Gems of All Kinds

What more can one ask for---a Rainbow over the Ocean--the calm after the rain.

Can you find the rainbow in the above picture? This couple paused to enjoy the beauty. It was truly strange lighting after the rains ceased that evening. It was a wonderful time. I gathered some shells, which is always a mandatory part of a trip to the ocean. I love rocks and shells and treasures of nature.

Here I am with one of my " special finds!"

We enjoyed our visit with Garry and his oldest granddaughter, Christa. More "gems" to cherish, and thank the Lord for, as family are truly priceless.

Yesterday, we went to Franklin, NC to do some gem mining. I loved it!!! The finds were not enough to make us millionaires, but I did find some sapphires, emeralds, garnets, rhododite, and rubies, and I had soooo much fun. The quest for what might be found among all that dirt and mud, was delightful. I might say that board we are sitting on---left its impression and today I am a bit sore, but would do it again in an instant! Maybe I will post a picture of my finds in a later blog.

This little stand was across the road from the mine and one of our favorite things is boiled peanuts! So we got some for the road. On our way to Gaitlinburg we enjoyed some of the best boiled peanuts as we drove through the Smokey Mountains. A "gem" of a southern vacation experience, for sure. Thanks for sharing our journey, and God bless you all!

Much Rain To Make an Ocean

As we travelled through Georgia, and reached South Carolina, then came the rains! Yes the Lord blessed me with "showers of blessing".

This is a rainy view of Columbia, SC, before things really got stormy--there was LOTS of lightning, hail and winds, and torrential rains, for miles through all of South Carolina. A memorable birthday, to say the least!

I have decided that maybe these photos are inspiration for some com temporary paintings. They really sum up what our drive was like, and we must have had a million angels around us protecting us along our way. We are very thankful.

Then, as if the rain was not enough, we came to some lengthy construction areas, on 2 lane roads. Leon did a fantastic job maneuvering us through the obstacles of the day. I couldn't have done it myself.


When we finally reached our motel in Myrtle Beach, Leon was walking behind our car, and discovered this bolt through the tread of the tire on the back driver's side. It was a miracle that it did not go through the tire and cause a flat. But the Lord was with us and kept the tire up and the tire is not even leaking. We got the bolt out and it is now in my purse, as a souvenir of our trip, and a reminder that God is always watching over us.

We did make it to the Beach---and now we know why we need all that rain--to make an Ocean!

It is 91 degrees and blazing hot! Yet the sights and sounds are magnificent.

I love all the people in this picture. Each could have a caption of their own. Hope you enjoyed coming with us on our journey. The trip through the rain was definitely worth it.

Graduates!

Here are "My Girls"--in the school for Kate's kindergarten graduation. It was an exciting day, to watch as she got promoted to First Grade. On the right is Hannah, my oldest granddaughter, who just finished 8th grade--and although her school does not have an official graduation at that level, she will be starting High School next year! How can that be, as it seems only yesterday that she was born. She is a joy and delight, and deserves recognition too for all her accomplishments.

We got to attend our grandson, Gabe's 8th grade graduation on May 28th. He is learning to play the guitar, and has a black belt karate. They are all growing up so very fast.

Kate, in the blue dress, with her teacher, Mrs. Harris, and her classmates. Aren't they adorable?! Kate is a very good reader, as she seems to have mastered phonics. She read her book to me Thursday evening, and I was really impressed.

Remember those "Best Friends" at 6 years old?

Summer vacations seemed so long, but the older we got, the shorter the weeks were. Now the days fly by and our journey moves so fast, we have to make determined efforts to slow down and enjoy the journey.