This is getting toward the end

Now don't get excited; not the end of the world, the end of the road, nor the end of things.  It is merely the end of vacation or nearly.  I will be leaving Portland on the 5th.  After a stop in Eugene for lunch with friends and an overnight with a friend in Roseburg, I will be off to Fresno, Ca.  I stayed there last summer on the way home.  The Hampton Inn is easy to find, clean and a nice free breakfast is offered. I won't attempt to get home from Fresno.  My next stop will be Kingman for another night.  Really didn't want to spend the money but I was just too tired last year when I tried to make it in just one overnight.
Fun times haven't come to an end.  Yesterday we spent the day at a coach friend of Brian's.  Wonderful family who specialize in authentic Mexican food.  I felt I was back in Dayton enjoying the hospitality of all my friends who worked for the cannery.  Hispanic friends are some of the best you can have.  I pray I can be as happy as they made us feel yesterday. 
Today is another BBQ day.  Ashley and Taylor have friends coming so there will be at least 10 here to enjoy the day. 
Tomorrow Brian has suggested the horse races.  Neither of my grandkids have been and Brian remembers how much fun he had in Dayton when we all went to the races.  In Dayton you could go to the paddock and see the horses and jockeys up close.  Don't know if it works that way here as it is probably bigger and more sophisticated. 
We were just going through memorabilia that I brought with me from Billings that belonged to my mother.  Lots of pictures and letters.  I was wondering how archiving of memories will work in the future.  Memories sticks just don't seem the same but, for this generation, it will be just what the doctor ordered.  Glad my son still finds these things I shared with him relevant. 
There isn't quite as much material recorded from this trip as I had hoped.  I'm lazy and find myself reading a book rather than writing one of my own.  Perhaps, if I live up to my promises, I will try to put whatever I did record into a comprehensible and interesting rendition.   

Keeping up

If only I would keep up.  Talk about being lazy, that's me.  This could all be part of my long awaited life story but every time I think about writing I think how boring it would be.  Who wants to know all the details I'm willing to share.  Oh, oh, that is the key.  If I was willing to share, this could be a best seller.  Guess I'm not quite ready for that yet.  How can I feel that after 70 years I can't reveal the deepest of secrets.  I would be ashamed of some of my behaviors over the years but also proud that I have had Christ in my life all my life even when I didn't realize he was there.  Now that I know how much he loves me and that I'm forgiven there shouldn't be anything I can't share.  My children might be happy that I can tell them things.  What do you suppose Dr. Laura or Ann Landers would advise?  Well, you know what, I'm going to continue to keep some things to myself.  Most of what I have done would maybe be silly in comparison to what children are doing today.  I'm so sorry that our society has deteriorated so terribly.  Using the word Fuck is so degrading to me.  We used shit damn SOB just as much.  What is worse.  My words take the Lord's name in vain, not the F-word.  When I get back to Arizona I plan to organize my time and include guitar, writing and more volunteer work.  Please God help me to remember this post. 

Taking Time

Using a laptop is new for me.  Not trying to excuse my neglect in blogging but it has been harder for me than just going into my office, sitting down and typing what is on my mind at the time.  While traveling I find myself thinking about cute or informative comments I could make but by the time I get somewhere where I can use this communicative tool it just doesn't seem that important anymore.  This weekend I'm at Michelle's by myself so should give me some time to hit ya'll with some tribble. 
Alexis is getting to the age where she prefers to play with her friends and gramoo is not so limber anymore that I can sit on the floor and play Pet Shop with her.  Actually gramoo isn't a whole lot of fun anymore.  Probably need therapeutic counseling to address how to have a long distant relationship with a grandchild.  I've written letters, sent gifts and talked on the phone.  Phone calls don't go well because gramoo has a hard time finding open ended questions.  Oh well, I raised good kids who are raising good kids...my work here is done. 
Living in Arizona has increased my desire to pursue my faith.  Jesus Christ is front and center and, as long as this is true, my family will continue to prosper and have love in their hearts for me and all people. 
Michelle and I have had fun going wine tasting and only wish my adopted daughter, Kristi could be with us.  Kristi and Michelle would keep me laughing.  They are both such great people. 
I miss the newspaper.  This generation seem to get all their news via the internet and I still like the feel of a newspaper and the spreading out of the paper reading each section.  I generally read every word because I drink a pot of coffee while reading and get interesting topics to discuss while I'm at the fitness center.  My routine of visiting the fitness center is missed.  I enjoy going at least 3 times a week.  It makes me feel so good and helps me to not be depressed. 
Counting blessings is something I have trouble with.  I have to be reminded that there are so many people out there who have terrible afflictions who rise above it.  Watching a boy right now who is 8 years old and has prosthetics on both hands and both feet.  A blood disease caused his limbs to be amputated.  He is happy and working with other amputee kids helping them to realize their potential.  Please God, help me to not wallow in self-pity.  Help me to help someone else. 

