Category Archives: Feeling Grateful

From Injury to Healing: A Step-by-Step Recovery Journey

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In 2020 I was diagnosed with Haglund’s Deformity. It is a bony growth at the insertion point of the Achilles tendon. I limped along with it for five years before giving up and having surgery performed on my left heel.

On January 22nd I had surgery on my left heel. I was in a cast for ten days and then moved to a boot with heel wedges in place. Each week I got to remove one wedge. And…..finally…..a week ago I became boot free. Hallelujah!

Doesn’t that boot look like something from Star Wars? I looked like a Storm Trooper from the knee down.

What have I been doing with my time

  • My rig EmmyLou has been having repairs done. I fixed the refrigerator door and its lock system. I have taken things apart and put them back together again. I have made new covers for the area under the captains chairs. She is getting spiffed up. Anything I can do sitting down is getting done.
  • I have a background in Holistic Health and Healing. I have a Masters in it. I believe that healing involves all modalities. Kaiser offered free rides to.appointments. I have had Acupuncture, Chiropractic and Active Release Technique done once a week. I got to visit with the drivers and see the world.
  • My Crochet Hooks have been busy. I love the creative process. I am very good at taking things out and trying again.
  • In situations like this all the streaming services on the TV helped pass the time. I caught up on Bridgerton, Surfing videos and more.
  • My friends came to visit and enjoy the healing atmosphere of my friend Drew’s home. They also took me out to breakfast and lunch.
  • There has been a jigsaw puzzle going since I have arrived here just before surgery.
  • When Drew wasn’t watching I got out in the yard and did some weeding.

Physical Therapy has begun. I have exercises to do each day. Up on the toes and down again. Lean forward and the come back to standing. Balance on one foot then try the other. Do some Yoga and go to the gym. I am busy.

I like going to Kaiser for my appointments. It gives me something new and different to do. And I have finally discovered what is on the sixth floor. I am driving so I am back in EmmyLou and driving myself to appointments.

I am walking some each day. When my heel becomes mildly swollen, I stop for the day. I put my foot up and allow myself some time off. And then its back to “feet on the ground” and ready to take the next step forward.

Time does go by no matter whether I am active or not. It has made me grateful that I am now back on both feet. It has made me thankful for the lack of pain in my left heel and calf. Whew I put up with that for five years. I could have been dancing. What was I thinking?!?

Now it is time for me to remember to take one step at a time. Just like many I will need to remind myself to take it easy and stop when needed. I guess I won’t be climbing any mountains or biking the distance any time soon.

It feels like it has been forever since this all started but in reality in has been six weeks. For someone who likes being on the move it has felt much longer. I keep reminding myself that I chose to have this done and I can do this.

I will continue to move forward, One Step at a Time.

Today I am thankful for two feet on the ground.

From Injury to Healing: A Step-by-Step Recovery Journey

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In 2020 I was diagnosed with Haglund’s Deformity. It is a bony growth at the insertion point of the Achilles tendon. I limped along with it for five years before giving up and having surgery performed on my left heel.

On January 22nd I had surgery on my left heel. I was in a cast for ten days and then moved to a boot with heel wedges in place. Each week I got to remove one wedge. And…..finally…..a week ago I became boot free. Hallelujah!

Doesn’t that boot look like something from Star Wars? I looked like a Storm Trooper from the knee down.

What have I been doing with my time

  • My rig EmmyLou has been having repairs done. I fixed the refrigerator door and its lock system. I have taken things apart and put them back together again. I have made new covers for the area under the captains chairs. She is getting spiffed up. Anything I can do sitting down is getting done.
  • I have a background in Holistic Health and Healing. I have a Masters in it. I believe that healing involves all modalities. Kaiser offered free rides to.appointments. I have had Acupuncture, Chiropractic and Active Release Technique done once a week. I got to visit with the drivers and see the world.
  • My Crochet Hooks have been busy. I love the creative process. I am very good at taking things out and trying again.
  • In situations like this all the streaming services on the TV helped pass the time. I caught up on Bridgerton, Surfing videos and more.
  • My friends came to visit and enjoy the healing atmosphere of my friend Drew’s home. They also took me out to breakfast and lunch.
  • There has been a jigsaw puzzle going since I have arrived here just before surgery.
  • When Drew wasn’t watching I got out in the yard and did some weeding.

