Christmas 2011

Christmas on a Sunday made for a busy day. Dinner turned into Supper, but it was nice nonetheless...

VW Ornament...

Obligatory food line...

My portion...

Friends too (note HomeMade RootBeer)...

Calypso Carol...

This is fast becoming my favorite Christmas Carol...embedding is disabled, but click through to YouTube to watch and listen...

See him lying on a bed of straw;
draughty stable with an open door,
Mary cradling the babe she bore;
The prince of glory is his name.
Refrain
Oh, now carry me to Bethlehem
to see the Lord appear to men;
Just as poor as was the stable then,
The prince of glory when he came.
Star of silver sweep across the skies,
show where Jesus in the manger lies.
Shepherds swiftly from your stupor rise
to see the Saviour of the world.
Refrain
Oh, now carry me to Bethlehem
to see the Lord appear to men;
Just as poor as was the stable then,
The prince of glory when he came.
Mine are riches from thy poverty,
From thine innocence, eternity;
Mine, forgiveness by thy death for me,
Child of sorrow for my joy.
Refrain
Oh, now carry me to Bethlehem
to see the Lord appear to men;
Just as poor as was the stable then,
The prince of glory when he came.
Angels, sing agan the song you sang,
bring God's glory to the heart of man;
Sing the Bethl'hem's little baby can
be salvation to the soul.
Refrain
Oh, now carry me to Bethlehem
to see the Lord appear to men;
Just as poor as was the stable then,
The prince of glory when he came.

Lt. Colonel Steven Todd Drewry 1966-2011

Today, my heart breaks for my niece Kim, after the loss of her husband Steve. I realize that "sorrow may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning", but it's still difficult to understand and accept. God help us all...

Good Night Steve, and here's to trusting and knowing we'll meet again in that land where we'll never grow old, with no more sickness, no more sadness, no more tears, and no more death...

LT. COLONEL STEVEN TODD DREWRY, U.S. Air Force, age 44, of O’Fallon, IL, passed away Saturday, December 3, 2011 in St. Louis, MO. Born December 15, 1966 in Memphis to Ron and Nancy Drewry. He graduated from Bishop Byrne High School and later received a Bachelor’s of Science degree from the University of Memphis and a Master’s degree in Information Systems management from Webster University. During his Air Force service, he served in various positions as a pilot, instructor, inspector, executive officer and commander. He was a decorated veteran of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. He additionally deployed in support of Operations Joint Guard, Joint Endeavor, and Southern Watch. His decorations include the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal with 4 oak leaf clusters, the Air Medal, the Aerial Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, and the Air Force Achievement Medal. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife of 13 years, Kimberly Ann Rowsell; son, Adam and daughter, Kristin. Beloved sister of Cindy Drewry German of Collierville, TN; brother, David and his wife, Tina of Las Vegas, NV; six nieces and nephews and his most faithful friend, Buddy. Visitation is at Memorial Park Funeral Home on Poplar Ave. on Thursday, December 8 from 6-8 p.m., with graveside services at 11 a.m., Friday, December 9 in Memorial Park Cemetery. The family requests any memorial donations be made to the Aplastic Anemia, MDS Foundation. Memorial Park Funeral Home, "Behind the stone wall", 901-767-8930. Condolences may be offered at www.MemorialParkOnline.com

Published in The Commercial Appeal on December 7, 2011

Israel, Last Day...

The last day of our trip was spent in Jerusalem as well. We visited the Garden Tomb, a much disputed burial location. Disputes aside, it was a somber visit, and a really nice place administrated by some extremely friendly folk. We also took the Ramparts Walk, for some nice views of the old city. We also went around to the Lions Gate, and took in some of the northeast corner, including the Pool of Bethesda. Finally, before heading to the airport, we spent some time on a nice Promenade south of the old city. In my last few posts, the only thing I missed was our visit to the Holocaust Museum, basically because I could not really photograph that.
So there you have it, a 10 day or so tour of Israel. You probably need a month to do it properly. Click on the thumbnails below to go to the photos...

