Cincinnati and N. Kentucky

 

I drove from Mansfield down to the Cincinnati area and stayed with good friends in N. Kentucky.  On Sunday we attended Faith Bible Church, a church that originated from my father's Church of the Open Door many years ago.  In fact I saw my picture on the wall as part of their 50th Anniversary celebration...brought back memories.

Had a special day with Roy and Pat Turner as spent time at the Cincinnati Zoo.   The day was cool and wet and we had most of the Zoo to ourselves.   A great time!

 

 

   Went to see Gary and Darlene Garrison in Norwood.  I performed their wedding ceremony in 1974 -  I still had the original typed ceremony of that I had used and I presented it to them as a souvenir.I especially enjoyed spending an evening with Danny and Debbie O'Connell and Pat and Roy Turner in Danny's spacious home in the N. Cincinnati area. Danny and sister Pat quizzed with me and my siblings back in the 60's at Youth For Christ (YFC)  I found even back then that Bible quizzing is a very effective way to learn the Scriptures. 

Christmas Tree Trip - nothing better!

On December 7 we boarded the Scrimshaw and slipped out of Ketchikan bound for a a quiet cove, a snowy coastline and a trail back into the woods for a couple Christmas trees.  What a great time!

Homemade donuts,  Christmas movies and fun on the boat and, on Saturday four of us ventured in the skiff to the shore,  up through the foilage to a little snowy road and then tramped about a half mile or so before we found the "perfect trees."  What a blast...the whole trip..with family.



Travels with Dave - Part 1A

 

After a brief trip back to Atlanta to see Uncle Frank we headed back north - to the Smokey Mountains.  Even got chased "a little bit" by a bear in Cade's Cove.  A fun time and the leaves are turing color!

Travels with Dave Part One

Dave and I headed north from Atlanta to the Chattanooga area - especialy the Civil War connection.  Drove through the Chickamauga Battlefield and also up to Lookout Mountain...we especially enjoyed the "Chattanooga Choo Choo museum and Hotel"

Murder Mystery Dinner

At Beth and Dave's in Atlanta I experienced my first "murder mystery dinner".    Had a great time around the table deciphering the situation - who did it?  I was the "Detective" surrounded by assorted characters.   It was a great time.  Thanks Beth!

Houston to see Jamin and Lisa

Flew to Houston to visit Jamin and Lisa.  Enjoyed attending the St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church with them.   Also we were able to visit Jamin's Law Firm and see his office overlooking downtown Houston.  And thanks for the great dinner!

Chuck Myking's Birthday Party

Dave and Karen Olson and I arrived in Mansfield, Ohio, on September 21, checked in to a Motel 6 and found our way over to Annette's acreage and elegant house.  We spent a delightful evening touring the Alpaca farm, watching our Quartet video (Chuck sang baritone in our Ambassador Quartet back in the 60's)   and fellowshipping over great food.   Thanks, Chuck and Annette, for this memorable time and a chance also to meet Kelsey and others who were there.

Laurie DIVA

Laura sang great in the "diva" competetition in Juneau.  Amazing voice and a wonderful time.  Donna and I plus John and Jennie were able to be there for this event.

To see Will Krauss

In September I flew to Newark, N.J. and took the train down to Philadelphia where Will Krauss, former Alaska missionary...met me.   We spent the next two days visiting, walking trails in local parks, eating out, and engaging the church family at "New Beginnings."  Just a special time with a great friend.  

August 27 was a special Monday here in Ketchikan.  The Cruise Ship Sapphire Princess docked and Faith and Alex from Oregon (Faith is Sam's sister)  and Graham and Dorothy from Australia gave us a wonderful visit - totem poles, salmon streams, famous Creek Street, and we enjoyed their visit to our house on the beach.  We were excited to hear and see Graham play "Rustle of Spring" on our baby Grand Piano.  Thanks for coming...



Minnesota Family Reunion

On July 21 and 22 we gathered at the Minnesota farm where Donna grew up.  The "Johnson Family Reunion" attracted young and old from far and wide.  Donna's mom was Lucile Johnson.  We connected with over 50 people and shared stories,  looked at pictures and basically "got acquainted" or else renewed  old acquaintances.  What a grand time!

Ambassador Quartet Reunion

In July Donna and I flew to Alberta, Canada and drove over to Three Hills to the Prairie Bible Institute.  We attended a wonderful "Homecoming" with friends from the past.  A special joy was re-uniting with my Ambassador Quartet buddies.  Back in 1964-1968 we traveled many thousands of miles visiting churches, camps, schools and other gatherings, giving testimonies,  playing instruments and singing in  harmony for the Lord,  representing PBI.  When we sang our first song together after 44 years we looked at each other and said "WOW."   It all came together somehow.  We performed in front of about 600 people in the main auditorium,  about 200 at a special gathering and then in the Manor Gospel Church on Sunday morning,  July 15.  Amazing time!

Vacation in June 2012

In June we flew south to Houston to see Jamin and Lisa and back to Ketchikan by way of Phoenix, Grand
Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park.  Great Trip in Every Way!