Is this real? - August 31st

I have been waiting 3 years to do the Inka Trail and now it's finally here. Too bad the pictures don't do it justice.

Today will be the shortest day of our 4 day trek. We hiked 7 miles to camp with an elevation gain from 8500 (at the start) to 9800 feet.

I didn't realize just how strict they are about who goes on the trail. There is a checkpoint where they check your pass and how much is being carried by the porters. Each person is only allowed a certain amount of weight for clothing and food. There will a couple more checkpoints before we reach Machupicchu.

Sacred Valley - August 30th

Such a serene place -- our hotel in Cusco. This would end up being our favorite hotel out of all the places where we stayed. This is the scene from where we would eat breakfast.

Later on Sunday, we toured the Sacred Valley. It seems as though we got really lucky with the festivals. There was one (or I should call it a parade) in the town of Pisaq. Do you see anything in this picture related to my past? I can honestly say that I'm glad it is now a part of my past rather than a part of my present. It was good, but it's time to move to another phase of my life.

Cusco! - August 29th

Over the next few weeks, its going to be very difficult to pick just one picture.

Glimpse of Cusco and the Sacred Valley from the air. Can't wait to get this party started.

This is Erick and Matt. We could not have planned such an incredible trip without Erick's help....Inca Trail, white water rafting, hotels, etc. You name it - he figured it out for us. Thanks Erick! They ended up hanging out with us most of the afternoon on Saturday and showing us around Cusco.

Take Off Day - August 28th

Well, it's departure day for Peru. I woke up this morning and it was horrific weather -- just what I want when getting ready to fly. But, the weather will end up improving before we actually take off.

Many mixed emotions today. Mom came to get Charlie & Henley and I'm very sad to see them leave....especially Charlie. I'm concerned that something is going to happen to him while I'm away. But, I'm also excited -- been waiting on this trip for a long time.

My New Backpack - August 27th

This picture didn't turn out that well...but, this is my new Deuter backpack. I saw these when I was in Europe and just had to have one. So, I ordered one when I got back home. They are so great that 3 other girls on the Peru trip got one too! If you like to backpack, I highly recommend them.

1 more day til Peru!

Live By The To-Do List - August 26th

With 2 days to go before I leave for Peru, I am living by my "To-Do" list. And, there is not only 1, but 2!

No One Can Do It Quite Like Charlie - August 25th

Lately, everyone is amazed at how Charlie lays on the floor. It is rather strange, but he has always done it so I'm very used to it. See if you can do it!

Linda came out to visit with me & Charlie tonight. It was great seeing her before I head out to Peru. We always have lots to talk about as usual. I really have no idea what I'd do without my wonderful friends!

4 Days - August 24th

Is this a pile of mess or what? So, this is all the stuff that I need to get packed before Friday. The scary part is that I'm not done pulling everything out yet. This doesn't even include my clothes that aren't for hiking. What in the world am I going to do? Not to mention, I need to allow room to bring some stuff back. NO - I'm not taking 2 bags! Stay tuned for an update.

5 Days and Counting - August 23rd

Tonight all the Peru girls (except Allison and Kerryn) got together at Phyllis' for a little cookout. It will be our last time together as a group until we all convene in Lima, Peru. We talked about our packing lists, airport travel arrangements and overall how excited we are about the trip.

Charlie was there too and got to enjoy in the festivities!

Behind Every Cloud...August 22nd

....is a silver lining. It would probably be fair to say that things haven't exactly been going my way lately. But, I will not lose hope. Good things are sure to happen in due time. History shows that God doesn't abandon his people and he will not start with me.

How Much Is That Doggie In the Window - August 21st

This doggie is not for sale.

This face says....I've gone to the bathroom, now I want my breakfast!!!

What I'm Missing - August 20th

Do I really miss this? Hell, NO! But, would I welcome it - absolutely! Getting back into the work force would probably require me to sit in traffic again. How can you not love Atlanta traffic?

Dog Mom - August 19th

I talk to him when I'm lonesome like; and I'm sure he understands. When he looks at me so attentively, and gently licks my hands; then he rubs his nose on my tailored clothes, but I never say naught thereat. For the good Lord knows I can buy more clothes, but never a friend like that. ~ W. Dayton Wedgefarth

Beautiful Wreck - August 18th

I've lost count of the times I've given up on you

But you make such a beautiful wreck, you do

Yeah, you make such a beautiful wreck, you do

You make such a beautiful wreck, you do

At the dark end of this bar

What a beautiful wreck you are

When you go too far

Beautiful wreck you are

--Shawn Mullins, Beautiful Wreck

Hope - August 17th

Charlie had an appointment at Auburn University for a consultation on his recent cancer diagnosis. Unfortunately, we didn't get good news. The cancer has already spread to far, which means he is not a candidate for surgery. He was such a good boy the whole day.

