SLIP SLIDING AWAY (January 27 - February 15, 2020)

After Curt and Jenny, Sherry's brother and sister-in-law, pulled out of the parking garage at the Wyndham Ocean Blvd Resort, we turned and found our way back to our 14th floor, ocean front room.  It had been a nice three week stay with them but now we found ourselves alone and ready for
a couple of weeks of  "down" time before the arrival of special friends from Indiana, Doretta and Jimmy Durnil.  Sherry and Doretta were High School friends in Bloomington, Indiana and we had recently reconnected with her and her husband.  Shortly after their arrival, a phone call informed us that Sherry's sister's husband had died after a long battle with cancer.  We left the Durnils in charge of the condo and flew to Indiana and the funeral.  We returned in two days and shared a couple of more days with our friends.  Now we've had North Myrtle Beach to ourselves for two weeks and have enjoyed "Beach Life" to its fullest.  Six Weeks of our nine week stay here is finished and we have already made reservations to be back in 2021.

REFLECTIONS

Both life and death remind us of the journey we are on.  It is a journey to be cherished and treasured.  It is a journey to be experienced knowing that, at any time, it can completely change.  This week I took an unexpected slip and slide journey to the hard, narrow, bottom of the bath tub while entering for a quick shower.  I had just finished a wonderful 4 mile walk on the beach, enjoying the slights and sounds of a sunny South Carolina day.  I felt great!  The next thing I knew I was headed for a fall.  It is amazing that in the 2 seconds it takes from stepping in to crashing to the shower wetted tub you can actually have time to reflect!

I thought about all the times I had heard of "elderly" folks break arms, legs, hips in such a fall.  I thought "now it's your turn".  As I pretzeled my way down and hit hard, I groaned and took inventory.  I was conscious and nothing seemed broken or "pulled".  Sherry ran to the site of the commotion and inquired; "You OK?  What can I do?", to which I responded as I lay there in the cascading water; "I think so, just hand me the shampoo."

Today, four days later, I'm a little bruised (blood thinners enhance bruising, by the way) and sore but continue walking everyday and enjoying my time on planet Earth.

Yesterday someone in the elevator stated; "It's a beautiful day to be on the right side of the grass."  My quick response was; "If you are prepared, it will be a great day on either side of the grass."  That's just the way I look at it.....THE BEST IS YET TO COME.

BEACH LIFE 101 (January 4 - 26, 2020)

After a great three week stay in Daytona Beach, we caught two standby flights and landed in Myrtle

Beach, South Carolina, where we would call the WYNDHAM OCEAN BLVD RESORT home for the next 9 weeks.  This would be our first visit to this famous beach town and we were looking forward to a new location and new adventures.

To say that January in North Myrtle Beach is "quiet" time is almost an understatement as most businesses are only open on weekends and the beach was nearly empty.  But "quiet" time is exactly what we like so the panoramic ocean view from our 14th floor, ocean front room was perfect.

These first 3 weeks were shared with Sherry's brother, Curt, and his wife, Jenny.  We did find some good places to eat including; Blueberry's Grill, Ella's of Calabash, and the Crab Catcher's.  We spent a little time each day walking the expansive beach, enjoying the sun, and the activity that always surrounds an ocean beach.  The chattering of the Sea Gulls, the formation of the pelicans as they skim the water, the folks looking intently for sea shells, the people electronically prospecting for hidden treasure buried in the sand,  dutiful dog walkers, struggling kite flyers, power walkers, joggers, sand architects, and a few sun worshipers dotted the shoreline each time.

Over all it was , again, a good time of being with family and being reminded how important those relationships are.

REFLECTIONS

As I mentioned above, the beach attracts different folks for different reasons.  Some spend their time there looking intently at the sand near the retreating waves hoping to find that perfect shell.  Some spend their time looking toward the horizon hoping to see the perfect sunrise or sunset.  Some spend their time looking toward the sky hoping to catch a glimpse of a particular type of sea bird.  Some spend their time looking for a distant landmark that will indicate a turning place in their quest to reach their step goal for the day.  Others......well you get the idea.  All are having a great time doing what they consider to be "beach things".

