just plane travel

Although it seems like I just got home, it is time to leave again. I have flown more in the past 2 and a half years than I have my entire life.

This trip is serious in nature, although we will have time with the kids and grands (yippee!!!), which will definitely lighten the mood.

Pat and I are heading north together. Since we are flying a carrier that charges for checked bags, we will be only taking carry-ons.

Last time I was up north, (two weeks ago) I was discussing with a friend how I was able to pack for 6 days with only a carry-on. This was a new concept for her and in case it is new for you, here are a few links that will inspire you to travel light:

Miss Minimalist travels with only a large purse for a long weekend.

Or is she is gone longer than a week, she takes a carry-on.

The everyday minimalist packs a duffle bag for a month long trip to Asia.

Wiki-how tells how to pack your carry-on.

And... four shirts are all you need.

When we travel by car, I like to be prepared with food, beverages, blankets, etc. When I travel by air, I like to, and am learning to, travel light.

How 'bout you?

road trip it is

An overwhelming majority of you (lol - that would be 4 out of 4) recommended that I hit the road on my upcoming trip rather than fly. So, okay - you win! I'm hitting the road three weeks from today.

I've got my trip pretty well planned out - just need to call some folks and let them know they are having some company. Hope they don't mind!

And to add to the fun, my sister Suzi will accompany me back to Tennessee. There is nothing like a road trip with a sister. Suzi and I did this 3 or 4 years ago and Lori (and Richard and Daniel) and I enjoyed a road trip 6 or 8 years ago. My, how time flies! Fun times!

~~~~~
I was just perusing our Sunday School lesson for this Sunday. We will be talking about natural (or general) revelation which is defined as what God reveals to us about Himself through creation.

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork.
Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words whose voice is not heard.
Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the ends of the earth.
Psalm 19:1-4

We certainly appreciated and enjoyed the revealed glory of God these last few nights while watching the full moon.
And my new camera made it even more enjoyable. :)

There are no words to proclaim how Majestic He is and how wondrous are His Works. I'm so grateful for eyes to see the beauty He bestows on us!

decisions, decisions

I was raised by gypsies.

Actually, they didn't become full-fledged gypsies until their nest was empty. Prior to this, a two-week vacation in the station wagon with four kids satisfied their need to wander.

Once the four of us were out of the house, Mom and Dad hit the road. Big time. Saudi Arabia for three years, Egypt for 6 months, Romania for three years and shorter stints in Brazil and Jamaica. They also visited several foreign countries during this time period.

When Dad retired they bought a fifth wheeler, then a motor home. The cris-crossed this beautiful country every summer for several years. And had many unique adventures.

It is no wonder then, that when the temperatures start to climb and the days lengthen that I want to travel. I haven't been camping for three years (sob!). And although we had a wonderful trip a few weeks ago, I'm itching to go again.

For you see, in less than four weeks, a grand daughter will make her debut. And Lord willing, I'll be there.

Now, for the decision. Do I fly or drive? I really want to drive. The freedom of the open roads, not being locked in to a schedule, the ability to stay longer if needed or shorter if not. Flying would take less time. Driving would be more fun (but I might have to borrow a car from a neighbor....).

My wanderlust was additionally fueled by these web pages I came across yesterday. How to avoid fast food while traveling and how to live in your van. :)

I need to make a decision here in the next few days. Input?

This charming tin-roofed farm house is about 1/3 to 1/2 mile from our house. My amazing new camera captured this from our front porch - no way the old one could have done this! The farm house is for sale. Want to be our neighbor?

pre-school pomp

It was hard to suppress a smile as the four year old pre-school graduates walked (solemnly) to the familiar cadence of Pomp and Circumstance.

They were dressed in fine array with felt 'mortar board' caps complete with elastic straps under their chins.

They marched up onto the steps of the platform in the front of the sanctuary. They carefully positioned their toes on the masking tape placed on the floor - a piece for each student - presumably with their name.

The teacher got their attention and gave them permission to wave to their families. And wave they did. There were almost 40 kids and probably 200 people in attendance (Emilee had a rather large contingent of 9 - her brothers gladly took some time off of school to attend).

The pre-schoolers sang 4 songs and recited 26 Bible verses - one for each letter of the alphabet (Zion heard and was glad was the verse used for Z in case you were wondering). They did a great job.

The ensuing slide show informed us about all the activities of the year. The kids got to dress up as Pilgrims; as cowboys/girls (they even had a real life cowboy with a real life horse come to school!);princes and princesses (complete with a Rapunzel-type tower!); and were able to attend school one day in their pajamas (teachers too!).

It was great fun. We made the six hour round trip without incident (no hail, no floods) and took some extra time to stop in and visit a former neighbor of Mom and Dad's. While we did that Kimmee Sue helped herself to at least 8 or 10 of Dad's Fig Newtons, which he keeps in the car in case he goes hypoglycemic, but she seemed none the worse for the over-indulging.

The trip was fun, the kids were cute, the time with family was sweet.

Now...I know what I want to be when I grow up.

A preschool teacher.

Or maybe just a preschooler.

the details

We're home.

What a wonderful trip.

Here are some of the particulars:

• 2, 730.1 miles
• 49.5 hours in the car
• 6 different beds in 12 nights
• saw 3 sons, two daughters-in-love, 1 grandson, 1 sister, 1 brother-in-law, 2 nephews, 1 cousin, and aunt and an uncle and well over 60 friends
• lots of good eats
• lots of laughs and hugs
• good fishing
• drove through one flood, one hailstorm, and two days of high winds
• our car did not fail us (some weather stripping came loose and we had to repair the sway bars, but we made it!)
• God showed His faithfulness, His loving kindness and His blessings to us over and over again.

Many thanks to Mom and Dad for keeping track of things here on the home front. They brought in the mail, mowed and bought us some groceries so we wouldn't have to run to the store as soon as we got home. Thanks!!!

