tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-157631482024-03-07T21:34:14.126-05:00The Stringer ZooA place to read about the antics and travels of the Stringer Zoo.Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371848290470636641noreply@blogger.comBlogger142125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15763148.post-7025407535420236902015-06-12T00:06:00.000-04:002015-06-12T00:10:30.178-04:00
I was texting with various children this evening as they were making their way from the Gateway Arch in St. Louis to find the trailer (????) and then find ice cream (!!!!) and then have dinner in the trailer. Anyway.... somehow in the midst of the text conversation, I received this:
Naturally, I responded with:
What I got back in reply -- as texts!!-- was AWESOME...
"Meet georgie. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371848290470636641noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15763148.post-62655120035271943072015-06-11T00:44:00.000-04:002015-06-11T00:44:31.558-04:00Day 2 - Destination Van Wert, OhioAfter having tire issues on Day One, Day Two was bound to be better, right? I left the kids at the campsite and ventured into Zanesville to get gas for the Suburban, affectionately called Lizzie by our family. The campground was on the top of a steep, curving road. Every time I navigated around the turns, a rubbing noise came from the front tires. Great, exactly how I needed my day toJanellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16999539218367529808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15763148.post-42513585389502257132015-06-08T23:49:00.001-04:002015-06-08T23:49:43.055-04:00It could have been betterToday began the Epic Stringer Zoo Road Trip of 2015. We left home at 10:05, only 5 minutes later than planned! Definitely a minor miracle for us. It was a gorgeous day in southern Maryland, blue skies and sun accompanied us into the mountains of western Maryland.
(Note to self: check GPS routing against Google and an atlas BEFOREHAND departure.)
We stopped at a rest area for lunch and Janellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16999539218367529808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15763148.post-81240976589387376182015-06-03T15:14:00.000-04:002015-06-03T15:14:33.210-04:00T minus 5 days
Here we go again!
The Zoo is gearing up for another cross-country trek. This time the kids, dogs and I will head to Ohio, then pick up Route 66, visit the Grand Canyon, admire the trees in Sequoia, enjoy a brief visit with Nana and Papa. Next a visit with my extended family in South Lake Tahoe, and back to Lake Almanor to enjoy the Fourth of July with the Stringer Clan. Janellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16999539218367529808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15763148.post-52569789795612736542009-12-28T16:07:00.010-05:002009-12-28T16:54:04.624-05:00Wibbley Wobbley Timey Wimey
I can hardly believe it has been over a year since I last blogged. Where does the time go? Facebook has been a fun adventure, and I definitely spend way too much time there, however, it has not helped me with the writing itch. Life has sped by way too quickly in the 15 months since Trygve came into our lives. Katelynn is now in 6th grade, active in the youth group, and growing taller by theScotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371848290470636641noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15763148.post-85019149930765544702008-09-24T22:33:00.005-04:002008-09-24T23:20:41.404-04:00Meet our newest family member!The Stringer Zoo has grown again. This past weekend I flew from Baltimore Washington International airport to Seattle-Tacoma airport to pick up a small bundle of fur and kisses. "Ali" was born on July 19, 2008 along with two sisters.It has been a whirlwind of emotions and a blur of sleeplessness all viewed from the top of Cloud Nine. It is just like having a newborn baby, except no one is Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371848290470636641noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15763148.post-7681178779259112172008-08-13T00:05:00.002-04:002008-08-13T00:15:59.874-04:0012:05 AM and no signs of slowing.I really wish the 2008 Summer Olympics would be shown in real time. I'm up way too late (again) watching women flip, tumble, spin and fly through the air. Why? Does this really have any bearing on my life? Will it really matter tomorrow morning if the USA gets a medal in women's gymnastics? No.However, I am an American. A fairly proud one at that. I disagree with the direction our country Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371848290470636641noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15763148.post-19714387817561139142008-08-09T22:38:00.002-04:002008-08-09T22:51:58.659-04:00Precious PupsI'm really not in a writing mood right now, but as I sit here watching the Olympics I realize that I am surrounded by 3 beautiful, devoted dogs.Ever since I used to cry into the long fur on Mojave's chest (my very first dog), the idea that the Lord has placed dogs here to give us a glimpse of his unconditional love has grown in my heart and mind. Having Eli and Abbey share my life has only Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371848290470636641noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15763148.post-64654272599695627752008-08-05T23:25:00.003-04:002008-08-05T23:37:39.525-04:00Almost