A DAY OF SUNSHINE!!!

On Saturday morning I received a phone call in my camper. It was Jenny telling me that she and Larry had decided to take the boat out that afternoon and was I interested. HELL YES!!!! I needed to be outside soaking up the sun and getting some fresh air. HELL YES!!!! My body was still aching from driving for 14 hours. HELL YES!!!! I've been here a month and this is the first time we've been able to get out to the boat, mostly because Jenny has been in such pain with the bulging disc.

So here we are, Jenny trying to keep the sun off her face. She's not often out in the sun so her skin attracts the rays like white on rice. You can also see her new walker. I'm very pleased with how sturdy it feels and the seat is very comfortable. Jenny used it for the first time getting to the boat and she really likes it.

Here's our captain. Larry is such a good guy. He takes everything in stride and takes really good care of Jenny. He has his own aches and pains, but I never hear him complain. He does most of the cleaning in the house, dishes, laundry, whatever needs done, and does all of the outdoor stuff, taking care of the four acres of land, mowing, weeding, mulching, you name it. He really loves being out on the boat, and often takes his fishing rods with him, although he did not bring them on this trip.

Here's the other bathing beauty in all her glory. I jokingly told Jenny, when I walked into the house and took off my shirt, that even though I do care what other people think about me, I can't do anything about it. So I'm working on loving myself just as I am. I laughed as I was telling her that if I was on a plane and fell out, my "wings" would have a better chance of saving me than some skinny girl's "wings" would save her, and I held up my arms and started flapping my "wings". I know the more I can really love myself, the more likely I'll invite in the perfect relationship to love me, all of me, as well.

So, I'm kicked back, enjoying the feel of the wind in my hair, the sun of my face, my feet enjoying the sunshine on them and we are cruising around Mosquito Lake. It's a beautiful man-made lake, which originally was Mosquito River. I don't know how many miles it covers, but it's a really large lake. We had the most beautiful clear blue sky, the temperature was about 85 degrees and the humidity was fairly low. Coley, Larry bought chicken drummies and I told him if you were here, he'd have to fight us both for them. Unfortunately for Larry, the store only had the buffalo flavored wings left and he didn't care for the taste, so I got all of them. I ate a few on the boat and had the rest when we got back to the house.

Once we got back home, Jenny, Larry and I played a few rounds of hearts until Jenny realized she had left her insulin kit on the boat and Larry had to go retrieve it. While he was gone, Jenny beat me playing Farkle and then we played what Shelia and I call the Kit-n-Kaboodle hand, which means winner takes all, a game of Garbage. A card game I had not played in over 30 years, but again, Jenny beat me. Maybe today I can have a rematch!!!

Off I go, to see the wizard!!!! Stay cool, and I do mean, stay cool!!!!!

BACK IN OHIO!!!

At 5:50 am, yesterday, July 28th, I began my journey headed northeast, back to Ohio. I had a beautiful sunrise to greet me as I headed up I-40 to Nashville. It was a gorgeous day for traveling, although as the day wore on, the heat became increasingly hotter along with the humidity. Good thing I have a great air-conditioner in my truck, I stayed a cool 65 degrees the entire way back.

I had to take a picture of this sign. I love both these country music artists and although I can't remember exactly where the rest-stop is, it is dedicated to them.

I can remember when I was 17 years old working in a truck stop part-time. At that time I loved rock and roll music, this was in 1968 and 1969. When I began waitressing at the truck-stop, the only music played on the jukebox was country. Thus began my love of the old greats like Eddie Arnold, Faron Young, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Patsy Cline, Hank Williams (Sr. not Jr.) and well, you get the picture. To this day I love to listen to some of the old songs.

I arrived back at my sister's house at 8:30 pm. A long day, a long drive, but I made it. Today, it's nearly 3:30 pm and I'm still in my pj's, hanging out in my camper. I LOVE MY CAMPER!!!!! It rained this morning about 9am and it was so wonderful sitting here having coffee and watching the rain out the windows. I called my sister and told her I would probably not be up until late this afternoon. She's planning on a spaghetti dinner, so I'm invited to cross the yard and come over for dinner.

Even though I have not talked to my twin, she left on Wednesday for Costa Rica. I hope she made it just fine and has resettled herself back into her home. How's the weather, sis? Sending you love and looking forward to talking. Sherri and Steve are headed for South Dakota today, probably for a long weekend.

Love you all!!!!

STILL IN MEMPHIS!!!

Here's another great thing about being retired, I can get up and go whenever I like, wherever I like and not have to check my calendar, or ask for time off, or worry about how long to stay. WOW!!! this is great.

I decided to travel back to Memphis last Tuesday so I could be available to attend the send-off luncheon of one of my dear friends, Lisa, who is moving with her family to Springfield, Missouri.

Lisa joined our book study group about two years ago and made quite an impression on all of us with her very inquisitive mind and questions. She helped all of us to go deeper into our understanding of whatever we were reading. And she did it with her radiant smile and open-hearted connectedness. While she was in the group she became certified in a process called the Lifeline technique or Infinite Love and Gratitude. Lisa and I both went to the first meeting held in Memphis and out of that meeting sprang a monthly "healers" group that brought in various people to share the work they were doing.

