Louisiana 2009

The call came late Saturday afternoon. We packed. We prayed. We drove. 25 hours.

We arrived to 100+ degree weather with humidity thrown in for fun...
Perhaps they should rename it God's inferno?

It was a somber visit that included seeing relatives I haven't seen in almost 30 years. There were many emotions, stories, and hugs being shared when we arrived on Monday afternoon.

So many people loved Big Daddy. The funeral was filled with lifetime associates, police officers, and family. Family was huge to him. The most important thing in his life. It was a wonderful service filled with his life sketch, a trip down memory lane, and words of love and encouragement.

Most of all...the joy of being surrounded by family. Cousins, aunts...nieces and nephews. Hugs, pictures, food, laughter and tears. Part of the very essence that makes us human. I loved it. All of it.

Death is not the end.
It is part of the journey.
A new beginning!

The last Cowboy...

Big Daddy, my Grandpa, passed away today.


He was the great American hero. As a child he rode a stick pony and chased the 'bad' Guys. As a teen, he always stood up for what was right. As a grown man he was a State trooper and fought for good. As my Grandpa...he was the best back scratch-er ever!!!

My heart is at peace, he is out of pain...and in the place where the Cowboy rides away.

Welcome to the sunset...here is to a new sunrise!
Love you Big Daddy
XOXO

More Yellowstone

Well, perhaps when I get to feeling better I can post more...

Yellowstone...

Yellowstone Lower Falls....

Total Silliness in the car....

Pictures from Yellowstone...

Yup. That is Old Faithful. Still doing what it does best!!!

And, yes. That is my offspring. Frightening isn't it???

We spent the day hiking around on boardwalks and oogling in the stores. After we were done we all got some ice cream...well, I didn't but the kids did. I had a cookie, and lucky Sam got to go get the car in the pouring rain. LOL!!!

I *heart* orange capri' s

*mental note to self*

Don't wear bright orange pants to Yellowstone. You stand out like a sore thumb!!! However, I soooo much *heart* the bright orange pants. *sigh* Much to Sam' s dismay. Oh well.

Yup, we are back. It was awesome. Even though it rained and drizzled the entire trip... We decided to make the best of it. We were able to celebrate Katie's 10th birthday on the Snake River. In a raft. On some rapids. It was THE bomb!!! We all loved it. Ellie saw lots of Buffalo. Riley wants to be a river guide... And Katie liked Old Faithful most. I promise to post more the next couple of days.

I need to catch up on some much needed rest and laundry.
LOL!!!

Wha???

The countdown has begun!

30 days until Florida...

In celebration of that, I have lost TEN pounds!!! Have you any idea how long I have been trying to lose that??? I have 10 more to go. That is my goal. 10 pounds. 30 days.

My morning runs are slowly starting to stretch farther, and I can feel deep in my heart I long to go longer!!! My average is 6-7 miles. My goal is 10, perhaps 13. There is a half marathon in August.. maybe that could be incentive to do it. Mostly I am just happy to have this body that does such amazing things. It isn't perfect, but is plenty capable. My gratitude today has been almost to the point of tears!

Also, we are preparing to take off on Wed. The idea of no schedules, plenty of play time and down time with Sam is almost mouth watering. I plan to savor this vacation to the fullest. Sam isn't the best at taking time off. He is Mr. Workaholic. I call work, 'the other woman', because he is so tied to it. He is a perfectionist and is always trying to improve. Can't fault that, but I do miss him. It may well be another 4-5 years before I convince him to come with us again!!!

I love you all so much! Keep your chins up out there...and be grateful for the miracle you are.
You are making a difference.