Latvian Love May/June 2011

The Balts and Vikings were part of the early history of Latvia. Go here for interesting stuff. www.latvia.usa.org.

I knew this post would be long, cause I always take tons of pics. Wanted to capture every moment but never the less, had to edit out alot.

Our time was short but sweet. It seems never enough time, but sometimes - time enough...now missing the heck out of them all!

Close "Cap-tioned!"

It is what we do with our lives that reflect only ourselves - or God.

Stephen and Annas humble abode.... they have the top two floors!Cutie pies!

The bridge that spans the Gulf of Riga. You would walk across to get to the old town.

We toured the castle Sigulda which was so beautiful and the grounds fantastic. A group from the Embassy came and after the tour, we bar-b-qued. Guess who cooked?

Erik and Isak go to the International School of Latvia. We tagged along with Isak when he went on a field trip to a working farm.

City streets of Riga.

We had a day and walked into the Capital, Riga. Old world cobblestone streets, beautiful architure on buildings, and a city park that went for miles. We had a snack at Boulangerie Bonjour Cafe and decided to go back for soup at lunchtime.

This bridge of locks was awsome. When you get married, come down and put a lock symbolizing your eternal love for each other! We passed by the Freedom Monument and caught a close glimpse of the president of Latvia and someone from Poland laying a wreath in honor of those who lost their life for freedom.

Grandpa and Isak toasting each other!

We visited a National Park one day but Anna had to work and save a life...so we partied without her!

The Cook returns....Stephen, everything you cook is so yummy. I think you should cook all the time. Right Anna?!

We all piled into the car and went to a Latvian Craft Fair. What fun. Music playing, children running, wonderful aromas filled the air. Crafts of wood and crafts of cloth were among the wares today!

The "Grillmaster" at it again!

Jim waiting for the yummy food.

Annas' friend Angelica from Sweden. She was a sweetheart!

The Empire State Ship was in port so we visited. Isak was ready to go!

It was a joyful time visiting our family in Latvia. We miss Erik and Isak and wait for Christmas to see them again!

We have followed them to Colombia, Maritius and now Latvia. Who knows where the next post will be!

Sanibel Sands May 2011

I took Jamie and Jayden to Sanibel Island for a few days to celebrate Mothers Day. She has always heard about the great shells you can collect on those lovely shores. Something about the tranquil sunsets, gentle breezes, childrens laughter in the distance and waves tumbling around your toes....relaxation was the key and restoration was found! Two happy faces soaking up the sun!

Not a care in the world, just having fun.

A cheesy grin to let you know he was having a blast!

Posing for my picture. Gotta love him!

Had breakfast at the "Island Cow" bistro. Everything was cows...

Cow seat for Jayden!

The Bubble Room! Very colorful outside!

Had dinner at the Bubble Room! Can't miss it if you go!

Trying to relax with the active 5 year old!

Sunset - Jayden needs a pair of sunglasses!

The "Sanibel Stoop!"

Shell Hunters!

Our hotel on the beach, Holiday Inn.

I hope this inspires you to enjoy our beautiful beaches in Florida, our back yard. Find time to do the things that you love, take the time to enjoy God's creation along with family and friends.

Back in the Day, Louisiana Plantations

This is my second visit to my friends home state, Louisiana. Lynette and I have done the "Thelma and Louise" road trip 2 times now (minus the mis-haps the movie portrayed). I enjoy her company and exploring her "back yard" once again, touring local plantations.

As each home has its elegant unique beauty, I can't help to think of Gods love in us, His beauty reflecting in our lives, in unique ways. Not that we are perfect, but continue taking steps forward, His mercy is new every morning.

I do thank God for friendship. My circle may be small, but it is truly a rich circle!

Once again, I took over 300 pictures, and it was very hard to pick out a handful. Enjoy!

Houmas House Plantation was established in the 1770's and was the largest sugar plantation of its time.

Elegant stairway.The carriages would come through this archway, dropping off guests, who would typically stay a month or two.... The kitchens were separate from the homes, due to a chance of fire. The patio outside the kitchen. Lunch was delish! The price, not so much...Ancient trees displaying welcoming shade.

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Nottoway Plantation was completed in 1859 with 64 rooms on 3 stories. It is referred to as the "American Castle." It is now a Bed and Breakfast.

Girls just wanna have fun! The back yard (heehee)If you can "fall in love" with a room, this was it for me! The White Room.

Window door to the porch. The bigger the window, more breezes to feel!*

Destrehan Plantation was established in 1787 and remains the oldest documented plantation home, in the lower Mississippi River Valley.

Upper Porch to enjoy the breezes.

Most Oak trees are around 200-300 years old on the plantations.*

Bocage is an American-Greek revival plantation established in 1801, built as a wedding gift. I am understanding the beauty of old things, and the craftmanship of woodworking. Inlaid chests, ornate carved wood of yester-year well preserved. Bocage is now a Bed and Breakfast.

Inlaid with silver, brass and other precious metals, this chest honors Napoleon circa 1700's. It even had secret drawers! "Girls staying warm!" Ornate headboard.

There was so much history talked about and looked upon, too much to even remember, but a joy to reminisce of days gone by.

'Mid pleasures and palaces,

though we may roam,

Be it ever so humble-

There is no place like home!