May 24, 2007

I am electrified! After 3 days in the repair shop (you should see the labor chg)and much stress later, it looks like Sebastian and I are back in business, whatever that is. I am purchasing a surge protector for the entire coach from Camping World as soon as I get to Manassas, VA where they have a center. I am trying to avoid the shipping chg. I just faxed all the receipts to my insurance carrier. I have a $500 deductible. Finding an appropriate TV was very challenging since the TV in there was 7 yrs. old and they don't make them in that shape or size any longer. I ended up buying one of those skinny things on a pedestal for way more than I wanted to pay. The tech's anchored it down and modified the cabinet so it looks fine. Then along comes the satellite dish tech and he tells me he wishes I had called him first since he could have put in a larger TV for me. Why is it that always happens? It feels very good to be back in our home and being able to use it fully. We are camped out at the Americamps. I am frantically trying to raise funds by selling off a bunch of stuff in my storage unit. This is a job that has needed doing for sometime anyway. I am using Craig's list on the web. I have run into one guy who is trying to pull a scam. One has to be cautious. He wanted me to clear a check for $3200 through my bank for a refrigerator that I have priced at $500. Some people would fall for that scam. I reclaimed a flat screen TV that I had loaned to my granddaughter here since she never uses it and it was just collecting dust. I put it outside in a compartment that is equipped for such. I find it very pleasant to sit outside under my beautiful mauve, blue, white and grey awning with my best friend, watching TV. On the weekend a friend and I are going to a Pow Wow nearby. I am looking forward to it. It has been awhile since I have just kicked back and had fun. By the way, my overworked angels did it again. The electrician said if I had been touching any metal in the coach or outside, I would have been electrocuted. Same for Bash. As I hooked my car to the coach to tow it to Ashland for the very first time on this coach, I noted a great deal of play in the hitch and sleeve. As I hooked up the run-away cables, the hitch slipped out of the sleeve. It was not inserted all the way and even though the pin was locked it there, it was not in the holes where it is supposed to be. Those Beloved Angels again! The ride out was very narrow and winding with school buses coming and going but we went slow and were fine. I am going to write an article for some of the popular camping magazines on the use of a surge protector since I have had first hand experience. I have some pics on the camera that I wanted to share with you but haven't downloaded them yet. I will browse now and if I find a suitable one, I will share it with you.

A photo of the MT Laurel in the Smokies on our hike. Apologies to all my friends that I had intended to visit this trip in VA but it doesn't look like there will be time. I hope to spend a month here in the fall.

Be grateful for Life, Love and Joy,

May 17, 2007

Someone just said to me that they thought I was really an unlucky person. Actually, the truth of the matter is that I feel like the luckiest person in the whole world. I can see to drive, I can ride my bike, breathe fully, move without pain, sleep with Sebastian and worship my Creator God. I have many friends all over the continent and a big family. So what if my son-in-law plugged my coach into a connection that zapped my tv, microwave/convection, vcr and Dish receiver? That will all be fixed eventually. Yes, it did happen yesterday. I am in town today to see about getting it all repaired and replaced. Thank God, my computer was plugged into a surge protection device. It fried that device but saved my lap top. I will move over to Americamps where I usually stay when in this part of the world.

I am going biking right now. Like I said, I am lucky, lucky, lucky. I never forget the year I spent unable to do anything much. I did kayak throughout that year. I lived directly on a beautiful estuary to Pamlico Sound in NC. I had a dolly for my kayak and was able to wheel it to the water's edge to launch. I would climb into it and begin to sing. Singing gave me sight therefore I sang songs I knew and made up songs. Sometimes I cried with the grief that I felt for what I perceived I had lost. It was a time of tremendous "IN SIGHT" rather than out sight. A time of learning and expansion. I spent much time in deep prayer and meditation for all those who were blind like me but didn't know it. Now I can say no matter what happens, I am the luckiest person I know and I am filled with the joy of this life.

Blessed Be, Donna and Sebastian

A few more shots of VT

May 12, 2007

I am in Ashland, VA as of 6 p.m. tonight. I spent last night on the Blacksburg, VA Campus of Virginia Tech with my grandson. We dry camped in one of the parking lots. We walked all around campus last night and early this morning. I took many pictures of the memorials and the impressions of VT after the April 16th tragedy. The strength, dignity, faith, hope and forgiveness of the thousands who have signed the memorial boards under the tent and left notes around each of the Hokie Rocks near the first memorial garden was created the night of the shooting, impressed me deeply. The strong vortex of prayer created on this campus will have an impact on the world.

