First Signs of Fall!

The girls and I travelled back to Marion for Brittany's birthday. The party started at Linville Caverns and the air was crisp. Oh, my the first signs of fall - my favorite time of the year. This tree actually had more color than most. Hope it's going to be a good year for color.

This picture was taken while everyone else went into the cave. This mountain chick, as much as I love the mountains, 'ain't' goin' 700 feet under and into a mountain, I promise you that. I'm claustrophobic and the cavern walls make me weep, they're so close together. Gives me the heebie jeebies.

This is looking northward up the creek at Linville Caverns.

This is looking southward.

What kind of tree has a leaf this big? Gee Whiz, I think it was subject to growth hormones.

These are the pods, the berries or whatever they are that go along with that huge leaf. Merciful.

Go Heels! When Mom and I drove into the parking lot at Linville Caverns, Greg had his arms raised in victory mode. We thought he was just glad we finally made it. Nope, not it. More importantly, he had finished listening to the Carolina football game going up the road and they pulled out a win against Miami. Woohoo! They were behind when we left Pleaseant Gardens and made two touchdowns and won a game by the time we got there. It doesn't get better than that, especially when you watch what he had recorded and see the Miami fans in disbelief that Carolina could beat'em. Poor things. Seth was in Carolina gear as well.

Go Tarheels!

This is the birthday girl. Happy Birthday, Brittany!

Greg and Amy - aren't they cute?!?!

This is Linda - Brittany and Seth's other Nana!

My babies!

Happy Birthday, Nana!

Nana's birthday was Thursday, September 18th, so we came to Marion this weekend to celebrate. She turned 69, but acts like she's 39! I think she had a good day today.

Of course, even without presents to open, Mom would have had a good day as long as all of her babies were here.

Mom's (and Daddy's) home happens to be one of our favorite places in the world, so I took these pictures of their house and surrounding land. We all love to roam and play. It is somewhat addictive.

Macy loves to roam too, just like Ellie did. She has already adopted Nana's house as her second home - it's a good thing!

Lon's home!

Some of you know Lon. He's one of my very best friends in the world. And, to have a guy friend like that is simply... a blessing. Lon and I met ove 18 years ago in Marion when he was working on a summer internship. After we both graduated from college, he went his way and I went mine. We didn't keep in touch for a couple of years, but when he tracked me down again several years ago, we didn't lose touch again. He and his family live in Brazil right now, but will be coming back to the states in '09. Anyway, he has been back in Greenville, SC for a few days and I got to see him last night. Thomas was sweet enough to keep the kids home and I went by myself. Now, Lon and I can laugh about any and everything and last evening was no exception. We had the best time walking around the mall, hanging in the book store, and eating dinner. And, of course, our families were at the top of our conversations. I was only mildly concerned about seeing my students at the mall. After all, they have seen Thomas several times at school and would know that Lon was not my husband. Lon was going to have to be a cousin or brother-in-law or something. HA! But, I didn't have to go there!!

Another thing about Lon - he can pick out some clothes. He actually helped me shop for Mom's birthday and me. When ya'll see me in a spicy orange jacket and beads to match, that was mostly Lon's doings.

Well, here we are in Borders book store. He wouldn't let me take a picture of him picking out women's clothes. He was afraid I'd blackmail him! Lon-------you know I wouldn't do that, right? (Well, maybe not).

Well, ya'll hurry up and move back and we can get the families together again. We'll let Mark (his second son in sixth grade) cook for us. He needs some more practice before he opens his restaurant! Also, check out Bridget's website. It is noted on my blog--the Jennings family.

Someone once said, "Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom."

School and stuff!

Try these - my kids at school love them. This is what I start class with!

Tall Mischief Her Sun

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Any ideas?

I have really enjoyed teaching NC History. We've done quite a bit of geography and have started on Native Americans. As I've said before, I love my students. Eight grade students are too cool. This crew is smart. They don't mind learning. In addition, they like to see what kind of shoes and watches I'm going to be wearing. I have several members who are part of the fashion police force, so I have to be careful! Our eight grade team is: TEAM CREW

Now, Stacy, Ginger, and Andy remained 'mean' looking as they were instructed by me and then Colby says something retarded and guess who ends up looking goofy in this TOUGH group of teachers? You got it. I just can't be too mean, just rediculously stupid. But, that's me for ya.

Meanie!

Now ya'll, we do learn lots in this class, but we do have fun. Today at the end of class, I showed them my Dad's card trick AND I was challenged to an arm wrestling match. No kidding, peeps, I beat him. Sorry Josh. Pump some more iron!!!

In other news, Mary Clair, Michael, Noah, and Georgia brought over Muffy. Macy meets Muffy. Macy is leggy and funky-looking and Muffy looks like a porcupine. I believe they loved each other's company.

Let's play, Muffy!! I'll be the leader, and you follow. Got it?

Also, Brooke and her buddy, Savannah completed a project on sea horses about two weeks early. Anybody, anybody - does that sound that somebody you knew in school? They did a great job all by themselves. I say you get an A!

Lovely work, girls!

Okay, did you guess the puzzles? Alright, the first is Thomas Jefferson and the second is ten issues or tennis shoes!

Labor Day, lake day!

Woohoo! What a blast we had yesterday at the lake! Thank you Brackens' for the partaaayy!! Lake Norman is lookin' good - so much better than it did this time last year!

This fountain is several feet out from the pier and probably 5 feet or so deep. Last year at this time, the water was right at your ankles or less.

Cammie, Kyndall, Victoria, and Brooke

Charles and his Dad, Bob. Suck it up, Chuck!! (You didn't think I'd put this one in, didja)?

Cammie got hold of the camera. I'm relaxing with the MOMS!

Katherine and Amanda!

Of course that's Cammie posing. I don't know where she gets that performing/drama/cheeseball/'anything goes' gene........do you??

Charles let me go with him to take the girls tubing. I got to tube also. It was fun. Now, I'm gonna have to talk him into letting me ski. Please, please, please, Charles!

Brooke and Victoria taking off!

Cammie and Victoria in calm water. That must have been a while before we hit a monstrous wake and sent them flying into the air about 12 feet or so. Seriously. It knocked the breath out of both of them and busted Cammie's lip. Scary wake, but oh, so much fun at the same time!

The waters were calm as we left to go in and eat. A perfect Labor Day cookout.

With ice cream and cobbler, of course. Thank you Joy (to the World)!