Here We Go...

Meet our Roaming Gnome. He's busy looking at the map and helping us get ready to begin our adventure across the northern part of the United States. We leave Friday morning, and our house is a total disaster as we decide what we need to take and what we can leave behind. It's a camping journey - tent camping. We have not done this in ages and are a bit nervous about it. But we're prepared: tent, ground cover, sleeping bags, camp stove, cooking tools, food, clothing (well, after the laundry is finished), maps, books, notebooks, camera gear, bug spray, camera gear, sunscreen, camera gear - you get the picture:).

This little gnome caught my fancy. I do believe you recognize him from some Travelocity commercials, though I haven't compared them side-by-side. He came with a passport, and a little history of garden gnomes and their journeys. It seemed so appropriate to have one, as a garden gnome begins in the country, in the garden, and then takes a journey away from that safe homestead. That's us!

While traveling we will have limited access to the computer so I will update as I am able. Please forgive me for not commenting on your blogs, or posting on a regular basis, but please check back for travel updates periodically. We will return around August 17.

Basic itinerary: Depart Friday a.m. from mid-Michigan, going south around Lake Michigan and then up through Chicago. Our first destination is Oshkosh, WI for the HUGE, week-long airshow, held annually. Air Adventure is the official name of the event, and for those who love aviation it's like a pilgrimage to Mecca. Photographic opportunities abound.

From there we continue west, visiting Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse monument. Then on through part of Yellowstone National Park on our way to visit family in Boise, ID. Continuing west, we will arrive at the Pacific Ocean, by way of Portland, OR.

Then we have to turn toward home...probably through Colorado. This part of our trip isn't as mapped out, but we will need to be thinking about home on this leg of our journey.

So, though I am absent from the computer some days, realize you will be rewarded with photographs and stories of our adventures as is possible.

So, here we go! Don't you think "Roamin'" is photogenic?

100 Blessings

It's funny how a project takes on a life of its own. I started out making a list of things I'd like to take pictures of - piles of M&M's, rocks on the beach, license plates hanging on an old garage door. Then I decided it would be interesting to find 100 items about "me," celebrating my 100th post with items about me/my life/etc. This way I could tie my compulsion to blog in to my theme. So, I started THAT list. And when I was done I decided all the things I was collecting, ideas as well as items, were actually blessings. Things about my life that make me who I am and allow me to keep striving to be the best I can be at what I do. Each activity isn't necessarily a blessing, it's my ability to do the things I love to do, and be with the people I love to be with. This became an introspective activity, and that's probably where I am in my life right now. If the shoe fits..., so to speak. So, welcome to my 100th Post ! Without everyone I've met thr

Macro Monday + One

With a little help from my friend (+1=not macro, though taken with my macro lens) Things I Love About Summer (in no particular order, though I see food appears higher on the list than does exercise.) Picnics Fresh fruit Fresh vegetables Celebrations Fireworks Family reunions Quiet, country mornings Showy meadows Gentle rains Thunder storms Family gatherings Children's laughter at dusk The sound of dogs barking Windows open Gently blowing curtains Big puffy clouds Being warm Sandals The smell of fresh cut grass The sound of lawn mowers Sitting on the porch reading Time The colors Flowers GREEN Leaves on the trees Adventures Photo ops Waves on the beach Ice cream Long walks Riding bikes Having church outside at the pavilion Camping Boating Fairs Sunrise and Sunsets The Great Lakes I'm sure this isn't the entire list, but it's a good start. It could also become a "things I'm grateful for" list, as well. We need to take time periodically to reflect on all t

Hidden Gem

Thank you, Georgia , for helping me focus on the hidden gem, the place we love to go and not be found. Not far from home...it IS home. We call it "out back," and once there we are transported to a private place, not visible from houses or road or the casual observer. I couldn't choose just one photo, so I created a collage of this special part of our world. Enjoy.

joyce said…

I think Roamin is going to guide you through a wonderful holiday! I would love to do something like that, but coordinating that much time off would be impossible.
And I love the TShirts at the doughnut shop in your previous blog!! Where do I get one to give as a gift?

July 22, 2009 at 10:13 PM

Char said…

sounds like a fantastic trip - I hope you have the most wonderful time. take lots of photographs and especially of Roamin

July 22, 2009 at 11:22 PM

Anonymous said…

Very much so. Love the colours, and the contrast against the background of the map

July 23, 2009 at 4:11 AM

Pugelicious said…

Gnomes are such funny little things. I love the suitcase in his hand - looks like he is ready to go somewhere :) Yes he is very photogenic.

July 23, 2009 at 4:21 AM

Nenslens said…

I'm sure you will have a great time! We haven't camped in years either but we always had fun and met the nicest of people in the U.S. and Canada. Campers just seem to be a different breed.Enjoy!! "Roamin" is so cute!

July 23, 2009 at 9:19 AM

Dan Felstead said…

WOW Sandy what a trip! I am envious and I am really looking forward to pictures of the air show...I have heard one of the best in the nation...it has to be a treat for you pilots!

Have a safe trip and we will be here when you get back!

Dan

July 23, 2009 at 9:46 AM

Sandy K. said…

I may become more interested in gnomes through this trip. I'm already looking up info on the net! Maybe a children's story?

July 23, 2009 at 2:03 PM

Wildflower Studio (Michelle Dransart) said…

Have so much fun! Oh, I love travel! I will be living vicariously through you!
PS Roamin is a great name! Love it, made me laugh!

July 23, 2009 at 6:53 PM

We Blog Artists said…

Wow...sounds like quite the trip. We haven't camped since before the girls were born.
My husband would love to go to OshKosh to the Air Show...he has his Liscence.
Have a wonderful trip...
oh and hanks for passing by my blog and leaving such sweet words...I FINISHED the mural today...and just posted pics.
Have a lovely weekend Sandy!
Char.

July 24, 2009 at 10:01 PM

georgia b. said…

he is so cute. i love gnomes. i've got one that i took pics of and made into postcards.

have a wonderful time if i haven't missed you already.

July 25, 2009 at 9:42 AM

Dagmar said…

I wish you both the most wonderful trip ever. You're blessed to live in a great country like this. I"m a bit jealous. Have a save trip and I'm looking forward to your travel pics. Say hi to your hubby and we'll meet after the holidays.

July 25, 2009 at 2:02 PM

Hi Sandy, I know you are off traveling, but I wanted to thank you for your comment on my blog:)
I am so happy to have a new banner on my blog and feel so refreshed, like a clean house. I was really sick of the old one! Thanks for the compliment!
I hope you are having a fabulous trip!
Shell

July 27, 2009 at 11:43 AM

Extranjera said…

Have a great trip!

Tagging you for a meme. Check my blog tomorrow.

July 29, 2009 at 10:56 AM

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

July 29, 2009 at 3:13 PM

suzy said…

Oh that is so cute!! Very Amelie!
Have a wonderful time and take lots of pics.
x

July 29, 2009 at 10:59 PM