The Garden Tomb

Ramparts Walk

NorthEast Jerusalem

Last day-Jerusalem

Israel, Day 8

We had a shorter, less busy day today. For starters, we visited the old city of Jerusalem, pausing to take in the western wall. After that, we went on a tour of the Western Wall Tunnels. Finally, we were given the rest of the day to wander about and shop in the Mamilla Mall area. Click on the pics below to go to the albums...

Western Wall Tunnels

Shopping

Israel, Day 7

I'm slow posting this stuff, but let's move on to Day 7 nevertheless. We left Jerusalem and headed back into the Desert. First off, a stop at the Desert Oasis of Ein Gedi, where David hid in the caves from King Saul. Next, we had a stellar tour of Masada, via cable car since the walk up would have taken too much time. After that, we went for a swim in the Dead Sea. In Jerusalem, we also found time for a little strolling and shopping on the infamous Ben Yehuda Street. (I may have my days mixed up a bit here). Click on the photos to go to the albums...

Ein Gedi

Masada

Dead Sea

Ben Yehuda Street

Israel, Day 6

...next up, we leave the Galilee region and head for Jerusalem. Somewhere in the Judean Desert between Jericho and Jerusalem, we visit Genesis Land aka Abraham's Tent. A hot and dry establishment, but the camel ride was fun, and lunch in the tent was kinda nice. From there, we proceed to Jerusalem, and before going to our hotel, we visit the Garden of Gethsemane. A somewhat moving and sobering place. We get settled in, but early the next morning we visit the Mount of Olives...what a view of the old city !

Genesis Land

Gethsemane

Mount of Olives

Israel, Day 5

The experience continued, with a surprise side trip to Nimrod's Fortress. What a scenic spot the Golan Heights is ! We also took in a tour of a Winery in the Golan Heights, wherein I may have been forced to relax my no alcohol policy :) Additionally, we went to Beit She'an.Again, I don't normally "dig" it, but it's a huge site. Remember that's where the Philistines hung King Saul's body...see 2 Samuel 21:12.
The trip is almost half way through by this time, and my head is so full; I should have taken notes !!
Click on the images below to go to some photo albums...

Nimrod's Fortress

Golan Heights Winery Tour

Bet She'an

Israel, Day 4

Next up, a bunch of other activities, including a visit to Yardenit, a water baptismal site on the Jordan River. Many of our crew decided to be baptized (I chickened out) :)
A stop at Korazim (woe unto you), and a visit to the temples and springs of Caesarea Philippi rounded out the day. As a rule, I don't really "dig" archeology (har), but the accompanying talks and information were a true wellspring of benefit to me. The pagan temples and shrines now seem a suitable backdrop for Jesus to use and proclaim: "on this rock I will build my church"...
Again, click on the photos below to go to the respective albums.

Jordan River

Korazim

Caesarea Philippi

Israel, Day 3

We spent the third day on and around the Sea of Galilee. First up, a splendid boat ride. We departed on the eastern shore from a dock near the Ein Gev Kibbutz, and after an hour and a half or so, docked again on the western shore near Ginosar. Some shopping and a visit to the Jesus Boat Museum, and we were on our way to Capernaum, and the Mount of Beatitudes, ending our day back at the Ramot Resort Hotel. In the middle of this somewhere, we managed to squeeze in a lunch of St. Peter's fish (Tilapia) at the Ein Gev Fish Restaurant. Everyone raved about the fish but I've eaten plenty of fish that was much better...the Newfoundlander coming out I guess :) However, the place was nice and the fish was indeed good. As before, click on the images below to go to the respective albums...