Lisa also became interested in firewalking and participated in one of the last firewalks I held in the Memphis area. It was such an intense group, with very intense work being done, that almost everyone who walked the fire that night received a "kiss". Lisa and I both received a pretty powerful "kiss" on our feet, but in a couple of days we were back to normal.

Hey, for all you cooks out there, I had a soup recently called "hoppin' john". It consisted of black-eyed peas, ground beef, a little spicy sausage, with rice and I believe a roux to give it a hearty beef flavor. Absolutely delicious and this is one I'll be trying out on Mike and Freckles when I get back to Costa Rica, so get ready you two!!!

I just finished preparing dinner for Carolyn, Glynn and myself which will go into the oven about 4:30pm. I made a dish my friend, Shelia, created for her children called "chicken sh_t". Don't ask me why she called it that, but in honor of her, I've made it several times. I call it the perfect one dish meal and today I added broccoli and corn to the chicken, covered with cornbread stuffing. Yum, yum!!!!

Everyone is gone and I have the house to myself. I've had conversations with Jenny, who is still in alot of pain, but managed to have a wonderful sleep on Friday night. Also, spoke with Sandy and the BHAD trial went very well. Tomorrow is her birthday, so please give her a shout and wish her many happy days to come!!! My favorite puppy, Maggie Rose, left yesterday for her new home. She had her own seat on the airline and is going to be called Luci. I hope to be able to see pictures of her as she grows up, what a cutie!!!

To all you cuties, not to be confused with cooties, stay well and enjoy each day!!! I send love and hugs to all!!!!

GOD'S HANDIWORK!!!

Another beautiful day in the neighborhood!!! I was recently sent this picture of a Parrot Flower from one of my dear friends. This plant is very rare, is from Thailand, and is on the endangered species list. Look how amazingly beautiful this flower is. I never cease to be amazed at creation. So many unique and wonderful things to view. I've also taken to really looking at some insects lately.

While I was in Delaware, my sister, Sandy, received a beautiful rose bush from a couple of friends to congratulate her on receiving her MACH 5 title. Sandy put it close to the back door until she could decide where to plant it. One day, I was headed to the store and I noticed the leaves had been eaten by an insect. On closer inspection I noticed the most beautiful iridescent blue/green beetle sitting on the branches. There must have been a dozen of them. I later found out it was the dreaded Japanese beetle you've heard about in the news. Later, I was having a conversation with my friends, Jim and Elizabeth, in Missouri, and they, too, have been inundated with these pesky pests. Elizabeth had been treating them with soapy water and had found that to be very effective.

Next week, I've decided to drive to Memphis to be at a going-away luncheon for my friend, Lisa. She and her family have sold their home in Collierville, TN and are moving to Springfield, MO. So, Elva, if you are reading this, please make a reservation for one more at Rafferty's and MUM's the word. I'm so excited about seeing my friends again and spending a few days reconnecting.

I'm also asking prayers for George Smith who was recently diagnosed with lung cancer. Please hold him in the Light of wholeness and perfect health as he puts his life in the hands of his very capable oncologists. Also, continue to hold my sister, Jenny, in this Light as well, as she continues to heal from a bulging disc.

For all the people who touch my life, I say "I love you deeply!!!!"

Just another day!!

In the morning, I often sit at my dining room table, enjoying my first cup of coffee, reading something in my Kindle and then gazing out of the window to watch the birds gather food for their morning meal. Just beyond my camper, is an area with several trees encircled by day lilies. It's so very peaceful being able to start my day in silence with only the sound of birds singing in the distance. The eastern sun is directly behind me as I look towards the flowers. I feel as if I'm in a campground, savoring the beauty of nature when in reality I'm in my sister's backyard.

On Sunday, for dinner, we made hobo packs. What is that you might ask, which is what I said as well. It's a pack of food placed in aluminum foil with whatever meat you'd like to eat, anything from steak, hamburgers, chicken or pork, cut into smaller pieces about two inches wide to make sure everything cooks at the same time. Cut up potatoes, carrots, onions, cabbage, or again whatever vegetables you like. Put plenty of butter chips in on top, season with your favorite seasonings, and wrap the aluminum foil up so the juices don't get out. Then place on top of your charcoal or gas grill, turning occasionally to keep from burning, and cook for about 40 minutes. For a real picnic treat, serve on top of newspaper on the picnic table and let everyone eat out of the tinfoil. A great one-dish meal. Really fun to do as a group, since everyone can make their own hobo pack the way they'd like it. I bet Coley and I will be doing this one in Costa Rica, so look out Mike and Freckles, you'll be doing it with us, I'm sure!!!

