Life Renewed

Much of my week was spent doing some serious spring cleaning-windows, screens, nooks and crannies.  But as small as this place is, even that wasn't much of a project.  The rest of my time was spent shopping for a new truck in order to eventually get a bigger trailer.  I've long worried about being able to pull HOWEE at the high altitudes out west with the Silverado.  But with my ruling planet, Mercury, being retrograde and making communication, transportation and negotiations far more difficult than usual, all I did was gather information. 

Friday night I saw Bill Maher live at the Asheville Civic Center and had a ball!  For 90 minutes he gave us some side splitting laughs and political truths that seem obvious to everyone, except the politicians!  That kind of truth telling is refreshing as well as funny.  It was a good way to celebrate the end of retrograde Mercury.

Saturday morning, with Mercury direct, I went back to the car dealership where I had test driven a nice truck the week before.  It had a couple small scratches and needed tires then, but otherwise was in great shape.  On this day they offered me more for the Chevy than I paid for it and had put 6 new tires on this beauty, so I bought it!  It's a 2008 GMC Sierra 3500 HD, with a 6.6L Duramax diesel, Allison transmission and will put small houses, according to my super fine mechanic, Keith.  It will easily pull HOWEE through the high mountains in the west, and then some.  When I get back to Asheville in the fall, RV trading season will be in high gear and I should have no trouble finding the 5th wheeler I want.  And, Barbara, Trey and family are interested in buying HOWEE!  The grandsons love it and they all enjoyed "luxury outdoor living" when they came to visit in Florida.  It would be wonderful to keep it in the family, but if that doesn't work out, that's perfectly okay, too.  I don't think I'll have any trouble finding a new home for my little home on wheels that has served me so well.

Craig Weaver and friend

Easter Sunday at Jubilee! was standing room only for the 2 services I saw.  I arrived early for the 11:15, catching the end of the previous service and it was packed.  So was the 11:15.  The theme for today was "Awe and Enchantment" and both were evident in the happenings.  First was a christening which was so joyous there was hardly a dry eye in the house.  And the baby responded on cue with the right sounds and motions!  Then when we were invited to stand and wish each other "happy Easter", I spotted an old friend who I hadn't seen in quite a while, Craig Weaver and his lovely wife, Beth.  I went straight to him with a big grin on my face and when he recognized me, we grabbed each other for a huge bear hug.  We parted briefly, looked at each other then hugged again!  What a thrill!  Craig is from the Boone area and was a regular at the Lakota sweats we did at my place on Briarpatch over the years.  And since he was a sun dancer for 4 years, he often came there to do his sweats and vision quests for preparation.  We shared much sweat, laughs and tears over the years, not to mention many a good meal.  It was great to see him and Beth and we spoke again after the service. 

Following lunch and a short walk around town, I headed for Davidson River to enjoy the 80 degree + weather and the cool waters and shade.  I walked in the river for a long time, going slowly to enjoy the cool and to keep from slipping in for a full dip.  I saw 2 hellbenders, giant salamanders, each over a foot long, but the water was too deep to get any kind of picture.  Then I took the Burg up to sliding rock and yes, there were a few folks actually sliding in the more than chilly water.  Brrrr!  Even on a hot day in July, that water can chill you to the bone in no time.  I also stopped at Looking Glass Falls and a swimming hole near Coontree picnic area.  It was a glorious Easter and I enjoyed every moment of!

Sliding Rock

Looking Glass Falls

I hope you had a fine Easter, too, and feel the renewal of life in the spring time!  Thanks for stopping by.

Serenity Found

Today I did some spring cleaning all morning then rode the Burg all afternoon.  I headed for Davidson River, one of my favorite places on God's good earth, then passed it by to go to Cedar Mountain, then Pretty Place (aka Symmes Chapel).  It sits on top of the mountain overlooking South Carolina.  I've been there several times and will go back many more.

It is a sacred spot.  And the presence of God does fill my soul every time I go there. 

Lots of people get married here and it's easy to see why.  The beauty is breath taking.

On the beam, "I will lift up mine eyes unto these hills."

I sat on a rock near the chapel, gazing over the valley, and recited the Serenity Prayer several times.

"God, Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can
And wisdom to know the difference,
Living one day at a time
Enjoying one moment at a time
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,
Taking this world as it is, not as I would have it
Trusting that you will make all things right, if I surrender to your will
So I may be reasonably happy in this life
And supremely happy with you in the next.
Amen" 

Oh yeah.  I left pretty place to ride up Davidson River for a bit.  As always, it was gorgeous.  Had to stop and listen to the water for a while to see if it had anything to tell me.  "All is well in the real world" came through.  As did "Life is like the river-it flows on and on" from Lao Tsu. 

