Kelly and Steve

December 2011

2011-12-29T18:37:00.007-05:00

Our 2011 family Christmas card.

Fishy believing she is a princess

Saba-Kitty

Aussie

Savannah

King Tut

A beautiful winter rainbow over the new 6th grade building at school.

Some days are too much fun at school

I have really had a passion for beautiful sunrises and sunsets this year. I guess that is because I am always in bed when the moon is out.

Tut on an evening walk

What beautiful color

We took Fish to visit Santa. She was quite scared on him and I have to force her to sit still and stay beside him.

If you tilt your head you can see Tut's visit with Santa on his first Christmas many many years ago.

Steve and I had a weekend visit to Highlands, NC the weekend before Christmas.

Tut enjoys his favorite spot before bedtime

Our 2011 Christmas tree!

I hiked up Mount Yonah during the cold week after Christmas.

What a beautiful view to reward you after an icy hike.

Daddy's brother, Dean and his family.

Little Miss Aly on Christmas night

Merry Christmas from

The White House Dogs!

November 2011

2011-12-22T18:12:00.009-05:00

Look at his beautiful grey!

Veterans Day sunset

Thank you!

A great bonfire with amazing friends!

Tut, Tut needs snuggle time.

Look at that sweet big nose.

and those huge paws and finger/toenails that he refuses to let me clip.

Savannah loves her walks with Tut and I.

Crates got a freshly cleaned kennel.

He enjoyed his running time while I cleaned his house.

Sometimes you just have to go.

Poor Fish has to wait before she can eat the muffin.

Our 2011 White-Bryant Christmas tree

We alway let it hang on the deck and put lights on it a few days before bringing it inside.

Steve cooked the turkey for his family on the Egg.

The sunrise while I was putting Christmas lights on the roof.

Fish found Thanksgiving to be exhausting. There was just too much stirring around by her parents.

Savannah and Tut smell something yummy, or at least yummy to them.

Nice female, Steve.

Look, Steve has another one.

We attended the Macys tree lightening in Atlanta. This has become a wonderful annual tradition.

We spied on the dogs while we were gone.

Thanksgiving turkey on the presentation platter.

Pretty male (the fish)

I just could not quite bring myself to kiss him.

He was beautiful.

She was big too.

What a beautiful hooked jaw.

Nanny Ruth, Kelly, Nana and Lacey

Thanksgiving at the barn

Nanny Ruth, Kelly and Lacey

Thanksgiving at the barn

Stephanie and Nana at Thanksgiving at the barn

Steve's pretty female trout

Underwater trout

October 2011

2011-12-22T16:19:00.012-05:00

Did I mention that October is one of my favorite months? I love the weather and all the fall fun that is a part of October.

Steve and I took a Sunday hike/fishing trip to Jones Creek.

Unfortunately Steve forgot his waders.

Dad and I spend a Sunday hiking 8 miles on the AT.

This is a beautiful large tree with a magnificent hole.

I wonder how many animals have called this tree home?

What beautiful fall views.

I love the colors. I love the mountains.

Several large rolls of barbwire along the AT. I bet there is a great story behind this.

Our pumpkin was carved on Halloween night. October is so full of fun and surprises, we seem to never have time to prepare for Halloween.

Savannah dressed as a chicken.

Tut also shared the same chicken costume.

Halloween pumpkin carvin' after a Halloween run.

Steve and SabaKittie.

Beautiful, beautiful fall.

My two favorite boys!

My big kids.

My little big baby. I love him!

The sunsets have been magnificent this year.

Tut, Tut loves to sleep!

Papa's rives always offers such peace.

September 2011

2011-12-22T16:09:00.005-05:00

Tut and his charms. He appears lost with out his collar and charms. Here them jingle is like hearing the angels sing.

Tut

Tut!

Steve is looking perplexed. What? Are the fish not biting?

Some trout fishing time.

I love the mountains!

Steve got a new beanie knitted by our friend Marilyn.

He had just finished the "new beanie dance".

Tut likes to sleep on pillows.

More doggie spy cam!

August 2011

2011-12-22T15:55:00.004-05:00

Amazing North Georgia sunsets.

Daddy and I hiked from Woody Gap to Neels Gap one morning.

This view is near Blood Mountain.

We saw a black and white squirrel.

Many beautiful trees greeted us along the way.

This view is near Preachers Rock.

What a beautiful morning.

Cameron had his third birthday party. He loves his uncle Rodney.

Before we left for the Keys we got a "Doggie Spy Cam" It has been a lifesaver for me. I can watch the dogs anytime. Unfortunately nothing really exciting ever really happens. Sometimes Tut will move beds or even lift his head or wag his tail while I am watching.

After "planking" was an international hit, I decided that I would "frog".

Frogging was not as big of a hit.

He is my King Tut!

FL Keys 2011

2011-12-22T15:06:00.011-05:00

This year we participated in our fourth mini lobster season in the Keys.

All good things must come to an end. This was our last night when Steve pulled the boat out of the water. Until next year...

"The Sandbar"

Steve has an awesome guide.

She put him on fish!

... and more fish.

He never put her on fish.

We were greeted several morning by a pair of dolphin swimming around the boat.

When the fish are not around, we play.

When I get really bored, I get really goofy. Check out the way I am holding the fly rod.

We heard that baby tarpon hang out underneath the bridge. They did not find us.

We made our annual visit to Robbies to see the tarpon there.

They are such interesting fish with amazing colors.

Steve let them eat bait fish out of his hand. I was a bit too jumpy to let them do that.

We snorkeled around looking for lobster.

Steve has to drive fast over the shallow parts as not to get stuck in the sandy bottom.

These sunsets never get old.

Beautiful and ever changing.

We enjoyed paddling in the shallow mangroves with the kayaks.

What a peaceful paddle in God's painting.

On our last night we had our traditional seafood boil.

Steve, the Shellhamer and Duffy boys all matched for dinner.

A perfect place for a perfect meal.

Nothing like a sunset off the dock. Each night it was different and every night it was beautiful.

July, sweet summer time!

2011-12-22T13:04:00.008-05:00

Little Miss Aly turned 1.

I had a great lunch with my dear friend from college, Alana and her precious family. Yona and I matched that day.

Tut loves his spot in the basement bedroom.

I took Nanny Ruth to get a manicure and pedicure. She loved it and even got little flowers on her big toes.

Savannah still loves her Daddy time.

The Big Green Egg also makes great pizzas!

Certainly a King, King Tut!

He loves being outside, just like the rest of the family.

Fresh garden tomatoes are the greatest thing since... well maybe ever.

I gave my goodbye kisses to Henry and Yona as they were moving to HI with their parents, Alana and Xander.

Savannah had another great day at the spa and is looking perfect.

When Tut was at the vet last month he was a bit underweight. Dr. Orton wanted to make sure he had not lost anymore weight so I took him for a return visit. He had actually gained a few pounds. (yes) As we were leaving a lady backed into us. The only damage was minor damage to our vehicles. I did have a several month fight with the insurance company and finally got money to fix the door. Well I could not just have one new shinny door, so daddy is in the process of restoring the entire truck. I can not wait to see the finished product.

