I am looking forward to the month of June.
For one thing -- Summer!
I am a summer person. You can have your spring rains and cool nights. You can enjoy the dying earth during during the fall or the cold of winter. Give me sunshine and warmth!
I also have a couple of preaching events coming up in June; two kids' camps and pulpit supply at a local country church. The camps are for very young kids. One is a day camp. The other is an overnight camp, but just for one night. I really like working with the camp staff at Baptist Hill. The Director and Camp Administrator are just great people. The summer staff is usually made up of college kids that work their collective butts off to make sure that each group of kids that comes through Baptist Hill during the summer has a good, safe, learning experience and lots of fun.
I'll be making another trip to Chicago, this time for a Cubs/Cards ballgame.
Aaron and I will find a place to watch the UFC 238 fights rather than spending the money on tickets to the event. With any luck, we can watch the Blues win the Stanley Cup in a Game 6 home win after seeing the Cards beat the Cubs in a Sunday afternoon game.
About mid-month I'll complete my 59th trip around the sun.
When I turned 53, I was at my heaviest weight. I decided that I needed to lose 54 pounds in my 54th year. I actually lost 60 pounds.
In the last five years, I've managed to gain it all back, plus a couple of bonus pounds. I've been fortunate that I haven't yet suffered any major health issues due to my weight. The main thing is joint pain (knees and ankles) from being so danged heavy.
So here I go again...
Sixty pounds in my 60th year.
It's only 5 pounds per month; a little over a pound per week.
I'll be tracking progress over at Healthy Living (by an unhealthy guy).
I know! My overall track record shows more starting and stopping than continued success. But I also know that it can be done. So here's to a renewed commitment to busting the 200 pound mark by my 60th birthday and being a much healthier guy.
John <><
Saturday, May 25, 2019
Thursday, May 23, 2019
Recharging: Getting energy or inspiration
Where do you go or what do you do to recharge?
Do you...
...go to a place?
...meet with certain people?
...get away from people?
...do a certain activity?
...just get some rest or sleep?
Today is Thursday.
Thursday means Downtown Venues meets tonight.
Downtown Venues is one of my recharge places.
It's a different sort of place. I have mentioned that I don't usually recharge around other people. The people at Downtown Venues (and the people of The Venues in general) are different than most people. There is an overall feeling of acceptance and safety. In fact, it is interesting to observe new people that come to Downtown Venues, people that venture into a new place with guards up and postured for defense against the normal societal biases and church people biases ... but they don't find them. They find people that welcome them. They feel this positive energy that just fills the place. They feel something that they are not sure of; something that is out of place in a bar or even in a typical church.
It often takes a while, maybe even a couple of visits before they recognize that it is genuine acceptance and love. Story after story from people of The Venues tell of the joy of finding a place where they can worship and serve God after having been rejected or judged by other churches, people, or places. In some stories you can feel the past pain. In some, it is the emotional joy of finding a place to call home that grabs you.
In the end, as much as I learn from the messages at Downtown Venues, and as much as I enjoy the various musicians that perform, I go for the spiritual energy that feeds my soul. I will usually only interact with a few of the people that are there. I usually sit alone (unless someone happens to join me). It is an hour that I don't mind being a taker, recharging my soul.
Come join us if you can.
We meet at Ernie Biggs from 6:30 to 7:30.
There are some snacks and soft drinks or you are welcome to buy a beer or drink from the bar.
I think the most difficult thing about being accepted for who you are is having to learn to accept others as they are.
Be prepared to grow.
John <><
Do you...
...go to a place?
...meet with certain people?
...get away from people?
...do a certain activity?
...just get some rest or sleep?
Today is Thursday.
Thursday means Downtown Venues meets tonight.
Downtown Venues is one of my recharge places.