Big Sky-Montana

Such beauty; don't think I have ever seen as much beauty as from Billings to Missoula.  The Continental Divide, the headwaters of the Missouri, rock formation and just the memories of playing cowboy and Indians with my brother, Jerry.  Before that term became politically incorrect, we play and played and had no feelings about good Indians, bad Indians, good cowboys or bad, we just played.  The rimrocks have scrub trees at the top and we would lay behind a mound of dirt and pretend we were about to be attacked.  All the western movies of Tom Mix, The Lone Ranger, Roy Rogers, Gene Audrey and Hopalong Cassidy could have played their roles better than we did.  "Those were the days"
And, as I entered the motel tonight, I saw me and Taylor 15 years from now.  I'm bent, carrying a cane, salt and pepper hair and walking at .001 miles per day or less.  Taylor is patient, kind and carrying on a conversation with me.  There is a time for everything under the sun. 
Two tiny pills plus a couple more helped me to lose 5 pounds today.  3 pounds at Albertsons in Billings and 2 more at Butte.  I was lucky.  I may have lost a few more at most inconvenient times if you know what I mean.  Guess I have to be more careful when I take laxatives.
Plan to leave here tomorrow by 9:30 or earlier so that I can be in Richland by dinner.  Take care, my friends, 

Talk about a Mover

And I don't mean Mover and Shaker...I mean moving between houses.  I love my relatives and my friends and I'm so happy they love me but I really wish they could come visit me at one location.  Because I show hospitality in Maricopa of course they want to reciprocate.  I'm thrilled but can't get my toothbrush to dry out because it gets packed away wet every couple days.  Does it sound like I'm complaining, yep, it does.  Forgive me, we are having a super good time with lots of laughs from different phases of my life.  Brother and sister stories, HS friends reminiscing and sister-in-law stories of my older brother.  It is getting late though and I was up at 6:30 to be in church at 8:00.  Emanuel Baptist Church with a western swing band playing the old time version of "I'll Fly Away" plus several other tunes to put a smile on my face and a rhythm in my soul.  It has been a great day.   

No AC

Air conditional isn't something many people in Billings Montana find necessary.  My brother being one of them.  The humidity is anywhere from 25 to 40 percent and since Arizona has "dry" heat I'm suffering.  Been a little sick to my stomach for the past few days so looking forward to changing venues to my other brother's house.  Dale past away a few years ago but his wife and I are close and she will use the air.  Not a low as I would like but good just the same. 
It has been a great trip thus far.  Probably a little too much eating out but that sort of comes with the territory, right?  Last night friends took us to a very nice steak house and because I had only had my smoothie I was starved.  Had ribeye steak, loaded baked potato and Caesar salad.  Couldn't eat all of it but sure did make a dent in it.  I love it. 
Today I have been reading most of the day.  Jerry is working, Bobby played bridge this morning and is now with the friend who is accompanying her to China in October.  She could have asked me but honestly I'm glad she didn't.  14 hours on a coach flight to China doesn't really appeal to me. Almost like a slow boat to China.   My trip to Israel was 13 hours and I would go again in a minute.  But for some reason, China does not have much of a pull for me.  I'm sure it will be very interesting but it is a tour and more that 20 people are going. 
I'm really tired.  My oldest and wife are celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary at the end of the month and my youngest will be 40 in November.  Memories, memories.  So many things I would have done differently but Jesus tells me everyday not to look at the past or future.  Only today is my gift.  I love all of you who may read this and so many more who do not.  I'm thinking of a creative writing class when I get back to Maricopa.  We have a new community college 5 minutes from my house and writing is something I enjoy doing.