I have a co-worker with tons of blueberry bushes. I love fresh blueberries. This year I was in a baking mood and made muffins and pies. I felt like a little homemaker seeing that I almost never cook. When I do cook Steve is always a bit concerned.

Lacy loves the Jeep.

Catfish wants to be the center of attention, always.

muffins with extra blueberries

My first blueberry pie.

Usually we stop drinking coffee in the summer time, but this year Steve continued to make us a handcrafted latte each morning.

Before the Peachtree, you have to go, and so does everyone else.

I had everything prepared the night before. We got up early and headed to Marta. I finished in an hour sixteen minutes and Daddy finished in 57:52.

Daddy! Somehow I managed to avoid the camera.

Alligator Point, FL - late June 2011

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Check out the gator! The evening before Steve was dragging his kayak in the same area. Nice.

Our sweet little cottage at high tide.

This is what happens at low tide. Not enough water to get back to shore without a muddy mess.

Steve has to crawl through the mud. It was kind of like a spa mud bath without the spa experience.

Steve dragging his boat across the spartinagrass.

Steve was attempting to keep the kayak clean by washing his feet before he put them in the boat. What a joke.

Steve finally had an opportunity to cast, or was he just practicing?

This was how we spend three days. We waited in the scorching hot sun for a tarpon to pass by. When one did eventually come close enough to cast at you had to be "sitting on ready."

Apalachicola, FL

Steve still wants to go into the shrimpin' business!

Simply beautiful

When we take a road trip, we take all the toys!

One of the best months of the year, June

2011-12-21T17:47:00.007-05:00

Little Ms. Aly turned ONE

Ty went with us on a float trip starting at the Copper Mines.

Tut had been a bit sluggish and I was getting worried about him. I was kinda afraid to take him to Dr. Orton. I was afraid of what could be wrong. Steve encouraged me to take him in anyways. Much to my happiness, Dr. Orton said he looked wonderful and was in great health for a eleven year old puppy!

Princess Fishy still loves to be the center of attention.

Savannah likes her time in the spotlight as well.

Most of the time Tut, Tut just wants to be left alone in peace.

I spend quite a bit of time running this month. I was training to run the Peachtree Road Race with Dad. It seemed as if snakes were training to run with me. This copperhead greeted me on a road run. A huge copperhead greeted me on a trail run and refused to move, so I have to turn around, because I was NOT jumping over it. I did just over the ground and black snakes.

Steven received a Big Green Egg for his birthday/Fathers Day/Anniversary from the kids and I. He was in love. I must say we have been eating LOT of healthy grilled veggies.

Daddy grew his normal, beautiful garden.

One of the best parts of summer is "robbing" from his garden.

Nature just makes me happy

We spent lots of time traveling in the Jeep this month. It certainly makes running errands pleasurable.

Often Lacy Dog, like to ride with me. Sometimes she even thinks she can drive.

I caught Steve napping on the hammock with Saba-Kitty.

Nana had a great visit with her great, great nephew and neice, Cameron and Aly.

Sabalo enjoys the great weather.

Sabalo also like spending time on the hammock with me.

On June 10, the tenth anniversary of my Papa White's death I had a great run as I watched the sun peak through the trees on the creek.

Steve in the "big city"

Shutter bug May

2011-12-21T13:44:00.011-05:00

Where do I begin? May is always such a happy yet busy month. I am finishing up with school but have the desire to spend every minute outside.

I photographed my cousins, Cameron and Aly at Papa's. It is hard to believe that Cameron was almost three and Aly almost one at this time.

Tut and I had some quite time together one afternoon. He looked so tired and I felt the desire to take lots of pictures of him.

Nana on Mothers Day 2011

Mothers Day at the River, White House style

Dean was the ultimate grill master for the day.

More Tut pictures.

Daddy attempting to hide from the rest of the family

Mr. Perfect!

Nanny Ruth

Nanny White

She hates pictures

The more the merrier

"Mom is really making me sleepy, following me around with the camera."

So he sticks out his tongue.

Beautiful

Ben was all cleaned up for his senior prom

The bream were biting at the rez

Yay more little fishies

Steve still striper fishing

We drove to Gaitlinburg on a Saturday and saw a moma bear and three cubs near the top of the mountain

Ben graduates LCHS

Ben and his dad, Lamar

And for the rest of April

2011-12-21T13:34:00.003-05:00

We spend most weekends and several weekday afternoons floating down the Chestatee.

Steve, Ted and I tried to catch striper several days.

My baby Tut looking as majestic as ever.

My great uncle, Herbert. He was 89 in this picture. He is one of the easiest people in the world to get along with and has the greatest stories.

The heart wrenching end to our spring break...

2011-12-21T13:06:00.008-05:00

The sun rise was beautiful on the morning of April 5. I knew stormy weather was rapidly approaching so we thought we would make the most out of our morning. We grabbed our morning latte's and headed for St. Augustine. We drove around in the rain looking at the town. As we were starting the return drive to our room, we got some of the most devastating news that we have even had to face as a couple.

Our dear dear friend and my coworker had suddenly passed away. We were speechless. There truly are no words that can describe is kindness and love for life and others. Not a day has passed that we do not think of him and the joy that he brought to everyone that can in contact with him. He was certainly a mentor to Steve and I thought of my self as one of his grandchildren (who are all wonderful and I love dearly). His untimely passing has made me recognize how precious life is and how fast the universe can change.

His smile and positive attitude was simply contagious.

Edward Brooksher, you will always be loved and remembered as one of Lumpkin Counties greatest.

Edward you will always be in our hearts.

Every time I see the beauty in the sky, I know that you are smiling down upon me and patting me on the back.

Spring Break took us to Daytona Beach, FL

2011-12-21T12:47:00.005-05:00

Steve spend quite a bit of time playing in the water. It was a bit chilly for me to say in for long.

I spent my time playing with the cameras.

I woke up to a beautiful sunrise each day.

I planned to run on the beach but never got up the energy. There is always next time.

We both fished at Canaveral park.

Although we did not take great pictures we loved seeing the manatee near Indian River and enjoyed our tour of the light house.

March 2011

2011-12-21T12:38:00.002-05:00

Underwater cameras are lots of fun to play with

Sometimes with fish at the reservoir in town, other times we rest.

My baby Tut, Tut love to rest on his many beds around the basement.

He is the apple of his mothers eye.

Nana wanted to go to The Wagon Wheel for her birthday dinner.

Fish and I ran our first 5K together. It resulted in a lovely fall.

2/11

2011-12-21T12:05:00.004-05:00

My key chain for the S-10. I got this many many years ago, and it is still one of my favorite things.

What better way to display flowers than in a gallon glass jug!

While paddling at the Rez in town we found that appears to be a mine opening up Yahoola Creek.

Steve testing out the Versa Board

Ty and Kelly playing with the seasons new toys at the Rez in town.

Kelly joined the 8th grade students in their field trip to Jekyll Island.

Savannah loves going to the spa (groomers) but is totally exhausted when she returns home.