I love to be near water.  And of all the kinds to be around - oceans, gulfs, lakes, ponds, rivers, streams and creeks - I love fast moving rivers the most.  They excite, inspire, enliven, and lift me up.  At Briarpatch Lane near Boone, the New River was slow above Laxon Creek, which ran in front of the house, and fast below it.  I recently learned from Zoe that the last big rain undid much of the stream bank mitigation work that was done many years ago, and that is sad.  The banks are eroding again.  And the big willow tree is gone.  Again.

I'm not real sure why it took me so long to settle in here.  Put the awning up, the ground carpet down, the Burg in place.  Maybe it was being away for a few days in Raleigh, or the cool weather, or the online shopping for a bigger truck and bigger trailer, since I've decided to continue living this way for a while.  Or maybe because I'm mooning for my lover and long to be with her.  Two months from today I'll be in Virginia with Barbara and family, and that will be more than fine!  I hope to have a new truck by then, pulling my current trailer, then find a  5th wheel trailer when I come back here mid-summer.  I've been very concerned about the Silverado pulling HOWHEE (my current home on wheels) in the mountains out west, and a new-used truck would go far to alleviate that. 

The adventure continues!  Thanks for stopping by.

Odds and Ends-4 or so

The thunder beings visited NC this weekend and caused lots of death and destruction.  I was very fortunate here to only have heavy rain and winds.  All my family and friends in the Raleigh area are fine and had no damage, as well as my friends in Boone.  My son's office may be gone but he won't know until tomorrow.  He works on Saunders Street near downtown Raleigh and that area suffered extensive damage. 

On Saturday I went to see the movie "Win Win" and thoroughly enjoyed it.  Paul Giamatti played the lead role and did an excellent job as always.  the young man who played the troubled wrestling star was also excellent in a very difficult role.  It was a very good story, well written and well acted.  I would see it again.

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As I left the theater and walked up the street, I was window shopping when I spotted this cat napping in the window of a jewelry shop.  He looked so warm and comfortable, I just couldn't resist the shot.

Pack Square was my destination, where an Earth Day Festival was happening on a gorgeous spring day.  There were lots of parents with young kids, dogs, music, food and beer.  It was a great day for people- watching and just "being".  I remembered going to my first "be-in" when I was in college at Carolina, and this reminded me of that for some reason.  Just being there. 

I was lucky enough to be there when a group called The Broadcast did their thing.  The lead singer, Caitlin Krisko, was pure dynamite!  You can get more info at http://www.caitlinkrisko.com/.  And if you're given the chance to see them, take it!  You'll be glad you did!

Jubilee! spoke to me very clearly today, as it usually does.  An early quote grabbed my attention, though my notes failed to capture the source:  "As you get older, find something crazy to do to keep your sanity!"  Okay.  I can do that.  So I'm seriously considering a much larger mobile home (actually a 40 foot 5th wheeler) and a bigger truck to pull it.  I've been shopping online like a maniac and thoroughly enjoying it!  And I've test driven a 40 foot motor home and 3 big pickup trucks.  The theme at Jubilee! today was the legacy of sheer enjoyment and how that can connect us to the divine.  Since I'm still crazy-in-love and it brings me sheer joy, it is connecting me to the divine. 

When the service was over, I mentioned to Howard that last weekend I'd had a beer with an old friend who wanted me to give his regards.  When Howard asked "what's his name?"  and  I said "Alan Briggs", he said with a big smile "A blast from the past!.  I'd sure like to give him a hug!"  I said I'd invited him up and hoped that would happen.  That would make a very fine picture!  Here's hoping...

After Jubilee! I did my usual walk through Asheville and came across this cutest little puppy enjoying the sunshine and his master.  This little guy was so friendly and couldn't get enough of licking my fingers!  And he had more cute than the law allows!

Wandering a little further I came to this church which I'd driven by countless times as a teenager and young man, but I'd never stopped to really look at it.  Oh my, what a beautiful place!  It's the Basilica of St. Lawrence, built in 1909, by the same man who built the Biltmore House.  This was told to me by a passing stranger who saw me trying to get a good picture.  He also told me the builder was buried in the basement. 

The outside of the church is square, but the inside is circular and under a tiled dome.  It's one of the prettiest churches I've ever been in, and I've been in quite a few throughout the world.  It was the first time I've been in a Catholic church since LaVerne's memorial service, so a few memories of her came to me and they were all happy ones and none of the sad ones.  That has been a prayer for a long time and today it happened.  And I am very grateful. 

Of all the street musicians I saw today, this was my favorite.  He was playing a banjo, one foot beat the drum he sat on, the other had a tambourine on his ankle, and he either played a harmonica or sang.   His playing had couples stopping to dance, others to tap their foot or sing along, or others, like me, grinning real big and singing along when I could.  It was sheer joy!  And I was connected, again!