Now for bills and other paper work and cleaning and laundry and yard work. I cut our lettuce all the way down before we left. In the ensuing 12 days, it not only grew...it bolted! Everything grew and looks lush and overgrown. Amazing!

More stories and pictures (couldn't get the picture loading feature of blogger to work this morning) of our trip next week.

walk in the woods

Just a few minute's walk from Nathan and Michelle's home is a delightful path leading through an old growth woods filled with wildflowers. We liked it so much we had to walk there again and again.

wild geranium

old oak with several burls

trillium

phlox ?

honeysuckle

We have had a delightfully relaxing time here. Yesterday we visited Pat's aunt,uncle and cousin; then we stopped by our old alma mater and saw the President, Doc and Steve. Dinner out with Michelle's folks last night. Fun, fun, fun.

And today the fun continues. We are heading to Jon, Kristi and Josh's place!

checking in

We are enjoying a leisurely stay at Nate and Michelle's (except for Pat,who is working out on their elliptical right now).

We took a nice long walk through a beautiful woods decorated with wild flowers. And I didn't have my camera. I'm heading back with the camera later today!

They cooked a wonderful meal of grilled chicken, sauteed veggies and char broiled potatoes for supper. We feel pampered. And relaxed.

Just like one should when one is on vacation.

white knuckles thru' music city

Should we go or shouldn't we? That was the question throughout Saturday and early Sunday morning.

We went for it, deciding that the predicted flash flooding would keep us in southeast Tennessee until Wednesday.

The trip was great. Except for Nashville to Clarksville. Torrential rains, flooded roads,visibility around 20 feet. We took the last rain to Clarksville. :)

Pat took care of the driving; I prayed and told him which lanes to choose (he appreciated this).

I -24 east of Nashville was closed due to flooding - thankfully for us, we were headed in the opposite direction.

We are currently in Mattoon, IL.

God is good - Nashville - not so much.

This morning's news made me realize just how dangerous the situation was and how grateful I am for God's protection. Please continue to pray for those in that area. Especially my brother and his family.

all my bags are packed, I'm ready to go

typing this by an open window - the birds are singing and the fragrance of the lilac is fabulous

So. Thanks for the nice retirement wishes everyone. Now we are on to our next adventure.


We spent some time looking back yesterday - marveling at God's goodness and His grace. So thankful for His provision for our every need. Since He is the same yesterday, today and forever, we are confident of His goodness and grace through our retirement years.

Today, we look ahead. LORD willing we will head out tomorrow. The next two weeks will be spent rejoicing with family and friends.

And now that we are on a fixed income, of course I will continue to practice and hone my frugal skills.

Including on this trip. Oh, we will celebrate and have some big parties (hey Northwoods peeps, open house at Randy and Ann's on the 10th at 5:30 - come when you can) and Daniel's graduation (praise GOD - three children through private Christian schools - only HE could have done that!). But while we are on the road we will do some/all of the following to save some pennies:

• properly maintain the car - check tires and fluid levels
• bring our stainless steel travel mugs - can be filled with water at rest stops or coffee/soda at gas stations at a reduced rate (and no waste)
• pack a cooler - carrots, apples, yogurt, cheese, hardboiled eggs, juice, water, milk
  
• also bringing bananas, crackers, cereal
• re-read these tips
• and these tips
• use gasbuddy
• use our AAA discount
  

We probably do other money saving things without even thinking of it. How about you?

Any tips for our trip?

end of an era

When you work from home and your commute consists of a dozen or two steps from the kitchen or living room to the third bedroom office, retiring seems kind of anti-climactic.

No office party, no gold watch (though I am sure he would prefer a fly-fishing rod or a digital camera), no 'For He's a Jolly Good Fellow' at the end of the business day today.

Which is fine with Pat. He'll shut off the computer at about 5 p.m. EST and that will be it (tho' the boss has asked him to be available for consultation over the next few months). I'll give him a hug and a kiss and sing 'For He's a Jolly Good Fellow', if he wants me to (he won't).

I'm so proud of him. Fifteen years ago, a childhood friend and fishing buddy asked him if he would be interested in working in the newly formed marketing department of his company. The newly formed marketing department would consist solely of Pat.

Pat said yes. God' s hand was clearly evident in this. Pat had recently been diagnosed with Lyme's Disease and the very physical work of being a fishing guide was exhausting. Joint pain, fatigue and headaches were constant companions in the early stages of the disease (thankfully he is feeling pretty good these days). Plus it would be very nice to have a job with health benefits.

In the ensuing years Pat has built the marketing department and the company. Once his domain alone, the marketing department now employs 10 full time people and 7 part time people. All of them have the privilege of working from home. And I hear Pat on the phone throughout the day - he is a very encouraging and affirming 'boss'.

In addition to this the local printing company (Northwoods) built an extra building and hired 4 full time and 2 part time people to handle all the extra instructional materials generated due to the increased number of seminars. The local post office increased their employee's hours to handle the extra mailings. All of the law enforcement officers for our little town were trained for free.

Revenue for the company tripled and nearly quadrupled.

Well done, Patrick! With God's help and the administrative mind He gave you - you've accomplished quite a lot. First from a little office tucked in the woods; now from a spare bedroom.

In all this time, Pat has visited the main Chicago office once. Yay for telecommuting!

So now. On to retirement.

First order of business - a trip. The plan is to visit all the kids and other family members and Northwoods friends. And proudly and tearfully watch our youngest graduate from college.

But at the moment this gargantuan storm is standing between us and them:


We'll be watching the weather closely and hopefully timing our travels to avoid straight line winds and tornadoes. Good traveling companions they are not.

When we return home, there will likely be a lot of this:


~~~~~~
Thanks to Tonia for featuring some of my (extreme) ideas for living a low- impact -green- frugal life. Check it out!

packing

dianthus - last year's Mother's day gift - blooming this year in anticipation of the day

Growing up, I viewed a summer trip with the same eagerness and excitement generally reserved for Christmas or my birthday.

We would wake up early (like 4 or 5 a.m. early) and get settled in the back of the station wagon. Seat belts were not a concern back in those days and Dad had made a bench to go across the floor of the back seat. The four of us would take turns sprawling across either the back seat or the 'way back' of the station wagon. Mom always packed something interesting for us to look at in the car - books, comics, magazines, coloring books.

Vacations were fun - the destination and the getting there. We would sing. Loud and proud. We would snack. We would sleep and we might bicker. A little. We did not have DVD players in the back of the car, instead we would enjoy the scenery and play license plate games. We would stop at Howard Johnson' for lunch and I would blissfully order chocolate milk (a rare treat). When traveling on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Dad would always honk the horn as we went through the tunnels (loved that! - then and now, I'm so easily pleased).

We would sleep during the pre-dawn hours and groggily awaken to the rising of the sun. To grandmother's house we would go.

I still prefer to get up super early and get a head start on the day and on the road. By the time the sun is up, I love to be well on my way.