Big Pig 2/5/11

2011-12-21T11:56:00.002-05:00

I fished the Pig Big on 2/5. It was a cold day after lots of rain.

When I was not fishing I was scouting out the water, or at least resting.

I was excited that I had not been swept away by the rapidly moving water.

I did not win, actually I did not even catch a fish in the muddy water, yet a fun day was had by all.

Lets begin by finishing 1/11

2011-12-21T11:37:00.003-05:00

I took Cameron fishing at "Papa's River"

I was testing the waters for the Big Pig Challenge

Often when the fish are not biting I begin playing.

Steve and his friend Daniel spend some time fishing as well.

Time for an update!

2011-12-21T11:35:00.002-05:00

I guess there is no time like the present to update the blog. It has been almost a year since my last entry. I think once I got behind it became so overwhelming that I decided to put it off until Christmas break. So here I am on day one of Christmas vacation attempting to recap this past year of your lives.

Big Pig

2011-01-26T20:03:00.002-05:00

I (Kelly) will be fishing in the first "Big Pig Finraiser" at Froghollow in a few weeks. I am really excited about this as I am the only female of the twenty total contestants. The winner will be determined by the person that catches the longest fish. I know it will be a matter of luck, but I certainly hope luck is on my side!

Old Fashion Tea Cakes

2011-01-17T15:03:00.000-05:00

Old Fashion Tea Cakes

recipe taken from the Georgia Market Bulletin, Jan 2010

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup cooking oil

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 eggs

1 teaspoon baking soda dissolved in 2 teaspoons vinegar

2 1/2 cups self-rising flour

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

Combine sugar, oil and vanilla in large bowl of electric mixer. Mix well; add eggs, beating well. Stir in baking soda dissolved in vinegar; add flour and stir to make a stiff dough. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll to 1/4 inch thick and cut our with a 3-inch round cutter. Bake on lightly greased baking sheet for 10 minutes or until light brown. Remove to wire racks to cook. Yield: 4-5 dozen, depending on size cutter used.

Testing note: These are crisp, not too sweet cookies from our grandmother's day when sugar was rationed. Some recipes call for sprinkling the warm cookies with a sugar and cinnamon mixture. They are wonderful with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Jan. 2011

2011-01-13T19:58:00.011-05:00

We experienced one of our largest snow/ice storms the week of Jan. 10. We were so prepared. We had three sleds, lots of soup and grill cheese makings, coffee and our generator. What more could we have needed? We had no school, lots of food, tons of fun with friends and no loss of electricity! I also continue to play with my photography hobby!

It seemed like a great time to build a fire!

Catfish loved the snow, while Tut was not so sure about the slippery ice.

Jeep!

Tranquility!

Such a nice time for a fire.

I love my kids!

Sabalo was so not sure what to think of all this white stuff on the ground.

The sun finally comes out, but does little to warm things up!

Anna participates in 4-wheeler sledding!

Anna Beck and I before our sledding adventures.

Steve in a snowball fight!

Yes, we LOVE the hat!

Snow, snow and more snow!

Sabalo loves stretching out in the sun!

On Friday Steve and I went to the Atlanta Boat Show. I could not believe just how bad the roads were in Atlanta. There was so much ice on the roads. I was very happy to be back home in the mountains with clear roads.

Check out our sledding video!

Belize - Dec. 2010

2011-01-13T15:45:00.039-05:00

Steve and I made our fourth trip to San Perdro, Ambergris Caye, Belize in early December. We spent five days on the island. We had a great time. I caught my first bone fish and Steve landed his first tarpon.

Steve spent lots of time fishing at the "Croc Hole." When the wind was blowing I spent lots of time on the golf cart.

On the Delta!

I love the idea of being able to recycle Coke bottle for cash!

We took the cart through some nice mud at the southern tip of the island!

Steve with his largest tailing bone fish!

Say cheese Mr./Ms. Bone Fish

Steve wading on the south end of the island.

This is the spot where he caught the big bone fish.

While riding on the golf cart, Steve would take his flip flops off and they would slide around in the floor board area. I repeatedly told him they were going to fall off? Did he listen? NO! So we lost a flop. He was devastated. We drove all over town and finally found his lost flop! He was one happy kido! Maybe he will listen better next time. Yeah right!

Steve caught a little cotta at the Croc Hole.

Kelly fishing (unsuccessfully) at the Croc Hole.

Hillyboo, our fishing guide provided us with fresh squeezed orange juice.

Croc Hole fishing again...

Steve being Mr. GQ on a pier at the northern end of the island.

Steven is one happy little camper with his first tarpon. He did not care if it was a baby!

Tarpon are such pretty fish.

I was not happy to be all muddy.

Just when Steve said to stop playing around that were we moving to a play where there are some fish, I caught this snapper type fish.

When we left the room, I always had to carry everything!

Steve's happy fish!

See how the fly rod is bend on such small little fighters.

These little buggers fight!

Steve's little fishy!

One of my first bone fish!

Steve's favorite meal of grilled chicken from the lady outside of the supermarket.

We were looking for bone fish, but they were hanging out in deeper waters and I got bored when I could not find them.

We ate breakfast every morning at Lily's.

Steve ate many meals of stewed chicken with beans and rice from street venders.

I enjoyed relaxing on the veranda overlooking the ocean!

Steve on the veranda at the Conch Shell.

My 32nd birthday lunch - Neri bean tacos with Marie Sharps.

I think this is my favorite meal ever.

Check out our Belize fishing video on YouTube!

* No fish were harmed in this production. I strongly believe (Belize) in catch and release. K

December 2010

2011-01-13T15:45:00.026-05:00

December seemed to go by like a flash of light. I spend the first few days getting ready for our Belize trip. (more to come on that soon) Then we had lots of catching up to do when we returned. We had three snow days during the last week of school in December. We spent most of Christmas with family and friends and joined in the new year with a quite night at home.

Our front yard on a beautiful December afternoon.

I attempted to take Aly & Camerons' Christmas pictures.

I discovered it is very difficult to get two children to work with the camera, at the same time.

Christmas Day snow at Papa White's.

Our Christmas tree at the barn.

Christmas Day snow above the Ranger Camp.

While off of school for Christmas break I spent a day in Athens, with a Alana and her family. I can not get over how cute Henry and Yona are! I could just eat them up!

Tut spent hours watching me finish up Christmas cards.

Fishy and Piggy

Tut spend lots of time hanging out in his bed downstairs.

Our 2010 (5th) Christmas tree.

The basement was decorated for the dogs (Dawgs)

Welcome!

We had some VERY cold nights. Tut slept under a sleeping bag several nights.

A quick snow burst in mid December.

We lost three days of school the week before Christmas break.

We celebrated my birthday on a snow day at Benihana's.

My photo of Steve in the Keys was an honorable mention for

Yeti Coolers December photo of the month contest.

On one of our many lazy mornings during Christmas break Fish and I fought on the bed. I can still (barely) get her in "baby" position. I can not believe she is already FOUR!

Dad and I before we ran in the Reindeer 5K in Dawsonville.