Lunch today was at the Biergarden where I enjoyed Andouille sausage served over green chili cheese grits, grilled scallions and creamy roasted leek sauce.  And was it good?  OH YEAH!!!!!  And the portions were so large I brought half of it home. 

What a day!  I love being here and experiencing all these good things.

Special Note:  My nephew in Sarasota lead his baseball team to their 18th win this season by going 3 for 4 with a homerun and 3 RBI.Go Jason!  Go Jason!  Oh yeah!!!!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Remembering Vern

Vern Nelson, 1943

Last Sunday I attended a memorial service for my former father-in-law, Vern Nelson, who passed away April 1.  There was an overflow crowd of over 100 people and it was a fine celebration for a very fine man.  Vern was more like a father to me than any of the fathers I ever had.  He taught me more about golf than anyone before or since, and when I started my consulting business in 1985, he was like a silent partner.  Except he wasn't always silent, and that was a good thing.  He was an excellent engineer at IBM for almost all of his career, after serving in the Navy in WWII.  He was a grand host, along with his late wife, Marjean, and had friends all over the world.  He could sing more songs than anybody I ever knew, and a few of them were a bit on the bawdy side.  And he loved to drink Manhattans and taught me to love them as well.  Then there were his roses and his yard.  Both were well kept and brightened many a soul for many years.  His daughters, Bonnie and Zoe, along with son-in-law Neil, hosted a keg party in Vern's apartment after the service, which was at Vern's request.  Neil led us in a toast to Vern, and I could almost see him smiling and hear his hearty laugh.  He was one of the best men I ever knew and I'm glad to have known him. 

Of course the good thing about these kind of happenings is people gathering.  I saw my friends Alan and Nan and even Diana Whitney, all sweat lodge buddies from over the years.  It was good to see Bonnie, Neil and Zoe, as we had many good times with Vern.  And I got to see both of my children in the same place at the same time!  Now that's rare because it's so hard to do as time moves along.  I was proud and pleased that they both attended, as they held Vern in very high regard, too.  And they both love Zoe.

My daughter Barbara and son Derick

Since this blog is about my travels, I need to say a few words about the ride down and back on the Burgman.  Yep, you heard me right.  It was the longest ride I've taken, about 550 miles round trip.  I checked the weather coming and going, but not closely enough.  It was near 70 when I left here Saturday morning and within 2 hours, the temperature dropped 19 degrees!  I had on my heavy jacket, scarf, rain suit and gloves and still froze my kabooty off!  I stayed at Derick's over the weekend and soon after I arrived I was in a hot shower.  Shortly after that I was sipping a bloody Mary and finally got warm.  The next morning we saw pictures of baseball sized hail that had fallen near my route.  Now that would have ruined my whole day!
   On the way back I did a little better, but not much.  The radar looked good at 1:30 when I checked, but I didn't leave until 3:00 after a dental appointment.  About 2 hours into the ride the air cooled quickly and the sky got dark, so I pulled under a bridge and put on my rain suit and new, waterproof gloves.  By the time I pulled back onto the road, the rain had begun along with a pretty stiff breeze.  I lasted for a little over a half hour before I decided to call it quits and get a motel room since I had about 2 1/2 hours left.  I stayed near a favorite restaurant, the Village Tavern, in Winston Salem.  The food was great and so was the Red Oak beer.  And I had a Manhattan for dessert and toasted Vern one more time.  Even with the room,  I still spent less than I would have for gas in the truck.  Gas for the scooter round trip: $38.
   The thunder beings had to show me, just one more time, who's really in charge.  The rain was good and helped wash away my tears, and there were more than a few last weekend.  Yet it was good to celebrate the life of a good man.  Bon voyage, Vern!  See ya later!

Odds and Ends-3

This was an experiment to see if I could put 2 pictures side-by-side, and it didn't work.  They show up that way in draft but not final..  Fall and spring, what a nice contrast.

When sister Barbara comes here to visit me in October, she'll be staying in the little cabin in the right of this photo.  It is very cute and cozy and about 15 paces from my place!  We're going to tour the parkway at the height of leaf season, lunch at the Grove Park Inn, and see the Biltmore House for starters.  We'll also visit some relatives together for the first time in many years.  It is so nice to look forward to her visit.

These beautiful flowers were beside the road as I walked around the rv park this afternoon.  I think they're phlox, but I might be mistaken.  Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. 

Saw the movie The Adjustment Bureau with Matt Damon and Emily Blunt this afternoon and thoroughly enjoyed it!  It's a fine love story and techies will like the ultra-cool gadgetry as well as the special effects.  Matt and Emily definitely had the chemistry going and it was easy for me to identify with their being in love.  The obstacles they encounter were anything but the usual ones, and the same is true for how they handled them.  I will see it again at some point because I liked it that much.  A good story, well told! 

