tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-142593222024-03-12T21:14:03.392-07:00A time for everything.I like living. I have sometimes been wildly, despairingly, acutely miserable, racked with sorrow, but through it all I still know quite certainly that just to be alive is a grand thing.
Agatha ChristieSandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06521088520231972617noreply@blogger.comBlogger589125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14259322.post-44526230228945424152021-06-13T17:53:00.000-07:002021-06-13T17:53:16.614-07:00Sara's Campground Erie, PA {Wanda the Wander Wagon}<p> Last year during a day trip to Presque Isle State Park, I saw a sign for Sara's Campground and thought it would be a fun place to camp. I checked the website which directed me to call the office for reservations. I called the office and a very sweet voice on the other end of the phone asked for my name and address. I obliged and was told I'd receive a reservation request post card in the mail. About a week later I received a yellow post card. I filled it out with our camper type and five dates we would like to camp. Then I read the top that said to send in the post card after January 1st. It was September. I placed the request card on the fridge and waited hoping I wouldn't forget. I forgot. I did remember to send out the request in February. A week after sending off my hopeful postcard I received an email letting me know they had two spaces left for two of the dates we chose. Of course I couldn't remember the dates I had chosen, but they were happy to remind me. I selected the shorter of the stays since this was our first time camping there. I was able to pay and reserve our site over the phone. The owner or manager of the campground was amazing throughout the process. She even refunded us for a night when I called to let her know we would be coming in a day later than expected. </p><p>The date of travel finally arrived and we loaded up Wanda and hit the road. Erie is about an hour and a half from us so it wasn't a long trip. The area entering Sara's Campground is very busy and a little confusing, but they did have a staff member in a golf cart waiting to take us to our site and give us all the information we needed. We received a tag for our car that included basic camp rules, the code for the bathroom/showers, a long list of everything you could possibly want to visit in the area broken down into catagories, and coupons for Crazy Oven, an on-site pizza place. The one thing we didn't receive which would have been helpful is a site map, but you can easily access the site map online and there is a large map when you enter the campsite that you can take a cell phone picture of for reference. </p><p>All of the camper sites are on cement pads so backing Wanda in and getting her level was easy peasy. My first impression of our site was not a good one. There was one tiny tree and we were surrounded by gravel. I immediately thought of my poor hammocks which we would have no where to hang. Still I was hopeful. We were a little closer to our neighbors that we are used to. Make that a lot closer, and we were backed up to a fence that separated us from Sara's Restaurant. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZ-WkTiq5_aR-THnw541CfTw9griH-DRRkyrPe9boFdfj-oJzSS_aXSAfmLFKhuqkG_LhxlcrSXbuzPJSA21WfgkU_QftFWDbu9V-z5ytsEZBoBPPbsHDi326E4HckFwd9f0P/s2048/PXL_20210606_004004042.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZ-WkTiq5_aR-THnw541CfTw9griH-DRRkyrPe9boFdfj-oJzSS_aXSAfmLFKhuqkG_LhxlcrSXbuzPJSA21WfgkU_QftFWDbu9V-z5ytsEZBoBPPbsHDi326E4HckFwd9f0P/s320/PXL_20210606_004004042.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>Luckily Sara's Campground is very close to just about everything so when we needed an extension cord to reach the outlet which was to the front of Wanda and actually closer to our neighbors popup, we didn't have far to travel. This is only our second time taking Wanda to a site with electric so we are still learning the ropes. </p><p>Once we were back and had Wanda lit up, we headed across the street to the beach. There is a pedestrian walkway with flashing lights. Motorist are very attentive and crossing the road was easier than I expected on such a busy road. </p><p>The beach just across the street is rocky and does not have a lifeguard. We let the kids play in the water up to their knees. They enjoyed throwing rocks and searching for sea glass. After playing for about an hour, we headed back to the campsite to rest, but knew we wanted to go back to the beach at sunset. It was a decision we didn't regret. The sunset was beautiful.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_GfDfHCdfLgdK2P4HAPCFuRI3GuiKsikzes8lFv1HXRZKXDv3AX_vCAGbKY2wM_BozAwwiltZ1qXwyRD1edjD-JnDSy6w3cbUQY0dG9h-d_yVi6jHSxTZ5pTd0VAPlPZIfK7/s2550/PXL_20210606_010314912.PANO.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="2550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_GfDfHCdfLgdK2P4HAPCFuRI3GuiKsikzes8lFv1HXRZKXDv3AX_vCAGbKY2wM_BozAwwiltZ1qXwyRD1edjD-JnDSy6w3cbUQY0dG9h-d_yVi6jHSxTZ5pTd0VAPlPZIfK7/s320/PXL_20210606_010314912.PANO.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>After sunset we went back to the camper. Started a fire and had hot dogs and s'mores. This was a little awkward due to the proximity of our neighbors. Our fire pit was only a few feet from their car. It made it difficult to truly relax and I found myself reminding our kids to be quiet more often than is usual on a camping trip. <div><br /></div><div>After our campfire and s'mores we called it a night and headed to the bathroom/shower house. We ended up driving because it was just a little farther that I thought Grayson would walk at 10 o'clock at night. We made it back to the camper and went to bed. I had a moment of anxiety when I imagined our neighbors being able to hear me snore, but it turns out I was too tired to care. </div><div><br /></div><div>When I woke up at 7 the next morning it was already warm. It turns out a cement pad surrounded by gravel and no sign of shade is a heat magnet. David woke up and somehow managed to make breakfast in the heat and with some fuzzy white things from the trees flying around. At that point I knew we wouldn't do much more cooking at the campsite. </div><div><br /></div><div>After breakfast we headed over to the private beach owned by Sara's Campground. It just a little bit more of a walk than the beach just across the street. This stretch of beach is not life guarded and there is tent camping so be prepared to see a lot of people coming and going. Like the other beach, this one is rocky. We let the boys play and search for sea glass. The water was mostly calm but the rocks were a little slippery and difficult to walk on. After about an hour of playing we headed back to camp. We decided play cards. For lunch we ordered pizza, wings, and a hoagie from <a href="https://www.crazyoven.com/">Crazy Oven</a>. The restaurant is so close we were able to order over the phone and walk over to get it. Eating out while camping is not our norm at all, but this was no normal trip and we are pretty good going with the flow. The food was delicious and it meant we didn't have to cook on the hot cement pad. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMc16-tBX513g_y33PNyOO-uy-2fPyF1fMv-FqySwph0ay3YsXLDEW-LwYCjrD04U3_lF2s-vi56WJGgP2_GAoUSfzGx7iBJzJQXRQxryEYBIe49NJWZzN8xKgy1RnppQARRXl/s2048/PXL_20210606_181341228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMc16-tBX513g_y33PNyOO-uy-2fPyF1fMv-FqySwph0ay3YsXLDEW-LwYCjrD04U3_lF2s-vi56WJGgP2_GAoUSfzGx7iBJzJQXRQxryEYBIe49NJWZzN8xKgy1RnppQARRXl/s320/PXL_20210606_181341228.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGsUIRGjb5Cn1bdqKle2_VeLNxzr4_wApU1GD6lFpVLf7IaLBW5zC6IZGP2NmTGXvsMACNzqutzStXmlYHOqVRkTOHHVf0BvwHVB-uUUTag2GYU0fEiHo3jSnrw8MZD9rpodv/s2048/PXL_20210606_181326641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGsUIRGjb5Cn1bdqKle2_VeLNxzr4_wApU1GD6lFpVLf7IaLBW5zC6IZGP2NmTGXvsMACNzqutzStXmlYHOqVRkTOHHVf0BvwHVB-uUUTag2GYU0fEiHo3jSnrw8MZD9rpodv/s320/PXL_20210606_181326641.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHaQ9QEPvUSFkCDKxLp1gWIHcNYCb8RE2lVM-d-J3U3x9n0soz9AKSs_K7k8yvlfD4NNDCovNopoj6Hnf_ZW4l5ZTeiAZgF8cp-MybH7kqbp6UaooDBx0EEx0oA9ifMJZVnW5U/s2048/PXL_20210606_181308809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHaQ9QEPvUSFkCDKxLp1gWIHcNYCb8RE2lVM-d-J3U3x9n0soz9AKSs_K7k8yvlfD4NNDCovNopoj6Hnf_ZW4l5ZTeiAZgF8cp-MybH7kqbp6UaooDBx0EEx0oA9ifMJZVnW5U/s320/PXL_20210606_181308809.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><p>After lunch we headed out to Bundy beach which is out on the peninsula. Bundy beach is one of our favorites for swimming! The beaches are sand, there are lifeguards, and you can walk out pretty far and the water still isn't too deep. The kids loved playing in the sand, swimming, and burying me! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0GoDN3BLcFsWajVyn9D4FEH3iHKy0nWvaYItUyGY_k3bQRxFj-aTKfoVIgZKU7xjhuPghtNLUKPhxzJ9CoaK0yPnU4NZ4SYuZQQufufIvXTopABS5QjM-wRIAoiV3qUE17Yg/s1881/8332.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1411" data-original-width="1881" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0GoDN3BLcFsWajVyn9D4FEH3iHKy0nWvaYItUyGY_k3bQRxFj-aTKfoVIgZKU7xjhuPghtNLUKPhxzJ9CoaK0yPnU4NZ4SYuZQQufufIvXTopABS5QjM-wRIAoiV3qUE17Yg/s320/8332.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>After the beach we headed back to camp to clean up. The showers in the shower house are $0.25 for 5 minutes, $0.50 for 10, $0.75 for 15, and $1 for 20. We weren't aware there was a charge for showers, but luckily we had a quarter stash in the Jeep. The bathroom and showers are well maintained. Given that most people had big RV's, my guess is they don't see a lot of traffic. </p><p><br /></p><p>Clean and sand free, we hung out at the camper untill it was almost sunset time. We went to <a href="https://sarasandsallys.com/">Sara's Restaurant</a> for some ice cream and then made our way across the street and found a nice log to sit on as we watched the sun set. The sunsets were by far a highlight for me. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCk9sEBl1ksQzOfqbtDruL3Pe-O-2imRjhn4vr6uuXuj0AM0u7N_rzjCPA6pS3spq1_2ByQI3UhGibyZweQjEuv_aRMctXg1imi0YENIy3_7YQ8c299zw7y-cfxVr6YMJLNDu1/s2048/PXL_20210607_004405365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCk9sEBl1ksQzOfqbtDruL3Pe-O-2imRjhn4vr6uuXuj0AM0u7N_rzjCPA6pS3spq1_2ByQI3UhGibyZweQjEuv_aRMctXg1imi0YENIy3_7YQ8c299zw7y-cfxVr6YMJLNDu1/s320/PXL_20210607_004405365.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDicgB0wQm6eaoD9cmmJzbrvzffgIod9PQQYUyhM33L7TP7CwdT3d7vvsq4nCcKLK36HrVmYw8wxQQmLQvAAd83HCbB8zbt4Fm-yvRIwYc7Pqku82T_H9z-dkjKGFcOYK9tUfP/s2048/PXL_20210606_010021762%257E2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDicgB0wQm6eaoD9cmmJzbrvzffgIod9PQQYUyhM33L7TP7CwdT3d7vvsq4nCcKLK36HrVmYw8wxQQmLQvAAd83HCbB8zbt4Fm-yvRIwYc7Pqku82T_H9z-dkjKGFcOYK9tUfP/s320/PXL_20210606_010021762%257E2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlkH6HxqVfvRs7Doru04JAWAvfd2aIhpRvuyb0mQ2-3BZaT-guM4dieI9Ft6jW-aN9LRKZv7oYRBOX-ell66HoLuGXttSQZ17lrnvfTX7ryFq19h0dhWvOW0C9BpZf-j1tf1G/s2048/PXL_20210607_005942636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlkH6HxqVfvRs7Doru04JAWAvfd2aIhpRvuyb0mQ2-3BZaT-guM4dieI9Ft6jW-aN9LRKZv7oYRBOX-ell66HoLuGXttSQZ17lrnvfTX7ryFq19h0dhWvOW0C9BpZf-j1tf1G/s320/PXL_20210607_005942636.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>On what turned out to be our final morning, we ventured out for breakfast. We had seen an IHOP, but we found out it wasn't open yet. With a little googling I found<a href="https://www.davesdiners.com/"> Dave's Diner</a> which wasn't too far away. I wish I had gotten photos, but I was busy keeping Grayson entertained. The food was delicious and the service was great. The only caveat is that they have metered parking that only took quarters and we had just used all our quarters at the showers! Luckily we found a space with a meter that still had time on it. The waitress also told us there is an app called meterez that you can use to add money. We set up an account for next time.</p><p>We headed back to camp and decided we'd like to go on a surrey ride. So, we drove to <a href="http://www.presqueisleyellowbikerental.com/">Yellow Bike Rental Co</a>. Rented a four person surrey, and cycled our way through part of Presque Isle State Park. It was a fun ride with lots of laughter and we saw a hereon. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrat-cTi5dVcpoMhMRFiEhAvS0kB5hgR9_M0qzSFaQR_PAutFX9fz841_ysGKVQzFfCaShL6eAR5g-eUA8g7rcQecu-itdKGUOn-lPonCCqrWHsNIu-U4rOoQFt_7fHRSG2FUB/s2048/PXL_20210607_180114269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrat-cTi5dVcpoMhMRFiEhAvS0kB5hgR9_M0qzSFaQR_PAutFX9fz841_ysGKVQzFfCaShL6eAR5g-eUA8g7rcQecu-itdKGUOn-lPonCCqrWHsNIu-U4rOoQFt_7fHRSG2FUB/s320/PXL_20210607_180114269.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After our ride we visited beach 6 and searched for more sea glass. When we returned to camp we saw that the weather looked like storms for the next day so we decided to close up Wanda and head home after grabbing dinner from our favorite BBQ place <a href="http://www.underdogbbq.com">Underdog BBQ</a>. They of course. Did not disappoint. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjppj8x-i1tvX3pV0A5vlmuzA9uEIhoEmdlg8F420NaL0odrCxMKl9Up8yX-08Qazt-FSWkHZX0MOJT4WryQ1MhhQGqWlNIUUVjxzKXXbwjJZ8IAtzm8NGbf5_W0HRn1mw8U-9H/s2048/PXL_20210607_214902231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjppj8x-i1tvX3pV0A5vlmuzA9uEIhoEmdlg8F420NaL0odrCxMKl9Up8yX-08Qazt-FSWkHZX0MOJT4WryQ1MhhQGqWlNIUUVjxzKXXbwjJZ8IAtzm8NGbf5_W0HRn1mw8U-9H/s320/PXL_20210607_214902231.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRN9ITzOLdXZFQyDqRec5NfAXE6-YfXCwFLJbCq9kyFTVTK4KRLJt22a_qOHTujfF0OoeMmqdW37QyC9WOhg1IsWkHB5rE4qg8webhYdyjvjMH3HHruIdEWL7FdG7fukYtxKTj/s2048/PXL_20210607_214216338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRN9ITzOLdXZFQyDqRec5NfAXE6-YfXCwFLJbCq9kyFTVTK4KRLJt22a_qOHTujfF0OoeMmqdW37QyC9WOhg1IsWkHB5rE4qg8webhYdyjvjMH3HHruIdEWL7FdG7fukYtxKTj/s320/PXL_20210607_214216338.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDEuUkx84xbqWZUDoeQ-Cxc5uEkKx8SjM-HlQbULDez78gWgZEaR52hbH1tZLFQEQp7xCIJ2prxBKdg1wfAqCQuNCdt1wrJVG0ECwPNcuI_gQwdfbN4Y24qxBqs_UAWYNibevu/s2048/PXL_20210607_214855484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDEuUkx84xbqWZUDoeQ-Cxc5uEkKx8SjM-HlQbULDez78gWgZEaR52hbH1tZLFQEQp7xCIJ2prxBKdg1wfAqCQuNCdt1wrJVG0ECwPNcuI_gQwdfbN4Y24qxBqs_UAWYNibevu/s320/PXL_20210607_214855484.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A quick trip back to hook up Wanda, and our trip to Sara's Campground was complete. This trip was nothing we expected, but was exactly what we needed. The beach and sea glass searching, the surrey ride, sunset gawking, and even trips out to eat were fun and offered just the rest we needed. </div><div><br /></div>My final thoughts on Sara's Campground. It's always good to know what to expect. If you like a quiet secluded campsite with lots of trees and grass, this probably isn't the place for you. If you don't mind a crowded campground and want close proximity to the beach and lots of activities this is your place! Just remember to bring quarters for the shower, an extension cord and extra long water hose of you want full hook ups. Make sure you take a surrey ride and if you get the urge to eat out checkout any of the places I mentioned. You won't be disappointed. And trust me on the sunset gawking. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrdu5xs4kvNd2zkkooN74FggM9JQuCj7qOmeRjAxnCIkdEztak2aZNKU71HFKR3xU4TukXZ9kLXln0dO0KqS_ucaMBp4dL9Ce-_hOScUHIALFkfVcnLVNgGDAA0wxPKrkhOXJ/s4032/PXL_20210606_182830012.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrdu5xs4kvNd2zkkooN74FggM9JQuCj7qOmeRjAxnCIkdEztak2aZNKU71HFKR3xU4TukXZ9kLXln0dO0KqS_ucaMBp4dL9Ce-_hOScUHIALFkfVcnLVNgGDAA0wxPKrkhOXJ/s320/PXL_20210606_182830012.PORTRAIT.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUet6j2RipkPnA6orfbSucAcNR4V_Hx_jxMZ8VbM6GGbJw5Vzo4sx68mJEhH9W0is0pL-w0MR1tHKlR4o-MKTK9LjH6-NeHHqhQn-hIiVIlwSiEwnRSuU3bcSjnk9BXImuFS5/s2048/PXL_20210607_005046288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUet6j2RipkPnA6orfbSucAcNR4V_Hx_jxMZ8VbM6GGbJw5Vzo4sx68mJEhH9W0is0pL-w0MR1tHKlR4o-MKTK9LjH6-NeHHqhQn-hIiVIlwSiEwnRSuU3bcSjnk9BXImuFS5/s320/PXL_20210607_005046288.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div>Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06521088520231972617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14259322.post-39783950203131831602021-06-13T07:14:00.001-07:002021-06-13T07:14:38.512-07:00Slow MotionWe can all agree that 2020 has not been the year we imagined, planned for, or in any way ever expected. It's hard for me to even put into words what I've felt over the past few months. Like many of you, I've been on an emotional roller coaster. I remember reading posts in the beginning of all of this that talked about not returning to "normal". I was torn by those posts. I loved my normal. I was working as a nurse with an amazing client that I love. I got to be at school every day with my boy. I was looking forward to a summer off and planning for a garden and adventures. Then it all came screeching to a halt. I know I'm not alone in this. In fact, this is probably one of the most un-alone times I've ever experienced. In my little town, our country, and across the world this story is repeated again and again. "Two weeks to flatten the curve." became a mantra I repeated to myself as I tried to tame my anxiety by cleaning out closets and scrubbing walls. Two weeks turned into a month. One month turned into two and on it goes. