Amicalola Falls SP--9-29-2010

On August 21st, 1991, Carol and I took Aaron and Tracy up to Amicalola Falls State Park just outside Dawsonville, Georgia. Just this week, some 19 years and a month later, Carol and I re-visited the falls. While it wasn't as we had remembered, it was a wonderful drive up to the park and a short walk down memory lane!

Carol, John, and Tracy on 8-21-1991
John & Carol 8-21-1991

Following are the photos we took on 9-29-2010!

1990 thru 2010--The First 20 Years

We just celebrated our 19th Anniversary this past Monday--September 20th. Our history now spans two decades! Thus, I thought it befitting to post photos of us from our very first Christmas in 1990 up thru ones we took just this week. Hope you enjoy.

1990 1st Christmas
Wedding Day--9/20/1991

1992-Allstate Honor Ring

1993-Allstate Honor Ring

1994--Yellowstone


1995-Salt Lake City

1996-July 4th

1997-Quebec City, Canada

1998--Leeds Castle in England

1999--Derek and Lori's Reception in Acworth

2000--Valentines Sweetheart Dance

2001--Northern France

2002--Paradise Cruise to Caribbean

2003-Hawaiian Cruise

2004-Alaskan Cruise

2005-Little Falls Farm Christmas Photo

2006-Christmas Photo

2007-Tab & Evan's Wedding

2008-Tracy & Odie's Wedding

2009-Retirement Party-Allstate

2010-(9-19) Little Falls Farm

2010 (9-19) - 19th Anniversary Photo

Las Vegas Hard Rock Cafe Pinsanity VI

It began months ago. The planning that is. Once I decided I would attend my first Las Vegas Pinsanity, a lot of things had to happen. Namely, redeem AX points for non-stop airline ticket on Delta. Next came the major help from special friends in the HRCPCC (Hard Rock Cafe Pin Collectors Club) who helped with lodging, transportation, and entertainment. It all came together nicely for the best HRC Pin Trading event ever!!

I flew to Las Vegas on Tuesday September 7th, 2010--from Atlanta it was 4 hours and 19 minutes. A most pleasant flight with a window seat with excellent view on the Port side--which allowed me to take photos of Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. Arrived in Vegas around 10:00 am and was immediately picked up by two friends.

After checking into room 7-425 of Tower II of the MGM (these are up scale condos attached by enclosed walked-ways with moving side walks to the MGM Casino and Hotel), the three of us drove out to Hoover Dam for a tour. They have added a really nice gift shop, covered parking, restaurant, and of course, a new by-pass road and bridge that opens November 2010.

Returned to Vegas to "The Strip" Hard Rock Cafe for the 3:00 "meet and greet". Met several pin traders for first time. The HRC also provided us with a really nice dinner buffet. At 8:00 or so, we headed to the Aria and retrieved previously paid for tickets for the "Viva Elvis" show. Attended it at 9:30--it was great!! To room by 12:00---a very long day!

First thing on Wednesday I walked to the original HRC and new Hotel and Casino only 3 blocks away for my "visit credit in the club". Back to trading in Pinsanity and a lot of photos. Had a lot of fun with several great traders. After trading over, we ate at Metro Pizza and later I walked the strip a couple of times for exercise.

Thursday was another day of pin trading that started with a furnished breakfast by the HRC. Some of the guys from yesterday opted out today and did not show--but fun was still had! I acquired the 10 event pins along with 10 Grand Opening and Staff pins--these are the only kind I collect these days and are harder to come by!

I headed to the strip in early afternoon to take several photos--I brought both the Fuji point and shoot, and my good Nikon D40--using that camera outside with a polarizing filter allowed some great photos. I ate at a Mexican restaurant with midgets of Marilyn and Elvis out front. Continued into the evening enjoying the sights and sounds till bed time.

A friend picked me up at 5:45 am on Friday and out to airport for checking one bag and one carry-on. Again, sat by the window on port side--sitting beside an Allstate Operations employee out of Roanoke who knows some of the same folks I do in Atlanta. Great tail wind as the trip to Atlanta was 3 hours and 15 minutes--arriving at 3:20 pm.

To end a perfect trip, I met Carol at Pacho's in Covington for dinner and then home to a very excited and happy Yorkie--Mattie had missed me all week!!

This is a photo of the Harley Davidson Restaurant on the strip--great detail.

Here I am in front of the Pinsanity 6 ice carving--what a great job!

This is the famous guitar at the original Hard Rock cafe--Carol and I drove by it in 1992.

I just happen to get this shot after leaving the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

My building is the middle one--Tower II and is called The Signature at MGM.

A photo of the strip from a walk way crossing it at the corner of MGM and New York, New York.

Here is the strip Hard Rock Cafe where Pinsanity took place--great job by staff!