Physical Therapy has begun. I have exercises to do each day. Up on the toes and down again. Lean forward and the come back to standing. Balance on one foot then try the other. Do some Yoga and go to the gym. I am busy.

I like going to Kaiser for my appointments. It gives me something new and different to do. And I have finally discovered what is on the sixth floor. I am driving so I am back in EmmyLou and driving myself to appointments.

I am walking some each day. When my heel becomes mildly swollen, I stop for the day. I put my foot up and allow myself some time off. And then its back to “feet on the ground” and ready to take the next step forward.

Time does go by no matter whether I am active or not. It has made me grateful that I am now back on both feet. It has made me thankful for the lack of pain in my left heel and calf. Whew I put up with that for five years. I could have been dancing. What was I thinking?!?

Now it is time for me to remember to take one step at a time. Just like many I will need to remind myself to take it easy and stop when needed. I guess I won’t be climbing any mountains or biking the distance any time soon.

It feels like it has been forever since this all started but in reality in has been six weeks. For someone who likes being on the move it has felt much longer. I keep reminding myself that I chose to have this done and I can do this.

I will continue to move forward, One Step at a Time.

Today I am thankful for two feet on the ground.

Latest Best Day Ever

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In 1903 the California poppy, Eschscholzia californica, became the official state flower of California. The California poppy is commonly seen blooming in the spring and summer. It flowers along country roads and freeways throughout much of the state. This makes the plant a highly recognizable symbol of California. April 6 of each year is officially designated as California Poppy Day.

I have been asked many questions since I began my full time RV Lifestyle. Where is your favorite place? Are you going back to….? When will you choose where to live? What has been your best day ever.

There are many Best Days Ever. They can big days or little days, big events or little events. Best days ever make my heart sing no matter the size or event.

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Last week I had my Latest Best Day Ever. A good friend of mine, Phyllis, and I decided to take a road trip. We drove four hours north to see the poppy fields in bloom at the Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve. We drove into the Poppy Preserve in the mid-afternoon on Wednesday.

As I was still in a boot, (post heel surgery) walking and hiking was limited. We walked out on a paved trail. It allowed us to see over the Antelope Valley and enjoy all those beautiful orange flowers. But wait…there were many other flowers as well that helped those California Poppies pop even more.

What flowers grow among the California Poppies?

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  • Goldfields: Yellow flowers that often carpet the fields alongside the poppies.
  • Owl Clover: Purplish-pink flowers.
  • Creme Cups: White, cup-shaped flowers.
  • Lupine: Ranging from dwarf to taller purple spikes.
  • Lacy Phacelia: Purple-blue flowers.
  • Coreopsis: Yellow sunflowers.
  • Red Stem Filaree: Small pink-purple flowers.

After spending the night in Lancaster, California we went back to the poppy fields the next morning. We never made it to the reserve. We discovered good dirt roads surrounded with poppy fields and many other kinds of flowers. We never resist a challenge. So, we took Phyllis’s Prius onto the dirt roads. We immersed ourselves in the flowers of the Antelope Valley.

I am a photographer so how could this post not include a video of my most current Best Day Ever. It is 7 minutes long. There is a slight pause between the first and second piece of music. Don’t leave too soon. And you can click on any photo in the blog and it will enlarge the photo. You can get more eye candy that way. Enjoy the Slideshow.

As most know I am a traveler and wanderer. I look for places outside. I look for wildlife to keep my camera busy. I have been stationary for almost six weeks. I have been getting itchy to move. I knew going into this heel surgery that the healing process is long. And I have been good giving myself the time to heal. I know that getting out was good for this wandering woman

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I love nature. It always has the ability to surprise me. I knew I would see poppies. I did not realize how absolutely charmed and enthralled I would be among the fields of blossoms. It was so wonderful to spend the day looking at flowers and a few birds. It was breathtakingly beautiful. It made me so happy. It made me decide that this was one of my Latest Best Day Ever.

