Tag Archives: Friends

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.

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.

Hawaii Adventure: My Exciting Travel Plans

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I have hinted at big plans a few times in my past posts. I hesitated to mention them because so many of my plans this past year have changed, and I decided to wait and see if these plans would change, too.

I am Hawaii Bound.

I love big waves, and I love to watch surfers on big waves. I just love big waves. I decided to see big waves before they were too physically demanding for me to get to.

Hawaii, Here I Come.

So far, my plans have remained steady. Now that January 2nd is approaching quickly, I decided to finally inform my readers of my plans.

I leave on January 2 to spend a month on the north shore of Oahu. I will be within a short distance of the beaches and big waves. And if you are wondering what I will do, I will watch big waves and take photos of them. There is also a nature reserve near where I am staying, so birdwatching will also be on the list. I plan to explore this island as I have spent little time here.

A friend, Tina, will join me at the end of January. After a few days on Oahu, on February 1 we will travel to Kauai. Kauia has always been a charming and adventurous island. I love the vibes of this island and always feel welcomed when I spend time exploring there. I will be there for two weeks. Tina will be there for the first week. When she leaves, another friend of mine, Zee, will join me for the rest of my stay on Kauai.

And lastly we will explore the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. Zee will be with me for most of this visit. There is always so much to see and do on this island. Snorkeling, hiking, and visiting Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, which has been erupting again recently. I have chosen some interesting and unique places to stay on this island and I am looking forward to each one.

I enjoy traveling alone but having friends join me makes this adventure even more enjoyable. The last few days of my trip I will visit with a good friend who lives in Kona and then all of a sudden it will be March and I will be heading to the mainland. Where did the time go?

Hawaii
Kauai

I don’t like to make plans, and it is hard for me to do so. This trip required a lot of planning. It was a bit overwhelming when I started putting it together, but once I made my housing reservations, each piece of the trip slipped into place. Yet, oh my goodness, it was a lot of work for a non-planner. It was stressful and caused me to lose some sleep. I am ready to go. Well, almost, I am packing.

On the last day of December, EmmyLou goes into storage for two months. This will be the longest I will have left her since 2019. She is getting spiffed up and ready to go indoors. Once a month, she will be plugged in for 24 hours, and her generator will run for an hour. I know I am paying for this service, but she will be ready for me when I return. And….if I give them 24 hours’ notice, they will wash and detail her before I pick her up. What more could I ask for?

I am off on a new adventure. I am excited, nervous and a wee bit apprehensive. The bottom line is, I am going. Once the rig goes into storage I can breathe another sigh of relief. And after two nights with good friends in San Diego celebrating the New Year, I will be on my way.

Aloha!

Finding Joy in Small Successes

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There are moments in my life when I take great pride in my accomplishments and moments when I find joy in this continuing journey. I like feeling proud and accomplished for a job well done. It is good to stretch my knowledge and experience and know I can do more and be more. Feeling accomplished leads to feeling joyful. I attempt to look for those moments, large or small, that offer me the feeling of joy.

I have had a slow leak in the rear tire of my road bike. To deal with it, I pumped it up at the beginning of a ride and hoped it would still be OK after fifteen miles. I have been doing this for a while, and it has worked. Two days ago, I was out riding the Bay, and the tire was too soft after ten miles. Finally, I had to address this situation.

My Bike Feeling Picturesque

Before Jim died, I would have gone to him, and he would fix anything with my bike or car. If I had a flat while cycling, all it took was one phone call, and Jim would arrive to rescue me. Now, I have to think about calling Lyft or fixing that tire on the fly. That sounds easy, but changing a tire, especially a rear one, requires time, patience, and muscle.

Yesterday, I decided to change the tube on that tire. I did not have all the necessary tools; where did that bike tool set go? With the help of one tire tool and a few kitchen tools (the mother of invention), I successfully changed the inner tube and was up for a 15-mile ride around the bay.

