Hello friends.  I haven’t written in awhile, so I gave both of us a break.  It is still summer and the weather has been sweltering!  I chose to get off of the lap top and head outside to garden, cut the lawn, talk to the birds (crows, mostly) and soak up the vitamin d (from the sun…..).

A little time off work was in order, so I hopped in the car and took a road trip for two weeks, even though this year would be different.  My kids have grown and are on their own now, and the Yeti wouldn’t be my road trip partner.  This year, I’d go it alone.

First stop was to visit my Mom and Step Dad in a seniors lodge, approximately five hours from my home base.  Thankfully, Covid took a break and the lodge was open to families.  I stayed in the cozy, clean and affordable guest suite for a few nights. Staying in a seniors lodge gave me not only a glimpse, but a front row seat into, what will be my future!  In a couple of decades, I’ll be one of those seniors, complete with a walker and a life alert pendant.   But, until then, I have a lot of living to do!!

I appreciate the good care and great friends my folks have in that lodge. They still have independence, with people checking in on them daily.  I wish I lived closer to them, but then I’d be further from my own children.  A few days visiting with them was good for the my heart.

My second stop on vacation was to a family bible camp with my life long best friend.  We attended church services, met some pretty cool people, and maybe had a couple secret beer breaks in our room…shhhhh, don’t tell!! I’m pretty sure Jesus would be okay with that.  It’s summer, and hot!!  The scenery and conversations held at this special camp was so good for my soul.

Next I went to visit my brothers and sister, and loved seeing everyone, including nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

After traveling over 1200 km’s, I made my way to the valley and Yetiville.  This part of the journey was difficult, visiting all of the old hangouts without my person.  On this particular trip “home” I felt so very alone.

One of my last stops on my trip, I made my way to the entrance of his driveway and solemnly placed the memorial flowers I had chosen for him.  I knelt and tried to feel his presence.  There was just silence in the sunshine.  Memories of our many walks up the lane, holding hands,  floated through my mind.  Memories.  That’s all I have left.  Since he has departed, many things have changed, and I am still trying to adjust to the changes and the disbelief of his absence.   It knocks the breath out of me sometimes.

As I gathered myself up, I snapped a few pictures and drove away.  I have found my place to continue to honor him.

Occasionally, neighbors will drive by the laneway at Yetiville, and notice an arrangement of brightly coloured flowers, and they’ll know true love never dies.

Well, I am back home again, settling into the routines of late summer and early fall and bracing for another Canadian winter.  With the change of seasons,

I will start to write more frequently, again, as I continue to process this new life as a widow and an empty nester.  I will keep looking up, watching for the signs and do everything I can to keep the Yeti’s spirit alive.