The Center of the Universe

aka - Calhoun County, Florida

Before I let the Thanksgiving weekend get too far behind me, I thought I would post a few pictures from my weekend at home. Maybe it's the fact that all I see these days are cars, and pavement, and buildings. Whatever it is, I always cherish my time in Blountstown and being out in the great outdoors. Especially when I am with some of my favorite people.

When I got into town on Wednesday night, I got the rare opportunity to send some quality time with my brother Brad. He recently came into ownership of a {new} 1980s Jeep Scrambler. He already has one that he drove in high school, but it is out of commission right now. So, I think he is happy that he has one that runs really well! We loaded up the Scrambler and away we went. I hopped in and it felt like I was 14 again loading up to go to school. Except this new Scrambler has an actually working heater, so it was a nice change of pace from the other Scrambler. Oh and not to mention that it is like a blue camouflage. Ha! #classy

Anyways, we rode around the dirt roads around our farm and talked and just had a good time. Finally, we met up with David once he got into town later that night and rode around some more. I think Brad wanted to mess with David about his new Scrambler, since Brad has David's old Scrambler that he drove in high school (that's a lot of Scramblers!) and you know how guys and their toys are.

I also had the opportunity to go on a little boat adventure with my daddy. He, like all the men in my family, can come across the weirdest and craziest deals on random things. He got like a 1960ish boat from someone in town for like a trade of oranges or something. So, I finally got to go with him out for a spin on the Chipola River. We put in at a landing near our house and rode up to a place called Look and Tremble to go look at the "rapids" or the closest thing to rapids that Calhoun County has. It was a great trip and I enjoyed my one-on-one time with my daddy.

Not to mention the fact that the Chipola River is THE most gorgeous river in the world! It was particularly dashing all decked out in its fall colors finest.
David and I also got to get in some good one-on-one time riding around his family's land. We saw all kinds of animals. Everything from hogs, to deer, to even some Mallard ducks, which are very rare in that part of the swamp. Sadly in my effort to try and get a picture, I scared them off before I could snap a photo :-( We also got to see a Bald Eagle flying over the Big River (Apalachicola).

David got a little hunting in, but not really. Mainly just opportunity hunting. He did manage to get a nice hog. It was a unique hog in some ways. It was a blueish-gray color and I have never seen a wild hog quite that color before. I was there of course to document!

It was such a gorgeous weekend. Lots of time in the swamp. Lots of time walking the woods. Perfection!

Moxley had a blast running through the woods, and especially when we got out of the truck to walk along the river. He is funny, however. Apparently the back of the truck isn't good enough for him. He quite prefers the cab riding shotgun- in my lap. I love that puppy!

All in all, it was a very relaxing, low-key weekend. I even got to do a little shopping in Panama City with my mom!

Oh- and the best part of the weekend!! GOOOO GATORS! We totally spanked those Criminoles! Bragging rights for another year. That works for me!