Monday, August 31, 2020

Camping!

Hello everyone.  We went camping for a couple of days for Dennis to just unwind and relax. This is our “little” trailer that we took out to a KOA in the mountains about 30 minutes from where we’re living in our “big” trailer. There was very little cell reception or Internet, so I missed reading some of your blogs, but I have tried to catch up. I apologize to any that I have still missed.

It was a lovely spot at a KOA up north. The nights were crisp and the days were warm. We did a lot of walking and reading. This is our spot.  Chloe seemed to enjoy it too. Please excuse my finger at the top of the picture. Apparently I still can’t take pictures!  We were virtually alone in this entire loop of the campground. I could hear coyotes during the night and I do believe a bear wandered around our campground, based on the paw prints we saw the next morning.

There is a little lake in the middle of the park.  I don’t know why it is so blurry. I do need to get a new phone. Mine is six years old and I hadn’t realized that until recently when it started acting up.
The trees were so pretty reflecting in the water.

Sunset was absolutely amazing. This picture does not do it justice. The sky was filled with pinks and lavenders and deep purples.

I haven’t even worked very much on my Pimpelliese Shawl. I do have it halfway completed and I’m starting the decreases now. I seem to have lost my knitting and crochet mojo recently. I am doing a lot of crosswords right now. Maybe that’s my way of dealing with stress.

I was sitting outside here at the RV park one evening last week while Dennis was gone and this bird caught my eye. That’s the top of our trailer and this tree was several spaces down the road. The bird was pretty high and sitting on the very tip of the top most branch. It sat there unmoving for almost half an hour. At first I thought it couldn’t be real and then my brain kicked in and I thought there was no way anybody could put anything up there either! It had to be real. And then it finally flew away. Look how blue the sky is. It has been gorgeous here lately.

Dennis‘s sister Karen is still holding on. Hospice did not think she would make it through the weekend, but when I talked to our nephew this morning, she is still here on this earth. Please continue to keep the family in your prayers. This is so difficult for the entire family. Her husband, her children, our kids, especially Mandy, and Dennis‘s mom. Dennis and his brother aren’t doing too well either. It’s very hard for them to see their baby sister like this.  We do realize that death is a part of life and it is inevitable for all of us, but it’s never easy for the people that are left behind.

Dennis had some wonderful conversations with Karen last week when he was there and we are forever grateful that he had that opportunity to spend time with her and his brother.

I’m wishing you all a good Monday. Where we camped last week we weren’t able to see any news so I had no idea what was going on with the hurricane. This morning I saw a news story for the first time and it looks like it has devastated the lives of so many people. I hope all of you down in the south are doing okay.
Many blessings, 
Betsy

19 comments:

  1. That looks like a lovely little spot to be by yourselves. It seems everyone I know is wanting some sort of time away lately from everything going on. This old world is so stressful right now, and people having to deal with such sadness of one sort or another. We're continuing to keep Karen and her family, Dennis and you, and the rest of his family in prayer, lifting everyone up to the Lord for peace and comfort. It's good that he had the blessing of being able to spend time with Karen, even for a little bit, before the Lord calls her home. Much love and many, many prayers for you all, my dear friend! (P.S. The shawl is so beautiful! And the bird nearly blends in with the tree!)

    ReplyDelete
  2. The campsite looks inviting. I’m glad you had the “loop” to yourselves. It’s good to have quiet while resting and destressing. Saying goodbye to a loved one is so difficult, but I’m glad that Dennis had that opportunity. Peace to her and your extended family.

    ReplyDelete
  3. a baby camper!!!!!!! Perfection. Bears??? Betsy???? Oh my gosh. Praying for your loved ones tonight

    ReplyDelete
  4. That campsite looks so peaceful and relaxing. We have a Mini Lite camper too, but it is even smaller than yours! We are hoping to go to Maine when we get back from Virginia. Your shawl is lovely I love the color. I will keep your family in my prayers as you cope with losing your beloved Karen.