Likewise, living together with another couple points to the how different our "life things" can be.  Differences in diet, sleep times, movie/TV likes, and so on, make co-habitation a challenge. As a matter of fact living as a couple is a challenge as well.

Once again, it comes down to understanding that we were all created and raised differently.  Our heredity and our environment helped shape us into who we are today.  No two (even twins) are the same.  Therefore, the secret is to enjoy what you enjoy and allow others to enjoy what they enjoy and to find some common things to share together and learn not to believe that all our "life things" need to be the same.  Remember it is exactly our differences that make life an adventure whether on the beach or in our lives.

And now I am off to the beach in search of a line of pelicans to photograph while Sherry sits by the open deck door; listening to the sounds of the never ending waves, viewing the sparkling sun reflections on the ocean waters, and doing today's crossword puzzle.  

REFLECTING ON REFLECTIONS (December 14 - January 3, 2020)

We left the heat of Mexico and winged our way, uneventfully, to Florida.  Upon arriving in Daytona Beach, it was interesting to overhear many comments about how warm it was.  Interesting to us because it was 20 degrees cooler then where we had been in Cozumel.

Our three week stay at Wyndham Ocean Walk Resort was a time of fighting raspy, dry coughs, resting, and visiting with family and friends.

My brother and his wife and long time friends, Rosie and Bryan Solomon and Steve and Rhonda Schafer all stopped in for a couple of days as they headed further south.

Our 9th floor, two bedroom, oceanfront unit was the perfect place to enjoy the rhythmic splashing of the waves as they kissed the sandy shore.  It was the perfect place to watch the eastern sky turn orange as the morning sun peeked above the watery horizon.  It was the perfect place to look down on the dozens of pelicans that drifted by just below the balcony.  It was a good place to welcome 2020.

                         REFLECTIONS

The older I get, the more I reflect on days gone by; the more I remember what used to be.  I have found that, like the reflections of the sun dancing across the waves or the seagull standing on the ocean's edge, these memories are becoming more and more distorted.  As a matter of fact, many times these "reflections" are such that they barely reflect the reality of the actual occurrence.

It doesn't diminish the beauty or importance of the event.  It just causes one to wonder how accurate their reflections are.  Two people can recall the same thing and come up with two totally differing opinions as to what exactly happened.  It doesn't make one right and the other wrong.  It just means that they are gathering their information from different perspectives.  

Like some will remember January, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Florida, as a time that they enjoyed warmer weather and others will remember it as a time that they were able to get away from the heat and humidity of southern Mexico.

As I reflect on the friends and family who visited with us in Florida, I am certain that we all would not remember our times together the same way.  But, I do believe, that we all would say they were good times and that the memories, no matter how exact they may be, will be points of joy for a long time to come.

WASTIN' TIME IN MEXICO (November 23 - December 13, 2019)

Aside from being a little rushed at the Nashville, Tennessee airport (our Uber driver missed the turn for the airport), our travel went as planned with no problems.  We left a rainy and cool Tennessee and landed in a humid and hot Cozumel, Mexico.  During our stay the temperature high remained in the mid 80s.

El Cid La Ceiba (Wyndham) would be our home for the next three weeks.  Our one bedroom condo was on the 3rd floor overlooking the Caribbean and the Cruise Port for the island.  It would be a great place to relax and be strengthened after all the activity surrounding the death of Sherry's mom.

We have decided that these times, at resorts, will not be rushed or filled with "do this/ do that" things.  They are to be life lived in different places.  We both had bronchial issues and it was good to be able to hang around the resort, watch the Cruise Ships come in, get some sun in the sand, and enjoy the feel of Mexico.

We did spend one day visiting Punta Sur Eco Park.  This remote area is filled with beautiful vistas, crocodiles, lagoons, beaches, and a wonderful lighthouse.

Next stop: Daytona Beach, Florida (3 weeks)

REFLECTION

 I sat in the ocean side eatery at the resort, enjoying my buffet breakfast ($12 US/$220 Pesos) and watching Cruise Ships as they docked in the port next door.  Some days there were as many as six of the large crafts coming and going.

