Trips of a Lifetime

Lake Ouachita

As much as we are enjoying the cooler temperatures, we are not ready for other signs of fall.  The changing colors and falling leaves are a bit sad to me.

 

Route 66

We celebrated our wedding anniversary last week.  What I asked for was a simple day of just the two of us together.  Dan surprised me with roses. He got a cheeseburger! After a late breakfast we walked the shores of Lake Ouachita. Dan tried to humor me as I discovered rocks of all shapes and sizes. One was a perfect double heart.  He didn’t start rolling his eyes at me until I pointed out a bunny rabbit rock.  I should have quit while I was ahead. At the day’s end we stopped for frozen yogurt. While it doesn’t sound very exciting to some, to those who know us well, it was a perfect day.

 

Three Sisters Spring

Heart rock

Dan and I are preparing for a much anticipated trip across Route 66, or a portion there of.  We are packing our bags, making no reservations except for the Grand Canyon stay.  We are driving and stopping when and wherever we please, the Lord willing.

We do have places in mind we hope to visit. I cannot wait to visit with my sister’s family in San Diego.  I love her so much.  We have had a lot of fun times—just the two of us hanging out on the beach chasing sunsets.  However, we are excited about the unexpected adventures we are sure to find along the way.  Those are often the best.

 

Anniversary Roses

Actually we had this trip planned for last year.  Unfortunately, we made a not so pleasant detour.  Dan ended up having open heart surgery.  It was one of the most terrifying times of our lives. It was also one of the most blessed times. 

 

Dan in ICU after surgery

Neither of us is happy to have gone through this trial.  We are thankful for an awesome medical staff that saved his life! There were countless friends and family who surrounded us with constant support of love, prayers and comfort. 

So here we are today, washing and packing granny panties and hitting the road!  It is not so much a trip of a life time as we originally planned.  It is much better.  This is a trip to celebrate a lifetime!

Psalm 121

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—

where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord,

the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—

he who watches over you will not slumber;

indeed, he who watches over Israel

will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you—

the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

the sun will not harm you by day,

nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm—

he will watch over your life;

the Lord will watch over your coming and going

both now and forevermore.

Labor Day 2014

We had the privilege of hanging out with some really terrific folks over the Labor Day weekend.  Elton and Dottie are dear friends here in the Village.  We were thrilled when they asked us to take their extended family and friends on a boat tour. Any opportunity to visit with these two is a huge treat.

When we arrived at their dock they began loading a three course meal, table, cloths, silverware and such. These two do everything with style! We visted as the grandsons and friends swam. Friend Stephanie and her parents had driven in from their home in New Orleans.  Within minutes we felt like life long friends with the Screen family as well.

Stephanie said she would be playing the piano for us at church Sunday night. She in her modesty grossly understated her gifts.  It ended up being a full concert of piano and violin.  Beautifully done! 

 

The beautiful and talented Stephanie with grandson Gray.

The Gray family definitely has the flair and gift of hospitality.  They have a beautiful Asian garden sprawled down the side of their lake side home.  Beautiful plants are surrounded by gazebos and waterfalls.

The afternoon before our boat tour, they had served their guests high tea at the gazebo.  Of course, all was served in their finest china and tea.

Their family crest includes the anchor.  While gray doesn’t seem line up with this colorful duo, the anchor is appropriate.  There are solid folks.  They are fully anchored in their faith. They are fun, energetic and loving in all their endeavors.

We had several thunder storms during the boating day.  I looked like we would be rained out. It turned out to be a perfect evening.  The cloudy skies and rains left us in peace.  Other than an invasion of spiders at sunset, it was perfect.  Dottie with her usual style said they must have been sunning all day and were coming in for the night.  That may be so Dottie, but next time we will make sure to exclude them from the guest list!

 We have the hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure, it enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.  Hebrews 6:10