over the HillToday, I break the blog silence to pay tribute to my precious husband... Scott turned 35 today. Where does the time go? I remember our first summer together, he turned 17 just before we began our senior year in High School. Is it possible that we've been together over half of our lives? What a journey life with Scott has been! We've been together, separated by deployments, on this coast or Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371848290470636641noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15763148.post-79057931385760540012008-05-19T23:55:00.003-04:002008-05-20T00:01:46.194-04:00Are we there yet?Didn't blog last night because we pulled over at Exit 170 on the Ohio Turnpike around 1230 in the morning to finally get some rest at the Travel Plaza after about 12 hours on the road (only about 8 of which were actually spent making progress driving). Seven hours of driving today, and we're finally "there". We set up camp at Solomons Island Navy Recreation Center, across the river from the Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371848290470636641noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15763148.post-89246097096103975372008-05-18T00:16:00.003-04:002008-05-18T00:25:14.726-04:00Making progress againWe were able to hit the road around 1pm today and made it across Iowa to Rock Island, IL, just across the Mississippi River. Hoping to make it to the Cleaveland area tomorrow, and Pax River by Monday evening. Trailer looks great. 4 new tires. Abbey's tummy is doing better, but she gets more and more neurotic with every day in the car. We finally had to buy a restraining bar to keep her from Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371848290470636641noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15763148.post-42649229902804193322008-05-17T01:29:00.003-04:002008-05-17T01:38:34.112-04:00Almost readyQuick status update. Today was actually a very pleasant and relaxing day. The trailer damage repair estimate was less than $1000 (not including replacing 4 tires... we have no confidence in the original tires now). Repairs should be done by mid-morning tomorrow, and we'll be on our way again. We enjoyed a picnic in the park today, found some geocaches, and Janell bought some yarn at a local Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371848290470636641noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15763148.post-34544602412632694872008-05-15T22:58:00.005-04:002008-05-16T00:00:02.397-04:00Definition of a Bad DayWhere do I start? You'll recall that our typical routine on this trip has been to hit the road around 11 or noon each day. This morning we set a goal to be rolling at 9am and actually left the campground by 9:07! We had a long day of driving planned, with a fun stop to meet a Farm Dog breeder for lunch. You'll recall that we started our day in Sioux Falls, SD. Our day abruptly ended before Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371848290470636641noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15763148.post-70537498877279335652008-05-15T00:32:00.001-04:002008-05-15T01:25:09.157-04:00Still moving east, mostlyJust a quick update before I go to bed. We arrived in Sioux Falls, SD, this evening around 8:45pm Central Time. Rushmore and the Black Hills were a great time. The girls again earned their Junior Ranger badges, and we also checked out the Crazy Horse Mountain project. Ran out of time and missed Jewel and Wind Caves, which we wanted to see. Today we drove through the Badlands National Park, Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371848290470636641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15763148.post-55548732512434381532008-05-13T00:02:00.000-04:002008-05-13T00:23:20.462-04:00Soggy in South DakotaWe landed in Hill City, SD, this evening after a day of driving in the rain and playing leapfrog with semi trucks up and down the rolling hills of eastern Wyoming. The KOA here is huge and looks like it would be blast in the summer time. Pretty sleepy in the off season. We didn't get here quite early enough to do any sight seeing this evening, so actually had a "home"-cooked dinner at a normalScotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371848290470636641noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15763148.post-35092908790889502082008-05-12T00:34:00.000-04:002008-05-12T23:59:56.267-04:00On the road, and [finally] on the blogTo friends and family of the StringerZoo, I must apologize for neglecting my blogging duties since we left home. I can't believe it's been over three weeks since we moved out! I also can't believe it's been since FEBRUARY that Janell or I have blogged. Life has been a bit overwhelming, I guess. Here's the reader's digest version of the past couple weeks, with a few pictures to help...Friday, Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371848290470636641noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15763148.post-55095190411531110782008-02-21T00:24:00.000-05:002008-02-21T01:14:06.767-05:00How can it be?Ok, I swear that it was only a few days ago that I had my weekend alone. Really, the calendar is lying when it says that my last blog post was a month ago. There is no way that