Last night from 2-4 a.m., though still in bed, I was busily mentally packing my suitcase. I don't want to take a ton of stuff, but I want to have enough. We have several different events this trip. A birthday party for a two year old (yay, Joshua!), a graduation for an almost 22 year old (yay, Daniel!), times with family, times with friends, someone will be fishing, and we will go to church. The gamut runs from formal (church and graduation) to informal (picnics, campfires and fishing). The temperatures will range from 30*-80*(ahh, May in the Northwoods), so I have to keep that in mind too.

I think I have figured out what I need to take, so, in slightly obsessive compulsive fashion, I will probably do a trial packing today.

That way I can get some much needed beauty sleep tonight.

Here's a packing list for someone who travels only carrying a carry-on.

snowy, with 100% chance of cancellation

My cell phone rang as we stood in line at the ticket counter last Tuesday at McGhee Tyson airport.

"We're sorry." said the automated call.
"Your flight has been cancelled."

Which was just what we had been told as we stood in line to check our baggage. But American Airlines customer service was wonderful and they booked us on a United flight to Chicago. Which was promptly delayed. Yes, an oxymoron.

Similarly, on our return trip to Tennessee, though we faithfully checked websites and Michelle even called the airline to make sure our flight was not cancelled (the weather outside was frightful), the flight was cancelled.

"We're sorry." said the automated call.
"Your flight has been cancelled."

We were halfway to the airport when we received this call. As Nate drove us through slushy, snowy bad conditions, I made calls from the back seat to rebook our flight. Success! Then a few minutes later American called and told us they had us booked on a flight for Sunday morning. So, we had two possible flights out.

We told Nate to keep heading toward the airport, though we would have to wait for hours for the next flight. We lunched at O'Hare and watched the departure board as flight after flight was cancelled.

In the meantime, I read one of my (requested) Christmas presents John Piper's "Don't Waste Your Life." I did not miss the irony of reading this book as I waited. And waited. I love God's sense of humor.

We finally boarded our plane only to be informed that the pilot had not yet arrived so there would be a brief wait. After 30 minutes, the deplaned us since they had to scrounge up another pilot (comforting). After another 30 minutes we were back on the plane with the scrounged up pilot (he happened to be quite capable). Arrived at home quite late Saturday night.

I have flown quite a bit this year. Not one cancellation.

For the first time in our 36 year marriage, Pat and I flew together. Cancellations and delays. Hmm....

We are grateful to be home, but even more grateful for a wonderful time with our family.

More to come.....

south of the border bound

He can tell by looking at me. My mind is elsewhere. Always, before a trip my mind is occupied and preoccupied with everything I need to do, need to take, bills to pay, notes to write, calls to make, veggies to harvest and process.

I am pretty well packed, but that won't stop my from taking things out of the suitcase and re-packing them - substituting one item for another adding more, editing what I am taking. I could probably drive myself nuts doing this if I didn't enjoy it so much.

For me the anticipation of a trip is much like the day before Christmas for a child. Full of wonder, excitement and potential. New sights, new sounds (I think the kids are having a Mariachi band play - how cool is that? - unless they were just teasing me..) new tastes, (tastes like chicken??) and being surrounded by my wonderful family.

Yes, I have sunscreen, yes I have anti-bacterial stuff, no I won't drink the water or go off by myself.

I do not plan to blog while I am gone. Check back here on Monday.

Thank you for your prayers as we all converge tomorrow in Mexico.

And thank you for your prayers for Nathan and Michelle as they begin the wonderful adventure of marriage.

tech knowledgey

This is so cool.
Because I have a cell phone with a basically unlimited text messaging plan, yet no internet access, I used this feature quite a bit while I was out on my trip. Jon told me about it. See, you can still learn things from your kids (besides patience ....~smile~).

I simply put the numbers for Google 466 453 in my cell phone book directory. When we would be traveling to a new city I would text the following message: Minneapolis, MN weather (or wherever we were headed) and within a minute or two I would receive a three day forecast for that city. Try it! Standard text messaging charges apply.

