In less than one week, I will be taking my healing foot on a new adventure. Next Monday I am going International. A friend of mine, Zee, and I are going to Turkey for two weeks and then on to Croatia for two more. It is time to travel.

Remember the Trojan Horse? Troy is on the itinerary. Ephesus, Istanbul, Cappadocia, all the names out of World History are going to come alive as we travel through Turkey. History will certainly come alive.

After the tour is complete, Zee and I will be moving on to Croatia. tour-free, although we did have help organizing our time. We are going to stay near the water, island-hopping, kayaking, sailing, and more. As I told Zee, no matter what we do, it will be amazing. When I have never seen a place, everything becomes interesting and the best place ever.

I always get the pre-travel jitters. I worry about everything imagined or real. This year it began with worrying about what type of suitcase I should take. Should it be small or large, soft or hard sided? What should I take? I worried so much I would stay awake at night. It is amazing what one’s mind can focus on instead of sleep.

Just as I had made a decision about the suitcase, the community page I am on for the Turkey tour, told us to travel light. Back I went to worrying about the darn suitcase again. When a good friend, Phyllis, loaned me her suitcase. I could breathe and feel good about my decision. Although it really was made by Phyllis.

Once the suitcase situation was resolved, on I went to all other matters real or imagined that my sweet brain could build up in the middle of the night. What camera should I take? What clothes should I take? Sunglasses, hat, shoes and on and on. What about this? What about that?

Once I am on the plane and on my way I am good but oh my, the getting there. When Jim, my husband was still here, he could calm me down. Burt now there is no one and I have free reign to imagine and fuss and worry. Oh my goodness I miss him at moments like this.

Each day I continue to move forward trying my best to love myself and find some joy in each day. And even if it is only for a short bit I find my way into nature where I am most content. Today I walked into Mission Trails Regional Park. There was rain during the early hours that left these beautiful clouds and blue sky behind.

How is my heel?, you may ask. A little over three months ago I had surgery to repair a bone spur and Achilles Tendon issue. I am doing well. Am I completely healed? No, yet I am getting there. This time I will take things to help me. Hiking Poles? Yes. Scar Cream? Yes. Compression Socks? Yes. I have worked hard to get to this point and I am proud of my determination, following what was outlined by my doctors, Physical Therapist, Acupuncturist, Chiropractor, Massage Therapist, ART Specialist and Myofascial Release Tech. Oh yes I have been busy healing. I am going on vacation from my regimen.

EmmyLou, my rig is going into storage on Friday. She is going to be put inside and watched and cared for. When I return they will have washed her and gotten her ready for summer travel. Ah, does that sound nice?

The countdown is on. Each day I have a list. If I allow it, my friends in San Diego help divert my attention and keep me on an even keel. Each day I take a deep breath, get ready, do a little yoga and take a walk. I am getting there.

Today I am thankful, for this crazy woman who is me. Today I am thankful for techniques to get me through my own craziness. Today I thankful for the opportunity to explore new places and be amazed.

Today I am Thankful.