Talking to Myself

When I write these blogs, it's like talking to myself.  These words float around in cyberspace like so much space junk forgotten and neglected.  There is one redeeming quality to writing this blog.  One person reads it, my mom.  Like an astronomer carefully monitoring a newly discovered star, mom reads every entry and mentally takes note of my brilliance as only a mom can.  I've had the extreme pleasure of spending time with mom these last two weeks here in Bath, Ohio.  She is a spry 84 years old carrying on with courage and faith after dad's death last December.  Her faith, an inspiration and example makes me proud to be her daughter. 
Autumn has clearly arrived here in Bath, the trees greeting the season waving leafy banners in bright colors.  The chill in the air energizes the senses and even slogging through all the rain we've had raises gratitude in my heart for the time I've spent here.  Returning to Texas in a couple of days, I'll transition back to summer again, where rain and chilly air are a distant memory for its residents.  As a southern girl I'll welcome the shirt-sleeve weather but look forward to returning to Bath in the near future for a true winter experience.  Thanks mom.

Making the Best of It

Went to Mammoth Cave the other day.  It was something to do on a rainy day.  It was  a nice tour, but the highlight of our trip was the gift shop.  We found a miners hat for our grandchild Thomas.  He is 2 1/2 and is all about pirates, treasure and hats.  We also got him some shiny rocks to put in the treasure chest we sent him from the coast of Texas.  I'm sure he will use the hat with enthusiasm as he does with all things. 

Out part of Texas is burning.  Hopefully the fires are extinguished before they hit our neck of the woods.  We are keeping an eye on the news the best we can without internet or tv.  Thank goodness for the Droid phone we bought or we'd be totally in the dark. 

Unfortunately for me, I was working with elance on the internet putting in for writing jobs.  This will not happen now that I can't even get connected at the library except for 2 hours a week.  I know it has to be something to do with our browsers and apple computers, but alas, I am not a computer geek and have no earthly idea how to get connected.

Vic continues to work at Amazon.com and says it's a real sweat shop.  But we can do anything for 4 months - or can we? 

Unbelievable

We have been in Campbellsville a week and what a week.  First of all no internet service so we were in panic mode due to the fact that the internet is how we stay in contact with friends, family and those we owe money.  Paying bills online seemed the smart thing to do being on the road, but what happens when there is no internet service?  Well tonight just for the heck of it I got online because supposedly this camp ground has wifi.  The internet connection is working!  Hopefully for good but I'll take tonight. 
What have we found here in Campbellsville?  Beautiful rivers and lakes.  We visited a marina today and some Corps of Engineer campgrounds.    We are considering moving to one of these parks due to proximity to the water as well as large areas for the dogs to explore.  Sacrificing full hook up to sewer gives pause but to be in the midst of such beauty may be worth it.  We also found a gem of a restaurant called Garcias.  Not the usual  Mexican fare but fine cuisine for a reasonable price.  Yum. 

Where Does This Go?

Looking through the gate to Campbellsville, Kentucky an opportunity might be seen.  Gainful employment is nothing to scoff at.  Here at Indian Ridge RV Park, we found our spot for the next few months.  Situated on a ridge overlooking some of the most fertile land in the country, its possible to see what made the residents stop to rest and live.  Long ago the Shawnee told stories on this bluff of their hunting and fishing exploits in the dense forests and along the Green River winding through the valley.  Rich history abounds and below in the distance tales of civil war battles echo among the fields of corn and soy beans.  A little step back in time is here in Campbellsville.  To an observer from the outside world, it appears slow and backward.  What? No internet connection at your fingertips?  No cable for TV?  How are we going to stay in touch with news, stocks, weather, our friends and family?  Well maybe cell phone is enough.  Snail mail isn't that slow.  There are still post offices around.  At least we don't have to rely on a Pony Express.  Coming to Campbellsville almost brought us to a screeching halt to life as we know it,  but then this is an adventure to experience life in the USA.  We remember we are in God's design.  What mosaic has HE planned for us here?  Already we've had rain, something we haven't seen in two months. It is actually below 100 degrees - more like 70s.  WE fouExciting isn't it?

WILD CHILDREN of the BOOMERS - LOVE 'EM ALL

Wow, what  a great day with all our boomer AA friends.  We discovered the quintessential AA group here in Livingson and most are boomers like ourselves.  Had a great meeting spiritually and then went to lunch at the Texas Pepper.  We extrapolated information from our new friends  who turned out to be  x-truckers and exchanged war stories.  Here's one for ya relayed in true Texas fashion.