Galilee

Jesus Boat Museum

Ein Gev Fish :)

Capharnaum

Israel, Day 2

The next day we left Tel Aviv, and headed north along the Mediterranean towards the Galilee region. From afar, Israel is a tiny country, but "Scale" is everything as they say. There's so much to see here. First we stopped in Caesarea, and witnessed the nature defying antics of the megalomaniac Herod. We also visited Mount Carmel, site of the showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal. Finally, we stopped by Nazareth, and then ended up at a hotel in the Tiberias region on the Sea of Galilee. Again, click on the three images below to go to the respective albums...

Caesarea (National Park)

Mount Carmel

Nazareth Village

Israel Day 1, Tel Aviv

I'm going to post a bunch of albums here on our recent trip to Israel. First up, Day 1, spent in Tel Aviv, mostly unwinding and getting used to the 6 hour time change...Click on the image below to go to the album...

Tel Aviv

Masada Cable Car

We took a cable car up to the top of the mountain at Masada. See video below...

Roman Siege Ramp

Israel

We recently returned from a tour of Israel. It was a rich 10 days that included visits to Tel Aviv, Caesarea ,Mount Carmel, Nazareth, Galilee, Capernaum, Mount of Beatitudes, Tiberias, Caesarea Philippi, Golan Heights, Jordan River, Beit Shean, Jerusalem, Masada, Dead Sea, Ein Gedi, The Holocast Museum, the Garden of Gethsemane, Western wall / tunnels, Mount of Olives, and much more. It will take time for it all to sink in, but what a trip !!

Whoa Camel !!!

The Sea of Galilee

The Eastern Gate

Tel Aviv at Night

Summer wandering

...short jaunt to Newfoundland with son #2. Nice trip...

Waiting for the Ferry

My Favorite CampSite

X marks the spot...

Soda Bottle "Pre-Forms"

Even at my age, I often come across stuff that intrigues me. I recently acquired some soda bottle "blanks" or "pre-forms". They are basically a 2 litre pop bottle just before it is expanded and shaped. They are just over 5 inches long, and only hold an ounce or so, but they are very thick, and strong. They contain the same amount of plastic as a 2 litre bottle. With a standard screw-on cap, they make great containers for misc "stuff"...

'Coons !

No less than 3 raccoons have taken up residence in my attached carport/lean-to/storage area. They kept me awake last night with their antics...not a good move on their part. It looks to be a mother and two youngsters. I tried rooting them out with a canoe paddle, but they eluded me by hiding and running back and forth in a 32 foot section of roof eave/soffit. This means WAR...

Jerky !!!

This is going to be fun...a recent trip to Princess Auto resulted in some Jerky seasonings...

Each box contains five different flavors:

• Original Blend
• Mesquite Blend
• Hickory Blend
• Cracked Pepper N Garlic
• Cajun Blend
• Mandarin Teriyaki
• Pepperoni
• Sweet & Spicy
• Inferno
• Pepper 

Now to dig out my dehydrator, jerky gun, and make a trip to the store for some extra lean...stay tuned... 

Family Camp = Relaxation

...attended a church Family Camp over the last 2 weeks or so. This time, we had a little cabin, even though I sneaked to the VW bunk whenever I could. It was good to get away...I don't think I looked at a computer screen for a whole week, maybe longer. Both the morning bible teaching sessions and the evening services were of great benefit to my tiresome mortal coil. Sometimes, I shun the concept of "retreating" or "getting away", but it does have its benefits. All things in moderation...

The "cabin" needs work, to say the least, but our 2 sons enjoyed it anyhow. Of course they went armed with a PS3 for "rainy days" etc. I think they enjoyed the freedom, late nights, lots of friends...

Most cooking was done on a "Powerfist" one burner butane stove, Chicken Stir-fry for example...

 Of course packing up to leave was interesting. Over the 2 weeks, both myself and Debbie made a couple of trips back and forth from home to camp, with work schedules and the like. That meant that the amount of "stuff" was slyly increasing. After Debbie left with a load, The Vanagon managed to swallow the rest; toaster oven, futon, roll-away cot, 2 coolers, and on it goes. I even had room for an offspring, but not two...looking forward to next year :)