Slip, Slipping Away!

 

Another year is about to come to a close.  Another year older, and possibly, a little wiser.  Seems like it was just last April that I retired, rather than back in 2008.  As those old folks used to say; time sure flies, the older you get.

The year of 2013 has had its ups and downs.  Definitely not my best of the bunch since retirement, but it had its moments.  January found us at Ft. Pickens campground, part of Gulf Islands National Seashore.  A cold, damp few days, made warmer by the presence of a number of friends.

February found us in Arizona, visiting various places, and getting our first taste of Quartzite.

We took the long road back home. Found it to be through Borrego Springs, Death Valley, Lake Mead area, and many places in between.

March found us back in Alabama at the Green Eggs and Ham Rally.  Lots of food and fun.

April found us doing some fishing, and spending a little time in the Ozarks.

May found us packing for southern Utah and other points for the Summer.  Of course, those plans changed with a phone call.  Wanda’s mom become the priority and we spent the remaining months closer to home.  We still were able to sneak off for a long weekend to New Orleans around Memorial Day.

June found us making a trip back to Arkansas for a week or so. Had a detour along the way.

July brought a trip to Destin, FL for a week of fun with family.

August found the boredom beginning to set in, again.  Decided to start construction on another little house.

September started with the grape battle,

and ended with love bugs.

October found us attending a rally in Texas, a music festival in Oklahoma, and balloon festival in Louisiana.

November and December seemed to blend into one another.  Thanksgiving and the Christmas season are meant for family time, and we tried to fulfill that tradition.

Looking back on the year, I realized that we were able to do many things, and go many places, in spite of the plans change.  For that, I’m really grateful.

Another thing I’m grateful for is our blogger friends.  I appreciate that you find the time to read, and at times, comment on my ramblings.  I started this blog as a personal journal of our travels, and never thought anyone else would give it a second look.  Thanks for your support.

What 2014 has in store for us is yet to be seen.  Hopefully, we’ll be able to experience much more of our beautiful Country, and meet more of you along the way……jc

First day of Winter

 

More photos like this can be found at http://www.nwf.org/News-and-Magazines/National-Wildlife/PhotoZone/Archives/2013/Winter-Photo-Gallery.aspx  Thanks to the National Wildlife Federation.

I’m sitting here on the first day of Winter, 2013  with an outdoor temperature of 75 degrees.  Watching some minor bowl game being played in a blowing snow, while tornado warnings scroll across the bottom of the t v screen. Welcome to Winter in the deep South.

It’s hard to believe that it has been nearly a month since my last post. Pretty easy to surmise that not much has been happening since Thanksgiving.  Just the everyday events that make up life at home. 

We decided back in the Summer that we would like a walk-in shower in our master bath.  Found us a contractor which came highly recommended, and made an appointment for a November-December time frame.  You can probably guess when he showed up.  This past Monday morning.  Here we are in the middle of the Christmas season, with all the family coming in tomorrow, and our little house in much dis-array    And the carport is covered with demolition junk and construction materials.  Go figure.

I’ve been reading the blogs of many folks heading for what they thought would be warmer weather.  The Caves left Illinois for Texas, but have been chased by ice, rain, and cold temps.  Al and Kelly are having temps in the forty’s in Arizona, but Janna and Mike might possibly think that was a heat wave.  Mark is “stuck” in Ouray, waiting on a doctors appointment, and possibly a visit with a surgeon.  The list could go on and on, but I’ll spare you.  Just saying thanks to all these folks, and many more, which help me through  the boring times at home. 

Things ARE looking up. Though many of my close friends say I see the glass as half empty, it always looks full when it comes to travel plans.  Baring any bad news, the Egg should be posting from some new environs shortly after the New Year.

Lastly,  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our readers.  We hope you have a fantastic holiday season.  May you be blessed with the presence of family and friends.  And, please remember the REAL “reason for the season”…..jc