The Circle of Life

I've been taking a bit of a hiatus from blogging since our 3 oldest grandchildren are here for a visit. We just returned from a trip to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. We enjoyed the trip and it reminds me of the quality time I was fortunate enough to spend with my grandparents. They passed away a long time ago but not before enjoying the pleasures of grandchildren and great grandchildren. Being with our grandkids for an extended period gives us a chance to bond with them. Since they live on Long Island and we're almost a continent away, it's pretty hard to maintain the closeness I had with my grandparents. They lived upstairs from us in a 2-flat when I was 6 and older. The kids are now busy with their own lives so we have to make a real effort to keep up that contact. I want them to tell their grandchildren stories about us and the experiences we had together.


So we plan trips where we aren't distracted by TV, work and life's distractions. Here we are sitting on the porch of our cabin playing Scrabble. I love Scrabble. I have had my set for over 40 years. Would you believe we lost 2 pieces, an e and a u through the floorboards of our cabins? It was worth it. There was much laughter and silliness going on. I beat them 3 games in a row. Did I ever tell you how competitive I am at games? No one wants to play with me. Finally they ganged up on me and won a game.

We went on some nature walks and visited some archaeological ruins left from the time when indigenous natives, the Anasazi, lived in and around the Grand Canyon. It is such an awesome place. You realize how insignificant you are in the scheme of things. Also at 8000 feet above sea level, you realize how out of shape you are. I realize I'm sinking into decrepitude. Nonetheless, experiencing this wondrous place and sharing it with your grandchildren has to make it even more special. The rock formations are breathtaking. It's been over 20 years since we visited this grand park, pun intended. The visions from that prior visit remained in my head and I felt privileged that I had the opportunity for another visit. A lot of the forest on the canyon's rim has been burned in recent years. The drought in the west has affected remote places like the Grand Canyon. We saw acres and acres of burned Ponderosa pines and white fir. The fires are nature's way of managing the landscape.

It was an opportunity to extend my knowledge and interest in wildflowers and photography. The two eldest are taking photography classes in school this year. I didn't develop my interest in photography until my 40's. I pursued my education by studying it for 5 years and having a successful career in it. Never say no to an opportunity. I hope the message that you should pursue what interests you and do it with a passion comes across. I see way too much apathy in people. They make "safe" choices in life. My philosophy is that you only go around once, have the best time you can. I'm having a great time getting this message across to my grandchildren. I hope they are enjoying it as much as I am.