The Gordon Family: January 2008

This cannon belongs to my parent's neighbor. I have never heard anything louder than this thing. He brought it out on New Years Day. Maybe to get back at Evan and all of us for our fireworks display the night before. I wanted a picture because I don't know too many people that can say their neighbor's have a cannon in their front yard. Plus, it is kind of fitting since my parents and my sister's family live in Spanish FORT, AL. Below is a little bit of history on the area for anyone that is interested.

"Spanish Fort, Alabama sits on a bluff overlooking Mobile Bay. It is rich with historic sites and artifacts including bunkers from the Civil War that remain to this day in Spanish Fort Estates. Spanish Fort, Alabama is widely known for its historical significance of the battles fought during the Civil War. The bluff sitting high above the Mobile bay with its gentle breezes blowing through the trees is a coveted place. The area draws bass fishermen, birdwatchers and nature lovers from all over the world. The Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay in Baldwin County is comprised of a group of small cities including; Spanish Fort, Daphne, Montrose, Fairhope and Point Clear.

The Spanish built a fort, originally a French Trading Post, during 1780 in modern-day Spanish Fort, Alabama. The Spanish took this area from the British during the American Revolutionary War. In 1781, The British attacked and destroyed the fort but the Spanish rebuilt it in 1799. Spanish Fort, Al was taken by the United States in 1814.

During the American Civil War, what is now Spanish Fort, was heavily fortified as an eastern defense to near by cities. Even after the Union victory in the Battle of Mobile Bay, Mobile still remained in the hands of the Confederates. In 1865 the Union Forces took on a land campaign to take Mobile from the East. During the Mobile Campaign of the American Civil War, Spanish Fort was the site of the Battle of Spanish Fort. The fall of Spanish Fort allowed the Union forces to move on to Fort Blakely which was to the north, and hence destroy the last organized resistance to northern occupation east of the Mississippi River. Troops were able to enter Mobile unopposed after the conclusion of the Civil War after the fall of Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely."

Jessie the Wonder Dog :)

Brodie and I spent New Years with my family in Alabama. We had a nice visit as always. We were able to play with Jessie, their Golden Retriever. We took her to a nearby "Dog Park", and she had a blast. She is very sweet and pretty, but she is kind of hyper since she is really only a puppy. Mom gave her to Dad last year for Christmas. She is the gift that keeps on giving (or taking if you count the two coverlets she has destroyed off their beds.) She just loves attention and always wants to play.