A day at the Cosley Zoo...and a perspective shift.

Any time that we get to be all together and do something fun, it is a good day!  Last Saturday was a that kind of a good day.  The weather was really nice - a pleasant fall day.  We were wearing some kind of outer wear, but it was really warm enough to have it unzipped - or in Zeke's case totally off!  That boy is always warm!  We have had this day planned for a really long time - think last Christmas when Gwen and Tim gifted this trip to Grace!  Finding a good day for all of us when there are no birthdays around is really tough.  And we actually planned this for the fall rather than go in the heat of summer.  Grace really loved it and Cosley is exactly the right amount of things for her to see.  She told me this week that her favorite thing was the Llamas.  I was surprised that she remembered seeing them. 

When we were looking at my pictures on my phone, she easily identified this photo!  As a matter of fact, I said "oh look at the donkeys" and she said "Grandma, those are llamas!"  So I guess she remembered them!  

The kids had fun playing in the natural playground area and on the bales of hay that were stacked near the pumpkins for sale.  And, of course, we took the photo on the steps of the caboose!  

This is a must get photo every time we visit Cosley since we have ALWAYS taken a photo here.  This is from a visit to Cosley in 1983!  That is Doug at about 18 months old and Gwen at about 4 1/2!  

They have made some changes to the caboose but it is still in the same exact spot.  The animals have also changed a bit over the years, but it is still pretty much the same as in those early years.  

There is something so wonderful about revisiting these places with the grandchildren and the adult kids.  I never imagined when I took that picture in 1983, that 36 years later I would be standing in that same spot taking a picture of our growing family.  This has certainly been a few weeks of these kind of memories.  First Brookfield Zoo and then Cosley.  So much fun and so many new memories.  

I have seen so many articles about the advantages for children who get to spend time with their grandparents.  This week I read an article about the benefits to the grand parent!  One noted result was a great decline in dementia in people who babysat their grandchildren on a regular basis.  I guess this is certainly something for which I can thank my kids!  I wouldn't trade this time with the  grand kids for anything!  

This week at my small group we were talking about just how HARD everything seems now.  While it is true that looking at social media or watching the news is very depressing, it is important to remember that Jesus reigns!  Spending time just in quiet, reading the Bible, listening to praise music or just resting certainly helps to change your perspective on things.  

 I just love when my devotional matches exactly where I am each day!  This one really hit home.  Even when it seems really hard, in good times or in those not so good times, Jesus is there with us.  Most of all, He is always waiting for us!  I love the first line of the second paragraph.  Which one of us doesn't doubt that God is with us at times.  What a great reminder that even when it might FEEL like Jesus is not with us, HE IS!     

Jesus, thank you  for speaking to us with exactly the words we need at exactly the right time.  Holy Spirit help us all to not get so caught up in our day to day activities that we forget that you are with us.  When times seem especially hard and we are struggling, help us to remember that you are by our side always.  Thank you for good times with family.  And thank you for Llamas!  Amen

Fall is here....free day at the Zoo

Last Thursday Ken and I met Gwen and the kids at the Brookfield Zoo!  It has been a long time since we have visited the zoo and it was a really nice day for us.  Cold but sunny.  Yet another perk of home school is visiting places like this during the week when there are no crowds.  There were a few school groups, but basically it was pretty empty.

The zoo was decorated for Halloween and the kids loved seeing all the various pumpkins - they could have done without the giant spiders, however.  We used the map "walking tour" that basically took you by all of the animals without back tracking.  I skipped the Australia House (bats that are loose and flying around) and I did not go in the bird house room with the flying birds everywhere.  As Lia will tell you, "Grandma has a bird phobia and doesn't like them!"  We saw all the animals that the kids wanted to see.  Most of the animals were outside, even the giraffes.  

 Gwen had promised the kids a special treat of the Dolphin Show.  Anna had no memory of ever seeing this, so it was especially fun watching her experiencing this.   The room was mostly empty and it was so much fun watching the kids during the show.  I managed to capture this dolphin hitting the ball in a jump!

It was fun to listen to the kids sharing facts about all of the animals.  It is pretty clear that they have all been paying attention to their science lessons.  We stopped to have lunch and decided to eat outside.  We were treated to yet another "bird" experience with the  Peacocks and Peahens who were very anxious for us to share our food!  They parked themselves right next to me and the kids found this especially funny since I had told them how much I did not like birds of any kind!  I guess you have to expect this at the zoo!

