Camped Out - literally!

We made it home safe and sound from our two week vacation. Had a great time with the kids and even got a chance to meet up with one of my brother's and his family. Relax, relax, relax was the intent for this vacation!

It doesn't get too much better than Redstreak Campground in Kootenay Park. The weather was it's usual - hot - 34C or around there - for the first week and then it cooled off to about 22-24C for the second week. Although 34C is ok for the evening - sitting around in a tank and shorts till 10 pm - I much prefer the 24C and wearing capri's and a pullover for sitting around the campfire at 10 pm. But hey, no complaints from me either way. It was great!

We had our daughter and family show up on Thur nite and they left on Mon morning. The 3 kids stayed with us in our tent trailer, Josh 9, Alicia 7 and Ethan 5. I think they enjoyed themselves. We sure did. It was quite different than just the two of us. They took the baby, 6 months old Grace, with them to the motel while we 'camped out' with the grandkids. We were up at 7 am and having hot chocolate for the kids and coffee...lots of coffee ... for the grownups! My most common comment was 'not till Gramma has her coffee' and they seem to recognize that now and don't ask too many questions until 'after'. Worked fine!

Since we have been camping all of our married life, it was time to 'begin again' showing all the hikes, forest information, general 'trivia' that we have collected over the years. Or should I say, grampa has collected! He is a mountain of information. There were lots of 'why' or 'how' questions by the kids and John was in his glory (my viewpoint only).

I have not blogged for a number of weeks and here I am again wondering what is worthwhile to mention. I have not been able to figure out how to add my pictures since the last time. May have to forego that again. It was a bit of a 'cleansing' session being away as I did not have my laptop with me. It goes to show how much time I was spending on it though as I was having 'withdrawal' pains! I was always wondering what was going on in the 'real' world. Eventually though, I was able to just sit back and relax and enjoy doing 'nothing' for a change. Once the grandkids came though, it was a different story. I would not give that up for the world though. It is such an adventure with them. Everything is new so that makes it interesting for us 'all over again'.

It is back to work on Monday and back into routine. Maybe then I can be more creative once more. Where did the summer go anyway? Seems like we are half way through it. I must say though that I enjoy my backyard. We have had lots of rain and it is green and lush. I do need to find some time to paint the deck but hey, there's always tomorrow!!

I have been reading a very good book called "intimate conversations' by alicia britt chole. It is a devotional book. I love her writing style as it suits the way I think. Anyway, a bit of reflection from her as follows: "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." Mark 6:31 She was commenting on this verse and how she had first started a 'prayer retreat' time. That is a time away by herself to simply pray. Having a family can make it difficult but she and her husband decided it was an important thing to do so...it gets done. Solitude increased her awareness that she was never alone. She would read...listen...the God who is always near soothed her anxious heart with his Word.

Another great writer, Henri Nouwen suggests we dedicate one hour a day, one afternoon a week, one day a month, and one week a year to prayer retreats with Jesus. All walks begin with one step. She suggests we take a moment to see how we can carve out some time alone in our lives to be with God.

Like Alicia Chloe, I too have found it difficult to 'fit God into my schedule' so am trying the reverse. I am trying to fit my schedule around God. Takes a bit of work ... every day ... but I find somehow the day turns out a lot better. Maybe this would work for you too!