Pride, oh yes, I feel proud. Whenever I tackle something independently and succeed, I feel proud of myself. I also know that the correct tools will be present next time, making it easier for me to accomplish this task. This is good pride. This is joy.

Joy has been on my mind often lately. I have been considering what gives me joy every day. What are the little things that make me smile each day? Yesterday, successfully changing that tire was a moment of joy at a well-done task. Pride and Joy.

Yesterday, I was at Starbucks, and one of the baristas came by to give me a free sample of Christmas coffee and bread. It made me smile and feel special. Joy at work.

What has brought me joy as I traveled over the past spring and summer? Friends, oh yes, Friends. My life would be so lonely without the love and support of new and long-time friends. I met people on Vancouver Island this summer who have invited me back to visit and live with them. How cool is that? I have people who have embraced me and made me feel treasured and valued. They have invited me into their homes and driveways, making me feel unique and loved. That is definitely Joy.

Unlimited joy, large and small, has come in the form of a little brown bird, Birdie Boy. When I think of my time in the Northwest, I immediately think of Whidbey Island, Jim and Sandy, Robyn and Tom. They think I am wonderful, and the feeling is mutual.

Mostly, I think of Birdie Boy.

How can a little brown song sparrow infuse me with such joy? How can Birdie Boy still remember me two years later? How can he express such joy at seeing me again? He leads his own life, yet I show up, and his and my world stop. We met on the deck in the spring of this year. He sat atop my computer screen and chitted at me non-stop. We had a lot to catch up on. My heart expands with great and small joy when I think of all my encounters with him. Who knew this little brown bird would be so crucial in my healing from the loss of Jim twelve years ago

I love my camera. I love being out in the wild, taking photos of birds, animals, and just about anything. Nature always cheers me up. My photos can bring me such joy. I love looking through my pictures and picking out my favorite of the day.

Socks…New socks! A few days ago I bought 3 pair of new socks. I love putting them on. I love their colors. Their softness is delightful. New soft cushy socks equals joy.

I must note those moments of accomplishment and joy in my life. When things look a little dark or sad, I find that if I can recall one moment of pleasure in the day I am in or from the past, my mood lightens, and things don’t look as bad. Finding joy, no matter how small, reminds me of life’s magic. It helps me take another step forward and often reminds me that I am not alone.

What are your small or significant moments of joy?

What have you accomplished that has made you feel joyful and proud? Please share in the comments. I would enjoy seeing them in print.

Today, I am Thankful. I am grateful for my friends. I am thankful for the little and big moments of success in a job well done. I am thankful for any wee moments of joy in my life.

Today, I am Thankful.

Personal Growth and Gratitude: Reflecting on My Volunteer Experience

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I am beginning my third week of volunteering at Washington State Parks, and my last day is Monday.

It has been an interesting two-plus weeks. I have met many people, Americans, Canadians, Belgians, and others from all over the Americas, Europe, and the Asian Continent. I have enjoyed these moments in time and have had many delightful conversations about their visit to the park, their homes, jobs and joy of being out doors.

I am also exhausted physically and maybe a bit emotionally. I feel like I am peopled out. I work about four hours a day, and by the end of the four hours, I return to my rig, stare at the computer screen, and do nothing.

I am a member of the Sisterhood of Widows Facebook page. It is a private group that is for women who have lost their partners. When I chose to help my friend Tina through the loss of her husband, I was introduced to this group. Below is a recent post that made me stop in my tracks. It struck a strong chord of truth for me.

“Trauma survivors often get in the habit of spending a lot of time alone because alone is Safe—relatively anyway. Alone is controllable. We understand alone. We don’t have to stress about alone. 

People are unpredictable. When we are alone, there is less risk to manage.”

Since my husband’s death, I have spent most of my time alone. I travel to the wild outback countries of the United States, Canada, and more by myself. Since my cat Elsie disappeared in 2019, I have traveled alone. I spend much of my days and evenings by myself, and I am comfortable.

