It’s been a while, hasn’t it?
I have some pretty good excuses, but I’ll leave it at that and let everyone figure out what they might be. Suffice it to say an excuse is not a reason and at this point in my life I don’t need either. I rather enjoy having no obligations.
Winter in California Comes to a Close
We are heading back to Michigan in three weeks. This winter has passed very quickly, albeit quietly. A few weeks ago we took a family trip to Big Bear so the boys could go snowboarding. Other than that, and a rodeo, we’ve stuck pretty close to home. And that’s not all bad.
California Family Life: Little League, Lessons, and Laundromats
The spring little league season has begun. The boys have had two scrimmages and the regular season starts Saturday. King and I will be leaving midway through the season. I guess I have become a regular Californian – sitting in the stands when the temperature dips to the mid-sixties has become a game of endurance. Hard to admit the chill is an annoyance when our son in Michigan has been dealing with frozen pipes, leaky roofs, sagging floors and broken heaters all winter.
It’s a busy life at our daughters. Tutoring, music lessons, riding lessons and little league practice four days a week keep the boys (and by extension, the parents/grandparents) pretty busy. It’s a good kind of busy.
A friend asked me last night if I was ready to head back to Michigan. I immediately said no. But, upon reflection, I’m torn. When I’m in Michigan I miss the boys and our daughter, but when I’m in California I miss the children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren in Michigan. I have at least one son back home who misses his Mom – not so much as a needy thing, but he misses our weekly meet-ups at the laundromat, followed by breakfast from a drive-thru, eaten at the beach (from the safety of the truck as those seagulls are demanding creatures).
Retiring from the Campground: What’s Next This Summer
I’ve decided to fully retire this summer and won’t be working at the campground store. I think I might miss it, but I’m also looking forward to spending the summer with friends, kids, grandkids and reading the 350 books I have stored on my Kindle. If I start reading now, I might get to them all before I turn 75 – provided I don’t continue buying/borrowing more… That’s not going to happen.
Paint by Number and Other New Hobbies
I’ve also found a new hobby – paint by number. I’m currently working on my sixth painting since Christmas. I’m really, really bad at it, but I find it relaxing. Remember in elementary school there were always those kids who could color and stay in the lines? I wasn’t one of them then and am still not one of them to this day. Funny how at the age of almost 70, I’m a lot less hard on myself for not staying in the lines than I was when I was six. I also just realized I dated myself as I don’t think kids color in school any longer.
So… that’s a quick catch-up on our winter in California. Nothing too exciting, well, except for being parked close to Camp Pendleton Marine base and them being on heightened alert because of … well, I won’t get into politics.
Stay kind. Don’t kick sand in the sandbox.
