ON THE ROAD AGAIN

As Wille so aptly said it....
"On the road again,
Just can't wait to get on the road again
like a band of gypsies we go down the highway
We're the best of friends
insisting that the world keep turning our way
AND WE CAN'T WAIT TO GET ON THE ROAD AGAIN"
ROAD TRIP- a journey via automobile

I guess driving the 22,500 miles to the Arctic Ocean last summer wasn't enough. So after overpacking the SUV again we are off and running to celebrate the open road. This year we are headed to the Eastern half of the good ol'USA on up to St. Edwards Island and Newfoundland. More family, friends, Fishers, faith and forests. Will we qualify as Professional Road Trippers? Is this the Baby Boomer version of hitchhiking? Does Dashboarding count as exercise? So glad I can pack the "extras" and not pay "extra" and so love not having to stand in line to take off my shoes to change states. Besides it's an excellent way to shed some skin and live out loud. Check out the schedule and see if you're on the trip tick. Our most valuable souvenir are the hugs and stories we can't wait to share. Look over at the archived blogs on the right side as it stores the "older" blog entries there....don't want you to miss the trip from day one!

CONFIRMED ROADIES

After last summers "once in a life time road trip" we were hooked-if bored one evening see pamelacollins.blogspot.com (North to Alaska) for sordid details. There are plenty of reasons to hit the road and celebrate America's (and Canada too!) cultural heritage and natural wonders. Although we haven't experienced the meandering version-our trip is kinda planned and suits our purpose. Our focus are the FIVE F'S (family, friends, fishers, faith, forests). With the blessing of health and time we are free to visit and experience our F's. We have also learned the way to a healthy life style on a long road trip....goal for this trip is to eat green and healthy- no more Bubba's Jerky and Corn Dogs. Bubba is even bringing his Vita Mixer. Nothing like a Slimey I mean green smoothie to start the day off. Pleep only indulges in the banana smoothies...no green for the Pleepmeister. And yes there has been a new addition to the Collins Road Family- Pleep now has a sister- Pleetisha (aka Sis). After he laid down the rules of the road to Sis and made it clear who is in charge of this rig she smiled sweetly and said "you bet Bro!" So come along for the ride- Happy Trails!


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Saturday, August 21, 2010

DAY 6 MCGUIRE VA MEDICAL CENTER/ RICHMOND Va AND SOME SECRET SERVICE FUN

WAYNE'S WORLD....
I have never seen shinier floors in my life.  And rest assured Battalion Command Sergeant Major Wayne Walker makes sure of that.  After a career in the Army and serving in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom with the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry).  Wayne proved himself to be an effective combat leader earning him the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two stars, Meritorious Unit Citation, NATO medal and the Combat Action Badge, giving Wayne the distinction as the Department of Veteran Affairs most decorated Fisher House Manager.  Wayne was hired in 2007 to supervise the construction of this Fisher House.  And what a job he did!

Wayne's first hand experiences in witnessing combat related injuries and his love of military families and continuing desire to help veterans has made Wayne the perfect fit to fill the critical role as Manager of the McGuire Fisher House.  This VA Medical Center proudly serves veterans and active duty soldiers in the Poly Trauma Level 1 unit and a Spinal Chord Injury unit.  It is the 3rd largest VA in the country and the second largest building in Virginia (the Pentagon is the largest).

Wayne shared the plans to develop his "backyard"- pondless water feature,screened in gazebo, and a bar- b- que area as well as  more space for the guest to enjoy the outdoors.  This will be the frosting on this Fisher House's cake.  We can't wait to come back for some pulled pork and a dose of meditation out by the water feature.  We are sure his family's will appreciate this area which should be under way this fall.

Thank you Wayne for your service to your country and your continued service as Fisher House Manager.  Keith said "he looks too young to have spent 25 years in the Service"...you go Wayne.


BOOM BOOM CRAVATO
We then stopped off in Bowling Green to visit Keith's former boss on the Kissinger Detail (35 years ago!)-the infamous Boom Boom Cravato.  And I sure learned how he earned that nick name.  This Marine has his own Camp LeJeune shooting range in his backyard....amongst other toys and treasures.  His love of shooting (while in the New York Field Office- was the Shooting Instructor  Par Excellance).

Twenty three acres of manly fun.  Boom Boom raises the bar for defining Man Cave.  The only thing missing for Bubba was a tractor.  I asked Boom Boom if there was anyway I could send Bubba up for the fall shooting season and did he need a chef?  One of Boom's specialty is neighborhood ground hog hunting-mmmmmm.  Who knew this Italiano from NYC was a country boy at heart.  It was a joy to visit this tuff Marine- come see us in Florida Boom Boom Boom Boom!

ONE MORE ITALIANO....
Another walk down memory lane was having dinner with retired Special Agent SS Rocky DelMonaco.  Bubba and Rocky also go back many beers I mean years.  And his darling wife (love is better the second time around for sure!) Eileen-also Italiano.  So of course we had to go to Portofino's and mange mange.   After dinner and a few Martini's they took us over to a home they just bought and moving in this weekend....I so love my room and the hot tub.  God Bless this soon to be Italian Villa!
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Another Long & Winding Road

Another Long & Winding Road
3,300 Miles Is A Short Haul For This Crowd