BRIDGES TO THE PAST (March 2 - 22, 2019)

Indiana Cabin

Male Cardinal

Returning from warm Florida to chilly Indiana proved to be a difficult adjustment.

Temperatures in the single digits and snow on the ground and in the air were not what we had hoped for in the middle of March.  Yet even with all the climatic discomfort, we found it good to be back in the Hoosier state with family.  Technically, we call Indiana, "home".  We pay state taxes and drive with an Indiana license on our person.  Truth is that we spend only about three months there each year.

Eventually, the snow and cold turned into birds singing and flowers beginning to force their way through the warming soil.  The area around our little cabin in the woods began to come alive.  It was wonderful to see the signs of spring starting to emerge from the frosty winter.

Our next stop will be Edisto Island, South Carolina, where we plan to spend time relaxing and enjoying the low country until the beginning of May.  The Wyndham Resort at Ocean Ridge has been a regular stop for the Dicers since the 1980s.  This out of the way, slow paced, beautiful place is exactly what we enjoy.

REFLECTIONS

One of the primary reasons for the visit this time was to say "Happy Birthday" to my wife's mom, Lois.  She has navigated this realm for 90 years now.  Now, in an Alzheimer's Care Facility, she spends her days in the present with few memories of the past.  Here, with us one minute, and then gone; gone away to a place that we have yet to experience.

There is an old railroad bridge, built in the late 1800s, that looms above a trail I walk here in Indiana.  It is known as "The Haunted Bridge" and stories are told of bridge builders dying tragically during construction, returning to haunt the structure.  Every time that I walk beneath it, I think about its' history.  I think about those who planned it; those who dreamed of a day when the big steam powered locomotives would cross the flowing waters of White Lick Creek as they puffed their way westward.  I think about what this, now suburban, neighborhood might have looked like in those long ago days.  For me, it is a bridge to the past.  It is a reminder of how things change.

Memory is an amazing aspect of our humanity.  The ability to remember times past and to reflect in the importance of the memory is something that we should cherish.  I am not an expert in how the mind functions.  I don't understand all the intricate wiring; the electronic bridges, that come into play for us to be able to remember.  I do know, from personal experience, that as we grow older those connections begin to fail; memories fade.

Our "bridges to the past" are fragile.  Just as the haunted railroad bridge has become scared and damaged by years of use, so too our bridge to the past.  Constant rumblings back to forth will take their toll and our trains of thought will be derailed.  Try as we might to prevent it, our memories will fade into a fog that encompasses all of our living.  I am not trying to be morbid, just saying that, for many of us, this is what's ahead.

Therefore, I chose to do all I can to keep the memories flowing.  I will simply reflect from time to time about my childhood on the chicken farm in Goodells, Michigan and at the lake house on Lake Huron.  I will look back on photos and yearbooks from the years at Port Huron (MI) Northern High School and Olivet Nazarene University.  I will review my ministries.  I will treasure memories of family and friends.  I will, until I can no longer.  Simply put......cherish your past, live your present, and, as best as you can, imagine your future.

Haunted Railroad Bridge, Avon, Indiana

GATORS IN LIFE (February 6 - March 1, 2019)

Wyndham Cypress Palms

The winter part of our Wyndham Resort Wanderings came to a close as we boarded the Delta flight back to Indiana.  It had been a three month journey spent on Grand Cayman Island and at the Wyndham Cypress Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Florida.  The final three week segment in Florida was spent with temperatures in the mid 80s (10 degrees above normal) while our midwest friends suffered through snow, ice, and sub zero temperatures.

Joyce and Gary Miller

Once again, we were blessed with a visit by some long time friends that we hadn't seen in over 30 years.  Joyce and Gary Miller were members at the church I pastored in Tipp City, Ohio back in the 1980s.  They now live in Virginia.  It was as if we had never been apart.

I will return to Indiana having lost about 12 pounds!  Lots of walking in the morning quiet and coolness and being a little more careful about what I ate made the difference.  I'd like to lose another dozen pounds before embarking on our Alaskan cruise at the end of May.  We all know that cruises add pounds.