I enjoy rich conversations with people, friends, and strangers in small and intimate doses, and then I return to being alone again. Sometimes, I meet up with friends and camp for several days. I love the company and conversation. Even in these group situations, I have time alone to recover the silence that has been such a part of my life since Jim’s death.

Over the past few years, I have recognized that for my mental health, it is time to enter the world of people. Part of the reason I took this volunteer position was to be more involved in the world of people. When this position appeared, knowing it was a limited-time position, I decided this was a good way to try out the world of people again.

I am sure I will learn many things from this three-week volunteer position. I have learned that I need to manage my dose of people. Being around people for four or more hours a day consistently, day after day, is a bit too much for me. It has physically and emotionally worn me out. I think I will decrease the dose of people after the following Monday.

Don’t get me wrong—I love socializing and having intimate small-group contact. However, the daily dose of humans is a bit too much. It takes a lot of energy to be “on” so frequently. I knew this when I worked as a tour manager, yet I think I have forgotten it, or it has faded into the background of my life.

I will continue to reach out more often to others as I continue this life journey. Hopefully, I can manage to find a good balance between being together with others and spending time alone.

Today, I am thankful for the continuing opportunities for personal growth and meeting so many delightful people in these beautiful state parks in Washington State. I am grateful for my family and friends, who have supported me through the interesting times since Jim’s death. I am grateful for their unconditional love and support. That alone helps me to reach out from my comfort zone.

Today, I am thankful.

A Journey of Unforeseen Changes and New Beginnings in 2024

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In the Spring of this year, 2024, I announced I was going to Alaska. I was ready to go. I was traveling with two fellow Roadtrekers, Gregg and Bruce. I was finally going to achieve a dream I had since I bought EmmyLou (my RV) in 2013. Alaska Bound.

I was ready to go. First, I planned to visit friends in Oregon and Washington, and then drive east to meet up with my travel companions in Banff National Park.

The trick is not in the planning but in seeing it through and making it happen. Unfortunately for me, I had some medical issues to deal with, and it did not make sense to follow through at this time. Yes I was disappointed.

My plans changed, and they continue to change as spring has moved into summer. I don’t mind creating my travels on the fly, yet I have not been comfortable truly not knowing what is next.

And I have been waiting. Are the medical issues under control. Do I have to visit one more Kaiser? I currently have guest memberships in all the West Coast Kaiser facilities. What? How did that happen? Oh, life can change, just like that.

I am doing well and have plans, knowing they can change. After visiting with my Oregon and Washington friends, I have been on Vancouver Island, BC, since early July. I decided I needed to make a plan so I didn’t spend my whole summer waiting.

I am attending a 5-day workshop on Cortes Island on the Salish Sea. Hollyhock is a retreat and learning center on the island. I have known about it for a long time and have always wanted to attend a workshop there. It is good to look forward to something.

I will explore Cortes Island by land and sea while taking good care of myself, eating well, and attending yoga classes. Someone pointed out that I decided on a workshop looking outwards instead of inwards. I believe there is some profound truth in that statement.

I have spent the last four days in and around Victoria on the island’s southernmost tip. I visited Bouchart Gardens, saw a Maori performing group, attended Pride weekend, biked the paths, and even got my kayak on the water. It was a very diversified four days.

One of the best parts of my time was staying with the same Boondockers Welcome Hosts I stayed with when I explored this island in 2018. Ann and Ian are a delightful couple. They live in a little bit of paradise north of the city. They welcomed me with arms wide open. Our friendship deepened. It was delightful to spend time with them. We found we had a lot in common. Absolutely delightful.

Yesterday, I moved north to Qualicum Beach on the eastern shore of the Island. I have friends I am going to visit here as well. Cathy and David I met through Boondockers Welcome in 2018. Tonight, however, I am camped on the coast of the Salish Sea and tomorrow I will explore this area while doing my laundry. One can travel all they want but there are still chores to be done.

My Sunset View for the Next Three Nights.

Where to next? I have plans. They could change so you will have to stay tuned along with me to see where I head after my time at Hollyhock. Plans are out there but it appears that waiting is still part of my summer and I won’t reveal them until I know I am moving forward.

