Last weekend we did a little bit of sightseeing – checking out the local “Mississippi Grand Canyon”. Don’t be alarmed – the real Grand Canyon (or even the PA Grand Canyon) has nothing to worry about. It did take us to one of the highest spots in the area – Red Bluff. Here’s a shot of the “canyon” and then another one of us right on the edge. It was a very beautiful day, and I have to say that it was a surprising part of Mississippi.

While our time here has been spent in the “Pine Belt”, there are still open hay fields. This one is on our way to town, and it seems to surprise me every time in its simple beauty.

Tomorrow is our last “work” day. These three weeks go by so quickly. We’ll be staying through the weekend and then will begin our trek back to Jamison. It will be good to see family and friends before we head to Columbus for Christmas, and then to Texas for Jan-Mar.
Just to get us ready to be “north” for December, the temperature tonight is dipping into the 20′s. What’s that all about?
Brrr – it’s the down comforter for us! =)

So last Wednesday was my birthday (54!). It was a beautiful day, and the gang here had cake and ice cream for me (candles, even!) and we played games in the evening. Ever hopeful, I carried my phone with me all day in anticipation of getting calls from the kids. We were playing cards when the phone rang- it was Josiah’s special ring!
Hi, Honey – how are you?
Good Mom – I have a question for you.
Shoot.
So, how do you make cinnamon sugar?
Blah, blah, blah(give detailed instructions on making CS…)
So, say I, anything else….?
Well, looks like I’ll be painting the fence this weekend..
That’s great……anything else?
Well, are you guys having a good time in Mississippi?
Yes, we’re having lots of fun…..anything else?
Nope, just wanted to check on that cinnamon sugar stuff…..
Well, I thought maybe you were calling to wish me a Happy Birthday.
Ohhhhhhhis it’s November isn’t it?
Yep. It’s even November 9th!
Well, Happy Birthday! Good thing I called! =)

So my dear son Josiah, (“bless his heart” as they say here in the south), having no recollection that it was my birthday, was the only child who actually called on my birthday. Serendipity, he said! Lara had a good excuse (and had called me earlier in the week), and Toby called on Saturday (the 12th) pretending it was the 9th. Nice Try!

Gotta love ‘em all!
and we sure do! =)

Well, just so you know that I acknowledge that there are other cute grandchildren in the family – here are some VERY CUTE shots of my new grandniece Molly Fitzpatrick –
just ready to be picked!

And so stylish in her bell bottoms!

Here are a couple of shots of the camp we are working at. They were very fortunate that most of their buildings were spared major damage, but the amount of trees down is unbelievable. The drives and walks are all cleared, but there is so much debris around that it will be a while before things will be back to normal.

They guys are working on this building – it was incomplete before Katrina, but it gives you a feeling for the debris that is around.

This of course is nothing compared to points south – but just being in the general area we can see that progress is being made in the reconstruction of the coastal region. We might make it to the coast over the weekend. Should be an eye-opener!

OK – here are some new shots of Ellie & Hayley….

I’ll leave the “how cute!” unspoken!