Carrigan Farms Lives On!

The next generation is heading out to Carrigan Farms to pick pumpkins.

Morgan chose her pumpkin when her school class recently took the hayride out to the pumpkin patch on the Farm. And Uncle Michael was on hand to help tote the perfect pumpkin home.

Seems like only yesterday that Mark was on that same ride with his friends. I love it that some traditions are still a part of growing up in Charlotte!

Happy Halloween!

Have a safe and happy Halloween full of candy and sugar!

Canadian Fall Colors

Happy hikers

Clear blue skies

Jacky & Brian lead the way

Hornet's nest among the trees

Beautiful textured bark

Sunlight on the trail

Top of the escarpment

View towards Toronto

Brian, Jacky, Victoria, John & Anne

While in Canada for Alex and Jess' wedding (October 17), we took an extra day to visit with family and to hike Mount Nemo. It was a crisp day -- perfect for a nature walk to help work off those "wedding food" calories. Joining us were Jacky, Brian, Maria and her daughter, Victoria.

Mount Nemo is an escarpment outside of Burlington, Ontario where Jacky and Maria's families live. So it's just a short distance from Toronto city center. The air was so clear that day,we were able to see the city skyline from atop the rocks.

The hike is an easy one, but you do have to watch your step. The rocks and the roots of the trees make it tricky to stay sure-footed. And once you get to the top of the escarpment, it is straight down -- way, way down with no fence or railing. Needless to say with my trepidation of heights, I stayed away from the edge of the rock! I enjoyed the fall colors below from a safe distance.

Footnote: Three days later we received a phone call from Maria that Victoria had gone to the hospital with some weakness on her right side. While at the hospital emergency room, Victoria experienced a stroke. She is currently in ICU with loss of speech and numbness on her right side. The doctors are continuing to monitor her carefully, and we are praying for improvement in her health and condition. Your good wishes and prayers for Victoria would be greatly appreciated.

Canadian Wedding - Act II

We recently returned from a weekend in Canada where we attended the wedding of Alex Smethurst and Jessica Langdon. Alex is John's nephew, and he and Jess often stopped over in Matthews during the holidays while they were working in Florida several years ago with Masters Commission. Hallmark Drive became the adopted Thanksgiving Inn, and we provided a nice reststop for the long drive to Toronto and Woodstock over the Christmas holidays.

Jess and Alex had a beautiful fall-theme wedding at her church in Woodstock. The weekend was bright and sunny with a clear blue sky. The leaves were at the peak and the colors were outstanding. Inside, the church and reception hall echoed the hues from outside. With family and close friends looking on, it was a perfect ceremony and a touching luncheon reception.

We wish Jess and Alex many years of happiness as they begin their lives together in Canada!

Fall Beach Weekend

Sunrise on Hilton Head Island

Early morning beach walk

Cross island bike ride

Wildlife visiting the resort's natural area

Golden island sunset

Charlotte's 2009 Komen Race for the Cure

Saturday, October 3, was the Charlotte Komen Race for the Cure. Pam and I walked together with the Carolina Breast Friends team. It was the first time in three years that we were able to walk together as two years ago I was on my honeymoon, and last year I was at a funeral. It was good to get back to our tradition and to celebrating her six years as a breast cancer survivor. Go, Pam!

The Charlotte Komen office announced that over $1.3 million dollars has been donated to date in this year's race. And, there were over 14,000 walkers registered for the day's events -- a 5K race and walk, a 1 Mile Family Walk, and a "Sleep-in-for-the-Cure." There are ways that everyone can participate, and race donations are collected until October 31st.

As we gathered for the final prayer and the releasing of the survivors' balloons, several of the oldest and newest survivors came on stage for recognition. Mary was there again this year as a 54 year survivor. Also, we had a courageous lady as a 4 day survivor. Her family pushed her in a wheelchair for the 5K walk just days after her surgery. These are the humbling moments when you see the courage and stamina that these women call upon to fight this horrid disease.

I feel very blessed to have my good health and that my family is in good health, too. And, I am blessed to have a good friend like Pam who has dedicated her life to helping others cope with breast cancer diagnosis and treatment through the Carolina Breast Friends organization.

I plan to walk with Pam for many years to come.......

Pre-race Photos for Carolina Breast Friends Team

Post-race Celebrations

Releasing the Survivors' Balloons!