We were very fortunate that we also got to spend time with Chris, Misha and Ashley. They live in Auburn and we both enjoyed seeing them. Charlie liked meeting all their doggies again.

More Shopping - August 16th

Today was the day when I got the last few things I needed for my trip to Peru. Good thing Patagonia was having a sale!

Tomahawk Choppin' - August 15th

This is a beautiful sight when the Ted is packed especially late in the season when the Braves are in the pennant chase.

This weekend is a big series between the Braves and division leading Phillies. The Braves were 6 back coming into this game. They were behind 2-3 going into the bottom of the 9th. Omar Infante had a game-winning single with 1 out and the bases loaded.

Better Days - August 14th

Today was a good day after a rough few days with the news of Charlie. After lunch, I went out for Rita's Gelati with Jen & Meredith. Then, it was off to Lake Lanier with Mike, Rachel and Collin for an afternoon of wakeboarding and a few drinks. As usual, we cruised back at sunset and wrapped up the night with our 4th meal at Taco Bell.

The Original - August 13th

Today was alot like most days - get up, work on job search and have lunch. However, today I met my friend Pam for lunch and I always enjoy having lunch with her. We always have alot to talk about! We met at Schlotzky's and I being a creature of habit got 'The Original'. 13 special ingredients! It just made me think a little bit about how we are all "The Original". We may not have 13 special ingredients, but we all have at least 1 ingredient that makes us special.

Do You Believe in Miracles? - August 12th

As most everyone knows by now, Charlie is sick again. We got the news last night that he has what is known as a Squamous Cell Carcinoma. It is not looking good for my boy, but I'm not willing to give up just yet. He is having x-rays done today and then we'll be off to Auburn University to see what our options are for him.

Dr. Joann Roesner at Loving Hands is absolutely a blessing to me and Charlie. I know that she really cares about Charlie and is going to give me the best recommendations for him. She calls herself his "Aunt Joann" and always tells him that she loves him.

The Best Little Mechanic in Town - August 11th

Well, this isn't a very exciting picture, but I screwed up the original one - I forgot to have a memory card in the camera!

This mechanic in Roswell is absolutely the best in town. They are fair, honest and plain ol' Southern nice. If you need a good mechanic in the area - these are your guys.

Yes, more car issues (but minor). I finally got my off & on A/C fixed among a few other things.

Flat Tire Almost - August 10th

Well, I didn't have a flat tire, but I came pretty close with 2 nails in the tire.

"The journey of 100 miles begins with a broken fan belt and a flat tire" -- Author Unknown

An Old Friend - August 9th

I had one of my favorites with breakfast this morning - Coca Cola Classic! I avoid Coke in the mornings, but today I just had to have one.

Machu Picchu Warmup - August 8th

Today myself, Shannon, Phyllis and Chat went on a 10 mile hike around Kennesaw Mountain as a warmup for our hike on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Isn't this a beautiful spider web? As much as spiders freak me out, I think webs and how they catch bugs in these things are fascinating.

Yellow Fever - August 7th

All the shots for Peru are finally done. Yellow Fever and Hepatitis B today. I had Typhoid and Hepatitis A last week.

Surprise Visitor - August 6th

Charlie (and me) had a surprise visitor yesterday. Meredith and Jen came to visit and it was a real uplift to mine and Charlie's spirits. The first Meredith met Charlie, she was a little scared. No fright anymore!

Sweet Charlie - August 5th

Yesterday I found out that Charlie has cancer again. He had a biopsy and we are waiting on the results. My little boy is so sweet and it breaks my heart that my time with him could be coming to an end sooner than I had hoped.

Happy Birthday - August 4th

Technically, these pictures were taken yesterday at John, Josh and Marissa's birthday party. But, I am using them today because I woke up thinking about them. Such sweet kids!

Summertime Treats - August 3rd

There is probably absolutely nothing better than a home grown tomato in the summer. Since I missed my opportunity to plant my own, I've been searching for a place to get some good ones. I think I have finally found it. This little place is right behind my house - I spotted it on the way to the lake last Friday afternoon. I guess they have problems with people picking their own while the stand is closed?

Big Dog, LIttle Dog - August 2nd

Charlie went to meet Gracie for the first time today. Isn't she adorable at 10 weeks? It's amazing how much she looks like Charlie when he was that age. Now, I understand when parents say they wish their kids were young again (at least my mom says that!). Seeing her makes me wish Charlie was that age again. I can't believe he is now 13 years old!

This picture I think is just classic...big dog showing the little dog the best way to trample some good monkey grass. "Here watch - this is how you do it. This will really make them mad."

Braves Win! - August 1st

Ok, so I cheated a little today. I didn't exactly take my picture this morning, but the afternoon Braves game was the best I could do. Turner Field is one of my favorite places during the summertime. Braves beat the Dodgers 4-3 on a blistering hot day in Atlanta. However, the clouds came out a little toward the end and cooled things off a bit.