Did you already know about this?
~~~~~
Can someone tell my why blogger highlights 'internet' as a misspelled word when I run spell check on my posts?

sixty degrees of separation

Monday (or was it Tuesday?) was a record setting temperature day down in our part of Tennessee.  79*.  So imagine the shock to the system to step off the airplane in Minneapolis to temps in the upper teens.

And speaking of airplanes.  Since I had not flown since 1995, I checked a few travel related websites and followed the advice of friends and family who had flown recently.  The travel related websites said that 'things will go wrong'  and ' be prepared for delays' etc. etc.

Everything went smoothly.  No delays, no sheepish embarrassment at holding up the line at the security check.  The only thing that did go 'wrong' was that our plane landed 30 minutes EARLY.

It was wonderful.  I think I will fly up here all the time.  Only maybe not in March.

Suzi has been a wonderful and welcoming hostess.  As always.  She has indulged me and taken me around to see a few things I don't get to see in the country.  Barnes and Noble.  Whole Foods.

And...I got to meet Jenilyn.   She was Daniel's supervisor last summer when he worked for Youthworks.  Suzi took me down to their office and we got to spend a few minutes chatting.  All too short.  She is even lovelier than her picture and just as sweet as I had imagined she would be.  Thanks, Jenilyn for taking time out of such a busy day to see a coupla old gals!  Suzi took our picture and I was going to post it here, but my camera phone is not on speaking terms with Suzi's computer.  I'll have Daniel's camera later today, so hopefully we can post pics of our adventures.

Today's agenda is:

walk the dog

spend more time with Suzi

go to Crown to get Daniel and meet with Elie and Taylie (I have known these young ladies ever since they were itty  bitty by small - I get to see their mommies next weekend!).

head to Iowa to see JOSHUA and of course, Jon and Kristi.

Looking forward to another wonderful day.  

round and about

forget -me -nots in Mom and Dad's yard

Got all our seeds and plants in the ground over the weekend.

Worked hard. Then relaxed.

Went to church. Walked at our favorite park. Napped.

Rained last night.

Okay, I'll stop. We sort of watched a 'cop show' on tv last night. The lack of subjects in the sentence structure of the dialogue got a little tiresome after a while.

Know what I mean?

~~~~~

On my walk this morning I met a gal that I had previously only been on waving terms with. She would be headed out to work as I walked. Unfortunately she is a recent casualty of the economic downturn. No more job. She said that I have inspired her to walk (wasn't that sweet?). We walked together for a while this morning. I look forward to getting to know her better.

Before I ran into her, I saw a coyote. On the lot next to our house. Sorry no pictures as it was still a tad dark.

Mom and Dad and I are traveling this week. They are headed east, I am going northwest. They leave today for a week at a time share in Pigeon Forge with their good friends of forty years. I hope they behave themselves as I won't be along to watch over them.

I go to Minneapolis on Thursday, Iowa on Friday, Illinois on Monday and then back to Iowa and Minneapolis. If you are in my path, consider yourself warned.

up where the air is clear

We have another day of adventure planned for today. I'll have to let the pictures do the talking about part of our trip yesterday.

We took the scenic route to North Carolina. Up through the mountains. In the vally (elevation around 1000 ft.), the temperature was 39. When we got to the top of the hill (over a mile high), the temperature had dropped to 22.

aren't they cute? It sure is great to have them here!

my camera doesn't do this vista justice - sorry

looking down on lots of mountains


we eventually reached 5390 feet

the hoar frost glittered like diamonds on the tree branches when the sun peeked out

More tomorrow. We are off to Cades Cove today.

being spoiled

We stayed at the 1906 Pathway Inn in Americus, Georgia.

It was lovely.

Their motto is that they our 'out to spoil you'.

They live up to that. The inn is decorated in a froufy Victorian style. According to our host, our hostess does a lot of shopping. living room fireplace

details above dining room fireplace


cute little tea strainer - gotta find some of these

Valentine's tree in entry hallway

dining room table set for breakfast

beautiful stain glass window over landing in stairway

The food was wonderful.

Breakfast day one started with a fruit cup and banana Amish friendship bread. Served with tea or coffee, followed with three pancakes, and a slice of bacon, a piece of locally processed and prepared sausage (wonderfully spicy) and a dollop of hash browns - which is coincidentally the name of their very sweet dog (Hashbrown that is).

Breakfast day two started the same as day one. The main course was a substantial breakfast burrito (made with local eggs from free range chickens) and sausage and bacon.

Our host and hostess were very hospitable and extremely knowledgeable about the area. We felt so comfortable and at home there. She is having some health problems so the inn is on the market if you have ever wanted to be an innkeeper. The B&B in Plains is also for sale. I talked to that owner at church. She said being an innkeeper is not really compatible with having a full time job, so she is selling it with regrets. I didn't see the inside of that but the outside sure is cute!