Two Months from Home

Yes, Maricopa by September 12th or before.  Right now I plan to be home by 9/10.  Gosh, how that date seems to stick in my mind.  September 11 will always be an important date.  Since that time so many bad things have happened.  Maybe because of 9/11 all acts of terrorism or natural causes make a major impact on me.  Shootings, hurricanes, tornados, wild fires they all result in death and destruction.  Where are the happy times?  My thankfulness is with the young who have such aspirations for the future.  God is so good giving youth hope and faith, if only in themselves, to continue what has been so graciously given them to protect.  I question my faith as I have concern for my children and grandchildren.  Will they find happiness in family and friends, keeping them close and overlooking shortcomings.  It is definitely my prayer that Jesus be a part of their lives. 
Tonight is not particularly happy for me.  I am not feeling well.  My stomach hurts and I have a headache.  Bobby and Jerry are going to a V8 Ford party tomorrow and I'm invited to attend but think I will stay home and just stay quiet.  The humidity is 40 or more and it is taking me awhile to acclimate.  Ya'll know about our Arizona "dry" heat. 
Take care, my friends and Angel.  Angel, I think you are the only family who may read these once in a while.

Billings, Montana

The old town looks the same as I step down from the train and their to meet me is my momma and my poppa....no such luck.  Passenger trains stopped running through Billings many years ago and as for momma and poppa, they too have been gone for a while.  Many things have changed here, some for the better, some not.  Of course Billings population has increased by probably 40,000 or more since I left in 1962.  The farm where I stacked hay and milked cows has been turned into houses.  The road where cows grazed and my horse and I kept watch is now 56th St. West and a proposed middle school is about to take shape.  The 3 room school that I attended from 3rd grade to 8th grade is now a photography studio. 
One of my best friends died this year and my brother and sister-in-law are thinking about moving into a retirement center.  Where does that leave me?  Well, it sure has got me thinking.  My eyes are going along with my hearing.  If my ass was not attached to my body, I would forget it.  I'm tired 3/4 of the time.  I did feel alive as I drove here from Arizona though.  Officer Gonzalez, who practices law enforcement in New Mexico, was so impressed by my organizational skills and travel plans that he wished me well and didn't even issue a warning.  I did slow down and that was a good thing because Officer Gonzalez passed me again, lights flashing, on his way to something pressing. 
Jerry and Bobby have welcomed me with open arms and I'm so grateful that I have such wonderful relatives.  I will be with them for most of my visit except for 3 days at my other sister-in-law's home and a day or two with friends.  My plan is to leave here on the 23rd and spend until August 20th with Michelle, Rob, Alexis and Keegan in Richland and Sandpoint, Idaho. 
Getting on toward bedtime now so good night, good luck and may the Good Lord take a liken to you. 