it is already past Valentine's Day. No way I tell ya!I truly don't know where the time goes. One minute I was sitting in front of "The Dog Whisperer" cutting out fabric and drooling over fabrics I wished I could affordScotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371848290470636641noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15763148.post-1613787454666888042008-01-16T17:46:00.000-05:002008-01-16T18:24:28.200-05:00One of my (many) addictionsIt is so easy for me to be consumed by things that I enjoy. I can very easily become passionate about my latest "hobby" and go all out in an effort to immerse myself. As my husband, children, and dear friend Melody can attest, I am addicted to fabric. "Hello, my name is Janell and I am addicted to material."I had thought that after all of my Christmas stitching (ALL but 2-3 gifts were homemadeScotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371848290470636641noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15763148.post-2568109652232925722008-01-12T01:45:00.000-05:002008-01-12T01:55:17.639-05:00The truthTomorrow morning, Scott and I will have the privilege of attending a conference put on by Focus on the Family's Truth Project. Check out their website for more information.I'm pretty excited! I've been seeing my perspective on life change as I have grown and (hopefully) matured. My becoming a parent and seeing my own girls grow and mature has really caused me to go to my knees in prayer. ThisScotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371848290470636641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15763148.post-22713463755828458402008-01-09T23:18:00.000-05:002008-01-09T23:54:22.824-05:00Have you ever noticed...Why is it that whatever I am studying in my quiet-time almost instantly become applicable that day??? It is almost like the joke "Don't pray for patience - God will test you!"I've been working through a great book - "Wives of the Warriors" since January of last year. It isn't a long book, but I'm not working through it every day. I've been really surprised at this Army wife's perspective and Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371848290470636641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15763148.post-3464595785819335762008-01-08T23:10:00.000-05:002008-01-08T23:35:18.895-05:00Time marches on.I knew I had taken a break from blogging, I just hadn't quite realized how LONG of a break. Sorry! Life has not really settled down here since Scott returned. However, yesterday marked our first day back at school after the Christmas holidays. (And yes, I said CHRISTmas.) I'm determined with so much change and chaos ruling my life that I have to get some sort of order back in my life and our Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371848290470636641noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15763148.post-60730995137734472792007-10-28T21:21:00.000-04:002007-10-28T21:47:31.507-04:00I cooked breakfast... for my DOGS!Since I have the pleasure of homeschooling my girls, I have decided that they should enjoy a hot lunch and a hot breakfast once in a while. (This decision also came about because we all get REAL tired of PB&J and cold cereal.) So, I recently thought I'd splurge and make french toast for breakfast. Since I am not known as a "morning" person, I was excited to find a recipe online for Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371848290470636641noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15763148.post-16787317637150125242007-10-26T01:22:00.000-04:002007-10-26T02:22:58.314-04:00Fine black soot...When the girls and I were camped out in Raleigh, NC this past spring, I blogged about cleaning out the trailer's RV water heater. (Read the post from March here.) I ended up covered with a super-fine dusting of soot that left black smears all over my arms, shirt and face. It was like the ash that would result from burning the tissue paper that you wrap around your Christmas presents. Maybe Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371848290470636641noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15763148.post-68734890405343932442007-10-24T19:15:00.000-04:002007-10-24T20:41:17.584-04:00fire·storm (fīr'stôrm') Pronunciation Keyn. A fire of great size and intensity that generates and is fed by strong inrushing winds from all sidesHow weird it is to survey my home and have to decide what I would take, and what I would leave behind in case of an evacuation. I've often looked at my belongings and truly tried to figure out what I would pack into the suburban if evacuation Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371848290470636641noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15763148.post-19232684188231262502007-09-25T00:36:00.000-04:002007-09-25T00:46:02.596-04:00Oh me, oh my. Where does the time go?I can hardly believe that it has been four weeks since my dear hubby returned home! I'm sorry for the lack of posts, we've been catching up with each other, and rebonding as a family. We've had visitors from out of town (smile and wave Kendigs!) and we've generally had a great time. However, today the bubble burst. :) Scott went back to work, and the girls and I began school yet again. 7:30 Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371848290470636641noreply@blogger.com4