I visited the campus bookstore and bought a Hokie flag and some bumper stickers. Those of you who know me well know how much I like that stuff. It feels really good to be "home". Tomorrow after church with my family, I will move the coach from this campground into their driveway for the next 3 weeks. I have projects galore ahead. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy my impressions of the VT campus today as each school graduated and the students were leaving. Maybe the media left too. Hope so!

May 10, 2007

Hi from Townsend, TN. Picture of yours truly at the Lily Farm. Having a great reunion with my dear friend whom I haven't seen in two years. We have been hiking, talking, hiking, talking, eating and hiking. What a great area! I really like it here. I went for a long bike road tonight on a lighted 11 mile trail they have here. There are tunnels for getting across the road to the sidewalk and shops on the other side of the street. We have discovered a need here though. There is no dark chocolate in Townsend, TN. But we did find a great coffee shop with yummy scones and muffins as well as great coffee. I am ready to roll over the mountains tomorrow to Blacksburg, VA. Plan to sleep in one of the parking lots then carry my grandson's stuff home the next day. His parents are coming to pick him up but I can help carry the stuff. Having done this duty many more times than I can count for 4 girls, I think I can handle it. The weather is wonderful here although hotter than I thought it would be. There is a fire burning up on the mt. nearby that has been burning for days since a lightning strike.

More coming later -

May 9, 2007

Cheerio ,from high in the mountains of the Great Smoky Mountains, so named by the Cherokee people who settled and managed to stay here inspite of the gov’t pushing them out on what is now called the Trail of Tears. The mts. here often have a blue mist rising up from the gorges and valleys. As many of my readers know from following along with Bearfoot on previous trips, I have been in WiFi blackout from time to time. I seem to be in that place now so am writing this in Word and will transfer it. I arrived here yesterday, the 8th, about noon. I only drove 62 miles yesterday but had made 295 miles the day before. That was the day I came through Atlanta, GA. If you glance at a map of GA, you will note that there is a huge web or vortex of roads which translate to traffic there. There are not many easy ways around it. It is like all roads lead to Atlanta unless you go to Alabama. I had wonderful advice from friends who have made the trip. I left Forsyth, GA at 9 a.m. and went through the Big A at 10 a.m. on Monday. You have to watch the lane changes, the Exit onlys, the merging traffic and of course, the big rigs all around you. I could feel all the prayers that were coming from friends and loved ones who knew where I was. It took just about an hour to go through which is actually good time. I kept the cruise control pegged at 55 mph which is the speed limit through much of it. I continued on as though I wanted to get as far away as possible ending up with 285 miles on the odometer. I was exhausted and sore everywhere. I do admit to singing that haunting song, “Jesus take the Wheel” for some of that trip. My dad was a trucker. He often rides in the passenger seat with me, stub of an unlit cigar stuck in the corner of his mouth.

In Forsyth, I stayed at a tiny campground out in the hills owned by Cherokee people. They make hand carved and painted walking sticks and canes very reasonably priced. I bought two; one for me and one for my friend Marte who lives in the Great Smokys now. We haven’t seen one another in over two years. What a reunion we had yesterday! We plan to hike today in the mts. Yesterday, my lower back went into spasm for awhile making hiking impossible. We hung out, looked at photos and just generally caught up on all that we have experienced in the time we have been apart. She has driven 35,000 miles during that time and moved 7 times. I am going to post a photo of Bearfoot V camped Crystal River, FL and another camped in Forsyth, GA. I also hope to download a shot of the master camper sleeping in. It has been in the mid-forties here in the a.m. About 59 in the MH. Since we have spent five months in hot weather, some of us get a bit chilly even though we have fur.

Live, dance, love and shout for the Joy of it!

May 6, 2007

.Hi loyal readers,
I am writing this in Word Perfect since I just lost my WiFi connection. I am in Forsyth, GA, red dirt country. I am one hour south of the big one, Atlanta. Will leave tomorrow a.m. about 9 a.m to make it through with the least resistance. (I pray). What a lovely trip I have had thus far. I did make an error and turned on Rt. 41 from Rt. 300 too early. Managed to find several mean RR crossings and narrow roads with little villages from time to time. Rt. 300 was fantastic as was Rt. 19 reported yesterday. I would come back south this way. I will let you know about Atlanta after tomorrow. Spoke with my dear friend, Marte, that I haven’t seen in over 2 years today to tell her I would see her in a couple of days. I am very excited. This campground I came in called L & D RV campground in Forsyth, GA is plain but as I entered the office I was astounded by the group of hand carved, hand painted canes and walking sticks there for sale. These are Cherokee people. What a gift to be here. I bought a walking stick for $20. Made of dogwood. He had some jewelry I would give my eye teeth for but NFS. This experience brought me right back to the Earth and to the belief system I have practiced for many years. I am very grateful to be here. Tomorrow I go on to the TN border before going to Townsend, TN to camp.