We had not pictures of our 4th 5K, the Frosty 5K in Dahlonega.

October 2010

2011-01-13T15:45:00.022-05:00

October is one of my favorite months! The weather is amazing, the leaves are beautiful and there is always a fun outdoors event happening. October can be so much fun that I often forget to take pictures.

Aly and Cameron participated in a photo shot at Papa's.

Cameron can be such a little stinker.

In mid summer I started running with Dad, and I actually started to enjoy it. In September Dad and I ran our first 5K in Clermont. This photo is of the finish line in our second 5K. It was around the lake in Dahlonega. That is most certainly one of our favorite places to run. Steve has also be running, but has yet to participate in a race.

View from Preachers Rock on the AT

Steve heading up to Preachers Rock on Halloween.

Kelly climbing up the trail. I had ran in my third 5K just the day before.

Sabalo and Macabi loved hanging out in the sun, even if Charlie is wondering in the front yard.

Ted made fresh sushi.

It is the absolute best!

Buddy, the elf appeared on our shelf just after Gold Rush. He stayed around and cause havoc each night until New Years.

Daddy about to cross the finish line on his second 5k.

November 2010

2011-01-13T10:34:00.013-05:00

November is almost as fun as October. The first week on November hosted the Gold Cup Challenge at Frog Hollow, sponsored by the Gold Rush chapter of Trout Unlimited.

Daniel Tritt and Steve were team Frog Hollow!

They placed third in the 2010 challenge.

The 2011 challenge will be hosted in late April/early May in 2011.

It was a cold, cold weekend and most of the fish were attempting to keep warm and not biting.

Steve started off nice with the first team fish of the morning.

Steve and Alan at our Thanksgiving family photo shot.

Steve was so determined to catch the "most inches" that he was attempting every possible leader, tippet and fly combination.

So intent!

On Thanksgiving I took family photos for mom at Papa's and the barn.

I really like black and whites

Steve was running to get into the water on his day of fishing the challenge.

Say cheese!

Lacey and Kelly

So serious

Kelly, Mom and Lacey

Kelly, Daddy and Lacey

Tut, not working with me, while I was taking pictures for the Christmas card.

Nana, Kelly and Lacey

Kelly, Daddy and Lacey being all goofy (normal).

My big boy Tut, Tut!

Nanny Ruth, Lacey, Kelly and Herbert

Aussie, saying cheese for the Christmas card!

Awkward family photos!

Less awkward family photo.

Fishy girl!

Steve's family skit shoot

Ty, Steve, Will and Josh

Crates, be still!

Saba kittie is not so sure about this Christmas card thing!

Savannah is always a princess!

Steve and I continued our Thanksgiving tradition of attending the lighting of the Macy's great tree. This year it was very warm. I would much rather be freezing while bringing in the holiday season.

...Silent Night...

Dahlonega was a stop for the Capital Christmas tree on its way from Wyoming to DC. While waiting on the tree we had dinner and an amazing view of the town at Bourbon Street Grill.

On Nov. 15 we woke up to find Macabi has passed over the Rainbow Bridge. We are still not sure of the details, but I know that Sabalo was just as upset as the rest of the family. I can not imagine how difficult it must be to lose your twin. Sabalo spent lots of time being a loving kittie and hanging with me in the hammock.

My view while hanging out at the Gold Cup Challenge.

I LOVE fall days!

We came home to find Charlie and a friend hanging out in the yard, again.

Tut had a broken toenail that had to be removed.

Steve bought me a new Rudolph at Build-a-Bear!

The White-Bryant 2010 Christmas card.

September 2010

2011-01-12T11:52:00.009-05:00

I took a photography class from Kenny Simmons. It was so nice to spend a day around creative folks. This class really has re-kindled my interest in photography. I think Steve is even gaining a real interest (and he is pretty good too).

I love capturing moments in nature.

Lacey dog loves family time almost as much as I do!

Cameron enjoys playing at "Papa's River"

Dean preached at Mount Zion

Aly is not sure if she like river time or not

You always have to practice casting!

I LOVE my Tut, Tut!

more photos from class

Smile Tut

Herbert and Nanny Ruth celebrated their birthdays.

Hebert said he had never had a birthday party before.

Great cakes!

Daddy

Dean, Kathy and Daddy at the Sullen's reunion

Steve attempting to flip the Freedom Hawks

I love the moon. On nights like this it makes me really want to paint more of my moon series that I started in college.

Tut loves hanging with me

So, Tut has never really liked stuffed animals or toys in general, but he has started to keep them and even sleep with them, just to keep them away from the other dogs.

I was hoping to keep snakes out of the house (see below) so we adopted twin kittens, Sabalo and Macabi. Macabi was loving and always playful. I think he had an identity issue and thought he was a dog. (Macabi was found deceased in the back yard in November. We felt like such unfit parents, although we are not sure what happened.)

Sabalo or Saba Kittie, is such a typical prissy cat. He is not very fond of the dogs.

They were so, so cute when they played together.

One evening after school, Steve posted on Facebook that he had found a snake skin on the stairs. Well, that only meant one thing, we have a snake in the house. Steve was fast on his feet and found the snake hanging out in the basement closet with the heating and air conditioning unit. The happy black snake was released in the wood pile with stick orders not to return inside. So far it has listened!

Dad and I before our first 5k!

August 2010

2011-01-12T11:36:00.010-05:00

Well I have been really, really slack with blogging. I would like to say I will do better, but you never know. In August we were recovering from an incredible trip to the Keys and getting ready for my tenth year of teaching.

Cameron turned two!

Wow, time really does go by way too fast.

We spend our free Saturdays hanging out on the Chestatee.

We even had Mary to join up for a day.

We toured Calhoun Gold Mine.

Steve at the entrance to the mine.

Old cart tracks at the mine.

Lacey, Nanny Ruth and Kelly

Mrs. Hunt, a dear friend of my grandmothers', celebrated her 100th birthday.

Steve's dad and I visited Uncle Herbert. He is doing so well.

Ted made Mae (Fishy's half sister) a dog house to take to her "new house"

I had a picnic and wonderful hike with my college friend Alana and her family.

Amicalola Falls

Steve's photo of me in the Keys was an honorable mention in the

Yeti Cooler photo of the month contest.

FL Keys 2010

2010-08-02T07:19:00.014-04:00

Steve and I made our third annual trip to the Keys for Mini Lobster season last week. This year we (well cough, cough, Steve) chose to drive and take our boat. We also have amazing friends in Atlanta that took our kayaks for us. The drive down took about 15 hours, but we did make several stops. On the way home we made it in 13.5 hours with several fewer stops. It was a long drive we to occupied our time sleeping, having sing alongs and playing on the computer.

Most of the trip was spend sports fishing. We both only fished with the fly rod the entire trip. I was able to catch a shark and Steve caught a snapper, and hooked a shark and tarpon. Even though we did not catch much we saw so many cool things. We swam with seven manatee, saw two sea turtles, dolphins, tarpons, lots of sharks and tons of beautiful reef fish. We had many long days, getting up around five to fish and staying up past dark. By the end of the week I was totally exhausted and even took naps. For those of you that know me well, you know I think that naps are for losers. Well I was an exhausted loser. We are looking forward to returning again next year.

