Days 1 and 2 Chattanooga

Chattanooga River at Night, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Our Spring 2010 trip started with a rehearsal dinner and wedding in Chattanooga where we stayed on the Delta Queen steamboat on the river overlooking downtown. Our nephew, Adam, and his lovely bride, Emily, tied the knot at the historic Fillauer Lake House in nearby Cleveland, Tennessee. It was a beautiful, sweet wedding. We had a great time on the steamboat, at the wedding, visiting family, meeting new friends.

Hitting the Road for our Spring Bike Trip

Hitting the Road, originally uploaded by Gail S.

We are off on the bike for a new adventure. Since we are camping, we won't have internet access every day. We will update when we can. There's nothing like visiting our country on two wheels. Love it!

Our Camper/Bike Hauler, originally uploaded by Gail S.

We can't handle those long trips on the bike anymore. So we bought this camper that has a "garage" for the bike.

The Camper Kitchen, originally uploaded by Gail S.

The Camper Sleep Chamber, originally uploaded by Gail S.

The Camper Garage, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Dear Lord. We are used to living in a spacious house on 6 acres. We will be living in this camper for the next 10 days. Please don't let us kill each other as a result of all this togetherness...Amen.

Ice Storm and Power Outage

Silver Branches, originally uploaded by Gail S.

We experienced 7 hours of sleet resulting in an inch and a half of ice on everything. Icy roads and fallen trees kept me at the house in the cold and dark. Sid was snowed in at our River House 100 miles away.

I had a chance to take some photos of the icy nature around our house. This photo was taken just after sunrise. So pretty.

It's 2010!

Blue Skies and Safe Travels, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Wishing you blue skies, safe roads and spectacular views in the new year.

Happy New Year, Friends, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Tuxedo says...

Santa Cats, originally uploaded by Gail S.

...Merry Christmas! I'm slowly recovering from surgery and really enjoying the lovely holiday cards we've received from family and friends. I've been so thrilled with the pretty cards, touching sentiments and, especially, the family photos. I really know I'm aging as I look at Jeanette's oldest son in his graduation gown as he received his BSN on December 10th (Bachelor's degree in Nursing - like his mom!). I remember his first Christmas photo - just a baby.

I'm so impressed by the beautiful painting by Sheila used on her Christmas card in addition to the photo of her child's wedding this year. My cousin, Lynn, also used a family wedding photo from her son's special day. He looks so much like Lynn's daddy - my uncle Von who passed away in the past year. It hurts and makes me happy at the same time.

Some of our family and friends had new babies this year and sent us photos of these charming new additions to their families. I barely remember their moms being pregnant...and suddenly the baby is featured on their card!

We weren't the only ones who featured a biker photo on our card, our friends Bob and Kacky posed on their new bike wearing matching outfits. What a delight to see that others are excited about their biking hobby.

Because of my surgery, I didn't decorate our home in Somerville this year - I knew I wouldn't feel like taking the decorations down after Christmas. Instead, I've used your Christmas cards to decorate my living room (where my favorite sofa is...and where I spend most of my waking hours). The cards, photos, newsletters cover the mantle and the entertainment center. I'll be moving to the piano next. Thanks for your holiday wishes and encouragement about my recovery from surgery. We hope you spend the holidays with those you love. Be safe.

Christmas Card from Friends, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Recovering from Rotator Cuff Surgery...

Pinky sends..., originally uploaded by Gail S.

...and planning a quiet Christmas at our place on the Buffalo River. My left arm is in a sling/brace...totally immobilized. I'm getting pretty good at using only one hand on the computer...it just takes so long. I'm grateful to Dr. Arsen Manugian for performing the surgery on December 15 at the Methodist Germantown Surgery Center where the staff is so great - competent, kind, helpful! Collette, Suzette, Happy and Dr. Wilson were really fantastic.

On December 17, I arrived at Methodist North Hospital Physical Therapy Department where Karen, the Director, worked me into the packed schedule for therapy with Melanie - a gifted PT professional. They have a busy department that functions in a really small area. They are hoping for a renovation in 2010 if the budget is approved. More to come!

Christmas Greetings

2009 Christmas Card, originally uploaded by Gail S.

"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas... perhaps... means a little bit more." —Dr. Seuss
We hope the holidays bring you lots of reasons to smile and time to enjoy the simple pleasures of this season.

We are blessed to have you in our lives. Much love from Sid and Gail

PS Sid thinks my Christmas card photo is too unconventional and that no one will "get" it. I told him everyone would see immediately that it's a portrait of both of us - my reflection in his helmet. Best of all, I am holding a camera in the photo - plus, we are on the road! He has doubts...