I see it's been 10 years since I've been here and written anything.
There's been a lot of "water under the bridge" in that time. Some of it clear and refreshing, Other times it's been muddied with events not as pleasant.
Our travels have been fun when we've been able. The motor home fell into disrepair to the point it was not safe and refurbishing costs almost as much as replacement. So, we disposed of it to let a capable young man try to make a few bucks for himself by rebuilding. Truth said, I tried to be as informative as possible, but he found himself in a formidable project.
There have been a few delays along the way to deal with health issues. It began with both of us having a relatively easy time with cataract repair surgeries. The wife's knees both deteriorated to the point they needed to be replaced. Each time required a two month recovery and then rehab. Another couple of years of relatively good times before she set into a program to deal with deteriorating spine issues. A year of physical therapy, followed by another of therapy and pain management. Finally "cut to the chase" and the neurosurgeon fused her lumbar spine. That required an extended rehab. Recovery was not as complete as hoped for but life is still good and we play as much as we can in spite of our limitations.
I was down for an appendectomy several years ago and recently had to slow for a bout with diverticulitis. I have not been one for heeding dietary limitations, but with the surgeon's warnings about recurrences and consequences of chronic inflammation, that will have to change.
We still try to get away from the desert during the most brutal of the summer months, but as our agility is limited, that sometimes becomes as much a chore as a blessing.
God has been good as the family has stayed relatively healthy (with a few exceptions). The grand children are all doing well. Some are progressing into productive adulthood while others are still involved in their school work and summer activities.
It's surprising how quickly these events can fill 10 years, but here we are in 2019 and still doing relatively well. Octogenarian doesn't seem as old now that we face it directly as it did looking up from our younger years. We're kids at heart.