Mr. Armitage, could you please keep the black skies in Michigan?

I’ve been on vacation the last couple days. We are really lucky here in northern Alabama. Hop in the car  heading south and we can be to the beach in 5-6 hours, depending on which beach we go to. Go northeast about four hours and we’re in The Smokies–where we spent the last couple of days.

We had a blast! The resort we stay at has both an indoor and outdoor water park, so we spend hours playing and having a blast. The weather could not have been more perfect…until the drive home.

About an hour from home, we hit that kind of rain that makes you slow down to 20 mph below the speed limit. Given my propensity for going a minimum of 5 over the speed limit, that’s really saying something. Looking at the bright side, I thought, “I won’t need a car wash, after all!”

Got home about one this afternoon and immediately took a nap–I was up until 2 am chatting in Armitage World.

Let me tell you, there is nothing like waking up to the tornado sirens going off. First thing I did was pull up the weather and saw the tornado warning, then  I saw this:

Maybe I should look at the extended weather more often! Because it is a little disconcerting to realize that the entire area you’ve driven through is under a tornado watch! Anyway, it looks like we could be in for a long night.

My main concern is for the people still rebuilding from last year in April. Many prayers that they won’t have to do even more repair work.

Kickin’ back at the beach

My favorite place on earth is the beach. It doesn’t even matter what beach it is–all that matters is that I can listen to the waves lap at the shore and play in the waves!

Thanks to relatively close proximity and a holiday weekend, I’m getting to enjoy some time in Panama City Beach! I’ve enjoyed some great seafood (if you are ever in Destin, FL you should check out The Back Porch Restaurant). I’ve got a tan (and if I’m honest a bit of a sunburn). And now I’m kicking back on the balcony watching the waves and enjoying a piña colada before we head home tomorrow.

I’ve had this song floating through my head since Thursday:

Appropriate, don’t you think?

As much as I enjoy the vacation aspect of this holiday weekend, I would encourage everyone to take some time to remember those who have fought to protect our freedom throughout the years. Happy Memorial Day!

Oh, and in case anyone’s worried, I’ll be back to my regular RA posts soon.

 

New Headers

Well, we’ve had a blast! We’ve played in the waterpark to our heart’s content (although we will be making one final trip tonight) and done some geocaching. But, all good things must come to an end and we’ll be heading home tomorrow.

I had some down time today and decided to make a banner just for New Year’s. In case you can’t tell, I was trying to make fireworks (I used GIMP). I’m thinking about playing with Photoshop and making a new banner to put up after the first. Not sure exactly what it will look like, but I’m pretty sure it will feature John Thornton:

and certainly a little John Porter:

and of course a there has to be some Sir Guy:

and the lovely Lucas North (John Bateman who?) must make an appearance:

and I think Thorin may have to have a place as well:

There may be some additional chaRActers as well. If you happen by here in the next day or two and have any suggestions for pictures to use, feel free to voice your opinion. You will just have to check back after the New Year and see how the header turns out.

*All of the images (accept for the Thorin one) are from www.richardarmitagenet.com

My Brain Is Still In Middle Earth

I haven’t got much to say today. I’m still busy getting ready to head out of town and my brain is still in happy Hobbit land. I’ve watched the trailer more times than I care to admit and have had a look at the frame-by-fame and accompanying comments on Facebook by theonering.net.The singing does me in just about every time!