Smokey Mountain High

We headed for North Carolina Friday morning to check out some rental houses for David and Shylah. Since I was driving, I didn't get a chance to take too many pictures, but David took some with my iPhone on the way.

We were able to see clearly (or not so clearly at times) how the Great Smokey Mountains got their name.

I had David catch a quick picture of the Christmas Tree Inn. I remember staying here on the way to FCA Camp in Banner Elk, North Carolina when I was in high school. We thought it was hilarious that they had Christmas decorations up all year long.

We went through a few tunnels.

And arrived safely in North Carolina. We stopped for a quick break at the welcome center rest stop.

We took a picture in front of a big gorge behind the rest area.

Getting closer....!

Only one small traffic delay.

And we arrived at Ashlie and Steve's in Raleigh in time for a lovely dinner and a great welcome. We will begin our house quest tomorrow morning.

Pee Wee Gets a Check-Up

Our horse, Calipso Kid, had an appointment with the vet today. He is 28 years old, and affectionately known by all his fans as Pee Wee. We have had him for 15 years, and he's pretty much the best horse in the world. I love him.

Jennifer was home to help get him ready to go. She thought he needed a little hoof trim, so she called our friend Keith to come get him spiffed up. Kind of a pony pedicure.

Pee Wee doesn't mind the trim, but it's hard on the old bones to stretch and stand on three legs. Good thing I don't have to stand like that for a pedicure!

Since Pee Wee is retired, we let him go barefoot. That way, all he needs is an occasional trim to keep his hooves healthy and nice looking.

A big nail file to finish the job.

Before the trip to the clinic in Sheridan for his appointment, Jennifer wraps his legs for protection and support in the trailer.

At this point, Pee Wee, who doesn't get out much anymore, wonders what the heck is happening.

Jennifer loads him up for the long ride to Sheridan. Good thing there's lots of hay in the trailer. Pee Wee has always been a good eater. A little hay will keep him busy for the trip.

We arrive at the clinic...

and Jennifer unloads the patient.

After a wee bit of sedation, he is dewormed and ready to have his teeth floated. Dr. Scott Thompson will smooth the sharp edges of Pee Wee's teeth so that he can more easily chew his food. The speculum goes in his mouth to hold it open while the procedure is done.

Dr. Scott shows Jennifer the inside of Pee Wee's mouth. Today Jennifer got to be the client instead of the vet tech. Tomorrow she will be back to work after a couple days off.

The vet uses some pretty impressive tools. I try to remember this when it's my turn to go to the dentist. One of my least favorite places.

Dr. Scott focuses on his work.

Chris assists Dr. Scott by holding Pee Wee's head.

Pee Wee was very cooperative during the procedure.

After the dental work, he had to get four vaccinations. Another thing I'm not good at. Yes, I'm a baby.

Will, the clinic cat, wasn't too interested in the whole thing, and soon it was time to load up and head home. It was a big day for Pee Wee, and I'm sure he'll sleep well tonight.

Doctor David

It was a cloudy but very exciting day on the Purdue campus, and we were thrilled and proud to attend David's graduation. It's not every day that someone earns a PhD. in Chemistry. Such a smarty.

Another view of the bell tower.

My ticket. I thought the parents of the PhD. candidates should really get reserved seating in the front center section, but all this got us was the balcony. Waaaaay upstairs.

Our view of the stage.

His name was projected on the big screen, along with the name of his professor, Dr. McMillin, who hooded him. His name was also announced by the public orator. Isn't that a cool sounding job?

"David John Stewart, hooded by Professor David McMillin."

The photos are the best I could do from the second balcony. Or was it the third? Definitely the nose bleed section.

A handshake from President Cordova.

Afterwards, David poses with Dr. McMillin.

And Shylah.

And proud Mom and Dad.

Showing off his fancy hood.

David poses in front of Wetherill Hall. His second home for the last, oh, nine years or so.

And another picture in front of the bell tower.

Then it's off to lunch at McGraw's.

David and Shylah will be heading to the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill where David will be doing post doctoral work in the chemistry department. They will be a little black and gold speck in a sea of blue out there.

We toasted the doctor with champagne all around.

We were joined for lunch by David's two professors and their wives. Dr. Margerum is on the right, and Dr. McMillin on the left. David started working with Dr. Margerum until his retirement, and then was passed along to Dr. McMillin. They have both been great mentors for David, and instrumental in his successful academic career. We are thankful for the blessing they have been to him.

We had to get a shot of the whole family.

Haleigh was good as gold. Such a happy girl!

Of course we got a shot of the sibs.

Being silly with his hood.

And just for fun, I thought I would post a picture from David's undergrad commencement, in 2005. Wow. Aren't they cute?

Here Comes the Rain

Saturday at the lake in hopes of doing a little cleaning, a little yard work, and relaxing with a boat ride.

There were boats out in the morning, but before long...

there were raindrops falling.

And a little wind blowing.

All the beautiful trees produce a LOT of leaves on the ground. Jim spent some time raking

and then burning the leaves. Yes open burning is allowed at the lake. Do you know how hard it is to keep a leaf fire going in the rain?

So here is the redneck leaf burner

using the leaf blower to fan the flames. You might be a redneck.....