This was another very thankful day for me.  Just so thankful to be outside in the wonderful fall weather, walking under the canopy of changing color leaves.  The air was crisp and the sun was warm.  So thankful to be able to be with the kids on these adventures.  And I am so thankful for zoos that protect and aid in the survival of so many animals.  It is such a blessing to be able to see animals from all over the world and to know that they are being helped.  

I was remembering how very grateful I was that my mom was able to finally travel and spend time with my kids after my dad died.  On one of her visits to our house, we went to the zoo.  She had never been and it was really exciting for her.  I love this picture of Gwen and Doug with my mom.  She loved tulips especially and I remember her saying how much she liked this picture.  Although she is not looking at the camera, you can just feel the love in this picture!  

Love must be the word of the day for me today.  My daily devotion was about the unfailing love of God for us.   That unfailing love is so needed in today's troubled news and all that bombards us on social media.  I love the Passion Translation of Psalm 23:6

"So why would I fear the future?  For I am being pursued only by your goodness and unfailing love.

Then afterwords - when my life is through, I'll return to your glorious presence to be forever with you!"

So today, I will bask in that unfailing love of God and by so very thankful for the love of my precious family.  If you are feeling a bit down or depressed today, take time to go outside and just breathe in that crisp fall air.  Or look up at the blue sky.  Or see the sun shining.  Or feel the rain on your face.  It really doesn't matter what the weather is like where you are, just be aware of God's unfailing love for you.  Things will look brighter when you let that really sink in to you spirit and soul.  Just take time to bask in His love for you today!

Jesus, thank you for the reminder that your love for us is unfailing.  Keep our minds, our eyes and our hearts turned towards your love.  Holy Spirit, remind us to take time to be with our family when those opportunities arise.  Most of all, nudge us to be out in your creation, soaking in some of your unfailing love.  Thank you Jesus!  Amen

Weekend being Grandma...

This past weekend I spent with these three cuties.  Gwen and Tim and Lia were away for their youth group Fall Retreat.  It is always interesting to have just three of the four kids. Ellie really rises to the role of "leader" and "helper" when Lia is not in the picture.  We actually managed to be up and ready for church with no problem.  We even got there with time to spare!  For these kids, if it is Sunday, then you go to church. 

There was lots of time to play games.  I don't remember exactly how many games of Sorry we played, but it was a lot!  Zeke and I played many, many rounds of Battleship and boy does he have a good ability to find those battleships.  Ellie and Zeke also played Battleship a number of times.  We finished off the weekend with a very long game of Monopoly.  We were still in the middle of the game when Gwen, Tim and Lia got home.  Again, even Anna was playing.  She had a hard time "reading" the dice but figured out that she could just count the dots.  So after that, we were not allowed to help her.  She was quite the Monopoly mogul and managed to purchase the most property.  She even had houses on several of her lots.  

I have mentioned that Gwen home schools the kids. I know that there is a lot of controversy over this decision - public school vs home school.  This weekend highlighted for me one of the very big advantages of home school.  These kids play together ALL THE TIME!  They are used to being together and they just include each other in whatever activity is happening.  Anna is only 5 and really might be considered too young to play these games.  But with help and guidance from her siblings, she did just fine.   I see how very different Lia, Ellie, Zeke and Anna view their friends.  There doesn't seem to be any division according to what grade someone is in or how old they are.  All of the ages of kids play together.  It reminds me of the old "one room school house" approach.  Even at their Home School Co-Op the kids are very loosely grouped - mostly by an age range.  Often the kids don't even really know what "grade" their friends are in!  It makes for a wonderful and fun time doing activities with all of the kids together.  

The retreat that Gwen, Tim and Lia went on had a focus on family legacy.  This is a subject that is near and dear to my heart.  During this weekend I found myself watching and listening to Ellie, Zeke and Anna, thinking about who they are becoming.  I love that Jesus has given me a prophetic picture of each of them even before they were born.  And now I can see glimpses of those characteristics in each of them.  Ellie is such a strong girl.  Diagnosed with Dyslexia and ADHD, she has had to overcome some really big obstacles in her ten years.  But she has really thrived.  I was thinking about the word I had for Ellie....

She is really growing into that Warrior!  It is a bit hard to see, but the words across the bottom say "stands on high places and takes back the land".  She has already climbed many mountains, just to read and be able to learn.  I can see Jesus' plan to use this in the future.  She is the most loving and caring girl and one of the most creative people I have ever known.  She really has a heart for anyone who has any kind of struggle.  I can't wait to see how her gifts and talents continue to grow in the years ahead.  

