Sunday, July 12, 2009

A Vacation Retreat

I've been away for a while. I think it's mostly apathy. Blogging here is so different than what we were used to in J-Land. It's a chore to come here sometimes and I used to get alerts when my friends posted. I notice there is a lot less posting going on . . .

It's a beautiful sunny day here in Ventura. Where other localities have high temperatures, we have an ocean breeze. I've been around to other towns and a few other states and I just can't imagine a better climate. I guess we will live here until our landlord sells the property (like that will happen soon in this economy!).

Just about two weeks ago, my friend came up from Mexico to make a trip to Northern California. She was going to be in the area where my daughters live and she invited me for the ride-along. It didn't take me long to get packed. I haven't seen Andrea since June last year. It was such a great trip. Below are a few of the pictures I took in a slide show.

As we traveled north, the temperature changed dramatically from cool to very hot. I am unused to such fluctuations to say the least. Thank the Lord for the invention of air conditioning! We ended up, after a night in a motel, approximately 900 miles from home at an altitude of over 4,300 feet. Although the temperature was high there, in the 90's, we were surrounded by trees, had 10' ceilings and a lovely mountain breeze.

The visit with Andrea was nothing short of God-given. It was a wonderful time of reflection for us. Our hostess' home was like a retreat. We spent muc
h time discussing our faith. It's a little hard for her now because her sister doesn't attend church. In a letter she wrote to me on my computer, Andrea says this:

"Well I hope that people get the great impression of Who and What God is and how great He is and what he can do, that may God bless every one else. Well the reason I'm writing this is so that people might start realizing that God is alive and that this may start blessing every one else. "

She speaks of the healing that the Lord can do in our lives if we only ask and pray. She wishes that her daddy will be healed from all the health problems he has. She knows that God can do it. Ahhh, simple faith!

I also ask for prayer for my Rob. His back surgery went well and he is healing there. The dementia is getting worse and it's hard for me to cope sometimes. I forget that he has it and expect him to remember a conversation we had earlier. He doesn't realize that he is affected at all and still sees himself as he was. I still see him that way, too. I am deeply saddened by the changes in him. He's too young for this. I'm too young. I guess I need prayer as well, huh?

I hope you enjoy the slide show as much as I enjoyed my trip. Personal time has become very important for me. I love you all and as always you are in my prayers.


11 comments:

Barbara said...

She is getting more beautiful everytime I see a picture of her. She lives in a beautiful area too. I am so glad that you were able to go.
I have been keeping both you and Bob in my prayers, I can relate to what you are going through.

nancy said...

Great photos. I love the slideshow. Your family are beautiful. I will keep your husband in my prayer. Take care and welcome back! :0 Nancy

Bea said...

Penny, I'm reading about Rob's condition for the first time... I didn't know about the dementia... Yes, you are in my prayers, and your husband. I remember reading your stories about your family, your mission trips in Mexico, the kids you adopted, your dogs, your birds... you've always found the silver lining in everything that happens in your life. Andrea looks happy, I'm glad you were able to visit with her. God bless you all!

Carolyn said...

I couldn't get the pictures Penny, I guess it's my slow ol' computer. I'm glad you were able to go and see her though. I always pray for you and Rob Penny. I love you guys-

Donna. W said...

You know, if my husband had dementia and I hadn't known about it for that long, I doubt I'd be blogging much either. Even as wordy as I am.

Jeannette said...

Glad you had a wonderful time. Yes, many seemed to have stopped posting, such a shame but at least there are quite a few keeping going.

natalie said...

oh my Penny! i am so glad that yuo went to see Andrea! She looks os beautiful!
My prayers are offered up to Bob and I do hope he feels he's in a good place...I hope for some peace for him...
I loved and miss your old tales
love,natalie

natalie said...

I love you so much Penny! you inspire all of us! keep it up!
love,natalie

Kathy said...

It must be difficult to look at the man you love and live with and see him the way he's always looked and then realize that his mind is not the same. I don't think I'd be blogging much myself. And you are correct, it's different here than ... there ... the alerts made keeping in touch just that much easier.

God Bless Penny. Be well.

natalie said...

All my prayers for you and Rob.
Please come by and leave comments Penny
I love you!
I missed AOL this year again with the advent of 9/11~
love you,natalie

krissy knox said...

The anchor holds, though the ship is battered... Crying now... Yet very calm at the same time. Now I must go make something for John to eat, and watch the Super Bowl. Thanks for the great conversation last night...

The anchor holds, though the ship is battered, the anchor holds, though the ship is torn... (crying again, LOL)

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