Not a lot of time to get thoughtful or organized with this post, as "The Library Police' are watching. The 6 of us are spending a week at a cabin in Gulf Shores, on the coast of Alabama. We're at Gulf Shores State Park, directly on the shores of Shelby Lake and about 2 miles from the beach. It's a relaxing and good time, and probably the last vacation together. That's sad, but kids do grow up and become independent. Right now it is basically like 5 adults cooped up in a little house together. I just sat down to wait for the computer. Struck up a conversation with the lady beside me, and after about five minutes I realized she is rather attractive, and got to feeling guilty. I've been married a very long time! Also, yesterday, I thought seriously about skipping church. Perhaps it would have been good for me. The last minute, deciding I really wanted to worship "incognito" I went down to a little church down the road. The pastor was obviously trying to impement a more appealing form of worship in a traditional church, and the results were clearly mixed. It seemed a lot of the people were just tolerating the service. Knowing small churches the way I do, he's probably headed for conflict down the road. Ah, the "joys" of working with church folk! At least, I get some rest and re-energizing for the week. Today we go again to the beach. I'm still sunburned, since I have as the kids say "pasty-white skin that burns under a flashlight", but will use lots of sunscreen and enjoy the surf for awhile. Afterwards its out to eat, again. That's vacationing on the coast in August- eating, sleeping, sunning. Anyone with suggestions about what to do in the Mobile/Pensacola area please write. I'll be checking back and posting, daily. Usually when I write a post, I like to also answer all comments and visit at least 10 fellow-blogs. Such may not be possible during this week. But I'll be back to a more normal routine pretty soon. Sayonara!

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posted by: tfruge1 (reply)
post date: 08.07.06 (7:46 am)

Being from Louisiana, my family and I have had the opprotunity of going to Gulf Shores many times. It is an absolute beautiful place for family fun. We actually go to Orange Beach and stay at "The Phoenix" and I loved it. One of the best restaurants I've been to is "Lambert's". It is known as "the home of the throwed bread." If you've never been you have to go. You put up your hand and they will literally throw the bread rolls to you. The food is great and place is friendly and the kids will love it. Have a great safe trip!

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posted by: babe4jesus55 (reply)
post date: 08.07.06 (11:15 am)

Have fun PD!

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posted by: surrogate (reply)
post date: 08.07.06 (3:51 pm)

relax, Relax, RELAX! We'll be expecting the obligatory "What I did on my Summer Vacation" post in September, where, based on content, style and clarity, we'll be deciding which reading group you'll be assigned to.

Those last family vacations can make one feel a little melancholy, especially when you sort of know it's the one. Enjoy though. Make some good memories.

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posted by: spook102956 (reply)
post date: 08.07.06 (4:43 pm)

I think it's fun going to other churches while on vacation. It's good to see how others do things differently and get ideas. I like to go to other denominations too. That's one thing I appreciate about my parents. Growing up we always went to our church services and every night of our revival, but our family would also go to a night or two of other denominations' revivals or special services. It's given me a broad knowledge of different denominations. I think b/c of that I don't get too "hung up" on doctrine, like I think some people do. I think I could fit in just fine with just about any Protestant denomination as well as non-denominational. I thank my parents for that.

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posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 08.08.06 (10:05 am)

Reply to: tfruge1
I'll try to find the restaurant. Having bread thrown at me sounds like fun.

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posted by: tfruge1 (reply)
post date: 08.08.06 (10:10 am)

Reply to: PastorDave
Its a great restaurant. Its located South of Foley just off Hwy. 59.

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posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 08.08.06 (11:09 am)

Reply to: babe4jesus55
I intend to have fun. My only concern is being hit in the eye by a piece of flying breads....per tfruge.

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posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 08.08.06 (11:10 am)

Reply to: surrogate
I'm ready for new adventures in vacationing. It will be nice to spend some time with just the wife....maybe! And we do have Skylar, who will always be welcome for the trip- even if everybody else includin the wife wants to stay home!

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posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 08.08.06 (11:12 am)

Reply to: spook102956
Your parents have served you well.
One thing I need to work on- being a participant in worship, as opposed to being a leader. I'll give it another try soon.

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posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 08.08.06 (11:13 am)

Reply to: LadyG
Thank you! Maybe we will head to your part of the world one day.

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