Stay tuned. When I know I will let you know. It is just that kind of summer.

Today I am thankful for my health. Today I am thankful I am up and traveling and exploring, inward and outward. Today I am thankful for these beautiful places I am seeing. Today I am thankful for friends who greet me with arms wide open.

Today I am Thankful

Cross-Border Kindness: My RV Journey Discovery

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Kindness” is a type of behavior marked by acts of generosity, consideration, rendering assistance, or concern for others, without expecting praise or reward in return.”

Spending time with friends is essential to me. Friends can be people I know or meet along my journey with EmmyLou (my RV) and people already in my life.

Recently, I spent time with a friend, and we talked about the kindness of people. She stated that people in Canada were kinder than in the United States. I believe that kindness crosses borders without thought of the country.

I believe that people are inherently kind. When I have needed help, invariably, someone has come to my aid. I have had help from strangers, fellow RV’ers, and from friends. I have never felt alone and helpless because someone has always offered me help, a place to stay, a shower, company, sometimes a voice at the other end of the phone, and so much more.

I know there is always an example that can show how people are kind or unkind, helpful or unhelpful. Yet, I believe most people worldwide are inherently kind and want to help and befriend others in their time of need.

Early on this RV journey, just as I went full time, I made a stupid mistake and drove when I was tired. I drove over a boulder in a Box Store Parking lot, and when I backed off, I pulled my front fender off. I do not handle this kind of situation well. Thanks to my good Roadside Assistance plan, they could send a mechanic to help. While this person was arriving, a couple in a BIG RV came over, and with everyone’s assistance, the bumper was secured to the rig. The next step was to get it fixed. Enter a stranger with a Roadtrek (the RV brand). When she found out where I needed to go to get the front end fixed (her hometown), she offered me a place to stay for the week and picked me up from the dealership. Mary and I have become strong and good friends since then. 

Not all my experiences have been that dramatic, but time and again, I have encountered the kindness of strangers and friends. We might not share similar beliefs or ways of life, but we all share the willingness to help, offer compassion, and be kind.

Kindness does not come without some preparation in one’s life. As I was researching for this post, I found the information below, and it made me pause and think about how I can learn to be kind and encourage others to be kind.

“How to Be Kind: 6 Ways to Be Kind”

Written by MasterClass

“Focusing on kindness can help make you a better person, encouraging you to be more generous and patient with the people around you. Here are a few tips for how to be kind in your life.

Give others the benefit of the doubt. Judging people and situations prematurely without having all the facts is easy. Remember that other people can go through difficult times just like you. If someone mistreats you or ignores you, there may be a hard battle in their life that’s making it more difficult to be kind, whether it’s a mental health challenge or a bad day. Be kind by giving them the benefit of the doubt rather than jumping to conclusions and getting upset.” Oooh, this is an essential thing for me to remember.

“Identify your biases. Sometimes, you may have unconscious obstacles to your empathy that prevent you from practicing unbiased, true kindness. Think about the small decisions you make and whether you may have prejudices. Consider taking an unconscious bias course to learn how to overcome these biases so you can be kind to everyone—regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, ability, or other characteristics. 

Practice gratitude. Kindness can stem from the feeling that you have enough of what you need—tangible items (like food or income) or intangible things (like respect or love). To help yourself become a kinder person, regularly practice gratitude to remind yourself of all the good stuff you have.” And this leads to Self-Compassion.

 “Start with self-compassion. Being kind to everyone in your life includes being kind to yourself. Remember to prioritize your physical and emotional well-being and employ the same kindness techniques on yourself for friends, family members, loved ones, and others. Your self-care tactics may include complimenting yourself to boost your self-esteem, treating yourself to an activity you enjoy, or encouraging yourself to take time each day to relax and unwind. 

