Travelogue 20--Texas & North

Once again, our plans changed--yet everything happens perfectly, just the way it is supposed to for the highest good. We've learned to trust the higher wisdom that guides our journey and brings us to the right place at the right time for the right reason. When we developed problems with our rig, we figured that The Big Guy had more for us to do in the Livingston, TX area--it wasn't time to move on yet. Sure enough, the reasons began to unfold...

Sunset over Lake Livingston, TX--March 1999

Our first night at Lake Livingston State Park found us parked on the lake next to Carl and Vernie Seaton. This delightful couple from Olathe, KS was out exploring Texas in their motorhome. We spent a lovely evening talking and getting to know each other. We shared thoughts about how to make a positive difference in the world and told some stories of our various adventures. Another heart connection was forged. We later met up with them for a delicious lunch when we went through their area in April.

Ed & Marty Castro

During our second day at the State Park we met another couple, Ed and Marty Castro, who were parked on the other side of the APPLE. Ed and Marty are also full-timers and baby boomers who love this lifestyle. Unfortunately life had a speed bump in store for Marty. Marty had a series of medical problems including lots of tests, two surgeries, and a number of scary moments, not to mention lots of pain. Tom and I became their family and support network during this time. It was very clear to us that this was the reason for our Texas delay--the angels wanted us to be here to help them during this tough time. Fortunately, the ultimate surgical results were good and a full recovery is expected in time. (Prayers for a complete healing would still be appreciated.)

"What's for lunch?"

East Texas is a beautiful area with much of it referred to as "The Piney Woods." It is one of the most heavily forested areas of Texas and includes the Big Thicket National Preserve. Every morning we awoke to the beautiful song of the mockingbirds. The area is populated with lots of friendly critters, including the squirrels that loved to beg for treats.

Texas Wildflowers

The wild flowers are very plentiful in this neck of the woods, too. Fields of Texas bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush and red clover blanket the roadways and wave as you pass by.

Our train ride with Ed

East Texas is also the home of the Alabama-Coushatta Reservation where we spent a fun-filled day taking tours, watching native dancers and riding a mini-train with our friend, Ed (who will "ride anything that choo's").

Native American Dancers

I had one of those once-in-a-lifetime (i.e., embarrassing) moments while travelling in Ed's conversion van. We had set up our reclining lawn chair in the middle of the van for me to sit on during our day of exploration. It wasn't fastened down...As we made a sharp right turn, centrifugal force took over, and I rolled my recliner!! Nothing was hurt but my pride. I know it'll take a while to live that one down!

Jeanette & David Haas

One of the fun things about this lifestyle is hooking up with old friends (as well as making new ones). While we were in the area, we enjoyed some Texas hospitality extended by Jeanette and David Haas of Houston. It was our first real Texas barbecue--complete with brisket, sausage, beans and salads--Yum, yum! We had a chance to get acquainted with my cousin, Shawn and her family, too. They even invited us to stay overnight so it would be convenient for leaving from the Houston airport the next day on a business trip. Thanks Jeanette and Dave!

We flew to the San Francisco area March 18-22 for an exciting photography workshop put on by Galen Rowell. Galen is one of the premier adventure and nature photographers in the world. We learned a lot, acquired some new equipment and had a great chance to photograph the redwoods, ocean and the San Francisco Bay including the Golden Gate Bridge.

At the beginning of April we were inspired to put the APPLE in storage for 10 days and make a whirlwind trip back to MN to help our son, Marc, and his girlfriend, Vicki, move out of our house and into an apartment in downtown Minneapolis. My dad came up from Wisconsin, and the three of us worked very hard cleaning up the yard and house, doing repairs and fix-up projects and getting the house on the market. (We had anticipated coming back and spending months doing this, but the angels helped us change our limited view and showed us a simpler way...I may write a 'Reflections Piece' on this later.) We listed the house on 4/9 and headed back for Texas so we would be there for Marty's major surgery on 4/12. The MLS (multiple listing service) for our house activated on 4/12, a couple viewed it on 4/13, and we had an offer on 4/14!! (The angels sure do good work!) After Marty got the good news that she didn't have lung cancer, we started making plans to head back north--this time with the APPLE.

We left Texas on 4/17 and headed for the Horizons factory in Junction City, KS. Harold and the crew were all set to replace the front frame on the APPLE. While repairs were underway (which Horizons completed very quickly), I flew out on another business trip. The Horizons folks were really great to work with, and they even found time to do a few upgrades for us. We even had our couch replaced with a dual reclining loveseat. (The only thing Tom had missed in our new life on the road was his recliner. Now we both can recline side-by-side in luxurious comfort...ahhh...) Once the work on the APPLE was completed, Tom headed back to Minneapolis. I flew into Minneapolis on 4/23 and then the real work began...

The old homestead--sold!!!

For the next five weeks Tom and I cleaned, sorted, donated and gave away almost all of our remaining worldly possessions. And boy, did it feel good when it was done! A lot of people asked us if it was hard to part with everything. Physically, yes, it was a lot of hard work and decision-making. Emotionally, no, we had already separated from the "things" we used to have. Most of the furniture went to our three children. We only sold a few items (piano, trumpet, dining room set and desk).We saved photos, slides, my oil paintings, a few special books and some mementos. We packed up my office stuff (files, class materials, tax records, etc.) and moved those items to our cabin in northern MN.

It feels like one chapter in our lives has come to a close, and we're anxious to see what the next chapter brings. We've asked God to bless the new owners of our former home, Curt and Linda Clarin. May their house (and each of yours) be filled with love, laughter and life...

Love from the wanderers as the journey continues...

Kay & Tom

Checkout the other Travelogue entries!