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 2 FISHER HOUSE/EISENHOWER ARMY HOSPITAL/ FORT GORDON/GEORGIA

Fisher House Fort Gordon- "Providing Comfort, Caring and Compassion Beyond the Call of Duty"

Talk about Operation Endearing!  Francisco Cruz, the house manager of  Fort Gordon's Fisher House absolutely enrolls you in his support of the troops and their families.  An Army Veteran who mastered Ft. Gordon's own Signal Corps, Puerto Rico born, New York raised uses his education, experience and reservoir of intuitive awareness, humor, fierce loyalty and "effective shepherding techniques" as the leader of this Fisher House.  Upon our arrival he had a reporter from the base newspaper The Signal taking our picture and interviewing us.  Fort Gordon is the home of the Army Signal Corp (communications). This Army Fisher house is one of 11.  Francisco has managed the house since 1995 after serving his country in the Army and as a Reservist as well.  He is thrilled that the new Fortitude Center will be a multi-disciplinary pain management program taking care of body, mind and spirit.  TBI (traumatic brain injury) and PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) would be treated at this  center along with a 10 bed unit for alcoholism.  Francisco shared that a lot of problems are interrelated.  People who have pain and depression self-medicated with alcohol or drugs.  The goal is to break the cycle and return these soldiers to a productive, vibrant life.  We have all heard about the rising suicide rates amongst our military....

What made this visit extra special is that Bubba did his basic training at Ft. Gordon in 1964- 46 years ago! Per Bubba-I don't recognize one building.  Francisco's 7 bedroom house took care of 115 families last year.  The average length of stay is 22 days and the occupancy runs around 97%.  Another admirer of Zachary Fisher, Francisco feels he and his house has the special Mr. Fisher touch.  He so enjoyed getting visits and calls from Mr. Fisher asking "how is it going?".  Not only is Francisco a member of the tribe (VET) his enthusiasm is contagious for all the Fisher House stands for.  We really enjoyed meeting Mr. Harold Lewis, Volunteer and also a Vietnam Vet.  I think he has Bubba convinced that he should join the Elks as well.  Oh, Mr. Lewis, Bubba loves antlers for another reason.  Thank you Francisco for a heartfelt visit.  We are grateful for all that you do!

www.ddeamc.amedd.army.mil/visitor/fisher.htm

CONAGREE NATIONAL PARK/ SOUTH CAROLINA
A National Park in South Carolina?  It' s the largest flood plain of timber-this park preserves the largest tract of old growth bottom land hardwood forest left in the US.   The park is located on 22,000 acres and was  designated a National Park in 2003- our 57th!  Speaking of National Parks, we will see one more on this trip (Ohio) bring our been to list 52- 6 more to go to complete that list.  Samoa here we come.  Pleep says that sounds like a lot more fun than this Skeeterville.  A bit to Swampy for Boca as well.  Next.
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Another Long & Winding Road

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