It's a different sort of place. I have mentioned that I don't usually recharge around other people. The people at Downtown Venues (and the people of The Venues in general) are different than most people. There is an overall feeling of acceptance and safety. In fact, it is interesting to observe new people that come to Downtown Venues, people that venture into a new place with guards up and postured for defense against the normal societal biases and church people biases ... but they don't find them. They find people that welcome them. They feel this positive energy that just fills the place. They feel something that they are not sure of; something that is out of place in a bar or even in a typical church.
It often takes a while, maybe even a couple of visits before they recognize that it is genuine acceptance and love. Story after story from people of The Venues tell of the joy of finding a place where they can worship and serve God after having been rejected or judged by other churches, people, or places. In some stories you can feel the past pain. In some, it is the emotional joy of finding a place to call home that grabs you.
In the end, as much as I learn from the messages at Downtown Venues, and as much as I enjoy the various musicians that perform, I go for the spiritual energy that feeds my soul. I will usually only interact with a few of the people that are there. I usually sit alone (unless someone happens to join me). It is an hour that I don't mind being a taker, recharging my soul.
Come join us if you can.
We meet at Ernie Biggs from 6:30 to 7:30.
There are some snacks and soft drinks or you are welcome to buy a beer or drink from the bar.
I think the most difficult thing about being accepted for who you are is having to learn to accept others as they are.
Be prepared to grow.
John <><
Friday, May 17, 2019
Chicago
I spent last weekend in Chicago. I drove up to go to the Bellator fights at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont. I stopped on the way up for a quick visit with my parents and made my way to Chicago on Friday afternoon to meet up with Aaron. We soon found ourselves at the Lagunita's taproom where I had my usual sandwich for dinner -- the Lagunita's Hogunitas! It is a meaty sandwich of pulled pork, ham, and bacon, and it is delicious! I assume they have other good food there, but this is my go-to sandwich and I honestly can't remember if I've ever had anything else to eat there.
I had an interesting conversation with the woman that was seated next to me (we were sitting at the bar). She asked me if I was from Chicago because she was new to the area and was looking for a comedy club for her and her boyfriend to visit. I referred her to my daughter in law, Jenny and they figured out a place to go. Kelly (the young woman) is from Belgium and is a flight attendant for United. She moved to Chicago to get better flight assignments. Her boyfriend (Jordan) was visiting from New Zealand. I had Jenny give Kelly her number so they can connect and maybe help her get acquainted with Chicago. It was kind of weird, but when we left she gave me a hug. Must be a European thing.
We walked the two blocks back to the kids' place and settled in for the night. We watched baseball on TV and Aaron ordered out for more food.
Saturday was a lazy day. After coffee at the condo, we made our way to another favorite place -- Haymarket Pub and Brewery. And yes, I had my normal brunch entree -- The Morning Riot! The Riot is my go-to sandwich at Haymarket, and the Morning Riot is what I get for brunch. I have had a couple of other sandwiches there, but for brunch it has always been The Morning Riot.
We ran a few errands and were back at the condo for a little bit before we were off to the fights.
I always enjoy going to the fights with Aaron. This was my first time at a Bellator event. The co-main event and the main event were both great fights. There was a little bit of controversy about the stoppage in the main event, but after watching several replays, I think it was justified.
During the night of fights, Aaron and I were keeping tabs on the Blues via our phones. There was also a UFC ppv event going on.
As the Bellator main event was getting started, Aaron said "There's a Dave and Buster's 11 minutes away. When this is over, we can hurry over there and catch the main event for the UFC fights."
We actually got to see the end of one fight, the co-main event, and the main event.
The kids had a couple of softball games on Sunday afternoon. It was about 45f (7c), overcast, and a cool wind coming in off the lake. It didn't feel like softball weather.
After the game, they took me to a different local brewery/restaurant, Dry Hop. I made up for the meaty sandwich of Friday night by having a vegetarian Reuben! It was a very good sandwich. The corned beef of a typical Reuben was replaced by a portabella mushroom. The main flavor profile came from the cabbage slaw and dressing. I'm not sure that I would all it a Reuben, but it was a tasty sandwich.
