BITS AND PIECES

Lots of little stuff going on, nothing big or exciting. But here are a few things that I wanted to share.As Sue mentioned in her posting, we traveled to visit with her sister, Dolores, last weekend. We usually meet with Dolores and David half-way to save travel time and meet in a comfortable place. Calloway Gardens is the perfect choice. Sue always enjoys seeing her sister and husband, David.The small hill-top restaurant at Calloway makes a GREAT breakfast, Sue and Dolores Love breakfast! The views from the ridgetop are really great, even from the dining room which is perched on a steep hillside above the valley. Fall colors really enhance the view.And here is a coincidence for my sister: As we crossed the road to view the other valley on the east side of the ridge, I stumbled upon this.A flagpole, dedicated to the community with this at the base. Same weekend, different locations, two siblings. Coincidence? You decide. By the way, Peg, Woodsmen of the World is an insurance and investment company. AND OF COURSE THERE IS OTHER NEWS...

The weather began to get cool and breezy last week when we were traveling. Check out the cloud cover on our way back from Calloway. The cool weather continued, and got down-right COLD during the week, as evidenced by Noah and Eve this saturday. Huddled together for warmth on saturday morning and not even arguing about which cartoons to watch. I snapped this when I got up and headed out.

TREE LOT UPDATE; THINGS ARE PROGRESSING...

We began setup last week, and got really lucky with some help from a new friend of the troop. We usually have to muscle the power poles into place with the men and boys available. This year we brought in the "BIG BOYS" and their toys. Our good freind and supporter, Wayne, owns this cool tow truck. By the way, if you ever DO get in a jam I can highly recommend his service. The truck not only has a tilt-bed, but it also extends several feet out to the rear and lifts up and down as well. Loading, tranporting and placing the big pole was MUCH easier this year. We also placed the "feed" pole, the one that has the power box, using the same technique. The truck bed also makes a great work surface for preparing our equipment, as Aaron and Mr. Moe show here. This week we pulled the rest of the project together. Michael and Aaron showed up to help, and the rest of the guys also pulled together for the usual great result. AND A REALLY BIG THANK YOU TO DENNIS...

And Jimmy for the use of the camper. We are expecting colder and wetter weather this year, and Dennis was kind enough to offer his camper to the troop for shelter at the tree lot. He and Jimmy even delivered!

As you can see, we set up with the camper and our traditional canopy to be ready for the cold weather. The canopy is for temporary protection and to house our wreath making operation. The camper will allow us to escape the cold and rain if things get rough.Jimmy also jumped right in and helped the guys with placing posts and pulling cables and lights. He really is a helper!! He also cracked up some of the guys when he replied to Michaels joke: Michael told Jimmy that the troop had reached it's "Jim Towhey" limit. Jimmy said that Uncle Jim could always leave, since he was having a good time!

That's enough for now, I have run a bit too long on this one for such little content.

Until next time, I'll be seein' ya'...