Memorial Day 2018 - Texans on the Camino

Today as I sit here contemplating the day, reading of the horror of war, and viewing the news coverage I decided to post somewhat differently than my usual post.  Mostly I write about our family gatherings and include pictures and links to more pictures and video.  Today my post is more reflective.

Jordan has been in town with us after finishing the spring semester of graduate school at the University of Texas, and we will be celebrating his birthday in a few days.  Then he will go back for a session of summer school and then complete his masters this fall in Engineering Mechanics.  He will have much more control in what work he really wants to do next year, and he likely will stay in the Austin area.

But for now we are enjoying his visit as he relaxes and plays video games using the VR Hood on my Playstation.

Tammy and I are doing relatively well, yet we are having some health issues.  Tammy continues to have back pain associated with the sciatic nerve and has recently had an inconclusive MRI to help locate the problem.  And I have also hurt my back which has led to intense side muscle cramping in certain leans and twists.  Being unable to walk outside due to this and the instability of weather and rain last weekend is not conducive to a good mood for me.  But today, after applying heat and rest to my back and side, I feel much better, plus the time has given other aches and pain time to heal.  At least Tammy and I are mobile, active people, yet getting old is no fun.  So walking now is so important, and healthy.

Texans on the Camino

I am reading the blog about my cousin and her husband as they trek the Portuguese Camino on day thirteen.  This is their second long hike in Europe and while an exertion for anyone they are discovering so many insights into that culture and beauty.  The first Camino hike and blog produced a book, Texans on the Camino!  It was the Camino de Santiago from St. Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, to Santiago, Spain.  Having written a book myself I know she is proud of her inspiring effort and the hard work after the trek that went into being a published author.  Cheers, MO Houston, who forever will be my cousin, Annette!

I am also looking forward to our visit to Oregon where we will be hiking up a butte in Eugene where Adam lives.  Adam is another adventurer and may have finally found a place where he enjoys his job and place in life.  It is funny thinking about him being without a car, using public transportation, and walking to work from his apartment.  He has always been so active and ran the wheels off every vehicle he has driven.  So this is a change of life for a 30 year old and we will enjoy seeing him soon.  

I will also see my first lighthouse if everything goes as planned.  The Heceta Lighthouse on the coast of Oregon.  This will involve a short hike through the scenic coastline from where we will park.  And we will start our trip, meeting Adam at the airport, with a scenic tour of the many waterfalls east of Portland, especially the Multnomah Falls where we will also be hiking around to get a closer view.  So we need to be in shape and ready for this trip!

So as I end this blog entry I feel pretty good about things.  Life has its ups and downs and that is part of what makes life worth living.  Everyone has their "blog" and interests that even though they may not share make for a full life.  But we all have a story, told or untold.