Climbing the Valley of Fire State Park with my Oldest Son

It's not very often I have a son come to visit us, but we sure enjoy him when we do. Tim has a conference next week so he came to town Thursday evening for a few days with us. I can't tell you how much we have enjoyed having him (of course we enjoy having all of our children visit - alone or with the whole family). JoAnn had a quilt workshop already scheduled and she is doing things that I can't even begin to understand, like sewing in the ditch. That alone brings all kinds of alternative visions to my mind, none of which I care to repeat, but I would love to take a picture of her sewing while sitting in a ditch. Somehow I just don't think that's the right idea. I've digressed enough. On to the real story.

I was always shooting up because I was the
one who was always behind.

This morning Tim and I took off for the Valley of the Fire State Park. It's about an hour north of us and if Red Rock Conservation Area is beautiful, then this is stupendous! It also provides opportunities for casual climbing, except in those areas where it specifically states "no climbing." Today we climbed and climbed and had a great time. If I had doubts about my back today put much of that to rest. I only didn't make one climb - although I didn't try to make all the climbs Tim did.

One of those areas was at Mousse Basin, a desert water trap. You could peek into it, but not get into it. Tim climbed up the wall to the left then across the top so he could look straight down. There was another family there with an 8 or 9 year old. She found a way to climb up to a point. I was watching and wondering when her parents asked where she was going (I think that's what they asked since it was in a European language I wasn't familiar with. Where is Craig when you need him?). She pointed to the rock across the way where Tim had been standing indicating that was the place she was going to. It was clear from the tone that the parents were not the least inclined to let her do that. With a disappointed look she turned around and came down. A few minutes later Tim appeared again and I had to inform him he was a bad influence on the younger generation.

I'm not so high. By this time I was starting to get tired!

The next time family comes to town, if they want a fun adventure we can go to Valley of the Fire State Park. They have great climbing - almost all easy (although not for little ones) and wonderful campgrounds. The campground we drove through Tim said it was the very best he had seen - mostly because so many of the spots were isolated.

That was a staircase we both had to turn
sideways to get up and I didn't as the
step was too tall for me, but not Tim. He
is at the top in the sun.

It was a good day and now we have stories to tell Mom when she comes home from her quilt workshop. Thanks for sharing your Dad, Joshua, and your husband, Lonita.

Wordless Wednesday - Annual Cake Day!

Morning Walks

I've always enjoyed morning walks, but since last fall it has once again become a habit that I can really enjoy. Also, living in Las Vegas means that I can walk outside except on those really cold mornings (which are like spring mornings elsewhere). Some morning I start and finish before the sun comes up, but as we blend into spring and get closer to summer and the days grow longer the mornings change. If I really sleep in (past 5 am) then I may need my sun glasses or pull my hat down low. In 6 to 8 weeks I'll be wishing for those cool and dark mornings and a walking temperature under 80.

I especially have enjoyed my walks this spring as I've watched the trees bloom and drop, the pansies bloom and stay (it doesn't get cold enough for crocuses and tulips unfortunately) and just recently the bushes have all come out in color. Sunday morning I took my longest walk since coming back to walking and was rewarded with some beautiful bushes. I slept in, got up about 6 and was walking along the beltway and towards the northern end of our neighborhood. I stopped and took a couple of photos with my phone tos share and remind me of the beauty that is all around us.

My walks are enjoyable. It's a time to relax before the day begins and be mindful about what the day will bring and what I will contribute. I do look forward to these morning walks with family, but that doesn't happen often. I'm wondering if walking is becoming a lost art or are we just too busy to enjoy the beauty this is all around us.

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Birthday Michael

Seasons come and seasons go and birthdays are a measure of longevity. But more importantly, it's a time for remembering, enjoying, family, and fun. It was a cold icy day in Ames, Iowa when little Mike was born. Number six of seven children, he was as special as all the rest. Being the second boy meant he would have to endure sisters galore and didn't know he would yet have another little sister. Raising a family is always a challenge, but more often it is a joy, especially when you take time to stop and smell the dandelions. It's easy to smell the roses, but they aren't part of our daily life. The dandelions are more of a nuisance and we try to get rid of them in our yard, but when we stop to smell them we realize they too are part of God's creation. I like the dandelion analogy because it reminds us that little nuisances and challenges are what can bring great joy in our lives. In the same sense, our children are great blessings - each and every one of them - but they can be like dandelions and if we don't stop to smell them (read that as stopping to celebrate them) then we miss too much in their lives and our lives. Michael was one of our dandelions, and what a wonderful one he was and is, of course now I'd probably fine a different plant for him, but he remains a joy in our lives and those of his extended family. Moreover he has extended that family to include a beautiful bride (under 10 years of marriage you remain a bride) who has blessed all of our lives. I honor Michael on this birthday for who he is, who he has become, for his challenges which will make him stronger, and for his love of life, his eternal partner, and his family. Oh yes, and for his quirky sense of humor. Happy Birthday Son!

Wordless Wednesday