-08:00

Feb. 02 . . .When I opened my curtains this morning I was greeted by a beautiful white scene. The weather station said we would have snow all day and the the airports in London were beginning to close one by one.
Then at 8 AM while at breakfast I received a call from Patty telling me that Papaw Knowles had passed during the early morning.

I decided to get out and take in the snow scenes and reflect. I headed toward the city center from the Hamilton Hotel.

Jesus Green walkway

The neighborhood behind our hotel.

Ducks along Jesus Green

Crossing the River Cam on the footbridge.

The Templer's Round Church in the city center.

Bikes at St. Johns College

More Bikes

Kings College Chapel

A church yard in the market square

Fresh squeezed orange juice at old city market

Walking back through Jesus Green

The Kilns (C.S. Lewis' home, Church & the Narnia woods)

2009-02-01T01:30:00.000-08:00

The Kilns - C.S. Lewis' home at Headington Quarry

This is the back side of the house.

The Dining Room (l-r) Anna Perry, Emilyn Meeks, Ashley Jackson

The Staircase to the second floor (Lewis' bedroom was on the top floor until his health declined)

A view of the front garden from the dining room window.

The sign from the Eagle & Child Pub (Lewis' hangout with other Oxford professors)

A view from the children's bedroom on the second floor. (David & Douglas Gresham stayed here)

Tessa, Sarah & Anna in the den (notice Asland from Naria on the table)

Lewis' bedroom.

Ashley, Britt, & Amber in the Den.

Nick & Amber in the kitchen.

Students at the front of the house.

Andy sitting in the Kiln's front garden.

Students walking through the front garden.

The cul-de-sac side of the Kilns.

The Pond & the Narnia woods

The pond & woods are to the back of the Kilns. Lewis was inspired by these woods to write Narnia - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Our guide telling us how Jack and Warnie Lewis would swim in this pond.

The Headington Church & Cemetery

The front of Headington Church (Lewis attending services here, just down the road from his home.

The church entrance.

The church cemetery where Jack and Warnie Lewis are buried.

As is English tradition, both brothers are buried in the same grave.

Below are some unique crosses in the Headington cemetery.

A Week in Bath with a sidetrip to Oxford (C.S. Lewis tour)

2009-01-31T10:56:00.000-08:00

Meeting with the Mayor of Bath (L-R- Anna Perry; Mayor; Sarah Anderson & Tessa Walt

Our whole group got to meet in the Mayor's chambers with the Mayor and his wife. I am in the back row to the left of the painting!

A Picture of Chepstow Castle in Wales.

Dr. Stephen Bird with Anna Rich and Jeff Creely inside Chepstow Castle.

Dr. Bird lecturing in Tintern Abbey in Wales. It was a Catholic Monastery which was closed by Henry VIII when he changed England from Catholic to Protestant.

Me (Andy) in the Center of the Chapel at Tintern Abbey.

Our group (minus me - I took the picture) at Tintern Abbey.

Outside the Cloisters at Wells Cathedral.

Andy outside Wells Cathedral.

Dr. Bird lecturing outside Wells Cathedral.

Swans in the moat at Wells Cathedral

In Oxford . . . for our C.S. Lewis Tour

Our guide tells us about Keeble College (where Lewis studied while also preparing to fight in WWII.)

Adam Gearhart standing by a dinosaur footprint at the college of science in Oxford.

The Bridge of Sighs in Oxford.

Our group with guide outside the Camera building at Oxford University. (Watch "The Saint" movie for a great view of this round building!)

2009-01-31T10:30:00.000-08:00

A Trip to the American Cemetery in Cambridge

This is the graveyard for Americans who were killed in the battles of World War II.
The land was given to the USA by Cambridge University - so technically this is American soil in England.

Our guide Janet Jaecock, instructed us about the facts of war during the 1940's.

A cross section shows the graves of our service men and women from WWII.

A Day at Ely Cathedral (tours and an evening worship service)

Students listened to Janet Jaecock as she told us about the cathedral's history.

Can you see the man behind the leaves? This is known as the "Green Man". He is found in most Medieval Cathedrals. He is a pagan god. The carvers seemed to want to hedge their bets - if God didn't help them , maybe the "green man" would.