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We are nearing the start of school and while that comes with so many questions and fears, I can look back now and say I don't want to go back to normal. I have loved this time with my boys. LOVED IT. Of course I want to work. I love my career. I don't want my career to consume me. I don't want to forget that these days with my boys are numbered. I don't want to jump back into things and forget all the beauty that came with living life a little more slowly. We grew things: potatoes, tomatoes, zinnias. We wandered the garden in the mornings looking for signs of new life. We gasped over every new leaf and flower. We noticed sunlight filtering through leaves and droplets of water sliding down petals. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We went on an adventure in our new-to-us pop-up camper recently and I savored every moment. This was our first camping trip with the boys. (I'm seriously embarrassed to say that, but life happens fast.) We sat by the fire and played hide and seek in the dark with glow sticks. We hiked to a waterfall and tubed down the Clarion River. We laughed so much. We ate yummy foods and planned future adventures. It was just what this heart of mine needed to remind me to keep it slow. It will be easy to fall back into the routines of life. It will be easy to get caught up in things that distract me from all of the beauty that surrounds me. I hope these memories will be the lifeline that pulls me back when I forget. </div>
Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06521088520231972617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14259322.post-5974491841909802132020-08-20T09:32:00.000-07:002020-08-20T09:34:07.622-07:00Cook Forest Camping Adventure {Wanda The Wander Wagon} We recently took our new-to-us pop up camper, Wanda the Wander Wagon, on an adventure to Cook Forrest in Western PA. <a href="https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/CookForestStatePark/Pages/default.aspx">Cook Forrest </a>is a PA State Park that encompasses nearly 12,000 acres and is bordered by the beautiful <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g28959-d146133-Reviews-Clarion_River-Pennsylvania.html">Clarion River</a>. We've visited the Cook Forrest area many times, but this was our first camping adventure. We stayed at site 055 in <a href="https://pennsylvaniastateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/cook-forest-state-park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=PA&parkId=880202">Ridge Camp</a> campground. The site had the perfect amount of shade and was very close to the bathrooms which is important when you have a three-year-old (or a 41-year-old on a diuretic). Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. This site also has electric hook ups and is pet friendly though we decided at the last minute not to take our dogs. I personally loved the site because of the large wooded area behind it. It made the perfect space for glow stick hide and seek! The campground is large and has several campground hosts to answer questions and help out if you need it. There is a large field with a playground and an amphitheater where events are held. Sadly we missed the signups for the<a href="https://www.thederrick.com/news/community_news/meteor-shower-watch-to-be-held-at-cook-forest/article_372c370b-24fb-5da7-873a-028b10749e6a.html"> Perseid Meteor shower </a>presentation, but we made up for it with a night-time adventure of our own.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO67RBcZOXU3toT7NIVgsjIOkS5GK1cmf1VsCK9focip_fUCg0Oxnj59e7ZlWlGaB1ICASKEBDiS-6z2KVwkWibE-pKdFvnmWAYEWHHzZ1hY7Y-BgMUTuDTiFT7s9OPJsWLa9g/s1600/117864934_10157754791553049_3788968475245539582_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ridge Camp Site 055 Cook Forrest " border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO67RBcZOXU3toT7NIVgsjIOkS5GK1cmf1VsCK9focip_fUCg0Oxnj59e7ZlWlGaB1ICASKEBDiS-6z2KVwkWibE-pKdFvnmWAYEWHHzZ1hY7Y-BgMUTuDTiFT7s9OPJsWLa9g/s640/117864934_10157754791553049_3788968475245539582_n.jpg" title="Ridge Camp Site 055 Cook Forrest " width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDulBYpB3Cm4vLvkDnfO9fGMhiK1BQEuQ4NH_fZDEKHrsHvr-ET4b9Y-8h5JmktOK-CHkkAdY_xVtp6gtAcTZMyNvEYw9raVhukgvx9ugRtKa2lqcogYYEhiWevILifkHRMTFb/s1600/IMG_9796+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ridge Camp Site 055 Cook Forrest " border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDulBYpB3Cm4vLvkDnfO9fGMhiK1BQEuQ4NH_fZDEKHrsHvr-ET4b9Y-8h5JmktOK-CHkkAdY_xVtp6gtAcTZMyNvEYw9raVhukgvx9ugRtKa2lqcogYYEhiWevILifkHRMTFb/s640/IMG_9796+copy.jpg" title="Ridge Camp Site 055 Cook Forrest " width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
A must do adventure when visiting Cook Forrest is a trip to the <a href="https://www.eastcoasthiker.com/trails/cookforesttower/">fire tower</a>. The access road for the fire tower is just across the road from Ridge Camp, so it's an easy find if you're looking for a great view of Cook Forrest. The hike up to the tower is quick and easy and you can take your time getting to the top of the fire tower. Our three year old was able to handle it pretty easily.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCnRGS8ygx8gl40tPMgCcc4mrT5L4HZ2CWYSH5ZTjUoTaKTt-SSdSEvZ8uLp8f-sOJ-lp8bXxM8dVVB1KtUdYtgn-TF86u_NZWfI-8CyzNjfMtUStN-NzQlLRHMhvHKUNSb1az/s1600/117893351_10157754790473049_3848136084847902500_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fire Tower Cook Forrest " border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCnRGS8ygx8gl40tPMgCcc4mrT5L4HZ2CWYSH5ZTjUoTaKTt-SSdSEvZ8uLp8f-sOJ-lp8bXxM8dVVB1KtUdYtgn-TF86u_NZWfI-8CyzNjfMtUStN-NzQlLRHMhvHKUNSb1az/s640/117893351_10157754790473049_3848136084847902500_n.jpg" title="Fire Tower Cook Forrest " width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
Thanks to Jim Cheney at <a href="https://uncoveringpa.com/henry-run-sawmill-dam-in-cook-forest-state-park">Uncovering PA </a> and his amazing article on Henry Run Sawmill Dam Falls, we were able to take an adventure to the only waterfall in Cook Forrest. If you're feeling up to a bit of a hike and have several extra hours to spare, it's totally worth it. I highly recommend taking extra water and using a walking stick. Parts of the trail are fairly steep and a little slippery. Go slow and enjoy the beautiful scenery!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSfYzQX9QhGIzDSfN3tllN05sXs1xdmRhdAD4bwBi-46ehyphenhyphenxMaJIOi1UyZdjXB9F5WMMz7dV7yp7xE0ZQkZusNo5JtLdszJKHQFAsZhCifdt3muB-sINiOU2nzJ6Bp6ICBi5K/s1600/IMG_9757+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Henry Run Sawmill Dam Falls Cook Forrest" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSfYzQX9QhGIzDSfN3tllN05sXs1xdmRhdAD4bwBi-46ehyphenhyphenxMaJIOi1UyZdjXB9F5WMMz7dV7yp7xE0ZQkZusNo5JtLdszJKHQFAsZhCifdt3muB-sINiOU2nzJ6Bp6ICBi5K/s640/IMG_9757+copy.jpg" title="Henry Run Sawmill Dam Falls Cook Forrest " width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXucSkFELHzIBK97Vy8g0kR5IG6Kjz0vRJMzYELX5uujTFw43gwDVpAvWanLMEuoBzre7yAs2beaxgHCgFQQVYMgzEnSjkCXZ2uG8XJNS1Py_vKfA92geq7r95rltYS6JVW8_/s1600/IMG_9787+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Henry Run Sawmill Dam Falls Cook Forrest " border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXucSkFELHzIBK97Vy8g0kR5IG6Kjz0vRJMzYELX5uujTFw43gwDVpAvWanLMEuoBzre7yAs2beaxgHCgFQQVYMgzEnSjkCXZ2uG8XJNS1Py_vKfA92geq7r95rltYS6JVW8_/s640/IMG_9787+copy.jpg" title="Henry Run Sawmill Dam Falls Cook Forrest " width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkK5q7bDMrzKH_5LgoMstZeiKvkcIsYHW_b27vcSl3OnX-TZcQrPyC3Oj2cfQQb8RIPkzJg9tijxILoc78VcZO7vG3yW3R-6LTzIoGxMDK8Ywh5EEwYSixCEbWFRnfC6KmEAn/s1600/IMG_97822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Henry Run Sawmill Dam Falls Cook Forrest " border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkK5q7bDMrzKH_5LgoMstZeiKvkcIsYHW_b27vcSl3OnX-TZcQrPyC3Oj2cfQQb8RIPkzJg9tijxILoc78VcZO7vG3yW3R-6LTzIoGxMDK8Ywh5EEwYSixCEbWFRnfC6KmEAn/s640/IMG_97822.jpg" title="Henry Run Sawmill Dam Falls Cook Forrest " width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After our hiking adventure we enjoyed some delicious food. I pre-made foil <a href="https://www.tastesoflizzyt.com/chicken-and-potatoes-foil-packets/">chicken packets</a> with potatoes and corn based on a recipe I found at <a href="https://www.tastesoflizzyt.com/chicken-and-potatoes-foil-packets/">Taste of Lizzy T</a>. The were delicious. The kids were more interested in pizza mountain pies and dessert mountain pies. We stuffed crescents with cherry pie filling, hazelnut spread, and marshmallow and cooked them in our pie irons. It was so so good!