Zeke is such an amazing boy.  He is only eight but sometimes you can almost see the wheels turning in his head as he tries to figure out how something works. He is very good at math and seems to be able to do his math problems "in his head".   Looking at the words that are on this frame, I can already see coming forth in Zeke.  He is so kind and loving.  And more than once I have been surprised by the very insightful things that he has said.  He loves to sing and just this weekend it filled me with joy to hear him singing along with a Christian song on the radio in my car.  He certainly has the makings of a priest of the Lord.

 And then there is Anna.  She is such an interesting mix of both Gwen and Tim and I can also see bits and pieces of each of her siblings.  One thing is for sure, she is her own special person.  Because she is the youngest she is often left on her own.  And this doesn't bother Anna at all.  She plays by herself for hours.  She is wise well beyond her five years.  She has long, long stories to tell and often sings as she plays.  There is nothing better than listening to her chatting with her dolls and then singing a song to them.  I noticed this weekend how much she reminds me of my mom.  She was born many years after my mom died, but I am certain that Anna has that legacy of great grandma Nona within her.

I can't tell you exactly what it is about Anna that reminds me of mom, but there is just something there. When I look in her eyes there is a depth of understanding that goes way beyond her years.  I can't wait to see exactly how Jesus uses Anna in the kingdom.  

I am so blessed to have these weekend times with the kids to watch them grow and change.  I get to seem them every week, but those days are often filled with normal day-to-day things like school.  So I make sure to really soak up every bit of the time I can when I get to just be grandma.  

Jesus, thank you so much for revelation and words of encouragement for my generations.  Holy Spirit, remind us every day that you are speaking to us and want to speak through us to others.  Quiet our spirits Lord so that we can hear you.  Help us to make time away from the distractions of life to be with you.  Thank you for your legacy of love.  Amen 

When you touch a piece of your own history....

Our family spent last weekend in Des Moines, Iowa visiting with some of my extended family for a reunion.  It was so good to be with family that we haven't seen since 2011.  We gathered at a hotel meeting room and just sat and talked and shared so many memories.  Our kids camped at nearby campgrounds but still spent plenty of time at the hotel.  We had hoped to get as many of my mom and dad's descendants as possible in attendance, but schedules just didn't allow for some to attend.  We were missing one of my brothers.  We were missing three of the grandchildren.  And only 9 of the 27 great grandchildren made the reunion. And none of the 3 great-great grandchildren attended either.  

But those of us who were there sure had a great time.  None of the family actually live in Des Moines, but it was a really good meeting spot.  The majority of us drove about 4 hours to get there.  My niece Amy got the prize for coming the farthest... she lives in Arizona!  

It was so good to get to visit with my brother-in-law Roy.  At 86 years old  he got the "prize" (if you can call it that) for being the oldest member of the family.  I shared with him that I have very few memories that do not include him!  My sister Karen began dating Roy when I was only 4 years old.  So Roy has always been a part of my memories.  Roy has been working hard on our family tree and has so much information gathered.  He brought me a large portrait of my paternal grandparents that had been gifted to my sister Karen some years ago.  This is a much smaller image of that portrait of my grandparents, Axel and Betty Johnson.  

 The most amazing thing Roy gave me is a letter that had been in my sister Karen's possession. He recently found this letter when he moved into a senior living apartment and he knew that it would be meaningful for me.  This letter was written July 25, 1916 to my great aunt Anna Toensing.  It was written by my grandmother, Nora - my mom's mother - who died in April of 2017.  Aunt Anna moved in to her brothers home after his wife died to help raise his four daughters.  She was the only "mother" that my mom ever knew.  

Holding this letter in my hands was amazing.  Reading it was incredible.  My grandmother talks about her illness, about the doctor visits and her hope that she will recover soon.  Sadly, that did not happen.  I love that it mentions "the baby is walking now"!  That baby was my mom.  I know that my mom would have loved this letter, although I don't think she ever saw it.  I love the very ordinary things that Nora shares in this letter.  She talks about needing to can the many blueberries that are on their property.  She has socks that need darning.  And she apologizes for missing the funeral of Arnold's (my grandfather) brother, Fred (who died in March of 1916).  She says that the winter was especially bad with lots of snow and very cold.  She sounds so desperate to just feel better and to be able to do all the things that a mother of four small daughters needed to do.   I can imagine Aunt Anna, reading this letter and wanting to help in some way.  Shortly after this letter was sent, my grandfather made the decision to sell his farm and move his family to St. Paul.  This was both so that my grandmother could get medical care, but also so that his extended family would be there to help with the four young daughters.  