RV, the new Bearfoot Coach, is running well. Bought my first tank of fuel today at $2.67 per gal. If I had cash, I could have saved 6 cents. The diesal pumps were lined up with self plus 4 trucks with huge long trailers housing horses. As I glanced at the people pumping fuel, I realized we were all women drivers. Cool! They were all blondes and better looking than me, younger too.

I am kicked back in my recliner with a glass of wine watching Tiger in NC. This is a rough life! I apologize for lack of photos but I guess I am lazy since I am moving northward quicker only staying one night in one place. Almost stayed in the Walmart tonight but it looks like showers and I was thinking about the noise of the genset running the AC and all that stuff. Decided to splurge – Ha Ha. Each night so far, the fees have been $20. That is a Good Sam parks with the discount. Not bad for pull throughs with full services.

My gauges on my tanks are not working correctly. Anyone have any suggestions for the best way to deal with it? I know the gauges always quick working even on the new coaches early on. There are some additives that are supposed to help. Does anyone have experience with that sort of product? I have been emptying them each day. Maybe I should not do so and let the liquid build up to slosh a bit. Let me know what you think. More later--

May 5, 2007

Sebastian and I are in Thomasville, GA tonight. What a lovely road trip we had up Rt. 19 from Crystal River, FL today. Hardly any traffic and very few lights. Four lanes divided and nice rolling hills. Hot and dry though. Had a sprinkle or two but didn't last. It is very dry here in GA. They may have more fires. Coach ran great but I can't get my jacks system to work. They were working fine until the Lazy Days guy worked on the brake lights yesterday. He told me he had to unhook the jacks to get to the brake lights. I think he forgot to hook them back up. It may be something I can fix myself if they talk me through it.

Tomorrow I will get pretty close to Atlanta, campout and go through on I 75 Monday. I wish I could have made it on a Sunday but that is not going to happen. I will go through at the least busy time and pray it will be ok. I guess I'm stuck with I 75 after that until I get near Maryville, TN where I want to spend a couple of days visiting a dear friend I haven't seen in a couple of years. From there on to Blacksburg, VA to visit my grandson.

Will keep you all posted. Hopefully, I will have WiFi most of the way. So far, so good.

May 4, 2007

Hi Blog readers from Crystal River, FL. Got in yesterday, dropped my kayak off at an acquaintance's home for storage 'til I return. I am sad but had no way to carry it without the roof of the car. Then discovered my brake lights were not working. I called Lazy Days Mobile road service. The repairman came tonight and after about 4 hrs., found the source of the problem. The four-ways were shorting everything else out. It was hard to find since it was buried deep in the mass of wires under the dash. Now all is working and I am ready to leave tomorrow a.m. northward. I still haven't decided on I 75 or a secondary road. I won't know until tomorrow when I pull out of here. Must pray on that decison tonight. It is a weekend so I 75 may not be too bad.

It is beautiful here. Some rolling hills and lovely rivers. Quiet and cooler too. Not far from Lady Lake, Gloria. I am listening to the crickets right now as I finish this post and head for my lovely nest. Please keep Bash and I in your thoughts and prayers for safety. I will post whenever I am able to find WiFi.

With blessings from
Donna and for Sebastian who hasn't learned to write yet.

April 27, 2007

Here is the current home of the Bearfoot Journey. I closed on the deal today. It is older, has character, is cozy and in in great shape. It is a millenium coach so this particular paint job was ony available in 2000. It is white, grey, dark blue and mauve, very feminine looking. I plan on leaving Brandon on the 3rd of May. I will let all you Virginian readers know when I will be in your area as I roll up through the mountains. I have always returned via the coastal route but this time I plan to explore the mountain route. It hard for me to believe I will be home in VA before Mother's Day. Bash and I did something different tonight. I rode the bike and he trotted alongside on the leash. It was good exercise for him and fine for me because my legs and arms are very tired from the lifting and moving. This was the easiest and less hurried closing and moving that I have ever done since they let me do it at my leisure, one car load at a time. But no matter, it is still a stressful experience.

