Michael Phelps - The Greatest Olympian of All Times!

I don't know about anyone else...but for me Michael Phelps was the definitely the most exciting thing going on in the world last week...or should I say the most positive thing going on in the world last week. I watched each of his races and held my breath as a couple of close finishes were accomplished. Wow! I was impressed, excited, proud, happy....the range of emotions I felt were interesting. I guess what made me the most excited about and for Michael Phelps is that he has proved to America what extra hard work can lead to...ACCOMPLISHMENT!!!!

As I have watched his interviews since his great accomplishment of receiving 8 Gold Medals and also read a ton of articles about him, I realized that he was a kid with a dream. His life was not easy by no means....he was raised by his single Mom who Michael remembers working and completing her college education which illustrated to him the importance of hard work, he was picked on as a kid in numerous ways and fashions, suffered from ADHD, struggled with his relationship with his father...but yet he came out on top. HARD WORK! To the youth of America he has proven to you that anything is possible as long as you are willing to work hard.

I will close with one final statement, which my son sent to me about Michael

Phact! Michael does not shave his body hair. His body hair chooses not to grow out of awe and respect.

GO MICHAEL!!!!

Mammoth Cave and Lincoln's Birthplace

Even though I am a native Kentuckian I seldom take the time to enjoy all the wonderful sites in Kentucky. I recently took a short vacation with a friend and we decided to tour around Kentucky a little. One of the coolest places in Kentucky is Mammoth Cave. Mammoth Cave is the largest cave system in the world consisiting of 367 miles of cave system....and per my tour guide much is left to be discovered.

We did hike several miles of the cave. The temperature is a consistent 52 degrees so if you plan on visiting there remember to take a jacket or hoodie for hiking inside the cave. It was well worth my time and energy to visit this incredible place as the sites are quite amazing. The photo above was taken during our hike and is called a tubular passageway. I walked through at least 2 miles of this type of passegeway.


This photo was taken of the Niagara Formation inside the cave. This was quite amazing to view....I only wish I had had more time to spend viewing it! You will see this formation featured on many post cards.

Not only were the caves beautiful but the park was filled with beautiful animals. My favorite were the deer. Check out the photo of Bambi below!

There were also a few laughs to be had in the park. My favorite was the "Little Hope Cemetery." Well, hopefully you thought it was as funny as I did...I don't think it needs an explanation as to why it is funny!




On this trip, we also visited Abraham Lincoln's birthplace which was quite interesting as well. I am including below a photo of the shrine dedicated to Lincoln which is on the property where he was born as well as a photo of the natural spring on the property, which is probably where Lincoln took his first drink of water! I also included a photo of the cabin inside the shrine. Originally it was thought to be the actual cabin where Lincoln was born but thanks to the History Channel they proved that wrong. The carbon dating showed it be built about 20 years after Lincoln was born. However, they do show a really neat video inside the visitor's center so if you have the opportunity to visit there I strongly suggest you see the video.

We also toured My Old Kentucky Home during this visit...but those photos will follow in a few days! Enjoy!