I felt a little like Otis Reading when he sang;

"Sittin' in the morning sun I'll be sittin' when the evenin' come.
I'll be watchin' the ships roll in and then I'll watch 'em roll away again
......I'm just sittin' on the dock of the bay wastin' time."

On my morning walks, I shared the sidewalk with cruise passengers rushing here and there trying to get to a tour or to find that special souvenir in the booths that lined the pavement.  I watched them as they streamed off the ship in the morning and as they dutifully made their way back in the late afternoon.  Hurry off....hurry on.

For some, life is like a cruise.  It's hurry up and keep busy.  Don't miss anything, make sure you get all you have paid for (food, food, and more food), and finish with memories for a lifetime.

For others, life is like a three week resort stay.  Take some down time, make sure you enjoy the moments, and finish with memories for a lifetime.

Cruisers or stayers, find your place and enjoy the journey.  Don't worry about "wastin' time".

FINISHING THE JOURNEY SAFELY (November 6-22, 2019)

We left Indiana and winged our way south to Orlando, where we were picked up at the airport and spent the night with Denny and Jane Krumlauf.  Denny and I grew up together in Port Huron, Michigan.  I became a pastor and he became an army chaplain.  It was good to reconnect for a couple of days.  They dropped us off at Wyndham Star Island in Kissimmee and we spent three days enjoying the sunshine and warmth.  We moved just a little further south to Reunion, Florida and the Wyndham Reunion Resort.  We were joined there by Sherry's brother, Curt, and his wife, Jenny.  Our plans were to spend some time together in Florida before heading to Wyndham Plantation Resort in Georgia and to Wyndham Nashville in Tennessee.

Once again, though, plans changed with a phone call. 

Sherry's 90 year old mom became seriously ill in the nursing home and the staff said she could pass from this life to the next within a day or two.  We packed the car and headed toward Indiana.  The trip north proved to be a long one as an early winter storm, with ice and snow, left its mark on Kentucky and southern Indiana.  We slowly slid our way through the night into the driveway of Curt's home just outside of Bloomington.

Lois, my wife's mother, quietly passed on two days later and her Celebration of Life Service was held.  She was a wonderful example of a Christian lady.  Her faith in Christ never wavered.  She will be missed but the memories of a life well lived will continue.

We flew out of a cold and snowy Indiana the next week and spent six days at Wyndham Nashville (TN) before heading to Cozumel, Mexico.

REFLECTION

Life is a progression of changes.  Things seldom go exactly as planned.  Our lives are lived out with daily uncertainties.  Things change.

Our expected time of relaxation with Curt and Jenny turned into a hazardous 1,000 mile drive through a cold and snowy night.  It sure felt good when we rolled into the driveway and were safe.

For Lois, her journey had its moments of struggle and change; moments of happiness and fear.  But, now, she has finished her life's drive, rolled into Heaven's driveway, and is safe.

ON MARCHING BANDS AND SOLITARY TURKEYS (October 5 - November 5, 2019)

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, Missouri

October is the month that we have scheduled each year to visit our oldest son, Aaron,and his family in Missouri.  It is a time to enjoy the coming of autumn and to watch our two youngest grandsons participate in marching band.  They are days spent renewing relationships with those whom we deeply love.  This year had an added blessing as our youngest son, Andrew, was also there in the "Show Me" state.

Marching band is an interesting organization.  It is a gathering of several dozen students who practice hours on end to develop a ten minute presentation to be performed several times in several venues.  This year our time included an overnight adventure to St. Louis (about a three hour drive from Republic)

Much of my time, while in southwest Missouri, is spent inside the Wilson's Creek National Civil War Battlefield.  This beautiful large piece of ground is just 4 minutes from Aaron's front door.  The cost is free (I have the old person's National Parks pass).  I like to go in the morning for my daily walk along the wooded trails and then go back in the late afternoon for a couple of loops around the five mile road.  It is during this drive around that I have been able to spot dozens of white tail deer and numerous wild turkeys.  It is the perfect place for a wildlife photographer (wanabe) to hone his skills.

Now, after a few days back in Indiana for doctor appointments, we will be off to an extended WYNDHAM RESORT TIME SHARE travel adventure (160 days) with stops in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Mexico, and South Carolina.

