I Made It

I waited almost too late, but I made it.

It was beginning to get dark and it's been drizzling and raining most of the day.

The vines and underbrush had grown up and it was a bit difficult to recognize the exact spot. Fortunately, the grass at the edge of the road had been mown so I didn't have to deal with that.

But, with a little searching, there it was - the little white cross I nailed to the tree on the first anniversary.

It's been four years.

How do I feel? A bit frustrated with myself for waiting so late in the day. A little bit lonely (revisiting those places and memories has that affect on me). A little like there's something missing.

Although love has once again become a part of my life, and I know that someone else very special cares for me, she is not forgotten.

Once again:

In Memoriam... Donna Dickson, December 18, 1961- October 1, 2008

Treading an older path

The last day of September, 2012. Also, a few days into my vacation.

For many years Donna and I would travel to Virginia for our fall vacation. In fact, since her death, I have continued going, usually in October -- it's such a wonderful time of year for that part of the country with the fall leaves. In planning my vacation this year, I had actually anticipated going up.

It was also pertinent that tomorrow marks the 4 year anniversary of her death.

However, for several reasons, I had chosen to stay home this year. (Perhaps tomorrow I will visit the accident site.)

Now, with the decision to stay home comes the decision of where to attend church. In my mind, the first choices were between First Baptist Church of Toccoa, GA, a people who had graciously welcomed us during some difficult days, and Hill Street Baptist Church, also in Toccoa, another people who had welcomed us and allowed me to serve with them on a part-time basis with them during that same period.

I also was considering a brief run to some mountains after church since there was to be no Virginia in my fall. However, to attend church in Toccoa and then run to the mountains meant leaving Abby at home...

Then, another solution occurred to me. I could attend the contemporary worship service here in Lavonia at the First Baptist Church. That would allow me to return home after the service, change clothes, get Abby, and had to the mountains. Besides I could see how a contemporary services was done -- research.

As this morning approached, the choices waged war in my mind -- what would I do?

As I got into the car, cranked the engines, and pulled out of the driveway, I made my choice...I would tread an older path. I decided to attend Hill Street.

I arrived a couple of minutes late and slipped into the back pew. Unfortunately, it is a smaller church and with the pastor (interestingly, that came up as 'predator' in this swipe entry method) at the front, it was not possible to arrive unnoticed. With the regular music leader out, I was even asked to lead the next hymn.

After the service it was good to be greeted by many familiar folks and to spend some time talking with long-time pastor, Paul Garrison.

Now, what about the mountains? Another choice...

I drove from the parking lot so that I could head in the direction of the North Georgia mountains, but as I arrived as the decision intersection, I turned right toward South Carolina. As I headed toward Westminster, I wasn't sure I would see mountains, but I knew it would involve taking a newer path. It was refreshing. It didn't take long and I was able to return home to Abby and some lunch sooner. No mountains, but a senior adult trip in a few weeks (maybe even a jaunt with Jani) will take care of that.

All in all, it's been a good day. I've taken a new path and an old path.

Blessings,
Richard

New Experiences

Well, the second day off my vacation (actually, yesterday was my usual day off).

Today, besides resting and taking - and playing games on my tablet - I had a couple of new experiences.

1. I cooked cornbread. Now mind you that I'm not fond of that stuff people usually call cornbread, that cake like substance. No, this is honest to goodness cornbread like my mother makes. A simple concoction of cornmeal, flour, and water dropped down in hot grease or oil and fried in little things that resemble pancakes. I admit they weren't the greatest, but they were pretty good for my first ones.

2. I steamed my floor. I admit that living alone I don't worry too much about my floors, but the kitchen and bathroom floors were needing some definite attention. So, today, I cleared most of those floors, then swept them. Afterwards, I pulled out and assembled the steam floor mop I bought yesterday. It was kind of cool. It still required some labor, but the clean up afterwards was not too bad.

In addition to my two brand new experiences, I have also washed the bed sheets.

Finally, in the category of new experiences, I am working on using this finger slide method of typing on my tablet. Since the keyboard is very much slower than a traditional computer keyboard, it is a much faster way to type. The proof is in this blog post. I am currently using the blogger app to do this post, and I can assure you that it would have been much more difficult to type this much by one- finger presses on the little pop-up keyboard.

Well, I need to get the sheets back on the beds, the stuff back onto the kitchen and bathrooms, and see what other 'work' I need to do on this 2nd day of vacation so I can continue to enjoy my rest and relaxation.

Blessings!
Richard

Vacation 2012

OK, I am officially on vacation.

Now, I am torn. One part of me wants to take this time to just relax and refresh.

Another part of me wants to get some of those many things that I've either haven't had time for or have just been putting off until later.

Hopefully, in the best interest of all (of me, that is), I will be able to do some of both.

Note that blogging has been one of the things that has been neglected.

Well, to accomplish either of my goals I'll need to get some rest, so I better close for now and prepare for bed.

Goodnight and blessings to you!