Tybee Island - A Well Kept Secret

While recently on a business trip to Savannah, Georgia, I took the opportunity to visit Tybee Island...mainly because I wanted to walk on the beach and feel the waves from the ocean beat up against my feet and legs. I really didn't know much about the island...but thought it is surrounded by ocean why not give it a try....and how excited I am that I visited there!!!

When crossing over to the island the first thing I saw was a sign indicating "Turtle Crossing." What in the world? Then I discovered that the Turtle Crossing was for sea turtles...yes the endangered sea turtles...HOW AWESOME IS THAT! The residents are very aware of this endangered species and they stop and break for them when crossing the roads on the island...and yes they do cross the roads...rearing their heads up at you as if to say I am doing the best I can...just wait a minute. Wow! What an awesome opportunity to view these creatures.

Then of course there is the beautiful historic lighthouse that calls in the ships....having existed since the 1700's. While I did not get to tour the lighthouse due to lack of time I did get to view it.

The birds on the island are amazing. I will not go into the many types of birds there but I have posted a picture of the pelicans.

Anyway, if anyone out there is looking for a beach vacation where it is quiet, beautiful and lacking in tourists....Tybee Island is for you. While taking my walks (I went 2 evenings) I was one of maybe 30 people on the beach. It was awesome! Check it out.

My Cincinnati Reds!!!!!!

Today I attended the Reds vs. Sox game at the Great American Ball Park! Even though we lost I loved being at the game (we beat the Sox last night). Just being in the park makes me excited and happy.

I took a few pictures of today's events which I am sharing through a slideshow. I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed the game.

One of the photos needs a slight explanation. My daughter attended the game with me today, as well as her friend Kelley and her husband Kyle. When Beth and I attend sporting events together, whether baseball, hockey, etc. we look for one individual attending the event who is...well let's just say way too involved in the game to put it nicely. We call the game "Spot the Idiot." You will see our choice in the slideshow.

Also, I realized today how much baseball has become part of my summer enjoyment. For the last 6 years I have attended several games a year...I LOVE IT...but most of all I love the Cincinnati Reds! Onward and Upward Guys!

The Grand Canyon

At the end of a recent business trip, I was afforded the opportunity to take a mini vacation. Since the business trip was in Las Vegas, Nevada there were quite a few places in the west to choose from. But fortunate for me there was only one place my body was willing to take me....and that was one of the most incredible places on earth....The Grand Canyon! I even love saying those words! This was my second visit to the Canyon and while the weather was not as cooperative this time as the first I still loved every second of it since in my personal opinion this is one of the most inspiring places on earth.

The photo above was taken of me the last evening I spent in the Canyon. As you will notice notice from the photo...I was sitting on the very edge of the Canyon at sunset! It was incredible! Even looking at the photos makes my heart race.

As I mentioned the weather wasn't cooperative the first couple of days; however, on a very positive note this allowed some beautiful photos to be taken. The photo below was taken of a storm that was occurring over the Canyon. At the end of the storm we were hoping for a rainbow. While a rainbow did not happen...the sun did shine through and the rays shining on the Canyon were amazing.

Sunrise occurred very early on the Canyon, at 5:15 a.m. actually. Most mornings I was out of bed around 4:45 to get dressed to enjoy this beautiful moment in time. The photo below was taken of a sunrise on the Canyon. You can see the skies were cloudy but yet Mr. Sunshine was able to shine through and make his appearance. The beauty was such that it simply takes your breath away.


The photo below is a panoramic photo taken at Hopi Point. This was one of the last days I spent at the Canyon and the weather had quite an improvement. There were several clouds in the sky which created beautiful shadows over the Canyon. If you look closely to the left of the photo you will see the Colorado River which runs right through the Canyon.

My hope in life is to some day hike the Canyon. Since I have little sense of direction I definitely need those with me that are skilled in that area. While I have not accumulated a group as of yet...I hope to do so.

On a similar note, while leaving the Canyon and returning to Las Vegas to catch my flight we were able to see Hoover Dam which is quite an interesting place. We were also able to enjoy some nice views of Lake Meade. For your viewing pleasure I have attached a photo below. And yes, the water really was that blue!