<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2av6EE9ZJOjbz8fjWs44YsNgwoPFvOlqSpGh4Bi86EapLSxkfAv0fAzZ8Lm3iUQVR8BBTTzlQMHnfu_mbdEpImC7alD4JEafIexkoNzUu5FLG0-YNDORXwN1N8WJlM08UKRaX/s1600/IMG_9810+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2av6EE9ZJOjbz8fjWs44YsNgwoPFvOlqSpGh4Bi86EapLSxkfAv0fAzZ8Lm3iUQVR8BBTTzlQMHnfu_mbdEpImC7alD4JEafIexkoNzUu5FLG0-YNDORXwN1N8WJlM08UKRaX/s640/IMG_9810+copy.jpg" title="cook forrest camp food foil packets" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HBmU9HTRKvEE8yMxCPQ0znEgqXajFLsz-XdlRKVHrwXJTqRq5Qto6pOSDHrAYPXs9gYWSIQa_KmcSNSYwdepJiijU3ZNqs2YaucMRaFhRUifF1NoK3ZMKy8MzvN_5L_zC2jE/s1600/IMG_9814+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="cook Forrest" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HBmU9HTRKvEE8yMxCPQ0znEgqXajFLsz-XdlRKVHrwXJTqRq5Qto6pOSDHrAYPXs9gYWSIQa_KmcSNSYwdepJiijU3ZNqs2YaucMRaFhRUifF1NoK3ZMKy8MzvN_5L_zC2jE/s640/IMG_9814+copy.jpg" title="cook Forrest " width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFjyyVMUEQ4Xvdm-i7CuwKF94EbpF60Lie_J5CVOiqXK_ytaN-5bxzS2oBmAArOqozEaBqRe4YDgHCmtNbgqYM1lkVfS5RrA6PwtzSkBCi6Rrr01ut-P6qEVWBmut558zElzbQ/s1600/IMG_9821+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="cook Forrest" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFjyyVMUEQ4Xvdm-i7CuwKF94EbpF60Lie_J5CVOiqXK_ytaN-5bxzS2oBmAArOqozEaBqRe4YDgHCmtNbgqYM1lkVfS5RrA6PwtzSkBCi6Rrr01ut-P6qEVWBmut558zElzbQ/s640/IMG_9821+copy.jpg" title="cook Forrest" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7I0c982NTgQTb1QTETdM6pn4MuWJZraH2BV3T-yVeN_rFAiqE6l2yOHT4e1tqT1tcf7ZAustLVb4UTABn5Y-Lh1ycv-v9t8ELlEFitFJe5ZoIHzZM5U_RNdE-akwgvtNEBQQy/s1600/IMG_9824+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="cook Forrest" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7I0c982NTgQTb1QTETdM6pn4MuWJZraH2BV3T-yVeN_rFAiqE6l2yOHT4e1tqT1tcf7ZAustLVb4UTABn5Y-Lh1ycv-v9t8ELlEFitFJe5ZoIHzZM5U_RNdE-akwgvtNEBQQy/s640/IMG_9824+copy.jpg" title="cook Forrest" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8E85BTwLHYbA-S2cVqzzJbGv3UrXaU9Tw8cbKtysFjPTli-LfjhkKtA1GDgOSFOIJ-5vtNPpkYTAqSD7sWyehxuvMl0U43jzcmZB6hpofd43a2lKmk6dXoYPiGwfRte8ei_RK/s1600/IMG_9834+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="cook Forrest" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8E85BTwLHYbA-S2cVqzzJbGv3UrXaU9Tw8cbKtysFjPTli-LfjhkKtA1GDgOSFOIJ-5vtNPpkYTAqSD7sWyehxuvMl0U43jzcmZB6hpofd43a2lKmk6dXoYPiGwfRte8ei_RK/s640/IMG_9834+copy.jpg" title="cook Forrest" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
No visit to Cook Forrest is complete with out a trip to <a href="http://www.cookforestfunpark.com/">Cook Forrest Fun Park</a>. We have always loved mini golf and go carts at the fun park, but this year we were able to try the bumper boats too! The kids couldn't decide which was more fun. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPF65MlhDErCFi5K6Zvb4I4NURfrnUNgCoK3yxYZKbwYfUyTjDscgvOiHg_SHxtclVJQ1mQot_dXjviY4fFg7V8GIdK2Bqv4_ita78dp9p8hbw1eVP81lbzCSFB5D_Nz21Qgc0/s1600/IMG_9865+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cook Forrest Fun Park Go Carts " border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPF65MlhDErCFi5K6Zvb4I4NURfrnUNgCoK3yxYZKbwYfUyTjDscgvOiHg_SHxtclVJQ1mQot_dXjviY4fFg7V8GIdK2Bqv4_ita78dp9p8hbw1eVP81lbzCSFB5D_Nz21Qgc0/s640/IMG_9865+copy.jpg" title="Cook Forrest Fun Park Go Carts " width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8BA_X0uq57D_F8N6PzjuwWwv8EaXJvh4yNagnwLJ_oY7i-qzTMMJdHkGGNjRoSPjOPcMSXFhDla95MByu3Y_DNOaA3XUj-r9lpTAJTiWc8XRtjtf6GvuHHNpbu1TRnW3XNV3/s1600/IMG_9867+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cook Forrest Fun Park Go Carts " border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8BA_X0uq57D_F8N6PzjuwWwv8EaXJvh4yNagnwLJ_oY7i-qzTMMJdHkGGNjRoSPjOPcMSXFhDla95MByu3Y_DNOaA3XUj-r9lpTAJTiWc8XRtjtf6GvuHHNpbu1TRnW3XNV3/s640/IMG_9867+copy.jpg" title="Cook Forrest Fun Park Go Carts " width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXiE1Uo_87mZVWG5CJilCwpiJTENcNrqeBbAJEzEqfLyo7D0FL-7io5-XfV6Y1qgEcI2RRoTikJFvYmGKSFsCqlcuHXIj-LTK82e8DLr-CUI9AgNmnHNOYx7D2TmxlrU3s3AAY/s1600/IMG_9869+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cook Forrest Fun Park Go Carts " border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXiE1Uo_87mZVWG5CJilCwpiJTENcNrqeBbAJEzEqfLyo7D0FL-7io5-XfV6Y1qgEcI2RRoTikJFvYmGKSFsCqlcuHXIj-LTK82e8DLr-CUI9AgNmnHNOYx7D2TmxlrU3s3AAY/s640/IMG_9869+copy.jpg" title="Cook Forrest Fun Park Go Carts " width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0N8YQEe74x0VdfKfLrbYLgTL7mX_2SuVnpJlHAOtA7BcT-0Oucrmnduo-iM1jDpUBqGy1gTohq4FUGQSM3K8C49AAPpHhI6ch0preaInudkR3hdqwcQj-UTtu4H6K9Orx0B1t/s1600/117759152_10157754791893049_3695947309868400204_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cook Forrest Fun Park " border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0N8YQEe74x0VdfKfLrbYLgTL7mX_2SuVnpJlHAOtA7BcT-0Oucrmnduo-iM1jDpUBqGy1gTohq4FUGQSM3K8C49AAPpHhI6ch0preaInudkR3hdqwcQj-UTtu4H6K9Orx0B1t/s640/117759152_10157754791893049_3695947309868400204_n.jpg" title="Cook Forrest Fun Park " width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZsAWNvXWvPy5B6EeUoSTif9APG4pRgxgU0ZGMv5VEwtC3xrTX8GCD-IKPPpIS82wYSiBnY6m5G67casEkp32KWpKMOEuRrJxlq9FEX-3_tGJFSPvGer5q8cGNiglPlCYXomHd/s1600/117806063_10157754792003049_7177588782318760698_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cook Forrest Fun Park " border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZsAWNvXWvPy5B6EeUoSTif9APG4pRgxgU0ZGMv5VEwtC3xrTX8GCD-IKPPpIS82wYSiBnY6m5G67casEkp32KWpKMOEuRrJxlq9FEX-3_tGJFSPvGer5q8cGNiglPlCYXomHd/s640/117806063_10157754792003049_7177588782318760698_n.jpg" title="Cook Forrest Fun Park " width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We finished up our camping trip with a lazy float down the Clarion river via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PaleWhaleCanoeRental">Pale Whale Canoe Fleet.</a> The river was on the low side, but it didn't stop the fun! I was a little worried about taking Grayson out in a tube but he did wonderfully! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTipLgfGs5aJnArvdyADwb3_kG2CxRZ-sVg1d4H7vf7p4tWNIHHx_A7sqd3yprxmd0zxD8NhDs2jApepvJH-AjqFgAcLxcVazpgbiVyyUQSpjizaBoNl2uII9MJZfxn1HQsH5/s1600/117796674_10157754793223049_6758610452077644192_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pale Whale Canoe Fleet Cook Forrest PA " border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTipLgfGs5aJnArvdyADwb3_kG2CxRZ-sVg1d4H7vf7p4tWNIHHx_A7sqd3yprxmd0zxD8NhDs2jApepvJH-AjqFgAcLxcVazpgbiVyyUQSpjizaBoNl2uII9MJZfxn1HQsH5/s640/117796674_10157754793223049_6758610452077644192_n.jpg" title="Pale Whale Canoe Fleet Cook Forrest PA " width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWbwE87WvtYdF1YbFD3eT2t7_zU7qcowIcxGIXII6oDhERYduhVlzipWWhVIYeJU52uU1_csSvW9v1F4nUrFipJl-YNySPHaR19ChpyBRf8cfO3QoVUzJzcoOuaLRGfJlEhEy/s1600/117819019_10157754793588049_6783728702694716886_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pale Whale Canoe Fleet Cook Forrest PA " border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWbwE87WvtYdF1YbFD3eT2t7_zU7qcowIcxGIXII6oDhERYduhVlzipWWhVIYeJU52uU1_csSvW9v1F4nUrFipJl-YNySPHaR19ChpyBRf8cfO3QoVUzJzcoOuaLRGfJlEhEy/s640/117819019_10157754793588049_6783728702694716886_n.jpg" title="Pale Whale Canoe Fleet Cook Forrest PA " width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrw2_x2O8NJQj90iNFCZGYpVm3XR3eBiWKPeOthGL4sgcjqt8XD8PTJ2iPKg6cpMr0xOFcnk_JoorKUyVtbFp2hlzQnHyOVjqh6NkyrDnY-RWT6_5xx3DbjlTP1taf-yqp_rqi/s1600/117894159_10157754793013049_8404908453131210994_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pale Whale Canoe Fleet Cook Forrest PA " border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrw2_x2O8NJQj90iNFCZGYpVm3XR3eBiWKPeOthGL4sgcjqt8XD8PTJ2iPKg6cpMr0xOFcnk_JoorKUyVtbFp2hlzQnHyOVjqh6NkyrDnY-RWT6_5xx3DbjlTP1taf-yqp_rqi/s640/117894159_10157754793013049_8404908453131210994_n.jpg" title="Pale Whale Canoe Fleet Cook Forrest PA " width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
IF you're looking for a fun family adventure in western PA, consider Cook Forrest. If you're camping or just going for the day, there is so much to do! Don't forget to stop by <a href="http://cooksburgcafe.com/">Cooksburg Cafe</a> for great food and ice cream! We certainly had our fair share of their ice cream on our trip. And if you're traveling to Cook Forrest by way of route 66, stop by <a href="http://www.dbssmokinbbq.com/">DB's Smokin' BBQ </a>for a really good meal. We stopped on our way in and had wonderfully full bellies our fist night of camp. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQIKdbgR-5vdzYkCwDiYsIkM-aRurmeMXX5MMe9JLkstvdXN5ihIFmbvPhuxAfzQ3HXKU0OERQOaD6xmZtFbuSfoYXRrR9NwW1Qibr_Rg_ulVlMo6GT-pjL2LpKJA3TeUJxpha/s1600/IMG_9812+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQIKdbgR-5vdzYkCwDiYsIkM-aRurmeMXX5MMe9JLkstvdXN5ihIFmbvPhuxAfzQ3HXKU0OERQOaD6xmZtFbuSfoYXRrR9NwW1Qibr_Rg_ulVlMo6GT-pjL2LpKJA3TeUJxpha/s640/IMG_9812+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Until next time! We're already planning our next adventure with Wanda.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
</div>
Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06521088520231972617noreply@blogger.com3100 PA-36, Cooksburg, PA 16217, USA41.3329661 -79.209064099999992-11.600228899999998 -161.82625159999998 90 3.408123400000008tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14259322.post-31625281236527763472016-05-21T08:34:00.002-07:002016-05-21T08:34:38.773-07:00It's a lazy Saturday morning. The sky is grey and full of clouds. Hayden and I spent the morning watching cartoons in my bed. It is one of his favorite things to do. I did a little more sleeping than he liked so he woke me to sounds of his toy pet parrot screaming that it wanted a pet lizard. How he got to the toy parrot which was perched high atop a cabinet is another story and one I was apparently asleep for. We will just imagine that it flew down on it's own rather than picture him scaling the shelving to get to it. This life of cuddles, cartoons, and craziness is about to get a lot more cuddly and crazy with the addition of another baby. To say I'm not at all scared would be a lie. To say I'm overjoyed would be an understatement. I never thought I'd get this chance again, but here we are starting over. This should be interesting.Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06521088520231972617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14259322.post-90962173008024431782016-04-05T12:43:00.003-07:002016-04-05T12:45:17.210-07:00I miss him.<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 12px;">I know that the sky's full of stars.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 12px;">And dreams call your name from afar.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 12px;">I'm anxious to see, all you're gonna be.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 12px;">But I'm sure gonna miss who you are.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 12px;"><br />Read more at <a href="http://www.lyrics.com/here-in-my-heart-lyrics-jodi-benson.html#CvdTmwGkAzUCQPLM.99">Lyrics.com </a></span><br />
<br />
No one told me I'd measure the time in jackets that no longer fit and pants that are now too short. They told me to enjoy him. "Soak up every moment!" they said. But they never told me it would never be enough. I'm living these moments and, trust me, I treasure every last one. I am fully here and present when he wants to play wash cloth bomber while taking a bath, when he asks me to hold on for just one more cuddle, when he begs me not to tickle him in that way that means he wants a hundred more tickles. I'm soaking it all in and trying my best to hold on tight. Then I see a picture and I notice how much the shape of his once small baby boy face has changed, or the way his hair doesn't have that slight curl to it anymore. In the photo he is wearing a sweater that hasn't fit in over a year and a shirt that I hid in a box in my room because it's his favorite and one day I'll make a blanket out of all those shirts, I swear! I see the boy he was and try to match him to he boy he is. He is still him, only bigger and more him because he is learning more about who he is every single day. This being a parent thing is a constant battle between wanting to see him grow and become who he is and wanting him to stay this small because he fits perfectly in my arms with his head on my shoulder. I'm not sure I'll ever get the balancing act right.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwzOJ-GSrsLAKnja4TzA8mQXTZRI411CbAyd-OvfK3BwbptFdC8IQNo6wa2acKyHpAWWsEsUjvrGviv28Syagh3hJM0LGAPUBV44sjSh6n0gjYbg8WCTR9sURDwHLvs-_INY9Y/s1600/GW1A7757+copy+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwzOJ-GSrsLAKnja4TzA8mQXTZRI411CbAyd-OvfK3BwbptFdC8IQNo6wa2acKyHpAWWsEsUjvrGviv28Syagh3hJM0LGAPUBV44sjSh6n0gjYbg8WCTR9sURDwHLvs-_INY9Y/s1600/GW1A7757+copy+2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06521088520231972617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14259322.post-91778220217223752072016-02-13T07:05:00.000-08:002016-02-13T07:07:08.642-08:00Fighting feversA hush rushes the falling snow. From my cozy bed, I watch the winter white flakes decend, toppling one on top of the other. Sunlight streams through frosted branches and sparkles like diamonds. The birds are quiet this morning. Perhaps they too are mesmerized by falling snow. I hear Hayden giggling in his room. My bones ache from spending part of the night in his bed, comforting him while he coughed and monitoring a fever that finally broke at 3 a.m. The early morning quiet feels like a gift after a long night of battleing and his giggles sound like a victory cry. I think I'll pry myself from between the covers to check on my favorite warrior and see what adventures await.Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06521088520231972617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14259322.post-28758006159008672492016-02-12T09:09:00.000-08:002016-02-12T09:09:02.069-08:00Putting it out there. I live in the smallest city in the U.S.A complete with three restaurants, two bars, a bank, and a grocery store. I moved here after spending eleven years in the land of plenty of everything. Grocery stores and Starbucks littered every street corner. I felt like a stranger in that land. A girl from a small town in Oklahoma. A girl who grew up attending church twice on Sunday and every Wednesday night. California stretched me in places I didn't know needed stretching. It changed me. Then I left it. I moved across the country and once again feel like a stranger in a strange land even after 7 years here. The truth is, I'm not sure I fit in anywhere. <br />
Everyone is talking politics. I watch the debates. I read the stories. Everyone has a favorite. I've no favorite. I pick and chose pieces from each. I'd like to mush them together like a beautiful play-doh rainbow of politicians. I agree and disagree even with myself at times. I see a panel of candidates and they mirror a vast and colorful country and people. I feel like that is what makes us beautiful and amazing. We can't forget to embrace that. How boring would it be if we all agreed on everything? Even worse what would we have to post on social media about?Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06521088520231972617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14259322.post-31767527174211093892015-07-03T00:00:00.000-07:002015-07-02T20:42:20.522-07:00At thirty-sixToday I am thirty-six. That's double the age I feel until I try to turn a cartwheel and then I feel much much older.<br />
In 13,140 days I have laughed until I wet my pants, cried until I had the hicuups and then cried a little more, created and carried life inside of my own body, committed myself fully to another, lost and found myself again and again, held someone's hand as they took their last breath, and watched wide-eyed as a baby was born.<br />
In 315,360 hours I've traveled across the country and back again, called three different states home, visited three countries, but never felt more at home than at grandma's house on a Sunday afternoon.<br />
In 18,921,600 seconds I've believed in myself and given up on myself, jumped into ice cold water times three, sat under the expance of the night sky and felt how very small I am, made mountains out of mole hills, found my people, danced in the rain, been wrong, taken a chance, surprised myself, said I'm sorry, doubted and believed, sang in the grocery store, been so so greatful for just one more second, faced my biggest fears, and realized some pretty big dreams.<br />
I just read "The Opposite of Loneliness" by Marina Keegan. One line moved me. "..the best years of our life are not behind us. They are a part of us...".<br />
Those seconds, hours, and days are me.<br />
If you've been with me for any of those thirty-six cycles around the sun, thank you. You're a part of this too.<br />
<br />Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06521088520231972617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14259322.post-78462838513590905802015-03-21T07:35:00.001-07:002015-03-21T07:35:38.493-07:00The Brave Crocus<div style="text-align: center;">
Just under the first of the three maple tress in our front yard, about five feet from the mail box, there is a gift. They show up every spring just as I'm about to lose faith that the snow will stop and warmer weather will come. Just when I've convinced myself that we've entered a new ice age, a small patch of pale purple Crocus emerges from the cold, soggy, leaf-littered ground. Shoots of green emerge and little blooms open wide towards the sun. They are brave, these tiny little reminders of warmth. The push up through cold hard earth and bloom in still freezing temperatures. Each spring they remind me that life is hard, but not impossible.
