. BECKY----The rain subject in question is addressed in Gen 2:5-6. In the NAS, at least, it specifically says that there were no shrubs or crops yet because there was no rain, and that there was no rain because it wasn't needed since a "mist" or "flow" rose from the earth each day to supply all necessary moisture to the plants of the earth. I don't think its a stretch to say that the mist might have more accurately come from above and rested on the earth, since we're talking about thousands of years of translations b/w what we see and what Moses first wrote (it would be really easy for "down upon" to become inverted to "up from" considering the incredibly complicated grammar rules of the ancient Hebrew language)! As for the dinosaurs, another question has always plagued me.......how can scientist claim to KNOW what the dinosaurs ate or how they behaved in general? Isn't it true that when they assign those "facts" to a species it's based entirely (or close) upon the type of teeth and claws? While I agree that a T-Rex's teeth would make vegetarianism unlikely, being a meat eater isn't always synonymous with being an eater of all things meat! Even today there are creatures that baffle us with their super-specialized diets, eating only one or two food items and nothing else (even if starving). So is it all that far-fetched to think that dinosaurs may have only eaten other dinosaurs? I mean, obviously any other creatures would have to watch out for the gigantic reptilian feet and tales, but other than that coexistence could have been quite peaceful! (It doesn't make for very exciting dino movies, though!)
. Re: Camping......April is ear-marked for you guys. Do you have somewhere specific that you want to camp? Personally, I'd love to keep you w/in driving distance so St Mtn is my suggestion! But if you're not interested in having visitors while you camp, I understand! As far as towing, Danny's truck is currently the only safe (and legal) option because it has the full set up to control both lights and brakes on the camper. I can't tell you how many times we've been traveling along and commented to each other that we're SO glad the camper has brakes as well (in interstate traffic, or on steep and winding roads, it can be a true life saver)! If you do choose Stn Mtn, Danny says he'll just haul the camper over there and set it all up for you (then pick it up on the flip side), so you'll be able to use your own van for interim transportation. The same would be true for another campground if it's within a reasonable distance. Otherwise you'll need his truck, which means Aidan needs to be old enough to sit in the middle seat up front and two car/boosters can fit in the passenger part (or else you'll have to take more than one vehicle). As I type, I realize that there's also the fact that you'll be camping during a work week, and unless he and Tammy can work with her truck alone, he won't actually be able to leave the truck in your possession all week. Camping at Stn Mtn may not be a real "back to nature" experience since other campers are sure to be all around you......but it does have plenty of indoor and outdoor activities (including back-to-nature hikes) to keep the kids from going stir crazy! (Check out the website for their newest kids attraction, the Sky Hike!) Campers can also take a free motorboat-shuttle from the campgrounds to the attractions on the other side of the lake. April 30-May 3 they'll be having the Frontier Days event, which might appeal to your educational pursuits these days! And since we're members we can book the campsite and purchase event/attraction passes at a discount, too. The major drawback of Stn Mtn is the fact that it's more people, less nature. It's also $5-10 more expensive a night, but our discount offsets that part. If you go to the Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites website you can take a look at the vast number of state campgrounds available----and for most of them you can go ahead and book your reservation online. Just bear in mind that many of them offer little to do before the swimming beach opens for the summer season!! The closest ones, I believe, are at least 35-45 minutes away from us.
. Well, I've gotta run. I wasted all of my time writing to Becky, and for that I apologize to the rest of my adoring fans! Your turn will come soon, dear ones! SANDY