This is the only picture that my mom ever had of her with her mother.  It was taken in the fall of 1916, not long after the letter was written.  You can see in the picture just how thin and frail Nora was as she looked lovingly at my mom who was about 15 months old..  Mom was one month shy of two years old when her mother died.  

Yet, here I am, in 2019, ONE HUNDRED AND THREE YEARS LATER,  holding four pieces of paper that Nora had once held in her hand.  The writing looks so similar to my mom's handwriting.  

I am feeling a connection to my grandmother that I have never felt before.  Tracing the words on the page, and knowing the outcome of her story, I am moved to tears.  It now seems so important to keep those handwritten notes from my children that are in my jewelry box.  It has also shown me, again, just how important it is to put words on a page.  While I know that these blogs are not "handwritten", I am convinced that they will live on, long after I am gone.  The journaling that I do in my scrapbooks, along with preserving the photos, has taken on a whole new meaning.  Someday, the everyday things that I am sharing might be especially meaningful to someone down my family tree.  

Sitting here, holding those very old, faded and yellowing sheets of paper in my hand, I am trying to imagine a time in the future when a great grandchild, or a great-great grandchild might be looking at these blogs and feel a connection to me that they had never known.  It sure gives a great deal of weight to the words that I choose to put on paper.  The most important message of all of this is that we ARE connected to our generations.  Those before us and those after us.  It gives importance and meaning to the idea that we need to pray for our generations yet to come.  I want to leave a spiritual legacy for my generations.  A legacy of loving Jesus and a life bathed in the truth of the Bible.  It is my hope and prayer that even the everyday words and the sharing give a clear picture of the importance of my personal relationship with Jesus.  Nothing else matters.  

Most importantly for all of us, it is not too late.  Draw your family close - it doesn't matter what might have driven you apart in the past.  Seek out ways to connect and share.  We can all begin today building that legacy for the future.  Each of us has the ability to impact those around us.  We can smile at someone, help a friend in need, or volunteer.  Big things and small things, it just doesn't matter.  Take even one small step today, thinking about your legacy.  Let us all make this world a better place - not only for us but for those who will come after...... 

Jesus, thank you for loving my family.  Holy Spirit, help us to see and know when our actions are influences in the world.  Thank you for placing reminders in my hands of your working in my family so many years ago. Give us courage and boldness to share our testimony with others.  Let us love the world with your love, Jesus.  Amen

Facing challenges, in so many different ways

It was a bit of a challenge for our family to just find a time to get together to celebrate my
 birthday!  We finally found a Sunday that we could all be together from noon to 3:00pm.  We had hoped to have a picnic (something that we have been trying to do for years), but the weather was rainy and cool.  So we opted to meet at a fast food place for lunch and then pray that the weather cleared so we could visit a new playground.  As you can see from this picture, we did, in fact, make it to the park and it was a really wonderful time. 

Gwen and Tim had driven by this large park many times, but had never stopped.  It has some really interesting climbing obstacle course like equipment. The kids had a blast!  Even the "adult" kids!

Everybody, with the exception of Grandma and Grandpa tried out this very tricky course.  There was plenty of other slides, swings and climbers for all of the kids to have a great time.  Even though it was sort of spitting rain at times, and it was a bit chilly, we all still had so much fun.  We will most likely be trying that park again - hopefully for a picnic!

So, yes, it was a challenge to find a time to meet.  And then the park had several challenging obstacles.  But we faced those things and even conquered them.  September had certainly seemed to have more than its fair share of challenging things come up for me.  Some of these things have just been sort of small and just plain distracting things.  My car had a tire with a slow leak that needed to be taken care of.  The challenge of this was that our tire warranty was with Sears. And Sears is now closed.  So we ended up having to buy a new tire.  Not a big thing, but still a challenge we were not expecting.  Ken has had a ton of doctor appointments and with each one there has been a change in his medicine.  Again, not a big deal, but challenging when you are trying to sort pills for a week.  And just keeping track of the doses is a challenge.  On a personal note, I joined a gym (thanks to the Silver Sneaker program through Medicare Advantage) and it has certainly been a challenge for me!  Ken and I went to a water aerobics class and after the class was half over, I was pretty done!  My arm muscles were really sore the next day.  Which tells me that I clearly need this challenge very much!  I am happy that Ken and I will be facing these "challenges" at the gym several days a week.  Hopefully there will be some conquering in the future.  