Finally a connection

Sometimes the old people I hang with are so skeptical of technology they don't even own a computer much less have a wifi connection.  I can appreciate that someday I'll be old too.  In confession I must admit that the kids and grandkids are way ahead of me in the tech department. 
It has been a good trip so far.  No excitement to speak of but the truck ran fine, my one eye works well enough to keep me in the right lane of traffic and I'm trying hard to stick to my smoothie diet in the morning.  I ate fruit, carrots and half sandwich before coming to McDonalds to use the computer.  Smart don't you think. 
Tonight is comedy night at the casino.  Kelly and I are taking another couple to dinner there as payback for the great BBQ they had for us at their house on Saturday night.  Riding in the car with Kelly driving will be my excitement and hopefully it will not end in tragedy rather than laughter.  She so strongly believes that she is 40 instead of 87 and drives accordingly.  Reflexes of a 87 year old however.  If you are reading this before 5:00 tonight it would be a good time to fall on your knees in prayer for us and anyone on the road she decides to cuss out because they aren't driving fast enough.  Oh, Lord, I want to go to heaven, I just don't wanna go now. 
If survival is in the future, we are playing cards on Tuesday then drinks and tacos in the bar afterwards.  Thursday is cards for some and golf for others then meeting at the Lion's Den for burgers that they marinate in red wine.  There goes the diet again.  Hopefully after this week and the new wears off of me being here, Kelly can just go do what she does and I can browse the town and find some adventures of my own.  Mostly like to go to antique stores and pawn shops in search of treasures. 
Probably be a few days before I post again but look in the obits if you don't read anything by the weekend.  Just kidding, I'll be fine.  She has lived 87 years as a maniac driver and the locals probably know her and stay out of her way. 

Making a list, checkin'

As the song goes..Judy is about to leave the building.  Or Kookie, Minoot, or gramoo depending on who may be viewing this post. Each name has a story behind it but I'll only bore you with one.
It will be fun to visit all those folks who have nicknamed me over the years.  Only one sad one, minoot was given to me by Sandi Burns who past away just about 2 weeks ago in Billings.  Sandi was a live of the party kind of gal and didn't let grass grow under her feet.  On the move all the time.  She would get impatient with me when I would reply, "just a minoot" when she wanted to get going.  I will miss that girl.
I'm practicing writing this on the laptop keyboard since I don't plan to take the other one with me.  It does take some getting use to.  The mouse is going with me, I dislike very much the pad for moving the arrow.  Maybe I'll practice that too as I travel. 
Talked to my friend in Show Low yesterday and she has a bridge party scheduled for Friday and a dinner party for Saturday night.  Vacation is starting on a very fun note. 
Asking for your prayers as I one eye it through Colorado, Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon.  My right eye works but only at half mast.  Trying to think of something funny to say about it but it just ain't funny. 
Good bye, good luck and may the good Lord take a liken to you until we meet again. 

Loafing and Loving it

This is going to sound crazy but joy is a good word on these hot, hot days.  There is no guilt in refusing an invitation, cancelling an appointment or loafing away the 12 hours I'm not sleeping. You're right, I don't sleep 12 hours but on a normal day I probably loaf for 3 or 4. 
Not sure why I'm blogging today except it falls under the category of loafing.  Exercising this morning gives me the excuse to do nothing the rest of the day.  Should I feel guilt because some of you reading this actually have work to do and children to care for.  No!  Someday you will be able to loaf and hopefully experience no guilt. 
Which thoughtfully reminds me that God rested on the 7th day after creating the universe.  Please, all my dear friends, take time to breath and enjoy rest after a hard days night.  You might even want to kill a little time reading my blogs.  It will give me encouragement to continue. 
When I leave on my vacation I plan to blog my travels.  If I can figure our how to post photos I will. Guess I already know how.  This is just one of the many beautiful places I will visit. 