2009-01-20T22:08:00.000-08:00

Leaving for England & the First Day in Cambridge

Today turned out a lot different than Patty and I had anticipated. At 7 AM, we received a phone call that her dad was being taken to the hospital. Papaw Knowles had developed a urinal track infection and this would result in Patty having to stay back in Cleveland as I left with the students to begin "Semester in Europe 09".

Tessa Walt, Beth Thompson & Brittany Wesson (Our Sigma ladies) on the coach to the Atlanta airport.

Adam Gearhart and David Cowart (with large smiles)

The sign says it all - "On Time".

Jon Bishop, Jeff Creely & Sarah Anderson (?) waiting in the Bristish Air lounge.

Andrea Gilbert - doing some last minute emails.

Anna Rich and Jon Garret sharing "pre-boarding" expectations!

Stephanie Lewis - chatting on the phone

Our group gathered in the Annex of the Hamilton Hotel to wait Andy Sinclair's instructions for the "First Day".

Andy starts with passing out the bike locks.

Andy then proceeds to give the group Biking rules and regulations whilst in Cambridge.

This day was not your typical English day in January (sunny, blue skies and 44F)

After the instructions, the rest of the day was "getting acquainted with Cambridge" by bike.

Semester in Europe 2009 - in Cleveland

2009-01-12T13:57:00.000-08:00

Semester in Cambridge 2009 Students:

{Left Back} David Cowart; Adam Gearhart; Jeff Creeley; Jon Garrett; Tessa Walt; Sarah Anderson; Andrea Gilbert; Anna Perry; Ashley Jackson; Nick Pemberton; Amber Moore
{Left Front} Britt Murray; Juliane Kauffman; Emilyn Meeks; Anna Rich; Ashley Barendse; Tiffany Buckler; Melanie Williams; Prof Andy Blackmon and Brittany Wesson

From Jan. 8 until Jan. 16, the SIE 09 group met each day from 8:45 - 3 PM for classes. Research for Papers was done at night and weekends.

- British History 8:45 - 10:00

- C.S. Lewis 10:00 - 11:30

- Bristish Lit. 1:30 - 3:00

Dr. Gary Riggins - teaching us how we are all unique in God's sight!

Students making "Name Plaques" to introduce their new friends

Adam Gearhart meets Melanie Williams

Jeff Creeley meets Sarah Anderson (back) and Jessica Lewis(front)

Dr. Bob Barnett lectures on British History

Students involved in thier history class (each morning from 8:45 - 10 AM)

We were given a "living Lecture" of Anglican worship by Father Mitch Baker.

Father Mitch Baker administered the Lord's Supper to our class

2008-12-27T03:02:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

The Blackmon's wish you and yours a wonderful Christmas.

Nana, Papa & Baker Blackmon

Elmo was a big hit with Baker

Baker wasn't sure what to do with all the presents.

Nicole and Brad helped him get started

Baker loved climbing under the tree as the gifts were opened

He lay under the tree and pointed to the lights with Nana.

A perfect ending to a great day.

2008-12-24T18:56:00.000-08:00

A Blackmon Christmas Eve Tradition:

For our family, on Christmas eve we gather together to read the biblical telling of the first Christmas and then we read "The Night Before Christmas"

This was Andy's first year to read the Christmas Story from the book of Luke at the family gathering.

As you can see, it was most inspiring because Baker was "taking notes"!

As the newest daddy, Brad read "The Night Before Christmas" to Baker

2008-12-24T18:46:00.000-08:00

Our Resident Christmas Elf

Cheerios - the pause that refreshes!

Santa, I promise that I have been good.

Baker's favorite gym - under the dinning room table

2008-12-24T18:24:00.000-08:00

Dec. 24 - Baker's 11th month Birthday Party

Since Patty and I will not be able to be at Baker's first birthday , we asked Brad and Nicole if it would be OK to celebrate on his 11th month.

Blueberry muffins served as his birthday cake.

Muppet babies first birthday was the theme of the day.

Baker's gift was a Leap Frog Refrigerator Barnyard set.

2008-12-24T03:40:00.000-08:00

Dec. 23 . . . at Nana's & Papa's

2008-12-22T18:08:00.000-08:00

A Day in the life of Baker Blackmon

2008-12-22T17:58:00.000-08:00

Bath time (with Nana & Papa) - Dec. 22, 08

Brad and Nicole went on a date, so Nana and Papa Blackmon got to baby sit! Part of our duties was bathing Baker (and what a joy!).

