God Gave Me You

Honeymoon Was An International Bicycle Trek
Honeymoon Was An International Bicycle Trek

Yesterday’s post spoke of missing Cheryl as the highlight of the recent Oregon trip.

Why?

Because 26 years ago, we spent 17 days in the Pacific Northwest, cycling through Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands, Canada and the North Cascade Mountains of Washington state.

There is something magical about being in wide, open spaces with the one you love.

And something about going back alone, to remind you of the early years.

Window Seat For Lunch
Window Seat For Lunch
We Spent Less Than $200 In 17 Days
We Spent Less Than $200 In 17 Days
Dining Like Royalty
Dining Like Royalty
True Companions
True Companions

Scroll down to read yesterday’s post or click here to go to next blog.

Good Answer, But A Day Late

Before
Before

Ever find yourself coming up with a much better answer, about a day late?

Last night, after returning from a long, 3-day speaking trip to Oregon, and following a dip in the pool, we were enjoying my wife’s home-cooked meal.

We were getting caught up, the way many Families do, where frequent travel is part of the landscape.

Cheryl asked me the highlight of the trip. She knows how much joy there is in giving your all to an eager and appreciative audience – it’s my standard answer because it’s so predictably true.

But that wasn’t what she was asking.

So I shared two highlights: The morning sunrise next to Mount Bachelor. Didn’t see the sun until 90-minutes after it rose, so I watched the sunrise move slowly down the mountain, until Mount Bachelor was engulfed in the sun’s heavenly warmth.

And there was the breathtaking 40-mile drive south of Bend, through the majestic Ponderosa Pine Forests, to the Newberry National Volcanic Monument to see the Big Obsidian Lava Flow, and the hour-long hike over the broken obsidian, and white and grey pumice.

But then this morning, while riding the lawn mower, the epiphany.

The highlight of the trip was really the part where I missed her the most.

Click here to go to the next blog.

After
After

Thank Goodness It’s Monday

Each Monday, the traditional work week begins. And in the 27 years I’ve been with my current (Fortune 100) employer, I’ve never had a traditional schedule.

So I get it.

Not everyone works 9-5, M-F.

In fact, I worked this past Saturday AND Sunday, far away from home to top it off.

Twenty-seven years.

And my wife, she’s worked for the same Fortune 100 organization as me.

She’s had weekends off for 26 years.

Twenty-six years.

Whatever day your “Monday” is, find the blessings in it.

Because if you don’t, who will? Someone else? Doubtful.

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Monday Is A Special lace, Isn't It?
Monday Is A Special Place, Isn't It?

Happy Birthday Aunt Jenny

Now Blow Out The Candles...
Now Blow Out The Candles...

Happy birthday Aunt Jenny.

My Dad’s (only) younger sister’s birthday is today.

Jenny Noel is an amazingly accomplished Musician, an extraordinary Church organist, a retired Elementary School Music Teacher, and a cancer survivor.

Do you have relatives that have passed away and you don’t know much about them?

Do you have relatives that are still alive that fit the same category?

How have you handled this opportunity?

Filled With

Torment. Pain. Weight. Pressure.

This is what addiction can feel like.

It’s impossible to comprehend, unless you’ve been called out, voluntarily or, involuntarily.

Sitting here at the Orlando International Airport, listening to the TV broadcast a documentary on alcoholism.

Listening to the personal stories, each one different, each one the same.

Does someone you care deeply for have an addiction?

Do you?

The answer to the second question is always no, isn’t it?

If only it were true.