Steve getting ready for a day on the water.

Our boats home and new friends for the week.

The keys have amazing sunsets.

Islamorada Fish Co.

Steve is marking our spot in the hand held GPS just in case we get lost.

Wow, what a view of the dock and tiki hut.

Our view while fishing the flats.

Ohh, I love the sun screen oily face...

Mangrove cut thru's

A small shark on the sandy bottom. Steve found it while lobstering.

After snorkeling at Hen and Chicken with Reese and Julie we got caught in a nasty rain.

I had so much fun snorkeling!

Big fish Steve.

Jimmy caught a tarpon so I had to have my picture made so I could "pretend" to have caught it!

Steve poling the boat, while I fish!

Fishing ... Here tarpon, tarpon, tarpon...

Well at least I was trying to fish, but my guide did not clean and untwist my line. Needless to say Guide Steve did not get a tip that day!

Then I have to be the guide to pole and look for fish.

Still poling... no fish yet...

reef fish

reef fish, Kelly

reef

Big reef fish, Kelly at Cheeca Rocks

big reef fish Steve at Cheeca Rocks

Still looking and casting

My GQ guy!

Even when we were not catching fish, I was in awe of the amazing beauty of nature.

Yep another storm!

At least we were already wet from lobstering.

Our manatee friends. That was such a surreal experience. I am so glad that they found us and shared their time with us.

I loved that you could see the whiskers on its nose!

Such beautiful creatures.

This young one really liked Steve. It kept following him around.

Such an amazing experience!

When I caught my shark (pictured at the bottom), Steve was on the other side of the mangrove island. I had already fought the shark to the kayak before Steve came to help.

He search for the boga grip, finally found it and had the shark, so he thought.

Then he somehow fell out. It was too funny. Here Steve is in about two feet of water with a less than happy shark! Well at least no one or animal was harmed.

Steve's snapper, caught on the fly rod.

Kelly, Steve and Julie

at Cheeca Rocks

Stingray at Cheeca Rocks.

Steve attempting to sight fish.

My blacktip shark just before it was released to tell its adventures to its little and big shark friends.

Mount Vernon 8/1/2010

2010-08-01T19:38:00.002-04:00

Today Steve's family and friends gathered at Mount Vernon in Gainesville, GA to celebrate his Dad's 60 years of peaching. Dean preached his first sermon at the age of 17 at Mount Vernon Aug. 1950. Since that time he has preached thousands of sermons at countless churches in and around the Appalachian mountains. He is truly an amazing person that has made an impact on many lives. He is my favorite father-in-law!

Barbara and Dean receiving Dean's 60 anniversary plaque.

Dean during the sermon

Steve's sister Debra and her family

Debra, Annie, Wil, Bill, Ty and Morgan

My favorite mother-in-law!

Steve and his mom

Steve's sister Denise and her grand-daughter Maggie Dean.

Steve and him mom, Barbara

...and two months later...

2010-07-27T07:09:00.015-04:00

So I had really, really planned to have blogged more often this summer. Well it looks like I am keeping up with my current routine of blogging every two months. I really hope that improves soon. Summer, yet again is going by really fast. We spent most of June dealing with Steve's lypoma on his back. Luckily when he had surgery the end of June all went great. Steve was sore for a few days, but was released to do anything he wanted within four days. Yet, we did make several trips to the lake and river. I spent lots of time attempting to clean and organize the house as well as spending quality time with the dogs. The last week of July was spend in the FL Keys, now I have one more week of summer before I begin school on Aug. 9.

Savannah's happy spot.

Tut, Tut don't be shy for mommie!

Look at that huge paw. That is his way of giving hugs.

He loves his collar and charms.

I think I bothered him too much this summer. He like spending time being lazy.

Tut says, "OK I am smiling! Are you done yet?"

Tut's happy spot. Even though he is photographed out!

Happy doggies!

I love his charms too. When they jingle every morning it just melts my heart!

I love that boy!

Fishy!

Steve decided to reclaim his room in the basement to relocate his office.

Weekends have been spent hanging out with family at Papa's river.

The dogs have not been enjoying their weekly baths.

Tut loves to curl up and sleep.

Fishing on the lake.

Seriously fishing...

Daddy's "new" white Chevy!

Papa's

I woke up several nights and could not find Savannah, I looked EVERYWHERE. She would always just randomly appear. But this time I caught her, she had been sleeping on the basement couch. I thought the chair would block her, yet it only provided a shelter.

When Steve moved his office I had to combine all of my art and sewing stuff into one room, boy was that a long day.

Steve and I spent a day hang out on the Hootche in ATL with a great group of fly fisher people (I was the only girl in the group)!

Sunset in Murphy, NC while Mary and I returned from Robbinsonville visiting friends.

Tut

Summer times best treat!

YUMMY!!!!!!!

My first tomatoes of the season!

Steve's mom decided that she needed some Costa del Mars like the rest of the family.

We worked on our casting skills.

I still think I am better than Steve.

We were rear-ended twice in Gainesville (on the same road) five days apart. We were really lucky. We were not hurt at all and only the rear bumper was scratched. The other folks were fine as well, but they did have damage to their front bumpers.

In early June we had several bad storms. This rainbow was after the worse one that came through Dahlonega. This photo was taken near the end of 400 when I had to turn around due to powerlines down over the road.

Cameron Dean and Alyson Leigh Fountain

2010-07-27T07:02:00.005-04:00

My cousin Deana and her husband Thomas met their second child Alyson Leigh Fountain (Aly) on July 7. Everyone is happy, healthy and beautiful!

The grandparents with Cameron and Aly

Cameron

Deana, pre-Aly!

Cameron loves his baby sister!

He just smiles when we go out to play.

Sometimes he wants to be camera shy.

Aly about a week old.

Check out that hair!

Aly being camera shy.

Deana and I took the kids to see Nana.

Everybody just loves Nana.

Aly is sleepy (almost two weeks old).

Pik-a-boo

Waving for Kelly

Look at that hair!

Such a sleeping princess.

In the past two month (almost)...

2010-06-09T16:53:00.013-04:00

Well I promised to do better blogging this year, ok so that has not worked so well thus far. I can not believe that it has been almost two months since my last post. I am out of school for the summer. Last Friday was the last day for teachers. School will resume (for teachers) on Aug. 9. This is one of the longest summers we have had in a few years. It is nice to have the extra time, but will miss my ten days of pay next year. (LC teachers along with many others are being furloughed ten days next school year. )

Well back to what we have been doing...

We hung out at Unicoi State park for the FFF (Federation of Fly Fisherman [ and women] ). Steve is always trying out new toys. He was testing a Winston Rod or something with "Buff" Randy.

For our fourth anniversary on June 3, we had dinner at Mellow Mushroom.

They must have the best pizza ever!

I picked Steve daisies and day lilies and left them at Tritts for him.

He questioned why could all of our wedding flowers be found in road side ditches....

I will let him wonder for a while.