And a big shout out to Phyllis. It is always so wonderful to have a friend who is willing to go along on a last minute adventure.

Today I am thankful for the big wide open outdoors. There is always something new to find and explore and be in awe over.

Today I am thankful.

Latest Best Day Ever

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In 1903 the California poppy, Eschscholzia californica, became the official state flower of California. The California poppy is commonly seen blooming in the spring and summer. It flowers along country roads and freeways throughout much of the state. This makes the plant a highly recognizable symbol of California. April 6 of each year is officially designated as California Poppy Day.

I have been asked many questions since I began my full time RV Lifestyle. Where is your favorite place? Are you going back to….? When will you choose where to live? What has been your best day ever.

There are many Best Days Ever. They can big days or little days, big events or little events. Best days ever make my heart sing no matter the size or event.

Last week I had my Latest Best Day Ever. A good friend of mine, Phyllis, and I decided to take a road trip. We drove four hours north to see the poppy fields in bloom at the Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve. We drove into the Poppy Preserve in the mid-afternoon on Wednesday.

As I was still in a boot, (post heel surgery) walking and hiking was limited. We walked out on a paved trail. It allowed us to see over the Antelope Valley and enjoy all those beautiful orange flowers. But wait…there were many other flowers as well that helped those California Poppies pop even more.

What flowers grow among the California Poppies?

  • Goldfields: Yellow flowers that often carpet the fields alongside the poppies.
  • Owl Clover: Purplish-pink flowers.
  • Creme Cups: White, cup-shaped flowers.
  • Lupine: Ranging from dwarf to taller purple spikes.
  • Lacy Phacelia: Purple-blue flowers.
  • Coreopsis: Yellow sunflowers.
  • Red Stem Filaree: Small pink-purple flowers.

After spending the night in Lancaster, California we went back to the poppy fields the next morning. We never made it to the reserve. We discovered good dirt roads surrounded with poppy fields and many other kinds of flowers. We never resist a challenge. So, we took Phyllis’s Prius onto the dirt roads. We immersed ourselves in the flowers of the Antelope Valley.

I am a photographer so how could this post not include a video of my most current Best Day Ever. It is 7 minutes long. There is a slight pause between the first and second piece of music. Don’t leave too soon. And you can click on any photo in the blog and it will enlarge the photo. You can get more eye candy that way. Enjoy the Slideshow.

As most know I am a traveler and wanderer. I look for places outside. I look for wildlife to keep my camera busy. I have been stationary for almost six weeks. I have been getting itchy to move. I knew going into this heel surgery that the healing process is long. And I have been good giving myself the time to heal. I know that getting out was good for this wandering woman

I love nature. It always has the ability to surprise me. I knew I would see poppies. I did not realize how absolutely charmed and enthralled I would be among the fields of blossoms. It was so wonderful to spend the day looking at flowers and a few birds. It was breathtakingly beautiful. It made me so happy. It made me decide that this was one of my Latest Best Day Ever.

And a big shout out to Phyllis. It is always so wonderful to have a friend who is willing to go along on a last minute adventure.

Today I am thankful for the big wide open outdoors. There is always something new to find and explore and be in awe over.

Today I am thankful.


Monks Walking for Peace: A Journey of Mindfulness

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I have been struggling with so many unsettling things occurring in my country and around the world. I worry and feel anger. I feel sad. I don’t understand the anger and negativity that has become so prevalent. My heart feels broken. There needs to be a kinder, gentler and more humane way of working with people. No one deserves to be treated as less than human.

In late October, I began to follow the Monks Walking for Peace and Mindfulness. It was a 120-day, 2300-mile journey by 19 Buddhist monks.They were accompanied by their loyal dog, Aloka, walking from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington D. C. to raise awareness of inner peace and mindfulness across America and the world.