On a spiritual note, I have been very challenged by a new Bible Study I am doing with some of Gwen's friends.  I wasn't exactly sure how I felt about studying Gideon, but the group seemed to want to do this study.

As you can see on the cover, the study is helping us to better understand our weakness so that we can see God's strength.  The first video of this study contained so much great information and had so many direct challenges for me.  Thirty years ago, I was called into Children's Ministry.  I had no college degree.  I had no experience in teaching.  I seemed like an unlikely person to be called to work with children.  But, nevertheless, I developed a heart and passion and a vision for programming that was radically different than what was the norm at that time.  The foundation of everything that came out of that ministry was that God has a plan and purpose for every child and they can hear his voice and be used by Jesus, while they are still children!   The first day of this study challenged me to not forget the call that Jesus put on my life so long ago.   Every day of the study has brought more little snippets and reminders that have challenged me.  So I am working through this study, forging ahead and praying that at the end of the study, I will have conquered some of these challenges. 

My last blog was about my birthday and thinking about the year ahead.  I talked about the things that I hoped to accomplish and what I thought the year might look like.   I felt pretty good about that blog post.......until I picked up my daily devotional and read this...

Have you ever felt like Jesus was looking over your shoulder and then reacting to something you had said?  Well, this was for sure a wake up call for me!  Don't ask for a blueprint of the next year.  Just focus on each day and be flexible!  Boy is that ever a challenge for me.  Don't you just love when a devotion you see and/or read fits with exactly where you are?  

So many challenges, so so many.   I am just very thankful today that I can actually see some challenges conquered.  I can see some that I have at least walked into.  And I can also appreciate the challenges that I am hesitating on, praying about and working towards.  Yes, just as my Bible study says...my weakness and God's strength.  If you are in the midst of a bucket load of challenges, sort of like me, take courage!  You and I are not alone in this struggle. It was so fun watching the adults help the kids on that obstacle course in the park.  Helping a  little hand or foot find the right hold, sometimes giving verbal instructions or encouragement to a timid child.    I am so thankful that I know that Jesus is right here with  me and I have the Holy Spirit to lead and guide me through whatever is ahead.  I am thankful for this platform that allows me to share my hopes and dreams, my thoughts and also my challenges.  Life is so much better when you live it in truth and openness.  Thank you all for being a part of this!

Jesus, you are the best friend anyone could have.  Thank you for caring about me and listening to my ramblings.  Holy Spirit, you are always ready to lead and guide me when I am searching for a solution to a challenge.   Remind us all that we are your children and we can hear your voice.  Give us courage to walk on, even when it is new or fearful.  Jesus, I love you.  Amen

Walking into a new phase of life...

I love this picture so much!  It is one of the first photos of me, and I am being held by my sister Julie.  I was thinking about this pictures yesterday.  It was a big day for me....my birthday.  And a BIG birthday at that!  I turned 65 - that's right - medicare age.  I am usually the first to tell you that birthdays are no big deal and age doesn't mean a thing.  But this year, it did seem a bit different.  Considering that this photo is 65 years old, it is a pretty amazing.  Not many people had photos taken when they were just born.  I am so thankful that my dad was a bit of a photography nut, who always had his camera with him and took lots of pictures.  My sister Julie is 8 years older than me.  We shared a room for many years and I have lots of memories of being with her through my growing up years.   I love this photo of Gwen's kids just after Anna was born.  I always think about the picture of Julie and I when I see this photo since there is an 8 year age difference between Lia and Anna. 

It is really interesting for me to watch the interaction between Lia and Anna and I often reflect on my experiences with Julie.  Family dynamics are so interesting!  We are all a product of our upbringing.  As much as we might try to think that is not true!  Turning 65 has given me a reason to sort of stop and evaluate and also to look ahead.

Being 65 isn't quite the same as it was years ago.   I was shocked recently when I read that when Social Security began in 1940, the average life expectancy was 61 for a man and 65 for a women.  According to the "experts", I can expect to life till 87!  And one out of three 65 year olds will live past 90 and one out of seven will live past 95.   So I guess you could say that 65 is the new 45?

