Vacationing Where My Heart Desires

My poor husband. He loves to travel and see new and exciting places. Unfortunately he is stuck with me, and I HATE to travel! I was an Army brat and we moved frequently. I don't know how many schools I attended, but we seemed to move way too often for me. We traveled by car when the Army decided to transfer our Dad, with the exception of our 3 years in Hawaii, the car just would not take us there. I remember telling myself I would not marry a soldier and I was going to stay put when I did grow up. Besides, I get car-sick very easily, so traveling across country is not pleasant for me. I guess if you're not prone to car-sickness just imagine being nauseous and feeling like barfing your way across country. Not too pleasant for my traveling companions either. During many vacations away from home, although I did enjoy myself, the places we went, the company we kept...I would always find myself straying over to pet dogs being walked by complete strangers and I would miss my dogs.I find myself gazing longingly at sheep and goats along side the highways and by-ways, and then miss my sheep and goats. My kind husband would put up with me dragging him off to check out yarn and fiber shops and taking time to speak to the spinners and weavers at tourist sights. Every cat I would see reminded me of my cats, and I would miss my cats. The beautiful gardens made me want to work in MY garden. Good grief, I might as well be home enjoying MY flocks, dogs and cats, our gardens and pond. ( Hey, I can go boating here too) Hmmm,if I took my vacation here, at home,I could use the vacation time to spin up my wool, read books I have stacked by the bed. I might even take time to enjoy our jacuzzi tub and bedroom fireplace...better than those of many a hotel or motel we have slept in. Best of all , I will not be obligated to go anywhere unless the urge strikes. I know, I WILL vacation here at home! And I am, for the next 3 days. I am so excited, a Stay-cation in my favorite place of all. The best thing about a vacation here at home is I get to share it with my husband and he enjoys home too.

"Where could I travel to ? What would tempt me ? I am already here. I don't have to step outside this yard ! I am home where my heart is. " Gladys Taber "Traveling is all very well if you can get home at night . I would be willing to go around the world if I came back in time to light the candles and set the table for supper." Gladys Taber

Food and Fire for Body and Soul

~The Cispus River runs past Iron Creek Campground in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington. The river is rapid and deep in many places. It is beautiful and dangerous. Across the river  trees  have been downed and partially swept away. Trees  lay all along the river banks and in the river itself. The river bank we fished off of last year has been swept away. Thom and Joanne, my Hubby's baby sister and her husband camped here with us. Joanne made me a peach cake in her cast iron dutch oven over the camp fire Sunday night. I wish I had taken a picture of the delicious dessert she made me for my birthday. Joanne did a fine job of cooking over the camp fire and next year I will get pictures along with the recipe. There were no dessert left overs . Thank-you Joanne !~The Wingmaster and his wife joined us at our camp fire Sunday night too. Steve brought his guitar and we had singing around the camp fire after we shared our hearts, thoughts, and reflections on the past few days thinking about scriptures from the Bible. The family from the camp site across from us joined us as one of the men from the site played his guitar along with Steve. What great old time music, The Eagles, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and more I am not familiar with but enjoyed! We hope this family returns here next year. This has been a yearly event for them too !

~Hawk ,our Vizsla ,Hubby and #5 granddaughter sit by the campfire enjoying the warmth on this chilly day.

~# 2 grandson and his Daddy smile and "talk" to each other while warming up around the fire too.

~"A home is no home unless it contains food and fire for the mind as well as for the soul." Sarah Margaret Fuller

~Although the sentiment above is talking about home, when I am camping, my vacation home away from home, I feel it is not a true vacation, time of rest and re-fueling,without lots of good food and fire for my mind and body. It is almost a given that the awe inspiring forest and river should cause me to reflect on the Great Creator of all, and His words regarding our condition, needs, and the wisdom He gives us to use and apply to our lives, to glorify Him. Thank-you Lord for your gifts and your Son, our Savior. The time around the camp fire with my family through blood , and my family through God, was special. There was encouragement and prayer. A shared care and concern for each other. Songs, praise, and scripture...food for the mind and soul !.Then dessert for the body. Peach cake . Delicious, and it all hit the spot !