I began to walk with them in my heart, mind and spirit. I have learned, I have grown and my heart has begun to open again. The anger is softer now. Being in the present moment is an experience I treasure and not one that I experience enough.

The Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center is the home temple. They started the Walk in Texas and returned here today. I am blessed to be there in spirit with all the people and monks.

When they started walking the roads were mostly empty except for nineteen walking monks and their support team. As it progressed east and north, people started showing up. They came to the roadsides to watch these monks walk for us and for all beings of the world. A few moments, a few kind word, prayers, blessings and lives are changed forever.

This walk was not without difficulty. Early on in the trip two of the monks were injured in a freak accident with a truck. One lost his leg. And still they kept walking. It snowed, it was cold. And still they kept on walking. Aloka, had to have veterinary surgery and left the walk for a short time. And still they kept walking.

They walked barefoot, in socks, in sneakers and sandals. They walked for me. They walked for you. They walked for the world.

And Still They Walked.

As I watched them walk, I felt like people who came to watch were waking up. They were remembering what is good in the world and what is good in themselves.They were remembering what is good in other people. Just a moment in time can change so much. And the numbers grew. And I remembered.

People started walking with them. They showed up for dharma talks, for meditation, for presence. By the time they reached Washington DC. thousands were walking with them. Thousands were listening, truly listening to their words. They woke up a presence in themselves.

Each day of the Walk, would start in my home with me checking their official Facebook page. I followed along. I attended some of the talks. I certainly attended the meditations. And Today just as it started I attended the returning ceremonies until everyone retired for lunch.

How does this experience make me feel. I feel a softness in my heart, the softness of letting my guard down and letting universal love in. I feel a measure of relief that there is good to be had out there in the world. I have cried with others and I have cried alone. It is not a cry of despair. It feels more like relief and love filtering in. My world and the world shines a bit brighter because nineteen monks walked for Peace and Love and Awareness.

Now I must remember and carry all these messages forward into my world, your world and the world of all sentient beings.

Today is Our Peaceful Day. Today is My Peaceful Day.

Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu.

Learning to Navigate My World One Foot at a Time

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One week ago I had surgery on my left heel. I am non-weight bearing for three more weeks. I have a good friends and a knee scooter to aid me in moving around on one leg.

I am learning that as I age events like surgery, are more difficult than when I was younger. What the heck, my good leg is complaining about the increased usage. My right hip is asking me what is going on. And my right foot is developing plantar fasciitis. Arrrgh!!!

Then my shoulders speak up and complain that they are sore. I am trying to use good body mechanics. It is not always easy to do when I are temporarily minus a leg.

What are the good parts of this healing journey?

  • I am staying with a friend, Drew in his beautiful home on a canyon. It is a very healing environment. It has a pool in the backyard and a gazebo that overlooks a canyon.
  • I have met some of the local Song Sparrows. Yes, those Birdy Boys keep showing up. I have also seen Crows, hawks, and Humming Birds
  • Drew has been kind giving me access to his home. When he is home he cooks for me. Usually we enjoy a meal a day together. Boy that is something I am not used to.
  • I have discovered more about my Health Care Plan. Did you know that Kaiser offers free ride service to doctors appointments? Well I sure did not know that. I do now.
  • My sisters have been good about calling and checking in. It helps me not feel too alone.
  • I am being forced to sit still. Something else I am not used to.
  • I love my audio-books from the library. I can sit in the back of the house and enjoy the beauty of nature and listen to great stories.
  • And…there are birds in the canyon. I now move around the house with my binoculars and camera. Yesterday I saw a hawk with a giant snake it it’s talons.
  • It is OK to take a nap.
  • When my friend, Phyllis drives me to my appointments I take her out to lunch. We are finding some unique places to eat. Today they even sat us in the private dining room as there was limited access to the restaurant. We were treated royally.
  • During this Healing Holiday i am planning a trip to Turkey and Croatia. It is good to have dreams.

