It was all Susan’s idea. Of the many things she could choose from for our 5th anniversary, she wanted to do a canoe trip with just the two of us… something that has not happened since "before kids."

It was a great idea, and it turned out in a manner that is noteworthy. It was Labor Day weekend. The weather was already if’y. Since it was just the two of us, we didn’t have to pack bottles, a ton of food and countless other articles. We simply took one dry-bag with our camera, a couple towels and a small cooler with some tuna salad and vodka and cranberry… of course.

We were ready and even expecting rain. We did get misted on a little but I think it made it all the better.

It was a great trip and I wouldn’t have changed a thing. It reminded me that we are still capable of taking a lightweight trip and willing to take whatever Mother Nature intended.

By the time we got off the river, Greg had some people setting up the field for a huge fireworks display. These were genuine Class 6 works (see the picture of launch tubes) – They took the whole day to set up and the field was staged for a huge, private display. There couldn’t have been more then 30 people (family) here watching this awesome display.

The show lasted longer than the WEBN fireworks and of the same caliber too. The picture here does it no liberty, but my accompanying video does.

These guys just got back from Japan to "test out the latest" at the canoe livery. It turns out they struck a barter (canoe and camp for fireworks display)

I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate 5 years with my lovely bride.

An album of pics through August has been put up. August was a hard month. June Morgan (Jason’s aunt) died on August 10th. A big surprise. She was diagnosed with Lymphoma cancer and died 17 days later. She was a very accomplished woman, wife of Bob Morgan and Morgan’s Canoe Liveries, and touched the lives of many. We have placed a memorium on the home page of the site that will link you to her large obituary in the Cincinnati Enquire, as well as a number of photo albums that included June. She will be missed.

Other news in August is that we find outselves rather happy, healthy and fortunate. We hope you can say the same and we look forward to seeing friends and family soon.

Another great trip was had by all. It was good to be with friends and family on this not-so-easy-to-assemble trip. Greg allowed us to take the canoes out and we just headed up river to some sandy banks. The dogs were in heaven.

It was a bright sunny weekend in Brookville and we had the sweetest spot we could imagine on the riverside. We could have easily fit another family or two at our site.

I look forward to doing another trip again whenever people speak up and say they want to. Thanks and love go out to everyone and we look forward to not staying strangers too long.

Email me if you need any hi-res versions on the pics.

Nothing complex.

This year, we wanted to do a vacation that was different from the rest… you know, one of those vacations where upon return, it’s not like you slump down on the couch and say "Scccchhheeewwww… it feels good to be home!"

Well, don’t get me wrong… we have kids… and it feels good to be home. But this trip rocked. It was just what we set out for. Easy booking… no check-in… impressive accomodations! …at a great price too, nature so accessible, you jump off the porch into it.

I got to try out the new camera in many of the environments I have been wanted to try. I took the video camera… but it made it as far as a walk-through of the accomodations. I’ll probably put that up later for family.

My brother-in-law and I fished the lake just outside. We caught us 7-8 blue-gill and decide to eat them. Alas, I need to refer to my local country einstein for the refresher on cleaning blue-gill. While we managed to get a few slabs and some pop-corn sized bites, still delish, I thought there was a better way to go at it. Scott?

There’s something about nature that everyone can relate to… and you’ve maybe felt that feeling before when you’re leaving the forest without having found what you went for in the first place.

Well, that was not me this weekend. A strong chord was struck that the whole family danced… no, not danced… aggressivley "jigged" to.

My little girl was so receptive to the nature around her, it brought a tear to my eye. We did two nice hikes and saw two great water falls. We made it to the aquarium… another thing we meant to do. And despite the Gatlinburg traffic (that we expected we still got to and fro.

For future trips to Gatlinburg… the "Gatlinburg By-pass" is a must to remember.

Last but not least… it was Susan’s 30th birthday. We had a little party out on the spacious deck with hammock and citronella candle.

Anyway… I could really go on, but I hope these pictures will say it all.

Everyone heard me blathering about planting grapevines this spring. Well, the promise is delivered. I have three hybrids: Mars Seedless, Concord Seedless and Catawba. In addition, I planted two more Sweet Cherry trees (North Star and Bing) to add to the two Mont Morency Sour Cherry trees that will bear fruit this year.

What’s more you may ask? I did establish the asparagus patch this year as well as strawberrys and a blueberry bush. I hope that in a year or three, I’ll have a nice selection of wine, pie or canning fruit.