Tis' a new day with new memories

Off to the airport we go in a few hours. A new beginning with new memories to celebrate dads life.

Went yesterday on a hike. This woodpecker cooperated long enough to get some real good pictures. This isn't the best one. I am getting the best one enlarged and framed.

Cleaning the house and thinking a lot about my daddy. Tears are pushed aside and the pain in my heart pushed back into its little dark corner.

Still to this day it is hard to believe he is gone. Still to this day I wonder why his death has affected me in the way that it has.

I am looking forward to a few jeep trips this holiday. I have this next week off so that will be nice.

My youngest son is finally getting his goal for his life in order. He has struggled to find his path. it is good to see him focusing on something. I know he is feeling better about it to . He would get so frustrated. I am anxious to see the oldest over Thanksgiving.

I am thankful this year for family - it may seem a cliche statement but as I get older the only important things in life are family, friends, and a purpose for each day. Those are the things that stay with you until the end.

I appreciate my friends. The ones who take the time to say hello, the ones you can count on when the going gets tough. A friend of mine who I see about once a year and due to life we never talk, anyhow she contacted me this past week. She bought a jeep AND she loves photography. We are planning several trips for the spring and plan to go out to the west during winter. I am excited! Finally a female I can go jeeping with. Now the man won't fret as much.

I ought to get back to cleaning.

Cheer to life's unexpected blessing and trials. (I told my son after he had two incidences where his car was damaged - "Son, life is hell - go enjoy it for all you are worth!)