Ok This is not a great picture, but Steve has a fatty thing (yes that is a medical term ) just below his right shoulder blade. My sister noticed it Memorial weekend. We are in the process of determining what type of surgery he is going to opt for. Good news is it is really no big deal (well at least for me it is not).

Elk in the Smokey Mountains, just outside of Cherokee, NC.

Deer in Cades Cove.

Most of the folks in Cades Cove were illiterate.

A turkey in Cades Cove.

A bear in Cades Cove.

White trillium in the Smokey Mountains

Kent Edmonds giving me a mini lesson, to improve my casting skills.

The legendary Lefty Kreh.

Townsend, TN

Lefty teaching a lesson

Look I caught a fish and Steve did not!

Striper (Stripped Bass) eye

Striper tail

Steve and his baby Striper on the southern part of the Chestatee River, before heading into Lake Lanier.

Old metal bridge on 60S

Here Fishy, Fishy, Fishy!

We have been playing with the underwater camera...

the release...

Moonrise over the Chestatee.

Steve and Ted striper fishing!

Hummm, where to cast...

Steve's parents were Grand Marshals in the Murrayville Day parade.

I have two baby tomato's!

My little garden. It has seven tomato plants, a few pepper plants and a squash plant.

My view Memorial Day weekend.

I love my ENO hammock!

Steve grilled jerked chicken.

Oh the grill! Gotta love FIRE!

Yay for river time!

Memorial for the white pine.

May its spirit and memory live on!

The white pine at the river was dead and Dean was afraid the top would fall out and hurt someone, so they cut it down.

We went to a cookout at the airport and went up for a short ride.

Mount Yonah

This was the first time I had been flying in almost a year.

441 near Baldwin

Ted had us over for dinner, afterwards I was so stuffed I had to use him hammock.

Steve trout fishing

The first snake we saw in early spring. It was a black snake hanging out at our driveway.

Wow, really two months

2010-04-18T16:52:00.016-04:00

I can not believe it has been two months since my last post. I thought I would do much better this year with posting since I was finished with college ... looks like I was wrong. During those two months we have had a great time in the snow, at the beach and in the sun. We have had many adventures and I will try to document many of them below. We also had some stressful times. Steve's dad spend the night in the hospital due to chest pains, luckily there was no problems, but the Dr's advised him to "walk" the 5 flights of stairs at the hospital instead of "running" the five flights. Moms uncle Herbert had heart surgery and spent almost two weeks in the hospital. At school I have been working afterschool, which makes for many long (10) hour days. We will be standardize testing in the upcoming weeks so the students and teachers have all been quite stressed. Steve is still fishing with Tritt's Outfitters and working with Daniel a day or so each week.

But now that I am finished with my spill, let me show you some of the fun adventures we have had.

Lacy, Steve's little sister.

Snuffy White, my little brother.

Tut, Tut hanging out at the house.

Snuffy not working with the camera.

Snuffy

Winter 09/10 snow

What a beautiful morning.

Clouds from the lower Chestatee on 4/17

Wow Steve! What a HUGE bass!

Our Saturday kayak trip on the lower Chestatee.

Lake Dahlonega

Steve casting on Lake Dahlonega

Work it Steve

The other side of Lake Dahlonega

Steve, Kelly and Maggie at her first birthday party!

Wow I can not believe she is one.

She loved her "Uncle Steve Picture Book!"

Sometime Tut can be so, so loving.

He was resting his paws on my legs all the way home from Frogtown.

Tut at Papa's River last weekend.

He loved his Mommie time!

Tut almost never gets in the water, but he was loving it on the spring Sunday.

Nanny Ruth and her brother (older) Herbert

He had heart surgery a few weeks ago and is living with my parents until he is well enough to go back home. He is 88 and still lives alone.

Tut and Herbert

I took the hammock to the barn for some rest during family dinners.

Spring on Lake Lanier

I picked up limbs and sticks that had fallen in the yard over the winter.

That has provided for several bonfires.

Nana and I went to the Run-a-Way Fish House in Baldwin for her 83rd birthday dinner.

A balanced egg on the first day of spring 2010.

The "K2-10" bug.

Hand dyed and designed my Kelly!

I am betting this one will catch some trout!

We have made several trips to Steve's favorite hang-out in ALT... The Fish Hawk.

I was sick for a few days after spring break, so Fish and I curled up on the bed all day.

Tut has made a couple of trips to Frogtown in the Jeep.

He loves his trips, but is getting a bit to old to jump in and out of the Jeep, so I think from now on he will be riding in the truck or trailblazer, not the Jeep.

Cameron and Nana

You can so see the love in her face.

Steve and I went to a 70's themed birthday party. I got to break out my dads old baseball shirt and Steve wore his Mickey Mouse shirt. Needless to say we were NOT the best dressed there.

Sometimes, Fish just needs her teeth brushed.

Shellman Bluff - Spring Break 2010

2010-04-18T15:46:00.012-04:00

Steve and I spend a few days at the Georgia coast for spring break. We spent a little time fishing, but most of our time was spent playing and enjoying nature. We played on and around Blackbeard Island, Sapelo Island and Cabretta Creek.

Birds were everywhere.

The birds loved Blackbeard Island almost as much as we did.

Sand dollars were all over Blackbeard Island.

We even found a dead horseshoe crab.

We found several ladders on the back side of Sapelo.

When I climbed up, there were great views of the water and island.

Steve got a bit muddy while trying to get a picture of the gator.

I am thing that he was trying to catch the gator.

Steve got a picture of one of the four gators we saw.

Pine cones in the maritime forest on Sapelo.

Steve fly fishing

More of the Sapelo forest

I love to play with the camera while Steve is navigating.

The ride out each day

Time to take the boat out. Steve drives the boat and I drive the truck and trailer!

the dock

river/creek channel

The shrimp boat only had one more week before the 2010 season opens.

They were looking all clean and shiny.

Lovin' some GA wild caught shrimp.

Spring Break 2010!

Snow 3/2/10

2010-04-18T11:03:00.006-04:00

Well just a little late in posting this photos....

We had our last snow of the 2009/10 season. I can not believe how much snow we got this year and how pretty it all was.

Around the Forestry Service Roads.

Guess we know which way the wind was blowing...

Nature is so amazing...

I was truck sledding and let the sled go off a cliff. Luckily I was smart enough to jump off the sled just in time.

Found it!

Time to bundle up and keep playing.

Steve had slick tires and some people would not move over far enough. We ended up in the ditch, but thankfully all pick-up trucks in North Georgia come with chains!

Gosh I love this Jeep. I wish Steve would start working on restoring it.

Friday night snow

2010-02-14T09:37:00.003-05:00

We has almost 3 inches on snow on Friday evening and night. School was released at noon and snowflakes began to fall shortly afterwards.

Our yard on Saturday morning.

Fish was really happy that we were playing outside at night.

She did not mind getting struck by snowballs either.

Ready, set, go!!!!!!

I wish this hill were BIGGER!!!!!!!

I LOVE SNOW!!!!!!!

