The city were Cocoa Joy lives is very dog friendly and this is just one example. Recently, a new park opened within walking distance of her house. She decided it would be fun to check it out and see what was there. Besides a walking trail that winds along through the woods, there are drinking fountains with special bowls just for dogs. We have been back twice and each time, she heads straight for the water. Imagine having a fountain of water that never runs dry! Pretty Sweet!

Hey—Here’s a photo of the train station at Windsor. It was taken in May 2003 before its renovation and emergence as a mini mall complete with places to eat, shop, and have coffee. I have only been to London twice, but I can see the difference between my two visits. This past May I returned and it just seemed so much more like America. I love the US but I really pray the British stay true to who they are.

Here’s the typical tourist shot that most people take at some point while visiting London. It is the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. I recently completed reading a biography of Queen Elizabeth’s life (The Queen’s Story), which contains interviews and insights from friends and family members close to Her Majesty. One section in the book talks about how she views Buckingham Place as an office and not a real home. Home is the title she reserves for Windsor Castle where she spends her weekends. Another entry quotes her admitting how when she was young, she would stand near the windows in Buckingham Palace and look out at the people who had gathered to watch the changing of the guard.

After taking this photo I remember looking up and thinking, “Wonder if someone is up there watching all of us do what countless people have done—take photos of these young soldiers, who have made a commitment to guard the Queen’s Palace. Are we just silly Americans or Patroits?

One of the best things in the whole wide world is an afternoon at home writing, editing, and stopping for a cup of Starbucks!

Cocoa Joy was amazed at the remains of a tunnel dug by Union Soldiers as they tried to dig their way into the middle of the earthworks of Confederate troops at Cheatham Hill—a major battlefield at Kennesaw Mountain. Someone had a pair of strong paws! The tunnel only goes back a few feet, but it demonstrates the tenacious attitude of a group of desperate Federal troops. Georgia red clay can be as hard as stone. The Park Service fortified the entrance of the tunnel to prevent its collapse. (See more photos: Training Up Cocoa)