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7H68uhRMqdKiQOwDlhp9ZWGjrmfu5LLO6rimB5DNOk2kujIZwAVp9cUbN3LtdO61SO2knULCMw_GT_cXswgtWIOCGAfTGJ_5VLEEazaZ3ial3yIl2GVoiPl1PpwpMjCOjHec/s1600/_MG_2112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7H68uhRMqdKiQOwDlhp9ZWGjrmfu5LLO6rimB5DNOk2kujIZwAVp9cUbN3LtdO61SO2knULCMw_GT_cXswgtWIOCGAfTGJ_5VLEEazaZ3ial3yIl2GVoiPl1PpwpMjCOjHec/s1600/_MG_2112.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnDvtb0M73-TCGGo4bj5fzmYrwhWANUHrRwLL2R_m6rert4VsKF7alu4sOpEmFyi4LQpoPId47QEqhiVwaQ4OM3iy456GoICJoR9W7zFBhHilN6pmgMZIKY7JKuLaDEerTFgPe/s1600/_MG_2114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnDvtb0M73-TCGGo4bj5fzmYrwhWANUHrRwLL2R_m6rert4VsKF7alu4sOpEmFyi4LQpoPId47QEqhiVwaQ4OM3iy456GoICJoR9W7zFBhHilN6pmgMZIKY7JKuLaDEerTFgPe/s1600/_MG_2114.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06521088520231972617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14259322.post-23108858516999574462014-12-16T16:19:00.000-08:002014-12-16T16:19:07.100-08:00I am a nurse. I am a nurse who takes care of a little boy. I care for a little boy so full of smiles and laughter that taking care of him doesn't really feel like work most of the time. I do things like hold and hug him which any person can do. I tickle him and and sing the ABC's to him over and over again. I feed him through a tube in his belly. I make him laugh and hold him when he cries. It's not world changing, this work I do. It's not even really life saving. It's not glamorous. "Adventures Of A Home Nurse" will never be a t.v. series. It's exactly what I want to be doing. Nurturing and loving a child who nurtures and loves me right back. Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06521088520231972617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14259322.post-71222075803297881452014-11-19T07:35:00.000-08:002014-11-19T07:35:30.538-08:00QuietI never used to like the quite. It unnerved me. I needed the noise of the television to go to sleep at night. Now, I crave quiet. My husband laughs at me sometimes. He says I'm like my grandpa who used to become anxious when there was too much going on. In my defense, too much includes a six-year-old running through the house making three dogs bark while the tiny people in two different televisions babble on and on just as the telephone rings for the 50th time with some ridiculous sales person trying to tell me I've one a trip to Jamaica. <br />
Currently, the six-year-old is at school, the three dogs are asleep, and the television is turned off. The only sound is that of Molly, our lab/husky/boxer who has one blue eye and one brown eye just like her mother, snoring next to me and the clickety clack of the keyboard as I type. It's glorious. <br />
The first snow of the season has fallen and the naked trees sway silently in the arctic breeze that brought with it lower than normal temps. All of life has slowed down. Smoke rises slowly from neighboring chimneys, careless in it's ascent. Occasionally I see the flutter of birds wings as they drop from the warmth of their nests to the feeder I've filled with nuts and seeds. In the quiet I can hear the earth exhale a slow measured breath of release. The work of another spring and summer is complete. The harvest of fall is over. Now is the time of retreat and renewal. <br />
I hope that I too will take this time to slow down and renew. Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06521088520231972617noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14259322.post-56972872763992147892014-09-16T17:12:00.002-07:002014-09-16T17:12:41.288-07:00LivingI remind myself daily, that this is life. We are all living beautiful messy lives. With our own struggles and triumphs. None of us gets through this unscathed and none of us make it out alive. So I keep pushing, fighting like mad for what I want and need. I keep dreaming, hoping, and praying though prayer is nothing like it used to be. It's often times a silent wrestle with myself. Sometimes it's a gentle giving in, a letting go. Other times it is a violent pleading mess of tears. <br />
I search for the beauty in every day moments, nourishing my soul with the sunrise and sunset, Brown Eyed Susans, light dancing across a messy lawn, and the sliver of moon that glides silver and smooth across the pond. I watch Hayden as he builds forts out of piles of dirt, chases lightening bugs, and fights with every fiber of his being to keep the sun from going down and his best friend from going home. For him, this moment is all that matters. Tomorrow is much too far away to worry about and yesterday is a distant memory. He reminds me to live in the moment, to take hold of today. That's the best kind of living.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzcp5THkjXx6BrqplH1nmKwVPsLRjl9uER0UF4I4ipnhvBQvqWpUg56E75kUOp44XlLadgP3P9mUO_etEa2qGDR8fgD04-pxzJ2E98l1ZPEmCg0M4ADpSCwEbbvE6ef14Libs/s1600/_MG_8155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzcp5THkjXx6BrqplH1nmKwVPsLRjl9uER0UF4I4ipnhvBQvqWpUg56E75kUOp44XlLadgP3P9mUO_etEa2qGDR8fgD04-pxzJ2E98l1ZPEmCg0M4ADpSCwEbbvE6ef14Libs/s1600/_MG_8155.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqYCWxn3nKCfSvUtea14G67jy7jLOJp3xmp9M48XFF0Xns5ICEd5IRfdzS-b9BRMHCPfDQvAo7RG3DjLvCP7BRy8IY180QFQDtHyY8iTaClVZ6sZoU3EePwpmfXKtQeueYLMt/s1600/_MG_8165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqYCWxn3nKCfSvUtea14G67jy7jLOJp3xmp9M48XFF0Xns5ICEd5IRfdzS-b9BRMHCPfDQvAo7RG3DjLvCP7BRy8IY180QFQDtHyY8iTaClVZ6sZoU3EePwpmfXKtQeueYLMt/s1600/_MG_8165.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xR05Tlze6WUQziOcdjsMLhwR01CJer2pYGPXyUL1jT_hbhKO0r7dOKZkZGzMCjb9A2uHQJPyD0Pa5HqKJb9wRdOuTvRIdpYkOp-1P5kPZSOw0Vk2dk2HlL24fwEjuI-j1E23/s1600/_MG_8226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xR05Tlze6WUQziOcdjsMLhwR01CJer2pYGPXyUL1jT_hbhKO0r7dOKZkZGzMCjb9A2uHQJPyD0Pa5HqKJb9wRdOuTvRIdpYkOp-1P5kPZSOw0Vk2dk2HlL24fwEjuI-j1E23/s1600/_MG_8226.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06521088520231972617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14259322.post-73495092945017355542014-09-15T17:13:00.000-07:002014-09-16T17:14:38.754-07:00When the hormones are gone. "Everyone told me how little sleep I would get, but they never mentioned
how much I wouldn't mind the lost hours of slumber. They never told me
that seconds with him would be so delicious I'd gobble them all up and
still not be full. Even when he is crying and fussy, which he almost
never is, I love being with him. At night I pull his cradle as close to
the bed as I can and fall asleep with my hand caressing his chubby
little face. If I weren't so afraid of suffocating him he'd sleep next
to me. "<br />
<br />
Oh the things one will write when in a hormone induced postpartum fog. Five years later the hormones are gone and I'm left with the reality that there are days when gobbling him up sounds like the best plan of all. The cute cooing blob of baby goo has been replaced with an opinionated and strong willed four-year-old who stomps his foot while demanding ice cream for breakfast.<br />
<br />
I don't love being a parent as much as I thought I would, but I love him. I love him more than I ever thought I was capable of loving another human. So, I agree to play another game of memory or build a rocket out of play doh for the 100th time even though I'd rather be watching Grey's or writing a blog post. Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06521088520231972617noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14259322.post-30542144234983914922013-07-02T23:30:00.000-07:002014-09-16T17:13:34.757-07:00Thirty FourIn less than fifteen minutes I will turn thirty-four. I want thirty-four to be a year of more: more laughter, a lot more laughter. I'd like more dancing and much less worrying. I'd like more time with friends, more lovemaking, more taking the time to soak all of this in. More exercise and less self hate sounds good; more doing and less being afraid. More running. More believing. More helping. More enjoying.Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06521088520231972617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14259322.post-48671507610022538322013-04-14T10:18:00.002-07:002013-04-14T10:18:23.055-07:00Expecting RainbowsWe moved here to escape the hustle and bustle of a life that was moving too quickly towards things we didn't want. In search of a more simple life we packed our belongings and headed East through canyons and craters, across mountains and streams. Me on the verge of having a baby and Erin on the cusp of becoming a teen, we came. We were welcomed with warm hugs and a storm that took out power for days. The winds calmed and the power came back on, but the storm hasn't stopped yet. It's easy to get caught up in the storm, to focus on the chaos. It's even easier to imagine that there is no storm somewhere else. I find myself thinking "if I can just make it through this..." All the while I'm bracing myself for the next gust of wind or bolt of lightning. I don't want to spend my life waiting out the storm or holding on tight for the next bad thing. So I'm going to start expecting the good. I'm going to watch for the rainbow. Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06521088520231972617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14259322.post-28575340429116688352013-01-05T09:33:00.000-08:002013-01-05T09:33:04.850-08:00I sit, basking in the glow of the lights from my still-decorated Christmas tree. The ceiling is still a flutter with paper snowflakes and the cheerful song of the lighted dance hall in my Christmas village echoes through the house. Christmas should last longer. There should be more days snuggled in cozy pajamas, sipping hot cocoa, counting down the days until Santa comes. This year the anticipation in our house was palpable. Hayden woke each morning asking when Santa was coming. He eagerly searched the house to see what our elf, Christopher, had been doing while we slept. Most mornings he ran to our room yelling out "Mom! Dad! Come and look what Christopher's done!". There is no greater joy than seeing the twinkle of belief in a child's eyes. I consider the ability to believe one of the most important gifts I can give my children. They are going to need it in the days ahead. When the monotony of life takes over, I hope they'll dig deep, find that spirit, and remember what it was like to be so excited that they could hardly sleep. I hope they'll be able to connect with that feeling of expectation and remember to live their lives wide open and waiting. <br />
<br />
Next week I'll repack boxes and take down lights. I'll tuck the houses from my Christmas village away and say goodbye to the colorful Christmas decor. I hope that I will take the anticipation and magic of this season with me into the new year. I hope I'll remember to believe even when things seem impossible. Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06521088520231972617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14259322.post-69077639342268420372012-12-11T14:13:00.003-08:002012-12-11T14:13:58.353-08:00Christmas TraditionWhen Erin first came to live with us we began a tradition of cutting out paper snowflakes and hanging them in the living room. Today I hung snowflakes without her. It wasn't nearly as much fun. <br />
Our visits with her are good. We talk and play. They have a recreation room with a pool table, air hockey, and board games. She is now allowed to go on off-ground visits. We usually get something to eat because she says the food at MHY sucks. I've taken her shopping at Plato's Closet for some clothes. She's found some really nice things for great prices. This time away makes it easier for us to enjoy her. Our time together isn't fraught with the frustrations that had plagued us. In a way it feels like cheating, but her therapist assures us this is therapeutic. <br />
It's difficult to put into words what I think and feel about all of this. I know it's just as difficult for those on the outside looking in to understand. People ask me why we still try or why we don't just let her go. I try not to take those type of questions personally. It would be easier to let her go, but it wouldn't be the right thing. We didn't sign on just to jump ship when it go tough. That isn't what parents do. Of course this doesn't mean there won't be tough love involved. Erin will be 17 in a few short months. One year away from being legally considered an adult but light years away from being capable of running her life. I'm hopeful that these months in treatment will help her obtain the life skills and emotional control she needs to move forward in a positive way. The odds are stacked against her, but I have to believe that this can work.<br />
Today as I was cleaning out drawers I found this poem she wrote. It follows the format of the "I am" poem I wrote ages ago.<br />
<br />
I am from chocolate ice cream, Baskin Robbins, and Reeses Cups<br />
I am from the brick house overflowing with leaves, full of love, and home grown tomatoes<br />
I am from the green leaves, the wild flower, the ever flowing river that is free to go it's own way<br />
I am from home made cinnamon rolls<br />
I am from Friday night camp fires and sleeping under the stars<br />
I am from "you are grounded" and "I love you monkey face"<br />
I am from reading my Bible and spending my nights talking to God.<br />
I am from dry ground, biscuits and chocolate gravy, and mac and cheese<br />
<br />
<br />
I didn't notice it as much the first time I read this, but I notice it now. She is in these lines. I'm going to take this to her on our next visit to see if she recognizes herself. Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06521088520231972617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14259322.post-67894235743563108632012-12-07T05:10:00.002-08:002012-12-07T05:10:27.853-08:00Something like thatSo much for the peace and quiet I thought these days would bring. If anything, we are more busy than normal. We visit Erin twice a week. I don't mind the visiting. We all seem to be getting along well and she seems to be trying.<br />
I enrolled Hayden in school one day a week so he could get some peer interaction. The poor boy was playing with the dogs like they were kids. He loves school and doesn't want to leave when I pick him up. It does my heart good to see him engaged and playing with the other children when I pick him up. He's been put in time out once, and it broke his heart. He takes after me. When I was little my mom could look at me the wrong way and I'd cry. <br />
I attended a "Blue Christmas" service on Tuesday with my Aunt Susie. It was a service dedicated to honoring those who have left us and acknowledging the pain and sadness that can exist this time of year. I haven't been inside a church for any type of service in almost four years. I appreciated the symbolism and rituals of the service. It's easy to move forward in life, to skip past acknowledging the pain of loss. After all, life is so full it's easy to move from one thing to the next and just keep going. For the last few days I've though about the service and about ways to remember those we've lost as we celebrate this season. How do you honor/acknowledge those you've lost as you celebrate? Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06521088520231972617noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14259322.post-74485255566573733662012-12-01T06:11:00.002-08:002012-12-01T06:11:27.324-08:00Christopher has finally arrived! It's been a year since our dear friend Christopher first made his way to our home. Last year he helped us build an amazing gingerbread house. Who knows what kind of fun and excitement he'll bring to our home this year! <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s148.beta.photobucket.com/user/mrsjackson79/media/IMG_7762s.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/mrsjackson79/IMG_7762s.jpg" /></a> </div>
He arrived on Tuesday. Our guess is that the snow slowed him down a little. His suitcase was packed full of pixie stix, marshmallows, and hot cocoa. The trip must have made him very tired. He's been sleeping a lot. He seems to be fully rested now. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s148.beta.photobucket.com/user/mrsjackson79/media/IMG_7770s.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/mrsjackson79/IMG_7770s.jpg" /></a></div>
This morning we found him waiting patiently with a message for Hayden! <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s148.beta.photobucket.com/user/mrsjackson79/media/IMG_7771s.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/mrsjackson79/IMG_7771s.jpg" /></a></div>
Hayden decided to paint Christopher something special in return.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s148.beta.photobucket.com/user/mrsjackson79/media/IMG_7774s.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/mrsjackson79/IMG_7774s.jpg" /></a></div>
Neither of us can wait to see what Christopher comes up with next. We love having this little elf visit our home. He keeps us on our toes and reminds us of the magic and wonder that exists this time of year. Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06521088520231972617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14259322.post-85140099249696544342012-11-07T13:27:00.002-08:002012-11-07T13:27:58.598-08:00NovemberAll the leaves have fallen. Their dull yellow, orange, and brown remnants are spread across the lawn, their final resting place. The sky is grey blue and streaked with wispy white clouds. Last night I stood outside in the crisp night air and watched each exhale climb it's way towards the impossibly distant stars. Lately I have felt so far away from myself. Busy doing, seems to be my story. There are times when just making it from day to day takes all of the energy and willpower I have. So much of the last four years has been wrapped up in one drama after another; having Hayden, open heart surgery, recovery, Erin, school, Erin. I am ready for the stillness that winter will bring. I'm ready for the silence of snow gently falling and smoke rising effortlessly from chimneys. I am ready for shorter days and longer nights. I'm ready to rest. Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06521088520231972617noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14259322.post-26537094162916405322012-06-26T08:44:00.003-07:002012-06-26T08:44:55.170-07:00Waiting...I keep waiting for life to slow down. While I know this will not happen, a small part of me expects it or maybe just keeps hoping for it. I remind myself daily to just breathe and take it all in. June brings sunshine, wild flowers, fireflies, and more beauty than anyone can absorb. I love this place and I love this time of year. I try not to think about what waits ahead. July and August will speed past and before I know it the chill of September will be here. <br />