Letters, phone calls and a warm touch

These are the things, on a 112 degree day, that find their way to the computer and maybe a reader or two.
Receiving a letter is a good thing.  If we give it some thought before ripping it open quickly hoping this is not an illusion, we remember when life was more calm.
For me, herding cows on the gravel road leading to town on Saturday for groceries.  Laying under the cottonwood tree waiting for the different species of cows to munch their way and thus disturb my day dreams.  My horse, Lucky, contented as I now rousts to action.  He and I turn them  around, ride to their next destination and begin our time of reflection all over again.  Lucky eats and I watch the clouds go by and make up stories of the characters I see artfully created by God.  Peace in abundance.
The 21st century has so many gadgets. It is amazing and mind boggling how it keeps us connected to people, places and things.  Most of it is totally unnecessary and a waste of time, unlike what I'm doing right now of course.
When a letter is received.  Please refer to sentence number 2 above.  The writer has taken time to think of just you to communicate his or her thoughts.
A phone call sends my heart soring because I hear the voice of someone I care about caring about me.  So many memories of being together come flooding back as I visualize the caller. 
A loving touch of a hand that wasn't planned or carried out because of feelings of obligation. 
Yes, I yearn for the days of yesteryears.  They won't return but I can keep them alive by writing a letter, making a phone call or touching a hand. 

Bad News

Two friends left to join the Lord within the last few days.  MaryAnn Rude (Swan) on June 7th and Sandi Weber (Burns).  Just read Sandi's orbit today via the internet and the Billings Gazette. 
How did it happen!  We were kids just yesterday.  We laughed and drove wildly around town "burning the point".  We snuck into bars and picked up boys and made out.  We had firm bodies and wide bright eyes and our whole world ahead of us.  Time, time and time; how fast it travels.  Those bucket lists that we started hearing about from Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman should never be for old people.  Young people, if you are reading this take heed.  Don't use your money to buy more stuff, use it to enjoy.  Put some in savings and support some of those less fortunate but take time for you and the ones you love.  It doesn't take a lot of money to go to the park, swimming in the lake and a game of catch or Frisbee.  You daddy, mommies, aunts and uncles can even have a tea party with the little ones.  Mostly though love God and each other as though it is the last day of the rest of your life. 

That's what friends are for

What a shock!  Judy, long time friend, called last evening with news that our mutual friend passed away at 8:00am June 7th.  I had spent the day cleaning as I remembered my sister-in-law, Lisha's birthday.  That's a whole other blog; Lisha taught me the virtues of cleaning.  I smiled and actually laughed out loud a couple of times.
That "good time feeling" left me suddenly when I heard the news that MaryAnn had died.  MaryAnn was diagnosed with cancer I think about 5 years ago.  At that time her husband, Denny was told it was fast growing and could take her is 4 years.  Because I know people who have been told that and have been in remission for 10, I didn't take that as the gospel.  MaryAnn lived in Bellingham, Washington so couldn't see her regularly.  I traveled to Bellingham 3 years ago and had a delightful time with her and Denny.  She had slowed down some but her fun personality and her good looks were very much intact.  Last year I met with MaryAnn, Denny, Judy and Don in Billings.  We went to dinner and had a great visit.  Again, she was tired but not what I would have thought to be life threatening.  Her diagnosis did come to pass and I lost a wonderful friend of 53 years.  I pray there will be joy at her funeral as people recall her loyalty and positive attitude in all things.
As the old saying goes, "the only thing certain in life is death and taxes"  None of us will live on this earth forever.  My prayer is that I take the time to recognize friends often and tell them how much they mean to me.   

Dizzy Dame

That title is coining an old, old name from the past.  My mom used it frequently when describing a buxom blonde having a bit more fun than she felt was necessary.  Fortunately she never saw her daughter in action back in the day.  Always best behavior when mom is present, right? 
Funny after reaching 71 I still vividly remember being my younger me.  Sometimes I feel ashamed of my behavior but other times, particularly since truly accepting our Lord Jesus, I'm grateful for the experience and wisdom it has given me.  My prayer now is that I will be able to give some guidance to young people.  They too will have to struggle with hard decisions but possibly they will remember how precious they are in God's sight and view their bodies as temples of beauty. 
Sometimes I guess I get a little too preachy.  Sometimes I think what I say is going to turn people off . Sometimes I know that I'm not going to live in this world forever.  Sometimes I wonder what the future holds.  "Sometime" can boggle our minds.  God never changes.  He is the same today, tomorrow and forever.  Believing that forces the "sometime" to vanish into the world and keeps us safe in his arms.  I found him. Amen.