Think about how others want to feel. The “golden rule”—you should treat others the way you want others to treat you—is a great place to start when performing kind acts. However, a valuable variation can help increase the effectiveness: think about what others ask for and treat them the way they want. Everyone has different preferences and love languages, and sometimes, what they wish to differ from what you would like in the same situation. To spread kindness, make a conscious decision to meet their needs. For example, if you know your partner prefers acts of service over gifts, try to perform a small service (like offering to clean up) rather than giving presents, even if you prefer to receive gifts.

Try random acts of kindness. Random acts of kindness are the good deeds you do without prompting or expecting something in return. These can be simple acts that help people in small ways. For example, you may let a stranger ahead of you in the grocery store checkout, pay for someone’s cup of coffee, bake brownies for a struggling friend, reach out to someone who seems lonely, or send a kind note to your coworker’s inbox. Small acts of kindness are a simple way to remind others they deserve love, and they can encourage others to do the same for the people around them, generating a far-reaching positive impact.”

Whenever I experience kindness from people, I want to put myself out more for others. Maybe that is the benefit of empathy and compassion. We experience it, which encourages us to reach out to others and learn more about compassionate understanding.

Today, I am thankful for all those moments of kindness and support from others. Today, I am grateful for this cross-border experience. Today, I am thankful to allow contemplation on such a rich, deep topic.

Today I am thankful.

Exploring Washington State: Nature, Friends, Growth and Adventure

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I have been traveling in Washington state since the end of May. It is still chilly here. The sun is now out more than it rains and the daylight hours are extensive. Sunset is close to 10 pm.

Friends

I have been in the country, on the lower end of the Olympic Peninsula, and in Seattle. Wild things draw me to the wild places. Friends draw me to the city. Once I am in the city, I discover there are delightfully wild places to keep this nature-loving lady happy. I am happy to visit with good friends, and I am happy to launch my kayak or take a bike ride and discover the wildness within the city boundaries.

This year, I have decided to visit places I have never been before. I took a ferry to the lovely island of Guemes. This is a residential island except for vacation rentals, artists’ studios, the Guemes Island General Store, and the Ferry.

I camped in a field. My neighbor was a beautiful paint horse, a few deer, and, of course, birds. I walked, biked, and visited this little island. I found a community labyrinth among the pines, attended the Strawberry Ice Cream Social, and stopped at the General Store.

Hanging on the wall of the general store was a poster, “How to Build Community.” I stopped and read it.

Loneliness is something I contend with at times, living this lifestyle. I love visiting with my friends and chatting with new people, yet much of my life is spent alone.

Reading this poster challenged me to pick one topic and attempt to include it in my day, every day.

I particularly like the statement “look up.” Like many of us, I look down at my phone often, more often than I should, more often than I think is healthy. Today, as I was returning from a hike, I saw a lovely young woman walking on the beach. I looked up and said hello. We spoke for a few moments and shared the treasures we had found. And just like that, my day became richer for this brief encounter.

One positive experience makes me willing to try something else on this list. Which one are you willing to try?

Today I am thankful for my sense of adventure. Today I am thankful for posters that catch my eye and just like that, help me to grow. Today I am thankful.

The Power of True Friendship

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As people, we all want to know that we are cared about by someone, family, friends, co-workers, and even strangers. It is what keeps me going when things are not going well. It is good to know someone cares about me and has my back.

This has become even more important since Jim (my husband) died over 11 years ago; when my life was thrown into total upheaval and turmoil, it was good to know that my friends, family, and strangers cared about me. It wasn’t that they asked how I was doing. That is such a loaded question. They included me in dinners and activities, usually one-on-one. We played games on the back deck. We went to dinner and the movies. We took walks on the beach or in the hills. We would take my RV to the bay and have dinner.

After moving into my RV, EmmyLou, I met many lovely and wonderful people. I have friends, not just acquaintances, all over this big North American Continent. We meet up and visit in the mountains, deserts, and the west coast. We catch up and strengthen our friendship bond. Some of us have been on overseas adventures together.