April 25, 2007

Still here, yes siree! Thanks be to God. I am feeling good, well into self-healing and feeling peaceful. Bashey and I have been living with my Lazy Days Angels in the Brandon, FL area since the first of April. I have purchased a motor home for us to continue our journey wherever it takes us. Purchase and delivery have gone along smoothly and it looks like we will be hitting the road about May 4th. I am sooooo eager to be with my family and friends in Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, New York, Vermont and Massachusetts. I will be there eventually!!

April 17, 2007

The day after a tragic event at VT. My family and I am very grateful that my grandson who is a freshman cadet at VT is ok. There were a few hours of concern since we didn't hear from him. We had a prayer hot line going for him for a couple of hours and then for those parents and families who were going to get a call that their loved one was injured or deceased. I don't know why our youngest, our brightest and best are being murdered throughout the world. It would be easy to pin it on the war-like energy of the current administration but these events were occuring before this president took office. It is interesting to note that in the rest of the world the young people are killed by adults when the incidents occur in schools. In this country, we have young people killing young people. I am very sad in my heart and in my soul to be living in this time where I witness the tragic loss of these young people with so promise and so much to live for. I do believe that all things happen for a reason. In these cases as well as when I hear the daily death toll from Irag, I cannot grasp the reason why. This event will bring about changes in our campus security. The war death don't seem to be bringing any changes in our foreign policy.

One thing I know, there will be a brighter day. God promises us that in every rainbow we see. Here is a photo of a new day in FL.
God be with you.

April 15, 2007

I hope everyone has their taxes done. I know it is necessary pay-up time but I have never liked this time of year. Mine are done. I did them myself with Turbo Tax. But I am always a little nervous about doing them correctly. Of course, having someeone else do them is the same worry, it just seems separate somehow. I suppose it is more of a lack of confidence in my skills in the math department but Turbo Tax does it all, just put in the numbers.

I wanted to post some shots of the wild peacocks that roam the streets here. I suspect they are mating now since the males are "dressed" in their full regalia and there is a great deal of noise. If you zoom in on the photo you can really see the male. The one I shot was standing right in front of the door to a lovely home. They sit on the lawns and the roofs of the homes here. I also watched a huge flock of hundreds of giant white egrets land in the trees here by the pond. They spent the night and then moved on. We have a chorus of frogs that sing an acoustic beat in the evening hours. This morning amidst the tornado warnings, we had a strong wind driven thunderstorm with heavy rain. The air has cooled somewhat which actually feels good. We will prepare the Allegro elder coach (1983) for a trip over to Rally Park at Lazy Days for the pet rally coming up this week. I am going to man the camper and the dogs to demonstrate the invisible dog fence.

Here are the pics - Enjoy!

April 14, 2007

Here we are in the Tampa Bay area. We are near Brandon actually. I am having fun finding my way around the area. My friends here have loaned me a car which enables me to explore and also to help grocery shop etc. They both work long hours. It is misty and cooler today. It sounds like we will have some more rain which is still much needed. This is the rainy season in Florida too. The pool temp is 82 but I still haven't been in. I would rather ride my bike. I had fun yesterday exploring the Fishhawk Ranch area. Lovely facilities and community.

We had started clipping Sebastian and did get his back looking acceptable but yesterday I stopped at a pet salon yesterday and made an appt. for monday for a real bath and clip. We are going to participate in a Pet Rally at Lazy Days later this month. I want him to look clean and well cared for. He is such a good boy. He fits in here with two larger dogs but his poor eyes are right at tail wagging level. I watch him close his eyes tight when he is near their back ends.

I am grateful to hear from many friends who left Florida earlier this month and are now safely back home. God speed! My prayers are with all who are on the move.

There is a huge flea market north of here. I have been thinking of making a trip up there but don't think the weekend is the time to go. I have a feeling it will be very crowded. I miss attending the many concerts and musical festivities in Naples as well as the dear friends who shared those activities. There is definitely a let down after being involved with numerous activities that involve friends. I hear of it in all the emails I am receiving. We share these feelings of transition. I have found the best thing to do is to honor what you are feeling and how you express it. Gradually moving into your "home" activities and family. Resting when you need it and mild exercise.

I thought I would leave you with a smile. The photo of the beer chickens was taken about a week ago. They were delicious!

March 26, 2007

I have been busily packing preparing to leave on Friday this week. The weather here is absolutely grand. Warm but breezy. The breezy part makes it challenging to ride a bike any great distance. Tomorrow the bike club is riding to Lover's Key which is a 20 mile ride. I know we will have to buck the wind one direction or the other. We are each bringing a bag lunch. It will be our final long ride of the year. Lot's of people have already left or are leaving this week so I don't know how large a bike group we will have. Last week we had an amazing number of riders. We present quite a picture with our bright neon yellow shirts.

