Gotta blab about it !

Josey and I were "blessed beyond measure" last week. We attended a Pastor's Refreshment Weekend put together by Phil Waldrep Ministries out of Trinity, Alabama. These Southerners know how to bless with extravagance!
















We stayed at this wonderful old hotel overlooking the New Hampshire mountains. The food was wonderful, hotel services great, and key note speaker outstanding. Phil Waldrep said the vision for this weekend was born out of his many years of traveling throughout the Country, and recognizing unique challenges of Christian ministry in New England. For us, it was quite literally a "vacation made in heaven".
















Best of all, I got to spend "quality time" with my best friend, lover, and wife of 31 years. I enjoyed the break from routine, and LOVED spending this time with my lady ... there is no one I would rather spend it with. We will always remember these few days as a high-point in our life and ministry together. "Thank God" for Phil Waldrep, his staff, and his host of volunteers for their gift.

Heard the Grace Kelly Quartet layin down some nice jazz in downtown Boston. This gal can REALLY PLAY the sax ... and only 17 years old! She should have a very successful career - if she can avoid the usual pitfalls of the industry.

Its been a WONDERFUL weekend!

Josey and I are enjoying our summer vacation. We started off spending a few nights in the New Hampshire mountains, now in Boston for the weekend.

Today we went to see the Blue Man Group down in the theater district. Its an AWESOME show! And the city is SO much fun.

Worlds Longest Nails

Saw this on the web news today. I just had to post it.

This is really gross! I mean, how would you ....... And then, how could you ..... OH NEVER MIND!

NOW THAT'S A RIDE !!!

Just came across this picture in the "My Pictures" folder and thought I would post it just for fun. I don't remember when or where I downloaded it, but I thought it was really cool. Every biker would have to admit, "THAT'LL WARM YOUR BACKSIDE ON A COOL NIGHT!"

Mom Doing Well

I'm happy to report my mother is doing quite well. Pictured here with great-grandchildren, she is regaining her strength every day. Yesterday, she actually shed her oxygen tubing and hobbled to the swimming pool for a dip. She IS determined to get well.

I have spent the last week (5 days) caring for her and helping her get back on her feet. She had a near-death experience and a very difficult week in ICU. Her strong Christian faith is evident when she says, "I had wonderful peace about it all." She also says she never wants to be that sick again. It was a tough go - no doubt.












Through it all, I had opportunity to visit my home state and place of birth once again. What Dorothy said is true, "There's no place like home". Though the situation was difficult and hot weather extreme, I loved every minute of it!

I'm sure everyone has special feelings for their place of birth. But the truth is, its been a long time since I lived in South Florida. I know some of my classmates are still there 'hammering' out a living in whatever way they can. And some are doing very well! But truthfully, I know very few people now living in the area. And I felt like a tiny minnow in a huge ocean.

No matter the location, visiting and helping an elderly parent is priceless. It rates right at the top of my list for meaningful experience and worth-while endeavors. In fact, I will continue doing it - regardless of personal sacrifice and cost. My mudda, SHE'S THE GREATEST! ... and I love her.

NICE!!!

"NICE" is the best word I can think of to describe the experience.

Although it has been a very busy week in the Lewis household, we found time to take a convertible ride to the relatively new Penobscot Narrows Observatory up near Bucksport. This 442-foot tower boasts of being the tallest of its kind in the world, and the only observatory bridge in the Western Hemisphere. I have no formal training in the field, but I would say this thing is an engineering masterpiece!
I think you can click on these pictures and they will enlarge for your viewing pleasure.











I must say, the 'pucker factor' is quite high when you first step out of the elevator. There is only about 3 feet to the glass that separates you from a 42-story drop, and it "takes wind right out of ya." But after a few minutes of bravery and adjustment, the queezie feelings disappeared and the view was pure delight.

It was a clear day and visibility was good. It seemed strange to see the hunting osprey soaring over the river - several hundred feet below you, and Cadillac Monutain looking like you could reach out and touch it. One can literally see for miles up here!


One of the neat things about this state-of-the-art structures is that its located a few hundred yards from the old Fort Knox. One gets a strange sense about history as the "old" and "new" are both beheld in one glance.

Anyway, its a good stop on your adventures up the coast of Maine ... well worth the time and cost.