Musings

I had a wonderful call tonight from Jerry, and we talked about things that are important to both of us. I treasure our interactions and conversations. I especially enjoy watching him as he fills his various roles as breadwinner, husband, father, son, friend. How he find the time for all his responsibilities is amazing. He wants me to always tell it like it is, so I dedicate this entry to him, and I must say how much I love him and am so proud of the way that he lives his life. He is a splendid role model for his kids. He is a great son and makes me proud. May his kids try to emulate him as they grow and become adults. I am so glad that he is a part of my life. Happy travels.

Relationships take two

I have been thinking about what makes a good relationship between two people for many years. I treasure my friends and try to maintain that good friendship. It takes both people to maintain the relationship and cannot be maintained by only one of them. This lesson seems to be a fundamental one that needs to be learned by all who treasure their relationships. I am puzzled about what characteristics bring two people together to found the relationship in the first place. Is it always similar, or is is a combination of opposite characteristics? Apparently, it is both for me. The common bond is created, and the relationship gets a chance to blossom and grow.

I have three children and two step children and daughters and sons in law as well as thirteen grands and now one great grand. I feel very blessed by these children and grands. I find it very interesting as to the degree of a good relationship maintained with each. Some give freely and constantly maintain their end. Others, only when it is in their interest. Others seem to be closed off and maintain only the bare minimums. We all use the phone and internet to stay in touch and seem to need to talk at least weekly. These conversations keep us up to date on each others' activities. Some ask questions about what we are doing, and others are reluctant to ask. We try to find out what is going on with each of them. These conversations are worth every penny spent and minutes quickly go by as we keep in touch.

At other times there are tokens to maintain the relationship. These involve birthday cards and cards for other occasions. They may also involve presents for the birthday or Christmas. We hope to get a response and frequently do so. Some seem too busy to say 'thank you' but most try. We do feel sad when one of our days does not get acknowledged, but we try hard to forgive, knowing that cards, phone calls, or presents are purely voluntary. We do know that we love and are loved in return, and that is what holds us together.

As our lives draw to a close, I, for one, evaluate my many relationships and wonder how I will be remembered. I think about many that have gone from this life and feel that relationship thread is still vibrant as I send thoughts their way. We each have notions about the hereafter and act accordingly. I hope some of you continue to send thoughts my way. With much love. Happy travels.

A Sunday off from work

We have been work camping since late March and most of that time have had to work on weekends. So we have not been able to attend our church. Tomorrow we actually will have the day off and can again attend. We enjoy this church and have begun making many friends there. I expect that some will want to know where we have been these past months and we will have to account for our lengthy absence. We can only hope that we can continue to have weekends off at least part of the time. I look forward to tomorrow and the Sunday service. Happy travels.

Joys of Grandparenting

We have had the five Omaha grandkids here for a few short days. They arrived on Wednesday rather late, and we got to play with them on Thursday and Friday. They depart for South Texas today. So it was a short if busy visit. We visited Fredericksburg yesterday, and all enjoyed shopping. Grandad had given each $5 to spend since he had learned that Sarah only had 21 cents to spend, and that just would not do. Sarah was the first to get rid of her $5, but the others managed to shop and enjoy the whole experience. Finally, lunch at a brew pub and a chance to try out the local version of good German food.

It wasn't the shopping, it was the hugs that make our days. Sarah gives great hugs as do all of the grand kids. James is growing tall and thinks he should shake your hand, but HW2 will not let him get away with that. Hugs are the order of the day, and it is a joy to watch them enjoy their busy lives. We will miss them when they head South but may get to see them briefly when they return North on their way back to Omaha.

One of the pleasant things about aging is the possibility of grandchildren. We are fortunate to have 13 and now one great grandchild, in addition. We love them all and look forward to visits and treasure our moments together. Happy travels.

Blogging and working don't mix well

I love to blog and try to write on a daily basis but find that work-camping cramps my style considerably. Somehow after a long day of work I do not find the energy to add to the blog very much. I will try to keep adding to the writing but bear with me as I try to find the time. The fun things that happen will get commented on in due course. I must admit that the work keeps me fit and trim and I am now weighing in the 170's. It has been years since I have been this weight. So I guess this work camping gig is good for me. Happy travels.

HW2 has a birthday today

It is June 2nd and HW2's birthday. With everything that is going on it has been hard to get prepared for a celebration but we managed with the help of co-workers Susan and Clayton. During our lunch break I ran to town for cards and Susan went for a cake. We managed to surprise her as all the co-workers gathered at the River Rock Saloon for a dring and cake. What fun. She did not suspect a thing. Tomorrow it is back to work as usual.

She received lots of cards and phone calls which always makes her day. My present will have to wait for our next trip to San Antonio. I think it is earrings. These make good presents. Happy Birthday to HW2. Happy travels.

Jerry and Marlene celebrate their 25th anniversary

It is absolutely wonderful to have kids that celebrate 25 years of marriage. Jerry and Marlene did this last weekend and we flew to Albuquerque to celebrate with them and their many close friends. Their best man Rod was there as was Sue and Mike and Jim and Margaret, close family members. We had a wonderful time and enjoyed the whole weekend, our first weekend off since we have begun this work-camping gig.

Now we are back in Kerrville and back at the work camping. This week we have been busy mowing outside and doing reservations at the office. Kristy and kids arrive tommorrow for a three day visit. It never seems to slow down here but we are looking forward to their visit. hAPPY TRAVELS.