So, once again, thanks so much to Mom and Dad for the wonderful trip. We made memories that will last the rest of our lives. It was great!

One more thing....we saw a beauty shop in north Georgia that was called: "Curl Up and Dye." Wish I'd taken a picture....

not neutral

I asked our host at the bed and breakfast if Jimmy Carter was generally well-regarded in the area.

"Oh yeah," he said, "except for some military people who didn't like how he handled the Iranian hostage situation."

We had the feeling in Plains that he was well-loved. Not revered. But loved. And appreciated.

Seems like the whole town worked toward getting him elected. And when he was elected President, Rosalynn asked to Plains Garden Club (I'm sure that is not their real name - but it is close) to decorate the White House.

Everybody in Plains wanted to go to the inauguration, so they chartered a train to take them all up to Washington. The train arrived and Jimmy and Rosalynn had not shown up yet. So, one of the local ladies took it upon herself to call the house. Jimmy answered. "Y'all better get down here," she said. "The train is here."

After she hung up the phone she realized that she had just bossed around the President of the United States.

It became clearer, as we toured Plains, some of the events and experiences and people that shaped and informed Jimmy Carter.

He felt that one of his crowning achievements during his one term Presidency was the Camp David Accord.

Interestingly enough, I am currently reading "Leap of Faith" Queen Noor's (Jordan's King Hussein's widow) autobiography. She and King Hussein and much of the Arab world were appalled at the Camp David Accord. (Although she seemed fond of the Carters personally. Most of the time.)

He has done things that have inflamed his critics. He has also done a tremendous amount of good. He is a fascinating man.

If you have the opportunity, I recommend you make the trek to Plains. It is a very educational experience.

Jimmy's Dad owned a commissary. He provided seeds, feed, groceries and other miscellaneous items to the surrounding community. It is right next to their home and was only open when the family wasn't working in the field (Saturday afternoons and meal times).

The bell would ring if a customer needed to make a purchase and more often than not, Jimmy would be the one to leave the table and make the transaction.

more stuff I learned in Plains

Jimmy Carter slept here.

We were instructed not to stand when Jimmy Carter entered the room. Nor were we to applaud at any time. We were not to call him Mr. President - the only one who has that title is the current resident of the White House. We could call him Mr. Jimmy or Mr. Carter or President Carter. But please not ex-President Carter.

Have you ever wondered what makes somebody who achieves high goals tick? Since my temperament is so laid back I have no clue what would drive someone to seek the highest office in the land.

We found a few clues in Plains, GA. Apparently Jimmy had a very influential teacher. Miss Julia Coleman. She told her class that they should study hard because one day one of the boys could possibly be president. She must have seen something special in Jimmy because when he was 12, she challenged him to read War and Peace. And he did.

The Carters lived in rural Plains. They were the only white family in their immediate area. During the pre-recorded talking tour on his boyhood farm, President Carter recalled that he and his friends would walk together to the train. They would board the train- Jimmy riding in the 'whites only' section; his friends in the back of the train. At the movie theatre he would be down on the 'whites only' main level, while all his friends were in the balcony. At age 14, he said, he had an 'epiphany' and decided that he would do what he could to right this wrong.

As you look back over his life of public service you can see how he has worked for racial reconciliation and for peace between nations.

The Carter's bathroom. The shower was a metal bucket with holes punched in the bottom.

Love this cookstove!

The Carters sold their home in 1949. The same family owned it until 1994, at which time the National Park Service bought it and restored it to its original condition. Jimmy Carter was instrumental in helping with this project. He was very interested in authenticity - even insisting that they re-orient the outhouse because they had built it facing the wrong way.

Here are a few other things I didn't know:

Jimmy Carter has written more books than any other President.

Jimmy Carter is the only President that taught Sunday School while he was in office (that they are aware of) and is the only President who currently teaches Sunday School.

Jimmy Carter is a poet. He recites some of his poetry on the pre-recorded talking tour at his boyhood farm.

Jimmy Carter is a painter. One of his paintings is in the museum at the old high school. He painted the cover for one of his books.

He is a woodworker (made the offering plates and a table for the church).

He is committed to raising $40 million a year for the various foundations in which he is involved.

He and Rosalynn helped fund and build Nazareth Village.

~~~~~

I've got more to tell, if you are still interested. Tomorrow.....