REFLECTIONS


During my morning walks, I found myself thinking about how wonderfully blessed I am.  I spent considerable time in prayer just thanking the Lord for all the goodness that has been a part of my life.  Oh, there have been some gators cross my path from time to time but for the most part I managed to come out of those confrontations uninjured and able to continue my journey.  Gators tend to be pretty unmovable.  They find a place in the sun and just lay there.They are not afraid to let you know they are there.  I think they enjoy knowing that you know that they are there and that they are the alpha predator.  Problem is that from time to time they get hungry and lay in wait for the unsuspecting critter to wander by.  That's when they are dangerous.  They let their presence be known until it's time to feed.  Then they head to the dark, shaded places and bide their time.

Your best bet is to give them space, walk around them, and stay out of their dark hiding places.  Just continue your trek, knowing that you are wiser than they are and are able to avoid a confrontation that could prove to be fatal.  Fatal.....to the gator that is.

WHERE DOES THE TIME GO? A SENIOR LAMENT (January 12 - February 5, 2019)

Wyndham Cypress Palms

We continue to enjoy our 11 week stay in Kissimmee, Florida.  this middle section was spent enjoying the Florida sunshine and living our nomadic retirement lifestyle.

We were blessed these last three weeks to have had visits with some of Sherry's High School friends, my brother (Gary), long time friends (Fred and Linda Hall/ Mike and Elisabeth Adams/ Sandi Comfort) and a former staff member and wife (now pastoring in Oregon).

                            REFLECTIONS

Shingle Creek

For the past seven weeks we have been living our nomadic lifestyle in one place.  We have bunkered in at the Wyndham Cypress Palms Resort near Orlando, Florida.  Being in the warmth of the Sunshine State has its' advantages but, frankly, the day by day routine of the retired life in one place is starting to drive me crazy!  You see, I am an extrovert; a people person.  After nearly 50 years of ministry and dealing with issues and people every day, it is difficult for me to be somewhat isolated.  

My "Day Timer" would look like this:  

7:00 a.m. -Get Up/Get ready, 
7:30 a.m. - Computer work, 
9:00 a.m. - Morning Walk, 
10:30 a.m. - Morning Snack, 
Noon - Lunch,  
1:30 p.m.- Pool/Hot Tub, 
3:00 p.m. - nap, 
4:30 p.m. - Afternoon Snack, 
6:00 p.m. - Dinner,  
7:00 p.m. - TV (sports),
8:00 p.m. - Evening Snack 
11:00 p.m. - Lights Out!

About the only time I am with people (other than Sherry) is in the Hot Tub.  And, the other day, after declaring that I voted for Trump, I was asked to leave there.  

This blog, facebook, shutterfly, and photography help to keep my creative juices flowing and for that I am thankful.  Thanks for reading and, every once in awhile, connecting.

Please remember that those of us who have retired are facing changes and issues that you might, as of yet, know nothing about.  Be patient, be kind, be there.

That's my brief lament!  Now, I see, it's time for the Pool/Hot Tub!

OLD FOLKS, HOT TUBS, AND CELL PHONES (December 16 - January 11, 2019)

From Grand Cayman to Atlanta, to Orlando, all the stand by flights went without incident.  Our ten day stay on our favorite Island had come to an end and now we would begin an 11 week stay at the Wyndham Cypress Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Florida.  Looking forward to continued warm weather and the comfort of a familiar place, we settled into a lovely two bedroom condo.

Cypress Palms had been our home for six years (2010-2016) so it was in some measure a homecoming.  Thus, for the last 4 weeks we have been simply enjoying being together and not having any particular thing to do or place to go.  We were blessed to spend Christmas day with long time friends, Mike and Elisabeth Adams, who live in Orlando.  Elisabeth and Mike provided a wonderful Christmas dinner of Turkey and dressing and all the sides of a holiday feast.  We were blessed.

