Lost & Found: The Final Chapter

Sunset at Lake Powhatan

December 25, 2012

After much reflection over a long period of time, I have decided to end this blog.  I woke up at 4:30am yesterday to this realization and even started composing this, the final chapter.  I have thought about stopping several times, but then I would meet an unknown reader with some praise for it and would do another one.  Not this time. 

In the "About Me" section on the lower right is the explanation of why I started this in the first place and a lot has change since then.  Several times I tried to change the picture of my first rig and I just wasn't able to do it.  That was a sign that the end of this was near.

Today's rig - GMC, Burg and Eagle

Back then I had the Chevy Silverado, the dragon red Vespa and Howhee, my first home-on-wheels.  Now there is the big GMC 3500 dually, the Burgman 400 scooter and the Jayco Eagle travel trailer with a fireplace!  Then I wanted to travel all the time.  Now I am a snowbird spending the winters in Sarasota, Florida and the rest of my time in Asheville, NC.  Then I was disillusioned with Unity church and my perceived lack of sympathy from most of the people there.  Since then I've realized it was more my perception than their behavior.  Now I am part of the Jubilee! community in Asheville and get my soul fed consistently from Howard Hanger and the other Jubilants.  Then I was feeling very lost and there was no "normal" anymore.  Now I feel found and normal again, or as close to normal as I can get. Then I was traveling alone and hoping to find a loving travel companion.  Now I have two very fine, loving companions: Lynn and Tinkerbell. 

Lynn and Tinker at Jubilee!

This web log began on November 20, 2009, thirteen months after my wife LaVerne passed away from lung cancer.  Her death was one of the greatest losses I have ever endured.  With her I lost my best friend, my partner in life and my lover.  I also lost my desire to work, my ability to concentrate and therefore whatever mental agility I once had to work with groups.  So, I had lost my business.  A couple years prior I had lost Pancho, my beloved blue heeler-border collie pal. 

During a visit to daughter Barbara and her family, we went to see the movie "Up" for my birthday which struck some deep cords in me.  The story is about an elderly widower unhappy with his life when he decides to travel and pursue a lifelong dream.  The next day I rode the Vespa on the Blue Ridge Parkway and decided that I wanted to travel.  And so "Fred's Travels" and this adventure began. 

Travel stickers on Howhee I

Along the way I have found new friends, rediscovered old ones, seen many beautiful plants, birds, animals, forests and streams.  I have drank lots of delicious brews and eaten more good food than I'm able to recall.   So now I am found once again.  As the lyrics of Amazing Grace proclaims, "I once was lost but now I'm found, was blind but now I see." 

Thanks to all my blog followers over these years.  I hope you found something here to make your life just a little bit better.  Perhaps I'll do another blog at some point.  I'm open to the inspiration and will just have to wait and see. 

Until then, Bon Voyage!  Oh yeah!

The pony tail project continues...

St. George Island Redux

Apalachicola has been a traditional stopping place for several years now.  It was my first big getaway after LaVerne died.  I stayed at the Sportsman Inn on the bay and brought the Vespa on a trailer.  The peace, quiet and oysters have brought me back ever since and I always stop by the Sportsman to reminisce. 

Last year we stayed at a commercial rv park near Carabelle and never even made it into Apalach.  This time we stayed at the state park on the island and thoroughly enjoyed the wood, birds and sound of the ocean.  It is such a relaxing place and the weather was warm, unlike last year.  We had fires everyday, plenty of great oysters and lots of rest. 

We went to The Grill for lunch one day where I had the seafood gumbo and Lynn had fried shrimp.  She swore they were the best she'd ever had and I believed her after trying one.  The gumbo remains one of my all time favorites. Tupelo honey can be found everywhere so we had to bring some home.

This poster was too good to pass up.  Wish I had room to hang one on my wall.  It reminds me of a beer incident last Saturday night when L and I went to the Sarasota Brewery to watch a Carolina basketball game and enjoy some craft brews.  It was a last minute decision to go there after planning to checkout a new place named World of Beer.  I decided to wear my new Greenman Brewery tee  shirt to advertise my favorite beer.  While sitting at the bar enjoying ourselves, I felt a tap on my shoulder and a man said "I was just there recently!"  And so began a very lively conversation with Terry and later his wife Amelia, fellow beer lovers.  They had toured all the breweries in the Asheville area and were quite knowledgeable of other beers including Moose Drool.  We hope to see them again.  Real nice folks!

