Thanks to All

It's been a long and exhausting trip from Maine;  18 days of family stuff, visits with dear friends and family, lots of shared memories - but most importantly, lots of love and laughter.

Thanks to all of you who shared your time, your joy and your laughter with us. We love you all.

Visiting my Father

Dad moved into assisted living about 3 weeks ago.  He's still adjusting, and although this was his decision, I know it's been hard for him.  His room is small, but he has lots of mementos from the home in Leisure World.

Tom Giblin at 92 - rocking away in Daddy Gib's rocking chair

We took him out every day - and amazingly enough, he was able to hop up into our huge truck (a feat that is a challenge for me).

And we went out to Gate of Heaven (yes, that's the real name) to visit mother.

Unfortunately, we missed the visit from the McDonalds!  Would have loved to see them, but I know dad was tickled for a visit from his favorite cousins!

Kevin, his dad Joe, and mom, Peggy, with dad at Raphael House

St Mary's Church

While camping near Harper's Ferry we made a return visit to the little, Civil War Church where we were married nearly 43 years ago!  The steeple is leaning a bit, but it's clearly well-cared for, and as charming as I remembered

camping on the C&O

After leaving Fred's family, we had a couple days to visit with friends in Virginia, and share a brunch with our cousin who lives very near to the C&O canal tow path.  We found a small campground right on the Potomac, and Fred biked to Harper's Ferry (and back).  It was a nice respite -

bikes, campfire, river, and herbs - we've got it all!

I also had a little time to get my paints wet, and finish a hand-sewn book for Kathy

Chambersburg PA

We've had a long week - and a difficult one.  Fred's mother had to be told that she will be staying on in the full-care wing, and her apartment was to be emptied.  Everyone has struggled with the decision, but Fred's mom is angry and frustrated, and is suffering from her loss of independence.  It's a shame that she has never really settled into this facility - it's beautiful and the staff has been wonderful - but she is REALLY unhappy now.

We worked for 2 days packing/ sorting/ donating.  It's amazing how much had accumulated in such a tiny apartment.

At least we did have a beautiful and peaceful campground to retreat to after "visits".....

love the colors of Autumn Mums

the campground is on a farm - you can tell by the tractor doing the mowing. .... also by the fragrance of dairy cattle.

Fred did get to enjoy some "down" time

Three creeks merge at this farm - one of which is the Conococheague (Con -i-ka-jig) - a  beautiful trout stream that figured largely in one of our most disastrous canoe trips .  We can tell you the story sometime!

packing up to head to Maryland

 Looking forward to visits with friends and family - and really really looking forward to arriving in Florida.

more later!