We visited in the evening and watched a Netflix movie.
Monday morning I was on my way home.
It was a good weekend.
I'll be back in a couple of weeks for the UFC fights and for a Cubs/Cards game at Wrigley. Chris will be with us for the ballgame.
Retirement does not suck.
John <><
I had an interesting conversation with the woman that was seated next to me (we were sitting at the bar). She asked me if I was from Chicago because she was new to the area and was looking for a comedy club for her and her boyfriend to visit. I referred her to my daughter in law, Jenny and they figured out a place to go. Kelly (the young woman) is from Belgium and is a flight attendant for United. She moved to Chicago to get better flight assignments. Her boyfriend (Jordan) was visiting from New Zealand. I had Jenny give Kelly her number so they can connect and maybe help her get acquainted with Chicago. It was kind of weird, but when we left she gave me a hug. Must be a European thing.
We walked the two blocks back to the kids' place and settled in for the night. We watched baseball on TV and Aaron ordered out for more food.
Saturday was a lazy day. After coffee at the condo, we made our way to another favorite place -- Haymarket Pub and Brewery. And yes, I had my normal brunch entree -- The Morning Riot! The Riot is my go-to sandwich at Haymarket, and the Morning Riot is what I get for brunch. I have had a couple of other sandwiches there, but for brunch it has always been The Morning Riot.
We ran a few errands and were back at the condo for a little bit before we were off to the fights.
I always enjoy going to the fights with Aaron. This was my first time at a Bellator event. The co-main event and the main event were both great fights. There was a little bit of controversy about the stoppage in the main event, but after watching several replays, I think it was justified.
During the night of fights, Aaron and I were keeping tabs on the Blues via our phones. There was also a UFC ppv event going on.
As the Bellator main event was getting started, Aaron said "There's a Dave and Buster's 11 minutes away. When this is over, we can hurry over there and catch the main event for the UFC fights."
We actually got to see the end of one fight, the co-main event, and the main event.
The kids had a couple of softball games on Sunday afternoon. It was about 45f (7c), overcast, and a cool wind coming in off the lake. It didn't feel like softball weather.
After the game, they took me to a different local brewery/restaurant, Dry Hop. I made up for the meaty sandwich of Friday night by having a vegetarian Reuben! It was a very good sandwich. The corned beef of a typical Reuben was replaced by a portabella mushroom. The main flavor profile came from the cabbage slaw and dressing. I'm not sure that I would all it a Reuben, but it was a tasty sandwich.
We visited in the evening and watched a Netflix movie.
Monday morning I was on my way home.
It was a good weekend.
I'll be back in a couple of weeks for the UFC fights and for a Cubs/Cards game at Wrigley. Chris will be with us for the ballgame.
Retirement does not suck.
John <><
Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Reading -- Book reviews
It has been some time since I've enjoyed reading fiction on a regular basis. Most of my reading in the past several years has been of the non-fiction, educational, self-help variety. Recently I have added some fiction back into the mix and I have been spending more time book reading and less time scrolling through internet feeds.
I mentioned Searching for Sunday in my last post. That falls into the first category. If you have been struggling with religion and often find yourself conflicted because religion seems less loving than it should be, you may find yourself in this book. It is one woman's personal search for God in a religion that didn't do a very good job of representing him.
At the same time I was reading Searching for Sunday, I was working my way through the novel Bleak Harbor. I enjoyed the book. It is a well written kind of mystery/thriller. The author brings the different characters together in unexpected ways and keeps you guessing (wrong again) as the story develops.
I also just finished a book on grounding. Grounding is one of those things that some believe in wholeheartedly, while others poo-poo the idea as pure quackery. Getting Grounded was an interesting read. I think I am some where in the middle of wholehearted belief and quackery.