Also along the ride home in a small town not far from Hoover Dam (sorry but I can't remember the name) we discovered several desert big horn sheep. They were absolutely gorgeous! We watched them for about 45 minutes and got some great photos. They didn't mind that we were there so we took the time to enjoy them.

To finish my blog...I must mention that I can not take credit for any of these wonderful photos. They were taken by a very close friend of mine who will remain nameless since I did not ask permission to use the name. My friend claims to be an amateur photographer but those of who know this person know fully well amateur is not the appropriate description.

My Home Town

For Mother's Day I had the opportunity to visit my family down in southeastern Kentucky. I just love Kentucky, especially spring in Kentucky, it is so beautiful!!! The mountains of southeastern Kentucky did not let me down...as they were lined with beautiful flowering trees! The smell was so sweet...the skies so blue...everything was so peaceful.

While there I had the unique opporunity of attending Mother's Day services with my Grandmother, who is 94 years old. She is always honored at her church on Mother's Day for being the oldest Mother. It excited me to be able to witness this great recognition. It was so sweet...everyone in the congregation knew she would receive the award so when the Pastor said, "Next we will honor the oldest Mother," everyone's eyes focused on her. He said Sister Rowe...just how old are you...would you like to share that with everyone? Her comment was classic, being the vain little woman that she is, she said, "Well, I just can't remember." Then I responded to her by saying, "Now Mamaw are you sure?" she slapped my wrist! I laughed so hard I could hardly stand it. Finally my Aunt said she will be 95 in August. My Grandmother gave her the meanest look. I loved it! Every time I think about that moment, I crack up.

I also got to spend time with my Mother on Mother's Day. I took her shopping, bought her lunch and some flowers. She was so happy. My sister showed up to go shopping with us and we just really enjoyed each other.

During my visit I also visited with a couple of high school friends, did a little hiking and four-wheeling...and went to dinner. It is so pleasant to go home to visit where you actually know people and their history. I have currently lived in the Greater Cincinnati area for over 15 years and I rarely see anyone I know when I am grocery shopping or just shopping for enjoyment. I guess sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name...and they are awfully glad you came!

I hope everyone out there who reads this has a hometown like mine, where it is fun to visit and enjoy good, long time friends and family who make you feel special. I guess I am very blessed.

Earthquake in Cincinnati????

While sitting at my desk today shortly after 11:00 a.m. I felt my chair begin to rock back and forth and my first thought was what in the world is going? Then I realized EARTHQUAKE!!!! Now I have never been in an earthquake before and had no idea what it felt like so this was a new experience for me. All I can say is I was on the fifth floor of a building in downtown Cincinnati and we were moving! It was actually quite interesting. To my knowledge no damage was done. It lasted about 15 or 20 seconds and then it stopped. Turns out it was an aftershock and the real earthquake occurred about 5:30 a.m. and I slept through it! Nice! The earthquake registered a 5.2 and the aftershock was 4.5. I can't imagine what it would be like to feel an earthquake that registered about 6.5 because the building was swaying at 4.5. Hopefully, this is the end of the quakes and all is well! At least I created a new memory!

Pick my Name

Hey, it's Bethany. I am taking over my Mom's blog for just one post. We have been arguing back and forth for some time now over what my Mom should be called when she becomes a Grandma. That is why I have decided to take matters to the internet. That is right, you people who read my Mom's blog get to vote in this crazy debate. She has agreed to go with this...so vote wisely, as you are choosing what my children will be calling her. YIKES!

Baby Porter is a Girl!!!

Well, its official...BABY PORTER IS A GIRL!!!!! How exciting is that??? Matt and Janell went for an ultrasound today and found out we are having a Baby Girl and the best news is she is healthy and doing well...although she wasn't very cooperative and kept moving around and hiding. How fun! She already knows how to play hide and seek! What a smart baby :-)

I wanted to post her ultrasound picture but for some reason I can't get it to upload. So I will have to have my daughter assist me with that later. Hopefully, I will have it up later in the day!