Since none of us can know the length of our days, all of this doesn't really matter.  But knowing that there are most likely lots of years ahead for me, having a sense of the direction I am going is most likely a good thing.

I have so enjoyed the last years, not working and being able to spend time with my kids and my grand kids.  There is nothing that is more fulfilling.  These blogs are a testament to the impact my family has had on my life.  I am so thankful to be in good health also.  It was a pretty big deal for me to finally get my Medicare card and my Medicare supplement.  Since Ken lost his job January of 2018, I haven't had regular health insurance.  I decided to get a catastrophic policy that did not cover any smaller things.  And I am so thankful to say that I never had any need for doctor visits during that time! However it also meant that I didn't have any yearly physicals either.   As of right now, I have a great HMO policy that with Medicare should cover anything I need.   One of the biggest perks with our Medicare supplements for Ken and I, are a free gym membership.  Ken had been using his Silver Sneakers card all summer.  It was wonderful to sign up and get my membership established this week.  Looking forward to being able to swim all winter!  Lastly, I am so thankful for the traveling that Ken and I have done over the last  years,   We still have so many places on our bucket lists that we want to see.  There are so many things that we would still like to do.  I had previously mentioned that our September was going to fly by, with so many plans.  I am especially looking forward to a reunion with some of my extended family in a few weeks.  

So my initial plans, looking ahead, will include

1.  Continue time spent with family.

2.  Going to the gym.

3.  Getting to my doctor for a full physical.

4.  Planning our next vacation.  

It would  not be a birthday week without also thinking about the coming year from a spiritual perspective.  I am so grateful for the two women's small groups that I attend.  I seriously don't know what I would do without these wonderful women who support me, encourage me, stand with me in hard times, laugh with me and cry with me.  The challenge to write is still in front of me.  I have continued to move ahead - even though it has been painfully slow.  I am seeking to make it a priority in the next year to work on putting thoughts on paper at least three times a week.  Even though I really want to move ahead on my writing projects (including this blog), I really don't want writing to become a chore.  When I actually find time to sit down and put those words on a page, it brings me joy and peace.  I don't want that to change.  The process of writing is really hard!  Sometimes I feel as if I have a head full of things that I want to write, but it is so hard to actually sit down and do the writing.  Nevertheless, I am committed to more words actually on paper in the next year.  

This has certainly been a year with some hills and some valleys.  There have been times when I have felt especially close to Jesus, but there have also been those times when I know I have grown distant from Him.  I am so, so thankful that no matter how far away I go, Jesus is right there to woo me back and welcome me with open arms.  On one of the last days of my recent vacation, I was sitting watching the sun rise.  It was quiet in the predawn darkness and I felt the strong presence of Jesus with me on that balcony.  Then I heard a gentle whisper saying "each day is new for you.  Leave yesterdays worries behind and skip into today with me by your side."  Not a new or profound Word, but it was filled with so many things.  Each day is new.... you really don't know what the day will hold.  If you don't stop and let go of those things that are weighing you down, it is hard to walk freely into a new day. And lastly, isn't it so much easier to actually SKIP (or hop or run or jump) into your day when you know that Jesus is walking along with you?   I am so thankful for this very short, but powerful direction for my next year, and I don't mind sharing it with you!  Sit a moment and consider that short statement and see if it doesn't change how you feel at the start of each new day!

Jesus, thank you so much for birthday times that give us a reason to stop and reflect on the past year and on the year ahead.  Thank you for your guidance and protection.  Holy Spirit, continue to bring wisdom to us so that we make good choices as we walk each day.  Thank  you for family, for friends and for fellowship with you.  Amen 

Ending our time away....

 We spent the last several days of our time away from home at a rather unusual place for a couple of old fogies like us.  Gwen and Tim had actually stayed at this resort several years ago to break up a trip to Baltimore.  They loved the beach and knowing that we were looking for a beach closer to home, they encouraged us to try out The Breakers at Cedar Point.  The interesting thing about this place is the amusement park that is directly around the hotel.  And I mean right there!  A perk of staying at the Breakers is a short walk to both the regular park and also the newer water park as well as early entry to both parks.  Of course admission tickets for the parks are NOT included in your hotel fee, which was great for us!  We did not want to visit either park!  We really came for the beach and the pools.  It was an different experience for us for sure.  I could not get over the noise of the big steel roller coaster that was directly behind the beach.  The rumbling - and the people screaming - were an interesting back drop to the lake view.  It did make for some wonderful sunset photos....
I call this one "Going Down!"