I am currently reading an apologetics type book, That's Just Your Interpretation. I'm just getting started so I don't have much to offer in the way of critique.
The fiction book that I just finished was Hunt Them Down. It looks like you can still get it for free on your Kindle app. I really enjoyed it and would certainly encourage you to get it for free if you can.
All of these books I read on Kindle and all were either free or 99 cents. I have several more books to choose from and will be picking another fiction to go along with the book on apologetics.
The Dark Heart sounds interesting. It is a true story, but I may go with it anyway.
I have never considered myself to be a voracious reader (and still do not), but it has been good to get back to spending some time reading just for the fun of it.
What are you currently reading?
John <><
I mentioned Searching for Sunday in my last post. That falls into the first category. If you have been struggling with religion and often find yourself conflicted because religion seems less loving than it should be, you may find yourself in this book. It is one woman's personal search for God in a religion that didn't do a very good job of representing him.
At the same time I was reading Searching for Sunday, I was working my way through the novel Bleak Harbor. I enjoyed the book. It is a well written kind of mystery/thriller. The author brings the different characters together in unexpected ways and keeps you guessing (wrong again) as the story develops.
I also just finished a book on grounding. Grounding is one of those things that some believe in wholeheartedly, while others poo-poo the idea as pure quackery. Getting Grounded was an interesting read. I think I am some where in the middle of wholehearted belief and quackery.
I am currently reading an apologetics type book, That's Just Your Interpretation. I'm just getting started so I don't have much to offer in the way of critique.
The fiction book that I just finished was Hunt Them Down. It looks like you can still get it for free on your Kindle app. I really enjoyed it and would certainly encourage you to get it for free if you can.
All of these books I read on Kindle and all were either free or 99 cents. I have several more books to choose from and will be picking another fiction to go along with the book on apologetics.
The Dark Heart sounds interesting. It is a true story, but I may go with it anyway.
I have never considered myself to be a voracious reader (and still do not), but it has been good to get back to spending some time reading just for the fun of it.
What are you currently reading?
John <><
Tuesday, May 07, 2019
Regrets...
This is a post that I thought about a few weeks ago. The reason that I didn't write it at the time is because one of the people that I wanted to tag so she could read it was in a medically induced coma at the time. Last weekend she died.
I never met Rachel Held Evans (RHE) and really haven't been following her for very long. I just finished reading her book Searching for Sunday and had already read her book Inspired. I think I would have liked her.
The reason that I wanted to write about her and a couple of other women that I follow on Twitter is to offer my apologies and regrets for having been a part of the male dominated evangelical clergy that often ignores and dismisses the contributions of women. I could blame the religious culture for shaping my thoughts on women in ministry, but that would be unfair. My thoughts, views, and opinions are mine and I have to accept the responsibility for them. I'm not sure where conservative religion got the idea that we (men) cannot learn biblical truths from women. I know that the standard response will be -- it's in the Bible, but I think that I can safely say that is a pretty skewed point of view.
Do you know that over the past couple of decades I have never read through a Beth Moore bible study or book?
I somehow believed that she was a good women's teacher but would have little to offer me. I have been following her on Twitter for a few months (thanks to RHE) and have benefited from her wisdom and insights. I'm going to have to make time to read some of her stuff (recommendations are welcome).
Another woman that I have recently started following (also from following RHE) is Rev. Jes Kast. I enjoy her encouragement and posts and think I'd like to listen to a few of her sermons and learn about life, love and Jesus from her.
I'm finding that growing spiritually and learning through areas where I've been wrong isn't as hard as one might think. Admitting that you are wrong and need to change your thinking is the hard part. Realizing that you have taught bad ideas to others is incredibly disturbing. Knowing that I have been a part of failing to recognize the gifts that God has given to so many women is cause for personal shame. It's really weird that I didn't have a problem with women supervisors or bosses, but somehow managed to believe that church was different.