While in Apalach we stopped by the Gibson Inn to have a look.  A beautiful old place with lots of character.

My friend Myra Wiggins Grant had suggested we see it.  Would love to stay there sometime or at least lounge at the bar for a while.

After returning from town we found a note on our door step reading "WE WERE HERE".  It was written on the back of Roger & Margarete Perry's card!  They were our neighbors and co-camp hosts at Lake Powhatan this summer. So Lynn called them and found out they were visiting a son in Pensacola and took a day trip just to check out the campground.  Unfortunately were weren't able to see them but were pleasantly surprised that they had just happened across us so far from NC.

When I first saw this star fish while walking the beach I thought it was dead and I was going to bring it home.  But when I picked it up it started a slow wiggling motion and I quickly put it back.  What a gorgeous little creature!  In all my years of beach walking I don't ever remember seeing one.  What a treat!

When we arrived at Sun n Fun last year we had some oysters left over so Lynn's sister Deb and her husband Walt came over and we finished them off.  We had such a good time that we agreed to bring a bushel next time and so we did!  Although we arrived later than hoped for and it took forever for me to setup the trailer, we finally got to share the delicious treat with Deb, Walt and other friends here.  I took no pictures, though, as I was too busy shucking and slurping!  Maybe next year...yeah, right.

This high speed internet connection is sooo nice!  Picture uploads to the blog take seconds instead of minutes, so I'm inspired to blog more once again.  Lynn's daughter Meghan arrives tomorrow night for a visit of several days so I hope to get some good pics and post them here. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Thanksgiving in Virginia

Thanksgiving at the Crowder's was a huge success again this year, with lots of fun, frivolity and of course good food and games.  Our sincerest thanks to Barb and Trey for hosting such a large group for several days.  This year we were also treated to Trey's award winning chili!  That guy sure can cook!  And Barbara sure can bake!

This year we were all very pleased to have Derick's girls with us, Leah and Lauren.  Lauren is 13 now and the eldest of my grand kids.  My how time does fly...

Patrick and Tinkerbell had a good thing going this time.  They were seen together often and enjoyed each others' company tremendously. 

Houston is quite the ham.  And he is learning to play the trumpet.  I was very impressed with his short recital and applaud his skill and patience. 

The girls enjoyed a beauty parlor day doing each others' nail.  Patrick was just a spectator for a little while. 

I'm very thankful for my loving family.  And I'm grateful for their support of my wandering lifestyle.  Now that I have a fast Internet connection, I hope we can Skype once in a while in addition to phone calls, emails and facebook.  Better yet, I hope they'll come to sunny Florida for a visit. 

My love to you all!  Papa Fred 

The Big Surprise

Yousif, Meghan and Lynn

Several weeks ago Lynn learned of her daughter Meghan's engagement to long time boyfriend Yousif.  Shortly thereafter she found out there would be an engagement party and for whatever reason, assumed that we wouldn't go.  So one afternoon in Barley's Taproom after Lynn had talked with Meg, it was obvious she wanted to go and I said, "let's do it!"  She was ecstatic!  And she decided to surprise Meg with her presence. 

So last weekend we drove to the Detroit area and stayed with good friend Claudia.  I was invited to the party and decided not to attend, as I didn't want my presence to detract from the event in any way.  Claudia and Lynn arrived at the party early so Lynn could make her entrance after Meghan arrived.  Meg was totally surprised and overcome with emotion at the sight of her mom.  There were more than a few tears shed, some sobs and deep hugs. 

It was a great surprise because everyone knew but Meghan.  Then there were toasts, food, gifts and posing for pictures.

Yousif and Meghan

Jessica, Lynn, Aaron, Meghan and Yousif

Of course Lynn also got to see daughter-in-law Jessica, son Aaron, friend Kitty (host of the event) and her family plus many others.  From what I heard it was a fine reunion and grand occasion for all!

Congratulation Meghan and Yousif!  And best wishes for your upcoming marriage!  I thoroughly enjoyed seeing you on Sunday at Jessica and Aaron's and look forward to seeing you again! 

Thanks for stopping by!

