August Happenings

1. We went to Pittsburgh for my sister and her husband's 50th Wedding Anniversary party.  My nephew Pete from Chicago and his boys were there.  My niece Jeannie, husband Kris, and their daughters live in Pittsburgh, so we got to have a great visit and enjoy a wonderful party.

Click on pictures to see them larger.  Use the Back button to return to the blog.

Rosie and Ralph at their 50th Wedding Anniversary party



Rosie, Ralph, and I on the day we left Pittsburgh

 2.  After we left Pittsburgh, we camped for 5 days at Pipestem State Park, in West Virginia.  The park is at 3,000 feet, so it was wonderfully cool there--while the rest of the country sweltered.  We saw a mink, a grey fox, and a mother wild turkey with three chicks, as well as did some hiking. The hiking wasn't so much fun because most of the trails are joint use with horses.  As a consequence, you had to be careful of the muddy, manure-filled trails.  However, we still had a great time.

Tram at Pipestem State Park in West Virginia



Bluestone River from the Tram



Vista at Pipestem

3.  The United Way of Kingsport interviewed me and Dennis, the guy I tutor at the Literacy Council, for their campaign video.  If you are interested, see the link below.  It is a long video, over 10 minutes, with other United Way people.  If you want to skip to seeing just me and Dennis, we are at 3:29 - 5:48 on the time line.

Note:  Click on Back to return to blog after you watch video.

United Way Link

4.  We were part of the millions who experienced the recent earthquake.  I was working at my computer, when it suddenly started to shake.  It took us a second to figure out what was happening.  Earthquakes are so strange because they are quiet, unless something in the room rattles.  I always associate violent upheavals with loud sound, but there isn't any--at least there hasn't been with the ones I've experienced both here and in California.

5.  I am really busy with Imagination Library and Literacy Council things.  I won't bore you with the details of that stuff, though.  They are my new "job," although I'm not being paid.