I miss my grandma daily. Yesterday I sat on the porch and went through a box of letters. Most of them were to my grandpa from people I didn't know, but a few were more love notes from her. As much as I knew her there was so much I didn't know. I would like to have talked to her about these letter and about being married at 16 and having four children by 22. It feels strange to not have any grandparents left. I feel sad for Hayden and Erin. <br />
Friday we went to Cook Forest had a picnic by the river, played miniature golf, and finished the day with ice cream. It was lovely to enjoy my family and nature. I wish there were more days like that. Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06521088520231972617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14259322.post-90907036433207530542012-06-11T16:00:00.001-07:002012-06-11T16:06:00.990-07:00Pondering again...The God Who Loves You<br />
Carl Dennis<br />
It must be troubling for the god who loves you<br />
To ponder how much happier you'd be today<br />
Had you been able to glimpse your many futures.<br />
It must be painful for him to watch you on Friday evenings<br />
Driving home from the office, content with your week--<br />
Three fine houses sold to deserving families--<br />
Knowing as he does exactly what would have happened<br />
Had you gone to your second choice for college,<br />
Knowing the roommate you'd have been allotted<br />
Whose ardent opinions on painting and music<br />
Would have kindled in you a lifelong passion.<br />
A life thirty points above the life you're living<br />
On any scale of satisfaction. And every point<br />
A thorn in the side of the god who loves you.<br />
You don't want that, a large-souled man like you<br />
Who tries to withhold from your wife the day's disappointments<br />
So she can save her empathy for the children.<br />
And would you want this god to compare your wife<br />
With the woman you were destined to meet on the other campus?<br />
It hurts you to think of him ranking the conversation<br />
You'd have enjoyed over there higher in insight<br />
Than the conversation you're used to.<br />
And think how this loving god would feel<br />
Knowing that the man next in line for your wife<br />
Would have pleased her more than you ever will<br />
Even on your best days, when you really try.<br />
Can you sleep at night believing a god like that<br />
Is pacing his cloudy bedroom, harassed by alternatives<br />
You're spared by ignorance?<br />
The difference between what is<br />
And what could have been will remain alive for him<br />
Even after you cease existing, after you catch a chill<br />
Running out in the snow for the morning paper,<br />
Losing eleven years that the god who loves you<br />
Will feel compelled to imagine scene by scene<br />
Unless you come to the rescue by imagining him<br />
No wiser than you are, no god at all, only a friend<br />
No closer than the actual friend you made at college,<br />
The one you haven't written in months. Sit down tonight<br />
And write him about the life you can talk about<br />
With a claim to authority, the life you've witnessed,<br />
Which for all you know is the life you've chosenSandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06521088520231972617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14259322.post-17191090805301606022012-05-07T14:19:00.000-07:002012-05-07T14:19:03.345-07:00All day Friday I kept looking at the date and thinking "May 4th. That date should mean something." But I couldn't figure it out. It just now hit me. It's been 3 years since I had open heart surgery. Three glorious, crazy, difficult, beautiful, nothing special, everything amazing years. Not everyone is so lucky to get a shock that makes them stop and take stock. Not everyone has to face the reality that tomorrow may not happen. It made me strong. It made me less afraid. It made me thankful. It turned everything I thought I knew about myself, life, and the way the world turns upside down. Every morning I trace my fingers along the ragged scar that runs down my chest. I feel the ridges where my breast bone has been wired together. New life was formed here. A new chance was given. Without the surgery I would have died in my fifties. Twenty years from now when Erin is hopefully in the middle of raising a family and Hayden is just beginning one I hope I will remember why May 4th matters.
I read this blog www.amistillagirl.com. She is battling ovarian cancer. I don't pretend to know her struggle. But I can relate. I know how it feels to wake up every morning and wonder, to have a heart that is filled with equal parts fear and hope. I know the way a mothers heart breaks when she imagines her children living without her. I know how a long stay in a hospital can feel like a trip to the moon where people in funny coats mumble crazy words that make your head hurt. Here's to you Jen. Here's to your fight and to the hope that you will have a May 4th to look back on.Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06521088520231972617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14259322.post-5159748890685700432012-04-23T13:14:00.000-07:002012-04-23T13:14:41.730-07:00Excuse me while I dust things off in here! I'm shocked that I remembered my password and how to start a post. I keep waiting for life to slow down, but that never seems to happen. I'm slowly adjusting to the new unit I'm on at work. I'm on my original unit every other weekend and this unit on the opposite weekends. I'm learning so much, and enjoy the challenge. There are times when I get extremely overwhelmed. I have found that I'm fairly good under pressure. I don't freak out and throw my hands in the air. I focus, get through whatever the situation is, and then allow myself time to recover once everything is under control. The residents I care for teach me so much about life and myself. In the beginning it was a constant frustration of mine that I wasn't able to spend much time with each patient. As I work through each shift, I notice that the smallest of things seem to be important to them. The extra few seconds I take to ask them about their day, talk about the baseball game that is on, or give them a hug that bring a spark to their eyes and make them smile. I try very hard to always put myself in their shoes, to experience things from their perspective.
I'm looking forward to spring and summer, to campfires, and visits with friends. My sister and her daughter should be here by then. I'm looking forward to having them here.Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06521088520231972617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14259322.post-83624592908261590422012-01-10T21:28:00.001-08:002012-01-10T21:28:12.430-08:00Do you ever have those moments when you feel like it is all going by to quickly? In March we will celebrate my husbands 35th birthday. Thirty-five isn't old. I know this. What I also know is that the last ten years have gone by in the blink of an eye! I remember his 25th birthday like it was yesterday. I had "happy quarter of a century" put on his cake. In the last ten years we've adopted Erin, said goodbye to several family members and a few furry friends. We both finished school. We've moved across the country and had Hayden. We've lived the last ten years but a part of me feels like I am never really in the moment. I'm always waiting for the next big thing or working towards some self imposed goal. I don't want the next ten years to feel like this. I don't want to spend my time waiting the days away. I want to be fully aware of each moment and embracing each and every day. I'm not entirely sure how to live this way but I'm going to figure it out! I don't want to wake up ten years from now when Erin is 26 and Hayden us 13 only to realize that one again time has slipped through my hands. Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06521088520231972617noreply@blogger.com1