More Than Just a Reviewer

To many throughout the geocaching community, MaxCacher was more than just a reviewer. He was also a cacher, JoGPS and a friend...Joe. Today, Joe announced that he was resigning from his position as a volunteer reviewer for the state of Tennessee. It is with sad hearts that we see Joe leave this area of the caching community. Joe has been a strong force in geocaching in Tennessee. He has hidden, hunted, reviewed and given council on more caches than I can even begin to imagine. He has always been willing to help the newbie and advise the seasoned cacher.

As with anyone in a position to make decisions, Joe met those that opposed him. I will say only one thing about this...whether you like his decision or not, Joe made his decision based on the guidelines set forth by GC.com. If that worked for your cache...great, if not, it was still his decision and he stood by it. I totally respect that. It is not always easy to do what is right, but it is still ALWAYS right.

To Joe, I say happy retirement. I feel quite sure you won't miss the stress of the "volunteer job" you have worked so hard at for so many years. Know that you will be missed as a reviewer, but we certainly hope this will free up some of your time so you can hit the trails more and make more of those awesome JAG campouts.

Best Wishes friend.

Yard Pass Granted, Ammo Can Awarded

After several months in the making, we were finally able to have Volnut's 1K Shindig.

There were both new and seasoned cachers in attendance. The Snappy's Pizza Crew was awesome and so was the pizza. The entire Volnut family was there and of course the other two Bluff Boys. It was great to see the JAG friends we hadn't seen since Christmas and we are looking forward to our next JAG Event.

Also, our One Year Anniversary celebration is just around the corner. That is one thing about this group, if you are forced to miss an event, just sit tight, there will be another one soon.

I have added some new pics from the 1K Event. Hope you enjoy.

JAG Christmas

This was another great night with our JAG Nation Friends. Cachers--non-cachers, young and not as young ;o),... WOW what a night. Food, fun and games.

It was hilarious watching folks trying to figure out the Chinese Counting system. Maybe Lil Slugger can teach dad the system. :o) Brit has a new card trick to amaze her friends with and Dirty Santa was fun.

The Mays' home was beautifully decorated inside and out. The lights and the beautiful trees sure help set the scene. This old "Scrooge" kinda felt the Christmas spirit starting to creep in. It really began to look a lot like Christmas as we drove home at 2 in the morning and it was snowing. The snow was very pretty coming down.

Christmas Blues

"There is nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child."

This quote by Erma Bombeck says so much, but after this weekend I had found something sadder...to wake up and realize that your kids no longer a "child."

Sounds odd I know. Jimmy and I were looking to find Christmas gifts for the boys. Two teenage boys...the cost of "their toys" are unreal. We found ourselves walking toward a toy store and I  mentioned going in for a minute. As we drew near, I just couldn't make myself go in and look at all the cars, trucks and trains. 

There must have been a time when Christmas was simpler and a time when it was fun, but for the life of me, I can't seem to get that feeling anymore. The time of the year is busy and everything has a $ on it. What happened to the spirit in The Gift of the Magi? 

What happened to the joy and the innocence of days gone by? I wish I could find it again.

A Christmas Miracle

I am making this post in hopes of a Christmas Miracle in the life of a mother.

Her name is Kim. Her husband's name is Ben. She has twin daughters, Paige & Lauren (14) and a son, Blake (17). 

Less than a year ago, Kim was a healthy vibrant young woman. Tonight, I visited her hospital room and she now weighs about 70 lbs. and is in constant pain. Kim was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. She has been through multiple rounds of chemo, but to no avail. The cancer has spread throughout the body.

Kim is only 39 years old. The girls are sure that mom will get better. NOTHING sort of a miracle will help Kim.

Christmas is the time for miracles. Please pray for Kim and her family as God leads you.

Each life touches so many other lives.

"No man is a failure who has friends."

UPDATE: On December 12, 2007 at approximately 5:00 am, Kim (Toombs) Evans Lee passed away. She fought a hard battle with cancer for almost a year. She will be greatly missed, but God in His infinite wisdom chose death as Kim's healing. Please remember the family, especially her 3 teenage children, as you pray.

JAG Nation Christmas Extravaganza

Another JAG Nation event has been slated for December 15th in the home of BigDaddyD and Mrs. T. I'm sure it too will be a time of fun and fellowship and "good will toward men." I am looking forward to this evening. Dinner will begin around 5:00 p.m. and following dinner, we will be having a "White Elephant" gift exchange, so everyone bring a Christmas gift, gag gift or otherwise, and we'll have fun grabbing presents from one another!

If you have the time, take a moment and post a comment that shares your fondest Christmas memory.

Luke 2: 1-14

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

OH...What a Feeling!!!

What a great feeling it is to spend a relaxing evening in the home of friends surrounded by more friends. Roger and Leah (aka Yogi & Dolphin) graciously opened their home to the JAG Nation for a Thanksgiving celebration. We had about 25 folks, plus a few critters. I just love "Little Man", but the little dog sure didn't think much of the "Nut".

The food as great and in abundance. The conversation and fellowship was even better and there was plenty of that too. We had singing around the campfire with musical accompaniment by JimmyLogan. He is great. ;o) I have added a few pics from the night hope you enjoy them.

Thanks again for another great time with family.