The last few months have brought new changes in our lives, even though the two of us always seem to be changing directions... Just ask our children, who never know what to expect next. That is good, in both senses. At our ages, we feel that people should keep exploring new ideas and thoughts, as well as new paths.
We have updated our laptop with an even more expanded wireless system, and we now have two different cell phone numbers. Who would have thought these old guys would keep up with the new technology? Actually, we tried the new mini-laptops, but we are not convinced that we need one of those yet, because we cannot download Solitaire on them, so why bother?
We have celebrated my mother's life on the 30th remembrance of her death, and I still miss her and wish I had said things to her that I did not. I hope she has felt those thoughts and that love frequently, which is why we try to communicate with our children, because we sense the many things that have gone unsaid before she (they) died. That still remains as a challenge, but we still hope that we can instill that sense of love that we have to ALL of our collective children and grandchildren.
Now, that is another subject altogether... the grandchildren. We remember when all of the grandchildren used to be so excited to see us. In many cases, that may be pushing it now. We are going through the second wave existence of grandchildren. That is, grandchildren who either pretend we are nonexistent, pretend they do not know us, or most certainly can find something better to do than to spend time with us. It is SO wonderful when they finally get beyond that stage and begin to accept us again, whether as adults or as loving grandparents. We absolutely dislike being treated as nonentities. I mean, we do enough mindless or ridiculous things that they SHOULD, after all, regard us as SOMETHING, even though it may be crazy. So, for those grandkids who have accepted us, regardless of our eccentricities, we applaud and thank you! You earn a special place in our hearts! For the rest of you, we look forward to the day when you will appreciate us for having survived your parents and all of your baby and childhood days! Some of those were exasperating for us, but we still love you (and them), so we hope you will love us in return (even though you are probably not reading this message). We may even still keep visiting you, and you may even still visit us, where ever we may be! I just know that I STILL miss my grandmother (my dad's mother), even after all of these years (1959). I hope at least ONE of the grands will miss each of us, too, because we love them all so dearly! Again, it's like my mother and grandmother... I wish I had said so many things and have hoped she (they) could hear my thoughts over the years since.
Next, we have survived this "work-kamping" experience thus far. It has been a challenge, speaking personally, to learn the details. My brain has not functioned as fully in many a year, so that is great. I expect to be fired any day for forgetting something I should have done or not having done something I should have done. Such is life, and we figure if one of us really screws up and both of us get fired, that is OK, too. We have been having fun and, at the same time, we have been keeping mentally and physically active, as well as making so many new friends.
And, then, we have made many new friends along the way, including the new Central Texas Crossfire group, as well as the dear friends in our various activities at the First Presbyterian Church here, which also provides us with such spiritual blessings. What fun we have with all of these different groups! Most certainly, our lives are not dull or boring. We wish that all of our friends could have such fulfilling experiences and so much fun.
And so, as 1 HW so often closes with, "Happy Travels!"