Two of my dear friends were involved in a frightening auto crash on I 75 near Miami this weekend. Thanks be to God and the Angels, they walked away with cuts and bruises as did the other folks involved. There car is a total wreck but they will be coming back today with some friends. As many of you know, I don't like driving on these interstate highways. I prefer the quieter, slower secondary roads. I don't have to be anywhere in a hurry anymore. I am grateful for that.

I have trying to deal with a resistant flea problem with Sebastian. Apparently, after all the years of use, the fleas are now immune to Frontline. There are new products on the market now but we had not experienced this problem before this year. Looks like a trip to the vet for Bash. Poor guy is itchy and not sleeping well.

I did finish my income taxes. Yeah! It always feels good to get that out of the way. I wish the gov't hadn't selected the April 15th date. I would rather not deal with taxes in the Spring when it is a happy time of rebirth and rejuvenation. I think fall would have been a better time.

Last night as I walked Bash, I had such dega vu. I heard the Chuck's Will's Widow's calling in the fields to the East of us. That sound took me right back to a happy time in my life. I was sitting on my screen porch at night high above the marshes overlooking Broad Creek in North Carolina. I would lie in the hammock, close my eyes and just fly with that sound. If you have never heard them, you are missing out. They are in the Whiporwill family but very different. Night birds hunting and feeding at night. I had one sitting in a Red Tip bush right near my porch one night. I grabbed a flash light and shone it in the general direction and there staring back at me with those red eyes and long whiskers was the Chuck's W.W. Wow! What a treat! In fact, my first exposure to this bird was before my NC house was built. I had borrowed a class b camper from a friend and gone out on the vacant lot to camp. The windows were open. The area was totally dark and isolated when suddenly as I lay down in the bunk, I heard that sound that seemed to come from everywhere. I crept outside to investigate. I had never heard any night bird like it. It wasn't until I made inquiries the next day that I discovered the source. Now hearing them last night here in FL was like a reunion with old friends.

Remember "Love is the Absence Of Fear"

March 22, 2007

Finally, a cloudy day in Naples. Went biking this a.m. without my sunglasses on. But I did get to wear my new eyeglasses. I broke down a few days ago - had my eyes checked and purchased two pairs of glasses. That set me back a bunch. But I do need to begin wearing some distance correction after all the years of not needing it. The young man who waited on me turned out to be a kindred spirit and we spent much of our time together speaking in low tones about our beliefs. It is always nice to run into "strangers" like that. His name was perfect too, David.

We had our dinner treat today at the community center. Our park caters a year-end dinner for the residents at this time of year. I have never stayed for it before. It was a very nice ham dinner with a most delicious chocolate cupcake with thick pink icing. Yum!

I gave Bashey a bath yesterday. Doused him with Mane and Tail conditioner for horses afterward. He is so soft and white. His hair was easy to comb out too. All the flea protection I put on him doesn't seem to be working this year here in FL. I think the fleas have developed an immunity to it. When i return to VA, I will see what we can do about changeing our flea and tick protection program with his vet.

My personal prayer list grows with new cancer patients. There is a deep need on this planet for serious prayer for those who suffer whether it be a physical dis-ease, emotional or a spiritual crisis. Imagine the power we possess, the power to change the course of events if we all prayed together at the same time - time zone after time zone - like a continuous bolt of lightning streaking around the world. I treasure that vision.

I have posted a picture of our bikers group on St. Patricks Day picnicing at Cocohatchee Park nearby. Many of the spouses and some volunteers prepared a fabulous lunch and decorated the picnic tables in green and shamrocks. Lot's of fun.

March 18, 2007

We had a cool night last night. Had to start the furnace this a.m. Colder temps really set me back here in south Florida. The temps stay warm and pretty predictable for a long while then suddenly there is a dip and the wind from the north kicks up. It becomes snuggle in time and yet, compared to the northern states, it is not really cold. We are whimps. I walked to church this morning here in the park. I enjoy going to this service occasionally since they sing many of the old hymns that I grew up hearing my mom sing. Many I have sang with her when we used to sing duets and trios at funerals and weddings.