                         REFLECTIONS

The night before we left Grand Cayman I was up all night with a never ending, tremendous pain in my lower back.  All signs pointed toward a possible kidney stone and they were right.  The day after Christmas the little brute was passed and I was pleased.  The episode reminded me that I was getting older (70) and that things would most likely start to fall apart.  Being "old" is no picnic!  It is an adventure and a journey into the unknown.

That brings me to cell phones and hot tubs.  They are not friends!

The emotion that you feel when you realize, as you settle into the hot tub, that you forgot to take your cell phone out of your swim suit pocket is inexplicable.  The sinking feeling in your gut as you jump to your feet, climb out of the swirling water, and head for the pool towel, is not a feeling you enjoy.

I guess I could blame it on the Resort.  After all, they know they have a bunch of us old folks here with "diminished capacity".  There should have been a sign by the ladder warning us to check our pockets.  I guess I could blame the phone manufacturer.  After all, they should make their phones totally water resistant.  I mean, it is 2019!

But, in reality, the blame lies solely with me.  I thought I could take my phone to the pool, in my suit pocket (so it could track my steps), and remember to take it out before depositing myself in the relaxing warmth of the moving water.  If I'm honest (and I am), I knew it was an accident waiting to happen.  I knew that it was foolish every time I did it .  The problem was that I thought I would always remember.  I didn't.

Remember, you don't have to be old to do foolish things!  Remember, don't think about yourself more highly than you ought!  Remember, we are all fallible and will all make some bad choices.  Remember, life goes on and stuff is just stuff.

And for us older folks, remember that remembering is not our strong point.

  

ISLANDS IN TIME: CHERISH THE MOMENTS (December 5 - 15, 2018)

Wyndham Reef Resort

Grand Cayman Island has been a regular destination of ours since we visited in 1994 for our 25th wedding anniversary.  We always look forward to a stop on our favorite island.  This year, after no problem with "stand-by" flights, we landed in Georgetown and headed for East End.  East End is on the far side of the island and is less commercial than the 7 mile beach area near Georgetown.  We enjoyed the relative quiet of two resorts there.  Our first 3 nights we stayed at the WYNDHAM REEF HOTEL AND RESORT thanks to our Wyndham Reward miles and the next week was spent at the neighboring, MORRITT'S TORTUGA CLUB RESORT.







Let's just say that, once again, we were not disappointed.  Both resorts were decked out for Christmas
and one of the schools on the island sent their children over for a Christmas concert.  Even though the 85 degree temperatures didn't lend themselves to it feeling like Christmas, it was apparent that the blessed holiday would soon be upon us.

WRECK OF THE 10 SAIL

We enjoyed visits to RUM POINT, WRECK OF THE TEN SAIL PARK, STARFISH POINT, the BLOW HOLES and our favorite island restaurant, OVER THE EDGE.  The remainder of the time was spent just laying on the beach soaking in the warmth of the Caribbean sunshine.  The ten day respite ended way too soon and we found ourselves back in the air headed to Kissimmee, Florida where we will, Lord willing, spend the next 11 weeks at the WYNDHAM CYPRESS PALMS RESORT.

REFLECTIONS

Every time we leave Grand Cayman we say that it might be the last.  Thus, we try to cherish every fleeting moment.  The final morning's sunrise is treasured and the early sun illuminating the sand is amazing.  The gentle waves licking the shore while the ocean waves crash on the not to distant reef are etched in my mind.  One last look before closing the door behind us and heading to the Owen Robert's airport and it is finished.  Another wonderful time in paradise.

As I sat in the back of the Delta Flight (Row 30, Seat F) I was reminded that that is really the way it should be with all of life.  Especially as we grow older, we should cherish each parting; each change.  Every time we are with family or friends we should drink in all the wonder and joy of the occasion.  We never know if it will be our last visit.  We should pause and drink in the moments that we have been afforded.  Life is too short to just rush past the places and people we love.

We must be careful not take our "islands" of time and relationships for granted.  We must determine to pause and take one more look around us and understand how blessed we are.