Next Monday I have my first follow-up with my surgeon. The leg will be unwrapped and hopefully I will progress to a boot. Still no weight bearing for 2 more weeks. Sigh. January and February are going by slooooowwwwwly.

As a whole everything is going well. I have not sat this still in a long time. It is good to know it is doable. I am learning how to entertain myself in a whole new way.

Today I am thankful for my Healing World. I have quite the support team, friends, doctors, chiropractors, massage therapists, acupuncturist, myofascial release therapists.

Today I am Thankful.

Meet Woody and Rocky: A Cat and Dog’s Tale

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Meow, Meow. Woof, Woof. Janet is here!!!!

Hi we live in Salinas with our owner and friend Mandy. Who are we? Woody the Cat, Meow. Rocky the Dog. Woof.

Rocky the Dog here. A few weeks ago Janet showed up at our door. I was so excited to see her. She has been here before. I like Janet and it is fun to see her. She takes me for walks. We walk near and far. I get a chance to sniff and check all the many dog mailboxes in the neighborhood and beyond. It is fun to have her here.

I don’t know why Janet shows up. This time she showed up and Mandy disappeared. She said words like vacation and Australia. Mandy talked about Melbin (Melbourne). A few days after Janet arrived, Mandy left. Now, here we are, Woody, me, and Janet. I miss Mandy but Janet is fun and she is a good substitute for my person.

Janet plays with me. I get the “zoomies” and run around the dining room table and leap on and off the couch. It is so much fun. It ends with hugs and pets. I really like ripping around the house. I also like my treats, a lot. And food, I like food too.

A few days ago another person showed up. Janet calls her Zee or Mary. She was here for a few days. I liked having a second person here. I got more attention and love. And, now today, just like that she is gone. I don’t know where everyone goes. Mary said she wanted to take me with her. I have a new fan. That is what happens when one is cute and spunky. That’s me.

Janet is still here though. Hopefully, Mandy will come through the front door at some point in time. I will be so excited to see her. She is my person.

Oh, and tomorrow Janet says she is going to give me a shower. Well that is going to be fun. I am up for just about anything. I will end up smelling pretty and all my beautiful fur will be fluffy and clean. Yay.

Meow. Woody the Cat here. I know you have met me before. I am the cat with the grand tail. I live with Mandy and Rocky. I am an older kitty now. I spend a lot of my life under Mandy’s bed. It is quiet and safe and I can stay away from Rocky when he gets too rambunctious. He is just a young spunky thing.

I may spend a lot of time in my safe place. But, I do like to come out. I enjoy getting pets and treats. Usually I show up in the evenings when the sun has gone down. I like it when the humans are comfortable in their easy chairs. I can hang out with them. I get a lot of attention and pets.

Check Out My Grand Tail.

I am allowed to be on the dining room table. Why? Rocky chases me and likes to jump on top of me. I can only handle his play for so long. Then I need a safe spot to view the living room world. So the living room table is my spot.

I have found my way to Janet’s bedroom. I like sleeping with humans at night. I share the bed with Rocky and Janet. We all like to hang out together at night. It is fun to have sleep buddies. I am always nearby for pets and hugs.

So here we are. Janet, Woody and Rocky. Janet is pet-sitter extraordinaire. She also does a good job with the house and yard. She keeps all things running. When Mandy returns, everything is in order. Mandy can pick up on her life with Rocky and Woody.

Today we are thankful for Janet coming to take care of us. Today we are thankful for food, fun, loves, pets and “zoomies”.

Today we are Thankful.
Meow, Meow. Woof, Woof.

Exploring the Hidden Gems of California’s Central Coast

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A woman who I worked with posts photos on Facebook. She occasionally asks readers to guess where her office is that day. Maybe I should do something similar and ask my followers where I am today.

A little over a week ago I left San Diego and drove north. I camped along the way. I enjoyed a night at Lake Cachuma, near Santa Barbara. My husband, Jim, liked to say God Bless You any time I said the lake’s name.