PS Special thanks to Claudia for taking my camera and getting these pics!

"E-H-S a little louder now..."

This is the new entry to the old building where I attended high school from 1961 through 1965 - good old Enka High.  Now it's a middle school and I've never been in the new high school, so while my mind is confused my memory isn't. 

I recently went back to visit the old building to get my annual flu shot.  It seemed like a good way to get inside and see what memories would return.  What a treat it was!  So here's a little stroll down memory lane at EHS.  These were some of the best years of my life and put me on a good path.

An addition to the front of the building provides classrooms on the left and a large office on the right.  But once I passed through the old entryway, there was the gym on my left and the memories came rushing back:  PE classes, pep rallies, basketball games, and of course the junior and senior proms.  New York Skyline by Night was the theme for one of them.  I was president of the junior class so I had lots of responsibility that year.  And it culminated with my winning the election for president of the student body for my senior year.  Remembering the dances still makes my heart race!

Across from the gym is the auditorium but without fixed seating.  The stage is about the only thing that remains from my days there.  I remember having a class on the stage one time with Mike Bogle smoking a cigarette during class and his own electric fan taking the smoke out the window!  Then there was my senior play, The Man Who Came to Dinner, with Jerry Grant in the lead role and me playing a reporter.  Parking with my girl friend after play practice was more exciting than being in the play! 

Our principal was Hugh Tomberlin, a very capable man, and his office was on the left.  My student council office was across the hall from his and it's a good thing those walls can't talk! 

Of course the cafeteria was another main gathering place for students and not just for lunch.  It was also the venue for "sock hops" (dances after ball games), square dance team practices, and being measured for caps and gowns and rings.  The dining area has seen a large expansion to the left and the whole place is bright and cheery. 

This mural is nice touch and a tribute to the Enka Jet spirit.  And it was that spirit that helped get me through 4 years at UNC, a year of pilot training in the Air Force and my stint as an instructor pilot. 

I've often said that the 2 best things I learned in high school were typing and public speaking,  One I'm still using right now!

It is much easier to blog again so I hope to do more than I have over the past months.  Thanks for stopping by! 

 

Farewell Lake Powhatan

Frank & Pat Davis

Last Sunday we returned from Jubilee! to be informed by the gate that a bear had been spotted on Lakeside Loop!  Big rush of adrenalin!  Off to find and photograph the critter!  Several had been spotted over the season but we hadn't seen a single one.  One of the managers, Frank Davis, was cruising in the truck looking too, but none were found. 

There was a surprise party at 5:00 for Frank and Pat, managers for the second half of the season, and when we arrived discovered that the bear story was a ruse to get Frank away from the wash house, scene of the party.  And surprised they were, as you see above.

There was cake, ice cream, gifts and laughter as we huddled in the crowded space because it was so cold outside. 

George Smith, Frank & Pat Davis, Ginny Castro, Margaret Smith, Tom Snyder

It's amazing how circumstances brought this group together.  The previous managers, John and Karen Anderson, left after a policy disagreement with the Forest Service.  Frank and Pat had planned to travel but their plans were interrupted by the serious illness of Pat's mother.  So the Davis' agreed to come and finish the season. They did a very good job and will be missed next year. 

No going away party is complete without some gifts.  The Davis' received a model 5th wheel and a box of leaves and stuff! 

It was good to work with Frank & Pat and with George & Margaret as assistant managers.  All are fine people with big hearts and a wealth of experience.  We wish them well.

As for Lynn and me, we will definitely be back next year, either as hosts or guests.  I plan to enjoy the early spring fishing, trips down Sliding Rock and of course Jubilee!  Then there is one of my favorite sayings:  If you want to make God laugh, tell Her your plans. 

Happy trails, everyone, 'til we meet again! 

Remembering LaVerne

It has been 4 years now since LaVerne passed away and left this earth.  This picture is still one of my favorites of her, with her dad Nick, at a Christmas gathering in New Bern.  The look on her face is classic LaVerne, especially the mischievous twinkle in her eye.  When I think of her, this is often the look I recall.

Last Sunday at Jubilee! the words on the program spoke loudly to me about my loss of this lovely lady.  They were written by Howard Hanger, our Minister of Ritual & Guidance.  I share them in the hope they might be of help to someone else during this season called via negativa, the season of loss.