BLOW HOLES

A TIME FOR DEER AND THOSE DEAR TO US (November 9 - December 4, 2018)

We winged our way from the resort at Fairfield Glade,Tennessee back to Missouri and our son's home in Republic.  We would spend the time, before heading to Grand Cayman Island, visiting with his family, enjoying a family Thanksgiving in Branson, Missouri (Wyndham Mountain Vista), and, finally, in Indiana executing doctor and dentist visits and visiting Sherry's mom.

Nearly every day at Aaron's home, I spent some time in the Wilson's Creek National Battlefield.  Sometimes hiking the numerous rustic trails and other times driving the 5 mile Loop Road looking for white tail deer.  Most of those drives were shared with my youngest grandson, Ethan.  We, also, saw him march in the Republic Holiday Parade.

Thanksgiving saw my daughter and her family drive in from Indiana.  We spent four days with everybody at the Wyndham Mountain Vista Resort in Branson.  We shared a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, watched both Indiana and Michigan lose football games, worked a giant crossword puzzle, and just hung out together.

We rode with Autumn's family back to Indiana and stayed a week before leaving for Grand Cayman Island. 



REFLECTIONS

As I sat in the van and watched the numerous deer graze in a recently harvested corn field, I reflected on how much I love the outdoors.  I have always been one that would rather sit on the porch or walk in the woods.  Hunting and fishing have been long time hobbies.  But, with the implantation of a pacemaker a decade ago, the hunting aspect of my outdoor enjoyment ceased.  The recoil of a shotgun to my device could be lethal.  Now I hunt with my camera.  It's not quite the same.  It doesn't provide meat for the table. 

Yet the hunt is the same.  Trying to figure out where the deer will be and where a good spot would be for the best shot (picture).  The excitement of seeing a big buck emerge from the woods right where you thought he'd be and knowing that your scouting and planning had paid off is still a rush.  And it's something I should be able to do for a long time.

I am reminded that when things change it is not time to just pout and give in to self pity and resignation.  It is time to explore other options and chances to continue to live a full and rich life, enjoying all that lies before you and never forgetting that "the best is yet to come".

PLATEAU PONDERINGS (October 21-November 10, 2018)

Our standby flights took us from St. Louis, Missouri, through New York City, and back to Knoxville, Tennessee.  The long way around, but when we fell into the king size bed at the Wyndham Resort at Fairfield Glade we knew that the next three weeks would be a great time of relaxing and enjoying the autumn beauty of the Cumberland Plateau.  We have been visiting this awesome location in Tennessee since 1982 and knew that the hospitality of the people and the spectacular scenery would make for a wonderful time.

The comfortable condo with the wood burning fireplace (firewood provided) was centrally located,
making it easy to access many of the varied walking trails that meander through the wooded landscape.  The fall foliage did not disappoint.  The valleys and hillsides were ablaze with bright reds, yellows, and oranges.  Streams and cascades provided sounds and sights that reminded one of the beauty of nature all around us.

Good friends, Mike and Elizabeth Adams, joined us for six of these and it was good to reconnect and share time together.  There really are few things as special as long time friends.


REFLECTIONS

Autumn is an amazing time of the year.  The stunning colors of fall on the Cumberland Plateau make for many moments of just standing still and allowing yourself to drink it all in.  It all comes together perfectly to cause one to catch their breath and pause to allow the images to be captured in their mind.  Captured, to be recalled from time to time, in memories of bright colors, crisp air, and the smells of the forest as it drops its decaying leaves to the moist ground.

Even the few rainy days that we experienced during our stay brought an additional beauty to the surroundings.  While the wind and rain caused the trees to shed their changing leaves in great numbers, it also filled the many rivers and streams to overflowing.  The increased water flow provided the resource to bring waterfalls and cascades to life.

Out of the rainy, windy, overcast days came a freshness in the air, the sound of flowing water, and the crunch of fallen leaves under your feet.  Out of what could be seen as wasted days came additional blessings.

It would be wonderful if all of life was filled with sunshine and blue skies; but it's not.  It has its rainy days. It has dreary days that seem to be wasted and long.  Always reflect on the memories of good days past and remember that even the dreary days can produce beauty and a resource for better days to come.