Geronimo!

The pool at the cabin in Hiawasee is a terraced pool. It begins at the top with a hot tub which spills over into a picturesque waterfall that finally empties into the pool as you seen in this picture.

Here Aaron cannonballs his way into the swimming hole.

Baby Alex Hanging Out

John Hood pictured here hanging out with Baby Alex. This is the front porch of the "cabin." It's more like a mansion.

A View From a Hill

This is the view from the balcony at the cabin in Hiawassee. As you can see below, there is a swimming pool and a pool house. In the distance is a lake overshadowed by a majestic mountain.

Angie and I are sleeping in a queen size bed in a loft complete with its own bathroom. Anna is on a pull out sofa outside our room, Aaron is sleeping somewhere downstairs (I hear there's like another house downstairs), and Alex is sleeping with us.

Today, we'll try some hiking, some swimming and general exploring.

This is home for the next couple of days.

Alex First Swim

Alex went swimming in his inflatable floatie. Watch for his expression.

When All Communications Fail ...

Have you ever seen license tags that say "amateur radio"? You may have wondered what amateur radio is all about. This video gives you a quick glimpse into an emergency preparedness drill that "hams" all over the USA participate in on the last weekend in June.

When all communications fail ... ham radio gets through.

FDR Camping Trip

Watch a quick review here of our camping trip to FDR State Park, May 29-31, 2009. This will always be remembered as a very special camping trip not only because of the beauty of the outdoors we experienced but also because this was the very last time we visited with dad before his sudden tragic death.

I will always remember that dad came with mom on Saturday afternoon. He showed Aaron how to sharpen an axe, helped Aaron build a fire, held his grandson, Alex and loved on his granddaughter, Anna.

Dad was an avid outdoorsman so I consider it a privelege that we were able to spend our last time together in a place we both enjoyed.

Miss you dad. I will continue the Copeland family camping tradition. That's a promise!

Granny Cope's 95th Surprise Birthday Party

My sister, Becky Copeland Russell, pulled off a surprise birthday party this past weekend for Grandma Eunice English Copeland's 95th birthday.

Grandma was so surprised. In fact, my nephew, Jay Russell, said not only did she have tears in her eyes but he said her ears turned red which was automatic that granny was very happy.

Thanks to all her friends and family who came and made her 95th birthday so special.