I am sure that Ken got many more great shots during the time we spent on the beach at sunset.  And the beach was mostly empty with the majority of the guests at the parks.

As you can see in this picture, we had the beach to ourselves during this time.  This was the last week that the parks were open, so they had an earlier than normal closing time of 8:00pm.  So after that time the pools and hot tubs were jammed with people.  This suited us just fine, since by 8:00pm we were quite happy to be relaxing in our room or on the wonderful screened in balcony.  We spent some time on the beach during the morning, when all but a few people were in the park.  The weather, though sunny, was not very warm.  We had been told that Lake Erie was shallow and the warmest of the Great Lakes.  However, thanks to rainy weather and very cold temperatures the lake was COLD!  Even the pools were not really warm enough to be comfortable.  The hot tubs were great and we enjoyed the indoor pool and hot tub when the wind was cold. There were many sitting areas scattered around between the pools and the walkways to the parks and the beach.  We found a great place to relax in one of these areas when the outdoor pools and beach were too cold and the indoor pool area was too hot.  It was secluded enough to be out of the wind, and had another amazing feature...

Even on the balcony of our 5th floor room we would see hundreds of monarchs flying around.  Apparently they were especially attracted to these flowering bushes that lined the walkway. When someone walked by there would be a cloud of butterflies rising from the bushes.  It was memorizing to watch the play of the butterflies against the plants and the building.  It was a great way to spend several hours.  

It is good to reflect at the end of a trip, to remember the really great things and to discard some of the not so good things.  Those hotel surveys sure make you take stock of your trip, don't they?  A conclusion of this recap for both Ken and I was that we would not go back to Cedar Point.  We were glad we tried it, but we would look for a different beach on our next trip.  We were extremely glad that we visited the Flight 93 - 9/11 memorial park.  It is  in such an out of the way place that we might never get back to that area.  While we finally made it to Cooks Forest, we did not get to tube or kayak on the Clarion River.  The last two times we tried to visit, the park was flooded!  This time it was cold and the river was very low.  Still, thankful to finally see another place that was important to Ken from his childhood. I got to visit an old friend and see a new (to me) city.  Ken got to revisit an old childhood home.  Yes, lots of positives from this vacation. 

I think all travel is beneficial.   It helps you to see from other people's perspective.  You get to encounter all kinds of new people along the way.  We got to try out lots of new to us places to eat.  I recently saw a video about a 57 women with early onset Alzheimer.  Her biggest regret was that she would never be able to travel - something that she had been putting off for her entire life.  When her son heard this, he decided to make her dream come true, and arranged several international trips with her.  She was able to see the places she had dreamed about.  How often do we make the mistake of putting off something, even if it seems like a good reason?  I know I have certainly been guilty of doing that.  I am so thankful that Ken and I have made travel a priority during these years - while we are still young enough to enjoy the journey.  It is, however, really good to be home! 

I began these blogs about our vacation talking about running into September.  And here we are, in September.  Last week was cold and rainy and certainly felt like fall.  Today, however is 82 and sunny.  Still, it is clear that the season change is upon us.  We saw more than one tree that had begun to change color.  The kids are all back to school.  Yep, soon enough we will be pulling out those winter coats.  I can't image living in a place that never had a change of season.  I really enjoy marking the time by the season changes.   Before I know it, September will be gone.  

Yes, time is going by and it is easy to put off those trips, those visits with family, or just that coffee with a friend.  I don't want to have a list of regrets in the years ahead.  Instead I want to have scrapbooks full of pictures of great adventures and the faces of all my loved ones.  I want to have memories of times spent laughing and talking with family and friends.  I want to have tons of hugs that will warm my heart.   

I am so thankful today.  Just sitting in my own little chair, reflecting back on the last couple of weeks.  I am feeling very happy and very blessed.  It is so good to stop and reflect as the seasons change.  It is good to add to your thankful journal all of those memories.  And it is good to look ahead to the next season. Yes, life goes on!

Jesus, thank you so much for this beautiful creation.  Holy Spirit give us courage to keep on seeking new adventures.  Jesus thank you for butterflies and the reminder that you will totally transform us into new creations!  Give us gentle nudges when we start putting off those things that will bring us joy.  Keep our eyes turned to you, Jesus.  Thank you for family and friends and home.  Amen