After spending the afternoon and evening I continued north to Pismo Beach. This is such a lovely little town on the Pacific Coast. Pismo Beach is a classic beach town and is located about half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco. It is known for its wide white sand beaches, the boardwalk, a monarch butterfly grove and cinnamon rolls.

I set up camp at the State Beach. Then, I walked out to the ocean to watch the birds, people, and sunset. I like this little town. It is often on my radar when I am moving north or south along the Pacific Coast.

For the next month I am in Salinas, California. I know you have met Woody the cat in earlier blogs. I am house sitting for him and his companion, Rocky the dog. I am getting my animal fix. I will be here for the next month while their owner travels “Down Under.”

Woody
Rocky

I always look forward to coming here. Why? The Elkhorn Slough is about 20 minutes from the house. My kayak is excited to put in to one of my favorite places. Migration season is here and that means I will see all kinds of shore birds, ducks, pelicans and more. Sea Otters are plentiful. I adore those creatures that look so gentle but can be quite aggressive. And who knows what else will show up on my explorations of the slough.

Monterey and Carmel are close to Salinas as well. There are great cycling trails. I can bike from Monterey to Pacific Grove and beyond. There is the 17-Mile Drive to explore too. The Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row are also near by. I like taking advantage of what is close by when I stay somewhere.

I have one friend coming to visit. I am not sure if she is coming to visit me. She might be visiting because she also wants to get out on the Slough. It will be good to have someone to paddle with and share Wow experiences.

Otter in the Elkhorn Slough

If you can time it right, you are more than welcome to visit. I know my friends Pat and Sandy have been here to kayak the Slough with me and they are always welcome to return for another visit.

After a month in Monterey County I will be heading south once again to have another type of adventure. Stay Tuned.

Today I am thankful for so many things. I am so thankful that I discovered the RV lifestyle. Buying an RV opened up a whole new world to me. I am so thankful for all the friends I have made. I am thankful that these friends trust me with their homes and their animals. I am thankful that they want to come and visit and explore with me wherever I am.

Today I am Thankful.

Finding Closure: A Return to Santee Lakes

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Miss Elsie the Cat

Yesterday afternoon, I arrived at Santee Lakes for a three-night stay. I need to stay in the San Diego area until the end of the month (dental stuff), and then I will be venturing north for the spring and summer.

This is the first time I have returned to this campground since my sweet Elsie the Cat disappeared here five years ago. One of the hard things about being sensitive to so much in my life is that I grieve for my losses deeply. And, to top it all off, I still have not forgiven myself for not noticing the side door to my rig was just a little open that evening. Maybe it had nothing to do with being a good pet owner, but I keep seeing myself as just that, not a good pet owner.

Here are links to the previous posts about Miss El when she went “on walkabout.” Clicking on the title will take you to the post on my blog.
Elsie Has Gone On Walkabout-Elsie is Missing
An Elsie Update
Learning to be Alone

Santee Lakes

I finally decided to buck up and return to this lovely campground. Since I only needed somewhere for three nights, I figured I could endure the stay.

I sniffled my way to the registration office and reminded myself why I like camping here. Santee Lakes is the oldest water reclamation project in California. The 190‐acre Park has seven beautiful recycled lakes. It is stocked with fish and is also a wildlife preserve. It is home to all kinds of birds, including waterfowl, shorebirds, and other types of wildlife. Years ago, I walked through this park and found a golden eagle feasting on a not-so-lucky duck.

When I arrived at the registration desk, I was reminded why I like camping here. The staff remembered me and Elsie the Cat. The woman who checked me in came around the counter and hugged me. It made me feel loved and honored. I knew they had been looking for that little kitty, too. It felt like being welcomed home.

I am camped next to one of the lakes. I woke to find all kinds of ducks hanging out behind my rig: Shovelers, Cinnamon Teals (one of my favorite birds), Coots, Ruddy Ducks, and Wood Ducks, to name a few. A pair of Western Bluebirds arrived as I ate breakfast outside. And now I hear a Kingfisher.