The hill by the basement

I am disappointed that I did not get any pictures of Steve. He really did not want to get snow all over him and wanted to be "camera boy" instead.

Dog Time

2010-02-13T08:53:00.004-05:00

Ice (and a bit of snow) last weekend

2010-02-06T20:32:00.003-05:00

Last Saturday night we had some wintery weather move in. It was mostly ice with only bits of snow. It was very pretty, but not nice to play in.

After the front moved out, Sunday morning the sun sparkled on the ice in the yard.

I loved looking at the ice

Coming back from Blue Ridge

Ice on the shed at Woody Gap

We were heading toward Suches on Saturday, but the roads on the other side of the mountain were just too icy to pass, so we turned around and headed towards Blue Ridge.

New York City - the journal

2010-02-06T11:37:00.002-05:00

Terri just finished journaling our trip to NYC, detailing all the daily activities.

Thank you Terri!

photos can be found on a previous post here.

http://whitebryant.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-york-city-before-chirstmas.html

Christmas Trip 2009

Sat. 19^th

We are the last flight out of Atlanta; all other flights have been cancelled due to the blizzard due to hit the northeast later this afternoon.

We arrived in NYC around 1:30, took a taxi to the hotel, after several trips around the block we arrived at Alexander Hotel. After checking in we walked up 94^th Street to Broadway and had a late lunch at Key Lime Diner.

We decide to walk from Broadway/96^th to/through Central Park. It was light snow, some accumulation, as we walked through Central Park to Madison and 74^th to Whitney Museum. After taking in the Georgia O’Keefe exibit we decided the night was still young- off we go in a taxi towards the Empire State Building. It is a blinding blizzard – yes, zero visibility, we will take to the top of ESB another day. Now, we are off and walking towards Time Square, first stop is Macy’s. We enjoyed all 9 floors and shopping for Christmas decorations. Off, walking towards Times Square I was on NBC news with weather guy from Miami. Others that were interviewed were: 2 guys from Sweden and a group from Canada. Just up the street we shopped at Bubba Gump and Hard Rock Café. Continued walking through Bryant Park, hot cider – nice during the blizzard that was totally stinging our face. We push on. Arriving at Rockefeller Center, rounding the corner- bam! There is the most beautiful Christmas tree ever! No skaters, tons of crazy, brave souls enduring the hardships of the pending blizzard. Ever onward, this time we braved the subway on our return trip uptown to 96^th. That was the real new deal – riding the subway in NYC! Nice elderly man on the train/subway gave us advice on where/when to get off, which stops to make exchanges. Quote “You need to get off at 59^th”. I asked how, do we know? “I JUST TOLD YOU”. Got to love this guy, he was right and we have our first New York words to live by. Once we arrived at 96^th we had supper at corner Deli/bakery. Wow, all this in just one day – actually half a day. Blizzard and all we arrived back at our hotel for a well deserved night rest and we will be ready to go first thing in the morning- Good night New York what is up with that rattling noise all night – that’s why we don’t have radiators in the south.

Sun. 20^th

Kelly was the first to venture out this morning. We woke up to a foot of snow – wow! Today we are walking. After a late breakfast at the corner bakery/deli, we are off to Central Park. First we thought we would take a carriage ride through Central Park, not going to happen right now. New plan, which is the case each time we take a turn. Not a problem, we do have a plan and we get it done. Once we get back to Broadway, we are on the subway, making our way to Brooklyn. We are at Brooklyn Bridge and walking across the bridge to Manhattan. The wind was so cold, but it did not stop us. The bridge, the skyline- beautiful. Once we made it across the bridge we decide to continue our walk towards little Italy. We are somewhat directionally challenged, we make it to parts of Chinatown, not to our liking, way too crowded and we certainly did not want to have lunch here. We push on, hoping to arrive, more like stumble into a nice Italian restaurant. Tonia is fast approaching a meltdown, she has to eat, stop – like RIGHT NOW! Lucky for us we arrive, just in the nick of time. Luffico Bar/Bistro, excellent meal, wonderful service, what a way to end a meltdown. After getting directions from the nice young waiter/new boyfriend, we are off walking on Mulberry to Spring and finally arrive at Broadway. Window shopping, Marilyn made a Christmas purchase for Matthew, what was the name of that store? We continued walking up Broadway, arriving at SoHo, until we all wonder the same thing, just where are we walking? Hailed a taxi, back to Empire State Building, I’m thinking it is on 34^th Street. Anyway, it’s 4:30 and we are waiting in long q-line for our chance to ride up to the observation floor – 86^th open observation. By the time we are on the observation deck, it is dark, cold, windy, but what a VIEW! On to the top – 108^th floor. Even better, our personal tour guide – William, he lives in Queens, confirmed all points of interest. Brooklyn Bridge, Ground Zero, Statue of Liberty, Macy’s, (hey, the fire department is at Macy’s! What’s up with that?) Bryant Park, Central Park, Yankee Stadium, Chrysler Building. William explained a new term to us – “Touron”, a cross between a tourist and a moron. Great time – so glad we decided to ride that elevator! Stopped by the Heartland Brewery for a fast dinner, this was in the lobby of the ESB, discussed plans for Monday, Wow- what a great time so far! Love it, love it, love it! Off on the Subway, decide to make a stop and take transfer to Penn station – taking us to Grand Central Station. Another great stop. Once we arrived uptown – 96^th we had late light supper at deli/bakery. So sad, after we got back to the hotel, Kelly realized she had lost her wallet. Spent the evening on the phone cancelling debit/credit cards, also with the airport for her return flight, concerns about getting through security without ID. Long day, overall a great day, it will take us a while to really take it all in. We did all this with 12 inches of snow!

Mon. 21^st

Light Breakfast at corner deli/bakery. Took subway to south port for ferry ride to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. No tickets to the crown today, so we decided to stay on the ferry and go on over to Ellis Island. Met up with volunteer tour guide at Ellis Island, Malcolm. He gave us a private tour to the ferry building; this area was not open to the public and still being refurbished – very nice, informative. We spent quiet sometime leisuring exploring the main building. Again – love it! Back on Manhattan from the ferry ride we walk to Wall Street, NY Stock Exchange and American Stock Exchange, and Ground Zero. We had lunch at George’s New York Restaurant est. 1950. Took subway back to hotel so Kelly could get ready for her return flight. After we saw her off, (That was another adventure all by itself, Kelly’s bus ride to the airport), Marilyn, Tonia and I walked several blocks to St. John’s Divine – What a find! Beautiful, awesome, breathtaking – LOVED IT! Off on the subway to south end of Central Park to finally catch a carriage ride through Central Park. With warm cider we are off and it was a wonderful ride through the park, rode by Tavern on the Green. After the ride we walked toward Times Square, again. Stumbled up on Late Night w/David Letterman, Broadway, Radio City Music Hall. We decided to get in line and purchase our tickets for the Rocketts. Then we head on to Rockefeller Center to see the tree and skating rink- still no skaters, maybe next time. Back on the subway, uptown to 96^th and supper. FYI – talent on the subway – dancers – break-dancers to the extreme! Wow! Europan – that is officially our spot! We start and end the day at Europan! Good, good day – very fun! Will surely sleep well tonight, despite the noisily radiator.

