Ole Blue

Isn't it interesting how we can get attached to our vehicles? My father bought a brand new blue Chevy pickup back in 1965. I was only 5 years old. I don't remember the exact day of this purchase, but I remember the truck feeling new and special. I remember that a ride in the truck with my dad was exciting, which was often. We spent many days together as he worked shift work as an air traffic controller. This was before the seat belt days. There were none. My car seat was to stand behind me dad's right shoulder and when he stopped or turned, he would secure me by putting out his right arm to hold me against him. I had a warm, soft seat belt. "Ole Blue" has been a part of our lives. He took us camping and pulled ski boats, trailers, tractors, horses, and hauled everything as a work truck. He moved us from Tennessee to Oklahoma to Kansas to Arkansas. My father was an excellent mechanic in his day. He added a dump truck mechanism to the bed and frame. Ole Blue always had the best of care and then, when it was time for him to retire, he was lovingly restored.

Probably the most important job Ole Blue has had lately is to be the familiar constant for my dad. Even though he hasn't been able to drive for awhile, just the old truck being parked in the garage is a comfort. To sit behind the wheel, or run his hand across the smooth paint job, or check the air in the tires, gives purpose to his day.

Ole Blue has been a part of my children's lives as well. Especially Amy, being the first grandchild and practically living with Grandpa and Grandma while mom worked. She rode and played in Old Blue the same way I did. Megan has incorporated Ole Blue into her wedding day plans. She wants to be chaffeured in Old Blue from the ceremony to the reception. We plan to decorate the old truck and put the wedding party in the back. My brother will drive while my father will proudly sit in the passenger seat. Everytime we bring up the plans and remind him of the event, he relives the excitement. I find that very touching that Megan wants Ole Blue to be a part of her special day. I've become practiced at holding back tears during weddings, but I might lose control when I see this memorable moment. Got to get a picture for sure.

Moving to Baltimore

I recently received a call from my oldest daughter, Amy, who lives in Little Rock. Both her and her husband work for the same architecture firm. On the side, Brian is in the process of completing his licensing exams and Amy is practicing her love of ceramics. She was the first to forage for independence, complete the education, get married and move away. So she was also the first that I missed from my nest. (Sigh) I had a tiny little inkling that maybe this phone call was special when she started the conversation with, "Hi Ma - guess what?" But I wasn't quite prepared for "We're moving to Baltimore this summer!" That's a long way away. This will take some getting used to. I am sad even though I should be excited for them and it will be a fun place to visit. But I won't visit near as often as when I saw her in Little Rock. What's a mother to do? Roll with it.

Brief Get-away

Here's a picture of me under water exploring the wonders of the ocean world. Andy and I just returned from a trip to the Carribean. What a nice get-away and company paid. Can't beat that!

Just like everyone else, a "sandwich" deserves a break now and then. Life is too short.

Our cruise ship took us to the Cayman Islands and Jamaica. When we got off the boat, we enjoyed a floating trip down a mountain river in Jamaica and spent the afternoon in Margaritaville. They had a great water slide and pool right by the bar. It was a hopping place. I got to scuba in the Caymans. I love to scuba! Unfortunately, I only saw one turtle in the Caymans versus the dozens I saw on my last dive in Cozumel. We had a marvelous time relaxing, eating and drinking. I gained 7 pounds on the cruise! I found it very uncomfortable to wear my fancy dress on the last evening at dinner where we were invited to join the big boss at his table. A little over indulgence. Whoops! Look at that great tan though.