Had a really good time last night, playing rummy with Jenny and my nephew, Joseph, who's 14. Jenny made a last minute surge and won the game. Then we played a game called "garbage". I remember playing this card game many years ago, but had forgotten the rules. You deal 10 cards to each player, and they arrange them face down. The dealer turns a card over from the deck and the first player can either use that card or draw. Kings and Queens are dead cards and Jacks are wild. The first player to turn over all 10 cards, starting with the Ace and continuing to 10 is the winner. Then the next that player gets 9 cards and the other players get 10 cards. Play continues until a player has only one card dealt to him or her and the first player to get the Ace to turn over their one card is the winner. Sometimes you'll have 5 cards dealt and the others will have anywhere from 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 cards they are playing with. I'm happy to report I won, although Joseph and I were both down to one card.

As I stepped out the back door, headed to my camper, this was what the night sky looked like. All pink and purple, stunningly beautiful. I hope your days and nights are filled with the beauty of nature and God's handywork. Blessings to all!!!

HOW'S THIS FOR IDYLLIC!

After being in Delaware since before Memorial Day, I finally made it to Ohio. I am currently living out of my camper, at least during the evening when I sleep in it, in the backyard of my sister and brother-in-law's house.

I feel, once again, as if I have come home. To be able to sit in my camper and listen to my music, and sleep in my own bed, nothing better. LIFE IS GREAT!!!!

Look how beautiful this back yard is. Several acres of land, lush grass, trees and flowers, listening to the birds, relaxing on the swing, enjoying the first cuppa while reading the current mystery that's captivated my attention.

And, if this wasn't enough in and of itself, I have a patio with an outdoor grill. Yesterday morning, while waiting for everyone to get up in the house, I sat on the patio and played a game on my computer.

Even though everything has fallen into place, there have been a few dramas to work through. When I began my journey, I asked Spirit to make it an easy journey, to surround me with the white light of protection and if anything needed to be handled, that Spirit send me angels to assist.

My angels in Delaware were my sister, Sandy and my brother-in-law, Tom, who were the best angels ever. They took me in, made sure all my needs were met, and gave me space to be myself for the nearly 5 weeks I was there. Then when I arrived in Ohio, I had the help of my nephew, Jody, his children, my neice and nephew, Olivia and Joseph, and my brother-in-law, Larry, to set up my camper. During the set-up process, I went to set up the counter, and the drop down leg support came off. Apparently the screws and the glue had come undone. No worry!! My nephew "happened" to have all his tools with him and he very quickly repaired the counter top for me.

The moral to this story: don't assume the Universe, Spirit, God, or whatever you call your Power knows what you need. Be sure to ask and to set your intention. Then the energy lines up with you instead of against you. I know my angels are here, working with me and making sure this journey is filled with love and that everything I need is right here, waiting for me, and I am eternally grateful for all that I have, all that I give and all that I receive!!!! And so it is!!!

FINAL DAYS IN DELAWARE!!!

How's this for a final picture from Delaware. This is Sandy and Tom's front door, outside, and as you can see quite a popular spot for daddy long-leg spiders. My brother-in-law says they aren't really spiders, but to me they will always be spiders and I cringe when one gets on me.

I picked up my Sunnybrook on Friday, brought it back to my sister's house in Georgetown and when I went to put the slideout out, nothing happened. You can imagine my disappointment after having paid a large sum of money to have the slideout repaired. What we later learned is that I had blown a fuse in the house and once Tom reset it, the slideout worked beautifully.

On Saturday, I spent the better part of the afternoon cleaning and organizing cabinets, and sanitizing the refrigerator. It was so much fun being in my home once again. It's been nearly a month since I've been able to use my camper and to enjoy being in my own space. As much as I love being with my sister, there's alot to be said for getting up in your own bed, sitting at your own table enjoying a cup of coffee while soft, calming music plays on the stereo.

Once everything was back in place, I invited Tom and Sandy to come out for a drink. I made Ponderosas for us (champagne and pineapple juice) and we did a little love circle. I thanked them for being the angels who have taken care of me during this time of need. I asked each of them to draw a card from the Osho Zen Tarot deck. Sandy drew the 7 of fire, Stress, (7 is Sandy's power number) which spoke to each of us about creating opportunities to relax and enjoy the moment rather than overwhelming ourselves with too much to do and not enough time to do it in. Sandy certainly has alot of over-committed time in her life.

Tom drew the Major Arcana card "The Lovers". What was really great about this card is the idea of discovering the true essence of each person, beyond the physical aspect of loving someone. For over a month I've spent every day here at my sister's home. Since I left home at the age of 18, I've not had an opportunity to spend this much time with her and husband. It has been a really wonderful opportunity for me to get to know Tom at a much deeper level and to also be of service to both of them, to help take care of the home, to cook and clean, so that they both could have more time to do other things they needed to do.

I'm leaving on Tuesday, but I will so miss being here. However, I will not miss dogs whining and barking at 6:00 in the morning, or the whining as I try to watch a television show, or the dogs jumping up on me every time they come back into the house after their potty break. I plan to wallow in my bed the first morning I'm in Ohio. Love to all!!!!