Memories Made

I'm pleased to report they all came back safe and sound. 

I had noted that the weather had taken a turn for the chillier, courtesy of a cold front sweeping down from Alaska, which lingered in our region for a couple of days. This time, the weather report proved accurate. The temperature plummeted to a brisk 29 degrees in the rugged Trinity Alps. They even witnessed snow flurries in the morning. 

My sons remarked that my husband had no trouble managing his lighter load during the journey. It was clear that all his meticulous preparation paid off. In the weeks leading up to the trip, he had been training with a well-packed backpack filled with bottled water, gradually acclimating himself to the weight. Additionally, he had taken to riding his bike regularly. This preplanning made a significant difference, proving that taking the time to prepare is far more effective than simply jumping into a strenuous overnight hike without prior preparation.

He’s feeling sore, but he accomplished his goal. When I asked if he’d consider doing it again next year, he said that it was still too soon to make a decision. This morning at church, I noticed that most of the men didn’t attend, but my husband was there, standing out among the crowd. I turned to him and whispered, “They’re half your age, and yet you showed up—now that speaks volumes!”

Meanwhile, back at home.

 I noticed the temperature had dropped to a comfortable 70 degrees, with strong gusts of wind - an unsettling reminder that where there’s wind, there’s an ever-present risk of fire. My phone buzzed incessantly, issuing 33 urgent notifications about nearby wildfires. These fires were caused by human hands, through recklessness or deliberate action. We know that we have arsonists living among us. 

Fires have always been my Achilles' heel; I can face most challenges with a steady heart, but the mere thought of flames sends a chill down my spine. The haunting images I've seen and the harrowing tales shared by friends echo in my mind, amplifying my dread. I can’t shake the fear of being caught, unable to escape in time. I know I am not alone. 

I had intended to treat myself to a delicious double meat burger from In-N-Out. However, I hesitated, torn between my concern for Laydee and Susie, who were at home, and I didn't want the unthinkable to happen and not be able to get to them. In the end, my grand dinner comprised nothing more than some leftover potato salad.

By 8 pm, the wind had died down, and I stopped getting alerts on my phone. I was then able to read in bed peacefully till lights out. 

I watched the movie The Conclave on Amazon, and I genuinely enjoyed it.  It had a captivating plot that kept me engaged throughout, and I believe my husband would have appreciated it just as much. The suspense built steadily, culminating in an unexpected twist at the end that completely took me by surprise. 

Navy successfully reeled in a fish.

They all came straggling in around 5:30 yesterday - they looked tired, a little smelly, and plenty dirty but had that glow on them of a time well spent. 

In response to the unfolding events, remember that God is with us in every circumstance, and we can rely on His strength and guidance as we navigate these difficult times (Philippians 4:6-7).

Debby