"Sooner or later, of course, everything comes to an end.  The symphony draws to a close, the story wraps up, the lover leaves, the credits run, the curtain comes down, the flavor of the gum plays out, the last dance really is the last dance.  All things have a finale.  All things.  With even the intelligence of a kumquat, you know that.  But the fact can still catch you off guard.  And when it ends - whatever it may be - the last thing you want to hear or say is, "Is that all there is?"

We want our lives - like our ice cream cartons - to be full.  To be rich and abundant.  We want life - all of our lives - to be packed in, pressed down, bubbling up, spilling over.  We want life to Niagra its way through each day and squeeze out the last little drop of it before we drop off to sleep.

But sometimes, there's emptiness.  Sometimes there's bareness and barrenness.  Sometimes, the movie doesn't make any sense and the diagnosis is not what we ever wanted to hear.  Now and again life doesn't measure up to our expectations and we find ourselves asking, "Is that all there is?"

Enter faith.  Enter trust.  Enter an ever-so-subtle-reminder that emptiness is as much a part of the story as fullness.  Faith and trust don't paint a happy face on your soul.  Faith and trust walk with your soul through the muck and the merriment.  Through desolate hallways and music-filled ballrooms.

Is that all there is?  Sometimes, the only answer we can hear is, "Yes".  But faith reminds us that there are infinite worlds within and among us.  Faith sits patiently with our hearts and brains and somehow lets us know that there's more going on than we can possibly imagine.  Faith tells again the story that all there is, is never all there is."

A few days ago I saw a news clip about the author of a new book writing about his near death experience.  He described being fully aware without having arms, legs or a body, and being a spot on a butterfly's wing.  It was an inspiring description of what life after this one might be like. 

Who knows?  I don't, but LaVerne does.  Peace be with you, dear one.  You are still loved and remembered. 

Busy Birthday Month

Lynn's flowers from her daughter, Meggie

There were only 2 birthdays to celebrate this month, Derick and Lynn, but Lynn and I partied all month long and had a blast!  Derick came through Asheville on the 24th to do some work in Murphy, so we had a nice lunch at Tupelo Honey Cafe downtown.  We enjoyed the food and the scenery which included a favorite barmaid, Molly from Greenman. 

Jennifer at Barley's Taproom

Lynn and I finally got to Barley's Taproom and Pizzeria to see if their pizza lived up to its reputation.  It does!  It was the best I've ever had!  Our server Jennifer was cute and friendly and made the visit even better.  Thanks Jennifer!

Conner & Emily newly engaged

Yesterday we went to Asiana Buffet for lunch and it was fabulous.  It's always good but during such a busy time the food was very hot and fresh.  To say we overdid it is an understatement.  So we went to Jack of the Woods in the evening and were treated to some fun conversation at the bar with a variety of good folks.  The couple above, Conner and Emily, had just gotten engaged and were a delight to talk with.  Best wishes to a nice couple!

No, I didn't buy one but I just had to take the picture.  After years of being known as "Dead Fred" for my habit of going to sleep early at parties, even ones at my house, someone finally spoke up for me!  Maybe I will get one for posterity.  Or maybe not...

My main gift to Lynn this year was a pair of hiking boots which we tried out at Graveyard Fields, a longtime favorite place of mine.  She loved the boots and the views and we had a very fine time!

Happy Birthday, honey, and many, many more!

"Naked Came the Leaf Peeper"

If you love a good story, a good laugh and the NC mountains, then you'll love this book.  It's written by 12 authors, including my friend/classmate Wayne Caldwell.  Each one writes a chapter, so it's like a writing relay. 

On page 2 I had my first "laugh-out-loud" and just a few pages later a "laugh-until-I cried".  If you decide to try it, I encourage you to get it from and independent book store.  Malaprops here in Asheville remains one of the best I've ever seen and I try to get most of  my books from there. 

As it's almost leaf peeper season here, the timing couldn't be better.  Enjoy and let everyone know what you think of this fine little work. 

Oh yeah!

Mushrooms Galore

Next year I hope to take classes at the Arboretum on mushrooms so I'll know more about these beautiful things.  They are abundant here and add so much to the beauty of this place.  Enjoy!

And finally, my favorite waterfall...Looking Glass on Davidson River.  Oh yeah!