2008-12-22T17:45:00.000-08:00

A Visit with Great Grandparents Knowles

Today (Dec. 22) Baker had another visit to his Great Grandparents home. Great Grand Mamaw Knowles is 82 this year and she was really enjoying this huggy time with Baker (who turns 11 months on Dec. 24, 08)

Great Grand Papaw Knowles turns 87 on Jan. 04, 09. He calls Baker "that little boy". He told us, "that little boy likes me!"

2008-12-21T04:32:00.000-08:00

Baker Boy has Arrived for Christmas!

On the 19th day of Christmas. . .

Yeah! the paper is cool!

Playing with Brad's vintage toys.

more toys!

Playing with the candy

Dump the candy . . .Piok up the candy!

With Papaw Knowles . . .

With Mamaw Knowles . .

Decorating for Christmas 2008

2008-12-13T11:46:00.001-08:00

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

*****

Making the Annual Gingerbread House

Decorating the panels

Putting the snow on the yard

Placing the trees

Wrapping Baker's presents

Our Decorations for 2008

The completed Gingerbread house

Stockings on the Mantle.

Tree with "Retro Toys" - Brad's toys when he was Baker's age!

Front Door Decorations

Front Porch Decorations

Thanksgiving Day 2008

2008-11-29T17:10:00.000-08:00

The feast begins.

Mamaw and Diane Newport, at the Thanksgiving meal.

Patty and Papaw sharing a moment.

Deep conversation - mother to daughter!

Pap, watching the geese.

We celebrated Thanksgiving Day at our home on Providence Lane.

Patty cooked most of the afternoon on Wednesday and on Thursday morning.

We brought Mamaw and Papaw Knowles and their neighbor Diane over at noon and share our lunch together!

Papaw Knowles sat at our window and watch the Canadian Geese which were on our pond.

More Rock City Garden of Lights with the McAlpins

2008-11-23T16:47:00.001-08:00

The Large tree at Rock City's Entrance

Steve, Alesia, Patty and Andy

Alesia sees Santa!

The Star hangs over the waterfall at Lover's leap

I see two Coo Coo birds

Visiting Rock City's Garden of Lights

2008-11-23T13:54:00.000-08:00

GingerBread Men

Patty & Alesia, decorating their cookies

Oh no, Fat man's squeeze

A Visit from Alesia & Steve

2008-11-23T13:43:00.000-08:00

Saturday at the Dog Shelter

2008-10-26T18:39:00.000-07:00

Gateway students received instructions. Volunteers loaded supplies for the shelter

Dogs waiting for a parent!

This past Saturday (Oct 25) I spent most of the day at the Cleveland, TN Animal shelter with my Freshman Orientation class doing Service Saturday.

We began at 10:30 AM and worked until 3 PM, doing various jobs needed at the shelter. I worked with a group of about 10 students planting new shrubs and totally remulching and rerocking the flower beds around the animal shelter.

We only broke for about 20 minutes to eat a sandwich and chips, then back to work!

Baker at almost 9 months

2008-10-19T19:26:00.000-07:00

On Wed. Oct. 15, Patty and I flew up to Washington, DC to visit the kids (Brad, Nicole & Baker) for Lee's Fall Break.

Baker had his first cold, so we stayed near home and just enjoyed his company. We took him out on Saturday to the Farmer's Market which is held at "Old Town" Alexandria's Town Square.

Visiting the kids on Fall Break 08

2008-10-19T19:16:00.000-07:00

Fall Planting Time!

2008-10-11T14:24:00.000-07:00

Today was dedicated to planting some plants around our back patio and putting pansies out in our front flower beds.

Although our flowers are maintained by a yard service in our community, we are allowed to add plants to the beds and we wanted some flowering plants.

We planted a crepe myrtle and some "Knockout" roses outside our sun room and also planted some of the plants we brought over from our other house.

This day started early with Patty and I making a trip to Home Depot and Lowes at 8 AM and we finally stopped at 5 PM.

No blood issues!

2008-10-10T07:31:00.000-07:00

Starting about two years ago, my doctor noticed that my blood platelettes were low during a routine blood work. She figured that it was just a result of my newly aquired need for blood pressure medicine and said she would monitor it.

Well, last week I had to go back to get my blood pressure medicine refilled and during the blood work, the platelet count came back low again (118).
My doctor felt that I should see a hemotoligist to have it checked.

This was done yesterday and I am happy to say, "My count was in the normal stage" , so I will just be monitored.