After church, I went down to Sak's Fifth Avenue. Did that get your attention?? Those that know me well, will wonder why would she do that? There was a wonderful small exhibit of wildlife and floral prints from the Oppenheimer collection. I met a woman there who was friends with Joel Oppenheimer and has a dozen or so of those huge watercolours. They are worth a fortune. She tries to protect them from the possibility of hurricane and tornado when she leaves by placing them on her bed covered wtih plastic. Sounds a bit iffy to me but I guess that is all she can do if she wants to enjoy them here in Florida.

I thought you might enjoy this photo of the Black Pearl anchored out in the Imperial River where I went kayaking. I couldn't find Johnny Depp though.
We had a royal visitor here at Lake San Marino a few days ago. My sister took his picture and I am posting it here for you to enjoy. He stayed with us for quite a long while and allowed many people to photograph him. He is a symbol of Godliness, power, beauty and new beginnings. Since it is Spring and since we are all in transition preparing to leave this our winter home, it seems appropriate that he stopped by to grace our community with his presence.

March 9, 2007

It is with mixed feelings that we bid our winter friends farewell until next year or in one couple's case, for two years. It hardly seems possible that it is the month of leavings rather than comings. The winter has sped by in a whirlwind of sunshine, biking, golfing, dancing and social gathering.

We beached it this afternoon and had a picnic supper just before sundown on the beach. We have Ralph's youngest son with us for two days. I attach a pic of the sunset.

Tomorrow we will drive this son to Fort Lauderdale to visit with more of his family. The traffic has let up a bit around here so I expect it will be a pleasant drive.

I spent the other afternoon making beach flotsam grapevine wreaths. It was lots of fun. I hung mine outside by the door where I had hung my Christmas wreath and gave the other one to my lovely friend and her husband who are leaving for their ranch in Missouri on Saturday. They won't be back here until 2009. Next year they plan to go to the Texas Gulf coast.

I realize how quickly I have adapted to this way of life since I began in '03. It is difficult for me to think of my former staionary way of living in a house. My gypsey heart beats deep and strong within me. I know when it is time to quit and settle down, I will know. What a vast group of friends I have made along the way. How many people I have been touched by - their stories, their pain, their faith, and their love.

Naples is a lovely place to live. I only wish I could stay beyond the 30th of March. Maybe next year. This place is familiar and feels like home. Enjoy the pics. There is one of the Gopher Turtle at Bearfoot Beach as she digs a nest and lays her eggs. Then there is the much promised photo of Joe Marino at Fushion for all those who grew up with Jerry Lee Lewis music.

March 4, 2007

Here are some pics from our boat trip on the Imperial river in the fog. Also there is one of Joe Marone, an entertainer extraordinare who plays all 50's songs. A large group of us went to the Club Fusion to dance and eat, of course. It is remarkable how wise we have become in our senior years. Wherein we used to go out on the town at 10 p.m. when we were young, now we go out on the town at 4 p.m. and are home preparing for bed by 9:00 p.m. A great time was had by all I can assure you.

March 3, 2007

Just spent a couple of days north in Tampa visiting with a couple of dear friends. Bash went along since they enjoy dogs. They have two and he fits in very nicely. It is warming up here in S. Florida now. I don't mind, I like the heat. What I do mind though is waving goodbye to many friends as they meander northward. It is difficult to comprehend the winter season is ending. Time here has gone by much too quickly. Soon we will join the migration. The humidity seems to both Sebastian more than it ever has. He stays quiet and prefers the AC. He always liked being in our house when we lived in Goochland, VA and the heat settled in.

I received sad news yesterday. An old friend had to be admitted to a nursing facility for Alzheimer's disease by his wife in PA. I can't imagine having to make that decision. It takes courage and grace. Also faith in God's love and forgiveness. Also, my prayer list continues to grow with CA patients. Since reconnecting with my old friend, Penny, of the Penny Bear Company, my friend and I have sent out several magic hugging bears to friends who are in need of hugs and prayers. Just check out www.pennybear.org to find out more info and ways you can assist. There is even a pattern on the site for knitting "bear" sweaters. Everything Penny does is non-profit. The bears are dressed by volunteers; the gift bags and gift cards are hand colored by middle school children. Penny has been doing this for 12 years and has sent out thousands of bears. I hope to be working with her more extensively this summer. More details to follow.

Two books I highly recommend: A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle and Love without Conditions by Paul Ferrini. The first follows the teachings of A Course in Miracles but is easier to understand. The second is a teaching of the Christ Love of self and others.
Photos are of sunset on Naples Beach and boating near Lover's Key with a group of 36 friends on 3 pontoon boats in the fog. Great trip none-the-less.