(smh)
I know that I am less harsh on people than I once was. I'm learning to recognize that I have no idea what others are going through. I am looking for commonalities with others rather than focusing on differences. Rather than becoming a grumpy old man, I am becoming more introspective and thoughtful. Don't get me wrong -- the grumpy old guy is still in here; I'm just working on keeping him locked up with Ugly John.
I really am ashamed that there was a time in my life that dismissing others was so easy; when judging others by my own bigoted standards or standards borrowed from others was so much easier than seeing them the way God sees them. Sometimes I think to myself, "Damn! I was an arrogant, egotistical ass."
If that's the way that you know me or knew me -- I am sorry.
In reality, I know that those that I have been that ass to are not reading this, so feel free to share it around. It may be difficult to believe that John is becoming a decent kind of guy, but I'm working on it. It probably isn't a good idea for an evangelical preacher to admit that he struggles to walk with Jesus, but that is my truth. That is my life.
Lately, I've been thinking of the African proverb -- If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with someone.
So I'm walking with this guy, Jesus. I'm learning some stuff, too. If you find yourself racing through life alone,
slow down.
Walk with us.
We can use the company
... and we have a long way to go.
John <><
I never met Rachel Held Evans (RHE) and really haven't been following her for very long. I just finished reading her book Searching for Sunday and had already read her book Inspired. I think I would have liked her.
The reason that I wanted to write about her and a couple of other women that I follow on Twitter is to offer my apologies and regrets for having been a part of the male dominated evangelical clergy that often ignores and dismisses the contributions of women. I could blame the religious culture for shaping my thoughts on women in ministry, but that would be unfair. My thoughts, views, and opinions are mine and I have to accept the responsibility for them. I'm not sure where conservative religion got the idea that we (men) cannot learn biblical truths from women. I know that the standard response will be -- it's in the Bible, but I think that I can safely say that is a pretty skewed point of view.
Do you know that over the past couple of decades I have never read through a Beth Moore bible study or book?
I somehow believed that she was a good women's teacher but would have little to offer me. I have been following her on Twitter for a few months (thanks to RHE) and have benefited from her wisdom and insights. I'm going to have to make time to read some of her stuff (recommendations are welcome).
Another woman that I have recently started following (also from following RHE) is Rev. Jes Kast. I enjoy her encouragement and posts and think I'd like to listen to a few of her sermons and learn about life, love and Jesus from her.
I'm finding that growing spiritually and learning through areas where I've been wrong isn't as hard as one might think. Admitting that you are wrong and need to change your thinking is the hard part. Realizing that you have taught bad ideas to others is incredibly disturbing. Knowing that I have been a part of failing to recognize the gifts that God has given to so many women is cause for personal shame. It's really weird that I didn't have a problem with women supervisors or bosses, but somehow managed to believe that church was different.
(smh)
I know that I am less harsh on people than I once was. I'm learning to recognize that I have no idea what others are going through. I am looking for commonalities with others rather than focusing on differences. Rather than becoming a grumpy old man, I am becoming more introspective and thoughtful. Don't get me wrong -- the grumpy old guy is still in here; I'm just working on keeping him locked up with Ugly John.
I really am ashamed that there was a time in my life that dismissing others was so easy; when judging others by my own bigoted standards or standards borrowed from others was so much easier than seeing them the way God sees them. Sometimes I think to myself, "Damn! I was an arrogant, egotistical ass."
If that's the way that you know me or knew me -- I am sorry.
In reality, I know that those that I have been that ass to are not reading this, so feel free to share it around. It may be difficult to believe that John is becoming a decent kind of guy, but I'm working on it. It probably isn't a good idea for an evangelical preacher to admit that he struggles to walk with Jesus, but that is my truth. That is my life.
Lately, I've been thinking of the African proverb -- If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with someone.
So I'm walking with this guy, Jesus. I'm learning some stuff, too. If you find yourself racing through life alone,
slow down.