"We was drivin' hot and heavy south of Phoenix and pulled off the road to get some rest.  Now, there ain't anything like a truck stop or gas station down thar, so we was just off on the side of the road. Pitch black outside so we hunkered down for the night.  Towards daylight I hear this clicking, ticking sound outside and couldn't figure what it was but I gave it no mind.  I just flung the door open to take a whizz and there it was - the ground crawlin', movin' couldn't figure til my eyes adjusted, my willie still hangin' out, I Saw the damndest thing, thousands of Tarantulas migrating, skittering all around the truck and as far as the eye could see.   I decided I didn't need to piss after all, slammed the damn door and got the hell out.  Ya ever hear a such a thing?"

Tarantulas can be found worldwide. They are particularly common in the American Southwest, South America and Central America. More than 30 species of tarantulas reside within Arizona alone.
Among these 30 species are spiders with leg span measuring up to seven inches. Their bodies may be black, light or dark brown in color and can weigh more than 30 grams. Due to the leg span and hairy bodies of these arachnids, they appear menacing. However, tarantulas dwell underground and prefer to live, eat and hunt alone. Specimens are rarely seen in the open, although males do roam in search of potential mates.
Tarantulas in Arizona may also emerge at night in search of prey. Unlike other spiders, tarantulas do not build webs as traps. Rather, they hunt and ambush prey, making use of their size and speed. Tarantulas consume beetles, grasshoppers, small spiders, reptiles and rodents. They may be prey to skunks, wasps and scorpions.

Do I NEED to  be concerned?  

Backdoor Musing

Since retirement in June, only two months ago,  trying to find out who I am now is quite a journey.  For years I was THE TEACHER and practically nothing else. I totally immersed myself in that identity almost 24/7.  Unfortunately, the politics of teaching, and maybe too many years in special education burned out any desire to stay in touch with the teaching community.  I thought for a minute that I could possibly write but as I explored the idea, I found the desire isn't there.  For weeks I floundered feeling useless and less than everyone around me; comparing myself to my many talented friends and family.  Fortunately that didn't last long.  After a lot of soul searching I decided I am who I am and that is perfect for me.  I'm an appreciator of all the talent around me.  Someone has to appreciate all the beautiful literature, art and music created.  That's me.  I love reading, gazing at a gorgeous painting and listening to favorite tunes.  I love the feel of gliding through the water at the beach or in the pool.  Meeting new people is fun.  It's great to hear their stories and experiences.  Of course I can't leave out movies - real fiend I am.  The best is living in God's world.  He created beauty beyond imagination just for me to appreciate and be part of.  To just BE is the key.  I take care of business and enjoy the daily chores around the camper.  Time is at my disposal to keep in touch with family and friends, to take joy in their accomplishments and in my grandchildren.  Oh how great it is learning about Keylee, Thomas and Jacob as they grow and flourish.  Now, soon another chapter in my life begins.  Vic has accepted a job in Kentucky for the next 4 months and I will again discover exciting new people, and vistas.  I love traveling.  Just a gypsy at heart.  That's me.

Gems

Tonight we saw Cowboys and Aliens(the movie) at Fain Theater.  A small town theater, it shows 1 movie 3 times a day and charges 5 bucks a person.  We walked in and the lobby was tiny with a very small concessions stand.  A rack of t-shirts lined one wall my favorite being "cowboy up or go sit in the truck."  We got a Coke out of a machine and watched in delight as the visible mechanical arm slid up, grabbed our Coke and then dropped it in a chute to our hands.  To get to our seats we went through deep red velveteen curtains that open directly to the theater and we walked down the aisle to our seats.  No climbing stairs or walking up ramps.  Ambient light shone during the movie so we were not totally in the dark.  Everyone was glued to the action in the movie, no wailing kids or loud crackling of snacks.  All in all it was  a delight. 
We also opened an account at the local bank, 1st National of Livingston.  No other branches except in Livingston.  Tasteful, western art hung on the walls and the decor inside was very modern but homey.  The gal that helped us was referred to as a "personal banker."  She spent 30-40 minutes with us walking us through the online banking site and taking care of all other matters.  She was very friendly and we actually had a great time.  Nothing near the experiences I've had with other banks.  This bank celebrated its centennial in 2002.  It has been in business since 1902.
We've lived in and visited small towns in the past and have never had the pleasure of true small town hospitality. Today was a good day.