Since you haven't heard from me for a while, you may have been wondering where I've been. Or maybe not. Anyway, I know I sound like a broken record, but I've been very busy with my houses leaving little time for much else including posting. However, I have started a few posts where I was going to catch you up. Let's see if I can finish the first one.
Over the holidays, Ward and I spent several days visiting my mother. While it's always good to see her, these trips can be intense both physically and emotionally. So, I've tried to make sure that each trip has something included in it just for fun.
This time we took advantage of the unseasonably warm weather and took an afternoon hike. We hiked along a trail that has been in my town for many years. When I was younger, I remember walking along it and playing in the stream and looking at wildflowers along the way. Always a pleasant experience. This time, decades later, was no exception. Except instead of wild flowers, we saw ferns and moss and mud. Lots of mud. But with some detours off the path, we avoided the worst of it.
We also took some night walks with my mother on a walking path they have where she lives. We looked at stars and the bright eyes of deer in the dark. It has probably been years since my mother has been outside at night (except in an ambulance), so these walks were special for her. Sometimes you forget about the little things like seeing the stars at night that enrich your life.
All in all, it was a good trip and a nice break from all houses, all the time. Here are a few pictures.
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| The trail followed a little stream most of the way. |
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| We were lucky that in some places crossing the stream was easy. Other places it took a bit of jumping. |
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| The ferns and moss were a nice contrast against the browns. |
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| The deer didn't have any problems with the mud. |
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| After the hike, we joined my mother for dinner. Her nursing home is on top of a big hill and has beautiful sunsets. |
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| By the time dinner was finished, it was time for our walk in the dark. |
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| The trip home went smoothly. This time of year we usually encounter some ice and snow when we cross the mountains. However, this time all we had was a little rain and fog. |
It sounds like a lovely, visit with your mother, live and learn. And this is a good reminder for all of us, to look out for the enrichment needs of the elderly around us. I think a lot of elderly folks become housebound, with the years.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize you had to go across the mountains to visit your mother. I'm glad you had safe roads that day.
We have to cross the Appalachian Mountains during the 7 hour trip. The trip is longer than I like, but there is always nice scenery.
DeleteSo good to hear from you again! I'm glad you had a nice visit with your mother. Very wise of you to schedule in some "just-for-fun" moments for you and your husband. I need to take a lesson from you on that. :) We have to re-fill our gas tanks, so to speak, to give us the resources to meet our aging parent's needs.
ReplyDeleteI've come home from too many of these trips very stressed. It's just in the last few that I have been very purposeful in scheduling something fun to do that is not related to my mother or any of her things. It's been very helpful. I also go with goals of things that I want to do with my mother for fun. Sometimes those work out and sometime they don't. This time was decorating her wheel chair. You may notice the pink wheels in the picture. That was one of the things we did together.
DeleteYou handled that trip very well! Getting out for exercise is always beneficial both physically and mentally :)
ReplyDeleteI think exercise was a very important component of this activity.
DeleteThat and some down time with my husband.
I have been wondering everything was going for you. I know you have had a lot on your plate with the move, the holidays, selling the former house, and of course your mother. I also understand that emotional roller coaster since I ride it right along with you.
ReplyDeleteThe night time walk was a brilliant idea.This Christmas we took Mom out several times after dark. She can no longer see to drive at night and she misses night time activities and the lights. I am going to continue night plans with her as long as she can go.
I was actually surprised my mother went because it was cold outside and she hates being cold. But she wanted to do it again the next night. It was a clear night and Ward helped us identify constellations in the sky and we saw several deer. Actually all we could see were they eyes. It was a very enjoyable walk.
DeleteGlad you had a good trip! Funny how all the pics remind me of WV, even if I didn't know that's where you visited. I keep trying to place exactly where the interstate pic was taken!
ReplyDeleteYvonne in WV
Those pictures are very typical of the western part of the state, aren't they? When we lived in Houston and New Orleans, I really missed seeing hills, streams, and rocks like that.
DeleteI don't remember exactly where the highway picture was taken, but I think it was in western Maryland. We go over on I 68 and 70. A little further south, that could have been a scene from WV also.
The trail with the stream looks so picturesque, muddy leaves and all! Sounds like your mother really enjoyed her night-time walk! That's a long drive you have to make to visit her.
ReplyDeleteThe stream was very pretty and it didn't hurt that it was in the 50's when we took the hike. When I'm not cold, everything looks better. :)
DeleteAwww... what a nice post. I think I'll go look at the stars before I go to bed.
ReplyDeleteIt was nice to have Ward along because he knows a little about star watching. He helped us identify Jupiter that night.
DeleteI did wonder what had happened to you and if you had died. Cause of death: moving. I'm glad to see a post from you and to know you are ok and I hope your move hell ends soon, that the old house sells and you've settled into life in the new one. It's always nice to see family. I hope you all enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely, my cause of temporary "death" from the blog was moving. I certainly don't want to do this again anytime soon. Especially since we're not done with this one yet. I guess if you move more often, you'd be better at it than we are.
DeleteI did notice you not popping into my email.Glad you got to go down memory lane and enjoy the company of your mother. Pictures were beautiful. Loved the little bridge.
ReplyDeleteI loved the little bridge, too.
DeleteLooks like a lovely hike. I think some good mud every once in a while is good for the soul :o) Hope the moving work goes easy and smooth, it's a lot to manage!
ReplyDeleteA little mud is good for the soul every once in a while. As long as you have another pair of shoes to wear after your mud time. :)
DeleteHow nice that you were able to enjoy a hike during the milder weather. I'm sure your mother is still smiling from her night walk with you.
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