Walk with us.
We can use the company
... and we have a long way to go.
John <><
Thursday, May 02, 2019
Hotel coffee -- no thank you!
I know, I know -- I admit it, I'm a coffee snob.
As usual, I'm up before Chris and per our plan, I am a couple of blocks from the hotel at a nearby Starbucks for my morning coffee. For the most part, Starbucks has consistently decent coffee. Some of their seasonals are better, and a few of their roasts are not to my liking. My standard selection is a venti (20 oz), 5 shot Americano. Depending on my mood, I may or may not add cream. Today it is black.
It is still cool enough to sit outside (74f, 23c) and the outdoor seating is well shaded at this time of day. It is a little humid, but no worse than the humidity of the Ozarks. There are a half dozen of us outside, as many more inside and a fairly steady stream of walk-ins that appear to be regulars.
This location is about 1/4 mile from the hotel. As I was walking here, I was thinking that I should start walking before my daily coffee. I know 1/4 mile isn't much of a walk, but my normal daily walk is about 3-4 miles and it might be more motivational to walk early and have the incentive of coffee afterwards rather than having coffee first and then using the heat and humidity as an excuse for not walking.
Hmmm... something to consider.
*****
I am going to miss meeting with my Venues friends at Downtown Venues tonight. In truth, I have very little interaction with people at our midweek gathering. In general, being around people tends to drain me of energy (a typical introvert characteristic). It is a little strange that I tend to gain energy for my spirit just from being there.
I am also going to miss our Friday morning Breakfast Venues.
Both of these Venues (as well as our Sunday morning gathering) have become a bit of contradictory phenomena. Typically, people drain me and I recharge by being alone. However, there are so many energy giving people at The Venues that I can recharge from being with them. I don't really need much interaction; simple presence seems to be enough.
I do not think that I am the only one that feels this way. I have noticed (because noticing people is something I have started doing) that there are quite a few people that quietly attend The Venues. They attend regularly, but seem to have pretty limited interaction with people. Although they would be happy to remain unnoticed, I believe they are also pleased that their presence is acknowledged as I say "hi" or even just make eye contact and share a smile. I have found the simple ministry of presence to be a powerful way to bless people. A touch, a smile, a look -- they are all ways that simply give a person value. You can accomplish the same with a text, an email, or a virtual wave.
Try sharing some of your energy today.
And if you do, come back and leave a comment on how you did.
If you need an extra smile to share, it just so happens that I have one for you!
John <><
As usual, I'm up before Chris and per our plan, I am a couple of blocks from the hotel at a nearby Starbucks for my morning coffee. For the most part, Starbucks has consistently decent coffee. Some of their seasonals are better, and a few of their roasts are not to my liking. My standard selection is a venti (20 oz), 5 shot Americano. Depending on my mood, I may or may not add cream. Today it is black.
It is still cool enough to sit outside (74f, 23c) and the outdoor seating is well shaded at this time of day. It is a little humid, but no worse than the humidity of the Ozarks. There are a half dozen of us outside, as many more inside and a fairly steady stream of walk-ins that appear to be regulars.
This location is about 1/4 mile from the hotel. As I was walking here, I was thinking that I should start walking before my daily coffee. I know 1/4 mile isn't much of a walk, but my normal daily walk is about 3-4 miles and it might be more motivational to walk early and have the incentive of coffee afterwards rather than having coffee first and then using the heat and humidity as an excuse for not walking.
Hmmm... something to consider.
*****
I am going to miss meeting with my Venues friends at Downtown Venues tonight. In truth, I have very little interaction with people at our midweek gathering. In general, being around people tends to drain me of energy (a typical introvert characteristic). It is a little strange that I tend to gain energy for my spirit just from being there.
I am also going to miss our Friday morning Breakfast Venues.
