outings and Edgar

The "trouble" with "fall" is that there are just too many great things to do. With apple season and the leaves changing, there are all kinds of festivals and fairs, and events... so, sadly, you have to pick and choose what you can attend.

But, before we get into all of that, I would like you to say hello to Edgar. This is another NEADS puppy that has come to the farm for a short time. He is Otis's brother, so if he looks kind of familiar - that is why. Edgar needed a little break from training, and Dave asked if he might come with us and have that time... so here he is....



Now, back to "events"... there was an awesome model plane show at the local airport. Actually, it was a model jet show, and let me tell you, some of those plane were impressive!!! And these aren't just little model planes, people actually had special trailers just to haul their planes in.








As you know, not only are these outings great fun, but the perfect opportunities for service puppies. We brought Ginger along, and met up with Kelli and Rick who had Otis. I can't believe these two little puppies are getting so big, so quick... won't be long before Ginger will begin her countdown days before turn in.









I should say that Abbie was with us as well. She loves to be on the go and thought the planes were pretty cool. She is also, btw, a great puppy trainer herself.....










Kelli wanted to do a little work with the stroller, so she asked Abbie if she and Otis would like to go for a little walk... both were happy to oblige.











The planes were pretty noisy I must admit, and the day was warm. Ginger decided hanging out under the stroller worked well for her.

And here's one of the jets...........

A couple days later, we were invited to a volunteer luncheon, sort of an awards banquet for this group of ladies who do volunteer work. Kathleen was asked to be the speaker and talk about the service dogs and puppy raising, so she asked Rick and I to join her and show off our dogs.

Leo waited quietly while Kathleen spoke

and afterwards, the ladies had questions and enjoyed petting the dogs. Otis seems to have the "this is old hat" look about him.

Edgar on the other hand had a complete "I'm bored" and Ginger, well she took full advantage and got a snooze in.

The next Saturday, it was off again. Ed and Rick had gone a charity motorcycle ride, so when I got out of work, I met up with Kelli and service puppies (and Abbie ) in tow, we went to see the bikes and met up with the guys.

Sadly, by the time we got there, many of the bikes had headed for home. But there were still plenty to see. It was a beautiful day and Ed said the ride was fun and took them all over the country side.

Abbie enjoyed an ice cream and was certain to get as much off her fingers as possible....

before sharing the last little bit with Ginger. Already the beautiful fall days are flying by way too fast.... does life ever slow down???

fall has found us

Pretty much as I had figured, once we were we back home, it was back to "crazy" life again. But, that's OK, because I love our farm, and all that goes with it. The weather was much cooler than it had been in the south, and I was anxious to get the fall decorations out and begin to think about "cool weather" things.








The flowers in the garden are so pretty, might as well enjoy them before the colder weather and frost arrives....












The wild turkey are back with their chicks and roaming all over. They are good bug eaters too, so I am happy to see them. They didn't have as many chicks this year as last (or they didn't survive) but it's a good brood.










Back to crock pot suppers..............












And the apples are ready.... so it's time for pies....

Hello fall, my favorite time of the year!!!!!!!!!!

September 11th (9/11)

there isn't any need to say anymore.

NASCAR

On Thursday we were in Charlotte NC to visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame. This wasn't a planned visit, Glenn had told us that when we were in Pigeon Forge, we were only about three hours away. Ed has always wanted to see this, and being that close, it would have been a shame not to go. I am not really a NASCAR fan, but anyone who knows my Ed... knows he is. This is a beautiful place, and what is nice, is that you don't have to be a true fan to enjoy it, I had a very nice time as well.




I sort of knew this, but didn't... in a way NASCAR began with moonshine... when the men developed cars that could out run the law. And from there began to compete with one another. The sport has come a long way from moonshine days, but that's quite a history.








It's a big sport, and it draws thousands of people to race tracks each weekend. It employees thousands of people as well. NASCAR has very strict rules that they keep to.. everything from safety issues to the conduct of the drivers and their crews.

What I enjoyed were many of the "hands on" displays. And the building and lay out of it, was "comfortable"... a lot of history and modern day were nicely combined.

This is how steep some of the turns are at the race tracks.... it doesn't look like that on TV

And many "memories" of the drivers and the contributions to the sport... Dale Earnhardt.. for those of you who might not know.

We watched this on TV, it was fun to see it in "real" life.

These cars were simulators, were you could get in them and race against other folks. Ed loved this (did it three times) I didn't try it, because on the practice simulator this was already harder than it looked.

I have to say, Ed did quite well, and won two of the races he drove in .

His "winner's circle" photo :)

We spent the whole day there, and it went by quickly. Ed was so excited to just know that he had the chance to see it.

But in just a few weeks, he will be "there" for real, when NASCAR returns to our area... and he goes to work in the wreckers. Pretty nice that a die hard fan (ED) has been able to turn it into a part time job......







after that, we decided it was time to head for home. A day or two earlier than we thought, but, we have seen all the things we had hoped, and I am missing home.....time to get back.

Camille's story......

Hello, Camille here... I figured if Ginger can write on her blog (moxie's gift) I should be able to pop in on this blog once in awhile and give you my view of things. So, you all know that I went on this trip with Mom and Dad... it's because of Mom, she can't function without a dog around, and I am just the dog for the cause. It's been a good trip, though I must admit, I did not appreciate being in "kennels" oh and the night that I had to sleep in the truck because that hotel wouldn't accept dogs!!! But, for the most part we have found some pretty good places to stay and people that appreciate K9's. We head to this place called Charlotte, NC... and Mom is on the phone calling to find places that will welcome me. At first she isn't having very good luck in this Charlotte place, but finally someone tells her "yes, we love dogs... stay with us". So, Mom and Dad drive to this place called the Westin. (that's it on the left in the photo). When Mom sees this she says "something has to be wrong, this place is so fancy, there isn't anyway that they will let Camille stay"...

But, as we arrive (and a man comes out to meet us and to park our truck) she says "you're dog friendly" and the man smiles and says "we sure are". "Fancy" hardly describes this wonderful DOG FRIENDLY place!!!! WE got a beautiful room on the 12th floor ---- can you see our truck way down there in the parking lot. Since it was too tall to fit in the parking garage, the nice man found a place just for it.

And how pretty is this room??? Mom just kept saying how she couldn't believe it and the place that wouldn't let me in... well, she wants to send them some photos and tell them that they don't compare to the Westin!!!!

Here's the courtyard....

And the beautiful entry!!! (but that marble floor was a bit slippery I must admit!!!)_

and the fountain all lite up at night. Now a dog could really get used to gigs like this!!!!

It was actually kind of fun being a city dog for a day or two.....

Mom was so happy and not stressed... I climbed into her lap and all was right with the world. (I do well at my job, don't you think!!!!)

Mom said Kassy would drool over this photo.. I don't get it, but here it is......

I have to say, I really liked looking out that big window... we were up so high, the birds would fly right by.....

Course I had to be (and was) on my absolute best behaviour. I never even said one word, sat nice and quiet whenever we went in the elevator, and got lots of compliments from other people staying there

Yup, this is the way a dog should travel. And to the Westin Hotel in Charlotte NC... you people are the BEST!!!

and we love you!!!! signed... Camille....