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!

The Bird of Freedom

I am an avid Eagle lover! There is just something about these amazing creatures that move my spirit! While it is rare for me to have an opportunity to view Eagles...I take advantage of each opportunity I am blessed with.

While enjoying Spring Break recently in Florida I managed to find a lovely Bald Eagle sitting on a nest filled with two young ones. The nest was located in the Everglades. I was mesmerized by the beauty that surrounded me.

While I did not physically take the photo which I am posting, I was there when the photo was taken...and the Eagle was as beautiful as the photograph! Enjoy!!!

Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie.....and Spring!!!

Well, Florida was great! It was warm, sunshine was in abundance, the ocean was incredible....and I was sooooo ready for BASEBALL!!!!!!!!!

I had never been to spring training before, even though I love going to the Reds game. This year I decided to make it happen and it was awesome!!! For all those who love baseball I highly recommend it. The atmosphere was just great, you have greater access to the players and lots of older players are there and you have the opportunity to meet them, players like Johnny Bench, Eric Davis, Todd Benzinger and Dave Concepcion.

I posted a photo above that a friend of mine took of Ken Griffey, Jr. at bat. Thought I would share it to get everyone excited for the season! Go Reds!!!

I will be posting a few other photos later in the week. I have some great variety of the wildlife in Florida, the ocean, the sunset and of course the Reds!!!!