My Walk Club

Tuesday I hiked with a group at Dark Falls and after the walk had a cloud on my eye.  It turns out my eye had a stroke.  I was calm but knew I needed to see a retina specialist right away.  So I drove home called Terri and she went into full throttle.

I have had several tests.  The result thus far, it was a stroke in my right eye.

My faith tells me that God is in the midst of all that we are so I have been calm.

What makes this exceptionally wonderful is Terri.  She loves me no matter what.  And there have plenty of no matter whats.  She makes this walk through life a journey worth taking.

About a month ago a young couple that I was showing property to were asking about marriage.  The young man in particular was asking how it worked for me.  So here is what I told him,

"I never knew marriage could be so good.  Terri is literally a part of me.  We are meshed and entwined.  God has been very good to me"

We have been married 21 years and have a 16 year old daughter.  The journey has been great.  It is not so much about where we have been or where we are going.  Our walk together is about now.   The moment by moment days of lives that we share together.  So all the good and bad stuff we encounter is not able to disrupt this core of who we are together.

We can rest in each other and enjoy the moments we have.  With few exceptions we have done just that.  I am still not quite sure how she can love such a weird guy like me, but I believe she does.  Go figure.

Terri I love you.

Let's keep walkin,

Ron

We met the hiking group at Mt Jackson yesterday.  There was a fellow named Jerry who lives here and in California near where Dori lived.  I met John who lives back at Orkney Springs and he offered to takes us up the mountain behind where he lives.  Once everyone arrived we jumped in the  cars for the great adventure.

As we drove at Meems Bottom, Anne who said she was the oldest in the group passed a truck with bus headed right for her.  We were impressed.  We also wondered if we were in trouble because I was having a problem keeping up with the other cars.  I am not know for driving slow.   Even in the park we were hitting 50 and 60 mph.  Noel had to look quick to catch the overlook views.

The cars pulled into the parking lot for Dark Hollow Falls.  We got our stuff together and then because of the cool wind found jackets for everyone.  The trail beckoned and the descent began.

http://www.nps.gov/shen/photosmultimedia/gps-ranger.htm

If you have never seen the falls this is worth the trip.  The trail is narrow in places.  At times we looked like the 7 dwarfs and friends off to work.  High ho, high ho!  The falls cascade most of the way down the mountain offering photo ops galore.  One woman from Alexandria followed up the rear and took many pictures.

It is also funny how we as humans need reminded of the most basic things.  About halfway down there is a sign with a stick figure falling off the falls with the caption "falls can kill".  I am sure someone had to test that fact.

We stopped along the way and snacked.  One woman was from Staunton and volunteers at the Barter Theater.  A must see in Staunton.  Then we had potty patrol.  A lady who works with Terri, my wife,  had the opportunity to meet someone coming from the other side.  Oops!  What a way to say hello.   The group just laughed and moved on.

By now Noel, Nancy, Dori, John, Theresa and I had moved to the front for the ascent up the other side of the trail.  Again beautiful falls  going up and again many photo ops.  The climb is steep but well worth it.

Perhaps that last statement is also true of life.  There are times when things are steep and may be overwhelming.  When you look around though there is beauty and joy as well.

Walking back to the car I noticed my right eye was blurred and thought sweat had gotten into it.  I didn't tell anyone but knew I needed to see an expert so went home picked up Terri and saw the eye doctor.  There is a grey cloud in the center of my right.  It is a retinal occlusion, whatever that is.  I am having several tests done this afternoon and will see the retina specialist after.  I honestly have no fear, just questions.

That too is representative of my life.  Lots of questions.  For some reason I like to know.  Know what, why, where, how, whatever.  It can be a curse too.  I envy people who can pass through life and not ask these questions.

So in thinking this morning about a common phrase  "life is what you make of it".  I believe it is a wrong summation.  Life is here whether we choose to partake or not.  We add and subtract little to it, other than choosing to love and be loved.  Maybe love seems like an oversimplification as to the "purpose" of life.  Can't help it.  I subscribe to it.  So love and be loved for the greatest adventure of your life!

Keep walkin,

Ron

Saturday was a fantastic day.  We had a picnic at a great little vineyard outside Edinburg, Va.  Cave Ridge Vineyard.

http://www.caveridge.com/

We arrived and tried their tastings.  I think their wine was great and prices good too.  They even have a wine club which I think you receive 20% off your purchases.

The Traminette which is a nice white wine was delicious and probably my favorite.  The Rambling Rose was my wife's favorite.  All of them were good so I don't think you will be disappointed.

Our picnic included cucumber sandwichs, tuna fish, cheese, watermelon and bananna pudding.  A good time was had by all.

The view from the vineyard is a total expanse looking north up the valley.  Conicville has a good thing going on here.

http://www.caveridge.com/

Well I am off for the walk this morning.

One other note, there is a hike tomorrow with the hiking group to Big Meadows and meets at the Mt Jackson Municipal building at 7:30 am tomorrow.  If you need more info just email or call me.

Keep walkin,

Ron

Today was a treat on the walk because Dori came out with us.  Dori is fun, intelligent and multifaceted.  We like Dori.

As usual we started out of the burg on Grove and down onto Water Street.  The sun was peeking over the mountains and it was perfect.  The temperature started off cool but once you start walking you tend to stay warm.  Gloves even now are a good idea.  I found some wool knit gloves that I wear all during the winter because they breath and are machine washable.  They cost all of a dollar at Smart Shopper in Harrisonburg, Va.  A great store by the way.

Dori was worried she would slow us down but Noel is wired and life slows her down.  Kind of like a rat on speed.  Sorry Noel but true.  Dori managed to keep up with us though.  She was a trooper and did just fine.

We walked clear out on Palmyra and down  little road Called Swan, by the river.  This area is beautiful with the mountain across the river and a well kept horse farm with quite a few nice horses.

Coming back though we started down Water Street but we came up Main instead because the one crossover from Water to Grove is a killer.  It gets them every time.  We would like Dori to come back.

Dori you were great, we had lots of fun and hope you come back again.   Actually Dori is going to head out Tuesday with us for hike on Skyline Drive.   Let us know if you would like to join us for walking or hiking!

Keep walkin,

Ron

Today's forecast was bleak with no sun and clouds.  It turned out this morning was bursting with sun and spring has arrived.  I took pictures along the walk of that bursting.

Firstly the red buds are out in force.  I am not sure if it is just me or if they are really magnificent right now.  My vote is for the latter.  Red buds are trees that most of the year you won't even notice.  When they bloom though, watch out.  The color and shape come out of nowhere, along the road in the forest, just everywhere.

Then there is also dogwood.   As a kid we lived in a house in Great Falls, Va that had a huge dogwood.  I have never seen one that size since.  It was as tall as an oak.  The blossoms in spring stand out especially the white ones.

For some reason the last two mornings when we walk past the row of pines on Water Street the scent slips up and grabs you.  I like it as much as any flower.

Another scent coming out right now are lilacs.  The white and purple are just starting to flower.  You know spring has arrived when you bring some cut lilacs in.

Check out the pictures too for some of the buildings.  One fellow who is very friendly has a scripture on his outbuilding.  Then across the street is the big purple house complete with Greek sculpture.  It is different.  I would like to talk with the owner and understand where they were going with that theme.

We walked through town this morning and everything seems to be coming into bloom at one time.  What a great morning!   Makes walking all that more enjoyable.

Keep Walkin,

Ron