Cinnamon Teals
Dove
Female C. Teal
Shoveler
Wood Duck
Ruddy Duck

I have to work on self-forgiveness. For five years, I blamed the loss of Elsie on the fact that I was not a good pet owner. Deep inside, I know I am not a bad pet owner. These things sometimes happen. Will I be more attentive to checking the doors at night? Yes! Can I begin to think of inviting another kitty into my life again? Yes, well maybe. Not yet. First, I have to work on self-forgiveness.

Aren’t we always the hardest on ourselves? I have recognized that with so much throughout my whole life. Why I do that to myself is beyond me, most of the time. Part of the issue with Elsie is that she was Jim’s cat. Losing anything that was part of our life together has so many issues wrapped around it. I am still working through all this over twelve years later and probably for the rest of my life.

Am I finally glad I returned here? Yes. The welcome at the desk was enough. Waking up on the water and seeing all the birds helped my soul, and the camera came out. Will I return again? Maybe. It is kind of warm here today. I have gotten used to the constant ocean breezes. I am not sure I am willing to give that up.

Today, I am thankful I have returned. I am grateful for recognizing the importance of returning to the Lakes and allowing myself forgiveness and growth. I would like to think I can let this go so I can grow and become more human, forgiving, and whole.

Today, I am thankful.

Kauai and Oahu: A Traveler’s Paradise

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It is incredible how quickly a month can go by. I left Oahu for Kauai on February 1. Where did the time go?

I have seen big waves and surfers. Beach walking was a favorite activity for me. I frequently walked to the beach and then the half mile to Banzai Pipeline. It is interesting to think that it is smooth and glassy where the swells are now during the summer months. What? How can that be?

I really enjoyed my month on Oahu. I had a lovely apartment to stay in. I liked sitting on the porch and feeling the warm Hawaiian trade winds blow through. The rains went from soft, gentle female rains to raging, windy, male downpours. I saw the results of the flooding of the falls of the Waimea River that tore through the sandy beach, creating small, perfect swells that the surfers enjoyed.

And then there were the perfect sunny, blue-sky days with the soft Hawaiian trade winds keeping the temperatures cool. It was as close to perfect as was possible.

I have snorkeled, hiked, and even taken a boat tour to swim with dolphins. And oh, has that camera been busy.

The waves were twenty to twenty-five feet high the first weekend I was on Oahu. Only the bravest of surfers will tackle these waves. By the time the surfer reaches the foot of the wave face, they may be going upwards of 35 mph. Whoa! It is hard to imagine going that fast on a small board. How do you keep your balance? How do you breathe? How does it feel to have that body of water racing behind you? What happens when the wave wins? I will never know. Yet I will seek those waves out because they fascinate me.

Backdoor Shootout Surf Competition

I arrived as the Backdoor Shootout Surf competition was going on. I left the North Shore as the Lexus Pipe-Pro championships were beginning. I enjoyed the spectator part of this sport. I had no idea many people like me enjoyed watching the surfers and cheering them on.

Spending a month in one place has allowed me to relax my pace and not feel like I have to do everything all at once. If it was a rainy day, I could stay home. If I got tired, I could nap. Well, heck, I can do that any time, but I don’t when I am out traveling in Emmylou. I am a girl on the go.

Walking the Beach to the Point, Oahu.

My friend Tina joined me at the end of my time on Oahu. After a month on my own, it was good to have company. Since I had spent a month there, I got to show her some of my favorite spots and explore other places she knew of. I still believe that adventuring on my own is fun. Adventuring with someone else is even better.

Kauai the Magic Isle

Tina continued on to Kauai with me. After five days she left yesterday, and my friend Mary arrives late today. I still have a friend to adventure with and explore. In the meantime, I am snorkeling, enjoying sunsets, and relaxing on the beaches of Kauai. This is a magical isle.

Sometimes the choices I make are OK. Sometimes the choices I make are listed under “The Best Things I Ever Did”. Traveling for a winter to Hawaii is in the later catagory. And I am not even done yet. I still have the Big Island to explore.

Adventure On.