REFLECTIONS

When making my loops within Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, I try to find unique pictures of the abundant wildlife; something out of the ordinary.  Sometimes it's a deer in the middle of crossing a rushing stream, sometimes a fox walking stealthily between grassy fields, sometimes a armadillo nosing his way across a green meadow.  I can get any number of photos of deer standing beside the road but it's the more interesting ones I seek.  Perhaps this year's best was a hen turkey who decided to land on top of a hand hewn wooden fence with a backdrop of the setting sun as it set, the yet to be harvested. corn on fire with golden wonder.

I wondered as I watched her sit there, turning her head from side to side, where were the rest of her flock?  Was she looking for them from this elevated perch or was she simply enjoying her solitude?

I don't know why she was on the fence. She just was and I had never seen this unique pose before.

I guess I'll never know her reason.  Yet I know that in our lives there are times when we have to be in the marching band.  We have to be organized and in step with all those around us.  There are times when it is critically important that we know where we are in relationship to others.  There are times when working together to accomplish that which we could not accomplish alone is the most important thing we can do.

I also know that there are times when absolutely the best thing we can do for ourselves is to find a place away from the crowd and just be still.  There are times when we just need to stare into the sunset and enjoy all that is before us.

We are all different and the balance we need between "marching band" times and "fence sitting" times are unique to our temperaments and personalities.  An extreme of one or the other can lead to troubled times.  Find your balance.  Find your place and learn to enjoy both the regiment and the rest.

MY HEROES (Sept. 28-Oct. 4, 2019)

Our standby flights winged us from Indianapolis to Nashville, Tennessee, without a hitch and we were able to spend a couple of days with friends before heading on to Crossville, Tennessee, and the Wyndham Resort at Fairfield Glade.  We would spend the next five days there enjoying the company of seven other couples from our past.The Dicers, the Solomons, the Rosses, the Dunningtons, the Halls, the Bittenbenders, the Moores, and the Smiths have been friends for a long time.  Some since childhood and all since our days at Olivet Nazarene University in Illinois.  We have gone our separate ways but have somehow managed to keep the flame of friendship alive.

For the past three years we have been able to clear our calendars and meet for some days of remembering and just being together.  Everyone is free to be themselves and do what they would enjoy doing.  Some hiked, some played golf, some shopped, some did picture puzzles, some watched sports on TV, some went to bed early, some got up early, and some played games.

This year I was able to book two 4 bedroom condos at "the Glade" for five nights at a 50% discounted rate.  This meant that we could add two couples to our usual group.  Dr. and Mrs. (Jane) Don Dunnington from Bethany, Oklahoma made the long drive to Tennessee as did Wes and Marcia Bittenbender from Indian Lake, Michigan.

Eight couples, all married around 50 years ago, shared side splitting laughter, and quiet tears as they reflected on their journeys through life.  No two couples the same but all with continued faith in God and His plan for their lives.

What a wonderful time we had as we told story after story of days gone by and consumed so much food that we didn't think we could eat another bite (but we did).  They were days that, I hope, we will never forget.

REFLECTIONS

As I looked around at all who had gathered I was overcome with a sense of gratitude.  I was reminded how blessed my life has been.  I had wonderful parents who loved me and each other.  I have a big brother who has become my friend.  I have pastored some wonderful churches and folks.  And I have a great number of "long time" friends (that sounds so much better than "old")!  

My heroes are not in the political arena, they are not on the sporting fields, they are not in the entertainment industry.  My heroes were with me at the Wyndham Resort at Fairfield Glade this week.

These 14 who gathered on the Cumberland Plateau for five days are an example of lives lived rightly and marriages that have endured.  It can be done.  Unfortunately, it seems that today many give up too easily.  Friendships are cast aside over trivial matters and marriages are ended without much effort to sustain them.  We have become a throw away society in way too many ways.

So I pay tribute to these wonderful people who have bucked the trends of the times in which we live.  I pay tribute to these who, when they said "til death do us part", meant it.  They are my heroes!

The Solomons

The Halls

The Rosses

The Smiths

The Dunningtons

The Moores

The Bittenbenders