Tues. 22^nd

Late breakfast at Europen. Walked down Broadway to 90^th street to mail snow globes home (these a most prized souvenirs). Continued our walk to American Museum of Natural History. The movie Night at the Museum and I’m sure many others have this place as a back drop. We enjoyed the general admission, IMAX movie – Great Lake, Sturgeons. We all loved Wilson, the artist that painted the background scenes in the dioramas. After the museum we rode the subway to 49^th – Rockefeller Center to see the ice rink – finally we have ice skaters. A late lunch at Heartland Brewery. This was absolutely the best! Marilyn had fish and chips, Tonia had crab/lobster ravioli, and I had smoked apple sausage w/mashed potatoes. Off to Radio City – Rockettes. You bet – LOVED IT! After the show we decided to continue walking – from Radio City Music Hall to Times Square, over to 5^th Avenue. Wait a minute we have just made a GIANT LOOP –did I mention we were directional challenged. As we walked up 5^th Ave. we saw all the great places – Tiffany’s, Trump Towers, many other NYC landmarks. Arriving at 59^th FAO Swartz, across the street is The Plaza (Bride Wars), very, very tired, but trying to see it all. Hopped on subway for shuttle across town, then uptown to 96^th. Well, it wasn’t all that easy, did I mention we were tired. We got confused on one of the many platforms and enjoyed people watching until we realized we were on the wrong platform – Tourons! Supper at our spot – Soup all around. Very good day! Last night, we check out and head home tomorrow mid-day.

Wed. 22^nd

We slept in - imagine that! After a late breakfast at our favorite spot, we check out of the hotel and they are holding our bags for one last trip. Back on the subway for a trip back to Ground Zero. Marilyn wanted to go by NYC Fire dept. to leave a patch and firefighters t-shirt for her brother Gary. We left the patch, but did not leave the shirt, since we did not get to speak with or see a person at Ground Zero fire station. We are back on the subway from the Trade Center – red one to 96^th – this is getting easy. On the way back we stop off at the print shop to print our boarding passes, stop at the fruit stand for kamquats, final stop at Europan’s for fresh bagels to take home with us. One last time we hail a NYC taxi for our trip to airport. How funny that we have a limo stop to pick us up, but I say, No way! On our way home, wonderful fun trip, but always good to be home. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Oh, yes, we had plenty of time to discuss our next Christmas trip! We can dream, just wait and see, it sure will be hard to top this trip!

Jeep sledding 1/8/10- video 2

2010-01-09T09:44:00.002-05:00

Jeep sledding 1/8/10- video 1

2010-01-09T09:21:00.002-05:00

Snow 1/8/10

2010-01-08T19:50:00.008-05:00

It has gotten much colder as the snow stopped. Steve and I began the day with the idea of going fishing. We finally made it fishing, but not after much adventure along the way. The roads were pretty nasty, especially before afternoon. Some of the roads were closed, so we happily took the detours. I guess the snow must have been so wide spread that north Georgia and Atlanta just did not have the equipment or workers to keep the roads clear.

I got to break out my White's loggers snow boots. They are crazy warm and even have spiked soles for an insane grip on ice!

Steve caught a trout! We had to photograph fast so we could get the little fishy back in the water before he froze, literally. The actual temperature was in the 20's all day.

He hooked up on another one.

I wanted to fish, but just could not fathom putting on my waders over all my layers.

Steve was all dressed up and attempted to stay warm.

This was one of the highlights of my day. It is on Town Creek Church road, just before the bridge. A few cars were at the bottom, I am assuming they could not make it up.

It looked like a PERFECT place for me to sled. Yep, right in the middle of a usually busy county road.

Lets do it again!

What do I look crazy? I do not think so!

SNOW 1/7/10

2010-01-08T09:45:00.003-05:00

School was dismissed at 1:oo due to the possibility of snow... I was not even so sure that we would get any at home, so Steve and I went in search of snow. We bundled up and headed out (the rear and side windows were out of the Jeep, so it made for a cold ride).

We began at Nimblewheel to Winding Stair Gap, headed over Springer Mountain, to Double Gap Road and came back home over Woody Gap.

Steve at Woody Gap

Kelly at the Woody Gap overlook

Ice near Springer Mountain

pretty!

Springer Mountain area

There was only "that" much snow when we first got to the NFS roads.

We were happily surprised to find about an inch of snow at home.

New York City - Before Chirstmas

2010-01-04T16:14:00.009-05:00

I went on a short girls trip to New York City with three of my co-workers Dec. 19-21. We had a morning flight in on Saturday. We were on the NYC last flight out of Atlanta. Everyone was bracing for the upcoming snow storm on the east coast.

Against my will the following picture are not in order.

After we checked in our rooms, we walked thru Central Park to the Whitney to see the O'Keeffe Abstraction exhibit.

I was peeking out my window all Saturday night to see the snowfall on the street.

We were going to tour the Empire State Building, but there was zero visibility due to the snow.

Its snowing, near Times Square!

Macy's

Empire State Building in the snow!

This should be the last picture. I think my pants leg could have been a salt lick by the time I got home!

I was constantly on a latte high!

Sunday morning we walked across Brooklyn Bridge.

Central Park

Notice the snow line on the pants. I just "had" to jump in the snow earlier.

This is how deep the snow was.

I loved the creative engineering.

Our breakfast spot

Little guy playing in the snow. He/she was so cute I wanted to take it home with me.

It was some place around here that I lost my wallet. Luckily I had most of my money in other places. I cancelled my cards and prayed that TSA would let me in the airport.

I did get on my flight Monday night, with very little problems. My wallet was turned in and shipped back to me with everything inside, except the cash. Oh well maybe someone needed it more than me.

On Sunday night we did the Empire State Building tour. It was a really cool view. Here I am on the 80 something floor (82?). It was just as cold and windy as it looks.

View from the ESB

Our only group photo

Kelly, Marilyn Bartils, Terri Wilkins and Tonia Conner

Brooklyn Bridge

We toured Ellis Island

We just happened upon the daily or twice daily guided tours. A retired gentleman took us through many parts of the buildings that are not currently open to the public. It was really amazing to think of the history and future of all those that come to Ellis Island.

I even posed for a picture inside the main building

We took the ferry around the Statue of Liberty on Monday. They were sold out of tickets to go inside, so we enjoyed the ferry ride and amazing views.

The city from the ferry

Waiting for the Ferry

I arrived home with no problems around 2am on Tuesday.

Christmas 2009

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Although I am almost 2 weeks late in posting, Steve and I has a wonderful Christmas. So good in fact that the camera did not appear at many functions. Our family meals began on Thursday and did not end until Sunday. Santa brought us both all we could have asked for and more. The Monday after Christmas I got sick with a head cold, which I still have a week later. As a result I was a bit lazy last week and have finally un-decked the halls and cleaned the house. The weather has been frigid , with bits of snow, but that has not prevented Steve from spending some time on the river. School starts back tomorrow.

HAPPY NEW YEARS - 2010