After spending most of the Summer months working on apartments and watching a new grandson enter the world, we needed a break. I ended up having to take leave without pay which wasn't too bad but did put a little dent into the finances. We made it work however, as I needed the time away from the job which I had been at steady for over a year without a vacation.
I don't see how anyone in this world could see as much beauty we saw on this trip and honestly say there is no God! Everyday I saw more and more fascinating and awe inspiring country. The colors, the makeup of the lands and the mysteries that they held were intoxicating. I found myself thinking of how the deep valleys and tall mountains were formed and I learned of the explorers who traveled down the undiscovered rivers. I just sat motionless, there in the soft breeze, listening and taking in every moment. I heard the voice of our loving God telling me, "This is the world that I made for you. Love, listen and learn all that is here for you". How I love Him! How grateful I am that He loves me!
My husband's illness is fairly under control now. However, he did have a few periods on this trip where he just stayed in the car while I hiked the trails out to the view points. He wishes he was up to hiking again but realizes that those days are probably a dream. He tires now in about 4 hours. He used to work and play for hours and still have energy but this unfortunate deck of cards are the ones he was dealt and although we wish we could turn them all in for another hand, we must play the cards that we were given in this life. I love him dearly and losing him is something I think about but hope doesn't come about for a long time.
My grandson is 4 months old already! What a joy he is to our family. He loves to snuggle and laughs and coos in my arms. If I try to put him down for a moment, he scrunches up his little face in a way that melts your heart. My beautiful granddaughter is spunky and sweet all at the same time. She tests mommy and daddy to the limit on a daily basis as she navigates this crazy life! I adore her and can't wait until she can spend the night with me. Oh the fun times we will have! I will be spoiling her greatly and that is a promise.
I face several surgeries over the Winter months. I will soon be getting my CMC joint on my right hand repaired so that I can regain some use. It is to the point that I can barely grasp items, open doors or work on my jewelry projects. The thought of being pain free is all consuming right now. I am so allergic to pain medication that I dread the after affect of the surgery but I know that the pain I will have from that will slowly go away. I will also be having throat surgery to repair a skin area in the back of my airway that slams shut when I breath out through my nose. This has caused a great deal of trouble when I sleep and makes using my CPAP machine almost impossible. The doctor stated that it will be a painful surgery at my age of 60 but thinks that he will be able to correct the issue. This will be a great blessing! Of course the local fire station #4 will be getting their yearly treats a little early this year as I will not have use of my hand at Christmas. I'm pretty sure that they won't mind. I looked back on this service that I do every year and realize that I've been doing it for 14 years! My, how time fly's when you're having fun!
I probably won't get a vacation now for another year or so as I will have to use my PTO days for the surgeries. Our office no longer has sick days and we end up having to use vacation days for surgery or sick days. In about 3 to 4 more years however, I will be retiring from the Mental Health Center Case Management Team. I am going on my 16th year now. I am starting to weigh the possibility of retiring at 62 or 64 depending on how I feel. I do know that I will be cutting down my hours as soon as I am able to do so.
I did a stellar job at the 2015 Montana State Fair this year. I came back with several blue ribbons and many others. I also received Best of Show again for my wind chimes. Two of my items sold in the Art Hall which is quite wonderful. I enjoy entering things in the fair. It makes one feel quite accomplished.
Well my friends, I will close this blog for now. I hope you have enjoyed hearing about my little life. Always remember, your life path can go any direction. Make sure the road you take is one that will be honoring to our gracious Lord. He gave you this wonderful life. If you need help steering the course, just ask Him. He will be happy to help you paddle! Cheers! Freedancer