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a lovely spot you've found and amazing that it was so empty. I can highly recommend the Apple iPhone 11 ProMax - the best darn camera in a phone. I use it for all my blog photos except for zoom shots where I use my big Lumix camera. Your bird looks like a hawk keeping his eye out for prey. That lake would be perfect for a small sailboat like ours. I hope you get your mojo back, I've never known you to lose it. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Good for you and Dennis to have some down time. I am so glad he got to spend some time with his sister. Sending prayers your way for comfort for all who love Karen and are part of her earthly struggle.
    I only have your old address , please email me your new one!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm glad you got a little down time. I'm sure Dennis really needed it after his long and stressful trip.

    ReplyDelete
  8. You have a lovely peaceful spot to park your 'little' trailer. I hope your days spent resting leave you feeling refreshed.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Isn't that just a bit scary Betsy bears roaming your campsite??? I must say that campsite reflects tranquility and relaxation ...except for the bears though )-:.
    Dear Betsy:Such a sad time for you and your family at this moment...deeply sorry and thinking of you at this difficult time. Amanda x

    ReplyDelete
  10. What a beautiful and tranquil place (except for the bears) you found to camp, surrounded by nature. Hope it helped you both to relax and find some inner peace. You and your family remain in my prayers dear Betsy. Take care sweet friend.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi dear Betsy.. well so very grateful you and Dennis had a break away, the first time in ages, that’s truly wonderful, love your van, it’s still pretty big even for a small one.

    Good to take it out while weather is okay. Your knitting is lovely but understand why may need a break from it.
    Praying re Karen, I lost a dear sister in Lord Karen too, at end of a June and it was at her funeral that I had the heart attack.
    I was really sad for those left behind too, for her family, not for my darling Kaz ... so glad, too that Dennis was able to get there back last week.
    Thanks for Sharing, God bless and keep you safe, sis, and all those you love,
    hugs Shaz in Oz.x
    PS I’ve just shared a new post on wonderful words blog, first time in ages, on Job think you might like it, Betsy.

    {Wonderful Words of Life - Shaz in Oz}
    {Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}

    ReplyDelete
  12. I absolutely loved camping. But our days were in tents. Not much comfort for me now being over 60. We built a cottage on Lake Huron 20 years ago and haven’t camped since. Sadly I miss it. If we sold the cottage I could see myself camping like you but I’m not sure who would haul the trailer as neither of us can think we would do it. Enjoy. Hugs for you and your family with coping with loss.
    Cheryl

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love camping. I say I do and I've not camped in humpteen hundred years! I love being outdoors and camping near water was the best. What a beautiful place you found to camp! Perfect place to relax. You and your family are om my prayers.
    Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  14. That looks like so much fun!!! I would love to be able to pack up and go somewhere right now. It has done nothing but rain for weeks now and it is so depressing. I swear my brain is growing mushrooms.

    ReplyDelete
  15. You campsite looks awesome. So glad you have that 'smaller' camper to have some wonderful 'get-aways' like this... After all of the moving you have done, I'm sure you both needed this little camping trip.

    Prayers for Dennis and his family... Glad he got to talk to Karen when he was there... God Bless all of them...

    Hugs
    Betsy

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks for letting us enjoy seeing and learning about your time camping...such a beautiful site! The shawl you are making is exquisite! I so admire you and your creative skills, dear Betsy...and how you are navigating this time of major transitions in your life. May the Lord comfort you and yours with His presence.💜🙏

    ReplyDelete
  17. A beautiful place like the lake is a good refuge; just what you both needed! Prayers...

    ReplyDelete
  18. So nice to visit with you today, Betsy. What a wonderful getaway you had! That bird brought a lot of spiritual thoughts to my mind - the way it sat there in stillness for so long. I have been doing that today, just lingering at Jesus' feet. It takes a concentrated effort to draw in our minds and even our physical bodies to be still before Him. God bless you, sweet friend.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Nature can be so healing and peaceful and I think that was a good idea. My heart goes out to all of you during this time. I remember sitting by Jim's bedside knowing he was never going to leave the hospital alive. It's very hard to face and to say goodbye. I can't imagine how hard it was for Dennis to walk out of that hospital. Peace and healing to all of you. Hugs ~ Sam

    ReplyDelete