Both of these Venues (as well as our Sunday morning gathering) have become a bit of contradictory phenomena. Typically, people drain me and I recharge by being alone. However, there are so many energy giving people at The Venues that I can recharge from being with them. I don't really need much interaction; simple presence seems to be enough.
I do not think that I am the only one that feels this way. I have noticed (because noticing people is something I have started doing) that there are quite a few people that quietly attend The Venues. They attend regularly, but seem to have pretty limited interaction with people. Although they would be happy to remain unnoticed, I believe they are also pleased that their presence is acknowledged as I say "hi" or even just make eye contact and share a smile. I have found the simple ministry of presence to be a powerful way to bless people. A touch, a smile, a look -- they are all ways that simply give a person value. You can accomplish the same with a text, an email, or a virtual wave.
Try sharing some of your energy today.
And if you do, come back and leave a comment on how you did.
If you need an extra smile to share, it just so happens that I have one for you!
John <><
Wednesday, May 01, 2019
Traveling...
I don't think I'm a very good vacationer.
I've never been one to go-go-go on vacation. I don't want to get home and have to rest from what ever running and funning we've done for the past week or so. I'm perfectly happy to lay on a beach or by a pool while enjoying a good cigar, a cool drink, and the company of family or friends. Most of the time it is just me and Chris, and that seems to works for us.
I don't really have a life that I need to take a vacation from. I don't have a tropical beach nearby, so I guess I just need to move! And I would if it were up to only me. I'd have a place on or near the beach with a couple of extra bedrooms and you all could take your vacations when you visit us. I've tried to assure Chris that we would have plenty of guests, but so far I am still living in the Ozarks of Southwest Missouri.
Living is Southwest Missouri is not so bad. Many people spend their vacation time traveling to the Ozarks for its many attractions and family friendly atmosphere. There are miles and miles of shoreline on the beautiful lakes -- but no ocean and enough cold weather that much of the year is not very swim friendly!
Even so, I could work with a lake home compromise, but that looks unlikely.
I suppose I could take up fishing and spend my days doing the hunter/gatherer thing by foraging nature for our food rather than going to the grocery store. So far, the grocery store has been the extent of my hunting, fishing, gathering experience (and will likely continue to be).
I have considered a kayak or SUP to make use of the many lakes and rivers, but have yet to pull that trigger -- maybe this year. Most of the reason for not doing it just the money. I hate spending money on myself. It just feels sort of selfish.
Time to get on with day.
Enjoy yours.
Be kind along the way.
John <><
I've never been one to go-go-go on vacation. I don't want to get home and have to rest from what ever running and funning we've done for the past week or so. I'm perfectly happy to lay on a beach or by a pool while enjoying a good cigar, a cool drink, and the company of family or friends. Most of the time it is just me and Chris, and that seems to works for us.
I don't really have a life that I need to take a vacation from. I don't have a tropical beach nearby, so I guess I just need to move! And I would if it were up to only me. I'd have a place on or near the beach with a couple of extra bedrooms and you all could take your vacations when you visit us. I've tried to assure Chris that we would have plenty of guests, but so far I am still living in the Ozarks of Southwest Missouri.
Living is Southwest Missouri is not so bad. Many people spend their vacation time traveling to the Ozarks for its many attractions and family friendly atmosphere. There are miles and miles of shoreline on the beautiful lakes -- but no ocean and enough cold weather that much of the year is not very swim friendly!
Even so, I could work with a lake home compromise, but that looks unlikely.
I suppose I could take up fishing and spend my days doing the hunter/gatherer thing by foraging nature for our food rather than going to the grocery store. So far, the grocery store has been the extent of my hunting, fishing, gathering experience (and will likely continue to be).
I have considered a kayak or SUP to make use of the many lakes and rivers, but have yet to pull that trigger -- maybe this year. Most of the reason for not doing it just the money. I hate spending money on myself. It just feels sort of selfish.
Time to get on with day.
Enjoy yours.
Be kind along the way.
John <><