Lately, my friends have been reminding me how well they know me. It feels good to know that they think of me in so many tiny ways. Sandy and Pat remembered that I don’t like ham or lima beans; Mary knows the same thing. Other friends remember I cannot eat cheese, so they create meals that keep me feeling included and part of our community of friends. They encourage me to be more.

Melissa drove me around Seattle and showed me where her sister lives in a progressive care community. She finished it by saying it was only about a mile from her home. I am not ready to change my lifestyle, yet it reminds me that someone cares about me and would want me to live close to them and be a part of their lives.

Yes, we all slip up from time to time. We say the wrong thing and forget to show how we value others. Sometimes I forget to say thank you. More often, I remember. Friendships are not perfect; they are evolving and growing.

A part of my heart delights in these remembrances of inclusion. It tells me in the smallest of ways that I am cared about and supported. My friends know me. We laugh about our idiosyncrasies and joke kind-heartedly about each other. It is part of the joy of friendship. My friends have my back, and I have theirs.

Today, I am thankful for every friend and person I know. I am grateful for how they enrich my life. I am thankful for their support, no matter the distance and time.

Today I am Thankful.

The Best Laid Plans….

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You know how you make a plan that seems set, and then bam… something happens, and everything changes? Here I am, not even out of California, and things have changed. Sigh.

Santa Barbara

My friend Tina and I had a wonderful five days exploring Santa Barbara and Carpenteria. It was casual and relaxing, just what I needed, and I hope she enjoyed it, too.

Tina headed south on the bus/train on April 1, and I headed north. Something was not right with me. I had been feeling off for about five days, just a little, and it was easy to ignore or put it aside.

Lavender Fields at Sunset

I gave up after spending a lovely night at Hambly Lavender Farm in the Central California Coastal area. I decided to see a doctor to find out what was happening physically.

I called a Roadtrek friend in Salinas, CA. You might remember my adventures with Woody the Cat. I have house-sat for Mandy, Woody, and Rocky, the dog, a few times over the past few years. I wanted someone to love me a little and listen to me. I did not want to be alone.

I am in Salinas through the weekend, at least. I am now on antibiotics for an infection, and I get to rest, relax, and enjoy everyone’s company. I also have a soft big bed in which to sleep.

I have had problems with infections this winter, and I thought they had resolved, but they have not yet. Hopefully, this will work, and I can continue north. If not, I will decide what I am doing and when, on the fly. Plans might be changing for the summer. Stay tuned.

Sleeping in the Lavender Fields

I have often said that my RV, EmmyLou, saved my life after Jim’s death. My first trip, less than a year after he died, was a lifesaver. Everyone was waiting to greet me with open arms. I was loved, pampered, and more.

Traveling, seeing amazing and unique places, and meeting interesting and delightful people have been an experience. Meeting people and becoming friends with them is definitely the part of this experience that saved me when I needed it most.

These people are not just Roadtrek friends; I have become friends with diverse people. I feel so honored to call them my friends. We travel together. I visit them in their homes, house-sit for them, we meet in the desert in the winter, along the Oregon Coast in the summer, kayak together, go to Mexico, and more. My life has become richer and fuller due to these friendships. I have been reading quotes recently about the need for people to find their tribe. My RV’ing buddies are definitely part of my tribe, and I am so honored to have each and everyone in my life. I treasure these Heartfelt friendships.

This is the latest update. Travel is temporarily on hold. I am resting and enjoying an extended visit with Mandy. It is good to catch up. I get to take Rocky for walks. It gets me out and keeps me active on these rainy days. Woody snuggles in the evening. What more could I ask for? Well, I could ask to be well. I am working on that.

Meanwhile, I am thankful for so much today. I am thankful for the Nurse Practitioner who was kind and helpful this morning. I am thankful for the good medical care in this country. I am thankful for my Tribe—you know who you are. On a cold, rainy, and hail-kind-of day, I am thankful for Mandy, who has taken me in, loved me, and given me a big, comfy bed to sleep in.

Today, I am Thankful for Just About Everything.