Am riding the Burg to Raleigh this weekend to attend Vern Nelson's memorial service, attend Unity Church on Sunday and visit with my son, granddaughters and friends.  Also going to visit the dentist.  I thought about taking the truck, then I compared fuel costs for each: $160 vs. $32! And the weather is supposed to be very nice.  But, I have a new rain suit just in case it isn't.  After my encounter with the tropical storm last September on the Burg, I don't want to do that again!  That was way too much excitement for one day. 

Hope to get some fishing in before I leave on Saturday, either at Davidson River for trout or Lake Julian for bass/crappy/blue gills.  The wind needs to die down though then look out! 

Oh yeah.  Discovered a P F Changs nearby today, one of my favorite restaurants.  I have a very good friend who likes it, too, and I hope she can join me there before too long.

Thanks for stopping by!  Life is GOOD!!!

Spring Time in the Mountains

Last fall I took a picture of these same trees on Wall Street in Asheville, NC, as they were shedding their beautiful yellow leaves preparing for winter.  As I walked up the street this morning toward Jubilee!, it seemed only appropriate that I take another pic of their bright, new green.  But getting here was a little more challenging than anticipated, so I'll come back to Jubilee! and Asheville shortly.

Friday morning in Florida was a quick and uneventful hookup and getaway, leaving within 5 minutes of my ETD.  But within 90 minutes, my oil pressure gauge on the truck started fluctuating then slowly headed toward zero.  I quickly got on the GPS for an auto repair place when the gauge hit zero and I pulled off the road.  I figured my best course of action was to call Good Sam and get towed in, so I conusulted the GPS for my postion and just as I was about to write it down, the screen went black and wouldn't come back on!  So with Good Sam on the phone, I walked the road looking for street signs until they could get my position fixed.  They were slow, I was getting impatient so I cranked up the truck and the oil pressure was back.  Good Sam directed me to an auto repair shop 2 miles away and I cautiously headed there.  Nope, they didn't do oil pump repairs so they sent me to another place nearby.  The guy asked me if the valves were clacking and I said no.  He said it was probably just a bad sensor and the oil pump was okay.  Feeling very frustrated with myself for overreacting, I decided to hit the road and listen for the valves. 

Meanwhile, I discovered that the left tail light on the trailer was burned out and other drivers were giving me no slack at all when I tried to change lanes.  So I left the interstate to find an RV place - no bulbs - then an auto parts store.  Found a bulb, fixed it and back on the road.  I'd lost about 2 hours of driving time so I hadn't gotten very far, yet I was feeling very tired.  About then I spotted a bald eagle soaring overhead, which boosted my spirits and I kept on truckin'.  Saturday was a much better day and I made good time in spite of strong cross winds which left me with a crick in my neck. 

After arriving on Saturday afternoon and setting up, I went to see my cousin William and deliver some fruit.  It was really good to see him again, even though the visit was short due to my having a dinner engagement with good friend Hugh.  And it was windy and cold here!  Brrr!  So last night the little electric heater couldn't keep up and when I arose it was 55 in here!  Everything in here was colder than it should have been, including me!  So I cranked up the central heat which had it very toasty in short order. 

Singing bowls, burning sage and other sacred objects, Jubilee!

It's very hard to describe how good it felt to be back at Jubilee!  Seeing the smiles, hearing the music, smelling the burning sage, feeling my heart glow and fill with joy - wow!  There was a cute little girl laying on the floor across the circle from me, gazing into the eyes of a little dog also laying down.  What a sight!  I realized that this is where my heart finished healing last fall and that is what allowed my heart to be open again.  And because it was healed and open, I met someone and fell in love.  And now this love brings me more happiness every day than I thought possible just a few months ago.  Thank you, Jubilee!, I am forever grateful!

The day was warm and sunny when I left and there was a little parade going on.  I called it a hippy parade, as that's what it reminded me of!  There was lots of ink, numerous piercings, brighly colored clothes and big smiles.  It's soooo good to be back!  Across the street was my favorite book store, Malaprop's, so I went in and bought the latest book by my favorite author, Jean Auel.  It's been 9 years since her last one and boy am I ready.  It's also the last in the Earth Children series so I hope to savor it and not fly through like I did the others on their first readings.  We'll see! 

Part of the audience for...

...a street musician on Pack Square!

My afternoon tour of down town ended near Pritchard Park where I had left the Burgman.  Wanting to ride a little, I headed for the Grove Park Inn to do a picture walking tour of one of my most favorite place in the whole world.  I do love the place and always have! 

The dogwoods and redbud trees are blooming, tulips are showing their colors and spring has sprung in the mountains.  It has also sprung in me, thanks to loving and being loved by a very fine woman. Spring fever and love sick is quite a combination and I love it!  Life is GOOD!