August 2019 has been an interesting month for several reasons. Now that I have two hands and arms to use, let me highlight the meaningful aspects of this month. Early in the month Carol and I flew to Spokane, Washington, rented a car and spent the week in the great state of Idaho. Visiting Idaho has been on my list for several years given that it was the last of the 50 states for me to visit. Now that it has been accomplished, I can move on although my list is getting shorter and shorter and physical limitations seem to pop up with every-so-often frequency. Something I have always wanted to do was to hang glide off a mountain or cliff but does not look as if this will happen. From teen years forward, I have always wanted to drive in a stock car race, but that’s not going to happen either. Life goes on and the list simply includes seeing another day. A phrase attributed to the late Senator Jerimiah Denton has become my mantra—"If the doorknob is on my side of the door, it is a good day”. Thus far, I still see the doorknob!
Back to Idaho. The first day and evening we stayed in a small village, Coeur d Alene. A neat area with a large lake. Would not mind returning and spending some time. There was a street fair going on and we could not find any parking so went back to an area away from the activity. The next day we drove on to Lewiston driving through Hell’s Canyon on the way. The Snake River is at the bottom of the Canyon and the gorges are some of the deepest in the country. Much of Idaho was created by volcanic activity so there is evidence of this throughout the state. While in Lewiston we crossed the Snake River into Clarkston, Washington. The two cities are named for Lewis and Clark who conducted expeditions in this part of the country. Additional evidence of the impact of volcanoes are the miles and miles of lava fields which have been in place for thousands of years. We visited a national park, Craters of the Moon, which is nothing but black fields of lava. An impressive, but somewhat eerie sight. We had the experience of being lost in the mountains as we tried to get to Sun Valley—thankfully, the young lady at the Chevron station at a crossroads to nowhere was very helpful in turning us around. While in Twin Falls, we were encouraged to go to the Shoshone Water Falls which are purported to be higher than Niagara Falls and were very impressive. Well worth the side trip. Flew back home from Boise. The time in Idaho was most enjoyable and I am glad that we brought the list to closure with the visit.
Upon returning to Alabama, Carol and I celebrated our 57th Wedding Anniversary. Through the years she has been asked, how she put up with me for all the years. She smiles and I cannot recall that she gives an answer. I am very fortunate to have her in my life and I truly love her for all she has been to and for me. Through these years she has been with me through some challenging situations. Most recently, being there when I entered the DCH Hilton (Hospital) to have a Pacemaker inserted. As a result of this procedure, I could not drive for a couple of weeks and she was most Tolerant and supportive as she transported me about Tuscaloosa, As of late last week I can drive, but have to wear a sling which I also have to wear when I sleep so my left arm does not flail about in a fit of nightmarish dreaming. This hospital venture was not expected, but we were convinced it needed to be done. Hope it does what it’s supposed to do!
The final event of August 2019 was that I reached the ripe old age of 80. If anyone would have suggested that I’d still be here at this age, I would have laughed and said, “no way”. I continued to take out double indemnity insurance policies because I was convinced, I would come to the end as the result of a car accident. Ain’t happened yet, but there is still time. The policies are still in force! Carol had a party for me on the actual date of my birth and I was grateful for those who gave of their time to participate. Both girls, Vicki and Julie, and their husbands were an important part of the celebration as were several good friends. It was a very, very good and special time and I am, indeed, fortunate, to have people in my life who seem to care. Makes for a good feeling!
Well, these are some of the highlights from my life this past August. What I have shared pales in comparison to all that is going on in this country and the world. In my 80 years, especially the adult years, I have never seen such chaos, uncertainly, confusion, repeated falsehoods and hatred as seems to characterize the daily news. There has got to be a better way.